[center][h2][b]Kareet of Arcaeda[/b][/h2][/center]

[hr]

While the others spoke, Kareet fetched a small blanket from her backpack nearby and laid it out on the grass. She had been hanging on Vigdis’ every word when she spoke about her people’s history, and especially the Jotunheim itself. As she told it, Vigdis herself had been among a team of thousands that had constructed the ship. For Kareet, that was an exciting revelation. However, it was becoming abundantly clear that these political discussions and arguments were not going to end anytime soon. Any time it felt like she was about to be able to learn something especially interesting, the discussion shifted back to Silbermine and the approaching armies. It made sense, given the situation, but that did not mean she had to be happy about it. If she was going to have to participate in them, she may as well make herself comfortable. She took a seat on her blanket, taking particular care to avoid getting any dirt on her feathers. Kareet preened herself absentmindedly, up until they started to discuss the Running. That, in her mind, was something on which she could give a helpful perspective. She was not one who had any problem chiming in when it suited her. 

“The Running is one of Mythadia’s greatest traditions, in my opinion.” Kareet commented.  “Archmagister Vyana herself took inspiration from it when she was forging the customs of her Ascendancy. No one dies in the Running, or no one is [i]meant[/i] to. Especially not since Life magic became available. It is, essentially, a long series of contests spanning weeks, testing every facet of a person’s being. Martial prowess, physical conditioning, mental acuity…it can really make a show of [i]everything[/i] a person is.”

At first, Kareet did not hide her admiration for the Running’s concept, though after a moment, she let out a light sigh. “Of course, there are a few details that unfortunately undermine the whole affair. To Mythadians, it supposedly shows who their gods favor the most, so they allow champions. Sometimes they invite champions from nations all over the continent, which makes for some spectacular competitions, but only Mythadian nobles can earn the positions they are competing over. You see, Archmagister Vyana outlawed all titles of nobility when she established the Ascendancy; worth cannot be inherited, only earned. It is a point of contention between us and…nearly everyone else, except the Iriad.” She explained, tilting her head slightly towards Shirik.