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Heard in Haven: January 2001
 Title: 'The Republicans' Heralds proclaim the news, gossip flies as fast as the swiftest bird, and parchments affixed to all available surfaces of the Empyrean quarter announce the following: On the 27th day of August, in the year 3907, a new historical drama will be presented in the Empyreal theater of Haven, written by renowned playwright Apollonius Lychenor Thucydides, and entitled 'The Republicans.' Dominus Thucydides is best known for his celebrated theatrical work, 'Apollo at Olympia.' The new drama was commissioned by the late Deus of House Augustus, and will be presented in his honored memory. All residents of Haven are welcome to attend, regardless of their race or social position, and admission is free. The performance will take place in the open air theater within the grounds of the Palladium. The week preceding the performance will include the traditional procession in honor of Divanus, patron of the arts, and the 'proagon,' or theatrical preview, which will be offered by Dominus Thucydides and will take place upon the entertainers stage in the Rialto. All are urged to attend. Praise Divanus!
Title: Slip of a Girl The fashion-conscious Empyreans are mortified. Some whisper behind closed doors of the atrocity that has come to town. Why the girl is supposedly a noble, and of a family that can afford better. Although no one seems to know her name, she claims to be of House Zagreus. Yes that House Zagreus... the one that hasn't dared show its face in public society in so long people had almost forgotten they existed. (It's alleged that they take the practices of their ancestor, Dionysus Zagreus, a bit too seriously. Or did in the past at least, being the most debauched and scandalous house in the Empyre. Before they slipped into several generations of recluse...). But this bookworm doesn't seem to fit the stereotype at all, being the epitome of the backward country girl. No one seems to know what she is doing in Haven, or why she has arrived with barely an escort. Those who do have dealings with the House note that the Deus is ill and confined to his estates. Could this be related?
Title: The Princess is Returned The disappearance of Riana Tritonides more than two years ago, has faded from most of the minds of Haven society, except, perhaps those closest to her. Rumors have abounded as to what ever came of the sweet, ribbon-loving daughter of the Queen Maharani. But now, a new rumor filters through the city. Riana has returned! With little fanfare, it is said, Dominus Aristedes Thanatos has returned the young woman to her family home in the Palladium. Rumors say that the young Adjutor of House Thanatos went to great lengths and troubles to locate the lost girl, and eventually managed to bring her back from a life of horrible slavery! She looks no worse for wear though, to see her. She appears to be healthy both in mind and body. Those who knew here before her disappearance will notice a good deal of difference in her personality, however. She is no longer the unaware, airy girl only concerned with pretty and happy things, but she is now more mature and aware of her surroundings. She is still a gentle spirit, but she tends to keep mostly to herself, secluding herself to her room in the Tritonides household. Aristedes, as a result of her return is being hailed a hero! Many of those who love and care for Riana have begun to show their deepest appreciation for the man who went through such efforts to do what many others were unable to do. Bring back the Varati Princess unharmed. His respect among his peers has grown considerably as well.
Title: Rumors of the Empyre Uneasy mutters circulate within the Empyre, bubbling over the edges of hushed conversation into the fringe-conversations of Haven.. The Emperor is missing. He hasn't been seen -- not just in days, but in months. As Haven hears these rumors, the 'truth' spreads like wildfire through the streets by those that speculate. Some say he is present in Haven, but a raving lunatic and bound to his own bed in his quarters. Others that he is off on a mission of utmost secrecy, negotiating a permanent treaty of peace with the Varati. He has died by his own hand, or that of a Varati ambush, or by the hand of his own wife. Or perhaps he is meeting with the Atlanteans below the waves, fomenting war and revenge against the Varati for their treatment of Arelate. The more level-headed note simple facts. The Empress is conspicuously absent, off on another of her missions of mercy. This 'generous' action leaves Haven, and the affairs of the Empyre, in the uncertain hands of a contentious Aegis. The Aegis is in such a state they have removed the Princeps and named another in his place -- Magnus Aurelius Jove. Officially, the Empyre is silent. The Schola, grimly tight-lipped, maintain guard on the Hall of the Sky and the Emperor's quarters in the Palladium and refuse entry to all but those of the Aegis. But one must speculate--just how long will this unnerving silence go on? How long can the Empyre delude itself as to its delicate state? And just what will happen when the truth comes out, whatever that truth may be?
Title: Varati Slaves In an auction where flesh and freedom were the wares for purchase, it seems a long while ago now that Empyreans were the guests to bid on the sons of a family that had betrayed their god. Dominus Aristedes Thanatos walked away with two of three boys that were on the 'block.' After lengthy negotiations and intermittent periods of silence, the Dominus finally managed to negotiate the purchase of the third slave from Dea Arianna Jove under an undisclosed set of terms. It was said that the Dea possessed a dislike for Aristedes, and some mediation between the two was required by Jana Tritonides, but that remains speculation. Though the man generally tends to keep to himself, his next actions were unmistakably public and intentional. Scoffing at the inhumane ways of Varati 'justice' as well as touting other wordy prattle about the superiority of his kind, the three boys were set free from the bonds of slavery to choose their own fates. It did not take long for the exiled Empyrean Cynara to step forward and claim protection for the children, for them to remain under her care for as long as they choose. With the Dominus' hands washed clean of the rather expensive slaves, the fate of the boys are yet again changed, only who can say if this was for the better?
Title: Varati Discord Though repetition grows tiresome, it would appear that discord has reared its ugly head among the Varati yet again. At a formal court attended by many notable Haven Varati, the Queen-Maharani announced that enemies of the state were plotting to kill all the Varati in Haven. Truth or simply a scare tactic, all Varati in Haven been bidden to keep an eye and ear out for these miscreants and to report any suspicious activities to Kaimakam Amipal Chandrima. Is this the start of a witch hunt?
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