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A new short bellow.

The voting period began. I made one final speech. The rest would be shorter things. Much shorter. I am not sure if this is me giving up, realizing that I have done as much as I could, or accepting that a person is not always in complete control of their fate.

Garen spoke comforting words. He is right. I have done and accomplished much. I have worked hard and made great effort. Even if I do not win in the end, I have done admiral work and people like him will recognize that.

Still. I am a nervous wreck. My throat feels unnaturally parched. There is a hollow sensation in my chest. As I told Sister Selsi, this entire ordeal has been one stretch of anticipation. She shared words of sympathy which helped in the moment. She also did not put much effort in keeping the exit poll forms hidden. As soon as I realized what they were, I looked away. I dare not let incomplete numbers give me false hope.

But, still, despite the storm my mind is trapped in my spirit is buoyed. If I lose this election, I know it would not be with a terribly embarrassingly small amount of votes. But every time someone said they voted for me--directly or subtly, I feel my heart swell for a moment.

The quiet whispers of confidence to me. The words spoken over the bellows, extolling my name. It is nothing like I have ever experienced before. On the field, in a battle--there is always the underlying understanding that the rank place their faith in their commander with the hope that they come out alive and breathing.

But this? Where the consequences may be long lasting, slow to appear, and may stretch on far into the future for generations to come to contend with? There is no immediate fear of death or loss or destruction. There is merely the weight of future decisions to come, placed atop one another, compounding.

I have yet to learn if I have earned these people's trust and confidence. But they have already given such to me.

The 23rd of Tabbah, IY 7789 and beyond.

With voting in full swing, Faith shifts to simpler, much shorter bellows.

Vote. Those of you with a Voice. You have the privilege. And a duty. Vote.

To those of you with a Voice. Vote. The Sultan, in his wisdom, has invited you to partake in governance. Vote.

Vote. You who have a Voice have an opportunity to stand for the principles you hold close and steadfast to heart. Put them into action. Vote.

The 23rd of Tabbah, IY 7789.

A speech from Faith Kruehtzer as the voting booth opens.

[A quiet, tinning buzz for a moment as the bellows broadcasts dead air for a few seconds] People of Ephia's Well... [Her voice is strained, nearly hoarse] Voting in the Tabbah election has begun... [A voice marred by poor sleep and tired from overuse]

As you file into the voting booth over the next few days, I shall reiterate a previous point: this election has become less about which League shall hold a Legate's seat and more about whether the Well's destiny shall be driven by Her people or by the profit-seekers.

I remind you that the Gloamingdaith-Argyris Quarry is a microcosm, a prelude, of what may come. Private interests saw the workers in the quarry abused: forced to work in ash storms; paid so little they could not even afford a night in the Krak after a day of work; and, worse of all--

When they spoke out about their poor conditions, they were disappeared from their tents in the night. All of this occurred because someone behind a desk thought to themselves: "How can I make myself richer? How can I use my already vast wealth to become even wealthier?"

All of this occurred because investors and shareholders placed the crushing weight of their dinari upon the shoulders of people who should have served as benevolent leaders and wise governors.

And now these hoarders of dinari rear their heads yet again, looking for those who would abdicate their responsibilities to the people yet again. The Gloamingdaith-Argyris Quarry is the prelude, Gohari Heavy Machinery is the main performance. A mistake waiting to be repeated. Again.

So, I ask of you, of Purple, of White, of Gold, of no league--if you believe profit-seeking has no place to stand above all, above us, lend your Voice to mine. [A long pause follows. For many seconds just soft static lingers in the air. Perhaps the bellows has ended entirely]

You can hear it, surely? My voice. It wavers. Cracked and hoarse. Politics is still alien to me. I thought my destiny would be to die upon the battlefield for the Merciful Mother. Instead, I have thrown myself into... This. Into a hellscape where I felt wounds deeper than I thought possible.

So, why this? Because despite everything, I do all that I do for the Mother. For the Merciful Mother, I would see this Well governed with wisdom and scrutiny. With the ferocity of a defending father. With the generosity of a doting mother. With the kindness that ought be between family.

Wheel Above All. May it turn and reign eternal. Thank you.

The 22nd of Tabbah, IY 7789.

A rebuttal to previous bellows by Qari Alriyh.

The Legates who would put the Well into debt are the ones who signed the contract that stipulated that debt in the first place. The Dragon and the Enabling Dwarf have set a terrible precedent: make the stipulations for exiting a contract so terrible that fulfilling the contract is--

The only viable option regardless of how horrid it is. The League of Gold would have the Well placed in chains, wipe their hands, shrug their shoulders, and say "well, at least accepting this is better than the alternative!"

And to this, I say: NO! This precedent cannot be allowed to remain. It must be broken and struck down before it can be repeated over and over. Legate al-Farisyya has already started one of many plans to mutually exit the contract and I will support her in seeing these plans to fruition.

And from this, all the other businesses in the Sultanate will see that we cannot be cowed, we will not sell out our dignity and our lives. If businesses wish to grow and expand in the Well, they must work hard alongside us and see us as partners, not something to be exploited.

And to claim that Legate Lhyrian will work hand-in-hand with Legate al-Farisyya is a ridiculous farce after today's display in the assembly. In one of the most heated and contentious assemblies I have after seen, at one point I bit my tongue and forced myself to refrain--

From retorting to Legate Lhyrian. And what did she do? She laid another insult into me. In utter dismay and bafflement, I cried out: "I held my tongue and yet you still insult me?" And what was Legate Lhyrian's response to this? "I do."

Is that what someone who prioritizes cooperation and collaboration says? What splendour is there in a Well ruled by someone with no discretion? What golden future is there in a Well ruled by a Legate who responds to restraint with cruelty and malice? The Mother weeps.

[A pause. And then two more words, unusually quiet, uncharacteristic, distant] ... I weep.

"I hate what this election is doing to Legate Lhyrian and I."

A blurted, desperate whisper. They felt like words that would not be answered even in as place as sacred as the font of the Mother's water. It was a plea. Me begging for guidance. Sense. Comfort.

Waterbearer Evarielle tried her best but her words felt hollow. No. Not hollow, but powerless. Whatever hope I received from her words were obliterated by the Assembly.

I whispered those words out of guilt. For what I had grown to feel and think as I experienced. I can do nothing now. The disgust I feel has been cemented and engrained by her words and actions. I have now idea how it is possible for this to be undone.

"I hope to learn that, indeed, the personal effects of all this does not linger."

Words to an Apothar. A stranger of which the only interaction I had with was a contentious argument.

I do not even know why I responded to her. Perhaps I am just that desperate for someone to tell me my new view of things are wrong, will unravel, and be replaced with what I used to remember to be true.

Sisters and Acolytes of the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine,
Balladeers and Students of the College of the Lost Hearth,

Earlier today, I asked and was granted an audience within the Halls of the Grandmaster's College to speak of the current election. Thank you for the privilege and for listening to my plea. For those of you were unable to attend, I offer the summary below.

Simply put: Legate Lhyrian has made promises on at least two issues which are directly in opposition to the interests and goals of many within the Cinquefoil Rose. If she is to be stopped so that her decisions in the Legate's seat do not grind your goals to a halt, I must garner the votes to overtake her significant lead.

First:

Singular control of whom may access to Al-Nasr by the Tower of Q'tolip. Legate Lhyrian has promised the Tower that she will grant them this.

As an example of this put into action: a few nights ago when the Well's foundation quaked in supposed reaction to an expedition below, Legate Lhyrian barged into Legate al-Farisyya's office to demand a meeting with many to draft a descent law.

After six hours, numerous voices sharing their opinions (including Acolyte Seriya al-Setareh), a draft was written by Legate al-Farisyya. When this draft was handed over to Legate Lhyrian to sign, she suddenly said she needed to consult with Apothar Zol Nur and disappeared from the meeting, bringing it to an end.

Apothar Zol Nur has confirmed he was shown this draft. Yet, despite the immediacy of that six hour meeting, the law has not been written onto the Stele of Law. Legate al-Farisyya has confirmed to me that Legate Lhyrian has changed her mind and rejected the draft for a descent law that compromises by not giving the Tower the authority it desires.

Even if Legate Lhyrian does eventually sign a descent law with compromises, it is clear that she would seek to undermine it and see it replaced to the Tower's own liking.

Second:

In the meeting between the Legates and Gohari Heavy Industries approximately a month ago, the representatives of Gohari Heavy Industries asked that the plans for the Sisterhood's Chapterhouse within the new district be scrapped.

On these two issues, I am in opposition to Legate Lhyrian's stance. It is likely that with the help of the Ashen Conclave's finances, Legate Lhyrian has bought herself a significant lead of votes. She will not be stopped unless I receive your support and those of others close to you.

If you think me worthy, I ask that you speak amongst yourselves, your friends, your allies, and ask them to consider voting for me.

Thank you,

With the Mother's Mercy,
Faith Kruehtzer

The 22nd of Tabbah, IY 7789.

Faith Kruehtzer makes an appeal to those who plan to vote White.

Hark! You hear the voice of Faith Kruehtzer, League of Purple Candidate. On this last day before voting begins, there are certain important things I wish to note. Firstly, judging by league rosters and word of mouth, Legate Lhyrian has a lead in prospective votes. If nothing changes, she will win.

Secondly, the League of Gold include vested owners and shareholders of Gohari Heavy Industry, an entity who have an interest in operating the same way as the quarry was operated before it was nationalized--as a profit-seeking mechanism above all.

Gohari will only be stopped or restrained if their investors and shareholders do not have a grip on the Legates of the Well. Gohari will only be stopped if Legate Lhyrian is stopped. And the only way to stop Legate Lhyrian is for the voters of White and Purple to band together in solidarity.

I will not dress this up to be anything but the truth: I am making an appeal to those who would vote White to reconsider and to vote for me instead. I am the only chance within this Well that can stop Gohari Heavy Industries from dominating the new district.

I ask that you look between myself and Themis. Decide: whom is the better leader to oppose Gohari? Whom is the one that has worked tirelessly to speak to as many of the Well to have genuine conversation and listened to you during this election?

Whom has always spoken--over the bellows or in simple conversation--with the consistency and fiery conviction needed to oppose Gohari? And I ask, too, that you look at me and see the woman of the people that I am.

Early in this election, I was asked what I admired about the other Leagues. Of you Whites, I cannot deny that your care and dedication to all good people is a key foundation, a basis of civilization, a tenet of the Merciful Mother.

I believe in this same principle. Basic decency demands I help the unfortunate. My honour compels me to protect the weak. My faith inspires me to raise the poor. I am not of your league but I share the most important principles that ensures wrongs committed against the people are undone.

In closing: this election is not between the Leagues of Purple, White, and Gold. This election is between the people of the Well and Gohari Heavy Industries. When the voting booth opens, please consider who and what you wish to stand behind. Thank you.

The 21st of Tabbah, IY 7789.

Faith Kruehtzer makes a rebuttal to a few earlier bellows.

Hark! You hear Faith Kruehtzer, League of Purple Candidate. Tomorrow at the time of (12:00 PM UTC -4/ 4:00 PM UTC 0) I would be thankful if the Sisters of the Sybilline Vine and Balladeer's of the Lost Hearth grant me audience within the halls of the Grandmaster d'Avergne's college.

Onto other matters, in response to earlier bellows: I have spoken about Kha'esh already and shall simply reiterate that Legates Sayburgh and Legate Lhyrian made the right decision--the schemes were not imagined and Arslan deserved liberation.

And, yes, Mother's feed their children from the teat. Swaddled babes grow into lively children. Grow into curious adolescents. Grow into dutiful adults. Grow into elders rightfully proud of their lineage and legacies.

We are not beasts or barbarians. We do not leave our offspring to the elements. We do not look at our siblings being abused and say "let them suffer". The coming Caliphate to come shall be a place where Mothers and Fathers shall raise their children in prosperity and happiness.

As for the trial of Iacto Myrto. All people who commit a crime have the Mother-given-right to plea for mercy. Had I sentenced Myrto to death then and there, I would have been well within the bounds of the law. But with the Mother's guidance, I gave him a second chance.

He walked out of the Hall of Jurisprudence alive and with the chance to atone. And you call that corruption? Zealotry? An admitted criminal found guilty for the first time being given a second chance is wrong to you?

I left a man, who had earned himself a death sentence, alive and that makes me a tyrant? I am left speechless upon the matter here on out.

The 21st of Tabbah, IY 7789.

Faith Kruehtzer delivers a speech about defense and the Well.

Hark! You hear the voice of Faith Kruehtzer. Layhammer of the Merciful Mother. Prelate of Legate al-Farisyya in service to the Palatial Pyramid. And Purple League Candidate for the Legate's Seat currently up for election. At this moment, I shall speak about defense and the Well.

We have been blessed by the Wheel that gave us inspiration and fortitude to earn victory against Iakmes and his horde. From the start of the war to the finish, we the people of the Ephia's Well joined with others across the desert to become one of the greatest military forces--

This disc has ever witnessed in history. Iakmes built his horde with orcs of the mountain, orcs of the sand, orcs of the wastes beyond the ruins of the ring walls; thousands upon thousands, millions, and yet it was we who won. And though we should bathe in the glory and peace earned--

We should also maintain the momentum of our success. Though a renewed Caliphate should bring all people of the desert into cooperation, it would be naive to think there are no forces roaming the sands that would desire to do us harm, driven by their greedy and barbaric ways.

To that end, we must ensure that our reconnaissance capabilities be improved to exceed those of who may look upon the Well with envy. We must be aware when maligned forces make their move. We must be ready to raise the shield wall and to maneuver when danger rears its head.

Whether it be deep desert patrols upon Janissary camels; building a Cinquefoil Knights' hold in a key location; or peering through the scrying telescopes of the Astronomers, the Well must always be ready to respond with the greatest of vigor and steadfast conviction.

Our walls, old and new, should not merely keep out would-be foes, but forcefully repel them. Every wall should be topped with towers, lined with cauldrons, and marked with arrow slits. Anyone whom looks upon our walls should know that to attack Ephia's Well is to gamble their life.

And just as we defend ourselves we should defend our allies with the same vigour. Newly liberated Arslan may be like a fresh babe but with proper protection and encouragement, they shall reclaim their strength and become a proud elephant the heron can perch upon for support.

The future requires a strong Well. In time, the Wheel will turn so Agaslakku is high atop yet again. When that comes, the prosperity of the good people who lift up our society must be guaranteed and defended. That is what I have to say about defense and the Well. Thank you.

The 20th of Tabbah, IY 7789.

Another rebuttal to Legate Lhyrian.

If the Sand District is built up without Gohari, that would be ideal. If Gohari can guarantee the labourers of the Well would be well compensated, that the laws of the Well will be respected, that they will not behave or enable crimes as the League of Gold comptrollers did in the quarry--

Then so be it. Let them contribute, with our guidance and within our instruction, towards building our glory. Just as anybody else shall be offered the same opportunity so long as they prioritize the Well.

As for allegations: I, Faith Kruehtzer, allege you, Legate Lhyrian, negotiated the quarry nationalization deal on behalf of the League of Gold. That you sought to increase and maximize the amount of dinari the Palatial Pyramid paid out to the League of Gold.

Tell me that is not true if you dare. Tell me that you left money on the table that did not go into the coffers of the League of Gold when they could have had more.

Refreshed with minor adjustments.

The 20th of Tabbah, IY 7789.

A rebuttal to Legate Lhyrian.

I was going to refrain from speaking about "Ephian betrayals" but since I was not the one to mention it first--the Well had good reason to turn our backs on the Jackal that is Kha'esh: their cruel treatment of Arslan; their growing brazen relations with Qa'im--

And all the other reasons that lead you, Legate Lhyrian, to make the decision you made. Should Gohari do unspeakable evil or become a threat, one way or another, to the people of the Well, then tearing up the contract would similarly be as much the just and righteous action to take.

But, yes, I did hear the details of the Gohari contract discussed. I do recognize that tearing up the contract is drastic action. That is why I said in my speech: Gohari "must be beholden to our laws and policies that ensures the safety and prosperity of our people".

And in these further negotiations I will ensure they will abide. I shall watch as a hawk. I will not let their vast wealth influence me into giving them more of whatever it is they want at the expense of our people. I will not let them bribe me. I will not cave to them in expectation of kickbacks.

I will negotiate on behalf of the people of Ephia's Well, not on their behalf. I am well put together and I am doing excellently. Pay careful attention to my words and you will realize I have already addressed the concerns you raised.

If we are to let dragons in our midst, let them be collared and shackled, with blades ready at their necks in case they think they can indulge in their greed and make a mess of the fortune that should remain within Ephia's Well. After all, it seems it is so easy to make errors in finances.

The 20th of Tabbah, IY 7789.

Faith Kruehtzer speaks on the role of industry in the Well.

Hark! You hear the voice of Faith Kruehtzer. Purple League Candidate in this election. I have no poor attempt at a comedic skit to present to you for the facts do not need to be fictionalized. Instead, I wish to speak about the role of industry in the Well.

The quarry and Gohari's involvement in the new district have been contentious topics in this election. My stance on these matters is this: productivity is maintained by supporting those who do the work and ensuring as much of results are returned back to them--the people of the Well.

To build the new district, output at the quarry had to be maintained. But productivity suffered when worker morale collapsed due to cruel taskmasters. The quarry workers help build our--their--home; from the start, they should had been incentivized by this, not denied it due to low pay.

So long as private interests make demands of our people and our home--that is: seek profit above all--there will always be a risk of murderous foremen and massacres of workers such as what occurred in Tabbah of last year.

The influence and trace history of the Traitor Dragon and the uncaring and unmoving dwarf who enabled him must be purged. When the new district rises, the homes, workshops, and forges within it should not be overshadowed by a dominating Gohari sweatshop.

Gohari Heavy Industries is the largest, richest entity upon the Baz'eel Securities Exchange but let us not forget the rest of the exchange are possible alternatives. The League of Gold is fond of saying they foster and champion competition, then let us do just that--

Let us find an alternative. We should not forget we could invite the small businesses from all over the Sultanate to rent our land and build their own shops and stalls beside those of our own tradespeople. Let us not forget we have an entire Sultanate to attract people and businesses from.

Regardless, whatever factory Gohari builds--if anything--must not crowd out our--labourers and tradespeople working towards our own success and glory. Whatever Gohari builds--if anything--must be beholden to our laws and policies that ensures the safety and prosperity of our people.

A New Caliphate will only be as glorious as the people--from master architect to brick layer--whom build it. In the coming future, may Ephia's well gleam from the top of the Palatial Pyramid to the lowest street stone. That is what I have to say about Industry within Ephia's Well. Thank you.

The 19th of Tabbah, IY 7789.

A rebuttal to some bellows from Qari Alriyh.

If Deputy Chief Scribe Bashir Khatara disappears workers in the middle of the night and flees when questioned, I absolutely would confiscate his tailoring studio. However, we all know the DCS is one of the utmost and finest citizens of this Well and would never do such a thing.

The quarry buyout may or may not be small in comparison to the initial investment, but it was not some trinket purchased once and then locked away in a chest. How many tons of stone were produced? How many were sold? For how much? For months that quarry produced--

And delivered stone. To think it was not generating revenue the entire time is absurd. But this is all besides the point. Should a bandit strike at someone with a blade, we do not allow that bandit to sell their sword.