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Heard in Haven: February 2001
 Title: The Amarada sighted not far from Haven Word on the docks is that the Amarada is heading back into Haven after a few weeks at sea. And about time too! Not that she should be putting into port again, but that it has been so long since she left Haven. Very unusual for her captain, that's for sure. Word is he hates Haven and has never stayed for more than a week or two at most .... until this year. But the Amarada has graced the docks of Haven near all summer long ... very strange that, being the best time for sailing under a warm sun and gentle seas.
Title: Happenings in the Rialto... Two Mongrel stall-holders in the Rialto have shut up shop for the night, and are heading home, nattering between themselves. "I tell you, Dani, I've never seen that Khalida woman in such a tizzy. She's usually so nice, keeping those brutes of Agni-Haidar under control and everything, but she got in a real rage when that Empy masseur started insulting everything about the Varati, including their God and someone called 'Ushas'. I'm telling you, she leapt for him, and the Lions weren't quick enough to stop her!" "Really? No. You can't be talking about that one with the odd eyes - are you?" "Yup, that's the one, couldn't believe it meself. She's always so meek and mild, like they want their women to be. Well, like I was saying, she went for him, and this really surprised me - there were little tiny flames coming out of her fingers!" "You're kidding! I thought they were all red-robes!" "Not this one, though I'd hate to be her when they find out. Well, as you might expect, the Empy took off - but that wasn't an end of it. No, the girl curled up and started screaming that he'd stolen her magic, and that her Mahram, whatever that may be, had turned his back on her! It took her a few minutes to calm down, though that newcomer Warlord was there trying to reassure her, and I heard her on her way back to the Varati place saying that the Empy must have the power to control the Aether itself! I mean, can you imagine? I'd hate to be him. The Hounds'll be well and truly after him now, and they'll know they can't trust their Espers to find him..."
Title: Haven's Nightlife "Have ye seen 'em, Jacob?" One bleary-eyed shopkeeper asks one of his regulars over an early-morning transaction. Jacob, the regular in question, merely raises an eyebrow. "Pink oilephants again, is it Bob?" Jacob grinned, having heard this before. "Or perhaps the trio of floating dancing girls as the room spins about ya?" Bob, the shopkeeper (as I'm sure you've figured out), shook his head violently. "I tells ye, I've been offa that for a year now! Me missus insisted, she did. And I tells ye, once sun falls, Haven gets infested with critters." "Not pink critters?" "Nay!" "Do they float?" Look, I'm a-tellin ye, there's far too many animals about at night! Even some as really, really big! And them Hounds dinna do a thing!" Jacob eyed Bob levelly. "And what, just what do these animals do?" "They sniff things!" Bob cried vehemently. "Aye, with their noses, they do!" Jacob plunked down his coins for his purchase, and shook his head. "Sure they do, Bob. Sure."
Title: Wanted! Dangerous and Armed Graisha! A few in these last twenty-four hours have seen Hounds posting a few wanted ads sporadically throughout Haven, generally requesting information leading to the apprehension of an extremely tall, hideously scarred graisha. She reportedly carries with her a walking staff, and has a temper unfit for the gentility of Haven. But whispers in the streets bother to tell of more... "Oy seen it! Tha' wom'n smacked the Fish Goyrl right square in th' back o' 'er 'ead, an' starts shoutin' all sorts of crazy things. Course, Oy ain't knowin' a word she sayin', neither, cuz she don't speak well. Gotta be right stupid, any'ow, methinks, cuz' she did it roight in fronta Delphi an' everythin'. Appropriately, the tiny audience that has gathered 'oooos' appreciatively. "Then she roight out 'n' socked four 'ounds! Swingin' tha' stick o' 'ers like it were no man's bus'ness! Ain't seen no one use a walkin' stick like that since.. since.. Well, a long time, Oy kin tell yas." A big gulp of ale, and the man bolsters on, "She's a roight fiesty one. Oy'd whip 'er inta shape, iffin' she weren't so ugly. Ain't ne'er seen a wom'n THA' ugly afore, na e'en me own wife." And that's quite another topic of discussion.. Soon enough the crowd disperses, but the story continues to float shallowly through conversation from time to time...
Title: Provost and Confusion! Word leaps quickly enough that it was the Provost that came to the rescue of one brave wee Atlantean lassie, saving her with the help of Hounds from the despicable likes of a Butch woman. Yes, the very same woman that is wanted for assault! But it is not the rescue in and of itself that is so amazing, for that merely comes with the territory of Provost, but.. "I am not lying, Mama! I saw him! I him and he was a big bear with fur and fangs and claws!" "Lucy Lorraine Albertanthana Chancer! I have told you time and again not to say such bad things about people! What have I taught you," screams the harpy-ish mother. "If you don't have something nice to say -" " - Don't say nothing at all," intones the lass. "But I swear I tell the truth! The Provost was a bear!" Quietly she whispers, "I think he was after that Sylvan woman's fish, and she didn't want to share it. She gave some to that Delphi Atlantean woman, but not to him, and he got very upset. He sent the Hounds after her, Mama." "OH really? ALL while I was using the latrine, you foolish girl?" And so it is that the mother tugs the girl further along the street, towards a house that promises to shield the world from the woman's further rants.
Title: Empyreans in Bordertown "I can't figure it out," one mongrel tinker says to another. "Figure what out?" "Y'know Micah? He's a fella as makes an' repairs boots -- has a place in Bordertown..." At his friend's blank look, he adds, "the one whose roof fell in?" "Ohh! Aye, I know th' one." "Well, his two daughters are just wee lasses -- not old enough to attract th' eye of any rich nobleman. An' yet I been seein' one of 'em out there. He don't act an' dress like most of 'em, but he's got guards with 'im. The ones wi' the purple capes, even. So he must be important." "Aye, an' what's he doin' out there, then?" "Well, it looks t'me like he's overseein' the fixin' of Micah's roof. Wonder what ol' Micah did t' win friends in high places..." "Aye. Maybe he ought t'share that secret wi' me." The talk moves on to other subjects.
Title: Heralds' Announcement A crowd gathers in the Rialto to listen to the following announcement given by one of the Heralds: "Attention citizens of Haven. Through the Adonisa school of Domina Kallista Minervius, Delphi will be offering a free education to Haven's residents. The program is open to everyone in the city, especially those in financial difficulty. The school has a limited number of seats available, and those interested should contact Domina Minervius. Lastly, the Provost's office in Delphi is to thank for this excellent education opportunity."
Title: Diya Over Accusations of Treason Against Varati Queen! The Varati populace of the city has been murmuring rather loudly about the events that transpired in Atesh-Gah, recently. "That brother of hers sure split that guy in half, I've never seen so much blood spilled on the Atesh-Gah courtyard!" "Well, that Ashfaq al-Hajah sure was big, must've been close to seven feet tall. I think he's one of the Clan's best warrior, or something." The other man shakes his head, "That poor Nazir fool! He shouldn't have dishonored that houri ... Fatimah, wasn't she? Her brother had to challenge him to a diya!" A snort from the original speaker, "Wasn't much of a diya. Ashfaq just picked up his huge axe, and cleaved that guy in an eyeblink. He was furious!" Eyes widen in awe, and he shakes his head, "What'd that Nazier do?" "Seems like Nazir ibn Gotu Suleiman accused Fatimah of treason against the Queen! In front of the Queen!" Another awed blink, "He did? Well, it seems like he brought it on himself, the poor fool. He was one of these sycophants who tagged along with Thalia?" A sagelike nod, "Indeed. Well, that'll be the last time that he does it. By the Amir-Al, I'll never insult a woman unless I knew who her protectors were." "Speaking of the woman, she's a houri, isn't she, just come to Atesh-Gah?" A low whistle, "Oh, you bet, with such dark skin, and green eyes... I'd love to... " The conversation degenerates into one between two men detailing exactly what they'd like to do to a pretty houri like Fatimah al-Hajah.
Title: Rumors out of the Eyrie... While most rumors, gossip coming from the Eyrie relates to the case of Altair Chryseis and how the Empyre wants to crucify him this week, comes another bit of news. Carried on the breeze are the words that Theron Marcellus has resigned his commission and position to become a private citizen of the Empyre.
Title: Praetorian Guard Reinstated The proclamation is first made in the morning hours in the Rialto; by midday Heralds have carried the news throughout Haven and the areas immediately surrounding: Effectively immediately, Delphi has reinstated the Empyrean Praetorian Guard. The Praetorian Guard once again has the right to patrol the Empyrean Quarter of Haven and, in cooperation with the Hounds, may enforce Haven's laws as per the Delphic Treaty of 1627. That would seem to the end of the official announcement. Speculation runs rampant but, with the myriad changes in Delphi-Empyrean related matters (the release of Altair, Theron's resignation, a new Princeps, and the rumor that a new Emperor might soon be named), it's difficult for any one reason to dominate the rumors...
Title: Dipavali In beautiful script, the following notice is posted outside the gates of Atesh-Gah. Citizens of Haven, the Varati nation will be celebrating Dipavali, the Festival of Lights. All citizens of Haven are invited to join the Varati in the New Year's celebration which will involve both traditional activities as well as new innovations designed to delight and entertain all. Come learn about Varati life and culture, Citizens of Haven. Words to a similar effect are shouted out by a crier dressed in Clan Khalida colors in the Rialto and in the four quarters of Haven.
Title: The Empyre Hangs by a Fingernail! Closeted. Tense. The Aegis waits behind the closed doors of the Hall of the Sky, admitting the passage only of those serving as special-couriers. They arrive from all parts of the Empyre with each passing hour by gryphon-drawn chariot. All tense. All pensive. And each bearing a packet of parchment containing the records of the votes of the Aegis throughout the Empyre. All... except those from Elysia. The decision of import that holds the Aegians within Haven in such close council has been forestalled for hours by the lack of information from Elysia. The first message arrived--ink marred by long, running stains of water. The messenger was expelled by the Aegis within Haven directly in front of a hail of his wadded missives, completely unreadable--and uncountable, even by the most discerning eye. And so... they wait. Wait for the messenger to return again with another count of the vote in Elysium. And the Empyre waits as well..
Title: Furor in the Empyre There has been no secret over the last few days that something is happening within the Empyre. Frantic messengers have fled Haven and returned at an alarmingly increasing rate, gryphon-drawn chariots taking to the air and plummeting earthwards at precarious speeds. The members of the Aegis within Haven were closeted for the better portion of an entire day, opening the doors of the Hall of the Sky only to admit those fateful messengers. Finally, the doors were flung wide and in solemn procession the Aegis exited the Hall of the Sky to gather in the small square before the Palladium. It was there that Magnus Jove, Princeps of the Empyre, ascended a raised dais to address the crowd and announce that Arius Thanatos has been proclaimed the next Emperor to be crowned in Civitas Dei.
Title: Lantern Contest In preparation for the Dipavali Festival, Queen-Maharani Thalia Khalida is extending an invitation to all Havenites to participate in the Paper Lantern Contest. The rules:
Iconic - These lanterns are modeled after animals, flowers, people, mythical beasts (like dragons), buildings or any number of other objects. Depictive - These lanterns show scenes which have been drawn or painted upon the paper. The scenes tell stories. The stories are didactic in nature, teaching the surahs or other traditional values in a colorful and entertaining manner. There will be a prize given to the winner of the contest in each category. All Lanterns will be exhibited throughout Dipavali and carried in the Lantern Parade on the first day of Dipavali.
Title: Hail to the Decemvir of Amaris! A fleet of Atlantean trade ships bearing the flags of the House of Amaris Seas has arrived in Haven with precious cargo: a new Decemvir. Rumor has it that Marina's cousin, Aquamia, has come into power as the newest Decemvir of Amaris. Younger than her predecessor, Mia seems to be more of the open and friendly variety of Atlantean. Her arrival is also accompanied with abounding speculation as to the reason she has taken up such a political role. Everything from a religious war in Amaris to escaping a jealous lover has been mentioned. It's nearly impossible to tell the truth from the speculation at this point. What is for certain, is that Mia is very much naive to Haven's structure and she is currently seeking out a guide.
Title: Mutterings from the Populace As word of the proclamation made by the new Emperor and the head of the Schola reaches the streets people of all races begin to whisper and look over their shoulders. "What is this Kyklos?" "Its a purest group, don't think people should mix the races 'nstuff" "Its just an excuse to hunt people down, I think!" "What do you have to worry about, you ain't one of them are ya?" "No, but they said if they think you know something and you hold it back yer as good as guilty and they can kill ya!" "Not if you ain't Empyrean!" "Sure, for now it might just be Empyreans, but who knows who they will target next? They might just decide to use it as an excuse to hunt people they don't like, 'splain it to the Delphi as matters of national security 'n the Delphi don' go ginst that sorta thing." "Delphi don' do nothing but cower when it comes to the governments!" *snort* "Delphi said the Empies could go an' patrol agin! Bet they'll be looking for people who look at 'em wrong so they can arrest 'em for being part of that psyclos thing..." "I think we're in for some trouble from those people." "I think they are the ones asking for trouble." "Funny thing is, I ain't heard o' them Kyklos people doin' nothin' against the Empyreans, its al'ays been the Varati or the mix breeds..." "Yeah, shouldn't it be the Varati who are upset about them?" "How can the Emperor think they're traitors if they ain't done nothin' ginst the Empyre?" "I don't know, and I don't care, what I care about is that they are going to start using this as one big excuse to catch anybody they don't like and kill 'em for no reason!" If the term 'Witch Hunt' were common in this day and age, that is the phrase that would be traveling on a good deal of lips.
Title: Emperor, Recognized Short days after the Empyre's announcement of Arius Thanatos' ascension to Deus Maximus of the Empyre, a Herald flanked by a grim-faced Hound on one side and a Delphic mage on the other enters the Rialto from the gates of Delphi. The small procession bears a somewhat uncommon formality. Rising upon a dais brought forth from the Rialto's cobblestones by the Delphic, the Herald makes her declaration from a prepared scroll: "Hear all! On this day, November 28th of the year three thousand nine hundred and seven, the Council of Delphi does hereby recognize Arius Thanatos as rightful Emperor and Deus Maximus of the Empyrean nation, legitimately chosen by the will of their people as embodied in the Aegis. May his reign be a long and peaceful one." The short declaration is completed as the mage lowers the dias, and the trio returns to the Citadel, leaving a muttering and mostly apathetic crowd of shoppers and vendors behind in the Rialto.
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