Coral Chamber - Korallion - Haven:
      This wide hall presents an odd contrast to the rest of the Korallion, for unlike it the pearly walls of the nautilus shell have been altered, preventing natural light from the outside to illuminate them. Instead, corals of myriad colors are tiled into the walls in the most illustrious designs and patterns; some are pictures of animals, lovers of various kinds, either human in appearance or mermen and maids. The artistry of it is stunning, and the coral tile pieces are so small that great detail is worked in.
      The northern, descending passage presents a wide arch, leading back to the entrance hall, while to the east an even grander arch with an ivory frame carved into seaweed and lined with small black pearls. Two guards, each with gold-inlaid tridents, helms and shell-armor stand at attention to this room's entrance. The room is illuminated by an immense, crystal chandelier with beveled and colored glass.

The Coral Hall mills with people--the sort of crowd in any other situation that would engender a gentle murmur of sound filling the entirety of the room. But in this case, the gathering proceeds with eerie silence, only the rustle of cloth (and not much of it, at that) and the clink of jewelry as vibrantly-colored Atlanteans gesture to each other. The conversation, of course, is carried on entirely within their thoughts, with very few ever resorting to verbal speech.

Around the edges of the chamber, Korallion guards stand at attention, and at the door they announce the approach of the Empyrean contingent. Silent scrutiny weighs heavily on the Schola they bring, but no move is made to halt their progress. As the announcement of their imminent arrival filters through those that have come to speak or listen, the group turns almost as one to face those that enter.

Arms crossed casually over her chest, Alamoana turns with the rest to watch the entrance of the Empyreans, her head tilted slightly to one side in a gesture of curious regard. No other emotion shows in her stance or expression.

Just behind her sister Alamoana, Pandion Kaiulani stands -- at least on a passing glance trying to present a suitable representation for the Pandion Decemvirate. She is well-clad, this lovely young Atlantean, and the simple fact that she is physically here might be worth at least something to her cousin... if he knew, which she isn't convinced he does. But even if Kaiulani's body is here, her mind may well not be. The girl seems to stare off into space when she thinks no one is looking, a gleam of what can only be anticipation sparkling in her eyes, and whenever she does chance to move there is a curious restlessness to her motions.

A small space in the silent and still group of Atlanteans holds Amaris Aine -- a figure both familiar and strange to Haven having much changed in her time away from it. No Atlantean strays too near, for all she does not seem particularly dangerous with no weapons to hand. Her eyes darkly reflect the depths of the ocean that have never seen sunlight as they rest with unspoken intensity on the approaching Empyrean contingent, arms crossed loosely across her chest.

What strange sights. What odd murals, and mosaics, and designs, both shaped and manufactured. They drew the eye, and although the trio of Empyreans and their accompanying pair of Schola garbed in the customary purple-and-black of their rank had attempted to keep their bearings both formal and neutral, curiosity was prevalent. And none moreso than in the formally-clad Aegian leading the way.

For all the seriousness of this meeting, Gabriel Augustin couldn't help but stare in wonder at these exotic, alien surroundings as they were led into the Coral chamber by a small contingent of Korallion guardsmen. Amid all the bright colors -- turquoise, aqua, abalone, salmon-pink, and coral-red -- Empyreal finery looks pale in contrast. And when they finally reach the chamber and its audience, Gabriel is wont to stare even more. Yet he gathers his wits about him, lets his gaze rest on each Atlantean who chose to attend, and dips his head in a formal nod of greeting while the two Schola fan out on either side of their charges.

The Augustin is not the only one in the Empyrean entourage to admire the details of the unfamiliar embassy. Sapphire eyes lift in interest and Selene's steps slow, obviously admiring the works of art that flood the chamber with movement and color. A small smile touches her lips in silent approval, even if it is not Empyrean craftsmanship. Her wings ruffle softly at her back sending the sheer saffron veil that hangs down her back fluttering with a self-made breeze. She brings her attention back down to the Deus in front of her and away from the delightful images, careful not to walk into his back while lost in her sightseeing.

Jasmine arrives from the entrance hall.

She has been here before, this last of the Empyreans and the most subdued; Olivia Jove's work has before brought her to this magnificent locale but, from the glimmer in her eyes, she has not yet lost the wonder one often attains with such sumptuous surroundings. Her hands are kept to themselves, pressing lightly against her body and bestilled, while her gaze scythes across the Hall with a softish smile the reaction thereto. Yes, she has been here before, but Olivia still enjoys the sublime, serene beauty of this place.

There must be some silent prompting or communication of a sort that passes through the gathering of Atlanteans, for they shift with the unconscious grace of a turning school of fish, leaving Aine standing forward out of her pocket of isolation. Her eyes scan to either side behind her, nodding to the eddies in the currents of moving Atlantean people that contain the symbol of Amaris, Orman, and Pandion in turn. As if she had received permission from each, Aine steps further from the Atlanteans to take up the place betwixt them and the Empyreans and lift her chin imperiously, "Welcome to the Korallion."

Jasmine comes quickly down the hallway, Leilani in her arms. And scampering behind them, despite Jasmine's best efforts this morning, is the otter that goes with mother and daughter everywhere. The Atlantean is rather flustered, being late. And it doesn't help that Kor isn't here, who usually handles these functions. He'd headed back to Amaris for some healing in the outlying colonies, she explains to Aine. He had to take some special herbs from Haven.

Naiadre arrives from the entrance hall.

"Ave," greets Gabriel Augustin. His voice is neither melodic nor sonorous -- it is naturally low-pitched, with the faintest hint of gruffness reminiscent of military barracks and fields. But it is polite, and that courtesy is apparent in his demeanor as well. Blue-green eyes study the array of oddly-dressed figures with their multi-colored hair, flesh, or eyes, without rancor or apparent contempt.

"Thank you for inviting us here," he goes on to say. "I had hoped to meet with representatives from your Decemvirates and priesthoods about the recent actions in Delphi." His gaze returns eventually to Aine, as if he guesses that she might be the one of highest rank in this gathering.

"We are here, Dominus." From Aine's lips, the title of Empyreal respect sounds somehow cold. She lifts her chin again in assent as she continues, "There are ears here that will take your words back to those that need to hear what you speak." With these words there is a subtle inflection in the woman's voice, as if speech were sub-standard. To soften such, her smile blooms warm and welcoming enough on full lips, even if it does not light her eyes with a joyous twinkle to match. "Perhaps you would share your thoughts with us?"

Selene remains silent just behind Gabriel, but enough to the side to allow her an unobstructed view of the denizens of the chamber. Were she new to Haven her nose might wrinkle in disgust, but her posture and eyes offer a simple curiosity. Lest she appear to be staring, her gaze does not linger overlong an any one Atlantean, though it does finally settle on Aine.

Telepathically to all: Aine's thoughts thrum low and steady in the undercurrents of the Hall. They pulse with strong surety and the 'right' of her to take the role of speaker for the rest within the broad chamber, and none yet have raised a thought to dispute that ranking.

A furrow appears between Gabriel's brows and his eyes skim fleetingly across the rest of the gathered group. He glances over his shoulder, too -- first at Selene, then at Olivia. And finally he comes back to Aine. "That was... uh, a joke?" he ventures uncertainly. "Unless that's how it's done." But one wouldn't have to be telepathic to guess that he's not thrilled at the prospect of having his mind "invaded."

Whoops -- people are speaking, aren't they? And their thoughts are brushing hers. That means she should pay attention. With an effort, Kaiulani tries to focus on what is transpiring around her, sneaking a look at her sister to try to follow her example; her ocean-green eyes do actually sweep their attention around those who have gathered in this great hall, and she seems to see them all, recognize some... but still, there is that restlessness trumpeting itself from the carriage of her dainty pale form, making her seem a wave just shy of crashing onto some beach only she can see.

Aine has the brunt of Olivia's focus too, silent as she is a step beside and behind Gabriel. Benevolence is in the wistful smile of this eldest of the Empyreans, and she retains her quiet even as her fingers brush the hand of the young man near her. Intent mayhaps is to reassure Gabriel? Or, perhaps, to remind him she and Selene are there. Whatever the cause, she touches the Aegian's hand fleetingly, warmly.

Aine arches a brow. "Joke? No. Imprecision, yes. Do you not say it so? Share your thoughts? Say your mind?" The Atlantean's tone almost mocks, pointing out the irony of such phrases to such as those in this room. "Please, we are listening."

Filtering through the telepathic messages flittering to and fro, through the polite tension and waiting that is seeping into the cracks of this very room, there comes the soft *snick* of zoris from down the hall. Someone approaches? A quick glance reveals as much; the slight figure of the First Acolyte of Pasiphae's Temple in Haven makes her way hurriedly towards the gathering, no outward sign being given of apology for being late, or any type of fluster at all. Casting a curious glance at the Empyreans, she strides to stand among the other Atlanteans. Naiadre lifts her chin, watching and listening, unmindful of her late arrival.

Telepathically to Jasmine: Aine's thoughts are far distant and there is hardly more of an acknowledgement of your explanation than the slightest of nods. Her eyes, and mind, are clearly all for the three Empyreans before her, thoughts coiled as if waiting for the slightest opening to dart in and pluck their own thoughts from them.

Gabriel clears his throat and manages a smile, but now there's a wariness in his gaze as he watches the assembled Atlanteans. He suspects that this is a joke, but he's the butt of it. "Of course," he replies. He adjusts the fold of his rich blue pallium over his arm as he steps forward, closer to the center of the great chamber, and beneath the chandelier of cut-glass and pearl. Folded wings flutter once at his back, but they are the only hint at a tension he's trying hard to suppress.

"All of you must have heard of the Varati's withdrawal from Delphi," he begins, lifting his voice so that all can hear. "Khalid Atar has announced that any who do not sever their ties with the Delphic Order will be pronounced 'kafir' -- outcast from their race. The Estrella is weakened and disorganized, and Delphi's attendance has been cut by a third. I'm here to see -- to ask -- what the Atlantean response will be. And I want to try to persuade you not to abandon Delphi, if you're still undecided."

Shinjukou arrives from the entrance hall.

Jasmine settles Leilani on her hip, the child's head against her shoulder. Luckily, the toddler is sleepy. Not to abandon Delphi? Jasmine and Koralland have both never been fond of Delphi, nor have they made any secret of the fact. But at the same time, Jasmine, at least, acknowledges that it is needful for some. The otter decides Jasmine is going to stay in one spot for now, and curls up in a ball at her feet.

What gathering of Atlanteans would be complete with the black 'sheep' of the Decemvirates? The question is answered when a pale, shimmering figure steps through the entrance. A regal bearing, piercing eyes, a cool serene smile... It can only be Orcinus Shinjukou. At her side is a half-grown youth, his nervous posture and the coiled scroll held in slightly shaking hands marking him as a new functionary, a scribe perhaps to the Decemvir. Rather than make a large entrance, the woman pauses just within and waits, hands clasped before her, as she takes in the assembled faces.

Gabriel speaks, Olivia listens. A slight narrowness to her azure gaze implies that she is not only attentive to what he says but rather especially aware of it, and the benevolence of her demeanor spreads. If any are eavesdropping, a soft mantra seems to flow from the Empyrean's mind: peace, warmth, amity, joy. To any who may... enjoy their telepathic skills, Olivia issues these feelings whilst remaining faced toward Gabriel during his discourse.

"And why should we not, Dominus?" Aine makes no indication of decision one way or another, although her the phrasing of the question might be read as such. For some reason, she seems to be 'in charge' of this gathering, or at least she appears to serve as the voice of those gathered. "Delphi seems to have less and less attraction of late. Lehuan Okalani is not permitted to return to her place as Estrel -- we are without part of our voice there. The Citadel itself seems uncertain... and with the Varati withdrawal, unsafe. How can we be certain they do not plan to turn upon it?"

Eyes of pale, flawed jade flicker between the assembled Empyreans, gauging the body language which, among landdwellers, can be as telling as their thoughts. The mention of Delphi brings a brief moue of disdain to Naiadre's lips; an odd expression for an Atlantean, but one that expresses her feelings well enough. Yet she listens still, saying nothing yet. Aloud anyway.

Selene senses: Aine casts a curious glance your way at the pause in her speech, scrutinizing you at some length before returning her focus to Gabriel. Even after, occasionally her eyes drift your way, as if drawn back to a curious puzzle.

Selene takes a step forward, like a pale shadow to Gabriel, but her wings tense slightly at something unseen. A bad feeling perhaps, or just some apprehension at being in this unfamiliar location without the familiar companionship of her Schola. "We cannot be certain what the Varati might do," the Acesian finally speaks up after a quick glance to Gabriel and Olivia. "But there is a better chance of retaining some order with Delphi and Haven if we can agree to work together, rather than do as the Varati have done. They have obviously given up any say they have in Haven, but it doesn't have to be that way for us."

"If you do withdraw," Gabriel insists, resting his gaze on Aine who's the seemingly self-appointed 'speaker' of the gathering, "then Delphi will be ripe for the picking. Let's be blunt here. The Sylvans have no voice in this city to speak of. It falls to our three nations -- Atlantean, Empyrean, and Varati -- to direct the future. This city is a neutral meeting-ground where all our voices can be heard. And Delphi is the cornerstone of this city. If it falls--" he breaks off to direct his stare out over the others once more, "then we might as well squabble like dogs over the remains. Maybe Delphi needs a change, aye. I'm not disputing that. But if you abandon it altogether, it'll be too vulnerable for any world power that wishes to lay claim."

As Selene steps forward to speak, he falls silent, nodding in response to her words.

Jasmine listens carefully, remembering what is said so that she can repeat it to Kor later. It is perhaps too bad she does not have her husband's way with politics. But she is glad he stepped down from the ambassadorship. It left too little time for family. Leilani stirs a little, noticing Naiadre. The toddler smiles and reaches out her arms.

Such a rich tapestry, Haven. The pushing and pulling for influence amongst the races, the unseen lives of those that live below the levels of the elite. Shinjukou takes to these waters with ease. Following her initial inspection of the chamber's layout, the woman silently glides onward to take a place amongst those listening to the Empyreans. Pale head is cocked to one side as she listens, the movement denoting curiosity though none of that emotion shows on her ice-carved features. There is only mild interest and the serenity of one willing to wait for a millennia if need be, to learn the undercurrents of her surroundings. In the interim between listening and perhaps speaking, eyes of watered peridot travel along the forms of the Empyreans, pausing upon Gabriel for a more thorough scrutiny.

"Without the Varati, and our own... what does Delphi have left? You cannot say your own kind comprise the bulk of its strength, Dominus, for we know it does not. Nor do the Sylvans make up much of its population. Without us, Delphi will be little more than a gathering of the odd, outcast Varati, a scattering of Empyrean mages, and whatever Sylvans might remain in a school that no longer presents them a significant advantage over learning with their own kind." Aine's eyes bore back into Gabriel's gaze, and shifts to Selene and Olivia in turn. "We can just as easily agree to work together towards a peaceful transfer of authority. Remove Delphi from the equation... and our nations can take the lands most logically theirs."

Pandion Kaiulani actually straightens up a little now, her youthful gaze flashing back and forth from face to face as those assembled debate with one another. For a moment her attention passes fleetingly over Naiadre, and she smiles tentatively towards the priestess -- a more open expression than many of the Children of Water within the assembly would wear, and one which at least for a few moments gives her something in common with Jasmine's child. But the Pandion maiden, despite her distraction, can't help but be drawn in by the topic at hand. Delphi? Not that the Pandion Decemvirate has much to do with Delphi, anyway -- and from what she's seen, they don't want to have much to do with Pandion. Troubled, the maiden nibbles her lower lip, and sneaks another peek at her sister.

"You've spoken to the Emperor." It's more a statement than a guess, and Gabriel's gaze is fixed hard on Aine.

Lands? A silver brow raises at that word from Aine, and Shinjukou discards Gabriel as a subject of inspection on favor of the spokeswoman. "The Orcini would have their voice heard in this debate," she says after a moment of thought, water-ripple voice carrying with ease through the air of the chamber.

A slender hand reaches out to touch the toddler's in Jasmine's arms, a faint smile teased to Naiadre's lips. Among the Atlanteans, she seems to show more outward signs of emotion than any, and yet there is a guarded aura about her, even without those gifted by telepathy. As the words continue to fly, however, she drops her hand, moving among them to stand a heartbeat behind Aine. "I would also like to add something," her lyrical soprano murmurs.

Aine's brows rise and for the first time in the meeting a truly pleased expression crosses her features, showing the others for the masks that they were. "Your Emperor holds this opinion? How interesting. I must confess I have not, but at my urging, Decemvir Riva has." An Atlantean voice brings her reply up short and she turns to frown towards its origin, Naiadre quickly sharing in the dark expression with the Decemvir of Orcinus. Clearly, she no longer has complete dominance of the situation, and simply serving as mediator is not sufficient. Still, Aine lifts one hand to Shinjukou first, on the virtue that her voice was the first to rise in request.

Olivia's expression remains stilled, nearly difficult to discern for those who don't pry into emotional depths; her lips, however, are slightly thinned. Whatever she herself may think is silent, burrowed beneath the surface of her dignified demeanor, and for now she remains in the backdrop of the Empyrean side of the drama. Oddly, even.

Jasmine glances toward Shinjukou, and cannot help the sudden chill in the air around her. Still, she will try to keep an open mind, reminding herself that Shinjukou is not her brother. Leilani lies back against her mother's shoulder, and Jasmine looks at Naiadre in question.

As Aine yields the floor to other speakers, Gabriel naturally turns to see who they might be. There was something about Shinjukou's voice... his brow furrows, and recognition and surprise flicker in his blue-green eyes. His lips part, but he doesn't speak. He'll wait, to see what she has to say.

Ice is an unseen cloak that is worn easily by Shinjukou. There is no sign of strong emotion coming from either her posture or her mind; everything is hidden, lacking the clues that would hint at what she truly believes in the matter. Returning Aine's look with a faint, unruffled smile, the Decemvir of Orcinus states quietly, "When the actions of my brother Kuronbo almost brought war to those of our race, the majority of Atlanteans were quick to unite against him to prevent such a disaster. I did all I could to soothe the wounds left by his madness. And now I return to find that the Atlantean people, or some of them, are considering a course of action that could just as surely lead to war.

"Not all bloodshed begins with madness. Not all wars begin with declarations that are so open and easy to recognize. To withdraw from Delphi, and to divide the 'lands' spoken of would set us against each other as surely as my brother did. Orcinus will not support a break from Delphi, although those of my people that choose to leave will not be penalized. We will not support a course that could lead to the spilling of our own blood." A shimmering hand is placed to her breast, above her heart. "As one Decemvirate among ten, though, I regret I can only speak for mine."

Alamoana continues to stand, immovable, in her place, eyes on those center to the gathering as she follows the threads of conversation weaving back and forth. The quickest of glances finds her sister as movement is noted behind her, but does not linger. And though her expression is blank, there is a general air of unrest about her. Finally, without speaking aloud, she strides forward to take up a position flanking Aine, on the side opposite that which Shinjukou takes.

Telepathically, Alamoana thinks: *I would have my thoughts heard as well in this matter.*

Jasmine arches a brow at Shinjukou's words. Though she does not like Delphi, it does not mean she necessarily thinks we should remove support from it. Even though it took her beloved Teacher away from her. She remembers briefly Meslana's friend, who so desperately needed the stability Delphi had to offer her. Though at the same time, it has nearly torn Meslana apart.

Aine's gaze is as flat as that of a shark throughout Shinjukou's speech and she turns without verbal comment to Naiadre, nodding to that woman.

Telepathically to Shinjukou: Aine's mind touches yours with the lightest of tendrils, but even that is rife with disdain. Her thoughts come not as words, images laced within each concept to build a greater whole than speech could ever convey, *So speaks one of outside, unknowing of the situation.*

Telepathically to Aine: Shinjukou's mind is a swirling weave of silver and blue and an overwhelming darkness that is the rich of the depths. There is ice here, and it is unconcerned with disdain. It is the calm that replies. *I thank you, for such a welcome. You are misguided if you believe me unknowing.*

Gabriel's thoughts are not so hidden. If Shinjukou's true feelings are masked behind a cloak of ice, his are not, and one wouldn't need telepathy to glimpse the satisfaction that flashes in his ocean-green gaze. A faint smile touches his lips as he tilts his head to acknowledge the words of the Orcinus Decemvir, and then he turns to seek out Naiadre, for she had also expressed a desire to speak.

Naiadre listens in silence to Shinjukou, nodding but once, succinctly, as the Decemvir concludes her speech. The braids of multi-colored hair and coral strands sway gently as Naiadre shifts her gaze, plying it upon the Empyreans for a long moment before adding her own thoughts in her melodic voice. "I agree with the Orcinus Decemvir in this. It is well-known among the priesthood of Pasiphae that I, Heluna Naiadre, often do not look favorably upon Delphi. But this is over the matter of conflicting loyalties I often see between those within our priesthood who also join Delphi. Also is it known that the High Priestess Lehuan Okalani is my mentor, and I speak on her behalf. But do not confuse my loyalties with what I now say. The High Priestess sees great worth within Delphi; otherwise she would not have acted as Estrel so long.

"I cannot perhaps speak for all of our Order, in every land. But it is not Pasiphae's wish that we come to bloodshed over this. And this is what will surely happen if we withdraw from Delphi. Without the Atlantean influence, the Tower will fall, and with it, this neutral ground will no longer be neutral. It is only a matter of time before the races begin fighting amongst themselves, like sea lions over a patch of shore. We cannot allow this to happen. For the continued relations of all races, for peace, and for the ideals that the Citadel stands for, we must not withdraw from it." Her speech ended, she takes a step back, eyes steady in their regard.

The nod from Gabriel is returned with a slight inclination of Shinjukou's head, acknowledging the Empyrean's gesture. Then the woman returns to the stillness of a statue, eyes shifting easily to regard Naiadre as she speaks. The page who stands just behind and to one side of the Decemvir is the polar opposite, and fidgets until some silent reprimand causes a bolt of ice to stiffen his spine, throwing him into a matching stillness.

Watching Naiadre with eyes the color of gritty ice, Alamoana continues to remain silent through the speech. And then in turn she regards those who would answer. Patiently, she awaits her turn.

Telepathically to Shinjukou: Aine's thoughts are laced not with the calm of deep waters nor the wealth of its depths but something more akin to the fire of Varati or the wrath of a storm. *Delphi rots to the core, and the corruption spreads to all it holds. Either we remove it, and the corruption, or there will be bloodshed, anyway.* Her thoughts are suffused with Delphi's lack in protecting her, and the abuse she suffered after mixed more recent incidents perpetrated by Delphi, each one a greater political mishap than the last.

Again, satisfaction plays across the Augustin Aegian's face, and he makes little attempt to conceal it. He nods again, this time to Naiadre, acknowledging her speech with the same pleased expression with which he'd listened to Shinjukou's. Yet his gaze is drawn towards Alamoana, who had stepped forward earlier, and a quizzical look crosses his face as he waits to see whether she might speak or not.

Aine turns her back on Gabriel and the Empyreans, gesturing to Alamoana. Around her feet, the stone ripples for a moment as if it were a pond and she a stone cast into its smooth surface.

Selene has drawn silent again, gaze following from one Atlantean to the next as opinions are voiced. She gives a faint nod as Shinjukou offers her opinion, and again as the priestess speaks in agreement. "I will be the first to admit I know little of the positions of the Atlantean Estrels, nor any conflict Delphi holds with your High Priestess." Her gaze falls to Aine. "But to claim our own lands without any attempt to change or improve Delphi makes us no better than the Varati. With three Estrels appointed by the Empyreans, and three by the Atlanteans, would give our two nations a strong voting block to make the changes we would deem necessary. If we believe that our own guard has the right to patrol the quarters we inhabit, then so be it."

Telepathically to Aine, Jasmine thinks: *What has Aquamia to say in this matter, cousin?*

Telepathically to Aine: Shinjukou's ice does not retreat from the fire, nor does it seek to envelop it. There is only that vast serenity, the calm unrippled surface of one who has learned the art of acceptance. *There may be corruption, I do not deny it. Corruption and stagnation lurk everywhere. But if decisions are made with rage, with the pain of memories, it opens the way to atrocity. But such a decision is, of course, yours alone. I do not mean to lecture, so sorry, Amaris.*

Telepathically to Shinjukou: Aine's conviction is implacable and she counters, *Decisions can only be made with our memories at hand, for if the past is forgotten, there is nothing to build the future upon. But I can understand how Orcinus would not wish part of Haven... what point of taking lands this far from your own water? There is no profit in it.* Other thoughts intrude and Aine's attention is clearly drawn away before further argument can be added.

Telepathically to Aine: Shinjukou's only reply before contact is severed is a whisper of what might almost be amusement, were she so not so solidly balanced with the cold calm of the depths of her own Decemvirate.

Telepathically to Jasmine: Aine replies absently, *She shares the conviction of other Decemvirs that Delphi is no longer to be trusted. Action has not been chosen, but I do not think they will leave things as they are, now.*

Olivia's fingers caress the softish rise beneath her gown, pensive brushes of her hand that match the thoughtful expression in her gaze. "I find problematic," she says, letting her delicate tones seep into the conversation for the first time, "the notion of dictating in any responsible, autocratic manner what will happen with Haven even if the Empyre and the Atlanteans have a solo voice. I would counsel, again, that direct discourse with the Varati be held expediently to avert any -- forgive the phrase -- ruffled feathers. We stand against a people whose leader may create volcanoes from sand... peace must be a unanimous decision or, I fear, shall be reached not at all."

Telepathically to Aine: Jasmine simply nods, not showing agreement or disagreement, but rather that the message has simply been received.

Clearing her throat, as if to insure that the voice she so seldom uses will come when it is summoned up, Alamoana turns fully to face the Empyreans. "It is no secret how my cousin, the Decemvir, feels towards Delphi," says she, pausing to survey each face in turn, as if to ensure that she is correct in her assumption, "But I am not inclined to take my cousin's stance in most things. And while I do not seek to speak for him, I do seek to speak on behalf of Pandion as a whole.

"Pandion is a pacific, scholarly and philosophical people. Those who I believe, like all of the Atlanteans, to be above petty squabbles and bloodshed. The contempt I hold for such practices, I believe, is no secret. The mind is capable of all we need. War is an unnecessary and ugly step. And while I do not claim to know the politics well in this situation, I do know that at this moment, we have a chance to change things for the better, rather than giving them up for lost, destroying whatever there may be to salvage. That is the lazy man's, the cowards way out, in my opinion." And not so humble at that.

"Aye," Gabriel replies to Olivia. "But we will have a better chance of not being dictated to if we have a united front..." And then he falls silent, turning to attend to Alamoana's words.

"I believe that now is the time to challenge ourselves to use the gifts we have been given." Alamoana continues. "To reason, to explore, to solve the problems facing us. As such, I do not believe we should withdraw from Delphi, an order which has served many well. Instead, our peoples should work together to rebuild it. Remake it as it was meant to be. Go back, find the problems, fix them. That is the only way to solve these problems. If we do not, they will continue to crop up again and again, and the cycle will be repeated infinitely."

Having spoken her piece, Alamoana takes a small step back, re-crossing her arms as her expression returns to placidity among the last echoes of her words.

Olivia's answer to Gabriel is a single look, as if this path has before been tread and need not find a revisitation from their conversational steps.

"Should each race claim its quarter, the problems mentioned by the others would indeed arise." Shinjukou adds a soft thought to the debate occurring, pitched low so that it does not interrupt or carry over what is currently being said. "We are ten Decemvirates. Ten kingdoms. We are not ruled by one leader, but by many. What will stop one from wishing a larger piece? What is our recourse when the Varati look to the port we claim as our own, or the Empyreans." A respectful bow is given the Empyreans, to show she meant no offense. "We are a people that are unsuited for war. And to dismantle Delphi would bring that very thing. I agree with the Pandion. Better to solve the problems that exist, and avoid risking the foothold we have gained here in Haven."

Aine turns back to the Empyreans at the end of Alamoana's speech and lifts her chin, "I have spoken with the Decemvirs and know some of their mind, but would not claim to know all. Pandion, Amaris and Ormani stand in distrust of Delphi. They may agree to your proposal. They may request that our people withdraw from Delphi's halls."

Aine shifts, clearly fully aware of the fact that all voices here but hers have spoken against withdrawal from the halls of Delphi. "But for all I hear you counsel us to move together, I hear no voice that speaks out to work with the Varati as well. I hear only denouncement, that they are unworthy. That if we act as they, then we are 'no better.' Have you considered they may be right? Have you considered the strength of the three nations acting as one against Delphi, rather than the two? If we act together and make change -- the Varati still remain outside of that. If they wish to raise their volcanoes, we may stand to take the brunt of it alongside Delphi. Delphi may be deserving. I do not believe our peoples are."

She breathes deeply and meets not only the gaze of those in the Empyrean contingent, but the eyes of each Atlantean that has spoken, as well. "Can we really afford to act without them?"

Olivia glances at Aine as she reiterates some of what she herself implied or outright stated, then smiles wistfully and resumes her silence. The more passionate of the discussion, as it were, are invited thus to continue.

Jasmine shakes her head at Shinjukou's words, Leilani finally asleep. Her voice is soft, meant to address only the issue of Atlanteans. "If we divide up the land, Decemvir, Haven is within Ormani territory. There would be no 'land' for the rest of us to dispute, if you refer to Haven and Delphi."

Selene misses the exchanges between her fellow Empyreans, for her attention is fixed squarely on Alamoana. It is to that Atlantean who she gives a small smile and a brief nod as she had offered to the others of her race. But the serene visage she wears slowly drifts toward outward concern as her gaze wanders, falling on Aine. "The Varati willingly walked away from Delphi, Domina," Selene responds, with a familiar title of respect, knowing not what to call the Atlantean woman. "Should we go to them and ask that they come back? They have shown that they will willingly impose Haven's rule on those that assault their people, but refuse to accept the same punishment to their own people."

"No," chimes Naiadre's soprano. "We cannot." She states in agreement with Aine. "If we all decide it is worthwhile to continue in our support of Delphi, we must go to the Varati God-King and present ourselves as willing to make changes to it, show him we are willing to work with them. Concurrence alone will bring peace."

At Aine's speech, Gabriel's wings shift restively and he takes an abrupt step forward. "If I may?" he asks, careful to keep his tone modulated, although agitation ripples beneath his composure like restless currents beneath a sheaf of ice. He glances over his shoulder at Selene, aware of her words, but still apparently eager to add his own to the mix.

"It was simply a thought. To sort things in my mind, with your permission." A twist of her mouth frames a somewhat amused expression on Shinjukou's face. Nothing else is said, the woman lapsing easily again into familiar silence.

Selene catches Gabriel's glance and inclines her head to him, a respectful gesture of one Empyrean noble to another.

Alamoana speaks with disdain, "I am not in the habit of pre-judging those whom I do not know. A lack of military might does not mean a lack of might entirely. You take a singularly cowardly view of the situation. While their ruler may be powerful, he is also endowed a living body, like those of the rest in this city, though it be more powerful. He is fully capable of reason and compromise. And if no others will approach him on the matter, then I will volunteer. But I refuse to stand here and accept destruction out of hand, when all other avenues have not been explored. Nor will I cower at the bottom of the ocean, fearing the worst and doing nothing to avert it."

Shinjukou once again steps forward, torso tipping in a formal bow to seek recognition once again for words that are spoken in a more carrying tone. "I am well acquainted with the Varati, having served as ambassador to them, and lived for a time among them. I can volunteer that understanding to speak with the Varati, if it is needed. As my Decemvirate remains for the most part neutral on this matter."

Jasmine flinches slightly as emotions rise. Not just that they rise, but that things are starting to get ugly. How can we reason with the Varati when we cannot reason among ourselves?

"I cannot subscribe to a joint visitation between our peoples to the Varati initially," Olivia asserts quietly, "because we do not wish to inspire the thought of conspiracy. But iterating the same thoughts separately then, if necessary, jointly should underscore the alliance intended in this matter."

Aine acknowledges not Alamoana nor any other. She meets Gabriel's eyes and shrugs. "If you have a wish to speak, Dominus, I suggest you do so. For all our vaunted reputation, those here seem to have very little respect for listening, and I detect a significant lack of skill in hearing the meaning of what is spoken." At the last, a glance is given to Alamoana, and one touched with the disdain she so widely granted the rest of the gathering.

Telepathically to Olivia: Aine intrudes not rudely, but quietly, *As Orman Riva has already sought to do.*

While the others each seem intent on making themselves heard as loudly as they can, Naiadre has remained silent, watching each in turn. The gaze of flawed jade falls at last upon Gabriel, the cast of her face impassive and unimpressed.

Appearing unruffled by Aine's reaction to her, Alamoana ignores the woman outright, her attention cast fully on Gabriel as she awaits his thoughts on the matter.

The Orcinus page is sent from the room, after a brief look and a gentle touch to the shoulder from Shinjukou. The boy disappearing on whatever errand the Decemvir has requested leaves Shinjukou turning back to regard the winged ones. In particular, Gabriel. Interest, though of the pale sort, adds a depth of color to the eyes that regard him, awaiting whatever he seeks to say.

Given the floor once more, Gabriel resettles his wings and lets his gaze circle the chamber, resting on the faces of those gathered. "I'm not suggesting," he begins, "a covert alliance designed to set the Varati against us. If that's the impression I've given, I apologize, for it is not what I intended. I only wish to see that Haven retains its neutrality -- that it retains its existence. I will be honest -- the Aegis met only a few weeks ago, to discuss this very same matter. We debated over whether or not the Empyre should follow the Varati lead, and withdraw as well. In the end, we voted against that course. But there are some among us who still think it's a better decision."

He turns to give both Selene and Olivia a momentary glance, weighted, perhaps, with a mild challenge. If unity is a better front, he's usurping the illusion by admitting to fractured views. He turns back to the Atlanteans a second later.

"Your Decemvirates, too, are divided. So are the individuals within them. That is understandable. But I hope we can all agree, at least, that Haven, as an ideal, should be protected. If we end up seizing our mutual chunks of this city, we'll have no neutral land on which to stand. Nowhere to meet. No safe refuge in which to share our views. I'm not saying we should do nothing. We have a chance to give Delphi new direction -- new leadership, perhaps. But I say we keep it as an institution. It's been a symbol of what unity can do -- of what peace can do -- for too long."

Naiadre listens in silence to the words of the Empyrean Aegian, nodding as he finishes, much as she did to Shinjukou before. A nod of agreement. One can surmise, not only for herself, but on behalf of the Order of Pasiphae.

The Acesian offers no challenge to her compatriot as his gaze lingers momentarily on her. She remains silent, listening to Gabriel with her hands tucked behind her back and beneath her wings which have fallen as silent as she. Briefly she looks to Olivia as well, a more searching gesture, hoping to catch her eye and gain an impression of the older woman's feelings.

"You appear to be in much the same mind as myself, Augustin," Alamoana comments, when the speech is ended. "And I believe no small contingency agrees at least in some small part. I believe all that is left is to gather favor of the idea with the absent Decemvirs."

"You present compelling views, Dominus. And yet they still have flaws." Aine glances around, gathering 'control' of the meeting once more, "But there is none here to give you a decision. You have heard some of our thoughts -- and even these are not all of them. None here know the true mind of the Decemvirs not present. I can only promise that we will take what has been spoken to them, that they might consider the wisest course of action."

A guard enters the room, quickly and quietly giving Jasmine a piece of parchment before he disappears back down the hall. Her attention diverted from the speakers, she balances Leilani carefully as she opens the parchment to read it, brow furrowed. She moves to show it to Naiadre.

"The wisest, without the burden of emotion in our choosing, yes." A simple aside, injected by Shinjukou into the closing of the debate.

For a lady who wears her heart on her sleeve, in diplomatic affairs Olivia Jove has learned a certain dignified aloofness to her posture: determining how she feels in this moment is not especially easy. But a slight tension exists along her jawline implies the evening is not resting lightly on her shoulders. "We hoped not so much for a consensus," says the Viator to Aine, "but rather the respectful audience that you have provided to hear our thoughts vocalized. For that, for your time, for your honor, we offer you many thanks and the continued hope that your waters are ever pure, ever sweet, ever clear."

Aine's expression stiffens as her words run with, around and through Alamoana's and she shifts a bit closer to the Empyreans, asserting by physical location her dominance of the meeting at hand by standing at the 'front' of the Atlantean gathering. Olivia's words provoke the first gesture that remotely resembles obeisance, a respectful bow of the Atlantean woman's head in acceptance of the complement so eloquently voiced.

Gabriel's gaze returns to Aine, and although he's a little disappointed that there will be no final answer now, he nods. "Understood," he says. Another nod follows Olivia's brief speech. "It is not a decision to be made hastily," he concurs. "Will you send word when your Decemvirs have decided?" The last includes each of those gathered, beyond merely Aine, however much she might try to exert her control.

"No doubt they will send word, themselves, Dominus." It is hard to say if such words amuse or annoy Aine, but her lips hold the hint of a smile. "Orman Riva, at least, is wont to do so."

Finally a solid emotion can be located in the usually neutral gaze of Shinjukou. And it is identifiable as amusement. The focus of that amusement rests on Aine, upon noticing the woman's posture and rabid attention to remaining first and foremost. Ah, what tangled webs we weave... Inclining her head in mute respect to those gathered, the Decemvir of Orcinus turns silently to depart.

Naiadre arches a brow as the note is presented to her, her attention drawn away from the proceedings as they appear to be nearly concluded. Moving closer to Jasmine, she glances up at her, a brow quirking in a landdweller's expression of inquiry.

Jasmine shakes her head. She glances up to all those assembled before looking back to Naiadre.

"Then," Olivia iterates, asserting herself once more, if fleetingly, "shall we bid farewell with greatest respect to the people of the Water, blessing them for their hospitality?" Here she seems comfortable, adding with a slight bow of her head, " We should add our abiding hope that our peoples will continue to enjoy a dialogue of intelligent, calm minds; perhaps, then, peace will indeed out and reason prevail."

Her words do serve as a sort of curtain being drawn over the formality of the meeting; assuredly discourse will follow, including softer words behind closed doors or behind backs of hands, once those within a single conversation separate into smaller exchanges of thoughts. Much was said, much remains to be stated, and much more will indeed be expressed later. The present, however, carries only the fading evidence of a spirited debate and the suggestion that Haven's fate is about to be changed.

For the better, it is hoped. For the better.

FIN  

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