Date: July 24, 2001 (Aether: August 27, 3908)
Place: Chamber of Stars - Delphic Citadel - Haven
Cast: Arius, Cepheus, Gabriel, Hesperos, Jana, Khalid, Niamh, Raijin, Sarojin, Skyfire, Thalia, Versus
Scene: A meeting convenes in Delphi's Chamber of Stars, featuring a number of Haven's most influential leaders. Its purpose is to peacefully resolve the growing tension in the city, and institute changes in Delphi that will satisfy each government. However, the meeting is interrupted when the Emperor of the Empyreans arrives and arrests the very man who organized it. Further attempts to settle the dispute are postponed until Delphi can compose a new constitution that will satisfy the two "giants" -- the Empyre and the Varati Kingdom.

Chamber of Stars - Delphic Citadel - Haven:
      Located at the pinnacle of the tower, the ceiling of this chamber slopes inward like a pyramid. Furnishings are almost nonexistent, consisting of a few woven mats decorating the floor, covering parts of the mosaic extending wall-to-wall. Thousands of small, colored tiles illustrate a compass rose showing the four cardinal directions. The northern section is dark--like the mountains that stab at the horizon far beyond the walls of Haven. South is blue--like the vast ocean stretching away from Haven's harbor. Green represents the west, where a thick forest hems in the farmlands that produce food for the city; and finally, east is gold, where the wind blows fresh and warm in the summer months. It is not too far a stretch to say that the compass represents more than mere direction; for Delphi has always been a place where the four races could mingle freely, as equals.
      The walls are shaped from a stone that is almost as clear as quartz, so that one may glimpse the entire city. Starlight or sunlight shines above, depending upon the time of day, and students often make the long trek up here to study astronomy, or merely feast upon the view offered by a small balcony that overlooks the city.

Twilight is descending outside, and the purplish hue of dusk can be seen beyond the crystalline walls of the Chamber of Stars. It is lit by the glow from torches and braziers, as well as some other mysterious illumination that seems to exude from the very walls themselves -- the culmination of centuries' worth of magic that has penetrated the whole of the Citadel. Its uppermost chamber is witness to a bizarre and varied conglomeration of races, and although equality and diversity are the very cornerstones of the structure, such a gathering as this is indeed rare.

Guards line the walls of the chamber, hailing from every race and faction. There are sleek, silent Atlanteans dressed in whale-bone and coral armor; hulking Varati in crimson and black; Sylvans with a fierce, animalistic glint in their eyes; and stoic-faced Praetorians with their feathered wings and armor of leather and bronze. They are here to guard and to protect, but it is hoped that they will not be needed tonight.

In the center of the room sits an immense, circular table. There will be no one at its head, no one at its foot -- all positions are equal. Already standing by its side, Gabriel Augustin waits, dressed in his ornamented robes of office that denote his status as an Aegian. "Thank you for agreeing to meet," he says after the other arrivals have appeared. He dips his head toward Raijin. "And thank you for hosting this meeting."

Garbed in a kaftan that is hot and heavy, but worn to denote his position in the Tower, Raijin likewise stands within the chamber, awaiting the remainder of the ambassadors and leaders of the races. If the prospect of such an evening fills him with tension and foreboding, not a shred of it seems present in his features. A faintly pleasant smile curls his lips as he stands a polite distance from Gabriel Augustin, and to the man he inclines his own head in reply. "It is an honor, Dominus Augustin. And it is very encouraging to know that the desire for peace has at least done this much. Let us hope that the evening is concluded as favorably as possible." At that the man lifts his chin slightly and looks around, gaze alighting upon each of the seats around the immense table.

A ghost and a wraith. Sarojin sits his chair with the stiffness of a man who knows the weight of a throne, his skeletal figure moving not an inch from the moment he assumed his designated seat. The implication of ice enhanced by his stillness. Behind him drifts a black shadow. His one attendant. The darkness contrasting sharply with the ivory glow that emanates from the quiet Atlantean Decemvir. Not a word has emanated from him, yet those present might feel the occasional brush against their mind. A teasing feather that tickles the visceral within each. Pearlescent eyes flickering from face to face on occasion. Reflecting the light in varied shades. Swift and stark, like its master.

Skyfire runs up the stairs and bursts through the doorway to the chamber, only then seeing the guards. Oh. Smoothing back his grey-streaked hair, he walks in at a more decorous pace. Nodding to those already about, he offers a pleasant "Chookma" before standing beside Raijin. He wears no kaftan, no ornamented clothing, just simple leather and flax. The only thing that shows he is part of Delphi are the three emerald pips at his collar.

Amazingly, the Varati have arrived within Delphi without fanfare and without flame. The God-King, his Queen and Niamh bin Mazat, former Estrel, are quietly seated at the round table. Khalid is between the other two in the Varati contingent; Thalia sits to the right of the God-King while Niamh sits to the left, perhaps bespeaking the fact that during this event, the two of them are sharing equal negotiating status. The glitter of Khalid's presence almost hides the fair Empyrean woman beside him. Her rich, blue sari is washed-out, like the bleaching the sky receives when the hot summer sun hovers at midday, in comparison to the fire that emanates from the God-King. To a lesser extent, Niamh is also cast in shadow by the millennial ruler of the Varati, but he too has an aura about him that can only be considered typical of the Varati.

With his small contingent of Schola, and dressed simply in leather, Hesperos might have been mistaken for one of the Praetorian Guards within the room, if not for chlamys that denotes his status as an Aegian of the Empyre. He steps forward as the meeting seems to begin, taking a few steps from the window that he was peering out of earlier. A faint sigh emerges from the elderly Empyrean before he takes a stand close to Gabriel. Empyreans, and moreso Aegians, should stick together, after all. The gray eyes look over the crowd that has assembled and those arriving, noting and monitoring.

Having arrived in the chamber long before any others, Cepheus stands within the shadows that flaunt the boundary between the twilight and the struggling torches. Dressed in a well laid mixture of copper and black fabric, the man's attire is nevertheless devoid of any firm acknowledgement of alliance. Both Legate and Delphic mage, his eyes gently study the forms of those in the room and the aether that surrounds them. A young Empyrean woman at his side receives an occasional whisper from the sizable man, a nod being returned in response to the distant murmurs. Steps sound on the smooth floor a moment later, Cepheus taking his seat seconds later with his assistant taking up a flanking position behind him.

Jana steps in from the landing.

"One of our ancestors founded this school," Gabriel says as he settles into the chair provided, and his gaze roams over those gathered. "The same man also raised Civitas Dei to its heights. I've always found it fascinating that the greatest symbol of so-called Empyreal 'superiority' was created by a man who believed in equality and diversity. I think we Empyreans have strayed from that path. I'd like to set out on it again. That's why I asked that you meet. Delphi is more than just a school. It's a symbol, too."

He gestures, indicating the very walls themselves. "It's stood for centuries as a place where all are given the same opportunities, the same instruction, and where diversity rather than conformity is prized. Haven grew up around it, shaped by that same ideal. We all have a stake in this city, and it's important not only for our economy and trade, but as a stepping-stone toward peace as well. That peace cannot be maintained when we have armies in the Rialto and in the streets. It is my hope that all of us, here, tonight, can find a new structure for Delphi's government, if need be -- for the city's government -- one that we can all honor and respect. And I hope that Haven will in turn respect each government and faction, and show us the necessary courtesy that has sometimes lapsed in the past. Let us use this night to start anew. And let us build on Apollo's dream."

It comes as a sonorous boom. Devoid of all emotion. A hollow emptiness that is not cold. Merely it is coherent thought distilled into its purest form, without the superfluous rush of gaudy emotions. It is crystalline logic without color. Bearing the clarity of water, and the taste. *I do not trust Delphi. I believe it has corrupted the essence of the Atlantean spirit. Diluted it, until they think they are land dwellers, speaking with tongues more then their minds. If Delphi were to die, it would bother me little. I am here though to speak about the government. I want not one of the corrupted People giving my say. I want a true Atlantean representative.* As he speaks he looks at no one in particular. Unfocused. So that his words seem without source, even if the process of elimination would leave to the inevitable conclusion. Sarojin speaks.

Niamh shifts in his seat only once, glancing to the Amir-Al before looking up at the Delphites. He has worn his Atarvani robes and chain of office this night...for this is his position, his duty to his people and to his God. The words of the Atlantean run through his mind and he frowns, his eyes narrowing as his spectacles are briefly removed to rub at the bridge of his nose as if to stave off a headache. When they are replaced, he looks briefly to the Amir-Al for permission to speak...or not.

"Well said," is Raijin's answer to the words of the Aegian. A glance is given to Skyfire as the Sylvan approaches him. Webbed fingers reach down to alight upon the tabletop, but as of yet, the Seneschal does not take his seat. It would seem he has something more to say. Once the majority of the people have gathered and taken their seats, the Atlantean clears his throat. Any words, however, fall short of his lips as the unexpected Telepathic voice of Sarojin makes its own declaration. He takes a deep and calming breath, shooting yet another glance towards Skyfire and to Cepheus as well. "Trust is not something that Delphi expects to receive at this time," he says, very quietly. "We realize that trust is something that must be earned, and not given. As it seems that the conference has begun, I ask that each of us be patient as I attempt to explain the propositions that Delphi have in mind for the city of Haven."

The door opens quietly and quickly, just long enough for Jana Tritonides to scurry through as silently as she can. Seeing that the meeting has already begun, she says nothing. She only tries to make herself as unobtrusive as possible as she slinks across the chamber floor. Quiet and certain of her destination, she comes to a stand a little behind and to the right of Cepheus' chair.

"I think we can all extend enough courtesy to let the Seneschal have his say," states Gabriel as he shoots Sarojin a narrow-eyed look. Then he glances around to table to see if anyone objects to hearing Raijin's proposal.

Khalid sits in serene silence, watching each speaker in turn with every appearance of polite attention. Ebon wings are crisply furled at his back; strong arms are crossed over his chest, and he leans slightly backwards in his seat. Niamh's glance is answered with the faintest of smiles, and a brief flick of his luminous gaze towards the Seneschal. The God-King's Empyrean Queen is likewise still, but alert.

In contrast to Jana's entrance, the doors to the chamber open once more, blown inward by a light gust of wind. A wind presaged by a tickle in the Aether. A light, jaunty smile is on the young Emperor's face, making him almost beatific with his golden hair and bright wings. He is of course flanked by two of his Schola. He strikes a pose just inside the doorway, one leg forward just a touch. His wings arched just so. Hands hidden behind his back and beneath his wings. "Ave and fair winds to all of you." Arius turns his head, this way and that toward the other Empyreans in the room, finally resting his eyes on Gabriel. No haughty smile in those sky blue orbs, just sadistic amusement. "I do hope I'm not interrupting." He says icily, knowing very well that he is.

A faint twitch appears in Cepheus' expression, as if something or another has minorly displeased him for a moment. A glance is given by the mage to the woman at his rear, her face betraying a far less amused gaze as the Atlantean's words fill her mind. As they pass, she notices the look from the man in front of her, her form bending down and whispering a truncated version of what Sarojin stated into his ear. Cepheus nods when she has completed the task, turning for a brief moment to acknowledge Jana before returning his attention to those in the room.

Behind Arius the Schola are scowling. These have been carefully chosen for this night, and their loyalty to the Emperor is beyond question. Beyond reproach. They glare with as much amity as a cat possesses for a cheeky mouse, composed, yes, but with sinewed bodies tensed for action if such is necessary. Or possible.

Skyfire remains near Raijin, but as close to the cool night air as he can get...the chamber gets a little crowded with the arrival of this other Empyrean and his guard. Green eyes glance from Raijin to Cepheus before looking to the others about the table.

Gabriel doesn't rise from his chair to greet his Emperor. He just turns his head, and blue-green eyes immediately narrow with more cloaked animosity than he'd ever displayed toward Sarojin. Off-white feathers bristle at his back, and his hands, which had lain flat on the table, twitch and tighten into fists. Nonetheless, he keeps his voice even and modulated, if tight. "Not at all. You're just in time."

Another glance is shot to his Sylvan and Empyrean companions, though Raijin's expression changes not a whit at the Emperor's belated entrance. Continuing to stand before the table, he now straightens his posture and folds his hands behind his back. "You are invited to take a seat and make yourself comfortable, Emperor, whilst I explain the propositions that Delphi has in mind for Haven's future government." The Seneschal then takes a deep breath, and he begins to explain. "For centuries, Delphi has ruled over Haven. There were the Avatarati, and then there were the Estrella. But it seems that ever since the Mage Wars, tension has grown between the races and the Citadel. We wish to put an end to it, and to that purpose, Delphi proposes a new Council. A Council composed of five members. Four will be directly affiliated with their own governments, and one shall be a member of Delphi."

Hesperos frowns at the telepathic voice, his gaze sweeping the fish folk for a long moment, but remains silent. His jaw clenches in his obvious displeasure at the method of communication before the door opens with a flourish. Gray eyes moving to the door, one eyebrow arches for a moment. The faintest of smiles appear for a moment at this turn of events before he turns to Raijin.

All the bursting enthusiasm of Arius' arrival reaches Sarojin where it is subsumed. A pebble hitting a frozen pond. He permeates an aura of absolute calm. A black hole that sucks in emotion as it would light. Not even a turn of his head to assess the new comer. Sarojin has said his piece and has now drifted into a trance like quiet that is only separated from death by the even rise and fall of his chest. That and the occupants might pick up an instinctive suggestion that he is listening, recording everything. Likely a result of a distinct echo of his active mind whispering at the periphery of the gathered thoughts.

Niamh looks up with a start as Jana enters the chamber, his expression darkening even further. With a silent surge of temper, the torches in the chamber dim and then flare before control is regained. The writing brush is then twirled in his fingers as if to relieve some tension. He would stand and pace, but he cannot...it would not be decorous. So he remains dourly in his seat. Surely he will have creases in his brow before aged thirty if he keeps these expression in his vocabulary.

"Election of these members is a matter best left to the discretion of each individual race, and for those curious, I intend to act as the representative of Delphi. This Council will act as a legislative body over the city of Haven. It is they who will negotiate any future and agreements between the races and the city of Haven. Affairs of an interracial matter also fall within their jurisdiction. Decisions will be made based upon a majority vote," continues Raijin, speaking in a tone of voice that remains calm and unruffled. As if he were delivering a lecture on something as mundane as the moon's pull upon the ocean waves. "There are a great deal of details yet to be worked out, but this is the basic outline."

"Oh, I'm just in time, all right, Dominus." Arius moves his hands from behind his back. The right hand is raised and with two fingers he motions forward toward Gabriel. A signal to his Schola. "Time to arrest you for Treason against the Empyre and Attempting to Usurp the Throne." The words are delivered the way one speaks the names of laws, as if they were an incantation. He glances about the room once more, this time slowly going from face to face. "I trust there are no objections. And I offer my apologies for having to conduct such business in so public a forum." The frown he projects is obviously false, no doubt he is not sorry for making such a public spectacle. One does not, after all, allow oneself to be challenged so openly without responding in kind. His gaze this time settles on Raijin, offering the same false smile for speaking at the same time. "Could you hold that thought for just a moment?"

The Schola comply, with grim determination masking a certain degree of raw pleasure for this. Oh, these men were indeed hand-selected for tonight. They approach Gabriel steadily, and one's glare even dares the Aegian to risk resistance.

The young Oracle's brow furrows momentarily at the Emperor's entrance, and her frown darkens further at one member in particular of the Varati contingent. Jana remains still, however, her wings kept tucked close to her back as the Atlantean drones on. But when Arius makes his declaration, she goes a bit pale with shock. She reaches out to clasp her father's shoulder, squeezing firmly.

Immutable and inscrutable, like voiceless stone the twin rulers of the Varati sit at the table in silence, watching and observing the altercation between the young Emperor and a member of his Aegis, and listening to the proposal set forth by Raijin.

Any interest or approval he could have shown toward Raijin's outline is usurped by the Emperor's declaration. Yet Gabriel doesn't blanche, or scowl, or exhibit any overt surprise. He expected this. With narrowed eyes and a face like stone, he rises from his seat, fisted hands planted on the table. "I thought you'd come up with better charges than those absurdities," he says tersely to Arius. "I have no aspirations for the throne, and since when is arranging a peaceful talk a crime? Or will you be dismantling the Aegis itself, next?" He tosses a glance toward Raijin and tips his head, asking, "Please, continue." As if the Emperor's charges meant nothing to him. And yet there's a subtle tremble, all-but-unseen, in his clenched hands and folded wings.

Cepheus' eyes shift for a solitary moment to Niamh, their pupils dilating ever so slightly as the gaze drags on. It is broken only by the Emperor's words, the voice redirecting his attention. Still, Cepheus somehow remains placid, his face remaining neutral as he scrutinizes the young Emperor. It is the look of a predator, although not one that if foreign to the Empyrean.

Niamh turns from the Amir-al to glare at Cepheus for a moment before turning to watch the Empyreans. How fascinating. Well, not really. But he can certainly feign interest.

"I made clear my intentions, Dominus. I made them clear with my edict. And your calling this meeting overrides that edict. Or attempts to, Aegian. I am not dismantling the Aegis, no. But you are no longer a part of that body, by your traitorous actions and disloyalty." Arius lowers his hands placing them behind his back. The smile mutates into a hard line, and his brow knits faintly. A look directed at his Schola. They know what they are to do. And those in the room can feel that the Emperor is assisting them. The air in the room shifts, tightening around Gabriel and growing thicker as if wool were being wrapped about the hot-headed Empyrean's body. That should cease his trembling.

The announcement forces the other eyebrow of the taciturn Hesperos up as he watches the approach of the Schola guards towards Gabriel. He looks between the Emperor and Gabriel before letting his gaze sweep over the rest of the room, watching the reactions of outsiders to this internal ruckus. Finally forcing his brow into a frown, Hesperos clears his throat for a moment, "Your Majesty, perhaps this is a matter that should be resolved once we have returned to Empyreal soil." Without all these eyes watching continues the unspoken thought. The gentle reminder that the location is within foreign soil, with whom the Empyre has no official relations with (at the moment) is reinforced with a forced cough after his phrase.

The Seneschal pauses in his speech long enough to blink at the interruption. He clears his throat roughly, and after one swift glance to Skyfire and Cepheus, Raijin continues. There are, after all, more than simply Empyreans present in the chamber. "This is only a portion of the new treaty that Delphi hopes to establish with the other races. The remainder should be familiar. I do not see any need to make amendments to prior arrangements concerning racial governments assisting the Hounds in patrolling the streets, or modifying embassy land boundaries, or the basic jurisdiction system in Haven. Because Haven is a neutral city, it seems only logical that the Hounds retain the final authority in policing Haven's streets."

The Schola nod once to Arius; oh, indeed they know well his command and have come to see it fulfilled. They reach for the Aegian, intent on bracing him between them and hauling him off unceremoniously. What the others say mean nothing: Arius is their commander, and his word they obey.

Versus steps in from the landing.

One of the Hounds looks briefly at Raijin, and without any fuss, moves quietly from the room and towards the door.

Niamh nods to the Amir-al before resting his clasped hands on the table and looking to the Emperor, "Will you then, Dominus," the word is foreign sounding with his Varati accent, "...take his place at this meeting?" For someone must, to allow it to continue.

The forced calm he'd managed is superseded by fury, but it has no outlet. The Schola and the Emperor's own magic combined make it nearly impossible for him to move. Gabriel glares at Arius through slitted eyes, and his voice is a low snarl; meant for the men who've moved forward to seize him. "Get your hands off me. I am a citizen of the Empyre, patriarch of a noble House, and Aegian. Only the Aegis can remove one of its own. You are overstepping your bounds, Deus Maximus. The Aegis has unmade Emperors, too."

He moves as if through molasses, fighting the constricting clench of the very air around him to straighten with as much dignity as he is able. His eyes flash to the others assembled here, settling finally on Raijin. "Continue. One man does not rule the Empyre alone. When the Aegis last voted, it voted to support Delphi." He tosses a look toward Hesperos, urgency underlying his voice. "You can make sure the Aegis hears of this. Make sure they know what Delphi proposes."

Then, finally, Gabriel turns his gaze back on Arius. "Release me, and I'll go quietly."

Arius looks over to Hesperos and shrugs his wings. Blatantly ignoring Raijin at the moment as he deals with the quiet dissent. "I am not willing to debate the point, Dominus. He is being arrested. Then we may participate in the meeting." A slight shiver runs through one of his wings, and a brow arcs. But nothing more is said as he waits for the Schola to do their job. A faint smile toward Niamh, far more genuine. "Why, I'd be delighted to do so. Who better to give the official Empyrean opinion?" He strolls toward the table, sliding a chair out with another slight gust of wind that barely disturbs the hem of his toga. He gives a curt nod to Gabriel. "As you wish, Dominus." And the winds that constricted about Gabriel flutter away like tattered linen on the breeze.

The Schola pause too, ready to act if the promise is broken, expressions tense, muscles tightening. They are but a foot or so from where the Aegian's arms may be seized if such should be necessary.

Another pentus of Schola -- five guards in crimson chlamydes -- enter the chamber from the balcony... their arrival nothing less than a looming descent of airborne predators. Led by Versus, the quintet floods the chamber in the military style of the infamous guards... their demeanors soldierly and stark. Without a word, the squad flanks the chamber's walls from the balcony's entrance. None of them interfere with the other Schola's actions, their presence here seems to be solely dedicated to the protection of the Emperor alone. With a dark, unapproachable gaze, Versus scans the occupants of this chamber in a slow, methodical manner. Everyone is just a target to him... everyone save the Emperor. He is the only one that counts.

Jana's grip tightens upon her father's shoulder, gaze going momentarily distant before she shakes her head a few times. Though she tries to suppress it, her mien betrays her worry and her disapproval. Her wings curl more tightly about her body, and frequently she casts her glance in the Emperor's direction.

There's only a quiet sigh from the Atlantean Seneschal. Raijin keeps his gaze centered not upon the Empyrean drama, but upon the remainder of the guests within the chamber, seated at the immense table. "In time, shortly after the Council has been formed, Delphi would like to propose a Constitution for Haven. In this constitution, basic rights for the denizens of Haven would be outlined. Citizenship, the procedure of electing a Provost and the duties assigned to the position. Delphi would also like to offer its assistance in the construction of a Sylvan embassy, and introduce the policy of admitting graisha to the Citadel and perhaps, the Hounds."

Hesperos nods to Gabriel before he turns to the grandstanding Emperor. With the Emperor's back to the Aegian, Hesperos turns again to Gabriel and mutters quietly before the other Aegian is led away, "The Aegis will meet, Deus, and this shall be resolved. One way or the other." He turns back to the others, with an arched eyebrow greeting the arrival of yet more Schola.

With a curt nod toward Hesperos after his comment, Gabriel turns, back ramrod straight, and departs his place at the table. "Apollo and Tyche favor you," he says in parting to Raijin, and he gives one last sweeping glance toward the assembled dignitaries before taking his leave -- quietly, as promised. With the Schola flanking him, he starts toward the balcony and the night sky beyond; this last flight may be his only taste of freedom for a long time to come.

Gabriel steps out onto the balcony overlooking the city, escorted by the Emperor's Schola.

Arius glances up at Versus and offers him a warm smile. "Ah, good. Send most of your men along with the prisoner." He settles into his seat and finally focuses his attention on the Seneschal. It would seem he's managed to listen to the proposal after all as he has a reply. "Raijin, I am sorry, but I do not think the Empyre will agree to any such arrangement at the current time. We have no faith in Delphi. Your actions of late have dissolved the coalition, a few apologies and an attempt to grab more power are not going to repair that. The Empyre is fully capable of administering its own quarter. As are the Varati." He gestures toward their delegation. "And the Atlanteans. The areas that remain such as the Rialto can, of course remain under Delphi's control. What say the rest of you?" He looks around, as if searching for the reaction to his counter proposal.

Thalia flicks a glance to her left, looking at Khalid and then past him to Niamh once Arius has made his declaration. Yet, the glance is expressionless and she returns a bland mien to look at Raijin and the other representatives of Delphi while waiting for the God-King to make his response.

A targeted gaze is mirrored by Cepheus at all that interruptions to this meeting, his grey irises resting once again on the Emperor. It is a strangely knowing gaze, although its inherent distance keeps him from being obvious. The look a hungry wolf gives a squirrel in the forest rests in his eyes as Jana squeezes tighter, the impression that a young man's path could be so easily changed with just one ripple of the aether's sand. Initially, it was obviously a fleeting thought as his gaze soften, the large Empyrean glancing to Raijin as he speaks. Like a volleying ball on a court, however, the gaze returns slightly again, as Arius opens his mouth yet one more time.

There is silence now from the Seneschal. He has clearly said his piece, and now he waits. Raijin's eyes briefly skim over Arius, lingering for but a heartbeat, before they turn to the remainder of the leaders.

"Yes, Maximus!", the voice of Versus snaps back towards Arius with a precision of someone who is on duty for such orders alone, doing little to consider others in this room, but being subdued enough not to interrupt the concentration of the Empyrean monarch. The orders to his men are equally short and accompanied by a number of gestures... the melodic tones of the Empyrean accent carrying with them the power of rank and experience, "Agrippa, secure the prisoner. Report to me at the Hall of the Sky, and keep a double watch."

As the crimson-clad guards of the elite units of the Emperor depart on the flanks of Gabriel, Versus turns back towards the chamber, taking his stance behind Arius in a position of instant tactical advantage... his coiled muscles and stark face ready to lunge at any given moment and cut off anything that moves around the monarch. The remaining Schola take their positions as well, keeping their hands on their spears.

Khalid returns a trim smile to the lord of the winged folk. Vivid blue eyes linger upon the young Emperor, thoughtfully, then shift slowly to the Delphic representative. "If the Empyre wishes to retain administrative control of its own quarter of Haven," he opines, deep and rich of voice, "then it would only be prudent for the Varati Kingdom to do the same. We will peacefully cede the neutral portions of this city to the jurisdiction of the Hounds." After a moment, as if the thought had just occurred to him, he adds, "It would in any event be premature to establish a ruling body when it had no ratified constitution by means of which to rule. Let the national governments see this proposed code of polity and law first, Seneschal, and then, perhaps, we may all be brought to cede our claims upon rational terms."

"Policy can not be formed if there is no interests from the governments in the ratification of one. It is a paradox. If the Empyreal Emperor will not accept any Delphic control of his territories, and conversely the Varati will not allow control of theirs as a result, then we are at an impasse." The result comes bluntly from Cepheus, his head cocking slightly to the side. "I mean all the proper respect Dues Maximus and Amir-al, but if Delphi does not have more than its small walls, it hampers our ability to continue even the purpose for its founding."

Look out past the balcony, pigs must have taken wing. "Then the Empyre and the Varati Kingdom are in agreement." Arius meets those eyes with his own, still smiling. If he is surprised, there is no sign of it. He follows suit with the god-king and turns back to the Seneschal. A challenge in his eyes. It is one thing to attempt to force either government. But another matter entirely if the two giants are in agreement. "The Empyre is also willing to consider such a document after it has been composed." Eyes slide like clouds across the sky toward Cepheus. "Delphi needs no more then what is within its walls to teach, Cepheus. And that is its purpose. Stepping beyond that is what has brought us to this point. If it wishes to become great once again, then it has the onus of doing so. Not the respective empires."

Niamh turns to his God-King with a start. "Holiness...I beg apologies for this, but," he glances about the chamber, "I have had a dream about this..." Swans, fish, wolves, panthers...all sorts representing the races were foundering in the blood in the streets... the blood that was caused from like killing like, and killing others. "Amir-al, Delphi is Haven, whether we like it or not." He immediately turns away, ashamed of speaking so to his God.

Another moment of silence, filled only with a heavy look towards the Sylvan and the Empyrean Legate. Raijin's face is devoid of any expression, but his eyes are dull. He nods once at Cepheus' words, then glances back and forth between the Varati and Empyrean leaders. "If it would make reaching a conclusion easier, then I would gladly compose each and every tenet of the treaties and the constitution that Delphi had in mind. I had hoped that such documents would be composed as joint efforts, but if this is not to be the case, then so be it."

Thalia leans forward and looks across Khalid at Niamh. "The point, Nabi, is not that we will not support Delphi, but that we will not agree to a constitution, sight unseen. As you know the amendments to Haven's laws that we desire, you may speak with Delphi on the matter of having our desires become part of Haven's laws. However, we will not agree to support a code of laws sight unseen." She says firmly to Raijin. "The Varati would be happy to send a delegation to assist in the formation of a constitution. If Nabi Niamh desires, he will be a member of that delegation, but the Varati we will not ratify anything until it has been placed on paper and we feel the individual tenets are justified and deserving of support."

Like Illium statues carved from the finest Parnassus marble, the Schola stand their ground in their motionless poses in the chamber. Three of them are near the Emperor alone, covering any angles that may be of benefit to a potential attacker. The rest are scattered in a pattern that makes no visible sense to an untrained eye. To these men, the matters of Haven and its future mean absolutely nothing... their disciplined, militaristic world centers solely around their orders, honor and the very devotion they are ready to die for. Looming and self-confident, Versus' eyes cast their icy gaze in a manner of seemingly unfocused dissolution, offset by the attic helmet and the decorative black armor draped with a red chlamys. His weapons appear at ease, but the hand that grips the spear bears a frightening familiarity with the weapon, judging life and death by orders given from the Emperor himself.

Niamh looks at the Queen-Maharani almost as if she suddenly grew another head. Looking sharply to the Amir-al, he asks, "Is this your response as well?" His visions are being ignored? Does He wish Niamh to serve on the delegation?

Khalid offers what would pass for a paternal smile to the forthright, if rather impudent, Nabi. "We will take all due precaution," he rumbles, with every appearance of candor. Then, taking in the Delphic representative as well, he adds, "The matter would of course be at Delphi's discretion. The Varati Kingdom stands ready to depute a delegation to assist in the construction of this constitution, if desired. Its composition needn't be settled this evening." Perfectly reasonable, yes?

"With all due respect, Seneschal, I believe the Deus Maximus concurs with the domina's words. The Empyre would be happy to aid in the formation of the Haven laws, but there can be no ratification of Delphi or of Haven's governing force until such a time that such laws have been formed and debated. Until such a time, it would be in the best interests of Haven to have the governments watch their own territories." And the best chance of avoiding loss of life that would inevitably occur if the Hounds tried to take the Empyreal Quarter without the Emperor's approval. Hesperos gestures at a servant to bring some water as he clears his dry throat after his brief statement.

"I am pleased, then, to see the first such agreement in recent history, Deus Maximus." Although it is not clear how, Cepheus keeps his voice completely even as he speaks to Arius. Niamh's mumbles drift in the background, apparently not missed by the seasoned warrior. "Amusing how it only serves to create yet another border on which bloodshed may occur. And I, Dominus, have shed more than almost anyone in this room and wish to see it no more on Haven's streets. Are all the lands you convey not enough, to concede a score of acres within this city to the body that has allowed for its creation? Or even consider Delphic intervention upon them?"

Cepheus leans forward, elbows on the table, "Or has the Amir-al shown himself to be more civil then the Emperor I have served." The last phrase is somehow both a statement and question, although it is not allowed to carry into silence. "I propose a temporary compromise, until this matter can be determined. Patrols may occur in your respective districts, but they will not be closed to the people of Haven. Business will continue. Movement will continue. The Hounds may patrol the areas around Delphi, but the government will keep their regions in trust to the people of Haven until a constitution may be ratified. But the possibility must be conceded by all parties, before this may move forward." The Empyrean repeats, slowly, "Delegations would be welcome, but the possibility must first exist."

Arius leans back, the Varati apparently have a few matters to discuss. And that is none of his business. Fingers laced together, his hands rest on the top of the table, smiling and looking about. Letting his gaze rest on Cepheus for a while. He has stated his opinion, and intends to carry through with it. Once Khalid and Hesperos, he simply dips his head in agreement. To Cepheus he looks directly and the laughs in his face. "You may be skilled with your magic and upon the battlefield. But attempting to prick my pride in such a fashion." He just smirks. "No. The Empyrean quarter is under Empyrean rule. People may move freely as they always have, but they will obey our laws. What the Varati do with their quarter is their concern and not mine. And what Delphi does in neutral areas I will not contend. But if the first Hound treads on our Territory I will see that he or she will be the last. Is that clear?"

He stands then, looking to Versus and the others, motioning them to follow. "I have said all I have to say. As Aegian Hesperos mentioned, we will be glad to provide a delegation to help work out the details of a new accord. Until then, we will protect our territory. I will not deliver my people into the hands of those unworthy of the responsibility." Arius stays in place a moment longer, offers a civil nod to the Varati. "Vale, and fair winds to you."

Niamh's eyes narrow as he takes a moment before looking back to his rulers, "You would let the Empyrean Emperor dictate your actions? Don't you see that you could have the populace of Haven on your side for helping Delphi with this?" He doesn't want to see his vision come to fruition, but every moment this meeting continues, the dream becomes clearer.

The God-King's smile is rather less pacific, this time, although it retains a peculiar -- and incongruous -- touch of gentleness. Warmth reaches out for the Nabi like a light caress, faintly felt on exposed skin. "This is not the time for such a debate, Niamh bin Mazat," he answers simply. With a civil nod Arius' way, Khalid shifts his attention to Cepheus. "The citizens of Haven may certainly come and go as they please within the Varati quarter, provided they conduct themselves peacefully under the tenets of Varati law. For the present trust, we have no need of assistance from the Hounds." Another moment's thought. "To that end, I strongly recommend that the Hounds lift their present siege of the northern gate. The Kingdom will not molest honest traffic, but it will not stand for a blockade of the main road to the home varas." No threat, this, really. Simply a statement of fact.

Without a word, the Schola suddenly come alive from their statuesque immobility, all casting a fleeting glance at Versus that gives them a short hand signal. It takes less than a few seconds and the entire squad is instantly in a formation around the Ruler of the Sky, forming a human shield that can probably attack with a ferocity even greater than it defends with. It is a security precaution, and if such is completely unnecessary in this chamber, it serves as the symbol of the skill of the elite guards of the Emperor, and the Maximus' power that he wields. The crimson chlamys dance faintly in the created breeze... leather armors announcing their motion with a sound and the weapons clanking faintly.

Two of the Guards -- their spears ready -- take the point to assume the important role of leading this procession home, which will, undoubtedly include clearing anything and anyone who may get in the way... with brutal force, if necessary. Versus himself is behind Arius, keeping the Emperor in his view at all times, and straightening his military body in a poise of a career soldier.

A short snort comes from the man as he is blown off by the boy Emperor, the man making a few mental notes in the process of the other Empyrean's departure. For now, Cepheus leans back, a smile resting on his lips as Arius leaves the scene in far more turmoil then he found it. From the look on the warrior's face, however, it was not a worthless encounter for some reason. The mage's eyes drift to Raijin, conveying something that is not spoken aloud.

Oh, there's more trouble on the way, dear Cepheus. Rest assured of that fact. He turns then, as the matter of blockades at the gate concern him little. Any kingdom that can keep Civitas Dei supplied will have little trouble overcoming something so tiny as a gate, if need be. Arius steps out onto the balcony and takes flight. Pleased with what has been accomplished.

The touch of the fire magic is noticed, but it is overwhelmed by another as the words of the Amir-al's seem to echo in the present and strangely enough, in the future. This is the first waking vision he has had... and he is not prepared for it in the least. It isn't even a vision, per se, but an intense sense of foreboding. Once the feeling fades enough for him to actually see the chamber again, Niamh stands abruptly and begins to pace to one of the walls, leaning heavily against it. Atar...the destruction he saw...he felt, in that one instant...

The Seneschal nods to the Legate's words, showing his support for the compromise. But when the idea is rejected by the Empyreans, he says nothing as he lets himself sink his weight down into his chair for the first time this evening. As he folds his hands lightly atop his stomach, his quietly says, "I look forward to meeting with the delegates."

Raijin pauses in his words momentarily, gaze drifting to lock with Cepheus' before skimming lightly over to Skyfire. Then as he turns to study the God-King of the Varati, he says, "I will instruct the Hounds to take down the blockade of the northern gate." He draws another breath, and he adds, "If there is nothing else that needs to be said, I suggest that we conclude our meeting and part ways. I will be in contact with each of the racial governments in the near future. Your delegates may feel free to contact me, likewise, at any time so desired. But I implore that this be tended with all due haste."

She has not spoken a word since the commencement of the meeting, and she continues to do so. But Jana does release her grip on her father's shoulder, withdrawing a single step and exhaling a soft sigh. She briefly closes her eyes, and when she reopens them, she looks sharply towards Niamh. She sways momentarily upon the ball of one foot, but then she looks away and takes that step back closer to her father.

Khalid follows the Nabi bin Mazat's progress to the wall through half-narrowed, flame-blue eyes; a whisper of frustration shows upon his ageless features, as well as a pensive grace. But the farewell he directs, standing smoothly, to the Delphic representative is firm, bordering on cordial despite the gravity of the moment. "Of course. We will move on the matter at Delphi's pace." Whatever that might prove to be. At a glance, the sable-clad Agni-Haidar begin to assemble around the Varati delegation, preparing for departure.

Cepheus watches the departures, remaining seated in his chair as the meeting turns to dust. His eyes briefly glance from Niamh to Jana to Raijin, no smile visible in his dark expression.

FIN  

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