Date: July 12, 1999
Place: Riva's Quarters - Korallion - Haven
Cast: Jalindu, Koralland, Orman Kai, Ranaka, Riva
Scene: The Decemvir of the Ormani, Orman Kai, passes away after a brief illness, and names his adopted daughter, Riva, as his heir.

Riva's Quarters - Korallion - Haven:
      Soft fluted curves in walls and ceiling gently arch upward in a quarter-dome shape to meet two flat walls. The design defines distinct areas of a large open room, easily the size of four ordinary rooms put together. Oceanic charts and maps occupy one flat wall with the Ormani territory, boundary coastlands, and Haven predominantly featured. A bookcase packed with scrolls and books below the charts and a desk with a trio of chairs near them form a work area.
      A long couch and backless bench bracketing a table that always bears refreshments and drinks gives a place to relax. In another curve of the wall is a private area containing a seldom used large bed, chests and closets holding enough clothes, jewelry, and gear to meet any need the Ormani heir might have but clearly most have never been used. The last obvious area of the room is a deep, irregular shaped pool in the center of the floor that a small passage keeps filled with fresh water from the bay.
      Room colors are a subtle blend of mother of pearl walls, floor, and ceiling and soft sea greens, blues and greys in the furnishings. Bright coral is shaped into lamps, vases, and small boxes or bowls. A life-size portrait of Riva signed by Orcinus Dorian is centered on the other flat wall above a long shelf bearing several sculptures by the same artist and small items treasured by Riva regardless of actual worth.

Koralland signs deeply at this and shakes his head again. *The time has come for me to say this, Riva; the pain you felt and possibly the madness inherent in his actions is most likely an illness. Kuronbo is dying. He has a problem with his mind. Damage within his head too closely tied to remove by less than a great healer, it is known to create insanity. This must be kept between us and only us, but you needed to know.*

Orman Kai does not stir again, not yet.

Riva listens to what Koralland says and then turns and places her hands against the pool side. *And why has one not tended to him? Why does it continue? Are we to let us come to war because of it?*

Koralland shakes his head, *Because it is against their beliefs, the Orcinus think such illness a test of their strength from Pasiphae, they believe they must best it by will, with they cannot do, not with this.*

Kai moves, again waking, this time a bit more groggily, with a bit more sanity in his eyes. *....daughter....* One hand reaches out, towards where he senses Riva is. This time, mercifully, he screens his symptoms away from both of your minds as best he can.

Riva reaches to cling to Kai's hand firmly. She lifts her other hand to smooth his brow and leans forward to kiss it. *So what must be done?*

Koralland looks to the waking Kai, his hand lifting thoughtfully to his chin. The other hand moves to still the pain in the Decemvir, not stopping it, just removing Kai's sense of it. "Kuronbo cannot function like that. He gets more and more extreme, so I believe that the damage is the cause. No healer will touch him if he refuses it."

"My....fault..." Kai mumbles, aloud. Actually aloud, as he wraps his fingers firmly around Riva's hand. "Daughter -- beware Orcinus..." Those gills gape, as he resorts to mind-speech. *...so much to be done...*

Riva's hands continue to try to soothe. *I will try, Father. Orcinus is just beyond every thing I have had experience with, one who lies like that? Or believes the lies. We are honest people, and this... is hard for me.*

Wordless, the impression of strength that Kai sends Riva, meant to bolster her. It falls far short of that, weakly splintering into small warm fuzzies as it hits the floor. Yes, that is how they multiply in numbers. The breath he draws rasps, gurgles in his chest. "Your mother..." He reverts to spoken language, for some reason known only to himself. "....and I.... so proud of you, Riva."

Koralland slips into silence a moment, holding his concentration on the Decemvir. After a few moments he will have to rest, but for now he remains to help his friend focus.

Ranaka comes in from the residential hallway. He enters with two Korallion guards staying behind him at the door. The Pandion Commander is calming himself, but he's still gasping for air -- even his gills exposed in an effort to extract oxygen for what must have been a hasty travel to the Korallion. He doesn't speak, but his quickly-calming breaths echo loudly as his grey eyes take in the scene.

Orman Kai lies in a pool of water, Koralland having one hand upon him. He's clutching at Riva's hand, too-keen awareness brilliant in those black eyes. *Ranaka.* The tone is a pale shade of his measured answers when the Pandion warrior first met him. *Welcome.* Behind the words, the sense that something is not yet complete... three are required, to stand witness....

Riva pulls closer to her father, the water in the pool lapping around her. She cradles his head in one arm, leaving the other free to comfort. She closes her eyes a moment, chin lifting and her own gills flaring as if to help Kai breathe, or as if she would share that with him. They snap shut and the eyes slowly open. Others may see the flicker of fear and anguish in them for an instant before she blinks and appears calm again. *Easy father, Just as your strength permits. I am proud of you and mother. You fill my heart.* She directs a thought to Ranaka that is less gentle, more professional It gives a protective of Kai feeling and caution and to present to her what is wrong image in a quick clear swirl as she observes the haste and the persons entering.

The healer-ambassador, Koralland, looks to the newcomer, someone of importance he does not yet know, but Jasmine has mentioned him. *Blessings, Ranaka.* His hand does move from the Decemvir, but his channeling shifts briefly to telepathy.

*<dismay | distress >* The emotions squirt out before Ranaka can apply calm to his mind, but the color of his thoughts is quickly brought to an even blue-white as he finally brings his breath to a normal pace, his gill-slits closing to lay flat against his neck. *I am here, Decemvir Kai. I answer your call. <respect> Always.* He takes a few steps forward towards the trio that are assembled at the pool.

Riva focuses her gaze on one of her Sentries and it takes no telepath to know she directs him silently to, *See who is there.*

Jalindu comes in from the residential hallway.

Riva glances down at Kai, her lips tightening. To Kai only she urges, *Father, save your strength, please. Don't push like this.*

Koralland and Riva and in the pool flanking the Ormani Decemvir. The Captain is cradling her father thoughtfully and healer has a hand lightly touching Kai, providing some relief to his condition. "Yes Decemvir, try to go easy. Do not overtax yourself." His words are spoken aloud as his mind is focused in the healing Aether.

And there he is. The third one. The last one needed. The sense of urgency, of having to hang on abates somewhat. *Jalindu. Amaris Koralland. Pandion Ranaka.* Two from out-Decemvirate. One from within. Kai sends a pulse of affection/greeting/respect toward you all, curiously devoid of image, as though his attention is... elsewhere, his body beginning to redirect his mind towards the End of Life. His grip tightens on Riva's hand, and he struggles within the pool to sit more upright, his gills practically twisting themselves inside out to provide him with oxygen enough for this act. His words fade away in the middle, and then strengthen again. *I call you to witness before Pasiphae and Pure Water, that I reconfirm Ormani Riva as my Heir, and I do declare that she, and she alone, will be Decemvir of Orman upon my death. Do you so swear to witness before Council and Cyclos alike...?* This, it seems, is important enough for him to overtax himself.

Ranaka is a few steps away from the pool, and appears to have only recently entered the room himself. His mind is a carefully composed blue-white of calm, yet roiling beneath the surface are inexpertly-concealed emotions of distress and dismay, all colored with the somber tones of respect. The Pandion takes a few steps closer to the pool, then kneels next to it. *<affirmation>* There is a pause, then a more formal response. *I confirm your wishes, <respected> Decemvir Kai. I witness and affirm for Pandion. Orman Riva shall be your Heir. She shall be Decemvir upon your... <dismay> death.*

His entrance hurried, as might be understandable given that he has requested to appear before his Decemvir without delay, Jalindu skitters to a halt and regards, with florid dismay, the scene before him. The thoughts that have been woven into his own raise suspicion and the prospect of grief, for genuine affection and boundless respect for Kai reverberate in every corner of his mind.

Bowing low, barely daring to issue his own remarks into this august audience, he answers simply the request made from the ailing Atlantean before him. *<willing agreement> Whatever you require of me I stand ready, as ever, to do.*

Affection, respect, and one last stylized image, tapestried in Pandion colors, for the whole room to see -- a warrior of the Pandion, upon the deck of a ship. What is said, is said to Riva and Ranaka alone, accompanied by a strange sense of lassitude. The concepts are crystal-clear, and they become more like crystal as Kai 'speaks': *Pandion Ranaka, I thank you, and through you, my sibling/Decemvir of Pandion. You (plural and singular) have (ever/always) come to our aid. I know that you (singular and plural) will answer the new Decemvir in the same spirit when the time comes.*

Almost frozen in position is the Ormani female helping support her father as much as she can. Her hand does not lose its grasp on his, clenching as if to never let go, lending him what is within her possession to lend. Her expression is calm and what filters through her thoughts are <Pride in her father's strength of will, his being Decemvir, his sacrifices> <Deep Love, not just from her but his people, his wife, his son> <Hope that she can only do a fraction as well>. Within is trapped a maelstrom of grief, denial, anger, helplessness, and more, all the intense feelings of grief. Only one thing shows this. One thing only betrays Riva, a single glistening crystal clear tear that seeps out and clings to her lashes, then drops in what looks like slow motion, the surface of the droplet rounding and shimmering in the light til it splashes against Kai, the only tear she has ever shed.

Koralland nods slowly to the Ormani Decemvir, his ice-blue eyes locking on his patient. Concern radiates from the normally private ambassador. The hand move away from Kai a moment, Koralland's focus completely on the ceremony and his telepathic reply to the request. *I witness this bestowing upon Riva for Amaris and for the Ephorate.* His eyes shifting and filling and directing an empathic wave of comfort and strength to the Captain.

Familiarity, and a long-standing mind-touch. *Stand as one of my chosen witnesses, before our people, Jalindu -- serve the new Decemvir as faithfully and well as you have served me. I tell you nothing that you do not already know when I say she is more worthy than I of your respect.* Kai appears to be making his good-byes. *Amaris Koralland -- you have strengthened me out of the goodness of your (singular and plural) spirit. May Ormani, Pandion, and Amarisian so strengthen each other forever.*

He half-chokes, now, on the water that passes through his gills, and his grip tightens again on Riva, so hard that it may well leave a bruise. *Daughter of my heart... never forget duty comes before grief. I love you. Your mother loves you. Take this final gift -- from my mind, to yours--* What passes next is silent, utterly private.

A smile. At this moment, a smile comes to Pandion Ranaka's face -- turning up the corners of his mouth in gentle pleasure and spreading across his countenance. Dismay and distress vanish from the mental landscape of his mind, *<acceptance>* calming him and placing a green tinge to the fully encalmed blue-white of his thoughts. *<endless> water is <endless> water was <endless> water will be...* Thought and word and image almost a whisper.

This is a christening of sorts. A crowning of sorts. The Making of a new Decemvir for Ormani, the imparting of all the information that Riva might yet need to know, to rule wisely -- Kai's grip relaxes, after a long moment, as do all the other muscles in his body. Kai's will has relaxed. His mind has fled his body... and is gone.

Announcement: Susanoo shouts "If you draw breath within the walls of Haven, a strange sensation comes to you. It begins as a sensation of opening... then, abruptly, a sense of suffocation assails you, a burning of the chest and throat. The sense that a task is being left incomplete, that you have raced the clock and lost. And one last thought, as the suffocation becomes nearly unbearable: *Even duty cannot stand before Death....*

Announcement: Susanoo shouts "Then nothing. It's gone."

Yes, Kai's mind-touch is familiar to Jalindu as his own father's, considering the time in which the scribe has spent in the service to the Decemvir and his court. Dread and a growing panic suffuses his mind as he reassures Kai. *As you ask, so shall it be, on my heart and honor <grief> I will love and serve Orman Riva....* Then his thought perishes along with the one for whom it was intended, and his face sinks into his hands.

Riva's lips quiver but her expression remains superficially calm. She pushes aside her desire to argue to deny, to not accept. <must not waste, must not tire him, must not waste one second of precious time> The intensity of concentration on her face seems to be total after that, focusing on what is told her. She seems to record it in her memory, eyes moving slightly, the chart on the wall, and the beloved face of Kai, holding his glance with her own, clinging to him, sharing with him and not letting him feel alone. Finally is the thought, <Love, love you father, you will always be with me, and I will tell Rhys and mother... you love them. I will try my best... my best... love you... love>. And finally, when nothing is there, she leans forward and closes the beloved eyes, the unmoving black orbs of her father. Her cheek says against his and she does not let go save for freeing her hand from the now-limp fingers of Kai.

The right hand smoothes Kai's hair back from his face and gently, ever so gently, grasps the band of gold with the large black pearl, the crown of Orman and places it on her own. Riva's head lifts and she speaks her first words as Decemvir. "Please announce the passing of Kai to our people and lower our flags. Place a flag of the tern, the seal, and our symbol on a white field and drape over the entry to the hall of the black Pearl. Give my regrets to all who have appointments that unless it is critical, we will celebrate the life of Kai."

The final sending of Kai, its intensity and desperate emotion, shakes Koralland deeply, his hands moving instinctively to his neck, realizing only too late that it is not he who is strangling, but the Decemvir. Guilt overwhelms the healer. If only he were more skilled. A silent vow is made, that he shall increase his studies. For a brief second, that is all there is, then as Koralland's eyes adjust, his hand extends to the new Decemvir and regret replaces guilt to some level. *I am so sorry Riva. If there is anything I can do, please tell me.* He tries so hard to send strength to the young woman, but it is still tinged with his own remorse.

Repeated again in a mind-whisper, into the eerie silence that follows. *<endless> water is <endless> water was <endless> water will be...* Pandion Ranaka kneels for a moment longer, his head inclined in respect, then straightens, turning to face Orman Riva. *As it was for Orman Kai, so it is for Orman Riva. Decemvir Orman Riva, I am at your disposal. My ships and my men are yours to command.*

Jalindu, scribe and often herald to the Decemvir, swallows as instructions are issued to him and, indeed, to those also within the chamber. He, too, kneels before Riva, his lifelong friend, his sister in all but name. *I shall make proclamations to Lyanesse and to those Atlanteans within Haven, Decemvir. <pride> None shall fail to know of the joy with which we celebrate Orman Kai's life. None shall forget him... and all shall know your name!*

Ranaka rises slowly to his feet. "I will go, Decemvir," he says in his first spoken words since he has entered, "and bear the news to my fleet. They will know of his passing already, but they will also know of your ascension."

Riva nods distractedly for a moment, still holding her father. "Yes, please. All will know soon. Jalindu, will you please go to the cabinet and get the formal slim scroll cases? I wish to send a note to Emperor Drusus, to the council of Estrella at Delphi, to Cepheus of the Hounds since news will travel fast. And Vayu, Maat, Rabi of the Varati, Eric the Provost, and each of our remaining nine Decemvirs. A simple statement that after illness Orman Kai had died, and that before the proper witnesses, naming them, I was named heir. Please have a herald verbally tell Many Shadows that the Hope of the Sea flies no more. She will understand. And add to Eric's, please, a note to so let those of mixed blood who would be interested know."

Koralland is torn in action, he rises from the water, but remains seated by the pool with his legs still in it. His eyes drift slowly from the former Decemvir to the new one. His wife has taught him well how to transmit thoughts. Eyes wet from within, yet no tears fall as the ambassador gazes at Riva, sending thoughts of closeness and friendship. *Riva, Jasmine and I are with you. If there is anything we can do, you need only let us know. We will remain close, I will stay now unless you prefer to be alone.*

Ranaka inclines his head in a brief bow and, with one last thought of acceptance and respect, turns to leave the chamber.

Bowing low, Jalindu complies without affirmation of his compliance: why tell the aggrieved Riva he will obey while in the process of obedience? From the cabinet, he withdraws the aforementioned material, his hands embracing the cases like long-loved friends, and he finds a place where he may settle and write upon command from Riva. The Decemvir now... no longer friend and companion to him, no longer woman to be admired but Decemvir to be obeyed. He swallows, for the magnitude of these events could be overwhelming.

FIN  

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