shiningboxofjustice | (no subject)

One moment!

[The imperious voice sounds out almost immediately after the knock; the door is opened a few moments after. A lady never keeps anyone waiting, after all.]

Oh, good evening, Ike.

Ah, good, you're here. You left something on a table in the mess.

[Ike holds up what appears to be a group of papers. The first page contains the words "government proposal."

You know that whole "new form of government with representatives for the people, chosen by the people" plan? Yeah.]

And this is... Oh!

[Maribelle reaches forward and almost snatches the paper out of Ike's hands.]

I... I've been looking for this! I thought for sure I had misplaced it for good; I already began drafting up a new copy. Thank you, Ike.

...You, ah. You didn't read it, did you?

...Um.

[Scratching the back of his head now.]

Well, it's hard to...see that title and, um. Not look.

A gentleman should not browse through the belongings of others without permission! I am simply appalled.

[She can't hide the healthy flush that has come to her cheeks, though.]

Hmph.

...Well. Since... since you have, I... suppose you can make amends by telling me what you think of it. ...Do remember that it's merely a draft; I assure you the final product will be much more polished. A-And yes, I know the entire thing is riddled with the most dreadful errors; obviously the third article is in direct conflict with Article XVII Section 3 of the Ordinance on Judicial Establishment of Law, but I really do think the power of the proposal lies in its appeal to lord and commoner alike, a... a 'parliamentary monarchy' if you will.

Well...with what I've been through...

[He'll trail off and shut up for a bit...until she's done talking, at which point he'll lift his hands.]

It's okay, it's okay. I didn't take my own notes on it or anything. I was...mostly surprised that a noble would propose a system of government that would reduce their own influence.

[Pause.]

But I liked what I saw. Letting the people choose who would represent them based on merit is a fantastic idea -- without a doubt, the best I've ever heard of.

O-Oh, well! I... Thank you, Ike.

[Maribelle's flush of embarrassment has turned into one of pleasure as she lowers her head to shuffle and sort the papers back into place. ...More importantly, to avoid meeting Ike's eyes.]

It won't be nearly so easy, of course. Why, some lord would have my head if I were to propose this with any serious intent. ...Every lord would have my head. It's more of a... dream for the future.

We need to begin by amending the laws we already have in place towards equality. Even with Lord Chrom upon the throne, old Ylissean law still rules harshly between the commoners and the nobility - and Lord Chrom can't step in to every case that makes it to the courts. Our judiciary remains positively bloated with old windbags too concerned with maintaining their own wealth to actually care half a whit about their duties!

[She crinkles some of her precious papers in her hands as she speaks, cheeks still red.]

My father --

[A pause.]

Oh, I must be boring you. Do forgive me for prattling on so.

Not at all.

[Ike shakes his head.]

Truth be told, I'm actually very happy that you feel this way. As for these reforms...what do you think the approval -- no, the endorsement of an experienced general would do for them?

[Maribelle raises her head back up now with a smile.]

I think they would make this general very unpopular with the old windbags. They're very clever, you know. You don't get to sit on the royal judiciary by being born into it, so there's that, at least.

But he would most certainly be a hero! All the more so given his past achievements. The people would be forever in debt to him. As would the house of Themis.

...Well, one person in the house of Themis, anyway, but I am next in line, so. I matter the most.

Edited 2013-05-26 23:52 (UTC)

[Oh, look. There's a confident grin on Ike's face now.]

That won't bother me in the least. I'm used to old bloats like that wanting me out of the picture one way or the other. But I'll do what I think will make things better for the people. Even more so with the ruler's blessing.

Oh, and he would! I'm certain Lord Chrom wants change just as much as I; not to speak above my station, but we've known each other for ages. ...Of course, he doesn't exactly know yet, but.

[Her expression softens as she glances away again.]

...You have my humble thanks, Ike. I... It means a great deal to hear words of encouragement concerning my dream.

You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad to see someone else wants to make things better for the people. You've got my full support.

Hm-hm! Thank you, Ike. It's so exciting to think that I'm on my way. When this accursed war is over, I shall forge my way into fresh waters and begin battle anew! Swords and staves are all very well on the battlefield, but, Naga willing, peacetime will be the normal state of affairs. What we wield then are the metaphorical swords of justice and equality - the scales of virtue tip to our side! It could very well take decades...

[A short pause.]

Naturally, the first law will require that all buildings be built with a tearoom well out of the way of any drafts and stocked with at least a week's worth of elderberry tea. It's frightful how people can live.

...That's a jest, right?

[Because Ike seriously can't believe anybody could believe in actually doing that, no matter how pampered they are.]

[Maribelle cracks open an eye from her self-contented expression and arches an eyebrow at Ike.]

...I do have some self-awareness, Ike.

Well...sure, but it's not always easy to tell.

[Understatement of the year.]

...Hmph.

I assure you, it would be welcomed with open arms by all the people, regardless.

[Probably still joking again.]

Oh, Ike... Since you do know of this now... Might I request that you glance over future drafts, perhaps?

Sure, no problem. And do I have your assurance you'll help clear up any questions I might have?

I could hardly receive a fair review if you didn't understand the meaning of it. ...There will be quite a bit of, er... 'legal-ese', I'm afraid. It's how these things tend to work.

That's fine. I've had to deal with worse. I swear, the bloated windbags I've had to deal with in both Crimea and Begnion would make up words on the spot just so they could lord my lack of vocabulary over me.