             |
Heard in Haven: October 1999
 Title: Mumblings of the Ex-Archon "The girls are each sleeping five hours a night, finally... just never the same five hours, it seems." These words were apparently spoke by Cepheus Tritonides, whose habits have been rather erratic of late by all rumors and even more reputable accounts. A few things seem to actually be facts, the most important of which is that the retired Archon is now the father of two children, Aria Althea and Deukalia Christiana Tritonides. Confirmed to actually be born between him and his wife Medea (a disappointment to some gossip-mongers), the children are apparently in good health living in the Palladium, where the Delphic Oracle has been spending more and more of his time. His daily walks to the Citadel have continued, the man apparently still teaching within its walls. Of the more questionable activities, it is apparently true the man has been sighted with everyone from Varati officials to several trips inside the Eyrie. There was even some mumble of him having a drink with Cynara, the leader of the outcasts, on a roof-top just before Thomas' infamous riot.  Title: Wedding Crashers Welcome! Word has spread about Haven that the Varati festival of Holi will consummate on the last night with the controversial wedding of Pasha and Shakir of the Clan Khalida, Shahar al-Jehan Khalida, and the recently "elevated" Ranjeet al'Samar Khalida. While the invite list is rather exclusive to Varati and the more dignified members of Haven's society, there have been a few illegal copies of the invitation scroll passing hands through the streets of Haven. The obviously uninvited will be tossed out at the discretion of the Khalida guards. Title: Holi Festivities? Say WHAT?! Strange tales are afoot within the city of Haven! As another bizarre day has passed in what Varati people term their week of Holi celebration, even more has come to light about these odd people! Was it not enough to women and men alike walked the streets all colored in this gulai stuff, that which created such a rainbow of what used to be dark-haired and skinned people? Alas, no! This very night indeed has brought something to munch upon for the other races of Haven! From those who watched from the streets and even later the gates of Atesh-Gah, much was reported! Like how the men had padded themselves, and allowed women to beat them! Stories about how one man was depantsed in front of the assembled race and their God-King as he scaled the temple walls! Was it a ritual?! DO ALL Varati hang their hineys thusly?! *gasp* But that's not all! It is reported that men have been dressed in women's saris! Ribbons in their hair! Perfume following in their wakes! HEATHENS! SCOUNDRELS! Whatever can those insane Varati be doing within the gates of Atesh-Gah to their poor, helpless victims?! Title: Strangeness in the Siren's Song Though the Siren's Song is usually a place where a man can see unusual sights, last night was a little odder than the norm. A Sylvan fellow, looking something like a Graisha with his hairy self, was seen hauling a woman into the place. She was coughing and soaked to the bone, weighted down by her wet garments. The man rented a room and toted her upstairs pretty as you please! Guess some folks will just sleep with anything. Title: Commuting While it has seemed, so far, that Emperor Drusus has made the Palladium at Haven his preferred domicile -- prompting some muttering from nobility who think this a snub against the Celestial City -- has has in fact of late spent little time in it. He is frequently gone, and for days or even weeks at a time. His aide, Flavius, handles inquiries with patience... and discretion. "Overseeing the rebuilding of the provinces," he might say one day. Or, "investigating a minor dispute in Edessa," the next. Rumors may abound -- for those who listen to such things -- of lands and assets siezed, of trials, of imprisonments. But the pudgy major-domo will offer only, "these are unsettled times, and the Emperor is working to settle them." Such are Drusus' efforts that he is all but cut off even from his own family: it is said he received news of his cousin Arahael's passing while in the field, too embroiled in whatever it was he was doing to rush back to Jove lands; even the illustrious wedding of the Pasha was missed, his wife on her own to represent the Imperial couple. Is he sick, perhaps? Is all of this just a smokescreen to hide something more nefarious? Title: Chryseis Wedding Such odd goings-on in the Citadel these days. A few weeks ago, in comes Commander Altair, running about and gathering a small group of people in the Chamber of Stars, a lady friend on his arm. Now this caught some by suprise, many thinking he was still locked up in the Eyrie. As news trickles out, it comes to be known that Altair Leander Januarius is now a Chryseis, having married Andromache Chryseis, the 'lady friend' on his arm. It was a quick wedding, with his cousin Jana Januarius as the Sybil. 'A token dowry was given, a son adopted by the Commander, and the flowers of love sprang forth greater than ever,' as one participant put it. And so, Commander Chryseis and his wife walked home, arm-in-arm, hearts forever one with each other. Title: Execution It was an event that usually is of little note. A murderer, properly confessed, tried and sentenced, was finally executed in the Bastion. What was of note was the squad of Praetorian Guards that arrived to deliver the fatal blow instead of it being dealt the by hands of Haven's executioners. Once quite clearly dead, the body of the Empyrean known as Redrum was carted off and buried in an unmarked grave. Title: A Gruesome Gift Word travels quickly. Many rumors fly, but among the juciest of the day -- or of any day for that matter -- is how on Friday night those who found themselves the Atesh-Gah courtyard witnessed the silent (apart from the inevitable thud) arrival of a head. Yes, a dead man's severed head fell into the yard of the Varati embassy. The unfortunate owner of this errant head is not immediately known -- the only clue which might identify him is the shade of his now dull eyes: the color of cloudy ice. Title: Dead Street Kids An attack on a mongrel child known to Sabrienna has rattled her. Her tired form has been seen slinking through shadows to find the person who mutilated the young pick-pocket. The children are mysteriously quiet and do not answer her questions if this was the first time something like this has happened. Title: A Honeymoon? Not such an odd sight, a gryphon-driven chariot fleeing the city for Civitas Dei. Not for the Palladium or the Domus Solum. But what was odd was the sight of the passengers of one particular chariot bound for the city in the sky. Dressed not in his polished black metal but rather in the tan leather armor of a civilian, one Commander Altair Chryseis was seen carrying bags out to the chariot. Following shortly after came the beautiful Andromache Chryseis and their son Astyanax. They all boarded the chariot and left for that great city in the heavens. Word around the Hounds is that the Commander is taking some needed time off to spend with his family. Others are characterizing it as more of a Honeymoon situation. Either way, he's said to be out for at least two weeks. Not to be disturbed, but in case of emergency, he can be reached through written letter to House Chryseis. They'll make sure he gets the message. Title: Elidi and Niko The morning of May 31st, 3905 finds a quiet commotion within House Augustus. With little fanfare and no announcement, Elidi and the nearly six-month-old son of Cassius depart for Civitas Dei. Another leave of absence has been filed with the Praetorian Guard until the child grows older and doesn't need so much care. Perhaps the Dea is finally preparing for her son's naming ceremony. Or... maybe his wings are growing in black. Title: A WHAT?! Meeting with WHO?! Two Delphic students walk through the Rialto, their daily chores in progress... or so it seems. "An Oracle... he wants to WHAT?!" "He's trying to have a meeting of the Sibylla called, I tell ya!" "A meeting of them ALL? I don't think there has been one of those..." "For years, Yuri... not for years, I think." "They haven't been sleeping you know... less then usual, I mean..." "I know... something is afoot... something serious." That's right. The Empyrean Oracle turned Legate has apparently kept some of his loyalties to Delphi or at least some of his common sense. Clairvoyants of any significant ability seem to be having some sort of trouble and that rumor is certainly not scarce from the young lips of some in the Citadel. Title: A Skirmish at the Docks Not a day passes without at least something happening at the docks, but yesterday's event has lead to some particular amusing stories. "You heard what happened to Gregh?" Pat asks his pall over a cup of beer. "Yeah, he and Don ran in some trouble with the fishies, didn't they?" A nod, "Yup, just like the two of th'm to bother one of those fishy girls. I mean... sure, soaked clothing does a few things to a man, but I've got more sense than to take them as cyprians, especially with a few willing women right here." "But that is cause they always resist, this one didn't though. Only tried to free her arm... I am sure he didn't mean to break it." "Yeah, but that didn't keep those fish guards from grabbing them. I heard she was one of their leaders, High Priestess even. Or a queen." "Nah... couldn't be. Those Delphites who came to her aid, they referred to her as teacher... even as Estrel. Lucky for her though that that Healer was around, we never get that lucky." Pat breaks out in laughter, "Yeah right, one of the Estrella? And she didn't mind being hauled to the Siren? Oh my, I gotta tell that to the guys." And so the story spreads. After all, what's more fun than to talk dirty of the powerful? Title: Memories ? *Why oh why do they not answer?* The woman's thoughts desperately reach for Akira's mind. An image of her, kneeling on the beach, her hands raised for heaven is sent through the communication line. Then the color slowly changes, suspicion rises and an accusing finger points to the old man. *Did you write down my words exactly as I spoke them?* Akira nods, *I did.* The pale cheeks of the young woman turn red in an embarrassed blush and with a sudden movement she casts down her gaze. Thoughts mix in a labyrinth of confusion and her voice whispers. "Good sea... I... After all you've done for me, how could I doubt? Please, I beg your forgiveness." Akira answers. *I do not blame you. Your physical poses are far clearer than that mental drama. In thoughts so theatrical, yet in behavior so shy. Still, I wonder why you want them to cut open old wounds. What use is it to let them break your heart and theirs together with it? They are here to help people, not to assist you in hurting yourself.* But the other replies fiercely. *What do you like then? That I'm doubting myself forever? Who knows what or who I was? A criminal? A traitor? Do you know what it is like to wake up in tears and sweat every night? Trembling with fear for yourself, not daring to close your eyes again? I'm scared, Akira, terrified, who knows what blood was on these hands!* She covers her face with her hands and both mind and body speak the same language for once... Title: A Startling Return It was sometime in the late afternoon of the 19th of June that a train of wyverns was observed entering Atesh-Gah from Haven's north gate road: several Agni-Haidar warriors escorted someone whom -- by her diminutive stature and fine silks -- was most likely Rabi, the mahisi of the dread Nayaka Faisal. Those who observe the Varati Embassy noted that they did not see her leave; what's more, the Nayaka himself has not been seen about of late either. And when he leaves, he usually makes a show of riding through Haven with his force of snarling beasts and stone-cold companions. So...where is he now? And where has she been? Title: Assault of an Agni-Haidar There was some minor commotion in one of the northern streets of Haven the other day, as one of those feared Agni-Haidar; a tall, lean man with dark red hair, was rudely humiliated by taking a soft, over-ripe and squishy peach straight between his shoulderblades. No one moved forward upon the request of who had done the deed; probably scared of the prospect of being cut to pieces by the big mean sword the Varati was suddenly sporting in one hand. With a little encouragement, the Janizar got someone to point out the offender in question; one of the Atesh-Gah slaves it seemed, a collared dark woman in blue sari and veils. The lass did not admit to the crime, nor did she struggle as she was hauled off towards the gates to the embassy by the warrior, oozing menace and fruit juice alike. Those close enough might have heard the man requesting some rope and a pair of stakes at the entrance, before disappearing within, slave in tow. After this, no one knows for sure what happened to the poor(?) girl, although were one to
listen closely to the whispering and smirking shudra scurrying in and out through the gates, they
might pick up on something about a known troublemaker being stripped naked and hung upside
down from a tree in the middle of the courtyard...
|
