Post by Vio on Jun 12, 2015 16:16:38 GMT -5
On and on marched Marlus Caine, easing his way through the crowds like some sort of ghost. Indeed, the attentions of the people of Sedna were far more focused upon the mayor and making their disapproving thoughts known to him. It was a well known fact that power tended to corrupt people, feeding the shadows within one's very soul until a once brilliant being was nothing more than a rotten shade that leeched from those who served him. The mayor of Sedna was no exception to that rule, and even the violet-haired vigilante had to admit to himself that he did not like the man despite having only just encountered him. A professional disposition was one that had to be maintained, however, hence the hastening of his pace as the mob grew louder and more wild. At this rate, an angry mob of townsfolk was about to do more harm than good to the island of Sedna. The prosperous place was hardly poverty stricken, but honest workers seemed to be being taxed more and more for their skills.
"Him, with the snow white hair! The first person to bring him to me gets a reward!" The announcement from the mayor sent a wave of coldness through the audience, the portly man attempting to muster the rage of the people and use it as a weapon against a single individual. He knew who it was, the description more than enough to remind him of the strange young man with his white hair and tattooed arms, but that alone was not enough to make Mister Caine turn about. For days he had had his mind set upon nothing but fearful possibilities and avoiding them, and the days before that had been so similar, concerned for the crew which he commanded and the ship that they sailed upon. But now there was no worry, no lingering upon the possibilities. His mind was dead set on a single task and, as he stepped into the midst of the masses, he focused himself upon the present situation.
"People of Sedna!" His normally calm and quiet voice was gone, instead replaced by the charismatic strength of a leader which echoed through the streets. Shouts and hollers rapidly died down to grumbles and murmurs, then from there the silence that came about was deafening. Dozens upon dozens of faces turned to the centre of the formation, many taking a step or two away from the unknown voice. Even the mayor and the men stationed at his side looked to this unusual individual, meeting the hawkish hues just briefly before the silence was broken again. Marlus was now the centre of attention, a place he would rather not be, but one that he knew he was capable of holding. "My name is Marlus Caine! An outsider, just like the man whom you've been called upon to pursue! I shall not claim to know why it is that you are angry, nor shall I claim that your opinions of your mayor are falsely founded! I know nothing about the people of this country, save for your renowned workmanship..."
Hm. It doesn't matter who you are, or where you're from. People are people... Standing on the cold cobbles with his arms outstretched and head held high, Marlus presented himself to be as much of a target as possible, testing the tenacity and will of the townsfolk. Many eyes glared daggers at him, a prickling sensation running up the length of his spine and back down through his arms and legs. If it wasn't before, it was obvious what they thought of him - what they thought of foreigners in general. But there was one thing that held them back from acting upon their emotions, despite the rage that flowed through their veins like fire, and held them in their places. These people were not barbarians or pirates, but respectable citizens of the North Blue. What followed was, to some extent, a blatant lie.
"...But what I do know of are right and wrong, and it is clear to me that you do, too! I, for one, do not want to see such a proud people as you reenact the flames of unwarranted vengeance as depicted upon this work of vandalism! So, I ask of you, Sednans. Are you willing to act upon suspicion alone? Or would you rather have proof of the misdeeds committed?" As he spoke, the marksman began to walk a slow circle around the cobblestone clearing in which he had been left, making sure to meet the eyes of as many of the present men and women as he could. If only for a split second, eye contact was more than enough to provoke reactions from the many and, for those who did not react immediately, he held his gaze. Pale green eyes may have appeared gentle and tame before, but in situations such as these they took on a whole new light. Fighting skill alone was never enough to rise to the rank of a commissioned officer in the World Navy, and the former Captain had reached his station through leadership skills like the ones he displayed now. Commanding yet considerate, powerful yet personal, and even the eyes of the Fishwoman named Merle were met by such subtle strength.
Just as I thought you would, hm? And people tend to show their true colours when put on the spot... Ending his movement, the last person to receive the charismatic convener's gaze was the man in charge of it all, the mayor receding slightly and very nearly breaking eye contact before he did. His ears could hear the quiet and uncertain exchanges of words going on around him, picking out the thoughtful mutterings of the nearest individuals as they discussed their decisions. Already the answer to his question was decided, but no spokesperson should ever jump to conclusions. With a solid tap of his foot upon the ground as he pivoted about to look to the masses once more, he continued, taking heed of the words that came from his mouth.
"I shall act in the interest of the people, so I ask for a show of hands! All those in favour of an investigation?" Raising his own hands just enough to act as guidance for the indecisive, yet not raising them proper, the bowman in black held back a smile as the people responded. At first, one by one, people amidst the crowd started to raise their hands just above their heads. And that, in turn, triggered more. Within a matter of seconds, the show of hands had doubled, and then that doubled again, and again. Eventually, all hands save for those of the mayor and his men were raised high into the air - a unanimous decision by the people. Even the young woman from earlier, who was currently hidden beyond the crowds, had raised her hand slightly in favour of such action. Sometimes there was more than one way to get what you wanted, and supporting evidence tended to help a lot. But then there was the slight risk of evidence to the contrary being presented...
"Then it is decided," said the spokesman as he turned to face the mayor once more, a subtle smile worn upon his face to contrast the slight scowl he received in return. A man's power was granted by the people, and the people could just as easily take it away from him if given enough reason. "Mayor! By the will of the citizens of Sedna, I request an audience with you to settle the matter at hand. Do you accept their request?"
"Very well. If the people demand it... then, as mayor, I must respect their wishes. I'll await your arrival at my manor, Mister Caine!" The attentive individual would have sensed the hatred boiling up inside Baruch's blood, triggered by the sly and cunning move that Marlus had made. With the vast majority of Sedna's populace backing his actions, the marksman essentially held the high ground in this battle of wits and wills. Because of the way the question had been worded, if the mayor said no it would have ended in an uncontrollable uproar. Neither man wanted that, oddly enough, but if such a thing had occurred then it was obvious which would become the target of such a frenzy. Accepting the facts, the mayor turned away and advanced towards his manor, likely awaiting the audience of the man who had put him on the spot...Okay then! I reckon Marlus and Merle will meet up proper, then head to the manor to talk to Baruch. As for Kenny, I mentioned Axel a little, so maybe that could spark a little conversation between them? Just throwing ideas around!
Marlus Caine (3b003b)
Mayor Baruch (aaaa00)