Circles of Friends

I love a good analogy.

Let's think about circles of friends like a castle. And let's be egotistical and say you're the king/queen of the realm.

First you've got the wild woods beyond. Unknowns lurk there. Tiger and lion and bears. Strangers.

Then you've got the cultivated lands. You can see people in the distance, but you don't really know them. They're far away, but at least they're a part of your kingdom.

A little closer is the town. Transactions are made. Infrastructure built. It houses many but you can't know everything about all of them. It's a mix of people from trained and skilled artisans to merchants who take care of finances. It is full of laborers and movers and shakers. You do business with them, they get something from you.

Then you arrive at the castle walls. These are your "real" friends. You protect them. You give freely of your resources. This isn't just business anymore, you see them on a regular basis and are personable. And if something should happen they will be some of the first to rally to the walls and help defend the kingdom. Note that the courtyard can still hold many people, and in some ways is a subset of the surrounding village. But the difference is the dependability. On the outside of the wall it's almost purely business. Inside the wall it's shared interests.

Next is within the keep. For simplicity I like to just to the Great Hall. Here court is held. Here all the advisers convene. Discussions are had, jests are thrown, and proclamations fall first upon these ears. These people know you very, very well. You enjoy their company, and value their insight. This is also where the family often resides. They help keep council and celebrate with your success.

Lastly is the council chamber itself. Within here everything is laid bare. Exactly how well the coffers are going. The rumors of roving bands of marauders. The health of the kingdom and of the ruler. Intimate secrets are exchanged. Remember, in the Great Hall you act the ruler. Things are going smoothly, justice must be upheld. But in the council chamber defenses come down and the real worries are allowed to be presented. Plans are hashed out. Advice given and taken. And what is said in that chamber rarely spills out. These are the closest of friends who will understand when things are going bad, and secretly rejoice when things are going well. They stand as equals when you sit with them. Not a ruler, but as a person.