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"Needs" (Tworiver) Needs... Sunlight streamed through the window, hitting the white-blonde highlights in his well-kept hair. Faint lines across his forehead showed the heavy weight of resposibility he'd born for far too long. His eyes closed, brow furrowed, he considered deeply the latest concern of the city. His city, in theory. None of its citizens trusted his methods. Officially, he was the plenipotentiary of Two River City. However, in his mind and heart, Makai knew he had a long road ahead of him on the path to true leadership. Thoughts raced through his head at a mile a minute. Most were concentrated on the increasing threat posed by the Highland army. Others revolved around the day to day needs of Two River. Needs... There was that word again. He'd always thought he knew what Two River needed. An effective leader, a balanced economy, and a strong army for protection. He had been educated in his youth on the political systems of the world, and knew which worked and which didn't. He tried to take the qualities of the best and encorporate them into his style of politics, but had thus far been unsuccessful. Had he been wrong all this time? He opened his eyes and stared out the window into the bright sun, feeling its warmth wash over him. Maybe Two River didn't need him after all... He was so deep in thought, he didn't hear the door open and a pageboy poke his head into the room. "Lord Makai...?" the boy asked after clearing his throat. The mayor jumped slightly, startled by the intrusion, and turned to face him. "Yes?" "The councils are awaiting you, Lord..." The boy ducked his head and quickly left the room, the message delivered. Makai grimaced. The councils... Those who had 'elected' him to be the figurehead. In truth they had had as little say in the matter as any normal Two River citizen. Pressure from his father had earned him the position. That was really all he was; a figurehead. All important decisions were passed through the councils to be voted on, and voted on again if they were strongly opposed. He just signed papers presented to him and appeared at meetings. His approval was never needed, just his presence. Needs... The councils apparently needed him about as much as the city itself did. When had things gotten this way? His father had always been an important man, much more than a figurehead. He demanded the councils listen to him, and the people of Two River respected him greatly. Makai stared out the window once more. Why couldn't he be more like his father? Was he too weak-willed to be the plenipotentiary? Probably, answered his mind. People wouldn't see him as an effective leader if he let the councils walk all over him. His fist clenched almost unconsciously. It was past time for him to take control of the situation. The councils thought they could simply lead him around by the nose as pass laws without his say. 'No more...' he thought. The messenger boy poked his head back into the office, confused at Makai's tardiness. "Lord Makai, the councils..." he started. The mayor turned suddenly, facing the boy. "Do you think I'm a good leader?" he asked. The boy blinked. "I...I guess so, Lord..." Makai stared hard at him for a moment, deep in thought. Then, without warning, his face brightened as he almost smiled. "Well, let's not keep the councils waiting any longer, shall we?" He strode from the room, the boy trailing behind hesitantly. For the first time since his election, he had confidence in his abilities as the plenipotentiary of Two River City. The councils would not be pleased.
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