The grand deliberation rotunda was filled with a suffocating tension that seemed more crushing than the mountain bedrock above.
High upon the tiered semicircular benches sat the seven magistrates of the Warden Council, their azure mantles draped over desks.
Hajin stood on the sunken central platform with young Ash at his side, keeping one reassuring hand resting on the boy's shoulder.
Elder Ilyra occupied the center seat, flanked by Councilor Oren and Sava Rel, who held an illuminated administrative slate in trembling hands.
The civic broadcast conduits pulsed with soft light throughout the chamber, transmitting the council's formal deliberation to every public square in the city.
"The council acknowledges the genuine service your expedition has provided to our lower districts," Ilyra opened, her tone cold and detached.
"You installed a functional relief hearth and provided medical separations to fourteen afflicted citizens."
