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"Old Ties Renewed"
Date: June 18, 2001 (Aether: August 17, 3908)  The hot summer sun is on its way below the horizon, but the last rays still caress the land. This faint light sprinkles through the leafy branches of Atesh-Gah's gardens to color the marble of Thalia's floor a warm orange. The windows that lead out onto the Maharani's balcony are open, allowing the pitiful bit of breeze that exists to waft in. The heat is mostly diminished by well-positioned naraki, each holding a large palm-shaped fan. Diligently, the naraki wave the fans up and down to circulate the air. By the windows, to enjoy the view of the sunset, Khalid and Thalia are seated together on a low-backed Empyrean couches. Cold finger foods, chilled wine, and juice sporting actual ice sits on a table before them. On the other side of the table, another low-backed divan stands unoccupied. The sunset interests the God-King less than do the assortment of parchment pages he holds in one fist, his vivid blue eyes tracking carefully-inked script. Khalid is split between light and shadow, caught half in and half out of the band of dappled sunlight painting the chamber floor; the warm glow of dying day falls across one ebon wing, picking out its rich accents of red and brown, while the other is cast in dimness. His changeless features bear a similarly sharp division. There is a minute period between the time that Shinjukou had been expected to arrive and the time in which she does. Escorted onto the grounds of Atesh-Gah, and led to the doors of these chambers, the Atlantean woman shows some small signs of being affected by the heat. A lessening in the depth of the colors touching her skin perhaps, a lesser gleam in peridot eyes. But the heat does not affect the awkwardly graceful movements that bring her to the Maharani's suite of rooms to be announced. Cool pale in the warmer tints of light and fabric that surround her, she stands expectantly just within the portal from the hall. Those watered gem eyes rove to smoothly take in the chamber, its furnishings, its occupants. And the beginning of a hinted smile touches upon a mouth that bends far too little with such expressions. Thalia rises from her reclined position on the couch as Shinjukou arrives. She smiles, a natural and unconscious reaction to seeing the former heir. "Welcome, Decemvir." Perhaps this woman, a scion of Tritonis, enjoys seeing women achieve positions of power. "It has been too long since we have seen you. Please, have a seat." She gestures at the lonely, unoccupied divan. "Would you like something cool to drink?" she asks in a proper, hostess-like fashion. Tapered fingertips lift and brush against brow, against lips, against heart. A formal ritual to return the welcome given by Thalia. "I thank you, Maharani," Shinjukou replies, her smile brushed with the gentle water-ripple of a voice that only hints at potential richness. Ah, but for the ability to touch minds with these. Small steps bring her forward to the empty divan, hand gesturing to repeat the formal brow-lips-heart for Khalid's benefit. "The time seems to have flown through my fingers like water. It has indeed been long. But it is good for my eyes to see you both again. Perhaps if you have water?" Khalid has not, as yet, looked away from the papers before him. One hand does lift, however, in answer to the Decemvir's request; this small gesture is sufficient to send a shudra dressed in the vibrant red and blue of Clan Khalida drifting smoothly in Shinjukou's direction with glass and decanter. She offers the first, then fills it expertly with clear, cool water. "Orcinus Shinjukou," the God-King murmurs, his potent voice palpable as well as audible. "It pleases me to see that you have, at long last, entered your proper sphere." And then he does look up, sweeping the Atlantean with those luminous eyes; his smile follows a moment later. Thalia reseats herself at Khalid's side once Shinjukou has taken her seat. The heat inclines her to take up a glass of chilled fruit juice from the table, its half-full level indicating that the Maharani has been sipping from the container previously. The glass is accepted with slow grace, great care taken to show little sign of eagerness in the taking of that first, cooling sip. But a murmured thanks, and a slight forward inclination of Shinjukou's head show gratitude. "You honor me, Amir-al," she says quietly while sinking to rest carefully upon the divan. It is a procedure that takes more time than would be expected, but then... for one used to the support of water, a chair is not a reassuring thing. "I was not trained to my position, though I thank Pasiphae daily that I have been able to do some small measure of good for my people. I trust that the Goddess's grace has kept you both well?" After a brief pause following the question, the woman amends, "I hope that you have both been well. I have heard many rumors, even while in Orcinus, and they were not of pleasant things." Thalia says, with a smile, "You have always been an able diplomat, Orcinus Shinjukou. Governance is close kin to diplomacy." She glances over at Khalid and one pale hand stretches out. She touches the tips of her fingers to back of his closest hand. "We have been rife with troubles but we have overcome them." Her eyes soften, as if in remembrance. Then, the blue orbs re-focus on Shinjukou. "And though the Varati nation has had several instances of internal strife since we last spoke, it would seem now that our troubles come from without." "For the strong, there will always be external troubles. Fear and jealousy are harsh emotions and lead to poor judgement. I am sorry, though, to hear of this." Again Shinjukou inclines her head, this time to indicate gentle sympathy with Thalia. The glass of water is lifted again for a second taste to wet the throat in preparation for the next series of words. "I thank you for your kindness, Maharani. It was a talent forged of necessity, but it has served me well in these past years. It is this talent that I had hoped to offer you, in whatever way it might be most useful, to honor the aid once given to me, and my people by the Varati." The statement doesn't have the air of formality that such an offer might merit. The Atlantean's tone is a casual one, deep with respect and the cool warmth of a smile for the pair. Khalid's smile lingers just long enough to mingle with the Decemvir's, before fading upon his expressive lips. He leans forward, setting the rich parchment pages down carelessly, beneath the slow drip of a juice decanter misted with condensation. "We have always honored our bond with the people of Orcinus, and we will do so still." The God-King's eye, looking out of shadow, takes on a certain intensity then. "It has come to my attention that the Korallion has received an embassy from the Empyre regarding my current dispute with Delphi. Perhaps, in a spirit of friendship, you will describe to me the nature of that embassy." The words are calm, but the tone of the conversation has shifted subtly. Thalia lifts up her glass in a gesture similar to Shinjukou's. She wets her lips, soaking in the coolness of the liquid rather than desperately needing the moisture. She sits silently next to the God-King while he speaks, but there is a faint bobbing of her head as she listens to his words, perhaps unconsciously concurring. Peridot gleams with thoughtful memory, conjuring up in mind's eye the events needed to speak to the request. "They came to speak of possibilities, and find what my race's opinion was on the events. Should Delphi be administrated by a forum of those chosen by the races, should it be disbanded and its lands divided evenly. I say this with honesty that they did not realize that we are not made of one kingdom, divided into ten houses, but ten kingdoms filled with many. It was perhaps a poor choice on the part of the Empyre. But then, so few understand those beneath the water." A moment is spent, following, in yet another sip of water and a deepening of thought. "Many hope to seize their advantage before you act in whatever way you will choose to. Many believe there will be war. Others that it must be avoided, to uphold the ideals that Delphi was founded with. I know that the Amaris attempted to seize and hold control of the meeting." Thalia's lips quirk at the corners. "May we know, Decemvir, what Orcinus desires as a result? It has become apparent to us that the various Atlantean kingdoms we have been able to communicate with desire different outcomes." "My Decemvirate remains neutral on the matter, as we are distant from these shores. If there is peace, we will remain in Haven to keep the bonds forged. If there is war, we will withdraw so as not to be weakened," Shinjukou answers easily, eyes roving to inspect the lines and planes of the Maharani's face. A talent of those who speak with the mind, to appear to be looking through and yet directly at a person, as if memorizing what was within as well as without. "If Delphi is no more, then Orman will claim their piece of Haven, as their waters' border. I will not live beneath their rules, nor allow Orcini blood to be shed. Too much was shed in their waters, between their actions and those of Amaris. I must think of my people. Though I understand and agree with the withdrawal of yours, from Delphi." A hint of disappointment furrows the God-King's dusky brow, inescapable for all that it was anticipated; still, he offers a faint nod of understanding. And again Khalid's rich voice fills his Empyrean queen's delicate chamber. "You should understand, Decemvir -- as should all those who have seen their interest at stake in this matter -- that my quarrel is with Delphi, and Delphi alone. I anticipate no master-stroke upon the city of Haven; I aim at no conquest." Wings of the deepest night spread and resettle slowly upon the god's back. "I hope you can see that combinations against my kingdom would therefore be premature. If not positively perilous for the conspirators." An unnecessary warning here, perhaps, but one that might be carried where it can accomplish some good. Unnecessary indeed, but in such situations, these things must be said. Shinjukou acknowledges as much with a brief nod, a slight upward twist of one corner of her mouth. "I know and believe with all of my heart that this is true," she replies, gaze leaving Thalia's face to allow for a quiet study of the dark wings that shift behind Khalid's back. "But were you to say as much to the delegation sent by the Empyre, to those of my race who hear only past stories and not your true words, they would not believe. I have counseled patience to those at the Korallion. Some listened, some did not. They will be the ones who begin the bloodshed, thinking that they are supporting your actions, perhaps. Many feel terrible anger at Delphi and would have revenge on it for that anger." Thalia sighs. "Delphi, by design, must anger someone with each action that it takes and with each choice that it makes." She shakes her head, making the golden locks, damp with perspiration, sway in the hot air. "Sometimes, I wonder if a school should be ruling a city. Yet, we have made our move and taken our actions to show the Estrella that, in this instance, we feel true grievance. It is not simply their decision, but their method of action. I have always professed peace and Delphi has ignored multiple overtures from me in regards to the incident which led to the withdrawal of our support from the Estrella and the school. Yet, we are hoping that our actions will make the Estrella realize that the time has come for a change in the way they govern Haven and in the laws of this city. So far, it would appear that Delphi does not care about the results of their action, for they have not bothered to contact us." "Some of the Empyreans spoke for such a change without the need for aggression by any concerned. It is a wise course, and one I hope that unfolds. It would be... difficult, to lose what I have found here in Haven. And I have no wish to see the Ormani gain more over their companion Decemvirates." The water glass is turned slowly about in Shinjukou's hand, the woman's eyes finally lowering to thoughtfully inspect the play of light against ripples of liquid. "I would offer whatever support or help I may give. As a neutral party in this matter, I may be able to serve in some way perhaps. In the future, should it become necessary. There is much owed to you, by the customs of my people, and I have few ways of repaying such debts." Khalid can't help but essay a rueful smile at these words, there and gone upon features that are somehow alien for all their regal precision. The God-King's sapphire gaze fixes upon the Orcini Decemvir's pearled features; he studies the subtleties of her expression as he softly speaks. "Alas, I doubt that the Empyre will choose to work with us in this." A breath. "There has always been honesty between us, Orcinus Shinjukou; take away with you then an honest statement of our aims. Too many times have my children been hampered or punished by Delphi in the pursuit of their faith. Delphic law is silent on the matter of Varati culture and Varati religion. Before I make my peace with Delphi, I mean to enshrine within its legal code a due regard for the practices of my people, a due respect for divinity, and a due punishment for blasphemy." He straightens slightly in place, dark wings unfolding for a stretch behind his exquisite frame. Gravely, the God-King finishes, "And much as it pains me, Decemvir, if the Delphic Order will make no agreement with me, then I will do whatever I must to nurture the Varati culture in this city." The words are considered with the solemnity deserving of such an explanation. The musing leads to a prolonged silence on the part of the Orcinus woman. After a length of time, Shinjukou shifts from an expression of neutrality that marks the depth of thought to a mild smile, to show understanding. "It is not unlike the views held by myself and my people, towards those who worship the water itself. Our Goddess is not with us, but we know what it is to seek understanding and respect yet find little. We will not speak against you, nor did the thought cross our minds. And I will attempt to counsel those willing to listen. It is not their... I am uncertain of the proper words. It is not in their ...their Being, to know, and thus not their concern. But there may be some who will choose to use your withdrawal as an excuse for their own aims. If I encounter this, would it be presumptuous to inform you?" A gentle note of curiosity enters her pale eyes, glinting with the question of whether such a gracefully phrased warning will be taken in the spirit of its giving. Khalid deliberates upon the Atlantean's smile for a long, silent space, his own fixed beyond its natural span; at last, with a soft breath, he shifts to his feet. "We are, as you suggest, at a perilous moment," he murmurs, in deep tones that seem immediate to the ear despite their faintness. "The Delphic Order is... impressionable, without us, and its perceived weakness may be exploited in a fashion that would precipitate more struggle than we presently intend." Slow steps carry him past the Decemvir's position, and towards the door. "It may be, Decemvir, that you are better placed than I to catch the scent of such schemes in the offing. If so, I would of course appreciate your good counsel." Thalia adds her soft words to Khalid's. "Thank you for the offer, Orcinus Shinjukou. I appreciate your candor and generosity." "My people will keep their minds open, as mine will be, then. I will say now that the Amaris might provide trouble, as they have always done. They have never been capable of remaining in only trade." The first strong emotion to show, throughout this conversation, gleams with soft disapproval behind the woman's eyes and flickers like an aura about her. It's a barely palpable puff of sense, one quickly restrained by the habit of will. To Thalia, she slips into that mild smile again and says, "I wish that the Orcini were able to provide more to the Varati. But perhaps this will be enough to aid in some small way." Khalid's passage by brings the Atlantean slowly to her feet, balance sought and found in small increments. "I apologize if I have kept you too long from matters that I am sure are more important." Thalia replies in a way that betokens her inherently generous nature. "Nothing is more important than speaking with old friends," she says to Shinjukou. "I am sorry that we cannot speak longer, but I am sure that the heat and the lack of water are trying for you." There might be a sense of wistfulness to her gaze as she watches Shinjukou. "I look forward to our next meeting and hope that the interval will be shorter than the last." "The distance from water is a small thing, and one I would gladly suffer to enjoy the company that Atesh-Gah has provided me. But I thank you. If Pasiphae wills it, I look forward to such company again." The pastel sheen of color that marks the woman's skin swirls with the movement of her hand lifting to press to a point just above her heart. "May She keep you both well and in Her grace until the next meeting." Amusement creeps into Shinjukou's smile, the irony of wishing a god and his wife blessings from a goddess not of their races not completely lost on her. Inclining in a gentle bow, she then turns to approach the door, steps small and gliding. Khalid bends to open the chamber door upon the hallway beyond, torchlit now with the gathering of night. Wings hued in keeping with the hour fold closed as the God-King steps aside; eyes blue as the hottest flame regard the Decemvir as she passes, and he offers her a small smile by way of farewell. "Let us both hope, then, that the Goddess is accommodating in this particular." Not disrespect -- not at all -- but he echoes her subtle tincture of mirth. "Until next we meet, Decemvir. The halls of my embassy are open to you." "The Goddess accommodates those who live by their ideals, with strength and devotion. I am... what is the word... optimistic?" For just an instant, Shinjukou's smile seems to deepen though that could easily be mistaken in the flicker of torch-flame. "Maharini, Amir-al..." With that, the Atlantean passes through the doorway and into the hall outside, intent on returning to the cool comfort and support of the nearest pool of saltwater.
FIN
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