Today seemed to be a full day, meeting after meeting after meeting. It was times like these that Deme felt the true weight of being the Archon. Perhaps life had been easier when he had just been Radonis’s apprentice, but there was no looking back now, so onward he marched.
Even amidst the chaos of political machinations and diplomatic discussions, Deme found solace in the knowledge that he was shaping the future of Tevinter. This was his burden, yes, but also his purpose.
He reminded himself of this whenever the weight of his duties threatened to crush him. A firm resolve and a steady heart, those were the tools he wielded against the challenges of his position. No matter the difficulty, he would guide his nation towards a brighter future.
Nixi the Prodigy, his little two legged cat, sat down next to him on the right. Watching everyone come and go intently, while Zephriel Michael Antonio Radonis the Brave, with his little red velvet cape, marched around the room like he owned the place, eyeing everyone that entered his domain. Deme stifled a yawn and then nodded to his servant to let in whomever was next.
Novella Tilani didn't look like much, dressed in her fine silks and colorful pallettes that her wife so-preferred. But the few weeks after her wife's release from "re-education" (it was a prison, she knew this and she knew everyone else knew this to), she couldn't escape the idea that she should talk to the Archon about the treatment of her spouse.
Not the re-education itself, but the fact they placed her in a men's ward, and treated her like a man, refusing gender affirming care. It bothered her; and the typically meek housewife was not above approaching the Archon at one of his 'open office' days.
He might recognize her, though she doubted it. Her code-name was no longer the only name she had at her disposal. And her wings carefully hidden away, by the amulet around her neck. She entered, not even pausing to curtsy, as she approached the man.
I would like to discuss gender-affirming care in the prison and re-education systems.
04-24-2024, 03:17 PM
Demetrius Arvina
Age
Years
N/A Posts
Gender
Pronouns
Played by:
Deme, taken aback by her directness, wore a thoughtful expression as he considered her words. That is indeed a serious matter, worthy of discussion. Please, elaborate on your concerns. He gestured for her to continue, his eyes reflecting a genuine interest in her perspective. Did he entirely mean the words coming out of his mouth at the moment? Not really, but he was a diplomat, a politician, and that meant choosing his words carefully, especially until he understood the full extent of what was being presented to him.
He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. The well-being of all our citizens, regardless of where they find themselves, is a matter of utmost importance. We must ensure that our systems cater to the needs of all individuals, he stated, his tone indicating that he was prepared for a thorough and potentially challenging discussion.
Novella stared at the man; almost in disbelief. She'd expected one of his moods... not simple acceptance. My wife was placed with men, she was not allowed to shave her facial hair. And they cut her hair short; shaved it, in fact. She'd moved to sit across from the man, taking more space than one probably should when dealing with the Archon.
I understand re-education is necessary. I support that, and have helped re-educate many citizens, as you know. She began, biting her lip. But gender affirming care should not be denied. That damages the psyche and makes any released from re-education a risk to their own health. Like her wife, who had left the compound.
I request that you work with my wife, to ensure that there is a better understanding of gender identity within the re-education system. It wasn't really a request. It didn't even sound like a request. It was a statement.
Deme nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of her words. That is troubling, are the men allowed to shave their face? His voice was firm, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes, but he had questions, simply because he was not as privy to the minute details of what went on in re-education, he’d only ever concerned himself with the bigger picture where it was concerned and he was just trying to understand.. I ask simply because it is something I was not aware of, but also feel that if anyone would feel better with a shaved face, they should have that right, male or female, re-education or not. After all, some men preferred to be clean shaven.
He paused, considering her request. As far as where she was put, if I’m understanding correctly. He paused as he wrapped his head around her words, realising now that the wife was probably not born that way, not that it mattered to him, a person was what they were and it was one area he was very unlikely to question, same with sexuality. That is a serious oversight on our part. She is who she is, and that should have been taken into account. I’m afraid many of our laws and practises have not been rewritten and many reflect a more archaic mindset.
As far as I know, no. But that isn't the issue at all, but he continued talking and she faded into silence. He wanted to know if anyone could shave; because he thought it was a basic human right.
She'd not press on it, then. Her gaze wandered over the Archon's features, as she studied him. Trying to figure out where he was going with it. But he claimed it was an oversight on the part of the Eyes, and she exhaled quietly. That... would not go over well with Malachai.
But that wasn't her problem. Yes. I agree. Much of Tevene law is... out-dated. That was easy.
Deme leaned forward, a serious expression on his face. I appreciate your patience and candor in bringing this matter to my attention, Novella. While it is true that many of our laws and practices are outdated, it is our duty to evolve and ensure that every citizen is treated with the respect and dignity, even if they are in re-education, there are some things that should surpass that fact. he said, his voice steady. He saw no reason why Ella’s wife shouldn’t have been put in the female population, she was female, end of story.
Though with the topic of shaving, he couldn’t really see allowing one group of people to shave while not extending that right to others, but he wanted to see a truly equal society, not one where the scales simply tipped from one group to another.
You know, I believe there still may even be a law on the books about single men owning sheep and people wrestling bears and throwing dwarves while drunk…. He paused, realising that his thought rant had absolutely nothing to do with the core issue at hand, it was just him simply being him by going off on tangents. Sorry, bit of a tangent, not saying that has anything to do with the issue at hand. Though the rumours around his mental state were definitely circulating, so perhaps it would be no surprise to Novella.
Novella studied the Archon, dipping her head as he addressed her concerns. Thank you. She had turned to go, when the man rambled about other such laws that were unrelated to the topic at hand.
Ah... yes, sir. She murmured, quietly, frowning. Perhaps you should rest, she suggested, under her voice, lest anyone in the line behind her realize she was encouraging the man to leave them hanging.
Deme's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint as he leaned back, letting out a small chuckle at his own tangent. He nodded thoughtfully as Novella suggested rest.
"Ah, perhaps you're right, dear Novella," he mused, his voice taking on a whimsical tone, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "Rest... Yes, a most splendid idea. After all, one must be properly rested to ensure the kingdom isn't run into the ground by bear-wrestling, sheep-owning single men!"
He rose from his chair with a flourish, the motion almost theatrical. Nixi and Zephriel, ever loyal, perked up, ready to follow their master wherever he went next. Deme glanced around the room, eyes resting briefly on the line of waiting petitioners. He waved a hand dismissively, as if shooing away the day's troubles.
"Novella, consider your request noted and action will be taken. For now, I shall retire to my private study... There are books to ponder, tea to sip, and perhaps even a nap to steal." He offered a final nod, not waiting for a reply, and began to make his way toward the study, his steps light, almost as if he were skipping to a rhythm only he could hear.
As the doors to his private sanctuary closed behind him, a sense of calm washed over him. He had faced another day as Archon, and now it was time to rest and prepare for whatever the morrow might bring.
