Story-in-a-Box

 The Head slowly made his was up the regal staircase. She was well carved, carefully chipped into what she felt was a perfect form. Although not completely smooth, she felt that this reflected an understanding that nothing is perfect, and it helped shape her wisdom. After many steps she reached The Ruler. The Ruler was old now, but he had aged well. He was exactly a foot tall and had spent his life looking over his princedom. Although he was old, he had many years left, but with his wisdom he found it was time to meet with The Head to create a new government. After many days of discussion, they decided they would form a council of thirteen, and began to seek those who would best represent a diversity of interests and have varied and meaningful experiences.

The third member was one well known and easily found. The Seal was solid and elegantly designed, baring the marks of a distant land on his stamp. The Seal was well renowned in the princedom for his analytical nature, his refusal to approve anything without first considering it carefully. The Seal accepted, but only after careful thought. Next was The Old Cloth. The Old Cloth was worn, but with her age came wisdom. She was an optimistic cloth that was able to bring hope to people. After a short time, a fifth was found. The African Statue did not live in the princedom, but she passed through frequently. Over her travels, she had seen many things, and was a warrior who could survive in the wild. She agreed to join the council on the condition that they would be friends of her tribe.

The next member was The Glass Jar. The Glass Jar was small and finely crafted, with a cork keeping his contents held inside. The Glass Jar believed in transparency, and by extension making leaders responsible to the people. After The Glass Jar joined the council, The Canoe was sought out next. The Canoe was carved from a large oak tree, and held the feathers of its people as a symbol of its history. The Canoe learned from the past and used these lessons to prevent mistakes in the future. The next member would be The Coin Set. The Coin set shined brightly, each piece minted to perfection. The Coin Set had seen much trade and observed the economy of many countries.

The ninth member was found after some time: The Chestnuts. The Chestnuts were a bit worn, but this was only a symbol of their age. They remembered many generations of trees, and were in tune with nature and the needs of the environment. After careful deliberation, the council was able to determine their next member. The Model Plate was small in its size, but it held beautiful patterns and was a symbol of its tribe. The Model Plate stood for the importance of food, and was greatly concerned that all would be fed. Next to be invited was The South American Drummer. The South American Drummer was made from wood, but held an important instrument, one of music. The South American Drummer believed in the important of culture, and the ability of music to share meaning among people from all cultures.

The 12^th member to be found was The Spanish House. The Spanish House was well crafted from brick and stone, an abode of the people. The Spanish House understood the importance of sheltering the people from outside harms, and giving them somewhere to call home. The Final and 13^th member to be invited was The Mongolian Wallet. The Mongolian Wallet was crafted from fine leather, and held important symbols to his people, such as the elephant. The Mongolian Wallet once belonged to a great empire, and still remembered the days of his glory. Through observing the rise and fall of his nation, The Mongolian Wallet had learned many lessons of government that would serve the council well. With the wisdom and guidance of each member, all contributing diverse experiences and beliefs, the new state formed under the council thrived for many years to come.