Solidarity, Our Shield

Smaraldi, second eldest and surely wisest councilwoman of the Council of Leshiven, an organization of elders from every village, had been away from her village when it had been completely caught by the wildfires from the northeastern woodlands. Her people, in one day, could not be found between the ash and charred wood left behind.
Heavy was her grief, and steady were her tears as she walked to Cape Zaffre to meet with the Council. So too had their villages been hurt by the fires, but not so strikingly as Smaraldi's. - With many of the farms now devistated, they issued a state of emergency.
All were to share what food they had with those devastated, not in despair and fear, but in solidarity. The Hospitality of the Leshiven people rang out in defiance of their circumstances.

We shall not fear the flames. We are each a spark of The Hearth herself. We shall endure.

— Smaraldi to her councilpeople before delivering her speech

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Solidarity, Our Shield

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow citizens of Cape Zaffre,
Today, gathered in this hallowed chamber, we face a moment of great challenge, one that calls upon us to embrace the essence of solidarity and hope that has defined our community throughout the ages. I stand before you as the oldest and wisest councilwoman, with a heart burdened by the gravity of the decisions we must make for the sake of our beloved town.
As you are well aware, the wildfires that ravage the northeast forests have taken a toll on our land, our resources, and our food supplies. Our fields once blessed us with abundance, but now they lie scorched and in need of time to heal. Our once-bountiful seas, too, have felt the impact of this crisis, reminding us that we are not exempt from the effects of nature's temperance.
In times like these, it is easy to fall into despair, to let fear seep into our hearts and divide us. But let us remember who we are—resilient, strong, and united. Together, we have weathered storms and faced trials, emerging stronger every time. It is through solidarity that we shall endure once more.
Rationing our food is not a choice made lightly, but it is a decision born out of necessity—a necessity that highlights our compassion for one another. By sharing the burden of scarcity, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to each member of our community. No one shall face this hardship alone. We will face it together, as one, hand in hand.
While our present journey may be fraught with challenges, let us not forget the beacon of hope that has guided us in the past. Our history is steeped in stories of triumph against adversity, of unity in the face of adversity. We have a legacy of overcoming trials, and this shall be no different.
Let the rationing of our food be a testament to the strength of our bonds, the depth of our care, and the unwavering hope that we shall emerge from this darkness into the light once more. Together, we shall sow the seeds of recovery and nurture them with patience and perseverance.
In the coming days, we shall support one another, share our meals, and provide for those who need it most. Let us be mindful of waste, for every morsel saved today is sustenance for hope tomorrow.
Know that the Council stands firm in its dedication to guiding us through this tumultuous time. We shall explore every avenue, seek aid from neighboring communities, and utilize every resource at our disposal to safeguard the well-being of each and every one of you.
My heart is heavy with the weight of our responsibility, but it is also buoyed by the unwavering spirit of Cape Zaffre. We are a community built on love, compassion, and unwavering resilience. Together, we shall overcome this trial, as we have done before, and emerge with newfound strength, ready to embrace the brighter days that lie ahead.
May hope be our constant companion, solidarity our shield, and love our guiding light.
Thank you, and may the spirit of Leshiven guide us through these challenging times.

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