“Silence in the hall please! Thank you for your well wishes to Netralia’s new chosen leaders. I summon forward, Jowlani Sterwick and Zayden Blankermann. It is soon time for the Rite of Ascension.”
Jowlani and Zayden step away from the public audience box, guided by Alexander van der Beerenstra.
“Listen carefully. The Rite of Ascension is not an intense or long procedure. Just repeat after the speaker when he instructs you to. After that, we will have a short feast. All the nation’s leaders will be present. That is your timing to make new friends, and possible allies. The more you can garner this early on, the stronger your position will be. We don’t have much time until Altgrön strikes again. We will have high security protocols in place, to ensure your safety.”
Jowlani is a bit anxious. This is a new role he will assume. Far different from a role in the Magician’s Faction. His parents would have been proud of him for sure. Instead of following their footsteps, he will now lead the country.
“Zay, are we doing the right thing here? Are we really up to this major task? I felt so certain we are destined to do this. But I’m starting to have doubts about this. All of these experienced leaders now have to listen to us.”
Zayden, confident as ever, takes Jowlani’s hands. He looks him deep in his brown eyes.
“We have come so far already ‘Lani! I promised you we would unite together to help us fight. Fight for both our home countries. For a progressive course where everyone is the same. Where everyone has equal rights. Netralia and Altgrön as friends, not foes. You got this. We got this. It’s time for us to do what we were destined for.”
Jowlani and Zayden are guided towards two major doors.
Alexander wishes them good luck and bids them farewell for now.
Suddenly, Remyra shows up.
“What are you doing here?!” say Jowlani and Zayden together aloud.
“Surprise effect! I’m taking the Rite of Ascension as well. Don’t be scared. I’m not becoming a sovereign. It’s part of this rite that I officially end such title. To endorse you as new elected leaders. In a democratic fashion and chosen by the people. I’m going in!”
A loud bang on a kind of a drum is heard. *bong*… *bong*…
“It is time for the Rite of Ascension. A very unusual one. I first summon the sovereign heir, Remyra Sterrelyn. Followed by Jowlani Sterwick and Zayden Blankermann.”
The doors are opened and in steps Remyra, followed by Jowlani and Zayden. Out of anxiety, Jowlani looks for Zayden’s hand. Zayden catches onto it, and takes Jowlani’s hand firm.
They step up to the speaker’s lectern. Remyra moves to the left side, while Jowlani and Zayden step right. There are marks on the floor, so they know where they have to stand. It has to look good for the people at home as well.
“Thank you for joining us so soon. We are witnessing history here today. The Rite of Ascension, with a twist. Once again, I welcome the people at home from Netralia, and around the world. The Rite of Renouncement will be an integral part today. For the first time ever, the title of Sovereign shall be put out of use. To make a statement, I yield to the sovereign heir, Remyra Sterrelyn.”
The speaker steps down, and Remyra steps up to the same lectern.
“Thank you speaker, for allowing me to make a statement. As sovereign heir of Caelhem, I invoke the Rite of Renouncement. I have never aspired to become the Sovereign, ever since my young years.
In the latter years of her reign, my sister Caelira became obsessed with power and might. She was chosen by past leaders of this country. But she wasn’t chosen by the people.
The leader of our city and the nation should be chosen by its’ citizens.
Because of the events of the past week, I am first in line to become your new leader. Though in good faith and spirit, I cannot become that leader. The Sterrelyn name has been besmirched. I want to continue our lineage. So that our legacy isn’t tarnished by just one lesser individual.
Therefore I am here to renounce the title of Sovereign. Since the passing of my sister, I’ve vouched for Jowlani Sterwick and Zayden Blankermann.
They already have been the hope for many people. A light that shines in sheer darkness. A well-functioning duo in many ways. Listening and working with those who are willing.
I hereby call on the leaders who initially didn’t approve of this different approach. Step over your own shadows, and support these new leaders. We can all agree to disagree. As long as our discussions function in words, not actions. I will not fully disappear. As discussed with them, I will be the personal advisor to the new leaders.
Should you disapprove, disagree or see differently, come see me. We can always talk about urgent matters. Every city, every town. Every person, every life. All of it matters. To Jowlani, Zayden, and myself.
The three of us will find a way to make peace with Altgrön. Even when stepping across our own shadows like Zayden does. Facing your parents is not easy, especially when it leads to warfare. Jowlani follows his parents, once part of our Magician’s Faction. Despite the border incident, he still stands for his country.
And I, I continue to support people like them, despite recent events.
Speaker, my last act as sovereign heir is to start the Rite of Ascension. I hereby consent to renounce the title of Sovereign. To put it out of use for all eternity. To install Jowlani Sterwick and Zayden Blankermann as First Ministers of Netralia.
Thank you to everyone across the country for making this possible. Also to those who see differently. We will be there for all of you. I love Netralia, always and forever.”
The speaker continues: “By the request of the sovereign heir, the title is abolished, once and for all. In coherence with the rules, the Rite of Ascension begins. Jowlani Sterwick and Zayden Blankermann, step forward. Highly unusual, I ask you to repeat after me. The both of you at the same time. Somehow, I am assured that you will.
I promise once and for all, to be the bearer of the burdens of all of Netralia.
To see them through difficult times. To guide them to new lights.
In a country where everyone is equal, I shall take care of my citizens.”
Jowlani and Zayden repeat the speakers words as they stare into each other’s eyes.
They speak in complete harmony and synchronicity.
“So it is done. I hereby announce and introduce you to our new Prime Ministers. They will go forward to bear the burdens of the leaders of Netralia. They are the chosen ones to guide us to newer and better days. In the face of war, they remain brave and filled with hope and love. Let’s follow them to the light!”
As they step down, the supporting mayors come to them first. After some congratulations that feel like obligation, the most vocal one reappears. Lord Yamir has an urgent request for the new Prime Ministers.
“As expected, you are the new prime ministers of this country. Now that you are the official leaders, I have to ask you something that cannot wait. Please visit us in Las Tyconas, for there is much amok running around. We could use an appearance of the both of you to help calm things. More details I will give you there. Take with you whoever you need. And who you deem useful. In dire situations.”
Jowlani and Zayden look at each other. “If there’s someone we can help, we will always do that. Lord Yamir, we will be on our way as soon as possible. We will find the right people to accompany us” says Zayden.
“I fully agree with Zay on that. We will make things work. First I would have to try and find out who’s going to replace us when we’re gone. I know someone already! Remyra, come over here!”
Remyra joins the pair as he walks in from across the room. He’s been chatting with less supportive mayors and leaders. He does have a smile on his face though. “Gentlemen, I’ve been talking to some of the more hesitant people here. Seems like my little stunt helped them… to eh.. persuade their minds.. for now at least. What can I do for you?”
Jowlani instructs him of their upcoming trip to Las Tyconas. Remyra isn’t surprised by that question. “Don’t say that I’m replacing you. I’ll just be the acting person here. Please keep Luke and Adnap here. Can’t let all of the big henchmen go. Not yet. Why? Your power is still very fragile. Take anyone else that you need. We’ll keep it on the down low. I think the people there will be surprised to see you. The first official visit by the new leaders of the country. Lord Yamir is a good one, so we have to help. Not sure what’s going on there, but we’ve got this! Have a good night and I’ll see you back when you’re back!”
Remyra walks away to chat more with the leaders who voted against the ascension in the meantime.
Lord Yamir thanks Jowlani and Zayden for their help.
“Thank you for coming to my place to help out. Visit me at my establishment and we’ll talk details. For now, rest up, have a good night and safe travels. Gracias y hasta pronto.”
It’s been another eventful day for our pair. This relationship just seems to keep on growing and growing. Jowlani and Zayden head back to the inn to go to sleep.
“This was a wonderful day, Zay. Never had I imagined from a small town kid to becoming leader of this great nation. A co-leader I should say. I couldn’t have done that without you. So tomorrow is our first visit to one of our villages. I’ve never been to Las Tyconas. I never even heard of it till today. You never stop learning new things about your own country. I’m excited. Are you excited? You should be! I love you, Zay. I always will.”
Zayden seems to be occupied in his thoughts for a bit. He stares out of the window. And suddenly he feels a poke. In the kidney area, just where it slightly hurts. Could not be anyone else than Jowlani.
“Yeah, I’m sorry I dreamed off. I’m happy to be the leader of this country. I truly am. But of course, I’m up against my own parents. That stinks, but that’s just the way it is. I’ve chosen this destiny when it came looking for me. I wouldn’t want it to be any other way than this way. I once chose you and I always will choose you. I love you too. Let’s catch some sleep and then we’ll be off to Las Tyconas. There’s only one thing left to say if it goes down south. Ay caramba!”
I'm Amethyst, 31, and from the Netherlands. I've always had a passion for adventure in roleplaying games. Being able to immerse myself into these universes allowed me to escape the trauma's of my youth. Now I want to share my gaming passion with all of you!
