Date: December 9, 1999
Place: Dining Room - House Tritonis - Palladium - Haven
Cast: Cassius, Drusus, Kalypso, Leonidas, Oriane, Vertinius
Scene: Dea Kalypso, the matriarch of Tritonis, hosts a dinner-meeting for the Empyre's leaders within Haven. The event is primarily an excuse to 'interview' Vertinius of Acesius, who hopes to claim his House's seat among the council. Yet the Princeps and Dea also take the opportunity to make a more personal announcement.

Dining Room - House Tritonis - Palladium - Haven:
      You find yourself in the formal dining hall of House Tritonis, comfortably ensconced on the second level of the Palladium embassy. The room is a large rectangular one, taking up the entire front portion of the House. More in width than it is depth, the room is nevertheless a grand one. Tall narrow windows look out onto the Courtyard, about six in all on the front of the room, one on each end. A long table of solid oak rests in the center of the room, a woven runner bearing the colors of House Tritonis blazing a path down the center. Cushioned Empyrean chairs are lined up neatly around the table, the fabric on the seat the same pattern as the runner. Marble urns holding miniature white rose trees are spaced at even intervals on both sides of the room, the scent of the blooms evident in the air. On either side of each urn rests two tall torches, keeping the room bright even when the moon watches over Palladium.
      Servants are readily available to serve in the hall, and food and drink are served in abundance. The table is set with elegant dishware, white china bowls with veins of gold running through the simple design. A goblet filled with ambrosia and a glass filled with water rests at each setting. Also on the table are baskets of delicate rolls, still warm from the oven.

Cassius, Drusus, Vertinius, and Leonidas ascend from the main level of the house, stepping into the room.

Kalypso stands at the side of the room, her arms crossed in front of her, critical eye on the table. Dove is the one who escorts the esteemed guests to the second level, the grey-winged man one of the best servants which can be found, even if he does have grey wings. Her voice is soft, as she directs a few words to Oriane. It might appear that the darkling cousin is attending the dinner as well.

Led by Dove, Cassius is the first of the guests to arrive -- save for Oriane, of course. Despite his three-week disappearance, he looks much the same; perhaps a bit thinner than usual, and his face is stern and aloof. He greets the Dea of Tritonis after he is announced with a solemn, "Ave, Dea. Thank you for your invitation, and for so graciously hosting this gathering." To Oriane, he gives another nod. "Domina," is his simple acknowledgment. Then he glances over his shoulder as others arrive.

Drusus has left his guards outside House Tritonis altogether; if Kalypso plans to have her guard kill him, he's set himself up perfectly. It's a show of unconscious trust. He'd have left the circlet behind too, but as he is here in official capacity it remains on his brow. And he really is alone -- his wife, so the news goes, remains in Civitas Dei. "Drusus Marcus, Imperator Maximus," Dove announces, and Drusus pauses just pass the doorway.

The Emperor bows to Kalypso as he would to any other Aegian equal: low, respectful. "Dea," he says. "Ave."

Standing back in the room and remaining quiet, Oriane offers a smile and a polite nod to Cassius as he arrives.

A nod of her head to Cassius, as he enters. "I thank you for coming, Deus Augustin. You and Elidi have been in my prayers, these past few months." The expression on Kalypso's face is quite sincere, but the greeting is forcibly brief, due to the arrival of Drusus. "Ave, Deus Jove, I thank you for coming, as well."

Drusus inclines his head. Gold glitters in his white hair. "Aye, and I you for the gracious invitation, Dea." He nods to Cassius, also, and says, "Ave, Deus; it is indeed good to see you. You were sorely missed." He gets out of the way of anyone who might be coming through the door behind him, his wings sweeping back towards the corner; the shift in his location leaves him close enough to Kalypso should she wish to say something to him and also puts him in proximity to Oriane. To whom he bows lightly and says, softly to as not to interrupt any other nearby conversation, "Good evening, Domina Oriane."

"Dominus Vertinius Gregorio Acesian." As his name is announced to the room, Vertinius steps quietly into view, hands clasped behind his back. Somber and rather unassuming, given the plain fashion of his clothing, he nonetheless conveys the distinct impression that he belongs here, and knows it. Pausing to scan the room and its occupants, the Acesian then drifts forward, to where Kalypso stands. "Ave, Dea," he says softly once she has greeted Drusus, giving her a small bow. As he straightens, one hand is extended towards her, holding a single white rose. After a moment, however, it becomes apparent that the flower is actually fashioned from snowy stone, though Shaped so precisely that its petals almost seem to stir in some intangible breath of air. "I am honored by your invitation," he adds after a small pause. "Please, accept this small token of my esteem."

Dark eyes widen as Oriane looks on to see the stone rose presented to Kalypso. Though she stares at the magical gift from Vertinius, the darkling quickly turns her gaze on the Emperor. Giving a deep curtsey, she murmurs, "Good evening, Emperor. Thank you on behalf of my Dea for accepting the invitation this night."

A bright smile from the young matriarch, as she carefully takes the stone rose in her hands. "It's quite exquisite, Dominus Acesian, my thanks." Kalypso's eyes examine the Shaped flower, as she turns it in her hands. "I shall put it in a place of honor, so that all may look upon its beauty. Again, my thanks, for it and for coming."

Typically, Leonidas is the last to arrive. At least, the last to arrive for the moment. Perhaps he should have been the first. However it happened, he wasn't, but still he comes. Pristine wings carry him to the upper floor and fold behind him, just so, one wingtip nested against the other. Right. He tips his head toward Dove, an acknowledgment and a greeting of sorts, and steps in further to make his own bows. Toward Drusus first, fist against his chest in salute. Then to Cassius and Kalypso. Vertinius, too, gets a slight bow. "I hope, all, that you will forgive my tardiness. I had some matters to attend at home, but nothing that will call me away." Oriane gets a nod, too, lest she think she's been forgotten.

A faint smile touches Vertinius' lips at Kalypso's words, and he gives her another bow in reply before stepping to one side. He inclines his head to Leonidas as the man appears, then turns slightly so as to get a good look at Oriane. His thoughts, if he has any in particular, are impossible to guess. Cool-eyed, he studies the others as well, but refrains from greeting them for the moment.

Drusus returns Leonidas' salute. "Ave, Princeps." He's glad to see the Thanatos Deus; it's been a while. But as Kalypso is likely to be busy greeting and Leo is likely going to be busy being greeted, Drusus returns his attention to Oriane and says, "how fare you, domina? Goes your research well?"

Perhaps Kalypso's brightest smile of greeting is reserved for the Princeps, an inclination of her head as he makes apologies for arriving late. "Ave, Princeps." Her words are an echo of the Emperor's, are they not? "I was beginning to worry that you'd changed your mind."

The darkling girl gives another smile to the Emperor, but her wings shut tight against her back with an almost nervous gesture. A slight breeze rustles the curtains hanging about the room but it stills quickly enough. Turning slightly, Oriane also gives a respectful nod to Leonidas, "Princeps."

Each visitor receives a courteous nod from Cassius -- with a slight bow toward the Emperor to indicate his status. Yet the Augustin Deus is spare with words this evening; close-lipped, he wanders closer to the table as the others make their greetings and introductions. His wings are folded against his back, though the right one doesn't lie quite closed, and whenever his feathers rustle with his movements, a faint wince might cross his face.

Back to the Emperor, though, Oriane smiles and nods, "It goes well, Deus. I have discovered a chest of scrolls at the Scriptorium that had been previously forgotten about, but the earthquake revealed. They're quite valuable with their information."

Drusus raises an eyebrow. "Quite a find, domina. Congratulations." With that, he turns his head to regard the other guests -- to make note of those he knows and those he does not. He pays particular attention to the lost-and-refound Cassius; the other man's favoring of his right wing does not escape his notice, although his expression remains free of any recognition of it.

Dove clears his throat, standing at the head of the room. "Dominii, if you would please be seated?" There are no assigned seats, as this is intended to be a relaxing dinner, of sorts. "We will begin to serve the first course."

Leonidas smiles. Just faintly, but, should it be noted it might bear remembering. He invites himself closer to Kalypso's side, intending, perhaps, to take a seat beside her, invited to do so or no. "If I had," he tells her, when he's closer, "I would have sent word."

Drusus looks to Kalypso; will she be wanting to indicate where the guests are to sit? "Domina?" He says to Oriane, inviting the Tritonis lady to precede him to table.

Finding himself a little distanced from the others, Vertinius drifts to one side, towards the table. Pausing to give Drusus a respectful bow and a murmured, "Ave," the Acesian presses onwards, to where Cassius stands. "Ave, Deus," he says after a moment. "I am pleased to see you again." Cool though his expression may be, his words are quite sincere, if not a good deal warmer.

"Ave," Drusus returns Vertinius' greeting and bow both.

Smiling quietly to Drusus, Oriane nods and moves towards the table, keeping her black wings tight against her back. Finding one of the softly-cushioned chairs, the darkling girl stands by a chair and waits for the more prestigious attendees to sit first.

Kalypso does not, indeed, look as if she intends to direct seating, moving to a seat at the middle of the table herself. There are just enough chairs to seat those at the table, and the table is long enough for all to sit around and be able to comfortably discuss whatever might be discussed.

Well, then, Drusus' training dictates his own choice. He chooses a seat where he can speak easily with Kalypso should she so wish it, but where he also can keep an eye on the door. Hopefully, it is somewhere relatively close to Cassius and Leonidas, also.

"Yes," is Cassius' rather curt reply to Vertinius' comment. He pulls out the nearest low-backed chair, glancing toward the women to see if they intend to sit first. Then he seems to relent a bit after his terse rejoinder, and adds, "I am pleased to be back."

If Drusus intends to sit close to Kalypso, he will sit close by Leonidas. Who holds Kalypso's chair for her. Clearly, he doesn't intend to sit before Kalypso does.

Vertinius seems to accept Cassius' curt reply without insult or dismay. Instead, he rests one large hand on a convenient chair and waits for the women to seat themselves.

Kalypso sits at the chair pulled out for her, her wings rustling quietly as she arranges them behind her. She is not at the head of the table, but whoever sits to the right side of her will be.

Taking one of the seats on the longer edge of the table, Oriane waits for Kalypso to sit, then slips into her chair. Black wings open briefly, but quickly fold in against her back. The girl is usually self-conscious about her coloring, but seems more nervous today.

If the party is going by rank -- and it seems that that is appropriate -- it means that it is Drusus' turn to take his seat. He does, his hawks' wings wrapping back around the seat's high and narrow back.

Leonidas seats himself, wings closing about the narrow back neatly. His hands are left above the table, fingers laced together.

Once the women, Emperor, and Princeps have seated themselves, Cassius follows suit -- his silver-white wings snapping outward, then resettling over the back of the chair. His mouth tightens and one hand curls into a fist on the table, yet otherwise he is as expressionless and distant as before.

Vertinius takes a moment to settle his own wings once he has finally seated himself at the table, silvery feathers catching the light as he does so. He unconsciously fingers the pin which glitters from one shoulder, as if taking some measure of reassurance from the tiny piece of metal, before lowering his hand with a faint grimace.

Once all are seated, the servants move forth. There are a pair, one carrying a large bowl of steaming soup, another with a ladle so that it may be easily dispensed into the bowls before the esteemed guests. The serving is not like the seating; Drusus is served first, followed by Leonidas, Cassius, Vertinius, Oriane, and finally Kalypso. Guests are, after all, served first.

Kalypso smiles, as the soup is being served. "I thank you all for coming, this evening, if I have not already said so. My cousin, Oriane, is here to observe, for I admit that her memory is much more reliable than mine own."

Giving a shy sort of smile, Oriane nods her head, but keeps her demeanor unobtrusive as possible, remaining mostly silent. Something odd that might be noted by those that know the darkling girl is that her wings seem faintly grayer at the juncture of wing and shoulder. Perhaps it's just the light.

Drusus murmurs a soft thanks to the servant as he is served. He glances briefly at Oriane as the Dea mentions her and nods at Kalypso's explanation. He waits until everyone has been served and until Kalypso has touched spoon to soup before he begins on his own serving.

Leonidas wonders aloud, "Will you be writing, domina Oriane, or committing everything that transpires to memory?"

Cassius' appetite seems diminished -- even nonexistent, if his wan appearance is any indication. Yet for courtesy's sake, he makes a show of sampling the soup after it had been served. Since conversation seems called for, he glances toward Vertinius, seated nearby. "When last we met, you had just recently arrived here in Haven. Are you enjoying your stay?" Small-talk, but at least it's something. His gaze flickers briefly to Oriane after Leonidas' query.

Dark eyes glance towards the Princeps and Oriane gives a slight shake of her head. "I thought it would be rude to take pen to parchment during dinner, Deus, so Dea Kalypso and I agreed that I would just serve as a second set of ears and eyes. My memory is not perfect, but I will serve as best I can."

Drusus, for his part, simply eats and listens; he's content to be silent and let the conversation flow around him. It's not rudeness -- or, at least, he doesn't perceive it to be so -- it's simply that he's good at being quiet.

Vertinius studies Oriane with little attempt at subtlety, his head tilted just slightly to one side. Only when his soup is served does he break off his scrutiny, giving the servant a quiet word of thanks and peering into the depths of his bowl. Lifting his spoon, he glances up at Cassius' question. "I am, Deus," he replies after a brief pause, his voice quiet. "It is an opportunity to relive the past. I particularly enjoy taking the occasional stroll through the streets."

Leonidas ahhs and nods. "Well, between all of us, we should have something resembling truth." That was an attempt at humor. Don't blame him if the line was poorly delivered.

Drusus can't help but slip in a comment to Leonidas, "No one would believe it, Princeps." Humor? Maybe.

It is dragonsbane soup that is served -- a hearty, tomato-type soup with small bits of rice and vegetables floating deep in the flavorful liquid. Kalypso smiles at the words of Leonidas and Drusus, which she can't help but overhear, as she picks up her spoon, but it is the conversation of Cassius and Vertinius that draws her ear. "How long has it been since your last visit, dominus Acesian?"

Casting a curious, uncertain glance at Vertinius as Leonidas responds to her answer, Oriane shyly looks down at the table. Dark eyes shift again to Leonidas and she gives a faint smile to acknowledge his humor. Once the soup is there, though, she focuses on that.

Cassius lapses into silence once more, occasionally ladling up another spoonful of soup, though he eats remarkably little. He, like Drusus, seems content with listening, though he did make a token effort at conversation.

Vertinius' gaze shifts to Kalypso. "I left Haven when I was twenty-seven, Dea, and never returned. That was some forty years ago." His words are crisp, a touch cool. "My affairs in Civitas Dei kept me far too busy. Now, fortunately, I can enjoy some measure of liberty."

Although Drusus and Cassius share a common quietness, they don't share similar appetites; Drusus consumes all of his soup -- he doesn't devour it, but it's clear he finds it to his liking.

"Welcome home, then, dominus. It must have changed a great deal in the years you were away," Leonidas offers, and pushes his bowl of soup away, half-eaten.

Tasting the soup delicately, Oriane's eyes remain somewhat submissive in their glances, but do observe everything. Silently recording the night's proceedings in her mind, the darkling girl remains unobtrusive but visible. Only a fraction of the soup is consumed.

A tilt of Kalypso's head, as she takes a quiet sip. Her rose is not forgotten, as she sets it on the table in front of her. She listens quietly, her gaze remaining on Vertinius as if she expects him to reply to Leonidas' words. Servants move forward to clear the bowls of soup away from some of the guests, like Drusus and Leonidas, who seem to be finished. Kalypso as well, though she's barely taken more than three spoonfuls. And anyone else who might be done. A pair of winged servants bring in a cart, six covered dinners on the plate. 'Twould appear the main course has arrived. Lucky thing, as the soup, on whole, seems to be unappreciated.

Drusus dips his head to the servant who takes away his bowl. He laces his fingers in his lap while he waits for the next course; on the whole, his attention is on the conversation going on between Leonidas and Vertinius -- he listens, curious, without interrupting.

"Actually, Princeps, Haven is much as I remembered it," Vertinius replies, a faint smile quirking one side of his mouth. "Some new buildings, I suppose, and new faces. But the character of the city has suffered relatively little change in my absence." His own soup remains untouched, not from a lack of appreciation, but simply because he hasn't had much opportunity to sample it.

"You must compliment your cook, Dea," Cassius offers to Kalypso, perhaps apologetically for not being more enthusiastic about the meal. And he is not the only one. He nods briefly to the servant who carries his bowl away and replaces it with one of the covered dishes. Overhearing Vertinius' comment, the Augustin patriarch inquires, "And what would you say is the character of this city? Its people?"

Drusus blinks as Cassius puts to Vertinius the very question that was on the tip of his own tongue. He regards the latter, interested in his reply to the Augustin patriarch.

Soup bowl removed from before her, Oriane listens as well, though her eyes shift to the faces of those observing Vertinius rather than the man who responds.

Vertinius settles back in his chair as a servant quietly whisks his soup away. "It is difficult to express," he says after a moment, tapping his lips with one finger. "I am hardly idealistic enough to call the character of Haven 'harmony,' nor cynical enough to believe it nothing more than a chaotic jumble of the four races." Shoulders lifting in a small shrug, he smiles wanly. "Delphi, I believe, captures the essence of this city. Cooperation, and tolerance. That is why Haven was founded, after all, and I refuse to see it as a failed attempt."

Curious. Drusus regards the others around the table, interested in their reactions.

"Perhaps," Cassius murmurs in between bites of his meal, "Delphi would do well to remember those tenets upon which it was founded. Some would say their ideals have... lapsed."

Leonidas will let Cassius' answer stand for him as he pulls the main course plate closer and takes up his utensils.

As her covered platter is placed in front of her, Kalypso's gaze once more is taken from Vertinius, though only for a moment. "Have you entered back into studies at Delphi then, dominus? Or do you believe you have gone as far as you might?" The cover is removed, removing a game-hen. Cooked in various herbs and spices, the small bird is accompanied by a portion of mixed vegetables and a few sprigs of parsley for garnish.

Drusus accepts his portion of the dinner. It smells delicious. It looks delicious. And, yes, it tastes delicious too. Drusus eats slowly, both to savor the meal and so that he has time to contribute to the conversation, if he should find something to contribute. But, as before, he remains quiet, although he attentively follows everything that's being said.

Eyebrows lift slowly at Cassius' quiet words, but Vertinius chooses to reply to Kalypso's question instead. "I'm far too old to play the student again, Dea," he murmurs, laughing softly and shaking his head as he leans forward to inhale the delicate wisps of steam which rise from his food. Maybe he'll actually be able to eat some of it, too. "I did give some thought to offering my services as an instructor, however."

Drusus speaks up. "You are interested in your family's seat in the Aegis, is that correct, dominus?" His phrasing is toneless; he doesn't give any indication what he thinks of Vertinius' candidacy, if he thinks anything of it at all.

Cassius sets his utensil down, glancing first at Drusus, then toward Vertinius. "Yes," he remarks. "Why don't we get down to the real reason for this meeting -- after all, it is no coincidence that you were invited here to dine with Haven's Aegian representatives." He glances toward Oriane. "Excepting the domina, of course."

Vertinius manages to swallow a mouthful of game-hen before Drusus speaks, and he dabs at his lips with one corner of his napkin before replying, "That is correct." There is no hesitation, no uncertainty at all. A wry twist of his mouth follows Cassius' words, but he says nothing further for the moment. He simply waits, gazing at each guest in turn, even Oriane.

Having nibbled at her meal, Oriane remains quiet even as the tide of the evening shifts from dinner to conversation. Briefly, she meets Vertinius' gaze, but quickly averts her own eyes with a bit of uncertainty. Still, she listens carefully.

Kalypso quietly eats a few bites of the vegetables, her gaze moving around the table. There were a few reasons to come together, but she'll settle for discussing this one, right now. "Deus Augustin has spoken for you, dominus. That, you should have known though, aye?"

"I think," says Drusus, "that you will find the two occupations to be mutually exclusive, dominus, should you be offered both the opportunity to serve in the Aegis and to teach at Delphi." Not promising anything, see; it's all hypothetical.

"I gave him my support," Cassius confirms. "I met with him before and was impressed after the encounter." These responses are made to Kalypso's comment, though her question was directed at Vertinius himself. "And you have all read my letter of recommendation." Shoulders lift in a mild shrug -- which brings an inadvertent wince to the patriarch's face. "I think my stance on this matter is clear."

Leonidas offers, "Your support is clear, Deus, but the Emperor makes a valid point. The two positions cannot both be held by one man."

Vertinius' brow furrows momentarily at Kalypso's revelation. Clearly, this is news to him. Giving Cassius a thoughtful look as the other man speaks, he then shifts his attention to Drusus. "With respect, Emperor... I only said I had considered the option of teaching. Delphi stopped being a part of my life many years ago. The Empyre, on the other hand, has been my entire life since then. I know which path I should take."

And that, too, is a curious and interesting response. Drusus steeples his fingers over his empty plate and says, "It is good that you understand the seriousness of the type of service you are considering, dominus. Some are not so... thoughtful."

Cassius retreats into silence once again. After his opinion had been uttered, he resumes taking small bites of his meal, though it is treated with as little zest or appetite as the bowl of soup before. His expression, throughout the dinner-meeting, had rarely ventured far from stony impassivity; as if the man were deliberately keeping an iron grip on his composure lest something inadvertent slip through.

Leonidas nods at Vertinius briefly, and busies himself eating for a moment. He wipes his mouth then, and puts the napkin in his lap. Kalypso is given a brief glance, and then he clears his throat quietly. "We do have another matter to address, Deii."

Kalypso's gaze slips to Leonidas briefly, a rise of a delicate eyebrow. But then, she takes a small bite of the game-hen. My, it's tasty.

Drusus' grey attention shifts to Leonidas and rests there, waiting.

Vertinius gives Drusus a steady look, before glancing at Leonidas. And taking the opportunity to steal a few more bites.

Leonidas sets his utensils aside. "I -- we --," he amends, "wondered whether there has been precedent, Deii, in the Aegian history, for two members to marry? If any of you know of such a thing, I would be grateful to know it."

This was certainly unexpected. Cassius' brows lift, and he stares hard at the Princeps before shooting his gaze toward the others around the table. "Ah..." he begins, then falters and ends up settling his scrutiny on the Emperor, as if for confirmation. "It is... rare, yes," he remarks. Kalypso is the next to receive his study. "As are women in the Aegis. I do not believe it has been an... issue... until the more recent past."

Vertinius' fork pauses halfway to his mouth, gaze shifting to Kalypso for a moment, then back to Leonidas. This is unexpected. Lowering the fork quietly, he straightens, watching the others' reactions.

And so the flush begins to rise, just a fraction, on the delicate bones of Kalypso's cheeks. But she does listen to the words of the others.

Drusus receives and considers the question with an almost somber seriousness. "I know of no other instances; I suspect you would be setting a new precedent," he says.

Cassius suddenly spears Oriane with a glance. "What has our young scholar to say?" he inquires. "Have you discovered any instances of such, in your studies of our illustrious past?"

Having listened quietly to the entire conversation while not contributing, Oriane blinks as Cassius addresses her. She rivets her dark eyes upon the Augustin and takes a deep breath, "I have found nothing against it, Deus." Taking a moment to glance at the others, Kalypso last of all, she looks back to Cassius and continues, "There is a possibility that the Deus Lysander Carestio and Dea Leana Carestio listed in the records from 2750 were married, as well as Deus Marcus Herculaneum and Dea Flora Herculaneum, from 3375."

The darkling's comment brings the first real flicker of emotion to the Augustin patriarch's face; for a second, his pale-ice eyes crease at the corners and the briefest quirk comes to his lips. "Well done," Cassius comments to the ebon-winged young woman. "Your memory for dates is superb." He glances at Leonidas, jabbing his utensil in Oriane's direction. "Well, Deus, there you have it. I suppose that is the best answer you will get, though to be sure, we could address the historians at the Scriptorium for a more, ah, 'official' answer."

"Is precedent for such a thing really necessary?" Vertinius inquires, toying with a piece of vegetable on his plate.

Leonidas wears quite the mask, seeing as he's just presented personal business for group discussion. He shakes his head a little as he takes up his utensil again. "I am content to take the domina at her word." He pauses before stabbing a vegetable himself. "Dominus? It is, after a fashion, yes. It would have to be a rather extraordinary situation to convene the Aegis to make new policy."

Cassius glances at Vertinius. "In the case of two powerful Houses joining in matrimony, yes," he answers. "For it is customary for the member of the lesser House to take the name of the greater. Though when you add personal rank to the equation, it is trickier." His eyes shift toward Leonidas. "And if one were, say, the Princeps..." Another faint shrug is his addendum to that statement, though his eyes are full of speculation.

Kalypso's gaze shifts to Leonidas once more, her eyes remaining on him for a few long moments. Then she turns her head, "And we should not like such a convention's cause to be blocking our marriage." Her gaze then shifts to Cassius, small smile on her face. Things such as this have been discussed to exhaustion between the two. "and Leonidas shall, eventually, take the Tritonis name, after he finds a suitable replacement for himself as patriarch."

Vertinius looks up with a faint smile. "Quite a pickle," he observes. How profound. But, seeing as he really has nothing to do with any of this, he resorts to finishing his meal in relative silence.

All this had come as rather a surprise to Cassius, who tends to pay more attention to the political goings-on than the social ones. Nonetheless, he rallies with a courteous, "Then I suppose congratulations are in order." Lifting his glass, he offers a toast, "Gods and lares bless your union. May you have... many happy years together." There had been, just for a second, a falter in his voice, yet it is not evident in his expression.

Having answered her question, Oriane remains silent, just listening to the conversation now.

So it might seem that there were no obstacles. And what were they worried about. Kalypso's head tilts, just briefly, to Cassius. "My... our thanks, Deus." There is a somber expression in Kalypso's eyes, though. She knows it cannot be easy on the man, his own wife missing, to be blessing another.

Leonidas ducks his head as well. "We are honored by your blessing, Deus."

Vertinius lifts his own glass as well, with a murmured, "Blessings." He seems a little somber, as well, for his own reasons.

Servants move in, once again, removing dinner plates that have been finished, and replacing them with dessert plates. 'Twould appear to be some sort of cheesecake, dates and apricots surrounding them, though gods know that they're heard to find, this late in the season.

Good wishes bestowed, Cassius sips at his drink to seal the blessing, then lowers the delicate vessel and nudges his nearly-untouched plate away. "A fine match," he murmurs. "I am sure the wedding will be... something to behold." Then, forcing a faint smile, he glances at the others around the table and says, "On this happier note, I fear I should take my leave. There is still, ah, business that awaits me at Augustus." He waves a hand, declining the dessert a servant had offered. "It was an excellent meal, Dea, and I thank you for your graciousness." To Vertinius, he says, "it was good to see you again, as well. Perhaps our meetings will soon be more frequent, though of a more official nature. Acesius would be fortunate to have one such as you as its voice." Then, to the remaining guests, he nods cordially before starting to push back his chair.

Vertinius inclines his head to Cassius. "Your encouragement honors me, Deus. Vale."

Leonidas climbs to his feet. "Vale, Deus Augustin. My hope for a resolution to your concerns, and soon."

Kalypso stands as well. "My prayers will remain with you, Deus. Please don't hesitate to ask if you should need anything. Anything at all." A brief smile forms on her face, "And I do thank you for coming, once again."

Cassius had faltered for just a moment at the words of both the Princeps and Tritonis' matriarch. Yet he manages another polite smile -- even if it has more the look of a grimace. "Thank you," he tells them. "Your sentiments are appreciated." Thus, rising from his seat, he offers his fellow guests and hostess a formal if abbreviated bow before making his departure. "Vale, dominii, dominae. It has been a pleasure." And with that, he descends toward the lower level of House Tritonis, leaving the others alone to finish their feast.

Vertinius remains standing once Cassius has left, turning a faint smile on Kalypso. "I fear I must also depart, Dea. I am not as young as I used to be, and delightful though the evening has been, I doubt that I would be pleasant company for much longer. Thank you for your hospitality."

Leonidas offers, "I am pleased that you could attend, dominus. Vale."

A smile once more, a brief shake of her head. "I am happy you could come, dominus. I thank you for the gift, once again. It truly is magnificent." Kalypso turns a fraction, so that she might face Vertinius as he moves about the table. "I am sure you have given us much to discuss, this night, at our next Aegis meeting."

Vertinius gives Leonidas a small bow. "It was an honor to dine with you, Princeps. Vale." Looking back to Kalypso, he gives her a bow as well, murmuring, "Thank you, Dea. Vale." Nodding to the others, the Acesian then turns and strides from the table.

As the others take their absences, soon it is only Kalypso and Leonidas left in the dining room. The servants have removed the plates and dinnerware, some of the torches extinguished. The light of the moon shines in from the outside, giving play to the shadows that begin to appear about the urns and chairs.

FIN  

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