Clerical duties (David)

[David B.]

Standing, he moved around the desk, and taking Prestons shoulder, would look him in the eye. He had a great black hole in his stomach.

"You are chosen, young Salabim. Serve well, and do not let our city fall."

He slammed the stone into Prestons stomach. Preston, unable to pass out, would feel like a glass man that shattered, his body on fire and frozen at the same time as power seemed to rip his spine from his body and flail about. Energy veins started burning up through Prestons body, and he'd feel the weight of a million souls on him. His eyes started glowing red, and Rince would speak softly, his words oddly cutting through the pain.

"Fight back, Preston, Push into it.....dominate it with your will."

Preston would begin to see things from his past, painful things. He'd feel something creeping over his shoulder.

It was death.

[Preston Salabim]

Preston wasn't sure if he was howling in pain or if he was just howling in his mind as everything hit him. He felt himself shattering apart, his body threatening to go into a thousand directions. He tried to focus on his mana, focus on drawing those shards in like he would anything else. His power keeping the shards together. Willing them back into their proper place.

[David B.]

He'd feel a question in his mind.

"Why should I let you rule?"

It was in a womans voice.

[Preston Salabim]

Because the stone is infused in my body. It is me, and I will fight for Ayatlan until I die.

It was firm in his mind as he continued to push forward, continued to pull his Mana to hold his shards together. Continued to fight.

[David B.]

Not good enough. Anyone could fuse with me. Anyone could say they'd fight for my country until they die. Why should I choose you.

The veins began pulsing, agony still pushing through Preston.

[Preston Salabim]

Because I chose me. And without me Ayatlan falls. Everything my predecessor is I will be greater than. And I will ensure we ascend to new heights in the decades to come.

He'd keep pushing through the pain, pouring more of his mana into it. The choice had already been made, he did not intend to stop now.

[David B.]

The vines receded only a little, the pain lessening only enough to make him able to think just a wee bit clearer.

Good, young mage. But what will stop you from using that power for your own selfish desires? Will our people suffer for your attachments to Roz, for your debts to Cabal or for your own drive to become greater than he?

[Preston Salabim]

A trick question. Any candidate will have attachments and a past. I make no promises that we will never feel short-term pain for a choice I make. I use my best judgment in all of my choices, and when those choices are wrong I learn. It is by always striving for perfection that we have reached the heights we have now, and by continuing to reach no matter how or when we falter that we will be higher still the next time you judge a soul.

[David B.]

The longer he talked, the more the vines receded as did the pain.

But not all people are fighting to be our leader. Your worth must be decided, your merits weighed. I simply wonder if you've done that to yourself.

[Preston Salabim]

Technically, I handpicked myself. I am the previous ruler. And I had not thought to be here doing this for many many years. I'd not have chosen to do this now, but it's happening. And I will adapt and seek out those with more knowledge and experience than I. I am not so foolish to think I have all of the answers. Especially while I live in a land blessed with the knowledge of every aspect.

[David B.]

You are weak, and you have much to learn of humility....but very well, mage. I will allow you to house me, and look after our people. Pray I have to reason to rise against you. I will burn you from the inside....out.

With a flicker, it all vanished, leaving him drained but otherwise intact. It was just a few seconds to Rince but how he did know what that was like. Preston would now have a massive energy stone in his chest, just below his sternum. And he could feel the connection to the island, like a great living energy. Rince sat once more by the fire, looking pale.

"Never take it out, Preston. Or let it be destroyed."

OOC:

Item gained!

Heartstone: +1 to all stats - The great stone that holds the island of Ayatlan up from the sea. It seems to have more powers than are available to Preston right now, along with a personality of it's own.

Ability 1: Locked

Ability 2: Locked

[Preston Salabim]

He felt beyond drained, he was sure he was just as pale as his older version. He'd nod at his words though.

"I don't think I could, even if I wanted to."

[David B.]

He nodded.

"I always wanted to die here. In this home. But I surmise that would not go over well for you, with Joaquin. Come."

He stood, and stumbled. His staff appeared in his hand as he leaned more heavily on it. He'd start for the door.

"Let us inform the Clerics of the change."

[Preston Salabim]

He nodded and adjusted his glasses.

"I am sorry it has to end this way."

[David B.]

"I am not."

He looked at Preston.

"Though we share the same body and upbringing, we are two very different people. Perhaps your end will have much less peace, so I made mine. This isn't a bad way for an old man to die, and I finally get to leave this world and it's generation with a future that is worth fighting for."

260 was rich. Cultured. Very little racism, sexism- even the wealthy elites were not unkind to those who were poor. Not entirely, anyway. He had things like universal healthcare and free college in the pipeline. Hopefully things that this Preston would find just as important. He realized now he had a chance to give Preston some final words of advice as they started walking out of the house and down the steps, back toward the great stairs. The other chancellor shadows stopped, turning to watch them walk. The final march of Rincewind Xillis, the name Preston Salabim had given to himself to rule.

"I know you are young, and rich, and proud....but remember, a good leader is the one who's people barely knows he exists. When your work is done, and your aim is fulfilled....they should be able to say they did everything themselves. So don't boast. Be humble in your dedication, your practice, your defense. Fight hard for your people, and they will give you loyalty."

They were at the base of the stairs now, the chancellor starting up. He wished he had more time with Preston but...this was the end, and he knew that there was nothing more to be done for it.