Dead Women Walking (R)

In the circular dome within the (name of Arbil's palace), (NAME OF Arbil's region) council have commenced. Tall, posh and slim individuals occupying various positions in court sat themselves along a circular table. They all sat in identical oak-clustered chairs except for the last three overlooking the entrance. These chairs were meant for Arbil and two of her most trusted and powerful advisors. "The Wind district (in previous chapters, rename) houses the worst of all our problems. I'd mention this in passing, commissioner, lest it's on our head the entire topic becomes," an old lady said, wearing a mini-badge in the shape of a squirrel. She spoke in coarse tones, like sand sifting through the edge of a surface. Her seriousness was matched by the other advisers' stern appearance. The Commissioner for Armies, Nasha sits three chairs away from her. She sifted through her notes, as if looking over what will be said, before turning to her right and looking over the entrance. It's empty except for two city guards posted right outside of their entrance.

"The report on the rebels will likely draw her attention. Who knows, Urness will alleviate our weight by virtue of his blood ties. Are these reports on Visitor movements real? It's hard to believe they'd be bold enough to murder people in groups..."

Another woman, with a Quail badge pinned to her breast, looks to the entrance in paranoia, before replying, "Every month is worse than before, we're better off avoiding responsibility before them. Whatever you do, speak sideways and make no mention of her or even her kin." Nasha, turning over a new leaf, beckoned for a servant by hand to take her entire notes and books. "I need a drink, fetch me wine while you're at it," she said as she visibly sighed. As the papers shuffled away, she stood from her table and looked over her remaining feather pen for signs of comfort. Do this for the poor folks, they live in you just as much as your family lives. She thought their presence would rescue their ordeal, but the captain commandeering the rudder of the ship wouldn't understand her. But the weather could steer the ship so much that the captain gets flown out. Wishful thinking, she thought. The queen was still the head of the table.

"If Urness arrives, I won't mention the death of four children and the subsequent riot against the (Region name) guard, but we ought to do better. Per tradition, when the queen finishes her formalities on all of you, leave but don't retire. I'll expect you to work in the wind district (name of hard hit district) until the dying night. And one more thing: keep the visitors at bay."
"With this strategy? A bear has a better chance flaying its own cub."
"You have a quail as your house's banner, surely you agree with perseverance even in the face of incompetence."

Opposite Nasha, was the Secretary of Coin. She was equally senior in age, but with less of that doom and self-pity that Nasha has. Though she looked at the royal entrance in equal measure as other counselors, she raised her voice to the entire group, "We are all on the same side of the coin. All of you are sworn knights but you serve at Nasha's pleasure. Though the queen lacks in focus, she does make it up in her vanity. I'll start shifting coins, entire garrison's worth of pay and lead the Queen's eager interest in superstition down a rabbit hole." The Quail lady didn't flinch, and laughed softly like a cat who went bird-spotting. "We are all jerks in her image. The only thing that saves us now are pretty red roses, glass floors and granite-made waterfalls masking what's really happening on the streets. Ironic that the very thing that drives her also manages to save us from her wrath."

"Speaking of vanity, I hope all of you are well-dressed for this occasion." She fiddled with her small badge, a sword and sickle crossed with one another and their handles held by two metal hands before signaling to the rest of the council that the distant doors beyond the hallway were opening. Arbil has arrived. The long hallway leading into the council chamber was vast, with pillars holding temporary flags following the council's attendees. Arbil would need a solid minute just to reach the chamber, just enough time for the lesser advisers to cool off, and the cabinet members of Commissioner and Secretary alike to recollect their thoughts.. The council fell completely silent as each member prepares for the inevitable.

(R) need significant revision