Date: October 13, 1998
Place: Atrium - Thanatos Household - Palladium
Cast: Altair, Andromache, Cepheus, Diana, Drusus, Elidi, Eranthe, Kalypso, Leonidas, Lydia, Lysander, Megeara, Pantoleon (I), Selene, Siranae
Scene: A baby is named, and a new Patriarch of a noble House appointed.

Atrium - Thanatos Household - Palladium:
      A long, narrow room lined with columns, the atrium is a meeting place for the family and guests. Lit by a four-sided opening in the roof, the compluvium, which serves as both a chimney for the hearth and an inlet for the rain, which is collected in the impluvium, a pool sunk into the marble-tiled floor. Both before and behind the impluvium are large, marble tables, the one to the rear of the room devoted to dining, while the other serves as a desk for conducting business, or, in more unfortunate times, where the family's dead are laid out in state. At the very rear of the room, just before the door to the thalamos -- the master's bedroom -- is the hearth and an altar to the lares of the house of Thanatos. Doors line both walls, leading into cells devoted to cooking or storage. Some of these rooms are also used as secondary bedrooms: with the andronitis, or men's rooms, to the left, and the gynaikonitis, or women's rooms, to the right.

Andromache emerges from within her quarters, fussily arranging the blanket wrapped around the infant in her arms. The infant, for his part, is awake and busily sucking on his fingers, though apparently not too interested in current proceedings.

Diana passes through the doorway from outside.

Altair walks in quietly, his hands humbly set behind his back. He gives Leonidas and Andromache a deep bow in greeting. "Ave Domina Andromache, Dominus Leonidas." He offers a warm smile to them both.

Slipping in silently, apparently in an attempt to cause as little notice as possible Diana closes the door slowly behind herself. She allows her gaze to drift about the room and its occupants almost curiously, her arms coming to fold about her chest.

Leonidas is, it seems, busy at the altar, attending to those extras he's placed there; candles, an offering of flowers and foods. His attention is commanded by last minute preparations, and for this reason he acknowledges no one.

Elidi passes through the doorway from outside.

Andromache nods absently in return to Altair, giving a faint, polite smile to other guests as they arrive. Her attention is drawn over toward Leonidas' preparations, giving them a quick, critical look.

Diana silently steps out to the side, avoiding the growing gathering of persons. She keeps a watchful eye on the guests, assessing each in silence.

Elidi slips in with a quiet breathlessness as if she's rushed a bit to arrive. She straightens her garb with a self-conscious hand and plasters on a slightly nervous smile. Odd, that, for a Praefect.

Altair steps to the side, against a wall, out of the way. He watches silently, a pleasant smile on his face.

Lydia has arrived.

Lydia's cane taps upon the floor with each slow step, her watery eyes taking in her surroundings, head craned as to see.

Selene and Kalypso pass through the doorway from outside.

Elidi's eyes widen a tad upon sighting Lydia, and she moves toward the elderly woman with graceful steps. "Greetings, Grandmother," she offers with a faint smile.

Leonidas turns around now, everything apparently to his liking. With the shift and rustle of feather against feather and the resettling of wings against his back, he lifts both arms in an open gesture of welcome. "Cousins all. Please, be welcome to our House. If you will, draw closer, so that all may see, and all may hear what is to be said and done."

Lydia's watery eyes blink several times, squinting at the younger woman. She turns to look behind herself, then back around, "Where?"

Light steps carry Kalypso into the Atrium of the Thanatos Household. Wide eyes glance around the long room, before she moves inward, as directed.

Diana arches a brow as she glances around her, holding her place off to the side. A faint smirk crosses her lips. With as much nonchalance as she can muster, she lounges against a wall leisurely, gaze lazily drifting among the latest arrivals.

Andromache glances up and around as Leonidas speaks, starting into movement again and approaching the altar. The baby in her arms, previously content to just sit and suck on his hand, stares about at the forming crowd with eyes wide as his mother moves through the room.

Elidi gently reaches to grasp Lydia's elbow and guide her forward. She leans down to speak near her grandmother's ear, "This way, so we can see. I am pleased to see you here, Grandmother."

Selene takes the couple steps she needs to see the activity and once finding a comfortable place to view, she slips her arms behind her back in a comfortable stance.

Lydia's wavery voice exclaims, "My Elidi!" Her frail arms encircle Elidi's form.

Altair stands back, away from the slowly growing crowd, just watching the people and the goings-on with interest.

Pantoleon and Siranae pass through the doorway from outside.

Elidi chuckles, quietly, and places her arm about Lydia, folding a wing forward a bit as well.

Lydia straightens, holding Elidi at arm's distance, "Now, let me have a better look at you." The eyes widen widely, "My . . . you've blossomed, my dear. You've got..." She bends down to whisper something, but she's too hard of hearing to notice that she can still be heard, "Breasts."

Entering upon her father's arm, Siranae of House Acesius nods to those worthy of acknowledgment, and with a bright smile, heads toward Andromache with Pantoleon in tow in order to pay her respects.

Leonidas speaks again, saying clearly, "Some weeks ago, Domina Andromache Selene Thanatos bore into the Empyre a son. He has remained as strong and true to his lineage as it was believed he would at his birth. For this reason we have invited you to join us at his naming, and in celebration of a new life."

Diana stifles a slight cough, covering her mouth as she holds her relatively indifferent composure.

Elidi clears her throat a bit and lifts a finger to her lips to shush Lydia, putting her attention on the proceedings and trying to ignore her grandmother's comment for the most part. A slightly wry expression crosses her face.

Altair focuses his attention forward, to Leonidas, Andromache and the new baby, smiling.

Megeara passes through the doorway from outside.

Lydia is unabated by this, though does manage to turn her ear to Leonidas. She nods, listening, probably only catching every other word.

Kalypso stands in the back of the small crowd, hands folded together calmly in front of her as she listens to the words spoken by Leonidas.

Andromache makes her way forward until she stands near her cousin, and there she stops, half-turning that the assembled may see her son; indeed, he is as light of hair and feather as any Empyrean, and she displays him proudly. Her cheeks flushed slightly--perhaps from the excitement, she keeps her attention moving between Leonidas and the baby, without looking at the audience.

Megeara slips quietly into the atrium, head held high and back ramrod straight. She is accompanied by two guardsmen, both wearing the colors of House Jove. Her expression is serenely calm, a pleasant smile planted firmly on her face. As she realizes she is late, Megeara only moves slightly to one side of the entryway, keeping to the back and motioning her escort to do the same.

Diana watches with feigned interest, rolling her eyes silently at the ceremony as she stifles an over-exaggerated yawn.

Selene tilts her head to get a better view of the infant boy. His fair features bring a smile to her lips. Movement at the door catches her attention out of the corner of her eye. Noticing her new sister's arrival she extends the smile to Megeara as well.

Altair looks at the baby a moment, then he thinks about what he and Andromache talked about earlier today. His smile brightens a bit.

His stately pace slows as Pantoleon reins his daughter in to stand and witness the events, although it appears his attention is as equally focused on the other members of the audience as he looks to see who else is in attendance.

Lydia uses Elidi as a crutch, watching the babe with a kind smile.

Leonidas' sapphire gaze shifts away from those gathered to pay their respects to Andromache and the boy himself. There is a subtle shift to his posture, another settling of his wings, and he clears his throat once, then asks, "Domina Andromache, has a name been chosen for your son?"

Lysander and Eranthe pass through the doorway from outside.

A gentle tap-tap-tapping drifts along the air, as Diana lets out a deep sigh, gaze wandering as she looks for something to hold her interest.

Elidi doesn't seem to mind the leaning of Lydia upon her arm as she watches with a faint smile. More than simple watching goes on behind her eyes, however.

Andromache takes a single step forward toward Leonidas and nods once, slowly. "Yes, Dominus," she replies, voice wavering between soft and strong enough to carry, as though the young woman were nervous. Very nervous indeed, as she falters there, color rising a bit more in her cheeks.

For once in his life, the Princeps is hurry like a student who's late for class. This is entirely unlike Lysander. He's never in a hurry to get to anything because he's usually exactly on time--always uncanny like that. However, as he passes beneath the archway leading inside House Thanatos, it is clear that his internal clock has failed. One might guess by the nature of his companion and he's condition, exactly why. While he's done his best to straighten his toga, its still looking like a bit of a mess. Oh, and there's just a touch of color in his normally porcelain like cheeks. He glances around and tries to play it off.

A small smile quirks up the corners of Kalypso's cheeks as she looks on, craning her head to get a better view of the golden child.

Lydia pats Elidi's arm, her hawk-like gaze fixing upon the disheveled man entering late. She looks down her nose at him.

Straightening her composure slightly, Diana glances upon the Princeps with an almost amused grin playing at the corner of her lips. her gaze almost immediately drifts to fall upon his companion, as if trying to assess the situation. She clears her throat almost obnoxiously before glancing back to the ceremony.

Megeara stands just inside the entryway, only a small distance out of the path leading into the atrium. Her two guards have faded back, leaving the young woman standing alone--a small circle of distance seems to have been drawn between Megeara and those nearby. Her attention remains politely fixed upon those at the front, a determinedly neutral smile upon her face.

Leonidas lifts his arms again, an unspoken request for the baby to be handed over. What is spoken is also a request: "Speak his name, then, Domina Andromache, that all may hear."

Eranthe tumbles in along with Lysander, the girl's steps moving quickly to keep pace with his. She looks ... um .. lovely, obviously having spent a long, long time readying her appearance for this event. Uh-huh. Right. Despite attempts to finger-comb her hair, her golden locks sits in disarray about her shoulders and her chimere seems oddly wrinkled. The tip of her nose and her cheeks glow with a pinkish hue. Could she be flustered? Sticking close to the Princeps' side, she looks about with wide, if not sheepish, eyes.

Cepheus and Drusus pass through the doorway from outside.

Lysander continues on his appointed course, doing his best to attempt to not draw too much notice to his somewhat late entrance. Leaning over to Eranthe, he mutters something to her. Clearly he has made the better of this, his years of experience allowing him to move into this social setting with ease. Placing his hand between her wings, he gestures towards a spot along the far wall from which the both of them can watch. His eyes scan the room once again and make note of certain people, yet linger on none before finding the Thanatos family members.

Diana's gaze wanders back over to the doors as they open once more, eyes scanning the late arrivals in mock curiosity from her vantage point off to the side. Her attentions appear only half upon the ceremony.

Andromache steps forward again, closing the distance between herself and Leonidas and carefully offers the child to her cousin. She clears her throat softly and takes a deep breath before proclaiming, "The name which has been chosen is Astyanax . . . Raziel . . . Thanatos." The pause between the names is almost tangible, with the woman going pale once again as she speaks.

Kalypso just . . . blinks.

Drusus moves, a silent white shadow, along the back wall until he stands to one side of the guards of Jove on either side of Megeara. He stops there, expression impassive even as Andromache announces the child's name.

Altair's smile doesn't fade, but his brow quirks a bit curiously. A fine name to carry, he feels, as he straightens his brow.

Diana lets out a small chuckle at the sound of the name, obviously amused by it all.

Selene watches Andromache for a moment after the name is announced, and then glances to those gathered to view their reactions to the name. Her mouth wrinkles slightly as if not sure how she feels, but otherwise, her expression is calm.

Drusus' arrival couldn't have been more timely. The naming comes at the same instant Megeara's fath--that is, Lysander comes into view. Surprise at the implications of that second name, and shock at a face she's not seen in several days causes her to grip tightly upon the arm of the Praetor, paleness sweeping over her.

Speaking of paleness, or perhaps the lack thereof, a large Empyrean enters just behind Drusus. His stance even and tall, he immediately steps into the room and seems to try hard to become a wall flower.

Elidi's mouth actually drops open slightly and her red-gold right eyebrow climbs toward her hairline. She simply blinks for a moment, looking from the babe to Andromache and back again before her mouth snaps shut and it almost seems that a slight grin wants to tug at her mouth.

As is typical for Lysander, he doesn't significantly flinch, but does arch an eyebrow. That in and of itself is more than he usually does--even when Kalypso was named the head of the House Tritonis. This could be a good or bad thing. He, however, is trying to fix the last fold of his toga, folding the cloth over his arm and gazing once at himself to make sure he is well. Settling in next to Eranthe, Megeara remains pointedly ignored. The observant would notice he didn't even look at her when scanning the room.

Pantoleon was not paying much attention to the baby or those around it, but he instantly picks up on the utterance of the child's name, and it draws his attention firmly forward. Although intrigued, the Acesian's features betray only a slightly surprised expression.

Lydia is the epitome of ignorance. She merely smiles and nods her head.

Diana smirks slightly, "... uptight ... breathe."

Leonidas' expression, ordinarily kept carefully neutral, is even more so now, as he cradles the babe's head in one hand and his body against his chest. With the slightest dip of his chin, he acknowledges Andromache's words. He shifts the lay of his hands against the boy, then turns toward the altar, presenting him there first, then turning back to those who fill the atrium. "I call upon all of you to stand as witness before the spirits of those who have come and gone before this child. I call upon all of you to join us in welcoming Astyanax Raziel Thanatos to the Empyre." There's a pause and Leonidas draws a long breath and his chin lifts slightly, before adding, "Welcome, Deus Astyanax Raziel Thanatos."

Cepheus glances around the room, his eyes flirting across those who are in the room and their reactions. His face is rather neutral, and for anyone who knows the Empyrean, he is looking surprisingly well-rested. They look at Eranthe for a moment, then continuing their scan. He bows his head a little, saying something beneath his breath.

The implications of the title are not lost on Megeara, even if the naming might be reasonably questionable. Her hand remains on Drusus' arm, but after a slowly drawn and released breath, her eyes focus on Lysander. He might chose to ignore her, but his reaction to this is not to be missed. A very faint smile manages to curl the corners of her mouth as color returns to her face.

Altair's eyes widen a bit, his lips parting with a little surprise as Leonidas adds the formal Deus to the name. He closes his mouth, his eyes softening into a smile, as he thinks, especially with Raziel, that it is the logical choice. Complicated, but logical.

Kalypso, for the first time, looks about the chambers. She notices her brother, moving toward him with nary a sound. The expression on her face remains firmly calm as she crosses the long room.

The curve to her lips disappears as Selene's expression remains calm as the infant boy is bestowed the title of Deus.

A small nod escapes Pantoleon as Leonidas' words ring out and apparently confirm something in his mind. But that is all, otherwise he gazes serenely forward, still appearing expectant.

Andromache's eyes remain firmly fixed upon the child Leonidas holds; the rest of the room may well not exist for all the attention she pays those in attendance, her face pale, her lips pressed together tightly.

Cepheus' eyes lock onto his sister, the Empyrean giving her a stiff nod as she approaches. He waits for her arrival, saying nothing.

Siranae quirks a brow slightly at the naming of the new Patriarch of House Thanatos, but that is the only reaction she shows as her gaze trails over to Andromache.

Elidi clears her throat and glances to the elderly woman at her elbow. Frowning slightly, she pats the old woman's hand.

Lysander's gaze is level still, now settled into himself and comfortable with the situation. Apparently the somewhat unsure entrance of the Princeps has been overcome with his normally calm demeanor. Gazing towards the head of the ceremony, he watches the child for a moment and then lets his gaze find Kalypso. Carefully, he takes a few steps towards her, moving through the crowd at a slow, leisurely pace.

Kalypso's smile offered to Cepheus as brief, as she lifts her chin, murmuring something quietly towards him.

Cepheus laughs faintly, nodding to his sister, "... no... youngest of your profession." He smiles at her, glancing over her shoulder at Lysander, "And... appears another..."

Kalypso grins at her brother swiftly, as she turns her gaze towards Lysander. The smile fades slowly from her face, as she inclines her head towards him.

Continuing her bored observations, Diana once more takes in each guest. Her eyes linger a bit longer on some than others, a mild frown crossing her lips.

Leonidas turns toward Andromache again, not letting his attention linger on any one face among those gathered. He hands the boy back to his mother, then smoothes his chiton. He clears his throat, and says, "So it is spoken, so it is done. You are all welcome to join in the celebration to honor the . . . patriarch." It is a notable slip, and Leonidas' jaw sets a moment. When he speaks again, it is crisp. "You have our thanks for your presence."

Lysander's gaze focuses on Cepheus as he approaches. Stepping right up to Kalypso, he places a hand on her shoulder and draws closer to the Dea of House Tritonis. Soft words are exchanged so as to not disturb the ceremony and a nod of his head. It is clear that something is going on beneath this event.

Eranthe remains with the Aegian, in tow by his side as she has been the entire time.

Kalypso inclines her head once more to Lysander, pleasant smile once again resuming its place on the youth's features. She turns to Cepheus, her voice lowered once again. "... you extend... Andromache?... got... go..."

Cepheus looks at his sister with curiosity, although that fades quickly. "Of course.... please do take care of the matters at your calling." His eyes shift to Lysander, and he takes a step back from the pair.

Apparently a bit unnerved to be handed back and forth as he has been, the newly-named Astyanax begins to fuss a bit, which Andromache takes as an excuse to move away from the center of attention with a brief, polite nod toward the crowd, heading off to one side to soothe the child.

As Andromache moves away from the crowd, Drusus glances over at Megeara.

Megeara continues to simply stare at Lysander as he moves about his politicking, but eventually turns to the pale man at her side, murmuring quietly.

Lysander looks from Kalypso towards Leonidas, his voice raising at the announcement to join in celebration, "Dominus. Domina." His eyes find Andromache, "Allow me to be the first to extend to you and your family the sincerest congratulations of both myself and my betrothed, Eranthe Augustin, as well as my entire family." He smiles a bit, "I apologize for not being able to remain longer, however we are about to enter vital negotiations with the Visir Arslan Messala." Reaching inside his toga, he produces a small scroll, "This is a small token of House Acesius' welcome of this child." He hands the scroll to Cepheus, "Archon, will you see that this is received by the Thanatos family?"

Kalypso casts a warm smile in the direction of Eranthe, who remains at the side of the Princeps, as her fingers mingle with her chimere. While she waits for the Princeps to move toward the outer gate, she glances around the room, warm gaze resting on Megeara perhaps a fraction too long, a brief smile cast her way as Lysander looks towards Leonidas.

Selene has kept her attention on her brother's wife on and off throughout the event, and displays a compassionate smile to Megeara when she catches her eye.

Drusus' soft baritone answers Megeara in a quiet murmur.

Elidi turns her attentions from her weary grandmother to Lysander at his announcement, her visage darkening. That announcement was news to her indeed.

Pantoleon looks vaguely disappointed, akin to one who have been told a joke and not the punch line. But, with a slight shrug of his shoulders, he returns his attention to his companion, knowing that she will most likely already have a destination in mind for them.

Cepheus nods to the Princeps, "Of course, Deus." He nods his head in a polite gesture, reaching a hand out to take the scroll. He stows it efficiently and takes another step away, "I hope the matters you pursue may be resolved."

Drusus turns his face towards the knot of people around the Princeps.

Altair walks closer to Andromache, smiling at the fussing baby a moment, then to Andromache. He gives her a deep bow. "I still say he has a hint of your eyes, Domina." He pauses a moment, looking again at the babe. "I'm certain he will make a fine Deus. My congratulations to you and your son."

Lysander places a hand on Kalypso's shoulder once again and nods, glancing to the Archon near him, "Gods be with us, Cepheus." He nods to all present and smiles a bit, turning with the Tritonides Dea and making to leave. With him goes Eranthe.

The word 'betrothed' slices easily through Megeara, hurt eyes landing on Eranthe, even as Drusus murmurs in her ear. With yet another deep breath, her mask of indifference is pulled down once more. Shaking her head briefly to the Jovian at her side, she directs them in the opposite direction of Lysander's path, coincidentally making it impossible for the two pairs to come into each other's field of presence.

Lysander passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Kalypso follows the Princeps silently, trailing behind the 'happy couple' just a few paces, but not enough to be out of range.

Kalypso passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Diana remains aloof and off to the side of it all, her attentions focused upon Domina Megeara and Dominus Drusus. She holds her silence, a speculative brow lowering in assessment.

Cepheus watches those around him depart, and resumes his efforts of becoming a wall flower.

Selene releases a silent sigh as Deus Acesian leaves and she makes her way over to Megeara and Drusus. She stands a few steps from them both, waiting until their discussion is completed.

Andromache nods politely to Altair, most of her attention on dealing with the slowly-quieting child. "I thank you for your good wishes, Altair," she replies. "I'm sure Astyanax would, as well, were he able to."

Diana eyes the approaching woman to the couple, uneasily, her body detaching itself from the wall as if a cat preparing to pounce. Yet still she remains silent, content to merely observe for the time being.

Drusus' eyes track the departure of Lysander and Eranthe. Then, when they are gone, he turns back to Megeara. His eyes pass over Diana on the way and he gives her a short nod, one soldier to another.

Elidi speaks quietly to the quickly-tiring Lydia. It almost seems as if the elderly woman is asleep upon her feet.

Altair bows again to Andromache, replying softly. "Your servant, Domina." He then smiles a little playfully as he looks to Astyanax. "And to you, Deus. May you have clear skies ahead. Always."

Now that the House leadership has departed, Megeara relaxes, if only slightly. Selene's approach brings a smile to her face, and a quiet murmur of greeting.

Drusus nods to Selene. "Cousin," he says softly. He looks over to Andromache but cannot, for the moment, leave Megeara's side.

Selene smiles at her cousin and sister. "Would you both join me in a welcome to the new Deus, from House Jove?" She speaks in a hushed tone to her family members.

Cepheus leaves his position at the back of the room and advances toward Andromache. He pauses a short distance off, waiting for her to finish her exchange with the one known as Altair.

Leonidas simply stands his ground, there before the altar.

Drusus looks at Megeara as if to say, 'shall we?' He awaits her decision.

Astyanax, finally giving up on being fussy, just rediscovers the wonders of sucking on his fingers and stares solemnly in Altair's direction. His mother manages a half-smile at the man and nods. "Thank you again," she replies.

From outside the atrium, there is a muffled cry of surprise and the whistling howl of a sudden blast of wind. An audible *thud*, like a heavy object hitting the ground, is heard next.

Nodding curtly in reply, Diana slowly makes her way towards the door, obviously having enough for one eve.

Pantoleon smiles as Siranae speaks softly to him, and begins to lead him towards Andromache and the newborn, when a man's cry rings out and into the Thanatos household. Turning both himself and her around in his surprise, Pantoleon gazes through the archway.

Cepheus grumbles loudly at the combination of the winds and the shout. He reaches into his pocket, withdrawing the scroll and handing it to Andromache, "Domina, this is for you.... and please excuse me...."

Altair bows his head, then takes a couple steps back. He looks to Leonidas at the altar, and quirks a brow. He takes a step closer, looking a little nervous, but wanting to talk to him.

Megeara had been ready to accompany Drusus and Selene forward, but the sudden commotion in the courtyard draws her attention, and she turns along with the others to stare in surprise.

Drusus looks over towards the doorway just before the wind blast hits, his brows furrowing in curiosity. And then the air howls its protest across the courtyard, carrying along the protesting Milos. "Cousins, please excuse me. I will be back in a moment; please convey my apologies to Domina Thanatos, but I will congratulate her momentarily." And with that, he slips out the door just behind Cepheus.

Andromache automatically reaches to take the offered scroll with a startled blink. "Of course, Dominus...?" she replies, nodding absently as she peers out toward the door.

Cepheus turns and quickly walks out the door once he has delivered the scroll, his face looking rather angered. It is only a few seconds before he is out the archway.

Cepheus and Drusus pass through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Selene turns and looks outward as well, quirking an eyebrow. Thinking a formal welcome to the newest Deus more important, she takes a few steps forward to Andromache and smiles "Domina, from all of House Jove we wish strength and long life for your son." She smiles down at the infant, her eyes sparkle at the new life.

Elidi seems oblivious to any outside commotion as she helps Lydia off to her quarters.

Diana passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Altair looks out the arch of the House a moment, quirking a brow at the outside commotion. "Thank you, Domina," Andromache replies to Selene, quirking a faint smile. "I thank you for your kind wishes. Ah . . . if you'll pardon me a moment...?" she asks, glancing briefly toward Leonidas.

Selene nods and takes a few steps back, once again returning to Megeara's side, though the smile brought on by the infant lingers on her lips.

Pantoleon finds that he has wandered close to the archway leading out of the household in his curiosity. He decides that having come this far, he may as well investigate.

Pantoleon passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Leonidas is apparently taking the commotion as his signal to excuse himself. He murmurs an apology, and starts toward one of the hallways leading away from the atrium.

Altair looks back to the altar and the retreating Leonidas. He begins to walk closer, then stops, quirking a brow.

Andromache watches Leonidas' departure with a quiet sigh, but chooses not to pursue him. Instead, she merely moves over to take a seat near the impluvium, waiting for the commotion outside to calm a bit.

Elidi returns from helping Lydia to bed, shaking her head a bit. She pauses, studying Andromache uncertainly as her eyes narrow and she decides just how to deal with this. She glances to the child with a slightly disapproving look.

Pantoleon passes through the doorway from outside.

Selene stops to whisper something to her new sister and then leaves the Thanatos house to return to her own.

Pantoleon returns from the outer courtyard and quickly moves through the crowd to find his daughter. He pays little heed to others he chances upon.

Elidi eyes mother and child with a slowly growing smirk, shaking her head slightly in a manner that stirs the hair down her back. "And so a bastard child is the Patriarch of Thanatos. I'm sure that bodes well for the future of this House," her husky contralto offers as a brow arches in disdain.

Siranae smiles toward her father and approaches with her usual graceful stride, then perhaps a bit faster as she sees his hurried pace. "Father, is something the matter?"

Selene passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Megeara nods to Selene and makes to follow, after dipping a small bow in the direction of the Thanatos's. That her relatives pass by without recognition brings a faint sigh, and then she's gone.

Megeara passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Although pretending not to hear Elidi's comment, Andromache is quite obviously aware of it. She turns away from the woman just slightly, wings curving around a bit as though to protect the child in her arms, her cheeks regaining their earlier colored tinge.

Altair looks at all the commotion, and shakes his head. He looks to Elidi, and makes a calm, hopefully wise remark. "No child is a bastard, especially one so young. A child's mind is like an empty book, waiting to be written. I am certain that he will become a fine Deus, and help to lead this House to a better time of prosperity and Honor."

Pantoleon nods to Siranae as he motions to the archway leaving the compound, "There is an injured man outside in need of your help. Could you come and examine him?"

Elidi says, "What you hoped to accomplish with this naming, I have no idea. You've doomed him to a life of struggling to get past his name just as some have to get past the color of their wings."

Siranae nods, "Of course, Father." She gives Andromache a small smile of farewell and then hurries to follow her father so that she can attend to the injured outside.

Siranae and Pantoleon pass through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

"The child did not ask to be born as such," Andromache replies softly, refusing to look up. "He cannot help his birth. There is nothing wrong with him, his coloring is perfect, and what kind of person he may be remains to be seen. Do not judge my son so harshly, Domina."

Elidi's lips curve into a faint smile, "I'll remember that, if you find time to remember that those like my cousin Oriane did not ask to be born in such a manner either."

Altair looks to Andromache and smiles. "I think it is a fine name, and he will be a fine Deus." With that, he bows to Andromache, then to Elidi. "Deus, Domina, Praefect, I must take my leave of you now and check on my love. I bid you all to have clear skies ahead of you."

Andromache glances up sharply at Elidi, barely noticing Altair's farewell. "My son's blood is not so tainted," she retorts, suddenly angry. "Just look at him, of pure and perfect lineage."

Altair passes through the doorway and into the greater area of the Palladium.

Elidi easily retorts as she stifles a husky laugh. "Pure and perfect, oh yes. Bred by a mad father with a household servant like any other bastard. Tell me, domina, were you truly wed to a member of this House, or was that another of Raziel's crazed schemes?"

Andromache pales abruptly, rising to her feet with an offended readjustment of her wings. "I think, domina, that you cross the bounds of civilized behavior," she returns, stiffly. "I bid you good day, that I may tend to more important matters than fending off the insults of a half-educated alleged noble."

Elidi merely laughs in the face of Andromache's reply, her head sadly shaking as she turns toward the exit.

As if in echo of his mother's mood, the baby begins to cry, even as Andromache stalks toward her quarters and disappears inside.

FIN  

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