The Nation's Palace, a grand architectural marvel of rose-colored stone and gleaming golden metal roofs stood proudly amidst the sprawling metropolis of Drasnia's capital city, Tireshk. Built with the gravity-defying magical abilities of the country’s best enchanters, the palace is a testament to their skill and craftsmanship. Its spires seem to defy the laws of physics, appearing to almost float in midair, while others are so slender and delicate that it seems impossible that they can support their own weight. The surrounding gardens were meticulously maintained and adorned with topiaries and flowers that created a stunning display of nature's beauty. As dignitaries filed in, the delicate fragrance of the blooming flora mingled with the light and airy melody being played by the orchestra, infusing the air with an enchanting aura.
Despite being located in the heart of the bustling capital, it was as if the palace and gardens existed in a different realm altogether, insulated from the noise and bustle of the city. The sound magicians' skillful work was apparent as the cacophony of the city was silenced, replaced by the serenity of the palace's surroundings.
While the line of dignitaries entered, their eyes were drawn to the temporary stage, which was set up for the new leader's inaugural address. As the final attendees made their way to their seats, the accompanying orchestra switched from the sprightly tune they had been playing to a more formal and commanding anthem. The Quindecim, the fifteen members of the governing council, marched down the central aisle and stood in front of their seats on the stage, their presence asserting respect and attention.
The final attendee of the event stood at the entrance to the garden and waited until the orchestra had completed the nation’s anthem. With that, they began “The Peoples’ March”, a song reserved only for the leader of Drasnia’s fifteen colonies, Marisa Au'Trian. The woman, tall and strikingly beautiful, started down the path surrounded by her governing colleagues. Adorned in a regal purple robe embellished with golden floral accents, her presence seemed to emanate a magnetic force that drew everyone's eyes toward her. As she made her way down the aisle, her eyes scanned the gathered dignitaries, her expression one of quiet confidence and strength.
Finally, she arrived at the stage podium and gazed out over the assembled crowd. A member of The Quindecim stepped out from their seat, walked over to the leader of the colonies, and touched a hand to her throat. Arcs of azure energy mixed with the now visible violet aura swirling around the regal-looking woman as the sound-amplifying spell began to take effect. And with a bow, the Quidecim member made their way back to their seat. Straightening her robe, Drasnia’s servant to the people grabbed hold of the podium with both hands and began to speak. Her voice rang out, rich and clear, as she began her inaugural address, the gathered dignitaries listening intently to the words of their new leader. The Nation's Palace, a symbol of strength and beauty, stood proud and resolute as if it knew that it was witnessing the birth of a new era.
“Today marks an historic moment for our nation as we come together to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. I stand before you humbled by the trust you have placed in me and deeply grateful to the fifteen members of the Quindecim and all those who supported me throughout this campaign. Without your unwavering commitment and dedication, I would not be standing here today.
It is with deep sorrow to think back on the tumultuous time we have just come through, a time where the very foundations of our nation were shaken by rebellions and riots under the misguided fears of the few. But I stand before you today as a symbol of a return to the core values of this great country. A return to cooperation, not competition. A return to hope. It is a time for reaching out to one another and finding common ground, to work together to build a better future for all of us.
Let us be clear: the insurgencies that have plagued our nation are the work of a small minority of the population that is bent on everything our country stands against - isolationism, fear, and hate. But we will not let their hatred and violence divide us. We will stand together, united against the forces of darkness that seek to tear us apart.
Instead, we will face this dark stain on our nation’s tapestry head-on. We will work together to build a brighter future for all of our citizens, regardless of colonial affiliations. We will invest in the people to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Let us look to the future with hope and optimism, and let us work together to create a better world for ourselves and for generations to come. We can once again show the world that Drasnia is and always will be a beacon of hope to all. I would like to personally…”
Her voice cut off suddenly. It took both the audience and even the leader herself a moment to register the small newly formed hole that had burned its way through the front of her head and exited out the back. She crumpled to the ground with a horrifying thud augmented by the sound-amplifying sorcery cast on her before her speech. Pandemonium ensued with screams and confusion. The crowd's efforts to hide from the gunman was to no avail as the entire palace garden suddenly erupted into a raging inferno.
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