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Heard in Haven: August 1998
 Title: Orders from the Imperator Rumors come forth from the Eyrie about increasing Praetorian activity, and queries into it prove true ... it seems the Praetorians have been ordered to increase their watches, especially in regards to members of the Aegis. While this may come as a som ewhat sudden thing, few question it and the gossip mongers wonder ... what does the Imperator know that others do not, to order the increased protection? Especially over Lord Augustus?  Title: Paying Jobs... In various quarters of the city, especially in those places where entertainers and similar sorts congregate, rumors are beginning to circulate about a large, exclusive party to be thrown by some noble-arsed Empyrean of, whatsit, House Jove. While that in itself is no big deal, it's rumored that the party is gonna be large enough that they'll be hiring outside help. Entertainers, servers, waitstaff, there's even talk of trying to find some more socially-inclined cyprean ladies and men to act as social lubricant and eye-pleasing conversationalists. Sure, right, and me mother was a concubine of the Khalid. Anyways, pay's rumored to be fair, includes a set o' clothes fit fer the occasion, and the hired help gets whatever's left of the food spread. Not bad, not bad.... Title: Changes in the Air As Spring's warmth draws more bustle and activity to the streets of Haven, the Citadel seems to come to life after winter's slumber in this same manner. The Rialto teems with life from master crafters, particularly those of a shaping nature, drifting in and out of the ever-open gates. Change is in the air, on the whispering voice--both in progress and embracing of the old, they say. As the week progresses, the activity seems to heighten to a frantic bustle, workers dragging carts in and out of the Delphi's courtyard tirelessly. The Gathering. That is the name used on the tongues of those in speculation, that is the name heard muttered by the Delphi. Whatever the cause of this 'gathering' of mages, it has even beckoned to older members pursuing affairs outside of Haven that were able to return in time. Title: Xerxes Gone? Except for a few straggling members, the entirety of clan Xerxes has departed Haven under the cover of night. Over one hundred of them packed up their things and left, with no explanation. Ishmael was seen leading them out of town. Title: The Ambassador's Activities After having kept a rather low profile during the last months, the foreign liaison from Delphi, Khamseen Al-Fajr was seen and reported in a 'flurry of activity' by a few in the Delphic circles. Coincidentally, rumors from the Palladium have him paying a visit to the newly arrived Princeps Lysander Acesian. What was discussed remains undisclosed, but word is the 'mounting tensions' in Haven were at the heart of the topic. Similarly, word from the gossip of Atesh-Gah has the Ambassador making an impromptu appearance in the midst of Clan Xerxes's preparations for departure, and an ensued discussion with the ex-Envoy Ishmael, Lord Xerxes. All in all, there's a lot of speculation and pretty much nothing concrete to go about. Title: Rumours of My Departure It seems the former Envoy of Khalid Atar has not left Haven forever, as previously thought. In fact, he has been seen in the city, and appears to have taken up residence in the Public House. Other notables from clan Xerxes also seem to have remained in the city. Title: Korallion The Ephorate of the Korallion Embassy, servants, and guards show more activity of late. Ladies order high court dresses and finery, the courtyard is being cleaned immaculately as well as the interior of the shell-shaped building. Merchant activity through the gate is increased and shipments are being delivered. Occasionally heralds depart and return in the process of issuing invitation. Soon the whole city is noticing the increased activity. Word of mouth spreads fast. There will be a reception in honor of visiting representatives of some of the Decemvirate. Title: Clan Behzad is Back? A rumour is out and it's spreading like wildfire throughout the city of Haven. One mongrel man in the Rialto to another: "All over people are recruited to rebuild the stronghold of the Varati Clan Behzad, which was destroyed for the most part. Carpenters, bricklayers and thatchers are hired en masse, as are kitchenstaff and housekeepers. It is said that the reason for all this activity is the arrival of the new leader of the clan. But could it really be? And we all know we do not need another Warlord in the city, do we now. Best they stay in their homeland, right?" The man is quickly hushed, but the rumour is spread further. Title: Atlantean Reception On the night of April 18th, the year 3903, much festivity and conversation passed at the reception held at the Korallion. Indeed, an odd mish-mesh of folk, many prominent figures from all around Haven were in attendance for what turned out to be a (mostly) peaceable event. Held in honor of the return of Decemvir Amaris Marina, and the son and daughter of Triton Drago--Draconis and Deire, Orman Kai was oddly nowhere to be found. Though his daughter compensated for his absence as a deft and gracious hostess, his lack of presence was most sorely noticed on the strain of the Atlantean woman's features. The Sylvans and the Varati were, for the most part, strongly absent from the event, a fact which left several buzzing in speculation, particularly for the latter's representatives. The Varati Warlord Arslan of Clan Messala was in attendance with escorts, and ended up being the singular source of brief discord. Tensions were borne with interactions with the Atlanteans, they were furthered with the arrival of a procession of Empyreans, led by Deus Lysander Acesius. The young Warlord apparently suffered insult at the oversight of being placed near an Empyrean, causing an eruption of displeasure, followed by his hasty departure. Even the gracious offer by Amaris Marina to give him her seat, and she would find seating elsewhere, did not deter the stormy haste of parting. The rest of the event was peaceable compared to this--the exchanges on politics and the ... braving of the foreign fare to occupy the guests. A mysterious appearance from the cousin of Deus Arahael, named Drusus, left a few in speculating wonder as he lingered on even after the Triton siblings to converse with Riva and Dorian on an ... unknown matter. Title: Ailing Aegian? The Empyreal messenger arrived in the midst of the night, his journey ending as he stumbled into through the gates of the Tritonis Household in Palladium. Obviously spent from his long journey, servants report that the man had barely stumbled in before he stumbled back out, with the young Kalypso Tritonides scurrying after him. (Whether that is because the man was young, muscular, and very golden, or whether they were on an important mission is still unknown). Rumour also has it that the recent arrivals of several Tritonides into Haven have reported the health of the House Matriarch to be slowly declining. She was, also, appearing ill before a family emergency sped her back to Civitas Dei. Precisely where young Kalypso and the messenger disappeared to, as well as Kalypso's two griffins, is quite unknown, and the Praetorians guarding the griffin pens are saying nothing. Title: Disappearance of Lady Augustin There was a flourish of activity early this morning as the Praetorian Guards were called out in search of a lost noble. Details were not available at first, and there seemed to be a bit of confusion. It was discovered later on that Lady Arianna Augustin, the daughter of Lord Cassius Augustin, who has been quite ill as of late, has disappeared from her bedchambers some time in the night. None of the servants nor her healers seem to know when or how the young Empyreal noblewoman disappeared, or if foul play has been incited. Title: Rumors from the Korallion Many have speculated as to the reasons for the Decemvir's absence from the reception at the Korallion a few days back. Rumors have circulated though, that a small entourage of Ephorate from the underwater city of Lyanesse (the capital of the Ormani Decemvirate) have arrived at the Korallion, and that preparations are being made for Orman Kai to return to the Ormani capital shortly. One of the Ephors mentioned when asked that internal matters of the kingdom required the Decemvir's presence at the Ormani Ephorate Council. Neither the Decemvir himself, nor the Korallion, have issued a formal statement, though many continue to speculate if his absence and this recent news are related.... Title: Cepheus Departs Haven Many rumors have been floating around Haven of late about strange departures from the Palladium. They speak of nobles leaving at strange times, their hurry clearly evident. Sources inside the Empyreal "embassy" speak of some sort of a family crisis in House Tritonis. Others seem to think there is some sort of uprising in the Emyreal Houses, but this seems less likely to most. Moreover, the leaks leave a lot to be desired. Of late, one of the most striking departures from the Palladium--more so for its effect on Haven as a whole--was Cepheus Tritonides. Haven's Archon apparently made a hurried stop at the Citadel and the Bastion before taking to the sky and heading in the direction which unmistakably leads toward Civitas Dei. Little is known of his hasty departure or when his return will come.... Title: Praetorian Problems? From the Eyrie of the Praetorian Guards, a disturbing rumour of dissension amongst the ranks emerges. It is said that Praefect Damian Tritonides was detained for questioning under mysterious auspices by the Aegis Council and the Emperor. No one is speaking about the exact reasons for the guardsman's dentention, but words such as 'treason' and 'betrayal' have been muttered lowly. Title: Death of a Matriarch Official word from House Tritonis tonight, on the passing of the House Matriarch Damaris Iolanthe Tritonides. She was just 45 years young at the time of her unfortunate death due to long illness. She passed away from illness in her home on Civitas Dei. At her request, her nephew Cepheus was the only person with her when she took her last breath. It has been said that it was not a painful death for the long-suffering matriarch, who had been ill for approximately 6 months. A small memorial service was held in her honor on Civitas Dei, with
family members and close friends attending. No word, yet, as to who shall succeed
her, but it is strongly suspected by many an Empyrean noble that it shall either
be her brother Amadeo, or her favoured nephew, Cepheus.
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