Title: An Agent Within
Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000

Soft brilliant filters into the Throne Room from the winter sun and bathes Thalia Khalida with all its glory as she sits on her throne. Though the chair beside her is empty of the dark-winged ruler of the Varati, the Queen is not alone as long as the sun shines upon her. As the Maharani is not holding a formal court, the chamber is fairly empty. Only a few people with pertinent business stroll about the chamber.

Geridan sweeps gracefully in to the throne room, cloak flowing behind him as it struggles to keep up with his strides. His face is Varati impassivness to perfection and his eyes are set as stone, pale greys looming over them. Stoping shortly before the throne he falls to the floor taking a knee, his right fist clenched and pressed to the ground, head bowed deeply, and gloved left hand resting losely on his hilt, "Namaste Maharani. I thank you for recieving me. I have news I believe you will wish to hear, and be glad to." He stays where he is, daring not to move until given permission to rise.

Kerani slows the faintest fraction of a step when she realizes Geridan's path is taking the two of them to a part of the embassy that the young woman is quite unfamiliar with, though she doesn't say anything aloud. Once inside, though, her dark eyes go wide with amazement and disbelief. The only thing that might surprise her more, or so she thinks, would have been if the Khalid were also in his throne. She accompanies Geridan as he approaches the throne, not knowing what else to do - she drops into a deep curtsey and stays behind Geridan, also remaining down until bidden otherwise.

Thalia looks back at Kerani, a touch of curiousity entering into her eyes, but not touching the rest of her face. Her attention returns to Geridan and she lifts her hand. "Rise and speak, Geridan. I will listen."

Geridan slowly does so, his head inclining slightly as he stands tall, "Thank you Maharani." He pauses for a moment, gathering the all too numerous thoughts together that swirl through his mind, "I have done as you asked. Although not with the Kyklos. I have infiltrated Resolution Eclipse Maharani, and even better so than I had hoped to do. Their leader, Jehan, has made me his second in command." He acknowledges the touch of curiosity in Thalia's eyes with a reassuring look of his own. She is meant to be here, to hear this.

Kerani remains lowered, since the Mahirani's words weren't directoed toward her. Her perfect curtsey and proper bearing is almost shattered in an instant as Geridan's explanation begins. Her breath stops, eyes widening - but she refuses to move. Ah, so much for thinking that you knew what would be surprising, girl.

Thalia asks, in a non-inflected voice, "Why should I be interested in Resolution Eclipse? I have not heard of this group before this. Why have you infiltrated them?" She appears unsurprised at Geridan's news and her interest in the matter is tempered by the fact that while she sits on her throne, her main focus is the Varati people rather than her own curiosity.

Geridan is taken quite aback... he does not show it ofcourse. He thought she would be thrilled to hear this... "They are planning to kill you Maharani, and have made many plans and efforts to control the city, the local military organizations, and the populace itself. Some of which are already in motion."

Kerani cuts off a gasp before she can let it be heard. She raises her dark eyes slightly toward Geridan, which reflect showing shock and disbelief.

Thalia does not immediately address Geridan's issue. Instead she looks at Kerani. "Imphada Al'Samar, who are you to this man and what do you know of these dealings?" Her calm gaze measures the vaisya girl; she is decidedly different from the friendly social woman which has previously been Kerani's pleasure to meet.

Kerani blinks her attention clear, again lowering her eyes properly. She hardly seems surprised by the different demeanor - at least that, she could have expected. "Imphadi Geridan is a close friend ... and a suitor." She pauses, having not at all expected something like this. "I have seen this ... Jehan ... and know him to be very dangerous and volatile. More than that, though ... this is the first I've heard."

Geridan continues to stand firm, impassive stone from head to toe. He does not appear to be moved by Thalia's dismissal of his words or by her questioning of Kerani. Things have to be known after all. That's why she's here in the first place.

Thalia returns her attention to Geridan upon the completion of Kerani's speech. "How has Resolution Eclipse infiltrated the many levels of Haven's government? Are they in any way related to Kyklos? Are they only based in this city? And, why, may I ask, do they wish to kill me? I do not see how I am related to Haven and if I should leave this city to return to the homeland, then it seems to me that if they are solely based on Haven, then I would be safe from this potential danger."

Geridan nods, shifting his feet only to stand straighter, eyes meeting Thalia's levely, "Yes Maharani. For now they are based only in Haven. I would not doubt though that they have made plans should you try to depart. Jehan is a very intelligent and resourcfull man." He swallows hard, reminding himself that these next words are not his own, and hoping Thalia knows that as well, "They view you as a plague on the city and the Varati people. That you disgrace your own race and theirs merely with your presence here. They are racial purists as well, they believe the Varati to be superior to all and disagree heavily with your views of a united, cooperative Haven." Shaking his head gently he continues, "I have no names yet on those that have infiltrated society. I am not aware of any government positions yet, mostly military. They're currently aiming at the Hounds, the Praetorian, and even the Agni-Haidar."

An extra emphasis is placed on that last military organization and a quick wash of blue rolls over Geridan's eyes, dissapearing as quickly as it came.

Kerani falls perfectly silent once again, still low to the ground in a curtsey. Her composure isn't as impeccable as when she started, but she leaves her manners to the instinct of having done much the same thing many times before. That composure worsens somewhat at the mention of this group's targets, memory tugging at something said in that encounter many days ago....

Thalia's wry amusement at the mention of infiltration of the Agni-Haidar has a rather frightening quality. "What would you have me do with this information? Given that you know the leader, a word spoken to my Agni-Haidar and within a day, he will meet the face of death. Should Khalid hear of it, his anger and vengeance would be swift and sure as well and complete."

Geridan nods slowly, "Be that as it may Maharani, I would recomend serious precautions be taken. He is no weakling. And very resourcfull," the whisp of blue rolls over once more as he says that almost in reply to her laugh at his mention of the Agni-Haidar. "And I will continue to hold my position there until that day comes when he leaves this world." Another incline of his head is made at that, partially out of respect, partially to hide something he knows he can not keep from his eyes.

Kerani slowly regains a semblance of mental stability as her mind seems to come to terms with what's happening. Oddly enough, Thalia's words reassure her, rather than cause her any discomfort.

Thalia says to Geridan, "So be it then, I shall give word to my Agni-Haidar and they shall wipe this group from existence. I am sure that Nayaka Faisal will particularly enjoy spitting and burning Jehan. It is something that he does very well."

Geridan shakes his head slowly, "I believe hold that order Maharani. There is still much of Resolution Eclipse I do not know. Much that, even if the cult itself is ahnialated, could still prove at the very least troublesome to yourself." He sighs deeply, the most emotion he has shown since arriving, his head finally raising, "It is not that I don't have confidence in you or the Agni-Haidar Maharani, it is just that... It is best to air on the side of caution in such matters. In battles such as these, knowledge is power, and he holds much."

Thalia considers Geridan's proposal. Her chin rests on the knuckles of an upturned hand and she weighs the issues in her own mind. "Very well, I give you two months to find all that there is to know about Resolution Eclipse. For those two months, I will hold my Lions in abeyance, but after your time is completed, they shall pour Atar's vengeance upon these miscreants."

Geridan nods, hands slapping to his sides as he bows deeply, "Thank you Maharani. I have been around Jehan. I have gotten to know him well. And he has learned to trust me. I will serve you well." he rises from the bow; it's not hidden from Thalia this time. His eyes show with a slight respect, respect for who he will betray. "He is not a man to be taken lightly. I must also ask that you do not even give menchine to the Agni-Haidar. Please, humor me atleast. I believe I know what must be done with him." He bows deeply again, this time though when he speaks his voice is somewhat hesitant, tentative, and worried, "Maharani," he begins rather weakly, "Have you uncovered anything of my clan? Anything of anyone who still lives? Anything... at all?"

Kerani closes her eyes, and moves her lips in a silently-spoken prayer as the topic more dire to the Varati nation winds down. Those eyes slowly open again as the topic shifts.

Thalia replies, her voice solemn and thoughtful, "I have not uncovered any news of your clan. You are from a place that is far from Haven and by that very reason, news and information travels slowly."

Geridan nods sullenly, "Thank you Maharani. I will continue to report to you on Resolution Eclipse." he pauses a moment, his gloved left hand clenching unconciously, "I hope you hear something soon."

Kerani turns and lifts her head ever so slightly to look sideways toward Geridan, much more subtly than her breech of etiquette earlier on.

Thalia reflects, "Distance makes the task more difficult than it ought. I have not yet received even preliminary reports from those I have assigned to the task. You will have to be patient, Geridan."

Geridan does not nod this time, but simply acknowledges Thalia, "Yes Maharani, I will. Thank you." his tone is quiet, respectful, but somewhat deadend.

Thalia composedly looks at Geridan for a moment then says, "There is one last thing. It has been brought to my attention that you have had altercations with the Hounds. If you wish me to support the group you spoke of last time, such altercations will absolutely need to cease. The Queen cannot publicly support one who does not outwardly obey the laws of Haven."

Geridan knew this was coming. Obviously not thrilled about it, "I have been working along side the Hounds as well Maharani. Altair and I practice the sword together, and I have aided them on occasion. This particular time however, only Altair was there to recognize me, and my actions were under question by the other Hounds." Well, there's his two cents. He hopes it's enough.

Kerani just as silently turns her attention back toward the ground again, as is more proper.

Thalia says firmly, "I have stated my position. I, more than you, am a servant of my people. All my people, not one person. Should you choose to consider it important or not is up to you. Only you can make that choice. You have my permission to depart."

From Entrance Foyer, a woman shouts, "Hello?"

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

Kerani raises her head very slightly, the silent question clear as to whether or not the dismissal includes herself.

Geridan inclines his head once more, a bow following it shortly, "Thank you for your time and efforts Maharani. I hope I have more to report next time." Turning around he begins his stride again, cloak wrapping tightly around him. Coming up to Kerani he touches her gently on the shoulder, signling her to follow.

The door swings open and through it steps a proud looking Varati woman. Anyone with good eye sight or even blind would notice that the woman wears no veil.

Aditi pushes past the guards, who strangely make no move to stop her. "Who is before me?" she asks, her tone so firm it nearly sounds like a demand.

Thalia says, for Kerani, "You may leave as well, Imphada Al'Samar, but I wish to speak with you later. Alone." When Geridan and Kerani have taken their leave, she rises from her throne. It would seem that the Queen was only present to speak with these two. She descends from the dais and proceeds toward a side door, allowing one of the court's officials to deal with the new arrival.

Kerani rises from her held curtsey. "As you wish, Maharani," she replies. She looks to Geridan and nods slightly before following.

FIN

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