The Chancellor Addresses Norwick
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_With a wall of red-cloaked guards in front of him, the Chancellor takes the stand in his brilliant silver armor. The standards of Norwick fly in the wind, and the Lord Chancellor himself, wears a red cloak like his Militia.
Horns blow and bells ring, drawing attention to the Hill in front of the Great Hall. Once a sizable crowd appears, the Chancellor speaks._
Fellow Citizens of Norwick!
I have spoken to you all many times from this stand. Each time I have spoken to you here it has been to discuss with you some matter that I believe affected the Norwick's interest, and today is no different.
Today the Mighty Realm of Norwick closes one chapter and opens another.
After decades of service to this Realm I will be stepping down from the throne within the ten-day.
I've dedicated my life to Norwick for the last five decades. I started as many do–as a guard. I worked my way up to be a Commander of the Militia, and then I took Chancellor Lucid's place when his chapter similarly ended.
In all the decisions I have made in the Great Hall, I have always tried to do what was best for the Realm. Throughout the long and difficult periods of late, I have felt it was my duty to persevere, to make every possible effort to complete my stay on this throne and to make sure I leave the Realm in safe, guarded hands. To leave it better than I found it, simply.
Dwin motions to Biswan the Dwarf ,who is standing near him.
Biswan needs no introduction to any of you. I've known Biswan since I first came to Narfell, almost 90 years ago. She's been here in the Realm since the travesties of Jiyyd, and I can think of no one better to sit on the throne of this mighty land! Her experience and her wisdom make her a great candidate for this job, and I'm confident she'll take Norwick to the next level.
Chancellor Biswan will need help in this position, as I have. In addition to the existing Militia officers, I have appointed, and promoted Davos to the position of Senior Military Advisor to the Chancellor.
Dwin salutes to Davos who stands on the other side of him in the Norwick fashion, snapping his fist to his chest in an audible clap of his armor.
The Militia will report into Davos while he, Biswan, and the rest of the advisers decide how to best organize things. It will be Biswan's prerogative to make any changes she sees fit, and I am sure she will do a fine job of it.
As for me, I will remain as long as needed as an adviser to both the Chancellor and the Militia, as those before me have like Lucid, Maythor, etc. I have also been appointed as the liaison to Norwick from the Dwarven Hold, of which I am privileged and honored. I will also be pursuing other goals that I have put on hold for many many years while more necessary duties of this office kept me otherwise occupied. I might even take up fishing.
I shall leave this position with gratitude for the privilege of serving as your Chancellor for the past 50 years. These years have been a momentous time in the history of Norwick and Narfell in general. They have been a time of achievement in which we can all be proud, achievements that represent the shared efforts of the Great Hall, the Miltia, and of course, you...the proud people of Norwick.
We have survived many threats. Occupation by the Furballs. Curses from our ancient forebearers. Constant attacks from the Rawlins, Eastlanders, the Underground, and our own graveyard.
We avoided being swept into the Great Peltarch-Njast conflict, and were able to help our friends from Jiyyd find and create new homes.
When the land was ripped and torn from what it once was, we persevered and grew. The Mighty Norwick River has been a blessing to all of us. Our crops grow stronger and our coin-purses hang heavier than they once did.
Together with our allies we defeated the largest threat to have ever set upon us, the Great Taint of the Rawlinswood and the final defeat of Wendigo and his dracolich.
We have ended Norwick's longest war, but in the work of securing a lasting peace, the goals ahead are even more far-reaching and more difficult. We must complete a structure of peace so that it will be said of you, our generation of Norwick, by the people of all of Narfell, not only that we ended one war but that we prevented future wars.
I leave you all with one simple task. Work together with your new leaders, as well as those who will remain, like Lord Aramuil. There are many many opportunities for change -- good change-- and with these leaders and your strong support there will be no stopping the Realm.
LONG LIVE CHANCELLOR BISWAN! LONG LIVE NORWICK!
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Senator Ronan, come to represent Peltarch, gives his congratulations to the new chancellor. With a smile, he says
Congratulations! May you give Norwick peace and prosperity… as much as the many dangers in the southern woods will allow.
A playful wink to Biswan.
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Dietrick claps and cheers at the speech. Seemingly welcome of it.
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A green haired, well dressed elven lass approaches Dwin with a pat on the back and a flask of ale after he's done speaking, whispering a few pleasantries before listening to Biswan in interest.
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The Goldcloak Stubs can be seen right behind Biswan and Dwin, on hand on his axe, constantly wary of an attack. He shoots mean looks to any whisperers and naysayers among the crowd and militia members. He also claps at all the right times and when Dwin steps down, gives him a firm dwarven handshake.
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The Dwarf Koirin Mero from the Dwarf Hold is among those gathered, though it is rare indeed that he has left the comfort and security of his home, the Dwarf Hold. He gives a nod of approval as Dwin finishes. When Biswan finishes, he tries to catch her eye and says in Dwarven:
"May Moradin be with ye in this endeavor!"
With that he turns and makes his way back to the Hold.
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Albry, standing not far behind Dwin as security, smirks and leans over to Aelthas, exchanging a whispered conversation.
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Horlamin merely chuckles at this, and replies…
"If care for town at all, would not do such thing to bring Auril's disfavour within the lands of the north. Well, hope not. You lowlanders strange."
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_One of the lumberjacks nudges Horlamin (after accepting a drink).
"You do know this new lord… lady... is from Jiyyd, right? And that they used to ban even speaking the name of those of your goddess' sort in Jiyyd, aye?
"Could be you'll be wishing for the good ol' days of Dwin soon."_
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Once word spreads past the South Gate of this, Horlamin has a good laugh and cracks open a bottle of mountain brew to celebrate, inviting any to have a drink and a laugh about Dwin with him.
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There are a few people among the crowd: Goran Mireguard, Wynn Coltrane, and others.
Wynn seems neutral to the speech, perhaps unaware of the context. The appointment of Biswan evokes a natural smile from her, but when Davos is announced as being, as Wynn understands it, promoted, she freezes and falls into a cold silence.
Goran Mireguard the Dwarf seems, as usual, disgruntled, but in a retrospective sense. He certainly mentions the reform of weapon laws under his breath a few times.
And then Havon. He takes Dwin's resignation in total stoicism, but something about him is expressive of satisfaction. He does not linger long after Dwin declares that he has stepped down, leaving shortly afterward. It seems that was all he wanted to know.
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Belma'r cheers for Dwin During his speech
"He was a really good leader a norwick and stuff. Hopes da next one can be as good. Maby can teach him new fish recepies."
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_The crowd by and large seems caught flat-footed and stunned by this, not sure at first how to react or really comprehending what is being said.
As it starts to sink in, several, notably the former citizens of Jiyyd, applaud politely as he speaks, then give a hearty cheer at the end.
Others look a bit disgruntled. Several go dashing off, presumably to inform others.
Biswan then takes the stand:_
"People of Norwick;
"I'm sure we're all grateful to ex-Chancellor Dolvak for his work running the place for so many decades. He's taking a well-timed rest, and we'll all be seeing him in town I'm sure as the Hold's representative, so give him the respect he's due.
"I will be meeting with my advisors soon to iron out policy. I do not expect to make any major changes in staff on the civilian side of things. Sir Davos may have ideas on the militia, but I will wait and consult with him before making any announcements there.
"I've been a farmer most of my life, so I'm not very good at long speeches. I want to see this town prosper, both for those who've lived here for years and new arrivals… some of us newer than others. I'm hoping we gain a reputation in years to come as a town where beings of good will are welcomed and evil deeds are punished. As a safe place in the middle of strife.
"I expect I will make mistakes in the early days and I ask for your patience as I find my way forward.
"May the benevolent gods bless our town and make the days to come ones of plenty."
_This gets a cheer, and a generally positive reaction, although a few people can be seen either sneering, shaking their heads in dismay, or rapidly exiting.
It is worth noticing that many of the former Jiyyd refugees are wearing bland, satisfied smiles._
