The small council

Thank you for the power stones, extra chapter today

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With the forge and the new buildings now finished and more people joining our settlement it was time to establish a bit more administrative structure. To that end i gathered all the people i knew I could trust for a small council meeting atop High Tower now fully repaired. Standing there overlooking the settlement and the surrounding areas i felt like a CEO of my old world surveying their domain from a lofty office.

Albedo my mate and sweet shadow was the first to arrive. She took her seat to my right her eyes scanning the horizon before settling on me with a knowing smile.

Shortly after, Orlok and Kiri entered together still dusted with the marks of their successful hunt of a Fire Bellowback. The satisfaction of their triumph was evident.

Cam and Web followed not far behind, their easy camaraderie evident in their shared laughter as they approached.

Mira, our Utaru farmer arrived next, behind her was Rhea.

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After some small conversation and exchanges of news we all took our seats around the sturdy wooden table I had arranged at the tower's peak.

Albedo opened the meeting outlining the immediate priorities for the settlement.

Orlok and Kiri reported on the hunt, their success not only bringing valuable resources but also boosting morale among the others. Cam and Web discussed security and potential improvements to our defenses.

Mira spoke passionately about the new fields and the need for more hands to ensure the next planting season would yield enough for our growing numbers.

I paused, my gaze sweeping across the room, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "Good. I'm happy with the progress we've made so far, but now we need structure and clear roles and responsibilities to guide us forward."

I straightened, letting the weight of my words sink in. "You all know some of my ambitions now. If any of you disagree or have doubts, speak openly. This is the time."

I stepped forward. "From this moment, I am King of the North!"

Turning to Albedo, I continued, "Albedo you are Governor of the North. You will oversee the governance, construction and prosperity of our people."

Facing Orlok, I proclaimed "Orlok, your loyalty and skill in battle are unmatched. You are War Master, the shield and sword of our domain. The safety of our land and people rests with you."

Then I turned to Cam. "Cam, your strength and vigilance inspire trust. You are the Guardian of the Law. Mothers Forge are yours to protect."

Then i looked to Mira. "Mira, your resourcefulness and keen eye for detail are invaluable. You are Quartermaster, ensuring our supplies, future trade, and resources."

"Rhea you will be the mistress of whispers, our spy master." I told our Nora ninja.

I stepped back, my gaze sweeping over them again. "Each of you has a role to play, a purpose in this grand vision. Together, we will shape the future of the North, kill the Carja that dare to prey on us and the machines and much more."

A beat of silence followed before Orlok stepped forward. "War Master, huh?" His lips curved into a grin. "You've always known how to make me feel useful. I'll make sure no threat gets close to us, not while I'm standing."

Cam nodded solemnly, his voice steady. "Guardian of the Law… I'll make sure our people are responsable and well treated."

"Spy master? I like it, i will make sure we are allways informed, i will not fail." Rhea gives a deadly smile.

Mira chuckled softly. "Quartermaster? Looks like i'll be the one keeping us fed and supplied while the rest of you are off making history. Don't worry, i'll make sure you don't starve."

Orlok smirked. "Good. If you didn't, we'd probably start raiding your stores ourselves."

"Or they would simple disaper some how." Rhea added with a grin.

"Try it, Orlok, Rhea" Mira shot back, her eyes gleaming. "You'd regret it."

The room lightened with their banter.

I nodded, feeling the weight of their trust and loyalty. "This is only the beginning. Together, we'll make the North a force to be reckoned with."

Cam hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing. "I'll protect the North, no question about that. But… what about the matriarchs? If they find out about this... about you... they won't stand idly by. They'll see it as a challenge to their power, and some of the others..."

The room tensed, the weight of his words sinking in. Albedo's gaze flickered to me, but she said nothing, waiting for my response.

I met Cam's eyes. "The matriarchs have ruled through fear and control for too long. Their grip on the North has weakened, and they know it, not even war chief Sona comes to battle this far." 

Cam shook his head. "This isn't just about battles. The matriarchs have influence, they'll turn others against us, sow dissent from within. If we're not careful, we'll be fighting more than just them, other Nora are not so open minded."

Rhea spoke up. "Cam's right. The matriarchs are dangerous, but they're not invincible. If we can win the people's trust before they can spread their lies we'll have the advantage, and thats my job."

I nodded appreciating Rhea's pragmatism. "Exactly. This isn't just about power, it's about showing the North a better way. We'll need to be careful, strategic, but we won't back down, not now we had bleeded for this."

Cam sighed. "I trust you. I just… hope we're ready for what's coming."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "We are. And if we're not we'll make ourselves ready. Together."

Cam nodded, a determined smile breaking through. "For the North, then."

Orlok smirked. "For the North, and the hunt."

"For the north!" The rest proclaimed.

I looked at them all, my voice weighted with gratitude. "This is only the beginning. What we're building will take sacrifice, effort, and unity."

"Albedo, you will teach them how to use the Focus, one for Orlok, one for Rhea, and one for Cam." I instructed, my tone leaving no room for debate. 

"Yes, my king," Albedo replied, her lips curving into a teasing smile as she placed a hand on her hip. "Though I must say, you're taking this 'command' thing rather seriously today." Her playful tone drew a faint chuckle from Mira.

Orlok crossing his arms over his chest. "Do we really have to rely on these... trinkets?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of skepticism and disdain.

I met Orlok's gaze. "Yes." I said firmly. "It's not just about staying in contact, Orlok. These are tools of survival, knowledge, and power. Mastering them could mean the difference between success and failure. You'll see their value soon enough."

Albedo stepped forward, picking up one of the Focus and holding it delicately between her fingers. "You're always so resistant to change." she said, casting a glance at Orlok. "But trust me, once you understand what these can do you'll wonder how you ever fought and hunt without them."

Rhea leaned in closer, her curiosity evident. "What exactly can they do, Albedo? Beyond communication i mean." 

Albedo's smile widened, and she gestured for them to gather around. "Well." she began, "The Focus isn't just a communicator. It's an extension of your senses with it you can analyze your surroundings, identify threats, track allies, and even learn about the history of the old ones. It's like carrying a library and a scout in your pocket."

Cam, who had been silent until now, raised an eyebrow. "A library and a scout? Sounds a bit far-fetched for something so small." 

"Far-fetched?" Albedo repeated with a laugh. "Perhaps. But you'll see for yourself soon enough, now put them on."

She turned the device over in her hand, and with a tap, it lit up projecting a faint shimmering map into the air. The group leaned closer, their initial reluctance giving way to awe.

"That's... incredible." Rhea her fingers twitching as though she wanted to touch the holographic map.

"This will make my job much easyer."

Orlok's frown softened, though he maintained a gruff exterior. "Still seems like it'll take more time to figure out than it's worth." he muttered, but his gaze betrayed his growing interest.

Albedo tilted her head. "And that's why I'm here. You'll all learn, even you Orlok."

I watched with a satisfied smile, with this new structure we would be stronger and more ready for all the future threats, one step closer to achieve our goals. 

'Maybe this new Kingdom needs a new name? Cant just call it north can i?" I thought to myself, my naming sense is horrible better ask for help.

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Every 25 power stones a new chapter

Help me choose a name for the Kingdom.