[CONSOLE] video;

[rawiron]

[The man in this video is recognisably Heojin to those who have seen him before, but to those who have been looking closely there are some slight differences. Less grey in his hair, slightly more tapered around the waist—a little younger, in general. There’s something about his demeanour which has changed, as well; while formerly Heojin had seemed solid and serene, there is something sharper about his gaze now.

[For all that, when he speaks his voice is the same: low and soft-spoken, with every word considered and even.]

Hello, Keeliai City.

Some of you may not know me. Some of you … only think you do. My name is Heojin, whom the Woodsmen call their head. The man who has thus far made himself known to you is a body-double.

I regret that any subterfuge was deemed necessary. Rest assured that I lied or hid nothing of vital importance save the exact nature of my presence. The man who stood in for me is a trusted friend; all that he heard came to my ears, and all that he said may as well have come from me.

I stand before you now because I want to believe such a deception is no longer necessary. I have spoken to Yunxu, my brother of the city, and he has granted that threats outside Keeliai must take precedence to any tensions which lie between us. Whatever happens in the future, I believe that we all of us can stand together—Foreigner or kedan; Metalworker, Snake, Woodsman, Merchant.

This city is our home. She deserves our united esteem. I would like to make this happen. Will you join me?

[ooc: Heojin will respond to anything directed at him, but feel free to also use this post to talk amongst yourselves.]

Comments

[rawiron]

Then I hope they will lead you true.

I do not believe that internal and external focus are mutually exclusive, Ms Valdis. I do believe that being more attentive to those outside our walls will helps us be more attentive to troubles within. It is a form of accountability, for as long as we believe there is no one who may be watching, there less desire to address what issues may be present. And I believe that the Chihuelans are a potential threat to be prioritised, at this moment in time.

But I would not deny your desire to seek those who have harmed others, and ensure they cannot do so again. Nor would I stop you, so long as your measures do no harm to those who do not deserve it.

[He smiles faintly.]

But I do not think they will.

[redlightgreenlight]

[Perhaps the Chihuleans did need to be the priority right now, but that didn't mean that the families and the foreigners should turn their backs. That would only get them stabbed from behind.]

Just...don't neglect what is behind you.

[rawiron]

[He smiles.]

I never do. Good luck, Ms Valdis.

[redlightgreenlight]

[She didn't particularly believe in 'luck', it was skill, power and knowledge that determined the future, but she could appreciate the sentiment]

Same to you.