Tiberios
Enough is enough. The time has come for the Falls to awaken from her slumber, and Tiberios fears that perhaps this time around, the sleep has been too deep. The absence of not only his Queen but his child rouse a new fire within him. This place - the Falls - had given him refuge when he could not even stomach himself. The land had healed him, restored his pride, and driven within him this intense connection to her. It was maddening that they should be overlooked, stepped upon, tore apart from the inside without so much as a blinking eye from the missing members. The Falls was in need of restoration, a cleansing. And Tiberios was hell bent on seeing it happen.
He calls them together at an unusual spot - some feet away from the focus of their kingdom to the outlying woods that ring her borders. The purpose for this will be revealed, but in due time. He looks to them briefly, the few they are, and he feels the urgency for change in their sparse numbers. “I know I’ve not spent much time here in the Falls.” He begins, cutting straight to the chase. “But don’t mistake my fresh appearance for inexperience.” This is partially a joke, because he doubts that anyone could look at the horrible scars along his left side and think “fresh”, but he doesn’t smile. There’s no time for games. “The Falls is a kingdom clinging to the old ways in a new era. I intend to change that. However, I need your help to see it succeed. Without you few this Kingdom would cease to exist, and it needs you now more than ever.”
Here, he pauses, knowing that what comes next will be hard for some to fathom. But he is King now, and he cannot support this crown if he chooses to please every individual. “For now, we will do away with the healer position. Since all members can control the waters power, I feel the position serves us no purpose. I’m replacing the advisor position with a council of three, made up of members who are in a strong alliance with us.” He stops, turning then to face Malka with a warm smile. “Malka, your sacrifice to leave the Amazons and make a new home here has not gone unnoticed. You remain an invaluable member to this Kingdom, and I’m instilling you as the first seat on the Council, to represent the Amazons.”
He inhales, ears falling forward as the adrenaline courses through him. His head turns then, focusing in on Texas. “Texas. You have been the tireless defender of the Falls and for that I thank you. I’m promoting you to general, with the choice of kingdom-granted horns if it pleases you.” He nods, settling back into his old rhythm so that he can continue. “If anyone else is willing to remain and help this Kingdom through her transition, then I applaud you. However, I will not be so content to let you sit back and do nothing. Prove that you can help - go out into Beqanna and seek new members. Join a caste yourself and find purpose.” His eyes dance to each one, hoping that some will come forward or go out and make new tracks.
He lowers his head then, eager to finish the meeting and begin on other matters. “I brought you all to this spot because this is the last place I can scent my son, Khalis. He’s been missing for quite some time now, and if these worn tracks are any indication of where he’s gone, then I fear for our entire Kingdom.” His eyes turn from them and to the forest while his mind continues on a path to the Chamber. “I won’t put this burden on anyone else, so I have plans to travel to the Chamber myself and find the source.” His voice fades and his focus sharpens, head turning back to the empty crowd.
“Any suggestions or input on this meeting can be freely spoken now.”
Tiberios
King of the Falls