Date: May 28, 2001 (Aether: May 15, 3908)
Place: Hall of the Sky - Palladium - Haven
Cast: Arius, Aurora (III), Cressida, Gabriel, Hesperos (NPC by Zephyr), Kalypso, Linus (NPC by Selene), Magnus, Maximus, Olivia, Selene
Scene: The Aegis is called together to discuss the latest ramifications of the Varati's abandonment of Delphi, and whether or not the Empyre should follow suit and try to seize its chunk of the city while Delphi is weakened and disorganized.

Magnus enters from without, clad as he usually is, in linen of excellent quality and cut in an unassuming and formal manner. He nods to many, pauses to greet a few, and continues through those already gathered to the front of the room where a dais is raised slightly above the rest of the floor that one might address the Aegis more easily. It is this he ascends and motions to bring the meeting to order.

Already present within the august chamber, the Praetorian Aegians stand in a close circle, discussing the actions that have recently reverberated throughout Haven, and the Empyre. Quiet within the circle, Hesperos Iolanus watches the dais, and quiets his brethren as the Princeps sets to start the meeting in earnest.

"...would not really desire such, but if we must say thus to them, we must," Olivia is murmuring to Gabriel as they sneak inside in Magnus' wake. The former Augustin lady has her hand about the former Praetorian's arm, cheek close to his shoulder so that she may converse quietly. Clearly they have been in conversation for some time, but the discourse must quiet as the meeting proper begins. "And yes," she finishes firmly while they pick their way to seats, "I am fine, thank you."

One of the Praetorians has distanced himself from the circle of his compatriots, taking in the company of the Acesian Dea instead. Linus Hyperion lifts watery eyes from Selene to watch Magnus enter. His silence and change of gaze brings silence to the Acesian Adjutor as well and she too looks to the Jovian Princeps with a ghost of a smile on her lips. A brief murmured comment follows Magnus' motion to begin and she and the Hyperion Aegian take their seats.

Upon the dais, a throne has been placed. Carved of ivory, the back open to allow the Emperor to spread his wings behind him. Arius sits there, arms draped over the arms of the chair. His crown rests upon his head, which moves about. Making eye contact with those who are his supporters. And those who are his enemies as well.

Having arrived earlier than most, going over notes and various other scribblings on a few pieces of parchment he'd carried in with him, Dominus Maximus Areides looks toward the dais as the Princeps arrives. He was dressed a bit more formally than usual, which is to say that he is wearing his customary blue tunic and leather sandals, but now has a large toga-like garment slung over his shoulder and pinned around his waist. It's obvious that he's new to the scene and looks markedly out of place. Following the lead of the Dea Acesian and a few others, Maximus takes a seat toward the front of the area, breathing a quiet sigh to steady himself.

Gabriel enters beside Olivia, her hand on his arm, and presumably his Schola bodyguards were left outside along with the usual array that stand sentinel around the Hall of the Sky. He's attentive to the Jovian domina and Ambassador, but as he enters the grand chamber, his gaze automatically sweeps the room to note the others present. He and Olivia move to some out-of-the-way spot where they'll still have a good view of the proceedings.

The lifted hand falls as the murmurs within the Hall quiet to the gentle whisper of breath, the rustle of exotic foliage, and the hum of the breeze as it flows through the open chamber. He begins as he is wont to do, without preamble or pleasantries, Magnus' warm voice filling the chamber in tones pitched to carry and yet not overpower, "Members of the Aegis, we have been called here today to consider a matter of utmost importance. I must, as such, set aside all other issues of consideration and ask that this receive your full attention." He pauses to take a deep breath, eyes taking in the entirety of the gathering in one slow scan, as if he might meet the eyes of every man and woman gathered there and measure them--perhaps to pass on some sense of surety he is not entirely certain he feels, himself. "This issue is such that I do not feel to the task of presenting it to you. It is thus that I yield the floor to our Deus Maximus, Emperor Arius Stavros Thanatos." He steps aside, making full obeisance to the man upon the throne set but a few steps higher than the dais, itself.

Well, she's a little late. She is, isn't she? Ranking Empyrean nobles have surmounted the dais, a fellow in regal purple has his backside on the throne reserved for the Deus Maximus, and the echoes of Magnus Jove's sonorous voice still cling to the shadows in the Hall's corners. Yes, Cressida's late. "Move your arse so I can get by," is her version of "excuse me" when she pushes past a pair of Schola at the entrance. "Pardon, arSES." Then, since she is entering in a tardy manner, she languidly plucks her way to the very front row where she can both see and be seen. La-dee-da. And she winks at Arius.

A few moments are allowed to pass, and Arius stands from the throne with a faint flourish of his wings. Each movement as he approaches is crisp, sharp and vibrant with the energy of a man with a purpose. To his credit he does not even falter in his smile at Cressida's arrival. Rather he calmly makes his way tot he podium.

Once there he look out over the crowd again, then begins to speak, "Assembled Aegians, I come to you with a matter of utmost importance. A matter that concerns the integrity of our Empire. And the safety of those subjects whom the gods have entrusted into our care." He lifts a hand, pointing in the direction of Delphi. "This city was founded, when the god Apollo began a school. A school whose purpose was to teach those who posses the talent for magic how to properly use that gift. All races were welcomed there, so that none would feel threatened. It was an enterprise fit for a god. And one that we as a people should honor."

There's a soft-cushioned seat nearby, and Gabriel motions Olivia into it, guessing she'd prefer the comfort of sitting during the ensuing speeches. His manner is solicitous, yet he does glance up as the Emperor begins, eyes narrowing just a touch. He doesn't take a seat, himself -- he only folds his arms and stands beside the Princeps' wife as if he's appointed himself her personal bodyguard, and he listens to the Emperor without discernible expression. Yet his gaze did falter for a moment, coming to rest on the tardy Januarian domina who's situated up near the front.

Magnus straightens and steps down from the dais even as the Emperor begins to speak. Once there he takes a place to the side of the dais, removed from the center as he rarely is in one of these discussions. His face is set much like his usual stony facade when he is personally addressing the Aegis, and yet somehow this stoic mask does not entirely shield the disquiet within. For all the fine cut and make of his toga, it seems the garment does not fit as well as it ought, for the man cannot stop adjusting it with slight, irritated motions.

Olivia is a little paler than the norm but otherwise smiling faintly as she studies her husband in his working mode, but when the Deus Maximus begins to speak, she trains her attention on him rather than on Magnus. Weariness clings to her, and no surprise is evidenced as Arius commences his speech. Instead, truly, a slight pinch can be seen between her brows, as if a concentrated frown had taken precedence in her visage, while she sinks into the proffered seat, murmuring her gratitude.

Mention of the god of Light and father of her house brings the Acesian Dea to straighten her shoulders in pride, even while her features are held in a sour expression, one commonly on her visage when discussion of what Delphi has become is prominent. The Hyperion Aegian beside her straightens a touch as well, for he is a distant relative of the god, but he appears somewhat disturbed as well, enough to whisper something to the Dea as the Emperor pauses briefly. She nods to him, but keeps her sapphire-tinted eyes on the young Emperor standing before them.

Cressida studies her nails. And tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. Oh, she's riveted to every word tumbling from Arius' lips, she is.

Hesperos crosses his arms slowly, his gaze intent on Thanatos Emperor. Half a mind is set to listen to his words, but the rest is set upon the man himself, evaluating the man who wears the Empyrean crown.

Kalypso passes through the doors from the atrium and stands near the foot of the Hall.

Cycloptic, steel-eyed gaze moves from the Princeps as he steps away to the yield the floor to the Deus Maximus. The Areides Adjutor sits quietly, eye focused upon the Emperor as he speaks, a slight frown on his face. He'd heard several differing opinions on the happenings of late over the last few days since the spectacle in the Rialto and had considered the different views, but at this point, he knows it is best to simply sit and listen. Briefly, his focus wanders to the Dea Acesian and then to Aegian Augustin before returning to the Emperor once more.

Aurora emerges from the arched doorway leading into the emperor's chambers.

"But that dream has fractured. That noble effort has come to foul ends. The Estrella, who should more properly serve as teachers, have grown to love the power they wield in this city. They believe themselves above the Empyre. Even our own Estrels see themselves not as emissaries of our people to Delphi, but as representatives of Delphi to our people. The law in Haven is applied unequally. Witness; the assault upon one of our citizens at the Varati festival. Had it not been for the efforts of Domina Olivia Jove, the attacker would have gone unpunished. Indeed, they took months to deliver justice. Yet, when the role has been reversed, Delphi has been swift to act."

Arius pauses, wings out to their full span and glory, hands resting on the lectern. "It is time we act. To protect our people. To show our strength. And to redeem the tarnish unjustly visited upon that great work of Apollo." Faint echoes of blue electricity seem to sparkle about his eyes as he speaks; a sign of the gift given to him by Zeus.

The Dowager Empress' entrance is quiet one. She is but a shadow sliding into the chamber, calling no particular attention to herself, seeking none in return. A position is taken up, then she stands, a mute observer to the proceedings.

Often, those who do not fight wars wish to show strength, reveal power, and redeem dignity. Those who have seen war know better, and it is with the look of one who has seen too much death already that Hesperos frowns at the Emperor's words.

It is without any pomp 'nor circumstance that allows for the entrance of the delayed Matriarch of Tritonis. On nearly silent feet, she enters the Atrium, a thankful smile at the Schola who let her pass quietly. Kalypso joins the small circle of Aegians, though remaining on the outskirts, so she might be able to see.

He's sure the Emperor is going to tell them, yet all the same, a voice comes from the back, tersely-worded. "And what do you suggest?" There's a minute pause before the deferential, "Deus Maximus" is tacked on at the end. Gabriel was the one who spoke.

Olivia smooths her gown and her countenance at the notice Arius grants her, but her cheeks stain with color to testify to her self-effacing manner. Still, she cannot find joy in what is uttered, not when the implications are so grave. Once she glances toward Magnus, either for support or for reassurance, then her aquamarine gaze fixes on Arius once more.

As Arius continues in his discourse about legalities and their ramifications, Cressida frowns, looking impassive until Gabriel speaks. Then, with a queer sort of smile, she twists to look his way, mouthing something in his direction, so it would seem: the soul of brevity being addressed by the soul of levity.

Selene doesn't alter her pinched expression, but her hand grips the arm of her chair, holding herself back from rising quickly to her feet. There is a slight nod of her head toward the Emperor, but it is little more than a slight inclination, no firm sign that she agrees with him. Yet.

It is, of course, and excellent and most prudent question. What, exactly, was to be done about this situation whose gravity increased daily? Maximus' attention turns to the one who spoke, the Aegian Augustin, whom he has met once before, and he focuses on him briefly before looking to Arius for a response. One could talk all they wanted, but it was action that solves issues, and it would seem that Gabriel agrees.

"Not war. As I imagine many of you suspect." Arius smiles a little. He chose the words for that reason. To build to a crescendo, and make his words seem all the more reasonable. "The Varati have withdrawn from Delphi. And it is well known, that were it not for our presence, they would like nothing better than to destroy this city. I do not wish bloodshed." Another pause as the Emperor gathers his words. "I have spoken with the Atlanteans and we have come to a course of action we believe beneficial to everyone. The various nations should have control of their quarters of Haven as sovereign territory. Delphi's power should be limited to Delphi proper and the areas immediately surrounding it. In that way, they may focus upon their mission; educating mages. We have two options in the matter. The first, is a bilateral declaration along with the Atlanteans, simply seizing the land in our quarter and they doing the same in theirs. Along with recognition of the Varati right to rule their quarter of the city. This is the bolder of the two."

No words come from the Princeps, and no reassurance returned to any longing glance. He watches Arius with the close-mouthed and thin-lipped expression of one who does not like what they hear--not because it is necessarily wrong, but perhaps because it is correct.

A tic twitches a muscle in Olivia's cheek, but her expression is frozen. Those close enough to observe her hands, however, would glean a gleam of knuckle in their clutched pose: the grip is tight indeed.

The Augustin Aegian's blue-green gaze narrows further, and although he's striving for expressionlessness, disapproval leaks through. "And the other?" Gabriel asks, despite the fact that Arius likely needs no prompting.

"And of the Hounds? And the mages who are within Delphic employ? Seizing it would be no different than war." comes the quiet voice of the Iolanus Aegian.

"War," Cressida corrects Hesperos mildly, "only happens when someone bitches about such a seizure."

Gabriel's next retort is aimed at Cressida -- he'd not missed that silently-mouthed comment, and his feathers are bristled with irritation that isn't solely due to the debate underway. "Aye, and Delphi will just gladly hand everything over without a fight?"

Cressida sweetly counters, "Not if we seal their pompous asses in their tower before they make a peep."

Hesperos smiles faintly at the Augustin answer. He gestures with his head quietly towards the Augustin at his response, as he turns his attention back to the Emperor, waiting for the other option.

Curious to note the distinct formality of some--those who take in every word of the Emperor as though it were issued from the mouth of the Kronian himself--and the distinct informality of others--those such as Cressida. The debate had begun, it seems, without the permission of either the Princeps or the Emperor, and as such--and also not certain as to what the proper protocol is--the Ares Adjutor remains silent, wings shivering briefly.

"I do not wish to seize Delphi itself. It should remain independent as a place of learning. The Hounds will better be able to patrol and protect a smaller area. I wish to make that clear." Arius offers a faint smile to Cressida. "And as Domina Januarius so delicately points out, with all three nations in accord, Delphi is not in a position to complain. They are proud, but not so proud as to try to fight all three at once. Not when they are already bereft of Varati mages. And I do not believe our people, or the Atlanteans would attack their own kin in this matter." He holds up a hand then. "But there is another, less provocative measure. Delphi will give us the land. They will cede each quarter to the various nations." He flaps his wings once, letting that cause a bit of a stir.

"Lares willing," Olivia whispers, eyes closing. "Lares willing."

Selene glances to the flourishing debate and the tightness of her lips lessens somewhat. "Or with the Varati willingly leaving the Tower it would give the Empyre the chance, with the aide of the Atlanteans, to reclaim a hold on Delphi with Estrels who the Aegis appoint and keep their eye on while they reside in the Tower."

Quiet is the Tritonides Aegian - her face a mask of neutrality -- eyes absent of any readable emotion. She manages to look interested, at the very least -- gaze flicking from Aegian to Aegian, until the Emperor speaks once more. At his obvious baiting, her voice lifts. "How do you propose enticing them to do this, Deus Maximus?"

Hesperos arches an eyebrow. "So, if I understand you correctly, Deus, is that we inform Delphi that if they do not give us the land, we'll just take it by force?" His gaze flows to the Acesian Adjutor before he inclines his head in agreement.

"Now there speaks a Jovian with mettle in her gullet," Cressida compliments. It was a compliment, right?

Gabriel's gaze reverts to Arius again. "They will give us the land," he repeats, deadpan. "This city that has stood here for hundreds of years will simply cede its claim to the territory and hand it over? Perhaps on a silver platter, while they're at it." His gaze swerves over to Magnus, as if the Princeps can provide a better explanation. "Is that all then? Those are the options presented?" He overhears Hesperos in the meantime, and nods his agreement, darting a glance in the other Aegian's direction.

An incline of the head toward Selene. "The Dea sees where I am going. A more diplomatic route then simple declarations and threats of force." Arius then looks toward Olivia, gestures to her with an open hand. "I would have Domina Jove speak on the matter. We have been much in discussion about this topic. I ask that you hear her out as well."

Looking at Selene briefly, Maximus can only wonder at her opinion of this. If his guess was right, it was that she wished for the Empyre to reclaim its hold on the Delphi and oversee the selection of those to be trained. A noble effort for the Empyre, perhaps, but certainly not for Haven as a whole. Still, he has not spoken, but he finally makes some form of his opinion known when he nods his assent at Gabriel's rebuttal to the Emperor. The City had been a neutral area under the control of the Delphi for quite sometime--the idea that the Delphi would simply give the occupied territory to its occupiers was a little difficult to accept.

Magnus holds up one hand, stepping forward and raising his voice slightly, "Members of the Aegis, our Emperor has brought to us a very important decision. Upon first hearing it, I did not agree. I felt it would be a mistake for us to take such action within Haven and that rather we should withdraw our support from this city and return to Civitas Dei, our own glorious capital. My opinion on this matter has changed! Members of the Aegis, I remind you as the Emperor has already stated and we all know--the Varati have withdrawn from Delphi. They have pulled out all their strength from its walls, as if in preparation. They are consolidating their strength within Atesh-Gah, and they are destroying publicly any within their ranks that dissent. What can this be but preparations? They are already prideful and gorged on blood from the recent war. The peace they promised for newborn Avalon long forsaken. I believe we cannot but act in this matter in order to protect our interests, in order to prove to the Varati that they cannot simply take whatever they desire with no-one to stand in their path."

Magnus pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath with eyes closed as if drawing strength from within. When he looks up again, he has the expression of a man who has given himself up and taken the final step off of a very tall, very rocky cliff, and is now committed to the plunge to the bottom. "Delphi has turned its back too many times. How can we continue to support its rule in this city? This city, founded in some rights by Apollo himself is no Haven to Empyrean soul, but rather a place where Varati interest is thought of before all other. The Varati have begun to act. The Atlanteans desire to act. We need to decide what we shall do. I call upon you all, Aegians, to make your desires known to our body as a whole. It is your time now to make a statement and take a side." It seems the Princeps is, in fact, calling for some sort of vote.

Briefly looking behind her at Gabriel, Olivia regains her feet and pauses as Magnus speaks; she gives Arius an uncertain glance as if asking if she should continue or allow things to progress to a vote. Perhaps she is not terribly desirous of speaking before so large an audience or on this particular subject, but hesitation hangs to her, inspiring her silence.

Selene offers a greater inclination of her head to Arius as her name is mentioned, a smile beginning to appear on her pale lips. But he only holds her attention for a moment before it is directed to Olivia Jove only to be aborted by the lengthy declaration of the Princeps who had waited quietly by until this moment. Her wings rustle as her shoulders straighten once again, but the smile slowly fades once more as she listens in silence.

After having listened attentively to the whole of the Princeps' speech, Gabriel looks both troubled and thoughtful, but he refrains from speaking out of turn again as Olivia rises to her feet. Fleetingly, he offers a touch at her elbow, as if to lend silent support, though he has not yet heard what she wishes to say.

Cressida's reaction to Magnus' discourse is simple. "Gods and flitting fruity lares above," she mumbles to her neighbor, the poor sod, "I agree with Magnus Jove on something. Check the trees; pigs must be have sprouted wings."

As for Aurora herself, she might as well be a relic on display. There is no visible expressions on her face that might hint at her feelings on the matter. Her own ties to these 'prideful blood gorged' Varati still very much in question. Her council is her own this hour. Slender hands clasped loosely before her stomach, she continues to watch the debate with mist-colored eyes.

Arius steps aside. To allow the debate to flourish. He has done his part to bring the matter forward, to lead by recommending action. It now rests with the august body to make a decision and follow through with it. He offers Olivia a reassuring smile. Encouraging her to speak. A calm voice often speaks clearest of all.

Though Magnus had motioned for all to make their views known, Maximus knows that Olivia is, however reluctantly, moving to voice her own opinion of the situation. Wings flutter slightly in consternation as he considers his own response to this. It seems that whomever wishes to speak may do so whenever they wish, but it is only proper for the Emperor's assistant to speak before anyone else were to voice their views.

Olivia gathers the linen of her chimere and the sterner stuff of her courage and continues forward, stepping in the direction of the dais with as much grace as she may muster, as much dignity as is possible in such a situation, for when does she speak before so august a gathering, so profound a number of people? Once she has mounted the steps and nears the Deus Maximus, she presents a bow of substantial respect to him, letting its familiarity soothe her before she turns to iterate her own views. The words are silvery and strong.

"I thank you, Deus Maximus, for permitting me to speak and you, the gracious Aegians of our beloved Empyre, for hearing me. Simply stated, my office has committed to bringing to fruition this plan that the Emperor has purported. We will with swift and unfaltering commitment to our goal present choices to Delphi. Their strength is bled by the lack of the Varati, and they know, I am certain, what may transpire with resistance on their part. They have the Hounds, we have armies. They have teachers; we have legions of mages. With peace, and prayer, we shall see this effected...or, if they choose to fight, with steel and swiftness of justice. This I have promised to the Emperor, and I promise to you." Even if she sounds... less than joyous about it.

Hesperos uncrosses his arms as he turns slightly to murmur with the man beside him. Another Praetorian Aegian, they confer briefly before the Iolanus Aegian shakes his head with a mild and near silent chuckle. He turns his attention back to the dais, waiting calmly for the formal vote to be placed before the Aegis.

Gabriel had given Olivia the same attention bestowed upon Magnus, without the impatience or disapproval that had infused his comments toward Arius. And yet, as the Jovian domina's words continue, his gaze slowly slides away from her and drops to the tiled floor. There's a muted rustle of his wings -- suppressed agitation, yet what shows most clearly on his bowed countenance is disappointment. "If Jove has finished, I would like to speak," he says lowly, addressing the Princeps.

"Big surprise." Cressida does, however, shoot a smirky smile at Gabriel and twist in her seat to observe him.

And so it begins. Magnus looks to Olivia to be certain the Imperial Viator has completed her statement. That confirmed, he nods to Gabriel and states formally, "You have the floor, Aegian Augustin."

Again, the Acesian Dea grips the arm of her chair to rise as soon as Olivia has gone silent, but Gabriel's vocal announcement proceeds her. She sits herself back down quickly, focused on Gabriel, but bearing a tenseness in her posture that makes her appear ready to spring at a moment's notice.

Arius inclines his head, attentive to Gabriel's words. Showing the same courtesy he has been given. His wings now closer to his back. Calm, reasonable and unperturbed. He seems to thrive in this give and take.

The beginning of the formal debate, and whom better to begin than an Augustin? Maximus smiles slightly and leans back against his seat, crossing one leg over the other as he listens intently, waiting patiently for the Aegian to speak his mind on this particularly delicate subject. Hopefully, he'd be able to glean something from this man's demeanor to garner something resembling confidence when it was his turn to speak. Whether or not it would help is anyone's guess, but it certainly eases the young Adjutor's mind that he is not the first to voice an opinion.

Stepping to one side in a spot that splits the distance between Magnus and Arius, Olivia lingers in case her viewpoints are requisite. In any event, she has not yet been dismissed.

Cautiously, Gabriel steps forward, gathering his thoughts before he begins to speak. At first, his voice is low, and the words as careful as his manner, but they gain strength as he continues. "I believe that Delphi is necessary and beneficial to the pursuit of peace. If we withdraw entirely, we give up on a dream. Aye, I speak of ideals here, and perhaps such a dream is impractical. But this city is the last hope we have of disparate nations living together -- if not harmoniously, then at least cooperatively. If we give up on it, then we abandon all progress toward peace that others have made before us.

"What of Justinius?" he asks, and it's no mistake that his glance falls on Magnus, or Selene -- both linked to that deceased monarch by blood. "His reign was largely a peaceful one, marked only by border skirmishes in the northern provinces. For over seventy years, we had peace -- that's longer than most of us have been alive. The war was a tremendous blow to our pride, to our resources, to our nation itself, but I do not believe that it signals an end to Justinius' dream. He wanted peace. It's what he worked for, and it's what he died for. I don't think it was any accident that he came here, to Haven, to try to achieve it.

"Or what of Apollo," Gabriel asks next, and this time his gaze is for Selene alone. "The founder of Delphi itself, and the patron lare of Acesius? Why did he establish a school here, of all places, rather than in the heart of the Empyre? Why did he, and others like him, agree to train mages not of Empyreal blood? He had a dream then, too, and it detracted nothing from the glory of the Empyre. He raised Civitas Dei, and he founded Delphi. The Empyre is intrinsically linked to this city by the very man responsible for its creation."

Olivia's lower lip quivers fleetingly as Gabriel commences his speech, and she must capture it between her teeth to end the trembling. He has her utmost attention, clearly. Clearly.

After hauling in a breath, Gabriel finishes with, "I vote against forcing Delphi to abdicate its lands. I vote against pulling our support out of Haven. If we want to retain any chance at peace with the Varati, or any hope of maintaining peaceful relations with the other races, we won't give up on the one place where it's all possible. Let Haven stand. And let the Empyre stand with it."

"And then let us have the other nations, as has been so flagrantly the case in recent years, take lusty advantage of our posture as we bend over to take it like men." Cressida sighs, turning back away from Gabriel. "I love the man for being an idealist, at least."

As Gabriel cedes the floor, Magnus acknowledges Selene in turn.

Gabriel withdraws after his speech, darting one hard look in Cressida's direction before he removes himself back to his self-appointed post near the wall and the bench Olivia had vacated. This time, though, he doesn't look at the Jovian domina, staring moodily at the floor instead while he waits for the others to begin.

Kalypso moves around the circle of those standing - angling for a better view of Selene's speech.

Selene rises to her feet fully this time and takes a moment to run her hands over the front of her chimere and allowing her wings a moment to settle comfortably at her back. Her first target of her unemotional gaze is Gabriel, who had singled her out with his own more than once as he spoke his words of peace. But it is not to him alone she speaks, but to the Aegis as a whole. "It might surprise a few of you that I partially agree with what Dominus Augustin has said, though I do not harbor the lofty ideas of peace between all races that even my late grandfather strove to achieve. However. Forcing Delphi to bend to our whims, at the moment, is not what I'm after. As I see it, the Varati have made our job extremely easy, now that they have left the Tower. Yes, the number of mages within the Tower does have a power that, when harnessed, could be damaging to this city. What I propose is what I stated earlier. We keep close contact with the Estrels with select, find those with loyalty to the Empyre first and foremost. If the Atlanteans can do the same things in Haven can change. We can control the lands with want, without bloodshed.

"The Varati have no say in what Delphi does, and with six Estrella on our side, the Sylvans would have little to say against us." Selene pauses for a moment and catches her breath. "I certainly do not wish to see blood shed in the city streets, certainly not Empyrean blood. I simply wish to see a Delphi where the Empyre is respected and when we are wronged, we received justice."

Hesperos nods at the Augustin's words. It is not the first time that he has agreed with the former Praetor, and it will not be the last time. Stepping forward from the Praetorian corner, Hesperos steps onto the dais with a quiet calm. Taking a moment to let his gaze search the crowd, he folds his hands behind him and begins, "All the options laid before us are unrealistic at best, and disastrous at worst. Our Emperor has suggested two options: the first of which is to reclaim our quarter and Delphi be damned. The second is to reclaim our quarter, but to make the pretense of asking first. Both will lead to blood. As Domina Jove has stated, while they have but a police force, we have an army, but our magical might leaves much to be desired. Have we forgotten that our mages are trained by those within the Citadel as much as without? Will they so quickly discard their Delphic loyalties to kill those they've studied with? I would think not."

He pauses for a moment to take a breath before continuing, "And despite what we might wish, I think we are all aware of the chances of the Delphic Estrels calmly and quietly allowing us the Empyrean quarter back. In that light, our only option is to remain within Haven, within Delphi, and within the Estrel council. Let the withdrawal of the Varati be the beginning of our recovery of Apollo's school, and let it be recognized as a center of learning as befitting his legacy again. Iolanus wishes to add the option of strengthening our role within Delphi to the vote, and votes for that option."

Cressida shrugs at Gabriel, then tells Selene with a wave of her hand and a disbelieving shake of her head. "Acesius never meant naive in my vocabulary, but if you wish, Dea, to give Delphi one more chance to dismiss breezily our claims on wrongdoings done us, so be it. Or did the whole Altair affair just slither from your mind like oysters down a reveler's throat?"

Arius suppresses a smile at Cressida's brazen retort. But remains quiet. Allowing others to fight the battle. It seems things are going well enough. He leans over toward Olivia and whispers something to her, touching her forearm like a concerned son.

Selene rises sharply again, this time her eyes glowing darkly as they look on Cressida. "I did not advocate giving Delphi another chance to walk all over us. But with the Varati gone and the Atlanteans seemingly siding with us, we have a chance to take Delphi back and rule it as we see fit without concern of the Varati Estrels standing in our way. If you wish it to come to a battle, then take a gladius and stand on the front lines, domina."

Gabriel doesn't lift his head, even at Selene's unemotional stare, of which he may have been aware. He just continues his narrow-eyed perusal of the floor, face stern and immobile. The only thing that does gain a reaction is Cressida's comment; he looks across the room at her, teal gaze gone harder still.

Magnus raises one hand and admonishes quietly, but firmly, "This is not the time for personal debate, Aegians." His eyes flick from Cressida to Selene in turn, resting on each until he is certain they understand.

"I'd do better than half of the soft-bellied people from your..." Sigh. There's Magnus. Cressida bows to him, then, amazingly, buttons her lips. Well, for the time being.

Having remained silent this whole while, the Dominus Areides finally stands, his copious notes rolled and stacked in a careful pile beside his chair. He'd been courteous enough to listen to the opinion of all those present, and he expects the opinion of the Dea Acesian. She has made it clear to him on more than one occasion that she will let nothing stand in the way of progress of the Empyre and that those of their race that would prevent that progress are beneath her dignity. His large wings spread briefly and a hand lifts to his half-mask as he looks upon the Princeps, waiting until all others are finished. "If I may, Princeps?" he asks, mid-tenor voice lifting over the crowd to reach Magnus, a hand lifted as well.

The Princeps brings quiet to the Acesian Dea as well, though the resigns herself to silence reluctantly. Magnus is given an apologetic nod, but she flashes another cold stare to Cressida, a promise that these personal insults will not go unanswered.

Cressida blows a kiss at Selene. The implication? Bring it, sister.

Magnus inclines his head, "As you will, Areides."

Gratitude flickers in Olivia's answering expression to Arius' touch and quiet words, and she steps down from the dais toward Gabriel once more. Fingers massage her belly as if it were troubling her, and her demeanor registers certain strain as reaction to the tension and debate that the Hall is hosting. When she returns to her seat she sinks into it with much relief, and she stares at naught but the floor near her toes. The situation is not a comfortable one for her.

Quietly retaking his position with the Praetorians, Hesperos ignores the attacks between the two women. Unfortunately (fortunately?), cat fights are seen all too often within these "dignified" halls. His gaze follows the young Areides to the dais, curious as to where a fellow Praetorian house stands.

"My thanks, Princeps," Maximus begins, a small smile noticed at the corners of his mouth, his hand lifting once more to the mask he wears, a habit borne of the same nervousness as Magnus' earlier picking at his toga. Adjusting the sash about his shoulder, he clears his throat and his wings briefly flutter once more as he makes his way to the dais. "I have spoken with several--Empyrean and otherwise, even members of Delphi--since the spectacle involving the punishment of the Varati. The Dea Acesian will tell you that I expressed my own feelings as to my satisfaction of seeing such an event. Though it is true that I am pleased to see Delphi's favor turn in our way for the first time since my arrival to the city over a year ago, it is not my wish that we take advantage of the situation and seize Delphi as our own."

Gabriel is also curious, but it's not about Ares' stance. At least not at the moment. After darting that disapproving look toward Cressida, his gaze had circled the room, and now it rests for a few moments on the Dowager Empress, whom he had not noticed before. He watches her for a few seconds before turning his attention to Ares's speaker.

Smirking, Cressida notes with aching dryness in the pause in Maximus' speech, "I cannot wait to hear the font of wisdom that is about to follow. This should be stunning."

"Maybe the Aegian of Januarius should find something with which to occupy her mouth besides speaking," remarks Gabriel in a low-voiced warning from across the room -- though loud enough to carry.

Cressida returns with a glimmering grin, unabated, "Ah, dominus, do not be jealous I might be paying another man lip service."

"It is true that Delphi has turned a blind eye to Empyrean needs as of late, but at the same time, it should not be an option for us to simply do as we will as the Varati. As a soldier of the Empyre, I have always taken pride in being more noble than any Varati, and for us to simply follow their lead and withdraw from the Delphi, or to claim our quarter as our sovereign territory would be beneath our dignity. To take our quarter with the threat of our army and the few mages that we have would be fool-hardy, and 'twould be a step in the direction of civil war throughout Haven. Varati against Empyrean, and Praetorian against Hound. I do not believe our own mages would so readily side against those that they've spent their lives training under. That said..."

A pause ensues as his gaze takes in the whole of the room, lingering of Gabriel, Selene, and then narrowing when arriving upon Cressida, Maximus concludes with, "...it would be against the best interest of the Empyre to undermine the Delphi further than the Varati have." With that, the lad finishes his first address to the Aegis, removes himself from the dais, and returns to his seat, breathing a long sigh.

The dowager Empress' own attention, mist grey to thunderstorm, is on the speaker of the moment, the young Adjutor for Ares. Though she has added nothing to the debate, there is a definite tightening of the air in the close proximity of her person. It would seem however, in her remote corner of the chamber, only her Schola guard experiences the unpleasantness, a single bead of sweat sliding down his stoic countenance.

Magnus nods to the Adjutor without any hint of approval or disapproval for the man's speech. His grey eyes pierce the gathering, searching for any other that wishes to speak their piece, and they end upon Kalypso. With a nod, he acknowledges her in turn.

Hesperos's gaze finally turns to Gabriel and Cressida, and what might pass as the disapproving look of 'parent' to 'child' seem to befall both Aegians. "It would seem that our young Areides Adjutor is not the youngest person here," before turning his gaze back to the dais, waiting for the next point of view, and hopefully, the vote will come.. soon.

"I knew your tongue couldn't be still for long," Gabriel remarks to the Januarian domina, but then he casts a glance toward Magnus, as if apologetic for his outburst. He gives Maximus a brief nod of acknowledgment that seems to convey approval, before turning to await the Tritonides matriarch's speech.

Brow quirks at Hesperos before Cressida moves her fist to and fro in small movements for perhaps three heartbeats worth of time. Then she just sticks Gabriel with a glare and silences herself for a moment.

A soft clearing of her throat, as Kalypso steps around a few of those taller Aegians towering in front of her, making her way to the dais. "There are those that speak of peace -- an issue which rests close to mine heart. Long have I been accused of being idealistic, as well, but I can say that I wear this badge with pride." A gentle smile is directed, more towards the Augustin representative than any. But then her head turns, to regard the others assembled. "I have concerns with regards to Delphi, of course. I cannot see who would not, among us. They hold the power over all of Haven, and we only seem to maintain our tiny quarter of this city."

A tight smile curls up the corners of her lips just slightly, but Kalypso does not seem done yet. "Dea Acesian has made a bold point -- that now we take advantage of the opportunity to turn Delphi to our favor. In doing this, I think we'd only succeed in alienating the Varati even further. Now I ask you -- with the mood that Khalid has displayed of late, do we really wish to alienate them more than they already are?"

Selene watches the young Areides for a while, a soft look of puzzlement replacing her angered look that still lingers from Cressida's remarks. She misses the acknowledgement of the Tritonis Aegian by the Princeps and is somewhat startled as the young Dea voices her opinion to the hall.

Between speeches, Olivia turns, touches Gabriel's arm, and whispers to him before rising and, with a slender smile of apology, picking her way through the gathering. With the mood in the room and the debate bounding from Aegian to Aegian, likely her withdrawal will be unnoticed.

Gabriel frowns mildly at Olivia's withdrawal, but he makes no attempt to stop her. He turns back to Kalypso to listen to the rest of her speech.

Olivia steps through the doors and re-enters the inner courtyard of the Palladium.

Kalypso's eyes move from one to another in the room before her, perhaps expecting a sniping comment from Cressida, at the very least. "So perhaps we take this in another direction. Perhaps we guide Delphi's hand in a restructuring, of sorts. If this city is to be completely equal, why cannot the Estrella of Delphi be the same? We have, in the past, been seen as a nation that seeks to put ourselves before all others. Perhaps now we might seek to put aside this notion, and build more alliances by building a more neutral city where all races truly can live together in peace." Foolish? Perhaps -- but remember, Kalypso is an idealist. "In doing so, I might put before you all for your suggestion, we might even regain some of the stature we have lost in past years among the other nations, and once again find public favors resting like laurels upon our shoulders, rather than daggers in our backs." Another brief smile, then, before she steps down from the dais.

Hesperos shakes his head briefly at the idealistic Aegian. All nobles should be required to spend time in war, and in the Guard, else more might turn to agreement with the Dea of Tritonis.

Gabriel was right, and Kalypso won't be disappointed.. Cressida can't keep her peace for long, and under her breath -- sort of -- she notes, "Why is it that stupidity is so often branded as idealism by those stubbornly naive to the ways of the world?" Then, raising her voice, she answers the hypothetical question with, "Dea, Delphi has its proverbial head so far up its proverbial arse it cannot see anything other than its proverbial glory. Piss on peace. It never works." And she slings a glare toward Gabriel at that comment.

Even as Kalypso finishes Magnus calls another to the fore--one not of the body of the Aegis, but certainly well known to all. "Aurora Jove."

"As you so soundly demonstrate by your pig-headedness." It's back to slinging barbs again, and once more, Gabriel can't keep his trap shut. He shuts up afterwards though, as he turns to look at the one Magnus named with some surprise.

Hesperos draws his gaze to the Dowager Empress, his face empty of emotion. This should prove an interesting view.

From Maximus to Kalypso, Selene's confusion -- or is it disgust -- grows with great evidence on her features, and that expression changes little as the Dowager Empress is called forward. To this, her eyes focus on the woman she had not noticed before and like Gabriel, seems surprised, both by her presence, and the fact that she will be speaking in the Aegis.

Cressida grasps her chest as if an arrow had taken root in it, sarcasm in the gesture that answers Gabriel's barb. Then she, too, watches Aurora, interest dawning at the Dowager Empress's approach.

Maximus raises an eyebrow as Aurora moves forward to address the gathering. Her reputation varied between Empyreans, and he'd not actually had a chance to meet her first hand. Looking briefly at Selene, he notes the look on her face but is not certain how it translates, and if through the course of his ill-prepared ramblings, he has turned a pleasant acquaintance into an enemy.

A glance towards Cressida once more, only the briefest hint of smile on her face -- but no response from the young Matriarch of Tritonis. At least, not in public. Kalypso's cloudy blue gaze follows the Dowager Empress on her journey towards the dais -- hands folding together to rest against her stomach as she waits for Aurora to begin her words.

And then it is this moment, when everyone has finished, that Aurora finally steps forward. A word of thanks is offered Magnus with a dip of her chin. "If it would please the gathered, I would take but a moment of your time." As she speaks her eyes shift among the chamber, from face to face. Those known to her, those remembered, those with only names. Each one receiving equally her soft expression. Her voice is the softness of a Spring rain, the memories of a childhood summer. "I see nothing to add to this discussion, that has not already been said with emotion, with knowledge.

"I would only ask only of you all, that you think wisely on your vote, and not enter it led by simply your hearts, your heads, or the dictations of those beside you, but with the wholeness of these things that make you what you are, what we are, and those who came before us and those who will come after us. For it is but a few voices, in the here and now, it is You, it is Us. . We who will shape the future of the Many outside these walls as well as within, and the lives of our children. Please, I would ask only that you take a moment of silence, and enter your vote with the full responsibility of your actions and their resonance. That is all. ." And thusly, looking at you all with raised eyes, and the full awareness of all present, she finishes.

Cressida smiles softly once she turns back from whatever answer she has to Gabriel, then she sighs with contentment at the conclusion of Aurora's speech. "So nice," is her happy notation, "to hear sounds of peace and reason from the lips of Khalid Atar's kinswoman."

Arius steps forward once Aurora finishes her speech. "I have but one reminder. It seems that many are so willing to see war, they did not listen carefully. I do not wish to fight. Rather, we offer to Delphi an ultimatum; deliver our quarter into our hands so that we may protect our people. If you cannot do that, then we will do so by fiat, as will the Atlanteans. If they become belligerent, we shall withdraw to Civitas Dei and they can defend themselves against the Varati. No Empyrean blood need be spilled, if only we have the will to pursue or own interests instead of those of others." Arius says his last and steps back to allow the vote to occur, turning things back to Magnus with a look.

The irritation and tension roused in him by the debate is inexplicably soothed, at least a little, and Gabriel studies the Empress consideringly even after her speech has concluded. His wings relax minutely at his back, and bristled feathers ease into sleekness once again. At least until he happens to catch a look from Cressida, and he starts with surprise at something that must have passed unseen between them.

Interesting--her demeanor suggested the sort of innocence that he'd expect from a child, but her history and her kinship to the Varati tells a different tale. Large ivory wings stretch briefly as Dominus Areides maintains his quiet observation of the meeting, straightening as Arius addresses them once more. Neither of the two options they were presented was particularly appealing to the young Dominus, and he is truly at a loss for how to proceed.

Hesperos considers the words of the Empress for a moment before turning to watch the Emperor. A quiet shake of his head at the Emperor's words is followed by a soft murmur to the Aegian next to him, "He is too young. You are right again, Thesis."

The Emperor's voice heard, and that of the regime past as well, Magnus steps forward. As there seem to be no others rising to state an opinion he gestures broadly, "With all this said, I call the Aegis for a vote. Do we move to secure our quarter of Haven by peaceful means, or do we leave Delphi intact and influence from within?" With the former question, he gestures to the left side of the room, and for the latter, the right, indicating the literal delineation of the issue and the vote at hand.

And as kinswoman of the Endless Fire, Aurora gives not even a flicker of attention to Cressida's words lest it be seen as acknowledgement. If indeed she even heard the remark. Surely the dowager empress has suffered far greater barbs that such as the Domina of Januarius can throw. Words said, she slips back into the obscurity of the chamber, content to let the theatre before her play itself out.

Selene rises once more from her seat, this time to glide effortlessly toward the right side of the chamber, passing other Aegians who walk toward the left, muttering comments to each other and flashing glances to those who pass them by. Selene joins up with a few other Aegians who are voting in the same vein and strike up a muted conversation, sounding little more than a soft buzz in a chamber that is filled with conversation.

A step to the right, for the Dea of Tritonis -- gliding steps carrying her to the far side of the room with nary a word to anyone.

"If those are our only two choices, Emperor, then you are wrong about this not being a war. I'm not the idealist here if you think that no Empyreal blood will be spilled," Gabriel comments before looking toward the Princeps and taking note of how this vote is to be cast. Without hesitation, he strides to the right-hand side of the chamber, thus placing Augustus in favor of influencing an intact Delphi from within.

"I am certain the Emperor will be happy to hear you believe he is too young, Aegian," Cressida carols, her voice carrying farther than that of Hesperos, "but at least there is still steel in his blade. You limp-weaponed antiques from a bygone era were the same that steered us through the debacle with the Varati a few years back, correct? Younger minds should prevail for once. You only wish you were Arius Thanatos, sir." Then she rises and steps to the left, shaking her head as she passes Gabriel in transit.

Hesperos nods with a murmur to the other Praetorians, before he steps to the right of the line, his arms folded once again. Slowly, others within his small coterie joins him, while a few of the more "action oriented" Praetorians move opposite him to the left.

With reluctance, Magnus shifts to the left, the heavy step and deeply sorrowful face fully expressing his reluctance and resolve, both. His eyes sweep the rest, taking count as the Aegis shifts to either side of the room.

Standing from his seat, Maximus considers his options. Take the territory by force, or operate from within and turn the Delphi to support the Empyre. To take the territory would be to instigate an incident that would lead to bloodshed, but to influence the Delphi would at least make an effort to keep relations with Apollo's institution. If his own verbal argument was unclear, Maximus' movement to the right side is not and he stands with arms folded over his chest, gaze flicking to each of those standing beside him.

Hesperos pauses in his step as he watches Cressida for a moment, "Actually, you are wrong, but your words do an excellent job of revealing your ignorance within your upbringing. But perhaps you would like to test my 'limp-wristed antique' in a less formal forum?" Turning, he returns to his movements, forward to his side of the room.

To Hesperos, Cressida answers, "I would hate to displace the sheep from their traditional role, but thank you," and gives Magnus a welcoming, and oddly respectful, smile.

Magnus regards Cressida like one might a viper, or a mirror they do not wish to see the reflection within. "As you would, Aegian."

The Princeps then turns to Arius, "My Emperor, you see how the vote stands. May you use it to guide you well." It seems, for now, the discussion is over.

FIN  

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