Date: February 23, 1999
Place: Another Room - House Tritonis - Palladium - Haven
Cast: Arahael, Cassius, Kalypso, Leonidas
Scene: Four representatives of the Aegis, after separately surviving the ordeals of an insurrection and a meeting with the God-King, come together to decide on a final matter of importance for the Empyre -- its new leader.

The torches are still burning in the long meeting room, lightening the gloom caused by the rain. Kalypso is seated on one of the chairs at the table, no certain one, reading over some scrolls. Winged servants show the Aegians in, goblets of water set on the table at designated seats.

The head of the table, however, is notably left free of a glass, the chair there swathed in a black silken cloth.

Cassius strides into the room, a disapproving frown on his lips, and an ice-cold gleam in his eyes. He's been disgruntled ever since the 'incident' at Civitas Dei, which is how he refers to it. The fact that his own brother was responsible galls him to no end -- and the fact that Xanthiel has since gone missing needles him yet further. But there is business to attend to, and despite the apparent 'death sentence' looming over his own head -- that impending meeting with the God-King, as dictated in the treaty -- Cassius will attend to his duties. Upon hearing of the private meeting in the Tritonis quarters, he arrived, escorted by his scarred wife, who waited outside the room. He walks in now, wings held tightly arched against his back, and as finely-garbed as ever. One wouldn't think, to look at him, that he had been a prisoner for the last two weeks.

Arahael enters, his expression fatalistic and dour. Much of the old manner of the Jovian Patriarch is gone, lost first in sickness, then War, then Insurrection, Arrest, and the final ignominious ending to this cycle -- the earlier ratification of the treaty. What should be a matter of great importance now -- the sacred duty of selecting an Emperor for the Empyrean people -- is reduced immeasurably. It weighs heavily on Arahael Jove.

Leonidas arrives, as well, unescorted, though he carries himself with posture gone once-more impeccably proper, wings tucked neatly against his shoulders. He chooses a seat at Kalypso's side, lifts the water glass and wets his throat. Setting it aside again, he laces his fingers to consider each of the others in the room, and when they are assembled, he clears his throat to suggest, "We have a serious matter to attend to, Dei. Dea. Let us begin."

Cassius assumes a seat at the table, but does not partake of the refreshments set out. He is thin-lipped and solemn, and his wings give an agitated rustle as he rearranges them against his back. He nods to Leonidas and states dryly, "The Emperor."

The head of the young matriarch, the only matriarch here, rises as the others enter, the scrolls rolled shut, once again. "Indeed, Dominus Thanatos. Serious matters." Kalypso's gaze moves towards the other two, faces she has not seen in quite some time. No comment is made, however, as to what has transpired in recent weeks.

Arahael nods to the others present before taking his seat near the left hand of place draped in black. A brief glance is spared for that empty seat as Arahael takes up his glass in one hand, then turns back to regard his fellow Aegians. "We must make wiser choices here, much wiser, than those we have made in any recent times. If ever the Aegis was to surpass itself, it must be now. This is a watershed moment, and small choices will have great effect in years and decades to come."

"Do we really have a choice, Deus?" Cassius inquires with a wry note in his voice. "You know the terms of the treaty. If we choose a woman to be our Empress, then that..." his mouth works as a number of unflattering titles race through his head, but at last he settles on, "God-King can marry her to a Varati of his choosing. Or even take her to wife himself. We have fallen so far already, but that..." He shakes his head. "Our people could not abide that."

Kalypso inclines her head. "If we choose a man, however, Dei, then he shall marry one that could be of Varati upbringing, but Empyreal blood." Her gaze moves around the table, "I do ... agree, with Deus Augustin, however..." Fancy that. For once, Kalypso agrees with Cassius. "...in that our people cannot abide Khalid Atar as their Emperor."

"And they should not," Leonidas opines. "We have a candidate for Emperor, and we should name him such. He ... I have taken it upon myself to speak with him, already. He says that he could marry the one the God-King suggested, Aurora, though it would not please him."

"Him, him, him." Arahael has regarded the water within his glass while the others spoke, "Name this person, Deus. Speak plainly."

Cassius' ice-blue eyes slide over to meet Kalypso's, and he inclines his head in slight acknowledgment of her 'support.' Yet Leonidas' words draw his attention next, and he frowns marginally. "I assume you speak of the Praetor, Drusus. He, at least, had no part in that damned insurrection." Under his breath, he adds, "That I know of." But his mouth pulls down in a deeper frown. "But what do we know of this... Aurora? She sided with the Varati in the war -- she went against her own blood. What is her tie to the God-King? Does anyone know anything about her?"

Kalypso's eyes move towards Arahael, before she turns back to Cassius. "I'm afraid I know naught of her, though Cepheus might, Deus. He has... ties, in the city, and he knew of her, I do believe. She has no wings, this I've seen, though I do not know why... or how, she lost them."

Arahael's grey eyes also move to regard Cassius, "You have the longest tenure among the Aegis, Deus Augustin. What can you tell us of this unwinged Empyrean?"

Leonidas adds, "I know nothing of her, myself, but Drusus Jove knew of her, as did the Imp... as did Stavros, when first he saw her. What her ties to that one might be, I cannot say." He inclines his head toward Cassius. "If you know something, Deus Augustin, we would be glad to hear it."

"I have never heard of her before," Cassius answers. "There are no records, that I know of, about a powerful wind-elemental who... lost her wings." The phrase brings a subtle change to his expression -- a slight wince, as if recalling some unpleasant memory. But he goes on. "And as most of you know, we conducted quite a search for wind-elementals when it first became apparent that our former Emperor, Justinius, was growing feeble. He had no suitable heir. If there had been an Empyrean candidate able to follow in his stead, we would have known of it." He sounds absolutely assured of this fact.

"Then again," Arahael replies, "A powerful wind-mage would have to do much to be cast from her people in such a fashion." He pulls his eyes from Cassius at this point, and looks to Leonidas and Kalypso, "And I do not find it at all unlikely that records of such an affront to the Empyre would have been purged. We are," the Deus Jove concludes uncomfortably, "a people somewhat used to self-deception."

Self-deception. What an elegant way to put it. Kalypso's gaze slides again down the table, her brow furrowing. "We seem to be straying somewhat from the point, Dei. Who, or what, this woman has done seems, to me, to be rather moot. After all, if our choice is between she or Khalid, I cannot think that any of us would choose Khalid?" Her eyes rest on each of the others as she speaks, resting lastly on Cassius. "We can learn much of this woman if we need to, after we make our choice, but let us not delay further."

"I want her watched," states Cassius flatly and bluntly. His eyes slide to Arahael, and he simply repeats it. "Watch her. She is no doubt some pawn of the God-King's. What their tie may be, I cannot possibly imagine -- but he seems to have made a habit of 'collecting' powerful mages. He is up to something. If the Praetor, Drusus, cannot keep his..." his lips twist slightly, "wife in line, then the Aegis must. And I, well..." he does not finish the rest, but his wings give a short, helpless shrug. He doesn't need to finish the sentence -- his meaning is apparent. He may not be here much longer to 'watch' the God-King's 'pawn' himself.

Pawn? An apt phrase, although the pieces are of greater importance. "So it comes to accepting 'check' -- accepting Aurora as wife of an Emperor Drusus Jove and an Empyrean woman to be wed to Khalid Atar -- rather than the 'checkmate' of the Varati God-King wedding our chosen Empress." Arahael looks to the other members of the Aegis present, takes another sip from his glass, then places it firmly on the table. A drop of water runs down the goblet to the table's surface. "So be it. He is of my House, and it will fall to us to accept this Aurora into Jove, so allow me the formality. I, Deus Arahael Severin Jove, move that the Aegis place Drusus Marcus Jove upon the throne of the Empyre, and name him Emperor."

"She will be watched, Deus Augustin. She will be watched, and watched well." That, from Leonidas. "The Varati god-king does not rule us, Deus, no more than the woman he chooses will rule the Empyre. Drusus Jove will have advisors at his side night and day." Arahael's words prompt a pause from him, and then he nods. "Seconded."

Cassius directs his gaze to Kalypso next, awaiting her 'decree' before he speaks again.

The gaze of the Tritonides matriarch remains locked on the face of Cassius. "I will support this motion, as well, Dei." Simple words from Kalypso, but they're all that's needed.

Inclining his head, Cassius exhales a soft sigh and allows some of the rigidity to leave his shoulders. "Then I suppose it is decided. Without a Princeps, or an Emperor, we are sadly lacking in direction. The other Aegians must be apprised of this choice. Some of them may protest, but in the end... there is little we can do. It is either Khalid Atar, or one of his pawns." He frowns marginally. "But a pawn, at least, would be easier to... watch." Oh, so much weight in that single word. So many other possible meanings, that are less benign. But Cassius does not speak them aloud. "One of you will undertake that task?" He cocks his head a little to one side in a questioning manner.

Leonidas' gaze drops to the hand he curls around the stem of his water glass. "It will be done, Deus Augustin."

Kalypso glances around the table, and inclines her head as well. "Aye, Deus Augustin. It will be done, to be sure." She glances around the table once again. "We are agreed then, Dei?"

Arahael nods solemn assent, "We are agreed."

Cassius nods in response to Kalypso's words, then his cold blue eyes settle on Leonidas, and linger there for a short space. At last, in a grave tone, he murmurs, "You honor your House, Deus. I never thought I would say that to a Thanatos. But I... thank you." His eyes move to include Kalypso, as well. "And you, Dea." Mouth curling marginally at one corner, he remarks, "I doubt that my small part as a bargaining chip in this 'arrangement' caused either of you to lose sleep, but, from one Aegian to another, I thank you for the attempt." He takes a deep breath, his vague, humorless smile fading. "And for meeting with the God-King in the first place. I do not know that I could have, despite my... change of heart." These words are difficult for him, but he speaks them with as much dignity as he can muster. And even sincerity -- a trait so often lacking in the Augustin patriarch in the past.

Leonidas looks up at Cassius, holding his gaze a moment before golden eyebrows draw together. "The God-King allowed us some leniency, Deus Augustin. If he remembers himself, he will remember our request, and he will spare you. I," he says after a brief pause, "am honored in turn by you. If any more power lies in my hand to return you to us, I will find and use it."

"You will return to us, Deus Cassius Augustin," Arahael states in a tone of quiet prophecy. "I have no gift of sight, but this seems clear to me."

Cassius' pale blue eyes lower to the table, and a faint tremor passes through his wings. He's trying not to show it, but the Aegian is afraid. No, terrified. He knows the fate of Lycenae, and the fates of those who have crossed Khalid Atar in the past. He is not hopeful. Yet he musters a faint, fleeting smile, if mirthless, and remarks, "I... think I shall make peace with my lares, all the same." He gives Arahael a rueful glance. "No offense intended to your 'powers of prophecy,' Deus. I do have one request, however."

Kalypso waits, of course, her own words silenced by the quick words of the others. "What is it you request, Deus?" Her gaze slides to the other two at the table, "I am sure that .. we shall do anything we can to ... grant such?"

Cassius keeps his eyes downcast as he states quietly, "My wife. She fought for Parnassus, and she held it. For her service to the Empyre, perhaps you will do this. If not, then I ask it as a personal favor -- I hope that either one would sway you." He draws in a breath and finally forces the words out, loathe as he is to 'beg' for anything. "See that she is... cared for. If there is a healer who can make her whole again, find him. Just... assure me of that much, and I can go before the God-King with a lighter heart."

"She is family, Deus. It does not matter that she married an Augustin, Elidi is, and always shall be, a Tritonis. And so she shall be cared for. I, myself, will see to that." Kalypso's voice is soft, but firm. "Family is everything, Deus. If you do not look after them, there are none who might look after you."

For all the difference the two possess, in this Arahael and Cassius are similar -- the lengths they will go to, for the one they have chosen to love. "Of course," Arahael replies, "Either would sway. Together, they compel. If the healer can be found, it will be done." The Deus Jove smiles wryly, "I believe I have enough sway with my cousin that, as Emperor, he would make such a thing happen if I request." He nods to Kalypso's words. It would seem that there will be no dearth of assistance for Elidi.

Leonidas nods in agreement with the other two. There's little more to be said after they have spoken, and so he says nothing.

For a moment, the Augustin patriarch's eyes close -- in gratitude, relief, or an upswell of emotion that he simply chooses to conceal. His wings give a silken rustle before he opens his eyes. "Thank you," he replies -- simple words for the renowned orator. Then, he squares his shoulders as if mentally preparing himself for the coming ordeal. "I have come to appreciate the importance of family, Dea," he tells Kalypso in a quiet tone. "And I believe I shall spend my last few hours with them -- unless there is anything else?" Blue eyes settle on each fellow Aegian in turn.

Arahael shakes his head slowly, "We are done here, I believe." This meeting, though, was hosted by Kalypso, and Arahael's gaze goes to her, "Dea?"

Kalypso shakes her head briefly as she pushes her chair back, standing. "I thank you for your time, Dei. Jove's blessings on all of you."

Leonidas climbs to his feet as well. "I will send word of the decision to Civitas Dei, and notify Drusus Jove... unless you would rather do so, Deus Jove?"

"And to you, Dea," Cassius returns as he, too, rises. He glances from Leonidas to Arahael as he awaits the Jovian Aegian's response.

"Thank you for your consideration," Arahael replies, "But you and the Dea Tritonis have had to bear much in the way of hard news." He nods, as if coming to some decision within himself, "This news is mixed, yet, I feel you deserve to carry it after what you have already borne. Go, with my blessings. Tell Drusus Jove that his House stands with him."

Kalypso nods toward Leonidas, as she steps behind her chair. Winged servants have already started to enter, waiting by the door patiently as the group disbands. Kalypso's eyes turn towards Cassius, once again. "If you need an escort to Atesh-Gah, Deus Augustin, I would be honored to do so."

"As does all of the Aegis," Cassius adds after Arahael's comment, though the words sound more like a subtle warning than a vote of support. He glances at Kalypso and again displays that brief, mirthless smile. "The offer is appreciated, Dea, but I shall have to decline. I... will go alone." He then tips his head to each of his comrades and says quietly, "Vale. Wind to your wings, my friends." And then he turns on his heel and makes his way out of the chamber, the weight of an uncertain future dragging at his wings.

FIN  

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