10-13-2019, 08:41 PM
Hope of Reconciliation
Prime Minister’s Residence, Lauchenoiria
13th October 2019
“It is important to me that we can reconcile our differences so that the country can move on from the civil war. While the divisions no longer look likely to spill over into violence, they are still there deep down. We speak of economic recovery and democratic recovery, but we need an emotional recovery too.”
Élia Agramunt sat upright at the table in the sunshine, gently holding her cup of coffee, with a polite smile on her face. Opposite her was Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez, who was stirring her own coffee, looking down. The pair sat at an intricately designed garden table on a patio overlooking the fairly modest garden behind the Prime Minister’s residence. Despite the time of year, it was still warm as always in Lauchenoiria, with butterflies passing by and landing on the flowers that decorated the edge of the garden.
“An admirable goal, Ms. Agramunt. I agree with what you said. I do have one question however,” Alvarez responded, looking up at Agramunt’s eyes. “ And I will be blunt. Do you truly believe that, or are you merely doing and saying what will get you votes?”
“That is certainly blunt,” Agramunt said, then surprised Alvarez by letting out a genuine laugh of amusement. “Uncommon for a politician. I can appreciate it, however. You are correct in thinking that this is a way I want to get more votes. But I do also genuinely believe it. Both can be true at the same time.”
“Honesty from a member of your political party? These are changed times indeed,” Alvarez said, taking a sip of her coffee and waiting to see Agramunt’s response.
“Baiting me, Prime Minister? If you wish for me to respond in anger you will be waiting a long time. I believe strongly in my convictions, and I am a democrat at heart, despite what some may believe. Prime Minister, to the outside we will always be enemies, but despite that I do want to work with you on things that will benefit us both.”
Josephine Alvarez paused for a moment, holding her coffee and considering her political rival’s words. When Agramunt had asked for a meeting, and she had decided to accept it, she had not quite known what to expect. She had, however, been fairly certain the meeting would be confrontational and not constructive. She was quite unsure what to make of this turn of events. She stood up and motioned for Agramunt to follow her.
“Do you see these plants?” Alvarez said after they had walked to the other side of the patio, pointing at some flowerpots. “They were from Fleura House, Marwick didn’t want them. President Mackenzie tended them during his brief tenure in office. It was what he did when Clarke wasn’t forcing him to sign documents by putting a gun to his wife’s head. I saw him once, after the war. He was lucid that day, and he took my hands and told me how guilty he felt for his role. These final days of his life have been horrible because of the war. We speak of reconciling people emotionally, but I wonder whether that is even possible after all that happened.”
“That is an understandable position. I know there are some on your side who can never forgive my party, regardless of what happens in the future. And I know there are some on mine who can never forgive yours. It puts both of us in a difficult spot moving forward. But we have to try something – show people that the past is behind us.”
“I will confess, you seem much more pleasant to speak to like this than to debate in Parliament. I learned my bluntness from my wife. I thought it was a result of… well, I guess she learned it from her mother, Councillor Camila Hale,” shrugged Alvarez, slightly sadly. “Things are what they are.”
“Prime Minister…” Agramunt began gently. “I cannot begin to imagine the horror of finding out the woman you loved was not who you thought she was. The events of last year… they were harder on you than most. I am impressed you still want reconciliation. You are a strong and admirable individual, and while I do not agree with your politics, I do respect you.”
“Thank you. I do want to work with you on this. I think it is important, for the future of our country, to prioritise ensuring that people can work together and that the divisions can begin to heal. I will not, however,” Alvarez began to smirk jokingly, “follow your advice on economic policy.”
The two women both laughed, sharing a joke in spite of their differences. Agramunt was thrilled that Alvarez had been so open to working together. The divisions of the war had taken a toll on her both personally and professionally, and she looked forward to a day when things would be different. Alvarez, also, had found Agramunt much more pleasant as an individual than expected. As both women returned to sipping their coffee under the sun and discussing strategies for reconciliation, they both felt real hope for the first time in months.
Prime Minister’s Residence, Lauchenoiria
13th October 2019
“It is important to me that we can reconcile our differences so that the country can move on from the civil war. While the divisions no longer look likely to spill over into violence, they are still there deep down. We speak of economic recovery and democratic recovery, but we need an emotional recovery too.”
Élia Agramunt sat upright at the table in the sunshine, gently holding her cup of coffee, with a polite smile on her face. Opposite her was Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez, who was stirring her own coffee, looking down. The pair sat at an intricately designed garden table on a patio overlooking the fairly modest garden behind the Prime Minister’s residence. Despite the time of year, it was still warm as always in Lauchenoiria, with butterflies passing by and landing on the flowers that decorated the edge of the garden.
“An admirable goal, Ms. Agramunt. I agree with what you said. I do have one question however,” Alvarez responded, looking up at Agramunt’s eyes. “ And I will be blunt. Do you truly believe that, or are you merely doing and saying what will get you votes?”
“That is certainly blunt,” Agramunt said, then surprised Alvarez by letting out a genuine laugh of amusement. “Uncommon for a politician. I can appreciate it, however. You are correct in thinking that this is a way I want to get more votes. But I do also genuinely believe it. Both can be true at the same time.”
“Honesty from a member of your political party? These are changed times indeed,” Alvarez said, taking a sip of her coffee and waiting to see Agramunt’s response.
“Baiting me, Prime Minister? If you wish for me to respond in anger you will be waiting a long time. I believe strongly in my convictions, and I am a democrat at heart, despite what some may believe. Prime Minister, to the outside we will always be enemies, but despite that I do want to work with you on things that will benefit us both.”
Josephine Alvarez paused for a moment, holding her coffee and considering her political rival’s words. When Agramunt had asked for a meeting, and she had decided to accept it, she had not quite known what to expect. She had, however, been fairly certain the meeting would be confrontational and not constructive. She was quite unsure what to make of this turn of events. She stood up and motioned for Agramunt to follow her.
“Do you see these plants?” Alvarez said after they had walked to the other side of the patio, pointing at some flowerpots. “They were from Fleura House, Marwick didn’t want them. President Mackenzie tended them during his brief tenure in office. It was what he did when Clarke wasn’t forcing him to sign documents by putting a gun to his wife’s head. I saw him once, after the war. He was lucid that day, and he took my hands and told me how guilty he felt for his role. These final days of his life have been horrible because of the war. We speak of reconciling people emotionally, but I wonder whether that is even possible after all that happened.”
“That is an understandable position. I know there are some on your side who can never forgive my party, regardless of what happens in the future. And I know there are some on mine who can never forgive yours. It puts both of us in a difficult spot moving forward. But we have to try something – show people that the past is behind us.”
“I will confess, you seem much more pleasant to speak to like this than to debate in Parliament. I learned my bluntness from my wife. I thought it was a result of… well, I guess she learned it from her mother, Councillor Camila Hale,” shrugged Alvarez, slightly sadly. “Things are what they are.”
“Prime Minister…” Agramunt began gently. “I cannot begin to imagine the horror of finding out the woman you loved was not who you thought she was. The events of last year… they were harder on you than most. I am impressed you still want reconciliation. You are a strong and admirable individual, and while I do not agree with your politics, I do respect you.”
“Thank you. I do want to work with you on this. I think it is important, for the future of our country, to prioritise ensuring that people can work together and that the divisions can begin to heal. I will not, however,” Alvarez began to smirk jokingly, “follow your advice on economic policy.”
The two women both laughed, sharing a joke in spite of their differences. Agramunt was thrilled that Alvarez had been so open to working together. The divisions of the war had taken a toll on her both personally and professionally, and she looked forward to a day when things would be different. Alvarez, also, had found Agramunt much more pleasant as an individual than expected. As both women returned to sipping their coffee under the sun and discussing strategies for reconciliation, they both felt real hope for the first time in months.
LIDUN President 2024 | she/her | Puppets: Kerlile, Glanainn, Yesteria, Zongongia, Zargothrax