Riverston Compromise
In-universe date: Era Nova, October--November, Year 2
Real-world date: 22 August 2026
Author: Stella Heartwood
After the debacle in Demeralia, I regrouped with the Sheriff. He was injured, but according to custom, now acting as Mayor. But, due to his extensive injuries, had appointed me to act as the Mayor for as long as he was unable to. So, time to get to work.
Not on any development, but instead on solving the Riverston conflict. They had not only provoked us, but killed the Mayor. I would most certainly be right to raze them to the ground.
But that wouldn't be the right plan. Coronado isn't just Demeralia after all, and we still need a Governor. So, alone, I hatched a plan.
Mayor Glover was certainly acting against Demeralia, but it could be a different case for Riverston's councilor, Ally Kingston. I had met her a few times. She was old, but could still use the art of the word skillfully, and certainly opposed the actions of Glover. So, I sent her a letter, but to prevent suspicion, made it come from the direction of Yumata Springs.
Eventually, we agreed to meet just south of Riverston. I arrived first, on horseback. I waited an hour, before I spotted a figure approaching; it was Kingston. She had walked here on foot. She stepped up to our meeting spot, and took a seat.
"Stella! It's been a while. How've you been?" She started.
"I'm doing alright. But I believe we have matters to discuss."
The councillor wiped her glasses with the cloth of her clothes, then began "Skipping pleasantries, eh? Lets get to it then. I read your letters, you want me to go behind Glover's back and elect a Governor?"
"More or less, yeah."
Kingston began pondering, then replied, "I suppose I could do that. Yumata Springs got rid of their councillor last year, and deferred the decision to me. Not sure what that town's up to, but nothing good. Anyway, once we elect a Governor, we'll have to force Glover to back down. Riverston loves him, but respects the Governor's decisions more. So, it's a solid plan. But where will we meet?"
I thought for a minute, then came up with the perfect location, "The Heartwood Estate."
"Your parents old place? Fine then, I can do that. I will arrive tomorrow."
Peace was within grasp. So, it was time to finally achieve it.