//------------------------------// // Rite to Act // Story: Cold Confrontations // by Dapper Guy //------------------------------// -Jingle Road- Cold walked down the cold, cobbled stone road of Jingle Rd., snow falling at a leisurely pace. His cloak clung to his body, the strings digging into his throat as the wind blew over his body. Well, this is it. Got one chance to do this, now’s not the time to screw it up. Walking past Union Park, he felt the stone beneath his hooves beginning to flatten out. Roads grew smoother, with only the odd rock sticking out here and there along his path. Passing through the outer environs, he could fell the change in the air. Everything was different, right down to the ground Cold walked on. So little changes around these parts. Then again it would surprise if they did. Melancholy welled up in him dim memories of his last visit flashed in his mind. How uncle lives here with these uppity plotheads is beyond me. -Gilding Complex- Shops lined the sides of the street with lanterns hanging out in front. Signs hung high above, large letters to capture the eyes of anydeer passing by. Nearly every shop was made out of grey-white stone, with a few made from polished wood. Each shop had a larger window display than the last to show off their wares to the passing crowds to gaze in. Every shop was flawlessly designed, no flaws or imperfections were seen in their construction to the naked eye. Here and there, several small fauns stood out each shop, waiting to open the doors open for anydeer willing to indulge themselves. Passing the merchants, Cold looked up to see a mixture of golden lined window shops and towering hotels spreading out. This was where the actual crème de la crème resided. Bell fauns standing out in front of the hotels in vests underneath the stone canopy by each of the inns. The ambiance of higher culture permeated even the air, the smell of old tokens tickling his nose. Now I know that to get to the courts I need to pass by the Silver Doe’s Dowry jewelry store. The one with the deerequins placed in the front windows, as he walked in silence. Several reindeer walked past him, as trekked on. Other greeted him with a small smile yet others nearly collided into him with their snouts up in the air. Pausing at a small intersection, a tall metal pole stood out in the middle of the road. Walking up to it, a picture of a token inside of a six spokes wheel was in the center. Clink! Cold’s forehoof struck something hard buried underneath the snow, hard enough to send a shock up his leg. “What’s this?” Looking down, a little thick iron rail was embedded into the ground, half hidden in snow. The only part showing was a dull grey strip with snow on either side of it, hiding the small grove from plain sight. “Heard about the city expanding the rails, but why would they build this deep into the district?“ Ting-ting-ting. A sharp, tinny bell rung loudly in his ears far off to his left side. Straightening himself, Cold followed the rails to see what looked like a small curved rectangular train traveling along the rails. It chugged forward towards him, a small lantern affixed to the front, right below a large curved window in front obscuring whoever was operating the machine. Cold stepped back from the rails to let it pass, but to his own shock the machine stopped in front of him instead. As it came to a complete halt, the wheels on its sides screeching with a short metal hiss. Cold stared in awe as a door began to reel back and slide inside, a young fawn looking back at him with a smile. She wore a deep blue station master uniform with gold trimmings at the seams and around her side pockets. On top of her head was a small, circular blue hat with a black beak between her small antlers. “Care to ride, sir?” Cold merely stood there, his head cocked to the side, still lost at the abrupt statement of the fawn before him seemed to be the conductor of the mini train. “You know it’s quite rude to stare, sir?” said the doe. “Oh! Sorry I’ve never seen one of these little trains where I live,” pointing his face down hide his ignorance. Looking back up the fawn still had a smile on her face, obviously trying to hold back her laughter. “So, I’m Cold, and you are?” “I’m junior conductor Autumn Leaf, at your service, sir,” flashing a smile at Cold again. “Well this is actually the newest thing to get around anywhere. The steam trolley,” a small hint of pride in her voice. She raised her hoof up with a flourish, “It’s the newest development by the transportation ministry and soon it’ll be expanding further down to as far south to the lower districts,” she said as if reciting a slogan. Probably her first day of driving this thing. Gotta admit though she’s got pizazz. “So this trolley will get me anywhere then?" as his eyes looked down at the rails beneath the snow. Figures the city would have built this, then again not having to walk everywhere sounds about right for these bucks. “Only as far as the rails go sir.” Oh Spirits, why did I have to get some random bum from the sticks? Why couldn’t I get a real somedeer instead? Still retaining her cheerful facade, she remained on top of her cushion as Cold stood infront of the still open doors. “Sure, how much does this cost?” Flitting through his cloak, pulling out a few silver coins between his hoof. “Depends on how far you want to go, got anywhere in mind?” “I need to get to the Buckland’s High Court.” Autumn's slumped forward slightly as Cold's words reach her ears. “Oh, yes we can get you there.” Why is this buck going to the High Court? He doesn’t look like an attorney so why in Tartarus is he heading there, some kind of felon? Suprresing the thought of transporting a possible criminal inside a trolley by herself, she refrained from slamming the door in Cold's face. “And since it’s not too far from here, it’ll be 3 tokens sir, just drop them in the box as you walk in.” “Wow, thanks.” Autumn shuffled back inside to let him step inside the trolley. Digging into his pockets, Cold pulled out three bronze little coins and dropped them into the box behind Autumn’s seat. Inside the trolley were two wooden benches, red padding on each for comfort to sit on. Cold sat down, admiring the interior as his mind drew in the new contraption he entered. He felt a notable shift in the temperature as soon as he stepped inside. A large metal box jutted out right near the back of the trolley, a tangible heat emanating from it. Peering down beneath the opposite bench, Cold noticed that the space beneath of it was slanted slightly and curved inwards. “Alright then Mr. Hart, we’re all set now. Please remain seated for the rest of the ride,” Autumn chirped. Cold jerked forward as the trolley lurched forward but remained seated as the trolley chugged forward. He felt his heart slightly pumping faster at this new experience. It’s just like an actual miniature train but it’s not, a small tingle of euphoria welling up in his chest. “So,mind if I ask what you’re going to the courts for, sir?”Autumn had gotten up and walked over to the other bench opposite of him. "Usually no deer goes there unless they did something, right? “Well, I heard that there’s a position open to be a representative, so hey I thought I give it a shot.” No real emotion could be heard behind his words. "If I don't then I don't, so what's the harm in trying right?" “Really?” said Autumn. Yeah right, like they’re gonna hire some random hick. “Well, do you think you can get the position?” “Doubt it, really don’t have the proper background for this line of work but I’ll try it for laughs.” “Well don’t let something like your history weigh you down. That won’t get you anywhere,”she said sincerely. “Well good news, we’re almost there Mr. Cold, so be prepared to disembark the trolley. Hope you enjoyed your brief time on Buckland’s future means of transportation, and have a nice day.” No way in Tartarus is anydeer picking a bottom ring. “Well okay then.” Wow, she takes this job seriously. Smile any harder Autumn, I think your teeth will bend backwards. As the trolley came to the stop, Autumn watched Cold depart, his cloak starting to ripple as a gale began to blow. I know I've seen that emlbem before, but where? Oh well, he probably bought it at some back alley store. Ringing the trolley’s bell she continued down the rails, hoping to at least pick up some noteworthy deer this time. -Buckland’s High Courts- An immense white building separated from the local building. It stood out with its simplicity compared to the more lavishing designs of its neighbors. Dark grey steps leading up to the main body of the white building. Two dark wood doors served as the main entrance, a glass arch window above to let light in from above. A pair of balusters served as hoof rails by the sides of the doors and along the pillars to deter anyone from entering from the sides. Several pillars supported the overarching part of the roof, snow piling between the ledges as Cold looked up. Gotta place themselves on a higher level from the rest of the district. It’s not like they really needed to dote on this place anyways. The size of building dawned on him the further up he went. By the time he ascended to the top step, he could feel the small shift in the air from the ground level. A pair of oak double doors were wide open, letting the raw elements inside of the building. Passing through the entrance, Cold let the warm air soothe his aching hooves from the oppressing cold outside. In the center of the room was a large receptionist desk, a small doe's head barely able to be seen over the piles of paperwork and other paraphernalia surrounding her. As he approached the front desk, Cold could hear the small metallic clicks of a type writer she was hunched over, solely focusing on her work. “He-“ Cold started. “Hello and welcome to the Buckland High Courts." The doe behind the desk continued to type away, not even one looking up at Cold."If you're here to stand any trial it will be on your left, courtrooms one through seven. Each one is marked by their respective doors,” stated the bottle glass doe in a nasally grating voice. Cold bit the side of his cheek as the doe continued on. "If you're here for a license and/or need to lodge a complaint, please go to your right and go through the first door you see. If you are here for legal disputes, any violations of the laws or here for complaints against the district please go past the first door and into the second.” Wonderful, I see Ms. Bittersweet has passed on her oh-so-wonderful personality to this fawn, “I’m not here for any of that.” Cold said “I-“ “Sir, please note that loitering in an official building is a punishable offense and I will have to call the guard to remove you, by force if necessary." she said, still typing away at her reports. Don’t snap Cold, you promised Vanhi you wouldn’t cause a scene. “I’m here for the representative position,” he said with fervor. Cold wasn't sure if he was annoyed or impressed with the audacity this doe had to immediately dismiss somedeer who she thought wasn't worth her time. “Oh, well, good for you then,” replied the doe in a condescending tone. “Family name please.” “Hart.” “Ha-, wait. H-E-A-R-T, or H-A-R-T?” she asked, pulling a drawer open by her side. Her hoof skimming over the folders inside. “H-A-R-T,” emphasizing each letter for the doe. Her hooves stopped onto of a purple folder, pulling it open, she skimmed over it. “Oh…” Rising up her face nearly seemed to have melted. Her eyes were little black dots through her thick glasses. “Well, Mr. Hart, ughh, yes, well ehmm." Coughing to try and ease her obvious discomfort, she shifted through a few papers behind her desk until she came to a small folder. "Would please go through the second door that is on your left, you will be in the Minister’s Court,” she squeaked out. Hart stared back at the doe’s now crumpling form with a blank expression. Inwardly he was laughing manically at her now hapless state, not that he would show it. Turning his head, he looked past the first door and noticed the second past it. “Well then I’ll be going then." Stopping for a brief second he turned his head to her. “Oh, and here’s a little advice, having your head so far up your own plot doesn’t help others opinion of you.” Ya narcissistic buck. A narrow hallway opened up to him as he walked through the door. The only other thing besides him were a few lanterns illuminating the barren hall, the odd crackles from the fires disturbing the silence. At the end, a dark wooden door lead off to another room. Why would they build a hallway like this? walking in dead silence. Then again, who I’m dealing with I should stop being surprised about half the things they do. Coming up to the adjacent door, Cold held up his forehoof to the knob and grasped it. Well, may as well this over with. When I tell Vanhi they said no, I hope he won’t take it too badly, Cold thought darkly as he turned the knob and pushed open the door. -Minister’s High Courtroom- Dark, forebodingly dark. The entire area was hardly lit except for the raised bench where the ministers were to be seated. The only other light coming down from the ceiling seemed to be at a stand spaced a few yards away from the bench. The minister's stand separated the courtroom in half like a partition. It arched around the small stand to encompass it in a semi-circle so each of the ministers could look down at anydeer on it. A podium at the far right side for a stenographer, and beyond that was the jury box. Drawing closer to the stand, his hooves felt the polish of the wood beneath him. His nation’s emblem was carved into the wood at the center of the base, a pair of curved back black antlers set side by side, with leaves growing from each of the points to represent the ties of nature that reindeer shared with the land and the spirits that guided them. Walking up towards the stand, Cold’s eyes roved around the courtroom. Anxiety began to eat away at the back of his mind. Where are they? Are they making me wait while they take their time? How long will this go on? Standing on the wooden base of the stand, his impatience grew stronger. Did Vanhi make a mistake? Did I come too late? Did I- Clink! A sudden click from behind the judge’s bench rung in Cold’s ears as hoofsteps began to enter the room. Half-hidden faces began to appear above the bench, only a few muzzles showing in the dim lantern's lights. Turning his head from left to right, Cold only counted four out of the seven ministers had actually shown up. Peering into the shadows, he could vaguely make out who was sitting in front of him. “Well young buck, you’ve arrived on time. It’s good at least to see you can be punctual,” said the deer in front of Cold, shattering the drawn out silence. “While I’d wished to make this as fast as possible,- Fat chance. he thought bitterly. -protocol must be adhered to. You understand, correct?" A narrow muzzle was the only part that was illuminated by the light. Fan-freakin-tastic, they want to draw this out. “Since the prime minister has waived his right to act directly in the matter at hoof,- He did what?!? Causing his foreleg to jerk forward and knock into the stand. Pulling back his leg, a small chuckle where a larger shadow sat was heard. “A majority ruling by the current ministers attending this shall be the ones to appoint you, Cold Hart. The position of Representative of the Ministries of Buckland, is not to be taken lightly.” Wasn’t this supposed to be about Buckland as a whole, not the government solely? Cold could feel his knee swelling where he struck it but the sudden pain helped him focus. Cold remained impassive but he took note of each of the deer’s words, reading into each sentence. “Furthermore, you will be required to adhere to all orders and needs that are relayed to you." The minister rapped his hoof across the top of his desk. "Do you understand what is being asked of you, Mister Cold Hart?” And there’s the icing on cake. “I understand completely.” He was greeted with a gruff tsk from somedeer but he couldn't tell which one. Watching the muzzle bob for a brief moment in a nod, Cold watched as the deer pulled out a worn folder from beneath the stand. Opening it up, the head of the veiled deer moved forward but not enough to reveal any features. His dark brown muzzle pointed downwards while a few tips of his antlers peeked out forward as he tilted his head down. Cold remained composed as the hidden deer took his time reviewing the contents of the folder. “Very good then, no we’ve checked your records and have found your personal history to be satisfactory. Your level of education is, well, adequate." Cold couldn't tell if he was pausing intentionally to let his words sink in or if the minister had a flair for being overly dramatic. “Now do you believe that you are fully capable of taking up this charge?” “Yeah." Another tsk hissed out, Cold's head snapping over to his right. A rather shallow form was there, no distinguishing marks could be seen beyond the light. “A rather rude way to answer somedeer, Mister Cold." Stiffing a yawn, Cold merely nodded his head towards the minister. "Now then, before we decide appoint you, is there anything you would like to say Cold Hart?” Few things I’d be jailed for but I’m gonna bite my tongue here. May as well say something. Rubbing a hoof against the grained wood, Cold felt his legs starting to twitch and buckle beneath him. “Well, can I at least see who’s judging me? I'd rather look you all in the eyes so we can all be up front with each other." “Surely,” a voice from Cold’s left called. One by one, the lantern's light began to shine brighter. A large caramel brown reindeer sat down at the left most seat of the bench, his immense frame encompassing the sides with ease. He wore a tight blue vest that seemed to hug his form, with a small silver chain hanging down from his right barrel pocket as he sat there comfortably behind his part of the bench. A few stray crumbs stained his muzzle with a tiny stain on his vest. “Ah. So much better now I don’t have to strain these poor old eyes of mine. Shifting his girth in his seat, the hefty reindeer brushed a hoof against his antlers. “Well now Cold, it’s certainly been a while since we’ve last met.” “Minister Lite Sweets, it’s nice to make your acquaintance, again." Cold dipped his head down in a bow. Inwardly Cold was elated to see the hefty reindeer, things didn’t seem so abysmally painful now. “What does the Minister of Agriculture have to do with this meeting?” “You’re not here to questions us, young buck!” The sudden shout rocked the room, even the minister's jumped in place while Cold fell back on his haunches. Sweets' hardy laugh echoed in the room in his childish voice. “Now there’s no need to snap off at the young buck, good friend Gold Leaf." Wiping away tears of laughter from his eyes with a blue hoofkerchief, Sweets re-pocketed the cloth in his vest. "If we’re not going to be honest with him, I’m sure he wouldn’t think twice about walking out. Wouldn’t you Cold?” Cold gave the large reindeer his trademark snarky grin as a response. You know me all too well, big buck, as he returned his attention to the minister in front of him. An unusually tall reindeer with thing legs and skinny horns sat in front of Cold, leering at him with icy blue eyes. Cold honestly thought he had pulled and stretched by a minotaur to be so gangly and still able to walk. Wearing a black vest with gold trimmings, a gold bell on a silver chain hung loosely around his reedy neck. A small set of horn-rimmed glasses were on the tip of his muzzle. The Minister of Economics always openly displayed his position as well as his wealth with his vestments and trinkets. “I see you don’t fully comprehend the situation that you’re in,” he spat with distaste. Okay, remember Cold, you promised to not throw any chairs this time around. “Sure Leaf, spell it out for me if you would be so kind,” a stretched smile on his muzzle. “I am the Minister of Economics to you, it would be who of you to remember that and I will be addressed by title and position,” retorting with venom. Pretentious prick. “We already trade with Equestria but not directly. Until recently we’ve had no direct means or routes even to connect to any country beyond our southern borders." Gold Leaf removed his glass from his muzzle and began skimming through the folder in front of him. "The emissaries of Equestria will be escorted here by the appointed representative. From there, it will be the cornerstone of a new trade empire to begin but only if we act accordingly. We’re going to be establishing several new offices inside of Equestria as well, Cold Hart." A small hint of irritation rested with Gold's words as he said his name. "We’re going to need our kind in Equestria to achieve and maintain a proper order between our two nations.” Taking a pause for breath, Leaf placed his glasses back on his muzzle a flourishing motion. “I’m sure that you're already aware that Princess Celestia froze all current transactions. Do you know why?” Cold bit his bottom lip in thought. He didn’t say what we’re doing and he didn’t really say why Celestia did what she did, feeling ignorant of the situation. Did he intentionally leave it out, or was unaware of this as well? Guess I’m about to find out, furrowing his brow in annoyance. "I am aware that the princess has frozen our deals, I do not know the reasons why she did it." Leaf wheezed out an exasperated sigh. Very well then, as per my duty I'll tell you. In recorded history we’ve failed to achieve a foundation of business in Equestria for a thousand years, Celestia has ruled her entire country during those thousand years." Tapping his hoof in a rhythmic motion, he casted Cold a rather bemused look. "There’s been little to no contact with anydeer in her country unless it’s the Equis Union Summit. This sudden change to Equestria could cause an upheaval for Celestia’s rule in Equestria.” “So these ponies aren’t the trusting type then?” “Far from it, they’re an incredibly open species that even deal with griffins, despite their…animosity. The point is though Celestia doesn’t want to cause civil unrest in her nation by just letting us to trot right into her country." The sound of a drawer opening and closing was heard as Leaf held up a small brown book. "None of our kind is allowed to step into Equestria without holding a passport. The second you're without it they'll chuck you out before you could even try to blink. “So we go through this ordeal slowly then. Celestia doesn’t have to worry about her little ponies what they want and we get what we want.” “Don’t downplay the situation young blood,” interjected a reindeer on Gold’s left. A squat reindeer peered over the counter behind his part of the bench, his head barely peeping over the top of it. Unlike the other ministers, he wore a simple white vest that constricted his small but well muscled form. “We’ve got to take everything in strides, these ponies will warm up to us.” His bass voice booming with confidence. “These ponies are a cautious lot but anything new will do that to anydeer. We have to look at both sides of the problem here. Both must be addressed as such before we decide to intervene and risk upsetting Equestria’s well-being.” “Yeah…and you are minister…?” “It’s Armistice Pact, Foreign Affairs Minister to you young blood. Do try to remember my name." Cold nodded dumbly. “We’ve got a long road ahead of us here, we need to plan accordingly. One small hoof out of place and the whole thing will crumble beneath our hooves,” throwing up his tiny forelegs. “Well since we’ve all introducing ourselves,” rung out a fourth voice. “I say we finish up the small talk and move on with the appointment.” A maple brown, plain looking reindeer sat at the right end of the bench, a rather bored expression on his face. He had no distinguishing features other than a stone grey vest, with black buttons and a small pin at the tip of collar. No matter how long he stared Cold couldn’t seem to focus on him. His thoughts gathered but dispersed the more he tried to pay attention to the reindeer. “Minister of Commerce, Fine Print,” answering in a monotone voice. “So far the young buck has listened to every word we’ve said. I’d prefer somedeer who can listen. Better than some sycophantic, plothead who rambles on. So, can we move this along?” An abrupt cough cut through Cold’s mind, his head snapping back to Gold Leaf sitting at the center of the elevated stand. His glasses lower on his muzzle and a small dampness to his fur around the crown of his head. Clearing his throat, Gold put a hoof on top of the bench and stared down at Cold, his face locked in a state of judgment. “Cold Hart, let's stop before we stray any further down the line. Do you understand the full weight of the charges being placed on your shoulders right now?” Leaf tone deepening in bass. We haven’t stopped talking about this for the whole meeting, so yeah, pretty good handle of this fiasco. “Yes, I’m fully aware what has been placed upon my withers." “This is an honor many deer would die for Cold.” Lite Sweets unsually high voice grew much deeper than he had heard before. Gone was the good-humored smile, overshadowed by grim solemnity and a stony face. “We all must come to a unanimous decision to appoint you. We must have no doubts in your commitment and ability to uphold our honor. The authority you will carry will be a reflection of us." Pact banged his tiny hoof on his desk, Cold swore he could hear the woods splintering beneath it. “We have plans to further this expansion, if Celestia permits it of course. Soon we could connect the whole world by rails, without relying on airships." Pact leaned back in seat. "Soon we could have the nobility of Canterlot even arriving en masse to grace our nation, their scholars willing to teach at our universities." A dreamy look sparkled in his eyes, "Buisnessponies dealing directly with us, imports on goods will be altered and who can supply us as well for the costs. Soon the rules will be changed, we must take adhere with caution as we progress.” Cold drew a deep breath, refocusing his mind and letting his irritation recede. Oh the overwhelming sense of support and trust from you all is so awe-inspiring. It wouldn’t help losing his composure this far into the game; he had to ride out the rest of the scrutinizing remarks and tedious questioning. Feels like the walls are even getting closer. “May I make a statement?” Gold Leaf stared down at Cold, his lips tightening slightly. Cold could see out of the corner of his that Lite Sweets had a mixed expression of amusement with underlying fear. The other two ministers’ merely looked at Cold expectantly. Sitting up straighter to take in what Cold had to say. “Throughout this entire meeting, I’ve stood here listening intently as to what is to be expected of me and how I must act.” His eyes passed over each of the minister’s faces receiving nothing in return. Not one of the even batting their eyes. Alright, keep up the momentum Cold. “What hasn’t been addressed however is how you want me to handle the situation. What needs to be done and if I do fully comprehend what is being asked of me? While I’ve kept quiet I must ask why, why is it that you don’t tell me how you want it done? Do you doubt my competence or do you doubt me because of who I am?” his voice wavering in and out. The tension in the room shifted as Cold finished up. A slight creak was all that was heard from behind the benches. Somdedeer was pawing on the bench from somedeer’s hooves. As silence crawled over the room, Cold heard a slight ringing in his ears, like a bell. Finally, Gold Leaf interrupted the drawn out silence by clearing his throat. Placing both hooves on to the bench and closing his eyes. Cold merely stood there, pondering if he had either made the best or worst decision yet. “So blunt and yet so full of wit, young buck.” Opening his eyes towards Cold, Leaf stared back at him intently. “While, I admit, we haven’t directly confronted you on the subject, we were waiting to see how you would handle yourself Cold Hart. To see how you can adapt to the change of political figures.” You’re joking right? “I don’t have any doubts in you Cold Hart. Let me reassure you of that," clasping both of coal black hooves together. "This meeting is unbiased in anyway conceivable. You’ve remained, moderately respectable. Well I'm quite sure you'll keep yourself in check," lolling his tongue out as if he wanted to spit." “So, am I worthy?” "One question, Cold, before I, we, come to a decision." Leaf crossed his forelegs across his chest. "Do you feel worthy of this position? If not, you may walk out now and we'll all pretend this never happened." Cold looked down at his hooves, feeling so naked and exposed as all eyes feel on him. Up until now I thought this was so simple, I'm a bucking idiot. Sweets swayed in his seat, rocking from side to side. Pact leaned against the edge of his desk, like an ice wolf about to launch itself at its prey. Print sat still as could be, he could've passed for a deeraquinn if somedeer walked into the room. "No, I don't feel worthy of the task." Sweets looked crestfallen while Leaf's own visage was holding back a grin. "But, I honestly think that I can do this, not because I think I'm worthy. I'm taking on this task for something that is greater than personal glory." Cold let the words pour out of, purely from what he felt. "I know I'm not the prime example of what this country is, I'm nothing great. You all know my history but I know that I will gladly bear this responsibility. I will have no regrets if you can find anydeer better than me." Gold Leaf turned his head to the left and the right, his gaze caste over his fellow ministers. Returning his eyes back on Cold, Leaf leaned towards his right and pulled out a wooden stamp with a small red box. The other ministers followed en suite, each one pulling out a stamp from beneath their seats. “Well then fellow ministers, I cast my vote to appoint this young deer who stands before us to the position of Buckland’s Representative. If you judge him worthy, place your stamp of approval on the Rite of Ascension,” Armistice called out. Dipping his stamp into his ink box, he pressed it down onto the form in front of him. Lite Sweets placed his stamp down followed by Fine Print, leaving only Gold Leaf as the deciding vote. “Gold Leaf, I hope you will make the right choice, here and now," as the large reindeer looked at Gold Leaf with a sad expression. "We must conclude this soon. We don’t have much time left," his face a mask of worry. “It’s not a matter of how I feel Minister Lite, rather-“ Bam! A door slammed from behind the bench, each of the minister’s attention caught on somedeer bolting towards the bench. Cold watched as Gold Leaf turned to address whoever interrupted the meeting. After a few moments, Gold turned around and finally placed his stamp down on the paper in front of him. “Well then Cold it seems we’re now pressed for time, congratulations on your approval of ascension." “Yes, well unfortunately it seems an unforeseen development has occurred." Leaf skimmed over the paper again, his eyes darting back and forth making them blur. “It seems a freak storm has rolled in, we’ve just received word of it from the meteorology department. We’ll have to push our plans forward now." Tossing the paper into the air, it began to smoke and burst into a gout of flames. Small bits of burnt paper and ashes fell to the floor as Gold Leaf rose up out of his seat. "You'll be leaving tomorrow Cold. I hope our faith in you," pausing for a moment before finishing his thought. "Won't be our greatest blunder." One by one, each of the ministers left, leaving Cold by himself.