The Ivory Council Persuasive Speech

Travel has worn through me so thoroughly that I almost whoop when the Kariadian gate comes into view. It's taken my caravan over a month to travel here from a small village in Alkorina were I've been hiding for twelve years. Hiding from the bastard who killed my mother and elder sister. The bastard that took my home and tried to kill my family. My hands tighten on the reins of my horse. I would never have come back here if the Ivory Council hadn't ordered me to. I can't believe those hippies want to declare a truce. If it weren't for the councilor's status I'd kick their asses. The Ivory Council is a group of people whom the gods have chosen to tell their wills. When they are "chosen" a collar tattoo appears around their neck and wrists
"In my home stealing is punished with ten lashes. Endangering a child is punished with servitude. Be punished in the way of my people and live as one of us or die as one of them." She says tilting her toward the crowd. "As one of the people who would sooner see you starve than offer a bite of bread." For a long second the man considers. He looks over both sides. The people who will kill him or the creatures he's always feared. The mermaid who has been speaking is patient. Whether she wants him to choose life or not doesn't show through her motionless
The mermaid's expression doesn't change. Instead an aura spreads. It's faint but easily felt by one who is skilled at hiding their own emotions. The aura is one of great sadness. The mermaid, who I am starting to believe is the leader of the merry mote band, nods and the two holding the man release him. As he struggles to stay floating the leader embraces him as she pulls him under the deep green water.

For a long time the people stay silent. They must not have ever seen something like this before. The man never comes up and blood never stains even a drop of the thick water. I wonder if it's really possible for a human to grow a tail. What kind of life would that be? To live breathing water and eating fish until you die. Is it possible for a mermaid to eat fish? Would that be some twisted form of cannibalism? Question after unanswered question enters my head as we pass through the inner ring to the castle.

A hateful hiss greets my guards and I as we enter the throne room. Taking the place of my mothers throne is Azazel the usurper King. With blood boiling I offer a greeting to the man I hate most. “Your majesty, it is a great honor to be welcomed into you presents.” I say managing to grind the edge out of my