WELCOME

[ShadowedSin]

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Time: Noon
Day: 103 Sneatcha

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The sun rose into the mists that day like a warrior rises for battle. Into the sky the sun peak over the high tops of the great mansions on Gentry Lane. The light struck the great housing complexes and awoke many people that day. As the nobles were preparing, so where those not coming. In a longship off the coast, several took to the oar and prepared to arrived. Long hair tied in braids that had seashells and other implements hung into them. Great axes set aside as dark helms were prepared.

The ship moved along the coast as the sun leaped higher and higher. It's foreboding captain standing beside many who had come for one last chance.

Now as the ship moved on the servants of Dun Cels began their work. Stone chairs were moved out of their storage spots and arrayed around the stone of Fal. The banners and markings of each Clann was hung above the chairs as more and more preparations were put into place. Laoch and warriors arrived and began to go over the defenses of the Castle. Recent failings in the north had warranted greater defenses.

And as the guards moved about the castle the first entourage arrived. Each with long silver hair, and eyes like quicksilver. The members of the party arrayed themselves around their lord as his mother was not far behind. Finding a seat near the throne, which stood over the stone of Fal upon a great alter. The party sat and waited. Though thought dead, the Ua Nuada had come to see who the contestants were.

The Longship took itself not far off the coast as it's warriors took their axes and took up their banners. Prepared everything was going as planned.

At that moment, Caer, lady of Cels and Queen Consort to his Majesty Lord High King Aengus Mac Dagda rose. Taking a great spear she struck the stone. It began to hum and glow as suddenly a burst of energy erupted from it. The way struck out and awoke every noble and signaled the summoning via Danu's will itself to come to the Dal.

[Niall Ó Morrígan-Mór]

((Arrival posts are not necessary, I'm just doing one for the hell of it.))

The day was clear and the mists rose. Niall stared as a ceremonial raven was let loose from the hall. Several warriors cheered as it soared high into the air while cawing out its eagerness to divine a location of food. No matter it was something done by a druid from the Coill. To gather the warrior woodfolk into preparations when their representative would make a vote. Or upturn the entire workings of the Dal.

"Bloody open landers, no nothing about the trees," said one highly annoyed brownie. Niall gave a smile to the woman and gave a nod. With his people's new advantage in combat they would prove themselves even more dangerous than before. He turned his eyes as already the new material was being worked. An artificer channeled the right amounts combining Incantation with the magics of imbuing items with various energies.

"Well, with our new trees we shall garner respect for what is left of the great seas of wood. And with our new trees, our warriors shall send the Men of Iron to foreign graves," Niall said aloud. His eyes locked onto the Raven as he coughed. The air was drying out.

An hour later he was standing on the precipice of the archway that lead to the chamber. His hand rested on his spear, the chairs were arrayed. He gave a smile, and turned to walk towards a window that sat towards the end of the hall opposite of the chamber. Staring out he noticed the group of men making their way to the gate.

"So my brothers and sisters cometh, Danu have mercy on us all,' he said aloud.

[Brianna Uí Abhean-Mór]

Listening to the raven crying out made Brianna glad she hadn't insisted on releasing an owl to mark the arrival of the Ua Abhean. Such an act would be cruelty on the wise bird in daytime hours. Brianna was much more inclined to let the banners of her Clann stand high, demonstrating the artistic, creative, and aesthetic feats her people were capable of.

A number of the Ua Abhean guard stand in a paired line escorting their Gentry forward. Brianna moved close to the front of her group, her hair curled into columns falling all around her. She wore a few flowers along her temples, matching the floral color of her gown--and the gloves covering her hands. Her appearance was similar to the others standing with her, but only Brianna wore gloves; she had no desire to mar the occasion with her hands or the memory of how they came to be injured in the first place.

The assembly of Clanns was beginning to grow. Each group demonstrating their own significance in ways fitting their own clann. No two truly matched, showing that they were all made of different ideals, regardless if they were Unseeleighe or Seeleighe.

Brianna kept her mouth shut, not wanting anyone to get an impression that she was secretly laughing at them. For all the pomp everyone put forth, the clanns were still assembling along old borders and alliances, things that would likely be archaic once the day's business was finished.

[Ceana Uí Nemain-Mór]

So the time had come – and Ceana was almost dreading it, but the sooner it was over and done with the better for all and they could move on to other matters. Not that this wasn’t important; farthest from it. However, she couldn’t help but get an uneasy feeling as arrivals were announced, Clanns called forth. She had her people on the lookout everywhere though, so she tried to convince herself that there would be nothing amiss. Except that one thing which no one still had any news on as of yet.

As Ua Nemain guards escorted the Nobility, Ceana stood like a blood red flame among the throngs, her choice of clothing fitting her own colouring and causing her already pale complexion to stand out further like snow. However, despite being her usual all smiles and confidence, she was still waiting notice from a messenger and couldn’t help but be just a little distracted. Her eyes cast to the sky slightly and her smile slipped for a moment into something a little less warm before she caught herself. Though the sight of someone she’d been waiting for arriving nearby helped a little with that.

Sidling up near her among the Laoch, no one else would really notice the man who she spoke quietly enough with that only they and her most trusted would hear, “What news... there better be something, its been a couple of days already and well, today is kind of important.”

“Still hasn’t been a sign yet – far as we know, no one else has had any luck either.”

“Keep watch...” The Nemain Taoiseach grumbled softly to herself, “Danu save us, what is going on?” While interested by strange occurrences and mysteries, there were some times when Ceana didn’t like being given the slip – even by an inch. She had no idea if many others knew yet, and Cathal had made himself unable to be reached by her for a few days but she had to wonder why there’d been no sign of one of the candidates for the past few days in the city.

Sighing, she pushed it off for the moment as she waited in her seat once she’d settled in, sparing an amused raised brow and nod for the Tanaiste of their sister Clann, before surveying the rest of area calmly. Nobles from all over gathered in the one place in order to vote on who would be fit to rule Cels as a whole – and as her gaze slid toward the white ones she wondered just how smoothly this would go.

[Trystan Ó Lir-Mór]

His eyes snapped open as he awoke in bed. The sound of breaking bone reverberated from beneath him as another hostage was dealt with. He laughed. The negotiations with the Sept had gone on for days, and with his power he had knocked off a member of one of the more power Ginealach in Alba. No sense in making kin out that which was not Kin. Slipping on his coat and the rest of his outfit he felt the slim leather as it slipped over his hands. So well, so nice.

Casting a glance from his room he noted the various minions moving about in the area beneath his room. The large hall was made to sit deep in the lower bowels of Gentry Lane. With secret passages and other aspects, this part of the Dragan's Tower dungeon was his place of solace.

If you considered torture solace, then that was solace of course.

His hands gripped the blade as he finished his work. Standing he began the long climb to the ground levels of the tower. Each level was built to emulate the forlorn cliff holds of the Lir. Someone had even created an artifact to simulate the sounds of crashing waves. Sea Dragans were never free of the need to smell and hear the sea.

And today was the day, the day he did what he had planned. To deal away with someone in the Dal. Trystan's lips curled into a smile. It was all ready. His horse was already there as he was upon it and traveling with a group towards the fortress. Not long after he slipped in through the entrance into the chambers of the Dal. His bright eyes glinting in the light. He then took up a space behind a small congregation keeping their distance. A gave a smile as several wolfish eyes returned the smile.

"Our time draws near pup," said an old looking Laoch leaning against a window.

[Áine Uí Abhean-Mór]

As the raven cawed, one mysterious figure was drawing near to the area. Their head was covered by a hood and they couldn't immediately be recognized. The only thing that could be recognized was that she was genry and that was only because of the embroidery on her clothing. Her cloak was well made and her outfit could be seen to be a dress, something the figure seemed to walk awkwardly in. The face of the figure was not visible under the hood but she wasn't stopped thanks to the Abhean owl on her cloak.

The girl would've been in with the rest of the gentry but she wasn't welcome there nor had she been close by. However, on last minute decision, Áine had decided that she wanted to see who was the new leader of the Sidhe. The twenty year old bard couldn't vote and would probably get negative looks from a fair few of her clan but it didn't matter. Besides, it should otherwise be quiet. She had at least decided to come as herself, they should be grateful for that... She walked into the place, her movement so cat-like that people wouldn't didn't notice her creep up unless they were observant, and stood with her people, bringing down her hood to reveal her youthful appearence.

She was only in her twenties, not that old at all. Her hair was brown with darker streaks and blond streaks mixed into her hair, a mixed blood trait. Her most striking feature was her eyes though... They had the gold of her clan in the center of them around the pupil but near the white of the eye, were blue. It made the rather short female stand out all the more. But otherwise, she had done her best to not stand out. Her dress was blue and she wore a number of flowers of the blue and white variety in her hair.

Aine crept up behind Brianna. "It's been a while since I have gone to an event like this..." She commented "It is really interesting..." She was not one of those people who usually went to Gentry events. In fact, she commonly skipped out and was well known for it....It was a part of her image problems. Today, the event was far too interesting to ignore and simply go around as a bard for. Besides, few people would pay attention to a bard when royalty was being chosen. Very few people would hopefully notice her after she hid amongst the people again.

[Brianna Uí Abhean-Mór]

Whispers. Slight sounds had been drifting at the edges of Brianna's hearing for days. Everywhere she went, she heart the slight murmur. Her imagination could put together what the whispers were about, but most of the time, she could nearly hear what others were trying to keep from her ears.

These whispers had nothing to do with her previous actions in the Dal.

Someone had been moving through the Gentry of the Ua Abhean, causing the more rigid members of the Clann to grumble a little more. They grumbled constantly over the absence of their Taioseach, being left with the sole voice of her daughter to speak for them all. Brianna smiled, knowing her role, as well as knowing how her mother would vote, given the current circumstances.

She glanced over at the new arrival, a young woman wanting to get a better view of things than most of the Gentry. "No," Brianna whispered. "I don't imagine you have been to many of these events. I might actually remember your name if you had." Brianna turned away from the young woman and continued to observe the procession, though she was more amused by the young lady bearing blue and white flowers in her hair. "Nothing to worry about though. All things reveal themselves in time."

[ShadowedSin]

The air of the Dal was quiet. The silence was getting to some. Several more processions entered as the Clanns of Arbatach, Badb entered. Soon followed by nearly the entire assemblage of the Dal. Each Taoiseach who could be present was. An in many cases there many who were missing. Tanaiste and their respective other Tanistry members milled around. Those who would partake in the vote stooped in the high back chairs of the Dal members. Several Laoch crowded the room as members of the High Guard took their places along the walls. Servants ran about hanging the respective tapestries of each Clann of the Dal.

Finally as they all settled down an aged Sidhe grasping a long pole walked to the center. Strike the stone the wail ceased as he stared at the empty seating.

"The Dal has been called and those who are late shall pay by missing the right when discussion is offered!" stated the man. He was the Captain of the High Guard and the Chamberlain of the Gathering. A man whose forthright was to keep order within the recesses of Dun Cels. With a tap of his staff the man silence everyone and took his time composing himself. He was in fact short for a Sidhe and carried little weaponry. At his side was a simple straight short sword and upon his back a quiver and bow. Though his frame was bent compared to the others the man still radiate strength and resilience

"The issue at hand is the vote of the new Monarch of the High Kingdom. The Candidates as Kenneth descendant of Lir and Aithne descendant of Lugh. Both have rightful claimant to the High Throne," the man yelled for all to hear. Cian bristled at the words and stood.

"I am the sole heir!" he growled.

"Lord Cian of the Ginealach of SIlverarm has forfeited his right to the throne, as stated by his mother, Caer last known of the Tuatha de Danann," the High Guard captain answered in kind. The boy shut his mouth and sat back down. At that moment the Dal vote began with the captain stating, "Those who wish to make their case will state their vote and a reason!"

((So as stated, describe your characters reasoning for support and the candidate they vote for. They can abstain, but give a reason for that also))

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

At least she hadn’t slept in, but Aithne could’ve cursed as she saw the crowds that were not only inside the city, but on the outskirts as well. After having woken up fresh and dressed in a golden dress that she’d brought with her just in case she was pushing to the last moment, then arranging her hair at least neatly despite leaving it long and flowing, she’d decided it best to keep her cloak reversed and hood over her head for the trip back to Cathair Ceochán – she doubted the Laoch with her would disagree with the precaution.

Still, it seemed that she was still unable to hide from her own kin as she heard the sound of the Cymri horn sound when they neared the crowds and began making their way through – people shifting easily from the path of the large black stallion that eyed them. Aithne’s head looked up to see a few heads of golden tresses that shone a lot brighter than other light haired folk and smiled lightly as her cousin, Cormac – who seemed to have begun aging a little, beginning to reach the end of his years – sidled up beside Nightfire and shook his head up at the younger woman, “Too much like yer brother, you are girl. C’mon, its all starting,” He nodded to the Laoch as well while the gathered Sun Children led the way to Dun Cels, “Thanks fer findin ‘er, always been a wild spark, this one.”

“Aye, Cormac, and you were never a bad influence either, hmm?” Aithne chuckled at the mock hurt on the man’s face and shook her head, relaxing among a few familiar faces, and it was easy to see as well. Upon reaching the fortress, they were allowed through and she made her way to the Dal chambers, dismounting Nightfire and pulling out Brionac and the Sun King’s shield both free from the wrappings she’d had them in – ignoring the stares from the people who saw (and recognised) the items she carried.

Nodding to the guards as they allowed her past, Aithne entered the chambers just as the Stone of Fal was struck and the aged sidhe spoke out, calling the vote to session. Her gaze briefly swept the room silently, ignoring Cian's claims and the retort to them, as she made her way toward seats that had been brought out for her, the sun symbol emblazoned on them calling to the woman as she sat down elegantly and with little trace of the boisterous humour she’d had the last meeting here – looking much more the Sun Princess from years ago than the wild woman who’d made her claim for candidacy.

Glancing at the Stone of Fal for a moment, Aithne remembered Cathal’s words before she took a small breath and awaited the verdicts of the people around as to the fate of the high kingdom and possibly her future.

[Niall Ó Morrígan-Mór]

He watched them all. Feet steady upon the ground and eyes not missing a thing. The man was silent as the sword at his side as he unsheathed it and struck it into the ground. It wasn't bronze, it was black as night and gleamed like carefully molded iron, but it did not harm them. Let them see what the Raven have made. Let them see why we fear nothing. Though it was a gamble the new material was something he was hoping to use to back his cause. A simple one, one that hopefully they all would get. He eyed the Taoiseach of the Ua Badb and then Ceana of the Ua Nemain.

Hmmmm, seems we are all here.

He cocked an eyebrow when the dark clothed man slipped to stand near the gaggle of old veteran wolves. Bloody little scavengers. The Flidais had never interested him. They were a bunch of brutes who had little to know honor. His eyes followed them for a while and then he cast them off to the way side mentally. Noting their gathering as a possible threat and moved on. Finally he noted the Nuada, and gave a slight laugh at Cian being put in his place. The Captain glared at him and Niall returned the man's look with a one of respect.

It was the final arrival that sparked his interest. Aithne in her Ua Lugh finery. Tilting his head he decided it was time to feckin speak.

"Sa we sit here wit a candidate since seems Kenneth is taken is sweet time ta show up," he remarked. Standing his hand grasped his spear as he walked to stand before the Stone of Fal.

"Sorcha has put me in her place ta vote and as such I say this. For the past several centuries we have seen a rise in prosperity and peace fer our people. Though this is not what my people exactly prefer we have weather civil war and as such view the world as balanced. And with the rising violence between the courts I think it be time we ended it.

Clann Morrigan votes for Aithne Uí Lugh-Mór!" he said and trust the spear at the base of the stone. Turning around he then returned to his seat and waited.

[Áine Uí Abhean-Mór]

The strange looking girl gave her leader a smile and started messing with her hair. Rather then be offended by the person not knowing her name, she instead seemed pleased. But why wouldn't Áine be pleased? Alright, she wasn't known enough to be remembered but it meant that this woman didn't know she tend to be disliked by the older people in the clan. Before the procession started again, the younger member handed over a bell flower, a little blue flower which meant gratitude in flower language.

"I know, I'm a bard." She told Brianna as she handed over the flower. "If you want to hear my name, I'll tell it after this if you don't hear it from cruel lips." Although she said iit with a more amused edge, she did look back. She always seemed to feel those eyes no matter how important an event it was and no matter how much she knew she wasn't that important. The thing is, she had been. Now though, she wasn't anything of notice unless she decided to show up to an event, whether in male clothing or female clothing.

She was distracted from thoughts that had the potential to go darker by the vote for the ruler. Well... The showing of the candidates. She looked as the one seemed arrogant to try to get a claim when he didn't have one... The actual male claimer wasn't here but the other one was beautiful to her eye. Aine didn't know much about this but what she did know was that Aithne seemed like a person who would rule well. However, she didn't know both sides so what she did was decide that she woudl accept whatever the person she was talking to decided. She knew who she had talked to not by name but by the way the other clan members acted with her.

"I believe you can decide well." She told Brianna. "Besides, if I even told my view others in the clan may object just out of principle." She said this with a slight smile and gestured back with her head. Indeed, two older members were talking disapprovingly, looking at the two of them.

[Brianna Uí Abhean-Mór]

The first vote had been cast with the Ua Morrigan supporting Aithne. For a moment, Brianna had feared Niall wouldn't vote that way, though his interest in Aithne always appeared quite genuine, if not self-serving.

The young bard drew Brianna's attention once more, accidentally calling attention to her hair as she moved. "I would like to hear your name, bard, though this is hardly the time." Brianna's whispers felt cold, even though she meant what she said; she wanted to know more. She knew her eyes kept watching the bard, trying to pry apart her mysteries.

One thing was certain about the young bard--she had the same views on the current matter as her Tánaiste did. Something in Aithne seemed to draw the attention of many of the Ua Abhean, though Brianna wouldn't claim to know the will of all her Clann. There was only so much a person could do. "Regardless of what others might think," Brianna whispered, "I think I know the right choice. I just hope others can see what I see."

Taking a few steps forward, Brianna stood tall, looking at the heads of the other Clanns. Her mouth wanted to curl upward and smile at all of them, but she felt someone might take offense to her actions, after the recent debacle concerning the iron nails. One impulsive act wasn't going to stop Brianna, nor would it change her mind. The right choice had to be made and the time had come to cast the support of Ua Abhean.

"I am not my mother, I do not see the world as she sees it, nor does she see what I see. But on the issue of this day, I have no doubt that we both share the same view. Were she present, our Taioseach would cast the same vote I make this day.

"Of our candidates, I know one has reached out to others with kindness and sincerity, while keeping a calm mind. This candidate is a symbol of reason and wisdom, possessing a broad range of experience to draw from. These are the qualifications I think a leader should have."

Brianna took a slight breath and allowed herself a larger smile than the civil expression she had been wearing. When she spoke again, she slipped in a touch of pride, knowing it was the right choice. "Clann Abhean votes for Aithne Uí Lugh-Mór!" At once, she marked her vote as true, then took her place once more among her people. She felt quite sure her mother would have voted the same way, especially for an old friend.

[ShadowedSin]

((Posting as a few nobles as once, please excuse the short POVs on them this is to allow more customization for people later on who want to take them up.))

The proud golden stallion of the Arbatach rose as Catan eyed his fello Chieftains. His bright hair was tied back in a thick braid not unlike his daughter who stood to his right. Two Laoch were at attention behind him dressed in the golden colors of their Clann. Taking a breath he listened to the votes from the two Tanaiste. Snorting he rose slowly and unsheathed his sword.

"I respect the history of the Ua Lugh, but they have proven themselves unbefit of leadership. I vote thus for Kenneth Chieftain of the Ua Lir," he stated. The sword soon found itself thrust into the base of the Stone of Fal.

The sight of Catan voting for the Unseleigh caused Cathal and his sone to smile. The Leaders of the Ua Badb were a dark haired pair that waited for their turn. Both had seen where the Raven Prince had voted and the change in court of the sister Clann shocked on Cathal. Silently his son Fiachra chuckled as his Cousin's actions. Nodding to his father he took up th e spear of his family.

"I speak for the Ua Badb that when I say I am shocked that Niall would break with the Morrigan typical action of brooding that I am happy to see a change. So as I speak for my father, Battle Lord of all Raven in the Coill I say we welcome Aithne of the Sun Children. Lugh's blood reign strong!" he said and placed the vote for the Seleighe.

Rós herself quiet as the silence river smiled. Her hopes for change were coming and it was not long until the Taoiseach of the Ua Bébinn stood and placed her own voted.

"The Riverfolk of the Bébinn side with Aithne Uí Lugh-Mór, corruption from the northern rulers must end! Long live our cousins the Cymri!" she said and turned around after laying dagger at the stone's base. Several of the Dead Clann members including Ua Lugh and Ua Brigid rose in cheers at her proclamation among the lower nobles in the audience.

[Ceana Uí Nemain-Mór]

Ceana sat and played with a few cards she pulled from her pocket as more gathered, though seemingly distracted she still remained constantly aware of her surroundings and even more so of everyone else. She gave a side glance to Dolidh with a knowing smirk on her lips as she shuffled the deck. The Captain of the guard moved forward to announce the session and she wasn’t surprised in the least when Cian spoke out, snorting softly when he was shut down. It wasn’t as loud as Niall’s laughter though and she smirked when the Captain gave him a stare down before shaking her head.

Her attention turned toward the golden movement in the corner of her eye though, and Ceana stopped playing with her cards and blinked for a moment as she noticed what it was the younger woman carried. She’d only seen it once herself, upon visiting the old Taoiseach at his home one time. Feckin clever little Sun. Where did she hide that? Brionac, reunited with the Stone of Fal... hmm... Ceana’s eyes narrowed and she glanced at the large stone as her mind started working.

But now was not for mysteries – as much as she would love to puzzle over things, there was a vote to be had. And it seemed that Niall was going to begin things as he cast his vote for the golden woman. Ceana’s gaze darted between the two, but she held off the small sly grin that wanted to be loosed on her expression. The surprise on the face of Ua Badb Toaiseach almost made her want to chuckle out loud but she simply glanced at Dolidh again, as though sharing a private amusement. The next was the Ua Abhean Tanaiste, who also voted the Sun Princess. Despite the mistake made in the last session, Ceana did feel for the girl a little, but she seemed to have a head about her in regards to this matter at least and it may yet redeem her slightly in the Dal.

As Clann Arbatach spoke, Ceana wanted to sigh but withheld; though cast a small glance at the Laoch assigned to the Sun Child in interest – he was one of theirs after all. As south as their main Sept, it seemed they paid very little attention to things that were outside their interest – but as it was their choice, then their vote and reasoning were valid. Ceana’s eyes lit up slightly when she saw Fiarcha speak for the Ua Badb, released a hushed chuckle at his jest at the Morrigan, but their vote was expected – seemed the Raven Clanns were in complete agreement, a novel thing. Then the Taoiseach of Bébinn added her support for the Sun Child – resulting in a cheer from no doubt Cymri survivors.

Patting her daughter on the arm, Ceana then made to stand with her sword in hand and crimson eyes swept the room, “I’ve lived long enough to recognise that old thing.” She commented quietly with a nod to Aithne, or more so the spear she held before turning back to the rest of the room. “We of the Nemain are aware that it is a time of change; the fading of the old and rise of the new – like the setting and rising of the Sun, really.” She smiled, “The cycle will always continue and we shall embrace it like the morning.”

Ceana then went silent as her expression dropped its humour into business, “Clann Nemain therefore cast our vote for the Sun Princess, Aithne Uí Lugh-Mór! She carries the spirit of her forefather in her well and is a symbol of old undying values with fresh new outlook and direction. Shining guidance for the road ahead.” With that, the scarlet-hilted sword was thrust down quickly at the stone’s base before she turned to take her seat once more.

[ShadowedSin]

Bethan rose and took his time to think. It was not the time, and the pressure of his great grandmother was not going to help. Thoug hthe only thing she had done was gie him an order. Damn her. Damn her and his father. An Neamhni consume ever last bloody soul! Staring at the many votes he stood and eyed his daughter and shook his head. Things were in the wind as all the plans his Clann had set in motion had fallen apart. Al that was left was to leave.

"Clann Caer abstains from voting, we do not support this farce," he said before leaing in a flurry of movement. Bethan's daughter followed with her head bowed.

Garbhan watched the Swans take their leave. His father was missing in action and as such he represented the smiths of the Ua Creidhne. The words of both candidates during the letter discussion had drawn his ears. However, both also had their negative points. Kenneth was always the war monger and it was not good for business for war to always happen. On the other hand war would bring more sales of Creidhne weapons.

Then there was the Lugh girl. the sister of Lugaid. Garbhan twisted his faced into a grin as he remembered the man. Shaking his head he gives a sigh.

"I Garbhan of Clann Credihne lay me people's support neighter candidate," he said and turned his gaze as he then returned to his seat.