Journey through the Broken Path

They say one should ‘think before they speak’, in order to prevent a quarrel. For Palos Mudicous, that is an understatement. Palos is a High Councilor of the Crimson Confederation, an alliance made up of citizens of the Cyrodiil. The members of this esteemed faction are well known for their anti-Imperial ideas and most are of the Elven and beast races.

Several days ago a situation came up where a member of the assembly stole an article written up by someone else, and then tried to claim it as their own. The circumstances were taken care of and that was quickly forgotten, but thanks to the questionable statements by Palos, yet another dilemma cropped up for leaders of the Crimson Confederation.

The leaders had quarreled back and forth with one another for how the first problem was dealt with, and some nasty words were exchanged. Again, this particular event was taken care of as well, but thanks to Palos, the bickering continued.

You all don’t even know how to run an organization. Just take a look at the Imperials themselves. We badmouth them day in and day out, but look at us! For some of you, you need to take a look at them and so how ‘real’ leaders lead…

He spoke these words without thinking first, thus going against that old proverb stated in the beginning. The two Governors of the Crimson Confederation put an immediate stop to the internal squabbling and ordered that nobody speak of it again. Everyone of course heeded the main leaders’ instructions and went on with life. However, for one person, such words were not easily forgotten.

Rederoc was extremely upset with Palos’s ill-advised comments. He still respects Palos as a person and a friend, but to him it was just the wrong place and the wrong time to say something so hurtful to the Governors, who were trying their best to run the assembly as they see fit. In fact, Rederoc didn’t think Palos’s comments fit anywhere, or anytime.

He almost said something to Palos’ comments right on the spot, but he held his tongue. Unlike Palos, Rederoc did remember the old proverb. He wanted so much to let Palos know how he felt about everything, but he didn’t. He was very angry as well, so it was probably a good thing he didn’t say anything.

Anyway, the days went by and still Rederoc held his breath, although it was killing him inside. Finally, during a time when the leaders of the confederation were leaving a weekly meeting, Rederoc held Palos back while the others left. He couldn’t hold it in any longer…he had to say something.

“I just want you to know that I remember what you said last week, about us not being very good leaders. You know, you’re not that great of a leader yourself sometimes.”

Palos was very confused for several minutes, but then realized what his colleague was talking about. “It’s in the past, Rederoc. Why bring it up now?”

Rederoc clinched his fists and said, “Because I didn’t want to spark another argument. But I couldn’t hold it in any longer. Your words really hurt our Governors, you know. Mine as well, because I know you were referring to me as well.”

“I was referring to you as well at that point, and I am glad that I did. However, I can see that if affected your mind being more than I thought it would. I apologize for what I said, but I will never take it back.”

“That is very unfortunate, Palos. I would expect you to act better than this. I’ve always held you in high regard, but I just don’t know anymore. The Governors took you in even though you have made questionable statements in the past. Sure, we aren’t perfect, but then again…who is?”

“Nobody is perfect, that is true, Rederoc. But my feelings have not changed, and I’d say you all have overreacted in the past, and not just the theft incident.”

Rederoc looked at Palos and said, “Well, you sometimes aren’t very active yourself, you know. But, like I said before, I still respect you for your knowledge and wisdom. I simply ask that you think before you speak from now on.”

Palos just looked into his friend’s eyes and replied, “Don’t worry about me, Rederoc. You worry about yourself, and not blowing up every time something happens, alright?”

And then he proceeded to walk away. That’s when Rederoc knew it was a lost-cause. Some people just weren’t going to listen to anyone, no matter how wrong they are. It’s very sad, and unfortunately there are many in the world that fit that description. The only thing you can do is move forward and hope that someday those people will realize the mental damage that have caused, and then hopefully strive to change their ways until being forgiven.

However, that is unlikely, and Rederoc knew it. And being the person he was, Rederoc would just continued on with life, doing what he does. That path through life is often broken into pieces, and the journey isn’t easy. Rederoc didn’t care. He was familiar with such scenarios…

I just noticed this, for some reason it had slipped my eye

An interesting story, unusual. Don't see many that deal with the repercussions of, well, politics I suppose. I liked it, it adds a human face and emotion to the topic. Good to see you working with new ideas and techniques as well

There were just a lot of feelings in my head (about certain people at a certain forum), and I figured I'd just write it all out in story-form and see if it helps. It most certainly did. I'm glad you like it.