Date: August 15-22, 2000 (Aether: December 10, 3906)
Place: Throne Room - Atesh-Gah - Haven
Cast: Amipal, Niamh, Sabirah, Sumai, Thalia, Zafir
Scene: Thalia summons the Warlord of Messala to inform him of the accusations of treason leveled against him and allow him a chance to respond -- then, later, she calls for the Nabi who made those accusations, to hear his side of the story.

Given the recent developments within the Varati nation, the throne room is rather sparsely attended. However, the Queen-Maharani sits upon her throne as if all is well, not a single difference in her posture betraying the rumors which spread like wildfire throughout the embassy.

The glittering armor, silver and navy enameled, announces the arrival of the Messala clan Warlord as surely as any crier could. His gait is slow and steady, his seven foot frame's posture erect and powerful. The plated helm covers much of his face, but for his lips and chin, and shadows the olive-brown eyes that look out through its visor.

As he nears the throne, he stops a few yards away and lower himself easily to one knee, the steel on his knee making a *clank* as it touches the floor of the throne room. Sumai lowers his head for a moment and then looks back up with both steel encased hands rests on the single upraised knee that extends before him.

Amipal stands quietly by the Queen-Maharani's side, his arms crossed under the sable fall of his haik. The dispassionate expression on his dusky features is typical of the Lions protecting Thalia Khalida, as is the alert, midnight gaze that shifts to regard the Warlord evenly as he kneels.

Thalia does not bid the Warlord of Messala to rise. Instead, she says without preamble, "I have called you before me to answer charges of treason laid against by Nabi Niamh bin Mazat for the following actions: choosing to stay in Haven rather than join Khalid Atar at the battle front, and for proceeding forth with justice against the Sylvans against his wishes.

"On the first accusation, I will allow you to defend yourself. On the second, I will state that as Pasha of Haven, I make the final decisions regarding the dispensement of justice within my mulk. As Queen-Maharani, relations with other races are my purview, not that of an individual warlord. Should you choose to pursue actions against the Sylvans, it would behoove you to speak with me first, rather than venturing forth without my knowledge.

"Now, what have you to say, Warlord of Messala, regarding these charges laid against you by the Nabi?"

As he is not bid to rise, the Warlord remains kneeling and watching the Queen with a passive, detached look upon his face. "As you wish, Maharani. I shall not harm the Sylvans for their transgressions. They did me or mine no harm in any case, You shall seek whatever vengeance you wish on your own." Despite the fact Khalid clearly stated that Sumai could do anything he damn well pleased in the city, other than harm Thalia's family or slander her name. Other than that, Sumai has nothing to say on the matter.

Thalia asks, in a calm and solemn voice, "Then you agree with Nabi Niamh's charge of treason on the first count? You do not wish to defend your actions concerning yourself and Messala in regards to the civil unrest?"

"No, your Majesty, I do not think that the Nabi is correct. I have troops moving against the enemy," Sumai says in his deep and powerful voice, while he considers the Empyrean Queen with an eye that lacks anything remotely akin to interest or involvement. "I do not share my plans with such men as he, nor am I required to," he says very simply.

Thalia asks, "Did you, upon refusing to share your plans with the Nabi, have weapons drawn upon him by your men, Warlord?"

Nodding his head to Thalia's words, Sumai says, "I did, your Majesty. Yet, I shall explain. The Nabi approached me in aggression and he had been under the effects of some manner of poison or drug, I had no idea what his intentions were. My guardsmen had every intent of protecting me from a fire-mage gone mad with Sylvan poisons." Sumai's deep voice explains evenly and without a hint of worry.

Thalia considers Sumai's reply. "While the chains of command are separate between the clans and the priests of Atar, the respect that should be given those in other castes of equal or higher rank is not. While it is not treasonous to ignore the rank of another Varati, it is most certainly disrespectful and dishonorable. This issue, I believe, should be a matter that is settled personally between the both of you rather than as a matter of state. The Nabi will be arriving for the Atarvani Council in a short while, you may, if you wish, stay and listen to his justifications for his accusations."

Shaking his head a little, Sumai answers, "I have no use for his words, Maharani. He is no greater than I, and certainly not in my chain of command, as you adeptly noted. I do not need to justify myself to one who would live among Delphi and badger his own people who faithfully worship the God and King. Nor do I have any respect for a man who would take motions towards another man's married woman, nor any of his women, under whatever dire circumstances or statuses. Those are sacred and unbreakable bonds between man and wife." Sumai speaks in a deep and powerful voice, dispassionately.

"I answer only to my rulers, the Amir-al and yourself. No other may rebuke me," Sumai concludes in a simple and direct manner.

Thalia says to Sumai, dispassionately, "Whether it is to justify yourself or for Nabi Niamh to justify himself, only the future will reveal. However, it would seem to me that just cause may exists on both sides of this altercation. Thus, should you desire to stay and make accusations of your own, then that is your choice. The diya is, after all, a Varati tradition."

She glances over at the doors, "The Atarvani will be arriving soon. Thus, if you wish to take your leave, Warlord, you should do it now."

Sumai nods his head slightly. "Very well, your Majesty. I am yours to command if you summon me," he says as he rises easily to his feet, standing nearly seven feet tall and glittering in brilliant silver and navy Messala colors as he turns and makes his way back out of the throne hall at a languid pace and an unfazed look to his proud and erect posture.

Sumai moves through the grand doors that lead back into the entrance foyer.

Niamh enters from the foyer, the doors closing silently behind.

Thalia appears to have just concluded a conversation with the Warlord of Messala, who departs the room even as the Atarvani begin to gather. She waits on her throne for all to arrive, her posture still and serene.

Niamh enters the chamber with the Akhund Sabirah, his pace slow and proud. With a deep bow to the Queen-Maharani, he moves to the side to await the start of the Council, his thoughts going through all he intends to bring up here. Bespectacled eyes gaze at the faces gathered before turning to the Shechah Akhund, perhaps to meet her gaze for a moment.

Sabirah glides along at the Nabi's side, though her usual elegance is stunted by the odd gait brought on by the wound to her arm. From her left shoulder to her hand, the arm is held stiffly at her side, rather than casually swinging it with each step. She makes no visible sign of any pain, especially not in such a holy chamber.

She bows as well and steps to the side, following the Nabi step for step, like a crimson shadow. As his eyes creep along her, Sabirah turns briefly toward Niamh and gives him a slight nod, but nothing more is offered.

Thalia speaks, once all have assembled. "Atarvani, I have called you for three reasons. The first is that Nabi Niamh has some accusations to lay before you regarding the Warlord of Messala. I will allow him to state his own case before you, then provide you with my opinion on the matter.

"The second reason regards the fell rumors which circulate concerning the demise of Khalid Atar. Finally, I would like to address the issue of the physical attacks upon your fellows." Her sweet soprano rises and floats through the large chamber, dancing over the air currents and making her announcement seem like music rather than a dire pronouncement.

Niamh tries to keep his thoughts about the Maharani's views on his accusation masked... but it is difficult. Part of him is curious to see what her opinions are, but another is concerned that they might disagree. He doesn't want to have to choose between anything... he is already torn within his duty as it is. So he waits until he is given the floor to speak.

Thalia does not delay and keep Niamh in suspense. Instead with a wave of her hand, she gestures at the space before her and says, "Please, Nabi, speak to the assembled."

Dark eyes flecked with copper silently watch as the Nabi is given the floor. Sabirah doesn't seek out his gaze before he steps away to address the entire group, she simply blends into the rest of the robes priests and priestesses.

Zafir enters from the foyer, the doors closing silently behind.

Niamh steps forward, offering yet another bow to the Queen-Maharani before turning to address his peers. "Your Majesty, Queen-Maharani... Atarvani and Shechah Atarvani... I speak to you tonight both as an Estrel and as Nabi... as I believe the disclosure of the events I speak of relate to both positions.

"I speak to request that the Warlord of Messala be tried by a council of his own peers and us, priests of the Amir-Al for blasphemy and treason." His quiet voice carries somehow throughout the chamber... it seems the young Nabi has learned much in his few years here.

"First, I wish to point out that only recently has he agreed to send out aid of his own Clansmen to the Amir-Al's assistance. Only now!" After the Amir-Al has... disappeared. "On the evening of the Festival, after things had calmed down, I met the Warlord in the streets, declaiming the fact that he wished to go hunt down Sylvans... because of the prank they pulled on us."

He doesn't even glance to Thalia as he continues. "With all due consideration, no one was seriously harmed... it was not a reason for a political war between our two races, and that is what it would turn into, if he were to attack Sylvans. I agree that those responsible should be found and punished, but to begin hunting Sylvans..." He shakes his head. "We are already at war between ourselves. To call upon more battle would only be to our ruination." He pauses to let these words sink in before continuing.

"I was willing to almost overlook the Warlord's... lack of understanding until..." Here, the Estrel and Nabi adjusts his spectacles, "Until he ordered his own guards to aim their crossbows at me." At him. A Nabi of the Amir-Al's Atarvani... appointed to the position by the God-King himself.

"This only confirmed my suspicions. If this man is to order his own men to fire at one of the Amir-Al's priests, how can he support the Most High? The Warlord should not be pardoned of these sins... he should have to face them as any other would."

Zafir asks quietly, "Do we have proof that this clan caused the 'supposed' death of the Amir-al? Do we have any true proof that he is truly dead?"

More than one Atarvani draws in a gasp of surprise, that anyone loyal to the Amir-al would turn on His priests, especially on of the Nabi's rank.

Sabirah scowls at the news from Niamh, drawing deep furrows in her brow and a narrowing of her eyes.

Thalia does not, as yet, speak. Instead, she remains silent, allowing the Nabi to field questions from his fellow Atarvani. Her smooth face is calm, almost statuesquely emotionless.

Niamh turns to regard the Atman, Zafir. "What clan? I never mentioned the rumor." He certainly didn't allude to Clan Messala causing it.

Zafir bows his head. "My apologies, imphadi, I read into what you said. I must take back that particular question."

Sabirah glides forward a couple of steps, shock chased from her expression with a deep determination, though that emotion also leaves lines along her dark brow. "Nabi," she asks in her honeyed contralto that seems so unfitting for her sharp appearance. "What was discussed between yourself and the Messala warlord to bring around his drastic action of ordering his men to train weapons on you?"

Her question asked, the crimson column retreats back into the gathering of other Atarvani, her eyes constant on Niamh.

Niamh nods to Zafir. "I do not speak in innuendos, Imphadi. What I say is the plain truth."

To answer Sabirah, "After hearing his threats to attack the Sylvans, I warned him against such an action. I told him of the political implications something like that could bring about... implications which we, at this time, are not able to deal with."

Thalia appears interested in hearing what the Atarvani have to say about the issue. Though she stated earlier that she would give her opinion on the matter, she remains, as yet silent and listening intently.

Sabirah quirks a charcoal brow upward, shifting the pattern of wrinkles on her forehead. "And for that, he found reason to threaten your life? Forgive me for saying so Nabi, Maharani," she says glancing to Thalia as well, "but it seems that Clan Messala is in dire need of diplomatic training, if such action will bring them to such anger that their warlord knows only to use weapons and not his mind."

Zafir remains among those gathered, though he speaks with a tone that says he has heard this before. "He is as you state, imphada. A 'War' -- lord. All he knows is anger and violence. Perhaps he has need of societal training." He tilts his head, eyes on a far wall, his new cane, with flame carving on its tip rocking ever so gently in his hands. "Forgive this lowly Atman's opinion, but it is the truth."

Niamh crosses his arms at his chest, "As a Warlord, he must also answer for his Clan. As a Warlord, he has only just entered this War... for one who is trained in fighting, he seems reluctant to do so lest it be for himself. No, he would rather turn his battle-training on priests and Sylvans... not on those he should be fighting."

Whatever his title, Sabirah doesn't seem impressed at the behavior of the Messala warlord, either in the streets of Haven against those who hold loyalty to the Amir-al in their heart, or on the battlefield where he has been absent. Her scowls settles back onto her expression and she falls silent, leaving the floor open for other questions to be offered.

Zafir shifts ever so slightly. "Not that I forgive those who have caused this rift in our lives, and our entire beings... " He pauses and seems about to say more but shakes his head. "No, I have already overstepped my position too much. I support your suggestion, imphadi."

Thalia shifts forward on her throne. "Nabi," she says, her soft voice carrying across the assemblage. "I have spoken with the Warlord of Messala on these issues. First and foremost, I wish to remind you, as I reminded him, that I am Pasha of Haven by Khalid's own decree. This is my mulk. Within it, I am the one who should be deciding whether war is taken upon those who reside in it.

"In addition, I am the Maharani. The domain of foreign affairs and diplomacy is mine. It does not belong to the Atarvani nor the Warlords to decide how foreign policy will be dictated. I speak for the nation. Warlords speak for their clans and Atarvani speak for the faith. Political and diplomatic concern is well, but the final decision belongs to me in terms of the actions of the Varati people."

He was fervently hoping it wouldn't come to this... in fact, he prayed that it wouldn't. But his prayers were not answered this time. "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty..." and Niamh wouldn't beg many people's pardon, "But the final decision belongs to the Amir-Al." Gods cannot die, therefore Khalid Atar is still the final say in the matter. "And, as Estrel, appointed to that position by the Amir-al, diplomacy is also my affair. In all my decisions in that post, I think of His wishes first."

This speech is probably his own death warrant. "The Varati people are torn apart right now... and I am sure the Warlord of Messala's views are different than mine. But do not forget my positions as well... both spiritual and diplomatic."

Thalia replies, calmly, "As an Estrel, it is your duty to keep the Amir-al's wishes intact in terms of Delphi, and your diplomatic bailiwick is that of Delphi -- to ensure that diplomatic relations between that institution and other races. However, it does not give you the power to speak for the Varati people as a whole to any other than Delphi. Khalid has asked me to oversee foreign affairs. Until he revokes this request, diplomatic decisions between foreign races and the Varati people as a whole are ultimately answerable to me."

A few murmurs run through the figures in crimson, but all eyes remain on the Nabi and the Queen. The Empyrean Queen. However strong their loyalties are to their God and King, there are some that still feel discomfort at taking the orders of the winged woman, especially when the status of Khalid is in question. Few would agree that he is, in fact, dead, for how can a god die? But some dark glances indicate they aren't pleased that, with Khalid gone, the only one on the throne is an Empyrean woman.

They are getting off the subject. "What do you plan to do then, about the Warlord of Messala?" He will answer more questions of she wishes... but he wants to see some justice done. "Have I done wrong in this accusation?"

Niamh seems to ask this of his peers. "One who would threaten our safety by waging another war within the current war... and one who sees even the Atarvani as naraki he can order about and threaten? Am I wrong in doubting his allegiance to the Amir-al? To those who serve the Amir-al?"

Zafir watches silently from the crowd now, since this is what got him demoted in the first place.

Some Atarvani remain still as stone, others shake their head in response, to say that the Nabi is not wrong. Others speak up vocally, and complaints run through the ranks, that warlords should not be left to freely attack other loyal Varati.

Sabirah settles her gaze on Niamh as her neighbor, another Akhund, whispers something into her ear. Her visage is dark, but the lines on her forehead are gone, leaving a stony expression. She gives Niamh a brief nod, a subtle shift of her chin when he turns toward them.

Thalia taps a nail against the marble of her throne. "The Warlord of Messala has been told that he does not have the authority to proceed forward with vengeance against the Sylvans. I am investigating that matter and, if punishment is warranted, then I will decide the manner and time that it will be dispensed."

She leans back on her throne. "As for Sumai's other actions, at the moment, I believe that they do not constitute treason. They are, in my eye, quite dishonorable, and should you choose to demand satisfaction of the Warlord for his inability to notice your rank and the respect you are due, that is completely within your rights."

Something hangs on Thalia's words. Though she does not say it, it would seem that the Maharani leans in agreement with the Nabi and the unspoken phrase over her opinion of the Warlord's treason tickles at the subconscious. Blooming slowly, it seems like an eddy of air carries the single syllable over the crowd, 'yet.' The Queen-Maharani does not quite condemn the Warlord, yet. "Should you and those loyal to Khalid choose to keep a careful eye on the future actions of the Warlord of Messala, that would be quite prudent."

Niamh is being given a choice to fight in a diya? He, an Atarvani? "While I am tempted, Your Majesty, I fear a method of the diya would be impossible. I am not a warrior, and he not a mage." Not as much of one as the Estrel. As far as keeping an eye on the Warlord... unless they are excellent, spies are dangerous. "And what of his reluctance in supporting the Amir-al?" Surely that is nothing to overlook.

Thalia taps her nail once again on the arm of her throne. "That is a problematic issue, since the Warlord claims that he is not reluctant. In that issue, it is his claims against yours, Nabi, and I do not have enough proof to say that either claim has greater validity."

"What more proof do you need aside from the fact that the fighting force of his Clan was intact until only recently?" That would be proof enough for the Nabi. "If he refutes my claim, have him explain why he did not assist the Amir-al in His time of need? From the start of the War?" How does the Warlord explain that?

Thalia replies, with a bit of sadness to her tone, "There are many reasons why the Warlord could have chosen his actions. However, he has refused to share them with me as well as with you, claiming that his actions can only be judged by himself. I am less than pleased with his attitude, but at this time, I do not believe it is wise to punish him. As you have said yourself, this is a time of upheaval. I do not wish to cause more internal problems for the Varati, but these issues are not closed. They will come back, in time."

An Atman near Zafir yells out, "Burn him at the stake!" Though he is silenced rather quickly by others about him.

The only sign of the Nabi's frustration is a tic of his jaw muscle... and the sudden spurting of the flame in the wall sconces behind the thrones. Only then does he murmur something that could be construed as, 'Be certain they will...' but he is back in the ranks of the other Atarvani.

Looks are shot toward the Atman who spoke so loudly and with such fire in his tone. Perhaps he is being marked to be dealt with at another time. Sabirah lets her gaze linger on the priest, sizing him up, silently probing his body language, and perhaps more. He has also caused a distraction from the discussion led by the Maharani and the Nabi, and back to those two does she finally look. Or rather, to the Maharani, and just as she had the Atman, she seems to study the queen who now sits alone on the dais, contemplating the suggestions she has made, weighing them carefully. Sabirah doesn't smile, nor does she frown.

Thalia raises her voice and calls out over the gathering, "There is one other item I would speak of this night. That is the state of Khalid Atar. To the Varati of Haven who are worried, you will tell them with great assurance that Khalid will return. Rumors of his demise are utterly false. He is immortal and a God. He cannot -- he will not -- fall to his enemies. Are there questions on this matter?"

The murmurs slowly die down, but do not completely disappear, for the silence is too stifling to bear for more than a few seconds. On this, it seems that the Atarvani are more or less in agreement, for it is the basis for their existence.

Niamh has no questions himself... that is what he has been telling himself and others who have come to him about it.

Thalia waits for a few minutes longer, but then produces a satisfied smile. "I have heard murmured doubts among the Varati. This message must be spread and enforced. I ask that the Atarvani spread these words, so that those who are weak of will can survive until Khalid returns. This council is concluded. Thank you all for coming."

Yes, but as the Atarvani are spreading the word, who is to protect them from being attacked? Niamh needs only look at Sabirah to remember that night in the Rialto. He is probably safe as not all know he is Atarvani, but the others?

The red-cloaked figures begin to shuffle out of the throne room. Some pause to bow before the Maharani, others leave without a second look back. Sabirah is caught up in a conversation with a Mufti and misses any look from the Estrel and Nabi as she makes her way out of the immense chamber. Her gait has returned to near normal, though perhaps a bit slower. Any signs of the attack lay beneath the robes, hidden to all but her.

Niamh offers a bow to the Maharani, but it is somewhat stiff and almost a little defiant. But the gesture is made, and he will head back to Delphi for more prayer... and his other duties. His expression remains dark, though... this did not go quite as he wished.

Thalia sits on her throne, seeming lonely in the absence of her dark-winged companion, but her face remains calm and serene. Only when she thinks none are looking does she raise a hand to rub at her neck, but she continues to sit on the dais until all have left the room, leaving her with only her thoughts.

FIN  

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