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Heard in Haven: October 2001
 Title: Steady Eyes In the uncertain times and continued unrest, the Night Watch continues with its task, nerves of the members even more on edge due to the recent events. In this chaos of anarchy, there is little anyone can do but watch, and wait. Julia Zagreus, the organiser of the Watch, has not been seen in public for some time. Rumors indicate that she has gone away, abandoning the city to its fate. But yet those leaving messages for her at House Zagreus always receive a reply within 24 hours. Official word is that she is confined to bed, due to complications in the late stages of her pregnancy. Yet the servants of Zagreus are quite certain she is not there.
Title: Praetorian Announcement... The following note begins to appear around Haven, finding a place on all the prominent announcement boards: "It is with some regret that recent events have placed us in this difficult situation, however it is my determination that the will of the Aegis be restored to the Empyreal quarter of Haven immediately. All Praetorians, both those on active duty and on reserve, are to report to me personally within the next 48 hours. This command understands the indiscretions that have taken place to date and we will see that the Guard returns peace and reason to the Empyreal quarter. The will of the Aegis must be properly reestablished in this time of need. Exactly three days time from this announcement, a bounty will be placed on all members of the Fulminarii by this office. Until this bounty is placed, any members of this sect may report to the front entrance of the Eyrie with a promise of life and fair treatment. Understanding and lenient judgment will be applied to all those who report, however, this offer is null and void after 72 hours. The note is signed in a clear script: Cepheus Deukalion Tritonides." It appears that the Empyre has a new Imperator in Haven, only a day after the strange events above the skies of Haven on December 29th. Unlike many who have come before him, this one is experienced in the matters of Haven, both on the streets and in the city government. Whispers begin to circulate on the streets, many wondering what good and bad can come of this...
Title: Donations Sought Rumors are beginning to circulate about at least one thing that the Children of Fire will be doing subsequent to Arius' death. Various merchants and craftsmen, shop assistants and apprentices gossip amongst themselves and wonder at the meaning of it all. It seems that the Queen Maharani of the Varati is seeking donations of goods and services for an upcoming charity ball. The items donated are to be auctioned during the event, and the funds raised will be donated to Haven's charitable organizations. Grinning youths note with varying degrees of maliciousness or envy that it sounds like a far more tame event than the one recently thrown by the Empyreans... if perhaps rather interesting timing for a party. Bets are being taken as to whether or not any Empyreans will deign to attend, or if they'll even be invited. Meanwhile, delegations of veiled ladies-in-waiting, accompanied by stern looking Varati guards, have indeed begun to frequent various shops and stalls, speaking to the proprietors about donations. But what charities will benefit from the monies raised? Curiously, while the orphanage and a school have been mentioned, the various entourages seem to also be seeking suggestions as to other worthy causes. So far, the Empyre doesn't seem to be among those 'charities' favored to be added to the Varati list... or so goes the joke in the streets of Haven.
Title: Siren Song Under New Management One dark morning, when the rest of Haven was thinking about waking up, Sabrienna spoke to a group of the 'girls' and regulars at the Siren's Song. "Y'know... I miss Jen. No' like some d'... but I miss her grand. S'this is what I was thinkin', I'll come back t'th'Siren an' stand in fer 'er. I'll keep th' place jus' like she liked it." A regular laughs. "Y' musd be drunk, Sabi." "No I ain't..." Peering into her empty flagon of ale, realizing that it was her 5th one that night, she shrugs. "Well, I might be, but I'm knowin' wha' t'i'm sayin'. I wan' t' come and be with ye all again. I'll take care o'ye right fondly. Raven know's the business o' runnin' th' place, I knows the business o' th' girls... and some o' the' men." Chuckle. "Whatcha think?" As quiet as the place gets, a hush fell on the listeners. Soon they shrugged or drank to her, supporting her as they may. It wasn't overwhelming approval - but for a group of drunk, nearly drunk, well-worked, and tired girls and patrons... it wasn't so bad.
Title: Burning Blankets While Arius' statue has long dissapeared from the Rialto in a big bang (some say these days just like the original), the Varati counterpart -- a gigantic, mocking Khalid of black rock -- has pertained so far much longer until this day. Covered by blankets and guarded persistantly by some steadfast (and usually dreadfully bored) Lion of Fire to this day, it has become part of the background scenery of the Rialto in the last weeks. But in the midst of this cold winter day, shortly after the celebrations of new year, something -- or somebody -- brought heat into the freezing market place. Without any warning, the blanket caught on fire for absolutely no obvious reason and soon burned down. Any helping hands and buckets of water by the bystanders, the guarding Agni-Haidar Janizar and some patrolling Hounds came too late, as the covering was soon burned down, exposing once again the slandering statue. Some spectators later claim they saw the huge Varati warrior cursing down this vile, sneaky and dishonorable attack by the evil, blasphemious candala. And rumor goes that he directed his full anger at Sebastienne, who caused the fire and nearly slew her. And, of course, there's another rumor that he actually thanked Sebastienne for her help in quenching the fire. But knowing the general feelings of Varati warriors towards Empyrean women, few people give too much credit to the second version.
Title: From the Rooftops A blanket wraps no fires One down, one to go. All Haven has, at one point or another this week, heard the new political rhyme if they've had ears to hear it with. Word in the markets is that lowlifes have been shouting it from housetops, shoptops, and essentially any hard-to-get-at-but-quite-audible location; word in the underground says that these lowlifes are being paid to sing it out, and paid so well that the possibility of being caught is more than worth the risk. Those who are captured can't volunteer much more than that a pair of grungy, hooded black cloaks supplied the money and taught them the rather difficult words. An obliging tattletale has mentioned to the Hounds that one cloak was notably taller, heavier, and more intimidating than the other, which convinced many a thief that it was easier (and safer) to work for the cash. Apparently, however, that cloak didn't speak at all; the voice that negotiated and sang the words was described as feminine, husky and cultured, and while some swear she had a Varati's accent, others describe it as distinctly Atlantean. Meanwhile, another rhyme has begun circulating the streets. This one seems to be catching on without any paid assistance, patterned after a tavern drinking song... with a more sinister twist. Ol' Atar's burned -
Title: From the Rooftops to the Gutters Sadly, rooftops and shoptops have not proven to be sufficient protection from a well-aimed crossbow bolt. At least not in the Varati Quarter, which remains under Varati law-- which takes an understandably severe view of such blasphemy as is presently being circulated under the guise of "political rhymes." Several of the lowlifes bold enough to sing their ditties within Varati territory have found themselves pumping out their life's blood in gutters beneath the very "stages" they have mounted, put to the sword or the shaft by the Agni-Haidar or warriors from one of the several kshatri clans on patrol there. Their corpses are simply left where they lay, mute testament to the dangers of heresy in the land of a devout people. As usual, however, the Varati soldiers seem to be confining their efforts to that portion of Haven claimed by their god and king.
Title: Quiet Departure from Haven Neither of the two nobles who have departed from the Palladium are the sorts to make a fuss, so no surprise exists in the fact that Deus Martinian Jove and Domina Olivia, widow to Magnus Jove, leave one winter's morning for Civitas Dei with a few belongings and guards. Whatever is requisite for the Deus' travel, in fact. Those of so quiet a presence naturally take their leave in an equally diffident manner.
Title: Gladiator Game Let it be known that on this weekend Gladiators will fight it out in the Arena to honor the death of the Emperor. It should be a grand display and all are welcome to come watch and enjoy the show. So come one and all and watch the men and women of the Arena spill thier blood for your amusement.
Title: Mongrel Mutterings 'Did ya see it?' "I've seen alot of thin's...which one ya talkin' 'bout?" 'The Mongrel Gladiator....Fenimos. He did it again' "Ahhh...ya mean how he bested that Empyrean and the Varati.....two ta one and he still beat 'em, that'll show 'em what us Mongrels are made of.' 'Aye....I heard he killed 'em both with one swipe of his sword.' "Don't be daft....no one's that good, but he sure did manage to take 'em down. Gutted that Varati and then took the bird down with a spear...then he cut it's wings off." 'I guess he'll never fly again....and good ridance. That ain't all though, I heard he made a threatening gesture to the purebloods and actually spat at them.' "Aye...he did, they sure can't keep that Mongrel in line and I for one am glad ta see it." 'As am I, I just hope his actions don't hurt the rest of us in the end.' "Yer just bein' daft again....lets get back ta work."
Title: Toddler Kidnapped! The following notice quickly makes its way to the Hounds and all other peacekeeping forces in the city, as well as through the rumor mill. WANTED: For Kidnapping THE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER: a graisha Sylvan named BlackHands. The man's forearms are covered in black fur, with hands ending in claws. Known as a jokester. Clothing is rather nondescript except for a belt of foxfur. Last seen wearing a dark cloak and with an Empyrean feather in his hair. THE SNATCHED CHILD: The Atlantean Amaris Leilani, daughter of Koralland and Jasmine. Small toddler with shoulder-length, fine, dark brown and bluish hair. Tanned skin tone with powder blue eyes and wearing a yellow dress. REWARD: A handsome reward is offered for the return of the child. Please direct all information to Commander Altair at the Bastion or Jasmine at the Korallion. (Knowing the wealth of the parents, one might imagine that the reward would be extremely generous.)
Title: A Schola Search In what seems an unusual circumstance, it seems the Schola have taken control over House Zagreus. It is not unknown that Julia Zagreus has not been seen for some time, since just before the end of the year party in fact, and some wonder if that has something to do with this. For now, the Schola have sealed the House, no one is allowed to enter or leave, no matter the circumstances and it is said the same is being done in Civitas Dei When asked by outsiders the guards simply state that is is business of the Schola and if they try to enter they are requested to leave immediatly. It appears the Schola are determined to find the missing Julia, for all exits to the house are barricaded by their men, and the skies overhead are constantly watched until such a time she is delivered into their custody. As to why they want her so badly one can only guess.
Title: Wild Fox Hunt Early in the morning, in the Rialto, the next scene of the unfolding kidnapping drama played itself out. While Jasmine was out for her usual walk, a Mongrel lad came up to her, carrying a note that he had apparently been paid to give her. Since the lad was illiterate, he had no idea as to the contents of the letter. Jasmine, however, upon reading said letter appeared in danger of fainting. Almost immediatly, some Hounds were summonded and set to looking around the area for someone, though the apparently found nothing. Jasmine left soon after the Hounds arrived, looking decidedly ill, under the watchful eyes of her bodyguard.
Title: Kidnapping Solved! In the cool of the afternoon, an Empyrean with over-large wings was seen to be returning Jasmine's toddler to her. The woman was then invited into the Korallion as rumors began to abound. It was quickly discerned that the Empyrean was merely the courier, and that it truly was the graisha Blackhands behind the kidnapping. (The man is -still- wanted by the authorities on the matter.)
Title: Morningtime Argument As the sun creeped its dawning way up into the sky, there was a slight altercation in the Varati quarter of Haven. By the time that lazy sun had reached its wintertime zenith, the gossip-mongers were already about their work "Didja getta see it?" One mongrel asks her buddy as they do their laundry. The second mongrel replies with, "'course! 'owdja /miss/ it?" Mongrel 1: "Feh. Some o' us ac'tally 'afta /work/." Mongrel 2: "Excuses, excuses. Any'ow...if'n y'must know, 'twas b'tween a /finely/ dressed man. Looked Varati. Mebbe Kshatri? Who knows. Any'ow, 'e was a'quarrelin' with some lil' street-rat. Dun even know 'oo dey were. Coulda been a girl, coulda been a boy. can't tell." Mongrel 1: "You're dense! How could you not tell?" Mongrel 2: "'e ad short air an' was all grubby! Coulda been either!" Mongrel 1: "Bah. Whatever. What 'appened? 'e beat 'em up?" Mongrel 2: "Sure's 'ell 'e did an' th' urchin? 'e 'it back! Looks like thi'big guy all but broke th'lil'un's arm an' she pert'near gnawed 'is ear off." Mongrel 1: "Oh/ho/! 'tis a shame I missed 't! Why? 'owcome they Agni-'aidar didn't break't up?" Mongrel 2: "They woulda, but 'twas over so quick. 'e ended up tellin' th'urchin t'go to a 'ealer 'cause 'e wouldn't go to Delphi. Gave th'lil' thin' a coin an' she spirited off quick like an' he started off tward tha' embassy o'theres. Mongrel 1: "Feh. Th'things those Varati do t'each other..." From there, the conversation turns toward men in general and their various failings. The questions remain: Who are these quarreling two and what turned them to such furious, but brief violence?
Title: Watch your Children... There have been rumors of a group of graisha and mongrels...not too large, but rather dangerous. They have been seen around the slave markets...not buying, but bringing them in. Rumors have it that they have gone into some...interesting territories to obtain their slaves. These slaves are then sold for the highest prices to anyone wishing slaves...for these are quite hearty and able to be trained. They've even caught a few to be sold as gladiators...to the highest bidder, of course.
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