Date: June 2, 2001 (Aether: Sun May 23, 3908)
Place: Courtyard - Atesh-Gah - Haven
Cast: Aja, Kasia, Khalid (VI), Mohid, Niamh, Sumai, Thalia
Scene: The God-King of the Varati comes to Haven in response to Delphi's branding and whipping of Janizar Kedar. Yet, his arrival hints that the Varati have been planning their response to Delphi for some time.

It is after the noon services and the Temple seems quiet. Wandering through the mostly empty Sanctuary, the Nabi bin Mazat moves out into the Courtyard, pausing in the doorway. His eyes seem distant behind the glass of the spectacles as he steps into the cold sleet. That is what wakes him up. With a start he looks about and backs up into the safety and dryness of the doorway, a wave of heat enveloping him to dispel the slight chill of the day.

Another figure, slighter and more slender, enters the courtyard from the gates beyond, the sleet driving the veiled young woman to hurry her steps to a near run. Her feet take her closer to the shelter of the buildings, seeking respite along the stone of the Temple. Dampened silk rises and falls steadily as Aja heaves a sigh, one hand pressing to the wall and the other to her chest, over the beating of her heart, head canting upward to regard the sky with mild irritation.

Watching the figure move towards the Temple and thusly him, Niamh moves the wave of heat towards her as well. While he doesn't smile, there is a small glimmer of triumph in his eyes as he recognizes the Imphada, "Welcome home, Imphada..." is offered softly.

The cold sleet pours down upon two unlucky naraki dressed in the colors of clan Khalida. These two mongrels appear to be stationed at the embassy doors. They continuously scan the skies, as if in search of something. Above ground level, the windows looking onto the Queen-Maharani's balcony are also alive with activity. Several shudra appears to have been posted at the window, also scanning the sky.

The dusky cast of Aja's face, hidden behind the fine gauze of her veil, lowers, shifting towards Niamh as hazel eyes blink in unfeigned surprise. The automatic response to his greeting springs to her lips, bearing a tone of uncertainty. "Namaste, Imphadi...I...thank you." Wide orbs take in the changes in her former teacher's garb and rise for a moment to his face. "I had not thought to see you, Imphadi. How do you fare?" She asks politely. Whether she meant she thought not to see him today or ever again is unclear.

Bespectacled eyes take in the movement about the Maharani's balcony before scanning the skies and coming back to rest on the Imphada before him, "I am well, and yourself?" Aside from being cold and wet, that is. The surprise in her eyes does force him to hold in a slight smile...she must have been one of those who didn't question his allegiance to Delphi...so the Atarvani robes must have surprised her indeed. "And you?"

The rain splashes against the glass, making the images behind the Queen-Mharani's windows shimmer and blur, but it would appear that the shudra are briefly joined by something large and white. The blur of white fades from view after hovering about the windows for the time it would take eyes to make a single pass at the leaden sky.

That blur of white is vaguely seen by hazel eyes, Aja's gaze cast towards the Maharani's windows, follow Niamh's brief attention there. After a moment, her eyes fall back to Niamh. "I am...well. It is a relief to be in full command of my magics again...I never realized how much they were a part of me until they were taken away. The same with my sight. But the last few days have been havoc for me...I am well in body, at last, but so many new changes have been hard for me to deal with." She glances about the courtyard a moment as if to make her point, the slight bubble of warmth flaring about her as a gust of wind skitters along the wall.

When Niamh lost so much blood, that seemed to do most of the purging of the poison from his own body...but he would not have suggested that method for anyone. "Well, now you need not fear more changes. You are where you should be ..." and while there are often small surprises, Atesh-Gah is wonderfully stable.

The Khalida naraki shift from foot to foot, looking extremely wet and unhappy. Yet, they stay at their posts, scanning the sky relentlessly.

High above, a metallic cry rends the frigid air; another follows, closer, echoing back from the shaped stone of Atesh-Gah. And then the beast is visible, distilled from the icy fall of rain like a patch of vivid midnight: a great wyvern queen, its deceptively spindly wings outstretched, working against the shifting winds aloft.

Aja nods in agreement with Niamh after a moment's hesitation. "Yes, I am where I should be." A flicker of uncertainty remains in the depths of hazel eyes, uncertainty which shifts to confusion at the shriek that rains down more chillingly than the sleet ever could. She takes a step back, pressing against the wall. The hand over her heart rises to shield her eyes ineffectually from the rain as she peers upward, gaze narrowed.

The far off cry catches the Nabi's attention and he looks towards the dark shape in the sky. The doorway and balconies and windows are soon filled with Atarvani, all who are caught in supreme reverance and awe. Aja will have to go unanswered for a little while.

At the shriek, the two Khalida naraki lurking at the doors vanish inside the embassy. In the same instance, all the shudra lurking at the Queen-Maharani's windows also disappear from view. A great commotion ensues. Doors slam and the rapid stomping tread of booted feet echo through the halls of Atesh-Gah. This onslought of sound precedes the appearance of the Queen-Maharani at the door to the embassy. Four dry naraki step out into the cold rain and rapidly deploy a canopy; their cotton clothing rapidly soaks in the falling sleet.

Once the wyvern is visible, it isn't long before the reptile swings in over the courtyard; vast talons churn the earth as she backwings to a landing, sending up a wild spray of chill water. The black beast's rider is also dark, also winged, but unlike his mount, he is all but dry-- eldritch tendrils of steam drift up around him, in which the sleet is lost before it reaches his dusky skin.

Khalid Atar has returned to Haven.

Like the steam rising from certain personages around the courtyard, tendrils of confusion tangled within hazel eyes for but a moment. It is soon drowned out as a widening of those eyes reveal awe, amazement, wonder, and fear. Aja's hand drops, along with her chin, and her entire self that is. A vision and a prescence too overwhelming for her to bear. Her slight form slides down the wall until she rests on her knees, wide eyes taking a final look at the God-King before they fall demurely away.

The Nabi kneels in obesience with the other Atarvani...indeed, even those inside prostrate themselves even though they cannot see their God-King. Any commotion from the Temple is immediately gone as if a switch was shut off and only reverent silence remains.

The Queen-Maharani steps rapidly forward toward the man mounted on the reptilian beast. Yet, as the distance between them dwindles, so it would seem does her pace. By the time Thalia is only a few feet beyond the reach of the snapping jaws of the wyvern queen, her steps have slowed, appearing almost hesitant and a tad shy.

Khalid drops down from the hissing reptile, bearing with him the length of sturdy chain that rings the wyvern queen's neck-- a chain that terminates in a long, iron spike. The creature surveys those in the courtyard balefully, hungrily, while the God-King removes a hammer from its leather strap at her side; one solid, ringing blow drives the spike earthward, then another, and a third brings the restraint even with the muddy ground. Straightening from his labor, Khalid returns the hammer to its place.

Emerging from the main entrance of Atesh-Gah into the downpour from the sky is the silver, glimmering form of the Warlord of Messala. Some of his more astute observers having brought him news of some doings in the courtyard immediately. The dull weather takes a bit of the luster from the elaborately shaped armor, however the Master of Messala's size is more than enough to bring him recognition. Behind him are the pair of his favored lieutenents, Ahkmed and Alim who follow far more silently than their enormous lord. Looking across the kneeling form, even stepping over a few of them, Sumai lowers himself to one knee and places the knuckles of his panzerhand to the ground as his neck dips faintly so that his eyes look to the ground from behind the plated helm. He seems unchanged from the state which he has ever been noted for; emotionless and unmovable.

Aja shifts not, the bubble of warmth about her still eliciting steam from her dampened silks. Fingers splay against the ground, a breath escapes her lungs, but she does not move, nor look up.

Niamh does not look up either, nor do the other Atarvani. It seems that part of their training includes peering through lowered eyes in order to remain aware of their surroundings and the Nabi is no exception. He has noted the movement of the Queen-Maharani and the steps of the the Messala Warlord. Pulling his attention back to the glory of the Amir-Al, he waits...

Thalia does not move further forward, staying instead just beyond the angling neck of the vicious wyvern queen. The four naraki carrying her canopy cannot bow. Instead, they cast their eyes downward, looking at the wet pavement.

The patter of the rain does not quite hide the softly issued word. "Khalid," the Queen breathes forward like a sigh. Thalia's fingers intertwine themselves over the silk of her sari as she waits.

Turning away from his mount, Khalid takes a silent moment to survey the courtyard. Luminous eyes look back over the years that these stones have witnessed; the faintest of smiles quirks the God-King's lips at the sight of the drenched heads piked up on the embassy wall. And then, with a small nod, he heads Thalia's way. Dark wings furled, Khalid reaches out to take his Queen and Pasha about the waist. "Namaste, Thalia," he returns fondly, his resonant voice touched by the pleasure of the reunion. Positioning the Maharani by his side, he adds more loudly, "Rise, my children. It warms my heart to see you."

Aja rises without hesitation, the briefest flicker of hazel eyes rising, gazing through ebon lashes to regard the God-King and the Maharani before they fall away again, fingers knotting before her.

Rising to his feet languidly, the rasping of steel emanates from around him compared to the *slurp* of wet silk. The water beads off of his plating as off a ducks feather, but the tabard of linen white clenchs against the links and mail. Sumai watchs from behind the plated helm, eyes shadowed and his dark lips held in a thin line as he remains unsmiling. Looking across the priests gathered, amongst others, he glances back at his guardsmen absently and remains in the center of the path.

The Atarvani rise as well, but instead of moving back to their chores and studies, they remain. The Nabi also rises, but is one of the last to do so. His own eyes remain averted, his hands clasped behind his back as thoughts run through his head. Those in the Courtyard are still watched out of the corners of his eyes as he calmly awaits any other orders the Amir-Al may give.

The sense of nervous hesitation, or perhaps worried anguish, that was part of Thalia's bearing disappears as Khalid wraps his arm around her waist. Her voice remains low, loud enough to be heard over the continued patter of the rain. "I am glad that you could come, my King and beloved. All things are better when you are present."

"In time they will be better still," Khalid assures her in low tones; mild amusement colors the words, but it is unclear whether they are meant to be prophetic or lurid. The God-King's vibrant gaze sweeps those assembled, pausing for a moment upon the Warlord of Messala, and then passing on to consider the former Varati Estrel of Haven. "Niamh bin Mazat," he calls, his faint smile lingering. "I trust the declarations have been made?"

Stepping forward, Niamh, now looking more comfortable back in the traditional red robes of the Atarvani, replies, "Yes, Holiness. Some have chosen to remain at Delphi, accepting the brand of 'kafir' but many have returned here." A glance is given to Aja, just one of whom has renounced her ties with the Citadel. Even though he was singled out to be spoken to, his eyes remain downcast to show his reverence.

That question brings a shiver to Aja's spine, but still she does not move, eyes downcast, face and form hidden behind veil, leyang, sari. When faced with such, perhaps she would be more comfortable fading into the wall behind her.

Thalia turns her head to gaze at Aja's subservient form when Niamh's glance singles her out. "Yes, there are even those who would bring shame to your great Lions by defying your will, beloved King." Her words refers to more than one, but her tone indicates that she has a specific individual in mind.

Khalid looks towards Aja as well, his own blue-violet gaze flickering over the ex-Delphite as he nods. Ebon wings shift slightly at the Maharani's words, but the God-King's expression does not change; some resistance, after all, is always to be anticipated. "Sumai of the Messala," he continues calmly, still contemplating Niamh's discomposed companion. "Your warriors are on their way?"

Dipping his head faintly, the shoulders rippling so that the plates flex over his frame. "They are, Amir-al. I summoned one thousand warriors; they should arrive soon provided they had no difficulty with the weather traversing the mountains of my vara." Sumai responds in his own flat, stone-like basso voice as it rolls free. He says simply while looking at Khalid from behind the heavily plated visor.

Two more shadows join the many in the courtyard, ghosting into the inclement weather shielded only by their own clothing and a heat-bubble. Why it decided to include them both is still a mystery -- perhaps to be figured out later. In any event, those two shadows are obviously two, for one is small, whilst the other is taller, more masculine in that he wears no saris or veils of any sort. The gathering in the courtyard probably wasn't what the pair was expecting, but they've got some things to do whether or not they have to interrupt the God-King, his Queen-Maharani, and...Niamh? Odd enough, surely. The girl turns her face up, whispering something to the taller lad next to her. That said, she remains where she is at the foot of the steps to the embassy, waiting for and answer, or a sign from the gods. Whichever comes first.

Chocolate eyes simply go wide and no response would come... at least not for some time. That taller shadow seems to be rather immobile for the moment, having stopped before his smaller counterpart's halted whisper. Locked upon the God-King, improperly so most likely, his gaze, unwaveringly captivated and both frightened at the same time, does not even shift to look to the more feminine shadow as he responds quite suddenly a reply, his voice startled as though caught off guard by her speech. He's never ever, ever, ever seen the Amir-al before...

Another shiver courses down Aja's spine, pressed firmly against the stone wall behind her. Fingers weave together tightly, but little has changed. Gaze still downcast, bearing demure, shoulders barely moving with each breath.

Waiting until another question or request...or dismissal is directed to them, the Atarvani wait, merely observing. At the mention of troops, Niamh does glance briefly to the Warlord of Messala and then back to the stones at his feet. While he is no longer Estrel, he isn't sure if violence is what is needed at this time.

Khalid dips his chin, satisfied and clearly unsurprised to find himself so. A long moment passes in thoughtful, rain-soaked silence, and then the God-King turns away, shifting his grip to take the Maharani's arm; the pair proceed a few steps towards the embassy proper before the startled canopy-bearers are able to catch up. "Be prepared," he calls behind him, his rich voice carrying easily despite the downpour. "I will convene a council of state, where we will consider how we may best bring this presumptuous Order to heel."

There is the soft murmur of Thalia's voice, as she leans her head into Khalid's upper arm. However, it is not an amorous movement. Instead, the Queen appears to be expressing some concern to the God-King and her head does not reach any higher than just below his shoulder.

Looking over his shoulder for a moment the Warlord seems removed from the situation. "As you wish," Sumai says in an easy manner of speaking while he turns himself around in a languid manner, pivoting upon one thick leg that settles beneath him. About as animated as rock he waits on the dismissal, or the exit, before he moves once more.

The Nabi also nods to the decree before his bespectacled eyes take in the Courtyard. How many here are refugees from Delphi? And can the Atarvani train all of them? Already, he is trying to see exactly how the Delphite-refugee beside him will be taught...

Kasia nods her head ever-so-slightly at whatever it was Mohid said, and then moves off, to skirt around the group. Blue gaze slides over each in turn, eventually ending upon Aja, whom the girl has no doubt never seen before. The others? Obviously, such esteemed people would be known, if not beloved, by many. Silent, ghosting foosteps take the tiny girl around the edge of the gathering, past the lush vegetation that characterizes the courtyard of the ever-famous Atesh-Gah. Lips are licked beneath that veil, nervousness displayed only by the slight jerkiness of her steps.

The God-King, his bride, and their small train disappear within the embassy proper, passing through great doors held wide by wet, but respectfully rigid, Agni-Haidar. It isn't long before handlers arrive from the stables-- with evident signs of fear as well as of determination-- for the Amir-al's vicious steed.

FIN  

[ Home | News | Staff | Players | Links | Gallery | Logs | Library | Updates | Mail ]
[ Connect to the Game ]