             |
Heard in Haven: November 1999 Title: Gem Inn Bouncer "What?" "As white as a sheet, I said. She looked scared." "Nasri? Scared? But that's her /problem/. She's never scared!" "She was scared, I tell you. Something spooked her." The speaker gives a derisive snort. "Probably saw past the poetry of that Lion boy of hers. They say they've got the souls of lions, but I don't think they got any souls at all."  Title: Outside Haven's Walls A strange situation, that which took place outside Haven's North Gate. By all accounts (I heard it from a friend, who's sister's husband was the Hound on Guard duty at the time), the Commander Altair Chryseis arrived amidst others to meet one Ceterion Caius Antoninus. Given the less than cordial past between these two, it would be safe to assume that this was no friendly meeting. If one believes the rumors, the two had indeed arranged a formal duel... and those affairs tend to be fatal things. At any rate, the Hound approached the Hawk and made a rather impassioned speech, which ended in him calling off the duel. Details abound, but who can really trust all those rumors? Title: Take Shelter, Haven! A breathless messenger arrives from Civitas Dei and literally flies to the Palladium before rushing into its marble embrace. The young man heads straight for House Augustus and there he knocks upon the door until one of the servants answers it. "There's a heat wave heading to Haven," he says, breathlessly. "Coming here to meet the chill in the Palladium." Grinning impishly, he adds to the servant, "Batten down the hatches... a storm is sure to brew up when it arrives." Cryptic words, yes, but enough to make the servant girl's eyes widen. Uh oh... Elidi's coming back to town! Title: Inoa RIP Two mongrels are sitting on the beach, talking to each other. "Hey hav' ya heard of ol' Akira yet ?" "Nae, pray tell, wa' 'appened ?" "He's dead, as is tha' weird protoge of his." "Ya yokin'. Ol' Akira man ? He's immortal. As for tha' girl, she was a living corpse, now she's a dead body, so wha's the diffrence?" "Hey, she wasn't tha' bad, but da ya wanna hear o' not?" "Aye, sure." "Now then, shut up and listen. Yestaday, two of those Korallion folks brought her to his hut. I saw 'em carrying ha. Neva seen so much blood in me life before. She'd committed harakiri, it appeared. Anyways, ol' man seemed to take it well, no hysteria or such. Bu' later on tha' day, he was found dead himself, suicide. He cut open his stomach with the same knife Inoa did, funny eh?" "I feel sorry for 'im, first lost his daughter, now tha' pale fish." "Aye, and da ya wanna know anotha detail ? Her fin had turned black..." And so the rumour goes on and on... Title: Disturbing Ripples Like the last hints of a lingering scent or the fading tang of a bitter aftertaste, the touch of magic has become subtly different. You can reach for its threads and currents, but often as not, it is like grasping at spiderwebs -- the delicate strands shattering at a touch and flowing away on invisible winds. And yet, at other times it comes suspiciously easy to the call, almost eager and bearing a flavor of wildness beyond its usual fractious nature. The change makes many uneasy and in the quiet ranks of mages, one cannot help but whisper and wonder what is to come... Title: A Call to Varati Shapers and Healers! Throughout Haven, there has been the spreading word and posted notices for those that can read that all Varati shapers and healers are to come to Atesh-Gah immediately. Others in Haven, not of that racial persuasion, take the news with either little interest or a curious raise of their brows. Shapers? Well, there has been news in the past that Atesh-Gah was going to have some renovations and alterations upon its form, and builders and stonelayers have been seen coming in and out of the massive structure. But why would renovations require healers?? And what is all the urgency about? Title: Revolutionary Returned? Two Empyrean veterans talking: "Have you heard the news?" "What news, there's so much news I hardly know what to believe." "Yesterday night, someone saw Optio Aurelius in the 'Eagle's Wings.' You know what that means?" "I suppose it means that Romano is still alive and returned to Haven." "It means that the Republicca is back! Look at us with our red and white ornaments. What did we do except for silent protest? By Tritonia, the revolution comes nearer and nearer." "Calm down. The appearance of one man, even him, doesn't make a revolution.Who tells us that that is what Romano is after? Indeed, he may have had these ideas, but who says he still does? The Empyre is recovering, the collaborators are regaining their reputations and the chances of success for a violent power-struggle are shrinking every day." "That's just why! We can't let the traitors govern our land. It's now or never. The rulers sold out the holy soil of Arelate to the Varati, signed a dictate to humiliate their own people and repressed opposition. Now it's time to regain what is ours. I'm going to find Romano, he must continue what he started. He is a revolutionary." "Very well. Then bring him Giulio's greetings." Title: Announcement from Delphi Heralds emerge from the White Tower of Delphi to spread across the city bearing news: People of Haven: Change is coming. The Sibylla as a whole have experienced portents of great changes that we still strive to understand, the meaning of each vision wrapped in hidden messages. What is clear is that danger waits and we must be ready. Delphi asks that citizens of Haven prepare as you would for a great storm, making your places of haven ready and stocked with that which you may need. The doors of Delphi are open to all that need assistance. As these visions are understood we will impart their warning to you all. Title: Odd Happenings at the Korallion The silence of the morning of July 15th was broken early at the Korallion, as a hurried and frantic search for Ambassador Koralland began. Thoughts flew quickly throughout the search. *Jasmine is having the baby. And it is much too early.* *Well, you know how she's had so much trouble throughout to pregnancy. I don't even think she's been out of her room these last two weeks.* And the search continued. No sooner was Koralland found, out in the ocean catching a fresh breakfast for his wife, than he gave orders to find Cynara, the branded healer. *What does he want her for?* *She's nothing but trouble. Can't be trusted.* *Oh, but she was at the Korallion once before, earlier. He had her attending to Jasmine.* *I wouldn't trust her with my baby!* Despite the doubts of the searchers, the frantic search continued throughout Haven until Cynara was found and escorted to the Korallion. Things grew quiet around the Korallion as people awaited news with trepidation. After all, with all the trouble with telepathy and the magics lately, things might be grave indeed. Luckily, their magic did not fail the healers, for both Jasmine and the baby were in danger. By late afternoon, Koralland appeared, holding a tiny baby girl. "Leilani," he announced by way of introduction. News has it that both mother and baby will be fine, but the details are a bit sketchy. No one has yet been invited into the room, which leads to speculation. And the fact that Cynara will be staying there for a couple of days... Well, that seems odd indeed. Title: The First Hints Like an electric current, the sensation crawls along the veins of all mages: a prickling, uneasy feeling. It plucks at the thoughts and the nerves with the same, burning song of adrenaline -- leaving the whole feeling burned, raw and exposed. Under it all, the currents of magic leap, once again back at their normal levels of strength, but this time with a difference. Every touch, every tap, every draw on the magic gives the feeling of a great current rushing by. A wildness touches the flavor of it with an acrid, metallic tang. Although there is no more power than what one might normally draw, using it has already become more difficult. It leaps to the touch, straining to get loose, to get free. Title: Gifts... for a Shudra? Shudra and naraki come and go all the time at Atesh-Gah, on errands and assignments and chores. Heralds bring messages to the gates of the Varati citadel and take them away again. But as of late, these shudra and naraki and Heralds have added a perplexing new duty to their daily tasks... a duty involving flowers. And candies. Nothing overly refined, nothing grand, just freshly picked wild blossoms that might have come from any green corner of the city, and sweet tidbits sold by many a vendor in the Rialto. The recipient of these tokens has shyly lowered her eyes each time a servant or slave has summoned her to the gates from within Atesh-Gah -- or when she's come back from her forays into the city to find these little gifts waiting for her. She has offered no explanation, which has only served to fuel little sparks of gossip among the other servants of the Varati... For who would be sending a suitor's offerings to the halfbreed healer girl? Title: Rising Tides Like fire crawling along the veins of each mage, the tides of magic rise. Waves and whirlpools stir the Aetherial realm into a frenzy, the crackling energy there moving beyond the definition of 'fractious' into the realm of fearsome. To touch the currents is to court disaster, for the asking of the smallest current may yield such a sudden flood of power that the mage is taxed to hold it within... Title: The Sky Is Falling! With the strange fluctuations in the fabric of the aether still continuing to haunt the visions of sybils and torment others gifted with affinities of varying kind, word of a more horrifying sort has arrived in Haven. A courier in royal livery arrived at the Palladium from Civitas Dei. Not an unusual sight but for the terror on the man's face and the fervor in which he proclaimed his need to speak with the Emperor and Aegians in residence immediately. While none heard what message the courier himself carried, word arrived from other sources soon enough... The gods have forsaken us! Magic is going to leave us forever! We are doomed! CIVITAS DEI IS FALLING! The words of panic and hysteria are many, but the more rational reports seem to indicate that the grand floating city of the Empyreans shifted with tremors and even changed its position in the sky above the ocean. Rumors hint that it fell slightly and rose again, causing its frightened citizens to panic that the Celestial City was truly falling. Debate rages between those that insist it will stay where it has always been since the days of Apollo, and those who are furiously crying hysteria of doom and gloom for the city. And then there are those that simply and quietly leave to their landbound estates. Surely the gods will not forsake the prize and pride of the Empyrean people? Who truly knows in this time of such portents and visions... Title: The Illumination of Delphi Through the downpour of rain those few that braved the wet afternoon were blessed, or cursed, with a sight that few ever have seen or will again. From the courtyard of Delphi rose a pillar of flame nearly as tall as the tower itself, turning the citadel for an instant into a glowing, ethereal sight. But moments later, the flames were gone. It took hours for the news to trickle out. Shocked whispers told of an Estrel who died of her own magic. The Varati woman known as Maya perished in a sudden surge of the Aether, her magic raging beyond even the Estrel's impressive control and consuming her body down to the last ashes. Only the starburst pattern of scorch on the stone of the courtyard remains. And now the rest are left to wonder.. who else will fall to these massive changes. And will the next only destroy herself? Title: Fleets Leave the Bay In a grand procession, the fleets of the Orman, Pandion and Orcinus retreat from Haven's bay to return to deeper waters while fellow Atlanteans watched from the beach and the water. Whispers spread as to why suddenly all of the Atlantean ships were leaving, only to be met with speculation that is had something to do with the warnings from Delphi. Along with the procession that caught the beach's attention were five Ormani fishing boats seen shuttling Havenites out from the docks, only to return empty and take more. No word of the bay being closed has been spoken, but traffic has been limited to one supply ship at a time until further notice. Title: The Emperor is Dead! ...That's just one of the many rumors concerning the terrible, angry storm that lashed the city last night, a storm centered over the Palladium and pulled in off of vengeful seas. Other rumors are quick to counteract this first one -- no, no, just bruised up, not killed -- and even more support it but insist that he was killed not by the storm but by his own Schola bodyguards-- "I can't believe it -- he ordered them to just let her go! Her, that demon (&*$% of Lycenae!" "He's not dead, but he will be if he doesn't explain quick why he didn't let them kill her when they had the chance -- Marcus says she was exhausted. They could have done it!" "Idiot. She's one of Khalid's pets." "I'm tired of being frightened of that halfbreed." For those who care to pay attention, the Imperial Household seems to be ignoring the rumors entirely. This could be a good or bad omen in regards to Drusus' health, depending on whether one is optimistic or not and there's much debate amongst the Imperial hangers-on in this regard. The Palladium is a flurry of activity in the storm's aftermath as slaves work to replant bushes, to right overturned statues, to make sense of the mess left behind by the violent winds. The nobility, it seems, has had its little battle and there are quite a few casualties -- those caught outside and knocked over, slammed into rooftops or walls, or divested of feathers by the storm. There is much terrible wailing and bemoaning. And anyone who knows nobility knows that it's all an act for the benefit of their peers. Would you believe that some of those who weren't wounded are actually jealous of the ones who were? "I can't believe Troiano is getting all that attention. He barely bruised a wing. What a baby!" Title: Rites The events round Haven have not left the Ettowealonan Sylvans untouched. The past few days of relentless rain followed by the storms have blocked trails, sent game fleeing the area, destroyed crops and threatened to rip treetop huts from their perches in the branches. One area adjacent to the Sylvan's land seems to have been the recipient of the full fury. Full-grown massive trees, too strong to bow and bend before the fury, too strong to splinter and break, find the soil washed from their roots and are toppled. Sylvan traders and planters seen around Haven are missing, many changed with graisha characteristics coming to the fore. Sylvan rites, ancient and mysterious, come to the fore as Grandmother's children try to appease the angry Gods and atone for whatever has been done to make their magic go wrong or fade away. The sound of drums can be heard for miles around, a faint thrum of the cadence reaching Haven. To Haven itself did the Sylvans trek and at the ocean's verge preform a ritual involving blood and bones. Some claim the dirty barbarians are at fault for this, that it was they who summoned the storm. Title: Storm's Aftermath The storm that attacked Haven spared no part of the city (but for an odd area of calm near the Rialto and Delphi). But while the entire city begins to recover, it is apparant that the storm seemed to have focused much of its fury on the Palladium. Servants and slaves from all resident Houses work beside Praetorian Servitors and Velites alike to begin clearing the debris and attempting to repair some of the damage. Speculation arises on the cause and results of the freak event, letting any who moves through the Palladium hear snippets of conversation: ...... "I tell you it was the half-breed bastard of Khalid's. Her hands alone saw the blood of a thousand Empyreans during the war, and she was trying to kill the Emperor. Why else do you think she came here? She wanted to see that her demon magic had done its job right." ...... "Eponine says she saw that darkling Domina of House Tritonis pacing in the rain before the storm came and that it was her fault. Gerard insists she's wind-gifted too. Oh? You think so, do you? Why wouldn't the Kronian gift a darkling with wind-magic if a half-breed demon could have it as well, hmmm?" ...... "The Emperor himself banished the storm. I tell you I saw him call down a bolt of lightning and shatter the statue in the garden!" ...... Whatever the truth behind any of the speculation drifting through the marble halls of the Palladium, it is clear that all are on edge and carrying an unspoken worry. Civitas Dei itself has felt the tremors of this magical tempest. Who is to say anyone is protected no matter where they are? Title: Increased Hound Activity With portions of the city in a general state of disarray after the freak storm yesterday, the Hounds have started coming out in force. There are definitely more of them on the street at any given time, and they're also more helpful. Some of the kinder-hearted souls have been seen righting an old lady's statue in front of her shop, helping some of the less-fortunately injured to medical attention, things of that nature. The Hounds are here, their presence set in stone, their mission clear. To help and protect the people of Haven in these most troubling of times. Title: Thieves Everywhere! And in the midst of the turmoil caused by the storms, and the odd occurences of late, comes a rash of robberies. Thieves! Some think they may be organized, some murmur that they are just wicked people taking advantage of a moment of weakness for the city. Regardless, many merchants are robbed of their money and valuables, as well as private homes and people walking on the street. Despite the increased numbers of Hounds around the city, these strikes seem to be planned in such a way and at such a time that no Hounds can reach the scene before the criminal has escaped. The only noticeable trait about this rash of crime is that all the Ormani merchants or citizens are spared. Title: Official Statement on Civitas Dei Official word comes from the Emperor via his staff in Haven, Civitas Dei, and many of the larger Empyreal cities. A proclamation is read to all citizens wishing to hear and spread to any willing to read it: "Civitas Dei is not falling. It has graced the skies for many years and will continue to do so for many more. It was placed in the sky by a God and the happenings in the magical fabric are not broad enough to do more than shift the Celestial City slightly. Have faith in your lares and know that Apollo would not allow his city to falter." "Remain calm. While this magic flux is not enough to disturb the workings of an immortal god, mortals may need to be more cautious. Mages are advised to take care in the use of their power. Anyone who fears loss of magical control should present him -- or her -- self to those who are known to train affinity-gifted individuals." .... Response is varied to the proclamation from the throne of the Empyre. Some insist that it is only meant to placate the fears of the population and there is real danger to the city falling. Others are certain that the tremors in Civitas Dei were caused by the presence of Empress Aurora Khalida Jove. After all, who knows where her loyalties really lie? One thing is for certain... Something is happening to the fabric of magic and those few Empyreans granted by their lares an affinity are uncertain of the final outcome. Title: The Breaking Storm While most of Haven felt nothing -- nothing at first -- it was clear that those blessed (or perhaps cursed) with the touch of magic felt something very great indeed. It began as a gentle wave of pressure -- a sense that the Aether was stirring around each and every person like the waves lap against the shore. But like the ocean before the storm, the swells began to rise, increasing in strength and intensity... and frequency. No place in the city of Haven was altogether safe. Dust devils. Whirlwinds. Miniature storms and sudden deluges of water. Tiny fires and tremors rocked different parts of the town. One unfortunate Shaper was found with only his hand still protruding from the rock into which he sank. But it was the Clairvoyants that were hit hardest, 'tho they did no visible damage. Unable to quell the other mages, they were hardly able to function themselves, rocked with visions of light crashing around them in blinding intensity. Faster and faster each wave came until the crest itself finally crashed into Haven... and perhaps the rest of the world. Most clairvoyants colapsed. Most mages lashed out in some way or another. The only amazing thing is how little damage was actually done by those that fought with tooth and nail to hold on to the shaky foundations of their control. And now there is the inescapable feeling that something... something is different. But what? Title: Aftermath Cracks lace the ground. Strange shapes have been wrought from stone. Houses damaged by wind, flood and fire. In the Rialto, more than one cart of goods has mysteriously sprouted, leaving bizarre jungles of growing plants dotting the scene. There is the feeling of the aftermath of some great battle and combatants and non-participants alike creep about with the fear that whatever happened... might happen again. Hounds swarm alongside the quickly-recovering mages of Delphi and any others that can be convinced to assist to repair the damage wrought in one night. Haven rouses to carefully, quietly mend her wounds. Title: A Little Flame Goes Out Aphra of the Gem Inn is dead, discovered within the Infirmary walls in a puddle of blood and scorched linen. She perished during the tsunami of magic, using the general confusion to undo the restraining straps on her cot, scout out a surgical knife, and stab it full into her face. One whispered word as she fell: "Sister." The body and her gem-studded pan-pipes were today returned to Opal's household, before the quake, though it's anyone guess if there will be time or means for a proper funeral now. Title: Praetorian Action There are very few who would have noticed that the Praetorian Guard were turned out of the Eyrie shortly before the magical tidal wave hit its crest; they ranged out over the Empyreal Quarter and although they were unable to affect the maelstrom that ripped through the city below them, they were nonetheless in a good position to help once its effects had passed. It is well-known that most of the great roads, bridges, and other elements of the Empyre's infrastructure were built not by slaves, but by the army. These skills are evident now as the Guard help to rebuild damaged roadways and buildings. They have constructed a temporary residence from the rubble in a block particularly ravaged by the effects of magic -- a Shaper who had managed to go unnoticed lost control of himself and brought down an entire apartment building -- for those whose homes have been rendered destroyed or unsafe by the terrifying effects of the evening. Fortunately, that particular collapse was the worst damage; few lives were lost and only a score or so of people were left homeless. It's muttered, though, that if these disasters continue, soon everyone in Haven will have a chance to savor the Guards' now infamous hearty bean supper. Title: Construction Error As the ground shook, heaved, rippled like water of the ocean, disaster struck Clan Behzad with a force few could ever dreamed possible. Walls thick and sturdy cracked and held barely, the mosaic tiling on some of the floors were split into even tinier pieces, ornate closets fell and broke, smashing priceless pottery and glassware with it. But it's not that which has the Clan in mourning. With the most violent of tremors something had to give and something did. While many of the Clan, frightened by the shaking of the ground, had just sought refuge in the main hall, its roof, repaired not a year ago, caved in. When the dust settled and people could make out the damage, many cried out in horror. Underneath the rubble some moaning could be heard, but there was too much silence from people who weren't able to dodge the falling debris. Among the dead were a good number of the Warlord's personal guard, a few family members, Sakhr's concubines, but mostly household staff. Part of the courtyard is now made into an area of mourning, the bodies laid out in rows, while funeral pyres are being constructed in a corner. On the other side, tents are being erected, housing a great number of wounded, often crying out their pain as there is a terrible shortage of medicine. Many of the Clan can be heard saying prayers, not just for their loved ones who have moved on to another life, but also for someone who can persuade their Warlord to come to his senses and ask for outside help. This because Sakhr made a short statement that Behzad will handle the crisis on its own and will not accept help from the unpure in Haven. Anyone asking for outside help will be killed on the spot and buried without honour. None have seen Sakhr since he issued the order. The man has locked himself in his quarters, accepting nothing but bread and water for food. Title: Earthquake Reactions The earthquake that hit Haven spared no part of the city, not even the Empyreal Quarter. When the shakes began, nearly any Empyrean that could took to the sky to escape the traitorous earth. From other parts of the city, hundreds of Empyreans could be seen circling in dismay, unable to help those that couldn't get off the ground and left only to watch parts of their precious Palladium crumble. When the earth finally ceased its violent heaving, stock was taken in the damage to the Empyreal Quarter. Word passed quickly that the Emperor himself was unharmed and that his staff was acting quickly to guage the damage. In comparison to some sections of the city, there was not as much damage or loss of life as there could have been. Several stories quickly began being heard: * Within the Palladium, part of House Herculaneum collapsed, killing several slaves and the Patriarch's only heir. While most respect the grief of the aged Deus, some already speculate on who will be chosen from among his nephews to be heir. * Several thespians were trapped when some columns fell on the stage in the Theatre, but the most grievous wounds were broken limbs and wings. * One of the buildings opposite Domus Solum collapsed completely, nearly wiping out the Merchant family Caristane and subsequently making it impossible to access the few Empyreal merchants that don't operate out of the Rialto. It is expected that even the Empyreal nobles who do not deign to allow even their servants to shop amongst other races will need to use the Rialto now. * While the Scriptorium itself withstood damage with amazingly few cracks in its pristine marble, the librarians were distraught with the horrifying fact that nearly every single shelf in their archives collapsed, mixing scrolls and books alike. * With the Praetorian Guard already mobilized to help the city after the storm several nights past and the more recent magic surge (with mages losing control all over Haven), they are quickly moving to help shore up weakened buildings and other parts of the infrastructure. Although those without magic have not entirely understood the terror and anxiety of Clairvoyants of the weeks past, everyone -- mage and non-mage alike -- has now seen or experienced the wrath of the magical tumult and knows fear. One word of reassurance does arrive the morning after the Earthquake. Nearly all Empyreans take to heart one absolute that has remained so: Civitas Dei is still aloft and has not faltered. Title: Missing Healer Amidst the chaos created by recent events, a single person might be completely forgotten. However, if anyone were to go in search of FallingStar, they would discover that the woman is nowhere to be found. Even before the earthquake rattled Haven, her shop was empty and dark -- and the gods only know where she's gone off to. And why would she have left, when healers are needed to tend to those injured in the 'quake? Title: Guards around the City As soon as it was determined that the earthquake was not a just a tremor, the Praetorian Guard was sent up and out over the city. An entire legion sent to the Palladium, to offer their support, of course. Other, smaller units spread out over to the city, to aid where they could. Scooping up children, catching people who might have fallen. Of course, there might be a rash of dislocated arms, wrenched necks, for which the Guard will be loudly condemned for later, once things are rebuilt. In the aftermath, they formed bucket brigades to stop the fires. Also the word spreads that they will arrest looters on or off their jurisdiction, if the situation arises. Title: Earthquake! The dust cleared after the ground shook and revealed a Haven much worse for the wear -- but not as badly hurt as it might have been. Several buildings in Bordertown have collapsed, along with a number in the other areas of the city. Part of the wall around the perimeter has crumbled and the streets bear a much larger number of 'potholes' than might be attributed to normal wear-and-tear. Along with the outburst of sudden growth in plants, stormlets, mini-floods and fires as well as the oddly Shaped object or two from the day before, the city is certainly looking rather beat-up. Hounds are out in force and accepting help from any that volunteer and working to coordinate the forces from other governments that are willing to come out of their embassies to assist in search-and-rescue and cleanup. A large number of the sewers have collapsed and efforts to open them are going slowly. Sanitation is a real worry. Delphi stands tall, seemingly undamaged although there are whispers about something revealed below its courtyard by the 'quake. The doors remain open and the Infirmary has spilled into the Courtyard as every last Healer works to repair the damage done to the residents of Haven. Many of the students have been roped into jobs as Healer's assistants. Shelters, too, are being offered, as Delphi looks into the conversion of some of the remaining storehouses in Bordertown to be used as temporary living quarters for those who have lost their homes. Title: City Workers Begin Clean-Up In the aftermath of destruction and chaos that momentarily rocked Haven, its workers are seen working double shifts all over the city, attempting to first distribute stockpiled food, drink, blankets and tents, and secondly starting the long, arduous task of cleaning up the mess. Shapers of all races and types are being called on to try to speed up the clean-up. Though response is slow in starting, it looks like the city will once again survive and move on. Title: Supplies to the People More city workers and Hounds escort carts and wagons of goods the various embassies around town. Four wagons go to each. Some get turned away, the Empyrean wagons that had entered the Palladium left soon after, headed to the Domus Solum and other Emyreal areas. Other wagon loads are taken to the Rialto and others to the docks. There are even a pair of wagons sent to the Ettowealona and a pair to the Apisachi (though it is rumored the wagon drivers for those wagons only made it to the forest edge before fleeing, leaving their wagons behind). It's not much when compared to the destruction, but the food, water, and building supplies is taken up quickly by many, embraced for what it is: more than what many had before its arrival. Title: Out of the Frying Pan... As if the storms and quakes were not enough... Provost Eric appeared in the Rialto, aided by Delphic magic to make an announcement: People of Haven. Word has come from the Atlantean government that a large sea creature has been spotted, and it is heading towards Haven. The Estrella are recommending that all persons not of fighting caliber leave the streets closest to the docks. Those of fighting age can stay or go, as they wish. Whaling harpoons are being shaped and distributed at this hour, and sentries are being posted in outer islands. These sentries, armed with flame arrows, will hopefully warn us of the creature's arrival, but we cannot rely on that. I stongly suggest that everyone who lives near the water move inland for the night. Immediately. Any aid from the governments who have embassies in Haven would be appreciated. See myself or the Seneschal for details on what you can do." Lowered to the ground. Eric then headed toward the southern portions of town to oversee the evacuation of the people and the distribution of the weapons. Title: Word from Atesh-Gah and the Varati Amidst the chaos and destruction, one building has stood whole and proud: Atesh-Gah. Filled with some of the finest Shapers to be found, the massive structure was held intact during the earth's furious awakening, the mages compensating for the rolling ground beneath their feet. It would seem that all within were also well-prepared, for few injuries were noted or reported save to those outside of the holy walls. Some mutter in suspicion, for it would seem that the Varati knew of this coming disaster days before. Those on the streets of Haven recall the signs and Heralds calling healers and shapers to the massive Varati center. Perhaps they are responsible?? But others argue in disagreement, recalling a finely-dressed Varati official dashing through Haven with all haste and urgency. Some say he was warning all of the races and officials of what was to come. Besides, the Behzad Hall fell upon grave times ... surely if the Varati knew, they would have protected their own, no? One thing is for certain though. The Varati flood the streets of Haven now with aid in all forms. Shudra and guards work to dispense food, water, clothing, and tents for those in need. They have also worked hand-in-hand with the other races in the efforts to dig out those still buried and to remove rubble and debris. In addition, a large detachment of shapers and builders have been lent out to Haven, working on the sewers, strengthening buildings that were weakened by the quake, and starting to build shelters and temporary structures. With Atesh-Gah in good condition, it would seem that the Varati have hands to spare and thus hands to gift to the city of Haven. Some still eye the help with displeasure though, for sometimes the assisting Varati are haughty and superior in their duties. As if they knew they were better. Title: Missing Augustins! House Augustus was hit hard by the earthquake that recently ravaged the city of Haven. A large section of the roof of the elegant domicile caved inward, some of it even blocking the doorway to the house from the inside. The servants' quarters went almost entirely unscathed except for some cracked walls and overturned crockery. What has worried those who have sought to clear out the wreckage and search for bodies is the fact that no one seems to know what has become of the Deus, the Dea or their small son. The cradle in which the boy always slept was smashed beneath the weight of falling marble, but no remains have been found. Neither have any physical forms been found indicating the the Deus and Dea might have perished. However, the question remains... if they weren't crushed in the falling debris... just where are they? Title: A Desperate Shudra? Amidst the surge of volunteers streaming out into the city from Atesh-Gah, one young shudra of Clan Khalida can be noted to have a purpose above and beyond the ferrying of supplies and running of messages back and forth across the city. Some may recognize the girl in red and blue and gold as the same maiden who worked under the supervision of a Varati priestess in the Tent City during the plague -- but thus far only the most desperate of Mongrels seeking aid for themselves or loved ones have approached the girl for healing magic. What few have been brave enough in the face of all the havoc that has swept over mages during the last several days to approach a halfbreed of dubious control have discovered to their profound relief that the maiden's power appears to be doing what it should, with no ill effects. Yet, even as she heals these few individuals, it might be noted that the shudra maiden is conducting an anxious search through the ranks of the wounded. And each Mongrel she heals receives, in addition to the touch of her healer's hands, a single anxious question: "If you please, imphadi, have you seen the bard, Lyre Talespinner?" Title: Rain, Rain Go Away... The rains have been constant the last few days, at least washing away the chaff and debris of the last week's chaos, though it does a fair job of starting to fill in the large crack in the midst of the Rialto. The terrifying disaster becomes a boon of a new source of fresh water for the saltwater port, a bragging point for merchants and passers-by alike ("I survived that"), and a token of greater omens. Omens of what? Well, it's just ... ominous. In deference to the winged race, someone has built bridges over the Rialto Rift in several key places, where major cobbled roads were, where people traveled. The bridges are sturdy, wide, strong, but temporary. A man with the strength of a nation might be able to pick one up; several wyverns might be able to pull one and risk being pulled with it backwards into the squelchy chasm. Rumors about how this came about abound, but a major part is made clear to anyone who listens: The peoples of the city built the bridges with no assistance from the government. It's a point of pride with some; something tried to kill us (probably those damned Sylvans), but we won out. Title: Mess in the Harbor The waters around the docks swirl with blackened bits of what is left of the beast and the charred remains of its carcass lie sprawled between the waters and the sands of the western beach. Rumors fly about the 'glorious' battle against such a mythical creature. Delphic mages remain on the beach, those that can working to keep the waters away from the deteriorating carcass as others strive to dispose of the remains, still dangerous with the acidic slime that drips from its skin and the caustic black oozing of its blood. Title: As the Storms Pass... City workers move about the beach, cleaning up the charred remains of the sea monster. Many grumble that the Varati God-King should have kept it burning longer, others are just glad for Khalid's help in burning the thing. All that really remains is the charred husk of the creature, easily broken up and carted off to be disposed of. In other parts of the city, the clean-up continues. Work crews have settled into a routine, clearing away rubble, carting stone and wood debris off to the citadel mostly. There shapers are working to make productive use out of much of the destruction. Lastly, rumors start spreading about the upcoming harvest time. The Provost has been heard talking in low whispers, a smile actually on his face. The word that seems to drift from child, to mother, to husband, to friend is... Festival. Title: Gryphon Patrol In response to the Atlantean request for aid, a group of Praetorian gryphon-riders is patrolling the skies over the seas beyond Haven, helping their Atlantean counterparts on ships and in the water below search for refugees fleeing from the great sea beast that made its appearance in the city's bay. Rumor has it that the Emperor is with that parol on his black steed, which accounts for the fact that he is not currently to be found in the Palladium. Inquiries made to Flavius Publius, his aide, would reveal that this is indeed the case. The plucky and polite clerk seems to be setting up appointments for three days' hence. In addition, members of the Schola may be observed searching through the Empyreal Quarter; it's not a secret that while House Augustin's guards are digging through the rubble of the House quarters in the Palladium for Cassius and his family, the Schola are looking in the surrounding Quarter for the missing Aegian. Title: Odd Sighting A mongrel in the Old City Garden awakes to a truly odd sight. A tall Varati warrior, clad only a pair of breeches, stood in a clearing moving in fluid movements of some martial kata. The curious mongrel immediately went to get a friend of his a little more wise in the ways of the Varati. The second mongrel came upon the scene, sighing slightly and shaking his head. "Dat dere's the Nayaka..." his speech slipping over the foreign word with only a small stutter, "of Clan Behzad. 'E's like the general er somethin. You hear bout wut happen'd right? The shaker rumbled the Clan's Hall and got a bunch a dem Var'ti's killed. Supposedly, the Warlord dinae want outside help and it looks like dat General ain't too happy bout it. Must be why 'e's here stead of 'is hall." The first mongrel just nods as if he actually knows what the other's talking about and just looks towards the warrior oddly, frowning slightly. Title: A New Slave Trader in Haven Rumors float around regarding another slave trader among the streets and markets of Haven. Shaan is said to be a Varati, and many who have met him come back with tales of a quite unsettling person. Title: Rumors of Delphi On one thing the rumors are certain -- the fissure in the Rialto was not the only to open within Haven. And the one within Delphi doesn't just contain rubble and the odd booth it sucked into its depths. No... this one contains some sort of mystery, one that has Delphi hopping and boiling and fit to burst at the seams. Something else seems to have the Sibylla stirred up -- something to do with magic, although no official announcement has been made as of yet. Representatives have been seen hurrying from the Citadel to the embassies about town and every last one looks nothing less than deeply concerned. Title: Atlantean Aid The assistance lent the Atlanteans by Empyreal warriors and scouts is now returned -- the news is easy to come by: Atlanteans, some soldiers and some not, have been seen in the Palladium and the Empyreal Quarter, helping those who are digging out the rubble of the earthquake. In particular, they seem to know just where to dig to find survivors... Title: Odd News from the Clean-Up Crew A half-breed dock worker talking to a chum of his says, "Yeah. Wierdest damn thing I ever seen happened earlier today, jus' after dawn. Dat cutter Var'ti guy. The Nikya (slaughtering of Nayaka) or somethin of Behzad, whatever the hell that means. Anyways, 'e came strollin down the walk to the beach and saw all the junk left over from the sea monster. He like up and asked right there who was in charge of the clean-up, so da boss stepped up, expectin the uppity Var'ti to like chew him out or somethin. Stead, the cutter asked if he could help out!?! Can you friggin' believe it? Specially from dat one. I heard that Clan ain't doin so good. "Well anyways. The cutter sent off some runner to grab all the spare men who could help and ended up comin back wit' like a hundred or more able men. Couldn't friggin' believe it. They weren't all happy to help us out but the Nikya kept 'em in line. Friggin' weird, I tell you. Sure, the Var'ti were helpin out after the quake and all but I don't know if any of these Behzad guys were in the bunch. Who bloody knows. Maybe they got their act together and are coming back around. Then again, maybe it was just that Nikya throwin his weight around. "I just know that I wasn't complainin havin a bunch of grunts around to help out us other grunts. Specially when we hit that acid stuff. We all got a few burns, but dem Var'ti didn't get it as bad as the rest of us cause of how they were workin together. Whatever. We still got work to do. Let's get to it." Title: A Shudra... at Delphi? The bringing of a scroll with the seal of Delphi to Atesh-Gah normally wouldn't raise any eyebrows amongst the shudra and naraki -- communications between the Citadel and the Varati embassy happen all the time, after all. But this scroll was seen to be delivered into the hands of the halfbreed shudra Faanshi of Clan Khalida, and so, a pair of Mongrel naraki whispered to one another with some consternation as to what it might have meant. "Ye dinnae s'pose the magickers are gonna take 'er, do ye?" "The God-King's priests ain't done it yet, have they? Ain't surprised if Delphi's tryin' to reel 'er in now, the lass is a healer, after all, and a bloody good 'un!" "Aye, but she's our healer! Them shotry and vase-a folks, they got all the priests helpin' them out. The Delphi takes Miss Faanshi away, who's gonna heal us?" Title: The Rialto Mended! Bridges removed and the lumber distributed amongst those that need to rebuild their booths, the fissure that rent the Rialto in two every since the 'quake was amazingly closed in a joint effort of mages. Adept Amaris Aine and the Sachem Many Shadows led the effort, the Sachem binding the earth itself to her will and closing the gap while the Adept led the Shapers of Delphi to rejoin what stone had fractured in the split. Elementals of Delphi set the earth itself so that the fissure will not split open once more, the joint effort in effect Healing the wound of the earth. Title: Death in Behzad Hall And as if Behzad Hall didn't have to worry about, following the catastrophes of the recent earthquake. Words spread by both shudra gossip and quiet murmur were confirmed officially by Behzad Hall: the Shakir of Behzad was struck dead shortly after the massive damage during the earthquake. Unconfirmed word has it that injuries taken during the 'quake coupled with a massive infection to do the Warlord's brother in. Sakhr has lost his advisor and his brother. Who knows what the poor Varati will suffer next. Title: Sudden Departure Without warning, Thorn Argus Alexandrian, High Jurator of Haven, packed up a few belongings and departed his office at the Hall of the Sky. Rumor has it that the Empress required his presence in Civitas Dei. The man certainly wasted no time in traveling there, if so... Title: The Lady in Arms Truus, for years a faithful servant to House Acesius, comes running to her sister Bep, for years a faithful servant to House Jove, and sits her down. Truus: "Ist true? Helena's another suitor? Already? Nae twae days afta tha' gorgious Dominus Alexandrian left?!" Bep, rolling her eyes dramatically, "O'course nae, wha' dae ye think 'er t'bae eh? Silly cow simply fainted in the Cella." Truus: "Silly cow? But ah thought ye liked 'er so much? She was always yer little baby?" Bep: "Not since she stopped eating. Rilly, ah dunnae know what got inta the gall this time. An' the way she treated tha' poor Dominus Gaelius, even afta 'e was sae kind tae carry 'er home. Givin' all 'er food tae Jove, rilly!" Truus: "Nae eatin'? Since when? How?" Bep: "Aboot a week agae, dunnae exectly when, mind, but ah think t'as someting tae dae with the Emperor, nae sure, mind. Anyways, Ah think we shoold bae sae very grateful tae Dominus Gaelius, 'e's a tru 'ero in mae book!" And the conversation goes on, and on and on and... Title: Pure as the Neverending Fire Again, Behzad makes headlines in the gossip on the street. And as seems to become custom, it is not in a positive way. The latest decree of the Clan's Warlord, Sakhr Behzad, has raised more than one brow. Everyone who wishes to enter the Hall has to take three showers. The first ice-cold. The second burning hot. The last freezing cold. None are excluded from this new ritual, none save the Amir-al himself, so it is said. The purpose seems to be to prevent diseases from entering the Hall, giving further ground to the rumours surrounding the death of Sakhr's brother, Bal Behzad. Thus, far this new order has let to the departure of a delegation from Clan Khalida, led by the Foreign Minister, Ranjeet, who refused to take the showers and was ushered out of the courtyard, together with the healers and supplies he brought to relief Behzad's hardships after the roof caved in. What is happening to Behzad, or rather, to its Warlord? Has Sakhr gone fanatic? Or simply raving mad? The word on the street differs, but on one point everyone agrees. If Behzad continues on it's current line of politics, something drastic is about to happen, one way or the other. Title: Thieves? What Thieves? From the Rialto, a new rumor starts its existence, persisting to gain popularity among the tough competition. Currently only one person knows, yet is given the task to inform others. 1: Spread the word, that is what she told me. Any information about thieves will be well valued. Paid me well enough. 2: Paid you with this? I never knew the citadel was that wealthy... not to degree to give away things like this to the likes of you. Think it's hers? 1: You blind? This is a male ring. Probably belonged to her mate or whatever. What do I care? It's silver all right... 2: Who was 'she' anyway? 1: How am I to know? Just someone from the citadel, wearing them special robes and all. Sent to 'aid the stable hands of the Bastion in the manual labor.' If you ask me, they should teach her how to talk.. 2: ... Punished? For What? 1: Why don't you ask her? I certainly wouldn't. All I know she is to clean the stables for some time still. Also constantly watched by another of them. As long as I am all right, I don't care what she did. 2: So.. she wants to learn something about thieves? 1: That's what she said. maybe she knows something and needs someone to get it for her... 2: In Delphi??? 1: Well, you explain it then! Information about thieves is all she wants and all she told me. And seeing what she gave me to spread the word... there will probably be a fortune waiting later. 2: Maybe.. maybe.. What is her name? 1: Shumana. Title: The Cahr'Dhaki Return to Town When the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 16, 3905, rolled around, the skies were clear, the countryside was baking in the heat, and a curious whisper was rolling through the streets of Bordertown. These whispers and rumors raced on ahead of those they were about, tickling the ears of merchants in the Rialto and many others besides. A pair of shoppers take up the topic over their lunch. "Have you heard?" "Heard what?" "The Cahr'Dhaki have returned!" "The who?" "You silly clunch, don't you remember them? They haven't been here since the last time Delphi held their festival." "Well what's so special about them?" "You really don't remember, do you? The Cahr'Dhaki are that strange clan of cairds. They got everything from Varati to mongrels to graisha Sylvans in their troupe, and they wear that odd tattoo on their faces. But they have some of the best goods this side of Odessa. They bring them from far away, you know. And with things being so broken up and scarce since the 'quake, I'll bet they'll have a lot we can use. Nails, clothing, maybe some lumber..." Didn't they have some agent here or something? Why do the need to come themselves?" "Oh, her. Yeah, that tattooed Empyrean woman, Dendra, or Deiyana... whatever. She's part of the reason they're coming. Her stall was destroyed in the quake; they'll help her rebuild." Talk turns to other things, but the rumors continue in other parts of the city in anticipation as the Cahr'Dhaki take up a place in the Rialto, setting up camp for what may be a lengthy stay. The Dyer, Deianyra, looks plenty relieved to see them as well as construction starts on her stall. Title: Ta-Da! Those strolling through the Rialto may notice a new stall standing on the eastern row, freshly built, painted, and roofed. The Cahr'Dhaki have raised the Dyer Deianyra's new stall virtually overnight and are busy stocking it with new wares, even as they do good business next door. Title: It's in the Air Since last evening, the Varati-district is by some laughingly called the smelly district. And indeed there is a scent upon the air, growing stronger near Behzad Hall, with Atesh-Gah still more or less spared unless the winds decide to change. The new, bizarre smell comes indeed from Behzad Hall, as witnesses later observe, those lucky few who outlived the three showers from hell and managed to get a glimpse inside the building. They tell tales of incense being burned on every single corner in the hall, in the hallways, even in the courtyard. Incense leaving a very heavy scent behind, almost acrid. Even private quarters are rumored to have been ordered 'cleansed' in this way, but the Hall must be a filthy place, for the sticks, the cones, burn day and night. The Warlord himself has retreated to his own quarters, most likely preparing more plans to
make his clan as pure as he can for Khalid. But whenever his private guards step out of view,
many of his Clansmen wear scowls, not at all pleased by their leader's new way of thinking.
|
