11th Haematite, 354"So, three-day voting fest, I understand?" said Gethro, stepping out of an alleyway as Emerin walked past.
"Gaargh!"
"The mayoral elections, that is. Starting this morning, yes?" Gethro seamlessly began pacing alongside the Lady Mayor, whose step remained unbroken despite the shock.
"Um, yes," said Emerin, trying to regain her composture. "Where exactly did you come from?"
"Little trick your resident troubadour taught me. Anyhow, I wanted you to know that you have my utmost support. Everyone will be voting behind you."
"Er, thank you?"
"Yup, absolutely everyone. For years, I reckon. Especially now that you have nobility oversight on your actions." Emerin frowned, then forced a smile.
"What does that mean, exactly?"
"Well, we can't just have the Mayor running around unchecked, can we? Who knows what an unscrupulous sort could embezzle or otherwise get away with, yes? Not that
anyone would accuse you of such, Lady Mayor." Gethro's smile was like oil. Thick castor oil being forced down Emerin's throat, at that.
"Of... course." Emerin's own smile went limp at the prospect. "There's nothing I value more than oversight. Yes-siree. Looking forward to many more years in this thankle- rewarding job, with its miser- acceptable pay limits. Yes. Very."
"Not at all worried about the shadow horse in the offing, then?"
"Shadow horse?" Emerin's haunted eyes lit up like a rat finally seeing the light at the end of the maze. There was the possibility the light had a moustrap, but there was also the possibility the light had cheese. "Someone else is actually running?"
"Well, we've been keeping it quiet," Gethro said off-handedly, "but I understand Master Urnriddled would like to have a greater hand in government. I believe the death of his brother rekindled his interest in politics, and would certainly give him a lead in the vote. Popular support and so on. A good thing I have your back, yes?"
"Oh... absolutely." The cogs in Emerin's mind started whirring into motion. She had an out. After three long years, she finally had an out... Gethro patted her on the back.
"Of course, we both know that I'm just a corrupt aristocrat, right?" He winked. "So if, say, my apartments and office happened to be finished by the time the votes were ready to be tallied, I would have no reason to keep your support, would I?"
"Oh, no! No, quite- I mean, I wouldn't ever accuse you of such, Geth- dungeon master! Quite certainly not. Though I do believe Urnriddled would be far more susceptible to such pressures, if that were the case."
"Perhaps so. Do enjoy your day, Lady Mayor." Gethro smiled and turned into another alleyway, leaving Emerin pacing on, lost in thought.
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Today's delayed post excuse is brought to you by A Biker Wedding! Acquaintance from the biking club got married, had about 120 motorbikes come and convoy the wedding car to the hall where they got married. That was a sight to remember.
This has nothing to do with that, but you should read it anyway because it has sadly taken a slight updating preference to Olonkulet. I only have so much time to write, and the story with adverts and the potential for eventual revenue sadly has to take preference. (But I'm still updating OK, damn it! I made a promise!)