A Visitor to the Future - 66 - A Letter of Promise
Progress was very slow for the rest of the day. As interesting as the introduction to the concept of arbitration was, the actual performance of it was somewhat dry and drawn-out, and I found my attention slipping more than once. The groups discussed various possible solutions to their problem, with everything from daily rotating use of the University grounds (which the University objected to), to duplicating the University grounds on the same site (which the Norannists objected to). The Rheolists seemed to be far more open to possible solutions than the Norannists in general, provided that they did not overly favour the Norannists - though they more than once shot down solutions which I thought might have been reasonable.
It seemed that they would not be resolving the matter at hand today. But with Silence ensuring that matters went smoothly, I was confident that they'd come to a solution - even if it was the Default that Silence had described to me earlier. I kept in touch with Silence, who had gotten me curious about some of the dispute resolution techniques that had become popular today. He was more than happy to assist me with my learning, though I was still very new to the subject.
It was about two weeks later that Silence wrote to me - with a letter actually written on thick, rolled white paper, wrapped with a purple ribbon, and delivered by drone, the beautifully composed calligraphy appearing to have been done with quill and black ink. I smiled, appreciating Silence's keen sense of aesthetics and presentation - I could tell that this was important news.
Salutations, the letter said.
I am writing to you to communicate the result of the recent arbitration between the Norannists, Rheolists and The University of East Jurczak, which I thought may be of interest to you considering what you have since told me about your writing.
The arbitration continued for just over two weeks after you left, during which we made significant progress on some of the barriers between the two religious groups which have remained very guarded over the past several hundred years. As a result, I have arranged an annual Forum event between the two groups for them to discuss certain historical matters common to both groups, which the University has very kindly volunteered to host. I remain hopeful that this ongoing dialogue will prove helpful in allowing both groups to, at the very least, communicate in a civil fashion - though only time will tell. I have agreed to moderate the event, if both groups will have me.
As for the mutually agreed solution to the predicament, all parties agreed that upon the site of the former residence halls of each of the group's respective figures of interest, Gabriel Hameson and Artel Drevar, a small memorial garden and place of contemplation will be constructed and maintained by a caretaker from each of the two groups. Both groups will be able to utilize their own religious symbology within the grounds of those gardens, though not elsewhere throughout the campus. Though the results of the arbitration are far less grand in scope than I suppose than either of the two religious groups were expecting, I feel that both have been appeased in that they now have an active stake in the day-to-day operations of the University. The garden idea, I think was particularly inspired - for the Rheolists, they intend to make their space a garden for all four seasons, and for the Norannists, I believe they intend to re-create some of the historical designs popular in the time of their founder. The idea was actually presented by one of the Norannist representatives, and considering it was accepted by both sides, I believe that it is a testament to how far both groups have come within such a short period of time. In the interests of fairness, the University has also invited other groups with a historical interest in the area to make and maintain their own gardens on the University grounds. Two groups have come forward to express interest so far, and should they do so it may lead to an environment of collaboration and friendly competition which will foster relations between different groups for years to come.
I have been extremely proud of the lessons that the two groups seem to have taken to heart over the past few weeks. As per the terms of the arbitration, I will be available to both groups for any resulting issues of the agreement for the next five years - though I fully expect none.
Warmest regards,
Silence
Underneath where his name and signature was written there was a wonderful ink illustration of the three groups around a negotiating table with almost photograph-like precision, smiles on the faces of some of the members, clearly a capture of some crucial moment of the arbitration. The angle of the illustration and the way that some of the members of the group were looking in my direction suggested that the image had been drawn from Silence's point of view.
It seemed a shame to throw such a wonderful piece of work away, so in the end, I didn't. I had it framed in Anchor, and kept it as a reminder of the conversations I'd had with Silence. It was only then, looking around my hotel room holding the frame in two hands, that I realized I had no-where to hang it. My room had shelves, but no wall-mounted hooks.
Thinking upon it, while I could probably ask for a hook to be installed, I'd lived in the hotel for long enough - perhaps it was time to find somewhere of my own.