>>5423071>>5422995>>5422993>>5422974>Art:Sudjono Abdullah>Alt Text: A warung with several patrons sitting. Several sellers upkeep baskets of goods.While one person brings two more balanced on a pole. A large tree with red leaves hangs over them all.“It has to be Kaori. The poor tribes are who I’ve allied. I’ll have to use my leverage over Eko for as long as I can.”
Nizax: A lot of Nakotan still call her Da’tuq Adil, an alliance could support your claim.
“That, and she could be a friend when we’re running out of those by the day. Prep the fleet to move out tomorrow. But for tonight, I’m getting a drink.”
_____
The Jaya Hall lives up to its reputation. You can hear songs of a dozen dialects in half as many languages but somehow it feels like home. You find Kaori sitting at a bench with Kasi.
Kasi. Captain.
Kaori: I’m glad you took my offer. Sit, this place has the best nipe you can get in samormosir.
She passes you a cup of warm tree sap, thick and sweet, it sticks to the back of your throat.
“Hack-hack!”
Kasi: Ha-ah. You’ll have to forgive Kaori, she doesn't drink alcohol.
“No, it's fine. I’ve always wanted to try Nupuri cuisine.”
Kaori: A benefit of this city, the tribes sharing their ways.
“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Kasi: Politics? Now? We’re here to relax after that bejaar council.
Their tone goes serious.
Kasi: You need to relax too. I was there with you. Out there. I know what you’re going through. When folks like us don't take time for ourselves, it doesn't go well.
“...”
Kaori: It’s fine, I can take a break. My ears need a rest from the singing anyway.
Kasi: He should have been here the other night! They could’ve woken Legba themself!
“Sorry I missed it, nice seeing you.”
___
The two of you walk around the back of the hall, the sounds from inside covering your conversation.
Kaori: So what brings you here? I assume it isn’t a romantic gesture.
“I, well no...”
Kaori: Relax, I’m joking. Kasi was right, you need to relax more. If we lose sight of joy, what are we even fighting for?
“I’m fighting so no one has to fight again.”
Kaori: A dream for the ages.
“A dream we can reach together. I want you to join me. Think of all the good we can do for The Island.”
Kaori: I already told you, I don’t seek power, I
“Help where you’re needed. I know. This is me asking for that help. If Norodom gets the ax you know The Great Peace is doomed. And even if she doesn't, we need people like you in the Hall so that we never let what happened last month happen again.”
Kaori: You don’t trust yourself.
“I don’t trust anyone. Which is why I work with allies who can check each other. To better serve them.”
You gesture towards Jaya Hall.
Kaori: So what’s your proposal?
>I name you my successor as Axeholder like Agana did Norodom.>I declare you to be Ratu Adil, either alongside or in place of myself.>I stand down and support you to be elected as Axeholder.> You serve as my advisor and liaison to the poor tribes.>Write-in 