Date: July 10, 1998
Place: Garden - Palladium - Haven
Cast: Arahael, Arianna (I), Cassius, Dimitrius, Elidi, Raziel
Scene: A dark Empyrean claims kinship with House Thanatos, and the outrage of such a "taint" is enough to drive Arianna of House Augustus to call off her engagement to Lord Raziel, patriarch of Thanatos.

Arianna enters the garden from the living quarters situated off to the right.

Arahael sits on a bench neat the fountain, close enough that the fine spray forms droplets on the white feathers of his wings. He's stripped to the waist just now, rubbing about his neck and shoulders with a large towel. Looks like the Deus Jove has been engaging in some sort of exercise.

Arianna steps out from the living quarters, a small, flat piece of cloth in one hand as a young maid-servant trails after her, carrying a rather large basket full of multi-colored yarns and embroidery thread. The pair make their way quietly towards a bench in the shade.

Arianna sits at a bench in the shade.

Arahael leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees, taking a few slow, deep breaths. He rubs again at the towel that now hangs loosely over his shoulders, then turns his head to take a sidelong glance at the young Empyrean woman and her embroidery. Silver hair, curly and damp, hangs over his forehead and into his eyes, and he brushes at it with mild irritation.

Dimitrius steps into the garden, a down-trodden look upon his face, like he's mad.

Arahael sits at the edge of the fountain, appearing as though he's just finished a workout of some sorts, and taking a long look at Arianna as she embroiders in the shade.

Arianna takes a seat upon the bench underneath the tree as her maid-servant sits on the ground at her feet, her long slender fingers placing the flat piece of cloth into her lap as she gives Arahael a polite nod and smile, "Good day, Deus Jove."

Arahael smiles. It's a warm smile, tinged with exhaustion, "Good day, Domina Augustin." He glances up at the entrance of the dark-winged Empyrean in his red robes, and the smile vanishes into a frown.

Arianna flickers her gaze towards the darker Empyrean entering the garden, her eyes widening a bit with shock and fright as the maid-servant moves closer to her mistress for protection.

Dimitrius' face falls even more upon catching Arahael's frown, "May I help you, my friend?" His mouth curves up into a slight, cruel smirk.

Arahael draws himself up from his seat, running a hand through his damp hair to push it out of his face. "No, I don't believe that you can, friend. Perhaps I, you?"

Arianna flickers her gaze towards the young mongrel servant at her feet as she hands the girl her embroidery. A quick tilt of the lady's head and the maid-servant quickly rushes towards the living quarters, disappearing from view.

Dimitrius crosses his arms and half walks, half flies closer to Arahael a couple of steps, "How rude of me. Where are my manners? I am Dimitrius Seraphimus Origanos of the House Origanos." his eyebrow raises and he nods in the direction of Arahael at the same time and says, "I would be pleased to meet your acquaintance."

Arianna tilts her head upward as sky-blue eyes narrow on the dark Empyrean, her posture remaining always perfect as her long slender hands fold into her lap.

"Arahael Severin Jove," Arahael replies, standing relatively motionless as Dimitrius approaches. "Deus Jove, Patriarch of my House, and advisor to the Aegis. I'm pleased," he continues with limited sincerity, "to meet you, Dominus Origanos."

Dimitrius catches Arianna's gaze in the corner of his eye and follows it down to her, his dark eyes staring into her light eyes. He smiles at her genuinely... and then he hears Arahael's voice and he turns back, his countenance fallen back to where it was. "My Lord, then, it is my pleasure, I'm sure."

Dimitrius looks to Arianna, "Domina, I did not hear your name, which I am sure shall be such as music is to mine ears." He offers her a smile, his dark eyes twinkling in the moonlight.

Arianna flickers her gaze towards Arahael, then back to Dimitrius before her sky-blue eyes rest once more on the Deus Jove, not even a syllable uttering from her lips.

"She is Domina Augustin," comes Arahael's hard-voiced reply, "And I should think that she chooses not to speak with you, Dominus." The final word is enunciated carefully, emphasizing the title that Arahael has so generously granted upon this dark-winged Empyrean. "Perhaps," he continues, "I can help you to find your destination?"

Arianna continues to remain silent, not even a hint of a smile crossing her usually pleasant lips as she returns her gaze towards Dimitrius, the slightest hint of her father's cold, icy gaze landing on the dark Empyrean and holding him there.

Dimitrius smiles ever so slightly at Arahael, "My destination, good Deus? I search. As you can see, I have wings of black and dark features which came from neither my good mother or my good father, for they are both fair-skinned Thanatos."

Arianna's eyes widen in shock as she visibly pales, her hands clenching into fists as she remains staring at Dimitrius with disbelief.

"Tonight," comes Arahael's reply, "you search in a place that will grant you no answers to your questions." He pauses to look the dark-skinned Celestial over, then brings his grey eyes to meet Dimitrius' dark ones. "I suggest, Dominus, that you take your search elsewhere."

Dimitrius' face does not change, and he looks from Arahael to Arianna and then back to Arahael. "I search for no answers, only a place to call home and people to call family."

Cassius enters the garden from the living quarters situated off to the right.

Cassius emerges from the living quarters, clad in a heavy mantle for the season, his wings hunched close to his frame as he strides through the snow. "Damnable weather," comes his low, ungracious mutter.

Dimitrius is a tallish looking Empyrean with wings of black and dark features, half standing, half flying just above the ground. He is speaking with Arahael, but his gaze goes down to Arianna every so often.

Arianna narrows her eyes, her usually passive sky-blue gaze turning darker and more hateful as she glares at the dark-skinned Empyrean. At the sound of Cassius' voice, she flickers her gaze towards him, quickly standing and walking towards her beloved father, her hate-filled gaze never leaving Dimitrius.

As Dimitrius is the most noticeable--with his dark coloring and the fact that he's hovering there in the garden, it is to him that Cassius' gaze strays first. "Deus Kronian," comes his mild oath. "They will let anyone in here these days." But his irritation fades upon seeing his daughter move toward him, and he even gives her a slight smile. "Arianna."

Arianna pulls her lips into a frown as she leans over to whisper something to her father, her hand gently resting upon his shoulder.

Arianna whispers "This.... this loathsome creature claims blood ties with House Thanatos."

Arahael stands close to Dimitrius, and looks none too pleased about it. He's bare to the waist, a towel cloth slung over his shoulders, and his hair damp but drying quickly. His gaze flicks to Deus Augustin briefly, then back to Dimitrius. "You will not find those things here. Not now, not later." His voice shows displeasure at even beginning to have to repeat himself to Dimitrius, "Again, I suggest you search elsewhere this evening."

At Arianna's low comment, Cassius' gaze returns to the dark Empyrean, though he has the good grace to nod a greeting toward Arahael first. "Is it a halfbreed?" he inquires--presumably of his daughter. Those cold blue eyes are once more on Dimitrius.

Arianna shakes her head, "No my father... I am afraid not."

Arianna's voice, usually so calm and passive, seems to take on a darker edge to it, her displeasure apparent. Amazing how one who seems so loving and caring can resemble her father so much in times of displeasure.

Cassius' wintry gaze lowers to Arianna. "And this is the House you wish to marry into?" he inquires of the young woman, his tone deceptively light.

Arianna frowns more, her face visibly paling, "Not any longer, Father."

Elidi enters the garden from the living quarters situated off to the right.

Arianna is standing beside Cassius, slowly lowering her arm to her side, which was resting upon her father's shoulder a moment before, her usually sweet disposition seeming to be replaced with one of anger and disgust.

Arahael stands close to Dimitrius, and looks none too pleased about it, seeming to be in something of a confrontation with the dark-skinned Empyrean. He's bare to the waist, a towel cloth slung over his shoulders, and his hair damp but drying quickly.

Cassius is standing beside his daughter, clad in a heavy mantle for the season. Both he and Arianna seem displeased--and the source of their displeasure could be the dark Empyrean, Dimitrius, hovering a short distance away.

Elidi strides into the garden with purpose, a hand resting casually upon the hilt of her sword. She tilts her head and considers those present as she moves, the leather strips that form a skirt over her tunic flaring with each step. Unerringly, her coppery gaze drifts to Dimitrius as well and her husky contralto calls toward the group with authority, "Is there a problem here, citizens?"

Cassius' obvious displeasure over Dimitrius' appearance fades only slightly once the young man suddenly takes to the skies. The Augustin patriarch peers into the night sky after him, though with his dark coloring, he soon fades away. "Good riddance," Cassius murmurs softly.

Arianna lets out a soft sigh of distaste, "I shall inform Lord Thanatos of my decision immediately."

If Cassius is pleased by his daughter's announcement, you wouldn't guess it from his expression--for so rarely is he moved to show anything beyond sarcasm, contempt, or simply an impassive facade. But perhaps his lips twitch at the corners fleetingly as he nods toward Arianna.

Arahael's own grey eyes watch Dimitrius' quick departure, "Find what you seek," he quietly says. "Find it elsewhere." He brings his gaze back down, and takes the few strides to Deus Augustin and his daughter, "Domina, are you well?"

Elidi watches the sky with a faint curl to the left corner of her mouth, penny-bright eyes tracking Dimitrius' departure perhaps farther than the others are able. Golden lashes narrow as she squints after him as if committing the offending dark-skinned male's features to memory.

Arianna flickers her gaze towards Cassius, her expression cold, "I thank you father, for allowing me to make my first major mistake in my life. I can only thank the spirits and the winds that it was remedied before any real damage was done. In the future I shall allow you to choose appropriate suitors for me," she states, her voice seeming unusually flat and cold before flickering her gaze towards Arahael and offering him a polite, if not rehearsed, smile, "Yes, thank you for your concern, Deus Jove."

A faint wrinkle appears between Cassius' brows at his daughter's perhaps-uncharacteristic behavior. Yet it smooths away as he turns his head toward Arahael, and gives him another welcoming nod. Cold blue eyes take in his attire--or lack of it. "Perhaps you are made of sterner stuff than myself," he remarks. "After several months, I still have not gotten used to this weather."

Arahael inclines his head silently to Arianna, then turns to Cassius. "I came from exercise at the Eyrie," he explains, "I left most of my robes in my chambers, and paused at the fountain before going to the baths." He glances again at Arianna, "Interruptions occurred, Deus Augustin, before I reached my destination."

Elidi's wings slowly fan and resettle as half-turns, but she pauses at Arahael's mention of the Eyrie, arching a red-gold brow as she studies Arahael again with a very faint smirk.

Cassius nods absently to Arahael's comment--he has already turned his head once he noticed Elidi's arrival, and he studies her with a vague curiosity. While his contempt toward the dark Empyrean was apparent, his feelings about a female Praetor are less so.

Arianna flickers her gaze towards the sky, her soft skin seeming even paler since the dark Empyrean's 'announcement' as she stares upwards.

Elidi returns Cassius' look with a touch of amusement, her mouth curving into a half smirk/half grin that somehow still manages to be charming.

Arahael takes a deep breath and, exhaling, finally seems to feel the chill of the early February evening. "If you'll excuse me, I believe I'll be going to the baths. The cold does seem to be settling upon me." He inclines his head first to Cassius, then to Arianna. "Deus Augustin. Domina." Arahael's grey eyes linger on Arianna for a moment, then he turns and begins to walk across the garden towards the baths.

Cassius does not return the smile--at least, not a genuine one. A vague curve comes to his lips, but the smile is dismissive and cool. He nods his head slightly toward Elidi, murmuring, "Domina. I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance." Upon Arahael's farewell, he nods to the man, though soon turns his gaze back upon Elidi.

Arianna places a gentle hand upon her father's arm as she murmurs softly, "If you will excuse me, father... I'm feeling rather... ill." she says as she finally lowers her gaze from the sky, her eyes wide and seeming filled with shock and anger, her skin several shades paler than normal.

Arahael glances at Elidi as he passes. In all likelihood he has seen her before, he thinks. And certainly, were he not so chilled, he might stay to make her acquaintance. But he is, and so he keeps walking.

Arahael sets off along a curving path that eventually leads to a set of shallow steps. Hemounts them and enters the bathhouse of the Palladium.

Elidi inclines her head to Cassius and her wings fold closer to her body to form something of a cloak about her back. "Deus Augustin," she offers in her low voice, "I am Elidi Eleinos Tritonides, perhaps you have heard of me. Perhaps not. You have been here in Haven far longer than I."

Raziel enters the garden from the living quarters situated off to the right.

Arahael emerges from between the columns of the bathhouse and starts along the paved pathways of the garden.

Cassius is standing beside Arianna, speaking to Elidi. His gaze lowers from the female Praetor momentarily, to settle on his daughter. "Of course... I should be along shortly," he says to her, before looking back at Elidi. Yet in doing so, his eyes fall upon Raziel, and surprise--mingled with something that may be akin to anger--kindles in their frosty depths. "Thanatos," he voices, forgetting his conversation with Elidi for the moment. "It appears you have some explaining to do."

Arianna's eyes widen, her skin paling even further as she spins around slowly, her hands wrapping around her chest as she begins shivering slightly. As her gaze lands on Raziel, a look of momentary panic flashes through her eyes before being replaced with anger.

Raziel arches an eyebrow. "Deus?"

Arahael returns from the baths. His hair is damp again, slicked back from his hair, but he is now dressed fully in a chimere and pallium. An expression of careful neutrality comes across his face as he notes the presence of Deus Thanatos.

Elidi readjusts her grip upon the hilt of her uncustomary broadsword, one brow arching with sardonic curiosity.

Cassius rests one hand upon his daughter's shoulder--perhaps as a calming gesture, or perhaps as a possessive one. He hasn't taken his eyes off Lord Thanatos yet. "Admittedly, I had not had a chance to check with one of the historians about Thanatos' heritage. I foolishly believed it to be as pristine as our own," he pronounces. "Yet I was grossly mistaken. Your House is tainted."

Raziel draws himself up to his full height, letting his wings unfurl slightly. "I beg your pardon, Deus? My blood is as pure as any in the Empyre."

"There was an Empyrean here," Arahael says, his tone making even the statement of race dubious. "His tone and manner were rude. He called himself Dimitrius, claiming birth of your House, and attempted to force introduction with Domina Arianna." Arahael pauses, then speaks again, "His skin was dark, cousin. His wings and hair black as night."

Cassius' cool blue eyes flick over toward Arahael, and he nods, confirming the Jovian's statement. "Naturally," he says, turning his icy regard back to Raziel, "I cannot allow my daughter to marry into such a... questionable bloodline."

As Arahael recants the events that passed just a few moments before, Arianna's delicate, alabaster skin turns nearly translucent, her face losing all color as she grabs her father's arm weakly, one hand brushing against her forehead as she whispers softly, "I feel... very ill right now..."

Raziel blinks. "I have no idea what you are speaking of. My ancestry can be traced directly to the earliest days of the Empyre, to such as Kronian and Adonais." His eyes harden, "And I do not accept such slander--even from members of the Aegis."

With his face registering concern, Cassius takes his daughter's elbow, overly solicitous. "Of course you must..." he murmurs, either not hearing Raziel's words, or ignoring them. "Shall I take you back to the House?"

Arahael steps forward, "Deus Augustin... if you wish to accompany your daughter to her quarters for rest, I'll speak to Deus Thanatos of what happened until your return."

Elidi's face settles into a enigmatic mask as Arianna pales and begins to look faint, but there is a hint of disapproval in her eyes before she turns them upon Arahael to study him, briefly. She looks back to Cassius and Arianna soon after, her mouth twitching.

Cassius glances up at Arahael. It would be exaggerating, to call his look one of gratitude, yet he nods. "Thank you, Deus. It is most appreciated."

Raziel stretches out his arm and points a long, slender finger at Cassius. "If you did not wish your daughter to be wed to me, then in honor you should have said as much. This... cursed slander will not be forgotten. From this day forward, your House and mine are no longer friends."

Arianna whispers softly as she leans against her father, her body trembling fiercely, "Raziel... I do not wish to marry you..... "

Arahael turns from Cassius and steps towards Raziel, holding forth one hand, palm forward, "Deus Thanatos... hold your words. Let me speak before you say what you might regret."

Raziel turns upon his heel. "I have no time to speak with those who would slander the good name of House Thanatos. Let the gods have mercy upon those who would call what is pure tainted, and what is tainted pure."

While gently leading Arianna toward the entrance into the living quarters, Cassius pauses upon hearing Raziel's pronouncement, and his eyes turn glacial. "So be it," he answers. "Your House is a disgrace to our race, and I would not have my daughter tied to it." With that, he moves toward the inner courtyard, leading Arianna.

Arianna and Cassius disappear into the living quarters.

Arahael glances behind him at the departing Augustins, then before him at the departing Thanatos. "Thanatos. Stop. Hear me before you call me liar, if that is what your words intend."

Elidi takes up position near a marble column, coppery eyes watching the two men as they converse. Her posture relaxes and she crosses her arms beneath her armored chest.

Raziel turns and narrows his eyes at Arahael. "I have spent my entire life admiring House Jove as the very highest of Empyreal standards. I wish no ill will between my house and yours. But anyone who slanders my house, who calls dozens of loyal, noble sons and daughters of Thanatos to be... tainted. They are no one I would speak with. The choice is yours."

Arahael takes two steps forward, "If you will hear me, then I will tell you what I saw and heard, and what this Dimitrius said. I bear no false witness, and speak no slander. Will you listen?"

Raziel sighs. "I will listen to you, so long as you do not speak of 'taint' surrounding my bloodline."

Arahael exhales, and nods. "This one entered the garden, as I sat 'neath the fountain and Domina Arianna sat in the shade with her embroidery. He entered with a foul expression on his face, and insolent in manner. His skin, as I said, was light brown, his hair and wings black. He introduced himself to me as Dimitrius Seraphimus Origanos, and attempted to force introduction with Domina Arianna."

Raziel sighs. "I have never heard of the Origanos family, nor of this Dimitrius."

Arahael takes a breath, regarding Raziel carefully, "Nor I, cousin. Still, I made it clear to this one that the Domina did not wish to speak with him, and that he ought find whatever it was he was searching for elsewhere." Arahael's eyes narrow, "That was when he claimed birth of your House, of mother and father Thanatos, pale and perfect of limb. What he was searching for, this Dimitrius claimed, were people and place to call family and home, as your House would not have him."

"Domina Arianna was... disturbed... by this, and Deus Augustin walked in moments later," continues Arahael, "I pressed him, and when the Praetor arrived," he nods towards Elidi, "he flew."

Elidi turns her head and flashes white teeth in a fierce smile, proving that she has indeed been listening.

Arahael regards Raziel silently, waiting to see what words Deus Thanatos will speak.

Raziel presses one hand very tightly to his temple, trying to ward off another of his now-legendary headaches. "My lineage is well known, Arahael. Most of my ancestors are your ancestors. A mongrel could claim, assuming it could speak intelligibly, to be the illegitimate child of Justinius, but no one would listen. Of course this Dimitrius was lying, but even to listen to such lies, to pay heed to a soiled and darkened creature... any who seek to undermine the honorable name of a honorable house--even in listening to these lies, Cassius has insulted me."

Arahael speaks softly, "It is always easier to believe the worse of a thing. I take it from Cassius' tone and expression that he was not for your engagement to Lady Arianna; such disappoval would make belief easier. You need to find this creature, Thanatos. Find him and force him to recant his words."

Elidi's contralto drifts from her place near the column in something of a purr, "I'll be glad to assist."

Raziel raises both of his eyebrows. "I will do no such thing. I am no wretch, who must grovel before worms to have them speak the truth. I am an Empyreal nobleman, and I demand that my word be held higher than that of a black-winged cur. If you wish it, I will have the whole of my family genealogies delivered to you, and you may search however long you wish for any touch of impurity. As for me, I will pay no more attention to this worm than if he claimed he were your father's son."

Cassius enters the garden from the living quarters situated off to the right.

Arahael places a hand to his chest, "It isn't me that you need to convince, Raziel. It wasn't my daughter that you were to wed. It isn't my house that you have accused of slander. It is Augustin, and you must satisfy Cassius."

Arahael smiles ever-so-slightly, not yet seeing Cassius enter behind him, "Besides, the father of the bride always holds the groom in contempt. It's the way of things."

Cassius returns from the living quarters, stalking back out into the garden, his back rigid, feathers slightly ruffled with anger. "Indeed," he remarks acidly, overhearing Arahael. "Though I'm afraid it is too late to make amends." His gaze sweeps to Raziel. "By his own declaration, our Houses are enemies."

Elidi clears her throat, lightly, and straightens, uncrossing her arms. "And so the Empyreans become divided from within, weakening them for the threats of the Varati dogs."

Raziel does not turn around, merely stretching out his wings to obscure view of Cassius. "Such insults cannot go unanswered. In deference, however, to your honored place in the Aegis, I will be willing to hear your apology."

Arahael steps back to allow Raziel and Cassius to regard each other clearly. Elidi's words cause him to glance briefly at the Praetorian, but it is the Lords of Thanatos and Augustin that command his attention.

"'Apology?'" Cassius repeats, exhibiting one of those infrequent bouts of temper. Yet he keeps the anger in check--only flaring nostrils and a sudden tic that starts up in his left eye making it apparent. "You would have me apologize, for your own deceitfulness? Do not be absurd, Thanatos. It is your heritage that is unclean, not mine. And as a member of the Aegis, I could see to it that your entire family line is disgraced and outcast." He may not actually have such power, and the threat could be no more than a bluff. But his icy fury is no sham.

Elidi's wings spread and flex before settling again and she approaches the trio with slow steps, one golden-red eyebrow gliding upward.

Raziel glares at Cassius. Then he begins to laugh, a cold, harsh laugh. "To think, I intended to marry your daughter. The child of a man who believes the words of an outcast over those of a Deus. I only regret what will become of your house--you can destroy me, it is true. But what happens when a mongrel claims to be the son of Lysander? And a halfbreed comes to you with open arms, asking your help because its mother, Damaris, has cast it out. If you are this stupid then it is your entire House that will be outcast--by your own hand."

Arahael draws himself up and, briefly, there is something of his late grandfather in his manner. "Hold your threats and demands, both of you," Arahael inserts, "Or the Praetorian will have spoken the wisest words of all here. Do you truly wish to set your Houses at each others throats on the words of a blemish?" He looks to Cassius, then to Raziel. "Do you?" His tone is forceful, commanding. "Do you?!?"

Cassius' eyes narrow to ice-blue slits, and his spine stiffens, wings unfurling slightly at the affront. But whatever reply he was going to make is aborted by Arahael's words. His gaze slices over toward the Jovian, and he remarks acerbically, "I fear it is too late for that."

Raziel folds his arms across his chest. "Better to be at the throat of a House that is more powerful--better to have my family crushed--than to let such lies go unanswered."

Elidi clears her throat, a faint smirk settling on her features as she attempts to enter the conversation. "Deus Augustin, Deus Jove, Deus Thanatos, if I may be allowed to speak?"

"Lies?" Cassius shoots back. "You are the one who has proven false this day, Thanatos. And to think that my daughter harbored such feelings of tenderness for you." He almost spits the last, "She said she loved you. I could forgive anything else, but your dishonesty towards my daughter is reprehensible."

Raziel raises an eyebrow. "I don't know, Elidi. After all, you've got Thanatos ancestors, you're probably tainted." He rolls his eyes, obviously growing more and more disgusted.

"Then hand your Houses to the Varati, Deus. Give your daughters to their Khalid, and your sons to their swords." Arahael almost spits the words out. "Why waste time with the intermediaries when that is the result that you're both rushing headlong into." Arahael bites back further words and looks to Elidi. "You spoke well once, so far as I'm concerned. Speak again, Praetor."

Cassius shoots a frosty glance toward Elidi. His left eyelid is still twitching, and his feathers are ruffled up in a way that has nothing to do with the cold. But he does, at least, keep silent.

Elidi settles her gaze firmly upon Raziel for a long moment, almost a chastising glance. "I am related to Damaris as well. Would you call her tainted for being my cousin?" Then, she looks to all of them, "Deus Jove speaks well. It does not bode well for our race if we are at each other's throats. Would you have us emulate the Varati with the way that they war amongst themselves when they have no one else to fight? What if another war begins? Will we be cut down because our people are too proud to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the Empyre, because they are too concerned with which House they stand alongside of?"

Elidi says, "We must present a united front or we appear weak."

"Pretty words, Praetor," Cassius remarks coolly. "But they still don't change the facts. House Thanatos is not fit for my daughter to marry into. And this man," he indicates Raziel, "is dishonorable."

Arahael asks quietly, "Can you find this one, Praetor? This Dimitrius who has spoken to cast shadow upon House Thanatos?"

Elidi's mouth purses as she considers, shoulders tightening and releasing slowly. "I can try. I admit to being unfamiliar with this city as of yet." Just as slowly, she smiles, and it is not a gentle thing. "However, I have something of a reputation in Civitas Dei, if not in Haven. And there are those I could ask for aid."

Arahael nods once, then looks to Cassius, "And if she brings him forth, Deus Augustin, and he recants his words, will you withdraw the accusation of impurity from House Thanatos?"

Raziel ruffles his feathers.

Cassius' eyes flicker from Elidi, to Arahael, and finally to Raziel. It is upon him that his gaze rests while he answers. "I will recant the accusation of impurity, yes--if that is what the evidence suggests. But Lord Raziel's conduct has disappointed me. I fear a reconciliation may be impossible at this point." He lifts his chin slightly, disdainfully. "However, if he offers an apology--not to myself, but my daughter... and if she sees fit to forgive him... then I could as well."

Arahael releases a pent-up breath, and turns to Raziel. "Deus Thanatos, will you accept this? If Deus Augustin withdraws his accusation, will you offer apology to his daughter for your quick words?"

Raziel frowns. "I am still insulted that such things could be believed of me, on the word of a black-winged cur." He takes a deep breath. "But... I will apologize to Lady Arianna--that someone has so upset her, and lied to her about the family she had intended to join."

Arahael's storm-grey eyes close briefly, and he nods once before opening them. "Are we in agreement, then? Do the actions proposed satisfy all parties?"

Cassius barely waits until Raziel has finished before swiveling toward Elidi. "You will find this 'impostor,' then?" he asks of her--and that in itself seems to answer Arahael's question.

Elidi inclines her head and her body in a slight bow as her mouth edges upward slightly. "I will, Deus Augustin. You have my word."

Raziel turns towards Arahael. "The genealogy of house Thanatos is readily available to the Aegis. I am certain there will be a committee formed to investigate these grievous allegations, and put them to rest?

"I am not a member of the Aegis," replies Arahael, "I cannot convene such a committee--although if we both request it, I am certain it would be done. Do you agree, Deus Augustus?"

Cassius nods, satisfied with Elidi's response. He glances over to Arahael and Raziel and interjects, "You can be certain that I will have some of the finest historians poring through your family's line, Thanatos. I trust they will find no more... anomalies." And with that, he turns on his heel, ready to depart.

Elidi's penny-bright eyes narrow as she watches Cassius move to leave, a slight glint entering them.

Arahael nods. "Good eve then, Augustus," says Arahael to Cassius's retreating back.

Raziel smiles at Cassius.

Cassius returns to the living quarters without a backward glance.

Cassius disappears into the living quarters of the Palladium.

Raziel says softly to Arahael, "Tell me, Jove... what penalty is there for slandering a nobleman?"

Arahael replies in an even voice, "I'm not certain, Thanatos. In this case, I would think it to be quite unpleasant."

Raziel nods slowly, stroking his chin. "We will find this pretender, if, in fact, he exists. I begin to wonder if he was not in the employ of Cassius, sent to convince his daughter not to wish to marry me...."

FIN  

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