Atrium - Palladium - Haven:
      This vast, high-ceilinged hall is the main area of congregation within the Palladium, and its decor is as simple as it is elegant. Corinthian columns provide both support and aesthetic splendor, and tucked between them are finely-carved statues of the men and women who were this place's founders. A wide, shallow pool in the center of the room catches the rainwater from the compluvium above, which allows light and air to banish the shadows. There is no place for darkness among these pristine white columns and noble-faced stone sentinels. At night, lamps and tapers are lit to help the moon and starlight keep the shadows at bay.
      Marble benches, chairs, and chaise lounges are situated at various spots in the room so that visitors may sit and converse (see 'places'). Between the columns, you glimpse the verdant foliage of the garden, and winding paths that lead to adjacent buildings.

Late afternoon sunlight drifts in through the columns and paints golden stripes upon the tiled floor. Dusk is still a couple of hours off, and the spring day is comfortable and breezy -- perfect weather for an outing. Many have taken advantage of that fact, and muted conversation and laughter drift from the garden as men and women stroll about. The atrium, therefore, is deserted, for after so much recent rain, most want to enjoy the outdoors. The only audience is the stern, immobile stone faces of the statues placed in niches about the spacious chamber. They watch silently as a lone figure paces restlessly back and forth beside the impluvium.

Soft footfalls muted by the surrounding thick shrubbery grow louder as they leave the popular gardens, carrying the Empyrean woman in the shaded Atrium. More footsteps join those of Dea Acesian, those of the Schola guards who are her constant shadow, providing a steady tempo to offset the more languid stroll set by Selene. For a moment she pauses, half highlighted by one of the bands of light as it snakes over her wing and shoulder and thus disturbing the measured pattern that had crossed the atrium floor. In that span of a few heartbeats she allows her eyes to adjust to the change of lighting and find the pacing figure to be one she knows, the one who had requested her presence. "Deus Augustin," she greets in a voice gentle enough to, hopefully, not startle him greatly. Her lips are painted with a half smile and she adds as an afterthought, "Ave."

Gabriel lifts his head and pauses in mid-pace, standing poised on the far side of the wide, shallow pool full of sparkling rainwater. His wings shift against his back, unfurling and resettling, and he finally gives the Dea Acesian an answering smile.

"Ave, Dea," he replies. "Thank you for coming. I'd have invited you to my House, but I wanted to be somewhere... neutral." He glances around the deserted chamber, and his shoulders lift in a mild shrug. "This seemed suitable. Please, sit. Make yourself comfortable." He motions to one of the comfortable chaise lounges placed around the impluvium.

His own guards are present as well, though not so obviously. There's a flash of purple from beyond one of the columns as Dorian pauses in his conversation with the younger Phemus to glance back over his shoulder into the atrium. His grey-eyed gaze picks over the other Schola who surround the Dea and, satisfied, he turns back. They can afford to be a little more relaxed in their vigil, here in the heart of the Palladium.

Olivia ascends a few short steps from the garden and joins you in the Atrium.

Selene drifts in from her position at the entryway, the sunlight bouncing along her feathers and staining them with their auric glow. "I had not known that your home was a source of noble ambushes, Deus," she teases lightly as she seats herself on one of the marble benches recently wiped clean by one of the Palladium's efficient slaves. "The Atrium is suitable; if the discussion drifts into difficulty we have the option of retreating to the Cella and hope that those wiser than us might still our emotions."

A nod passes from the Schola charged with the Dea's protection to Gabriel's and they too drift into shadows to hold their own conversations.

Gabriel chuckles lowly in response to Selene's comment. "Noble ambushes?" he queries. "No. But mischievous children, aye. I thought it would be quieter here." He moves closer, toward a bench opposite, yet it becomes apparent that his easy-going demeanor is something of a front. There's tension in the set of his wings, and in the tightening of his lips after the smile leaves them. "I invited the domina Olivia Jove as well. I wanted to speak with both of you. It concerns the meeting the Aegis held just recently. And the results of it."

As if summoned by utterance of her name, the aforementioned Jovian lady emerges from the garden, a Schola trailing behind her. Like Gabriel, her expression is a trifle peaked despite the pacific sort of smile that tries to remain on her lips. With a slight wave to her guard to inspire him to stay back apace, she approaches the other two, smiling and resting a hand on Selene's arm before leaning forward to give Gabriel a kiss on the cheek. "Pardon my tardiness."

A smile comes easily to Selene at the touch to her arm, and she delivers it to Olivia as an accompaniment to her greeting. "Ave Domina, you are not at all tardy, we were simply discussing the advantages of holding the meeting here in the Atrium." She slides over slightly on the bench, silently offering Olivia a place beside her if she wishes it but her eyes drift to Gabriel as her wings begin to twitch as they're held a bit too tightly to her back. "It seems to be the favored topic of conversation of late, Deus," she comments, the smile slowly drifted from her lips. "I would not lie and say I am greatly surprised to find that is the reason for this meeting."

"Ave, Olivia," Gabriel replies, a smile returning to his lips at Olivia's greeting. The lack of title is enough implication that the two are close, and he steps closer to assist the Jovian in seating herself, if need be. His blue-green eyes switch to Selene, and the smile fades. "Your speech at the meeting made sense, Dea. And it was probably more pragmatic than my lofty ideals of peace and brotherhood." His lips twist wryly at that last comment. "I wanted to know how strongly you felt about that speech." And finally, that suddenly implacable gaze settles on Olivia as he adds, "And I wanted to know how serious you were about supporting the Emperor's plans."

Olivia sits gingerly, letting go a breath before her wings lie in comfort against her back. Then, at Gabriel's query, her gaze trails to his visage with one silvery blonde brow lofted. "I-I am his Viator, Gabriel. What he bids me do, I do."

The twitching of her wings finally settles to silence as they are allowed to relax, though not so much as to allow they to drag over the floor behind her. She watches Olivia with a respectful silence, but once the Jovian has offered her comments, Selene's gaze swings back to Gabriel, the smile gone altogether now. "I might suspect that you have a touch of clairvoyance to you, Deus," is an attempt at humor, though none of it shows on her face. "I spoke with the Deus Maximus last evening on that topic and I had offered him Acesius' support in his plans, if he proceeded in the manner which I had expressed at the meeting." There is a slight pause before she continues, momentarily distracted by the shift of shadows in one of the corners where her guards linger. "Aegis meetings are confused enough without me adding to the mix with resolutions in which I don't believe, Deus. We could sit back and simply let Delphi run itself as it always has, but we have the opportunity to see some changes and but appointing a voice that we can trust is the first step in doing that."

Gabriel's head cants to one side as his gaze switches from Olivia over to Selene as the latter speaks. There's also no overlooking the mild frown that settles fleetingly on his lips at her mention of speaking to the Deus Maximus already. He's not quite as adept at some at concealing his emotions, and the frown bordered on censure before he manages to smooth his features.

"I'm confused then, Dea. I thought you argued in favor of effecting more controls upon Delphi from within, rather than dismantling the institution altogether."

And then he turns a hard gaze upon Olivia and asks, "And isn't your duty to the Empyre first, in order to maintain its ties between other nations and factions?"

"Gabriel," Olivia murmurs, eyes narrowing just a trifle, and for a moment her tone attains some steel not often heard in her voice, "we are friends and compatriots here. I love you as a son. But there is no cause to lecture me. I know my duty. And I know my heart. At times the two conflict, but I will not be foresworn. I trust that is clear. Speak and I shall address your thoughts, but do not, I pray you, deign to settle a conclusion on my approach before 'tis well-known."

"That is indeed my position, Deus," Selene responds, careful not to step over Olivia's tense answer. "And unless the Emperor was lying to me, that is his intention as well. To work with Delphi from within, appoint an Estrel to replace the departed Dominus Tritonides -- one who will work for the Empyre, not dictate Delphi's orders to us." Her voice, like Olivia's, grows a bit tight, but only around the mention of the Tritonides Estrel. "If, even after that, we are unsuccessful for some reason and Delphi and its Hounds cannot offer our people the protection we deserve, then... Well, we shall have to cross that bridge when we come to it."

Gabriel draws in a breath and his eyes narrow faintly in what may be a wince. His gaze shifts back and forth between both women before he folds his arms across his chest and paces a few steps away. The breath he'd inhaled is released as a troubled sigh.

"Cross that bridge..." he echoes. "Aye. If it's still there. I don't mean to lecture you, Olivia, but I fear that the greater design is being missed. Delphi has its flaws, that's true, and I'm not defending it due to any great love for the institution. But it's the idea it represents that I do defend."

He turns back to face them, uncrossing his arms and holding out one hand, palm-up as if in supplication -- as if he's imploring them to see what he sees. "Haven is the only city where we can all come together on equal footing. Where we can meet on neutral soil. Olivia, as Viator, surely you must see its importance. Without Haven, we'd have no meeting-ground when war threatened again. And it will, I know it will. Think of the future. The Emperor is proposing that we carve up this city for ourselves and feed the rest to the dogs." His gaze shifts to Selene. "Do you really think he'll stop at controlling Delphi from within? Suppose he succeeds, then what? Does Haven eventually become another Empyreal province, just like Avalon? Its whole purpose would be wasted. I don't want to see it under our control any more than I'd like to see it under Varati control. Can you not see that some balance must be maintained?"

Olivia studies her hands for a moment, the single band decorating her left ring finger, and while Gabriel speaks she turns the ring about, staring past its glimmer to the ground below and, likely, some unseen spot beyond. When Gabriel is finished, she opens her mouth, draws a breath to make her response, then seals her lips again. Her expression is troubled, and as she glances at the Dea, then at Gabriel, she finally murmurs, "I am no Aegian. I advise the Emperor, and I serve the Empyre at his leisure and that of the Aegis. I, too, have spoken my mind with the Deus Maximus where this matter is concerned. But as I mentioned... my heart and my duty sometimes war."

"Your duty is to the Empyre," Gabriel replies. "Not one man."

Selene finds that the simple patience required in sitting still is not within her as the conversation escalates. The swirl of golden white fabric and the flutter of the saffron veil become a part of her as she slowly wanders across the Atrium, not sticking to one straight path and repeating it. She is silent long after Gabriel has offered a response to Olivia, but while her body wanders, her eyes remain fixed on the two, watching for signs of emotion between both of them. Her own visage is spoiled by the faint furrows forming across her brow and a tightness around her eyes.

"I understand the importance for a place like Haven, Deus. I might not like the inhabitants of the place, I might find them rude, uncultured and unclean, but Haven is important. Would an Empyrean diplomat agree to meet in one of the Varati varas? I would be surprised if the answer was yes." Selene pauses near one of the sculptures that line the atrium, draping her arm across the raised base. "I do, however, have problems with a city that claims it offers fairness to all -- that all rules will apply, all laws to be followed by all that reside within her walls, but are lax on those same declarations. I will be quite honest, Deus, Domina," Selene looks from Gabriel to Olivia. "I would love to see the tides turned in Haven, so to speak. To see all punished according to Haven's rules, no matter what some fire-wielding halfbreed might say otherwise."

Gabriel's response to Selene is equally terse as he turns to her and asks, "Haven's rules, or the Empyre's rules?"

Selene frowns visibly at the sharp retort. "I don't appreciate words being put into my mouth, Deus. I said Haven's laws."

Since the other two have risen, Olivia, too, reclaims her feet, smoothing her gown so that its flow is as unbroken as designed. "If you will excuse me, Deus, Dea...."

Gabriel had opened his mouth to make some reply to the Acesian, yet Olivia's words halt his rebuttal. He turns, brows furrowing, to settle his gaze on the wife of the Princeps. "You're not leaving?" he asks. "This still isn't settled."

Selene is brought to a sharp halt at the unexpected comment from the serene Jovian. Gabriel offers the same statement that is on her mind -- no use in offering it twice. Selene does nod to Olivia and even finds a faint smile for her, hoping that might stay her departure.

"No, Gabriel, matters are not settled. And neither, forgive me, are your tempers." Olivia looks sadly between her friend and her adoptive child, asking in a low, melancholy tone, "How can we lecture other, so-called lesser races on their behaviors when we, as friends and nobles, snipe at each other and fail to listen to one another's thoughts in even this abbreviated a discourse? No, Dea, Deus, forgive me, but I will hear you both when you are ready to be heard... and ready to listen."

Gabriel's jaw tightens, and so do his fists, but he strives to keep his tone even as he responds, "I am calm, Olivia. You'd know if I were angry. I am disappointed though, and troubled. And... worried. I've come to you both because I believe you're both reasonable, and I believe you both have the Empyre's best interests at heart. And, admittedly, because you're both influential, in your own way."

He turns toward Selene, offering a faint smile that is part apology for his behavior. "You, Dea, are one that many try to emulate. You are admired, and respected -- so much so that sometimes I think you are placed on a pillar and revered from afar. Our people look to you when they want to know how to dress, behave, speak... even think. I think you wield more power than you realize."

And then his gaze returns to Olivia, and he smiles again, apologizing anew, but with a trace of sheepishness mixed in, for he knows her better and his behavior must have stung. "And you, Olivia. You are the Princeps' wife, second only to the Empress. Yet you put on no airs, and your demeanor is always gracious, compassionate, and serene. Our people admire you too, for they see you as one of them. You came from humbler beginnings and rose to the pinnacle of society, and yet you never lost your charm, or dignity, or kindness. I think our people look to you as one who might help them -- as one who cares. You, too, have more influence than you know."

He sighs and holds up his hands. "That's why I've asked to speak with you both. I apologize if I've offended you."

It is a rare occasion indeed when the Acesian Dea is struck dumb form utter shock and Gabriel has just done exactly that. She cannot yet find words to answer, but she too looks sincerely apologetic as she again looks to Olivia. Even her wings, always held with pride and perhaps a touch of Empyrean arrogance, drape behind her, giving her entire figure a limp appearance. Certainly not the image of a woman Gabriel had just described.

Gently, she clears her throat, striding though the pile of compliments just paid her in an unexpected fashion. "I am certain that we can find some resolution to this, Domina," Selene finally states, flashing a quick gaze to Gabriel to gain his agreement on this. "We would do well to have your opinions, Domina Jove, and your reminds to keep us on the topic at hand. Please stay."

"I have no pretenses, Gabriel, Selene. I am from obscure beginnings and I confess that I have no feelings that we, as Empyreans, are better than other races. I do not feel that we, as nobles, are better than those with lesser rank or fewer coins." Olivia looks from man to woman and back again, reaching for the hands of each. "I am only Olivia, and I am someone who wants only to live in peace with others. That includes enjoying calm discourse with two people I hold dear. Forgive me for speaking plainly, but I know we three desire something close to the same thing, and that is justice. But justice is a very personal thing, and the Deus Maximus and many of the Aegis defines it in different terms than we. I wish us luck and fortune in discovering how to find a common ground."

Olivia then turns toward Gabriel and murmurs, "And you ought not brandish such lofty terms regarding me, my dear. I am none of those things, kind as it was of you to say, sweet as it was to hear."

Gabriel smiles faintly at Olivia's addendum. "Whether you want to hear it or not, that's how you're perceived. But being in the public's eye and collective minds carries with it some responsibility. I am hoping that you," he turns to Selene to include her as well, "that you both, will help lead society in how to behave. I am not asking you to embrace our enemies as friends, or to suddenly support something wholeheartedly that your conscience dictates you cannot. But I do think change can be wrought in small steps, and I want to take one of those steps."

He draws in a breath and his wings shift agitatedly before plunging on. "I've sent messages to the Atlantean leaders, requesting a meeting. I intend to try to convince them not to withdraw their support from Delphi, as the Emperor has implied. I would like you both to be there, if you're able."

"I am simply looking for equal protection of our people, whether they be noble, Praetor or merchant," Selene comments with greater ease to her voice as she slips her hand into Olivia's. "At the moment I truly do not believe that such is offered by Haven and with only a small population of the Empyre housed within the protective walls of the Palladium that leaves many of our brethren in the streets without the luxury of living on transplanted Empyrean soil." Her gaze drifts to Gabriel and with a nod addresses him. "I will offer my assistance as far as my conscience will allow, Deus, and will be in attendance when you meet with the Atlanteans. Perhaps together we might be able to help build Delphi, and Haven, into a place we can all feel at ease. A place that does not allow one deity to set different rules for his followers -- especially when they go against those imposed by Haven."

Quirking her lips into a partial smile, Selene adds, "I would seek the Emperor's plan only if we have no other option in which to protect our people. Please remember that."

Olivia smiles fleetingly, noting in a self-effacing manner, "I would hope that we are one day treated as equals and that my behavior is held no higher and no lower than any others'," then quiets to hear Selene's commentary, fingers soft and secure in the Dea's grip. But once she has finished speaking, she must address Gabriel's earlier statement. "When were you going to inform me of this meeting with the leaders of the Atlanteans, Gabriel? And are you doing so now as my Aegian liaison or as a friend?" She sounds a little wounded, perhaps a bit surprised at this step taken.

"I sent the messages this morning, Olivia. So I'm informing you now," Gabriel replies. He holds her gaze steadily despite that wounded tone. "I'm doing this based on what I believe is best for the Empyre. Whether it's as Aegian, viator's aide, or an ex-soldier who's seen enough of war is immaterial. But I'd still like you to be there. I'm counting on it."

As if sparked by an invisible jolt, the Dea nearly jumps as her memory is triggered. Perhaps it was Gabriel's mention of war that alerted her senses. "Deus, Domina," Selene says, taking in both Empyreans beside her. "There have been some whispers of concern about the God-King's return to Haven, even the Emperor made mention of it. Might we need to prepare for some kind of retaliation from the Varati, some act against Delphi that might encompass us as well?" Again her brow etches the lines of worry and a slight wavering slips into her voice.

Olivia studies Gabriel for the longest moment without commenting, then, at Selene's exclamation, she looks toward the Dea and sighs. "We have no cause to fear from the Varati; surely an escalation of our defenses will inspire them to feel conflict is inevitable, and inspire them to do the same? Can we invite violence thusly?"

Gabriel studies each in turn, his mouth tightened into a thoughtful line while a frown of consternation furrows his brow. "Perhaps," he murmurs in response to Olivia's latest comment. "But it might also serve us well to be on the safe side. I may advocate peace, but not foolishly. We should be prepared. I have a couple of friends in the Schola and the Guard, and I can warn them, if they don't know already. Your husband, too," this is directed toward Olivia, "could request that more Praetorians be flown in." His tone turns musing; he's merely thinking aloud, "I wonder if we could set some of them to guard Delphi. Just for a while, until the danger seems past...."

Again, Selene offers Olivia a gentle smile. "We certainly do not want to invite violence, Domina, but do we wish to be unprepared if the Varati have already planned on such action? Deus Augustin is correct; we should be ready and until a time when the Empyre and Haven are on differing sides we should offer some protection." It is here where her lips lose the gentle upward curve and she looks to Gabriel. "The question is, of course, whether or not Delphi would accept the aide of Praetorians if we were to offer them?"

"Are not the Praetorians and the Schola sufficient for now? We are scarcely unprotected." Still, Olivia studies the ground, pensive and hesitant. "But I am the diplomat; peace is ever my goal. I desire to address that presently with the Varati."

"We would probably be protected well enough here," Gabriel replies, nodding to Olivia's words and then turning to Selene. "But I doubt that Delphi's Hounds are sufficient. Perhaps if our meeting with the Atlanteans is successful, we can convince them to assign some of their Korallion guardsmen to the Citadel as well. Then Delphi might not balk at only one military force occupying their grounds. Besides, it's for their own protection. We just have to make them see that."

Then, as Olivia's last words catch his attention, he turns back to her and frowns. "Are you going to go alone?"

"And our own people in this quarter," Selene asks quickly, but training her voice to not come across as annoyed. "Those who do not live in the Palladium. We've seen how Delphi has reacted to our Praetorians and Schola patrolling our streets before. I am certain they would be appreciative of the extra protection around the Tower and in the Rialto, but will their Hounds, who are hardly trained to deal with such things, be regulated to the residential districts? I would suggest that if we offer them additional aid against a possible attack from the Varati, that we also be allowed to use some of those guards to protect our residents."

Olivia's lips thin as she frowns, and her eyes find the ground once more before, quietly, she states simply, "Whatever you find best, for I am... too trusting. And no, Gabriel, I go nowhere without Schola. Orders of the Deus Maximus."

"Aye, but... you should take someone else with you," Gabriel replies to Olivia. His troubled frown has not yet faded. To Selene, he nods, murmuring, "Aye, that would be reasonable. I would like to meet with the Estrella after our meeting with the Atlanteans. By then, we should have a better idea of where things stand. And how to best prepare ourselves. Until then, I think the most we can do is stay alert, and watchful, and perhaps try to bring in more Praetorians if we're able."

Concern is evident on the Dea's face as she watches the exchange between Gabriel and Olivia. Certainly no Empyrean should venture into Atesh-Gah by themselves. "Domina," she offers once Gabriel has drawn silent. "Perhaps you might be able to speak with the Varati on neutral ground? It seems as if we are constantly putting ourselves at risk by going to them, submitting to their laws on their soil. Even without the unrest among them as far as Delphi is concerned, I've heard stories of them killing their own people and displaying the heads for all to see. If they would do such to their own people, might they not do it to anyone who does not agree with them?"

Sighing, Olivia straightens, turning a little from the conversation. Her wings sag a little, her posture implying fatigue beyond the physical. "Gabriel," she eventually commences, subdued, "one of us is Viator. One of us is not. If my judgement is so often questioned and my aides consistent in meeting with foreign governments without my approval or awareness, then perhaps one of us is in the wrong position." Then she glances at Selene, smile wan at best. "Dea, to suggest neutral ground is to imply there is cause for me to fear them. The Varati may be more brutal than we like, but they do not seem to harm on a whim."

Gabriel's jaw tightens -- Olivia's remarks must have stung, and there's an increase in the tense arc of his wings. "We both have a kinsman who never came out of there alive," he says curtly. "You expressed concern once about me visiting there, and yet you willingly put yourself in the same danger. As for my meeting with the Atlanteans... I felt it necessary, Olivia. This wasn't an attempt to undermine your authority. If I've caused insult or distress, I apologize, but I hope you'll see these actions in the light they were intended rather than as a personal affront."

The corners of Selene's lip twitch, wanting to curl upward as Gabriel speaks what is on her mind as well, but it is certainly nothing to show joy over; not when a Deus was reduced to ash. She does nod, however and the inclination of her head gives her a moment to turn her visage away and control the outward expression. "I do not see it as showing fear, Domina," she quietly interjects. "Simply giving both parties equal footing. How open can one be when they're surrounded by Agni-Haidar, knowing that their now-unarmed Schola are not enough to protect you?" The Dea's eyes don't rise to meet Olivia's and her voice remains somewhat hushed and obviously concerned.

"I do not deserve equal footing, Dea. I am a noblewoman of the Empyre whilst Khalid and Thalia are leaders of their people. To suggest I deserve as much as they is to speak with the very arrogance for which we are accused." Olivia brushes at her chimere, though it needs no resettling, but offers it the attention of a garment badly misaligned on the torso. "As to your question, Gabriel, I pray you do not again mention Cassius to me in such a light, as if I have forgotten his demise. I think of him whenever I approach Atesh-Gah; I think of him a dozen times daily. My situation there is not the same as his, and I will not allow paranoia and trumped-up concerns to dictate my actions. I may be a simple and solitary woman, but I am no coward."

Gabriel folds his arms across his chest in a manner reminiscent of those immovable stone statues in the cella. His expression is just as stern and immutable. "Then let me come with you," he says. It's unlikely he'd be able to do any more good than Olivia's own Schola, yet he sounds adamant nonetheless.

Now her face contorts into disgust at the mention of the Varati rulers, but she bites back any scathing comments lest she be scolded again from the Jovian. Rather than focus on either of the two before her, Selene allows her gaze to wander the Atrium, leaving Olivia time to respond to Gabriel's offer.

Olivia glances Selene's way as if digesting her silence as a sort of answer in and of itself before she faces Gabriel once more. "I will consider it," she says after a lengthy hesitation, "but without assurance that calm will rule the day where Empyrean temperaments are concerned, I am likely to go alone. I have no worries about my own anger."

Gabriel's jaw tightens and his gaze shutters for an instant in what might be a wince. But he refrains from retorting, and only turns toward Selene in order to offer a cordial bow of his head. "Thank you for meeting with me, Dea. Once I hear back from the Atlantean leaders, I will let you know when and where the meeting is to take place." To Olivia, he also gives an abbreviated bow, thought he doesn't actually look at her. "And you as well, domina. I'll send messages as soon as I receive any word. May the gods favor our endeavors."

Selene blinks, looking fully at Gabriel as he delivers his farewells for the meeting. "Deus," she says quickly, holding out a hand toward him. "Before you go, I was wondering if it might be advisable to offer some warning to the other Empyreans in Haven -- those that do not live within the Palladium? I would be willing to handle this task. I certainly don't want to alarm anyone, but those without the luxury of constant protection should be prepared at the very least."

Olivia's gaze remains on Gabriel for heartbeats, throughout the last statement he makes, throughout the query with which Selene follows, then she bows and slips toward the living quarters without any word beyond, "Vale."

"Aye, do that," Gabriel says to Selene with an incline of his head. "Try to do it carefully so that no alarm will be raised. The last thing we need is panic in the halls of the Palladium or in the streets of Haven. I will trust your discretion." His blue-green gaze settles fleetingly on Olivia -- long enough to see her take her leave, and then that stone-cold sternness overtakes his expression as he likewise murmurs a mere, "Vale," and then pivots on his heel as he, too, departs, though in the opposite direction. There's a tension in him -- suppressed and coiled and waiting -- that's just itching to get out, but it'll find no release in the pristine walls of the Empyreal living quarters.

Unlike the other two, Selene does not immediately turn to depart in one direction or the other, but assumes the position Gabriel had held when she arrived. She slowly begins pacing the Atrium after giving a "Vale" to Olivia and then to Gabriel, conscious of the tensions between the two departing Empyreans. But her minds barely lingers on them before it starts formulating plans of how to address the Empyreal public. One of her Schola approach to lead her back home but she shakes her head. "No, I think I'll visit the cella first," is her instruction before she too leaves the Atrium and slips into the quite solitude offered by the Palladium's cella.

FIN  

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