: history :
: intent :
: how :
: fronts :
Our system's security depends upon two things. One is the ability to visibly create as few ripples as possible, so that society won't notice the variety and rapidity of 'mood swings' we go through. The other is to be able to cooperate in a slight manner, so our internal conflicts don't spill out and destroy our external lives.
The Division of Loyalties
The first lines of space were drawn between Rebekka and Judith. In exchange for uninterrupted space and time during the most social times of the year for us, Rebekka allowed Judith her time during the months when we could be unremarkably reclusive. The two groups were called, accordingly, the Summer and Winter Courts. Other people then chose a group depending upon their moods, their habits, and their personalities.The few who did not choose a side invariably ended up with an affiliation to a Court, for one of the major benefits of belonging to one was protection from internal troublemakers. Those who remain completely unattached to either Court do not have the assistance that they could receive, but they also do not have to have as deep a hand in the political games that are played. It is a hard position to be in when the Winter Court starts looking for people to 'play' with.
The Children's Court arose from Kate's desire to imitate her elders. It isn't really protected, but isn't much in the way of a target by anyone either.
The Method of Front Players
In order to present a unified image to the world, we decided to choose three people who would tend to stay 'up front' in the system. These three would also provide people with a common ground of memory, so that we would not end up in another country with no memory of how we did.
Silence is affiliated with the Summer Court, and communicates well with Sparrow.
Sparrow is affiliated with the Winter Court, but is really more neutral.
Sammi is completely affiliated with the Winter Court. She communicates poorly with Silence.
The Fronts, in exchange for having more time out than the others, must sacrifice their privacy. They can be intruded upon by anyone who wishes, and their memories are an open book--intentionally. While most multiples have one person who is out most of the time, in order to continue our compromise (and respect) of internal space, we had to have three.
The Seated Members
Rebekka and Judith were the original controlling influences for each of the Courts, but the sheer time and effort it required to balance out everyone's needs and wishes was too much for one person, while still allowing for leisure time. Hence, Rebekka and Judith both chose two secondaries, who could help manage the day-to-day juggling act. In the case of the Summer Court, Rebekka chose people who were capable of creating compromises, and who could help keep things running smoothly. In contrast, Judith chose two people who were very strong mentally, capable of browbeating and overpowering others into submission. The Summer Court members are each allowed their own say, but the members of the Winter Court have no illusions as to where the real power lies.
