Title: Bring in the Hounds Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2000
Throne Room - Atesh-Gah - HavenA booming voice echoes from the chamber, as the next appointment with the Maharani arrives and is announced. "Commander Altair Leander Chryseis, of the Haven Hounds." And so enters this tall, well-mannered Empyrean at a march, his white wings held tall and proud even as the Agni-Haidar escorting him glares at the pretty feathers. The same Agni-Haidar also holds an extra weapon, the sharp gleam of a claymore that you'd think only a Varati could handle, Altair's own sheath empty. Altair marches before the throne and comes down on one knee, his head bowed to the Maharani in respect. "Your majesty," he says softly, his eyes closed and to the ground, remaining there until she addresses him.This massive rectangular area seem to rise forever; white polished marble catching the light that enters through the spacious windows on either side of the room and reflecting it throughout to dispel all shadow or gloom. The walls themselves are a work of art; the top half being the aforementioned stone, broken at mid-point by a border lovingly carved into an intricate design. Housed within the near foot-wide space is a pattern of interwoven bands of gold. The bottom half of the wall is sky-blue marble shot through with graceful swirls of cloudy white, once again giving way to pale marble for the few inches nearest the floor. Sturdy seats of golden-varnished wood, covered in cushions and upholstery of shimmering royal blue, are placed in orderly fashion at the sides of the room. Those who await the God-King's attention may rest as he attends matters of state.
Dwarfing all is the raised dais of solid marble, upon which looms two thrones: one for the God-King and the other for his Queen. A testimony to the art and craft of the Varati people, the thrones practically shimmer in the resplendent light of the chamber; the God-King's is upholstered in royal blue while the Queen's is a vibrant red, both solidly constructed of the same marble that forms the room. A delicate filigree of gold offsets the satiny-hued cloth. Almost like an afterthought, to the right of the dias is a wooden throne, similar in design and upholstered in blue.
There are two doorways in the room; the first, at the furthest end of the hall from the throne, leads to the foyer. The second is to the left of the dais.
Like the Empyrean which kneels before her, the Varati queen graces her throne with a pair of white wings, a shade paler than the gleaming marble that forms her seat. Expanded, the feathers provide the queen with her own backdrop, eschewing the need for any additional grandeur. "Commander," greets the Queen. "Rise. I have called you before me to discuss a very serious issue. It would appear that Haven harbors a group which desires nothing less than my death. What do you have to say on this matter?" Thalia directly addresses the point rather than dilly-dallying with courtesies which would only prolong Altair's visit within the walls of a place that regularly suffers the flame of an intemperate king.
Altair doesn't mind temperature. Besides, the God-King might be able to help him with his tan. Of course, nothing is said as Altair rises and takes one step back, looking to Thalia. "According to an informant which we both share, the group Resolution Eclipse, led by the Varati known as Jehan, has been plotting against your eminence for some time now. I cannot make decisions for the Hounds as Commander, but I can make recommendation to the Archon and the Estrella. Though my informant has said in the past that the group seemed to be nearing collapse, he has recommended capture and punishment. I would concur with this, charging the group under Delphic Law with conspiracy to murder a visiting political leader. Like I said, however, all I can do is recommend to the Delphi."
One fine brow arches upward at Altair's words. "And, have you recommended to Delphi? Or, is my safety of such low import to Delphi and the Hounds that nothing has been done on this matter? If this organization is known to you, then it would seem logical that the Estrel and the Archon of the Hounds take measures to lawfully eliminate the group, lest matters move in a decidedly chaotic direction. I doubt, Commander, that the Estrella desire that Khalid administer his own brand of justice within Haven's walls."
Altair shakes his head softly, his hands clasping together behind his back in a move to look administrative and authoritative. "Your Highness, this information is recent to me. I have full plans to inform the Archon and the Delphi, to appraise them on the latest news, but I wished to consult with you first so that I have all the details on your position. The appointment here had already been made when I learned of the information, and my informant seemed to think you would be safe from attack until at least after this meeting. I also needed to know your position and recommendation to the Archon, to know if now was the time to pull our informant out of the field and make our move."
Thalia inclines her head, smiling. "Just so. Then allow me to illuminate you, Commander, as to my position on the matter." She pauses, still smiling. "I would like for this group to be thoroughly eliminated, not only from the environs from Haven but wherever else it has sown its seed. However, I understand that the Hounds only have jurisdiction over Haven and thus it is my request that you ask the Archon and the Estrella to put themselves behind an operation to jail Resolution Eclipse and brings its members to trial. I would like to give the Hounds and Delphi a chance to prove that Haven's laws will work when enforced upon Varati. Thus, rather than allowing the Agni-Haidar or members of Clan Khalida to wreck vengeance upon Resolution Eclipse, I am asking that the Hounds perform their duty and arrest all the members of the organization. I am a reasonable Queen as I believe Khalid to be a reasonable God and King. I do not wish to bring more chaos and unrest to Haven if it can be prevented by the Hounds performing their office. However, should the Hounds delay in action for too long, action by the Varati upon this group may be inevitable. I hope this fully clarifies my point, Commander."
Altair bows his head to the Maharani, his eyes closing briefly. When he returns, he has a soft smile that fairly matches Thalia's, despite all the glares he feels from battle-sown warriors around him. "I will relay this to the Archon and the Estrella immediately, along with my own recommendation. Though, if I may ask, to have this in writing with the seal of office might help expedite the matter in the higher eschelons. To know that you have a personal hand deep in the matter, I believe, will cut out a lot of red tape."
Thalia waves a hand, almost negligently, "If you need such a letter, I can have my scribes script my requests to the Archon and the Estrella. However, you should, Commander, ascertain that such a letter is absolutely necessary. I prefer not to release too many official letters into the public forum. Too easily can such things be stolen and used to create forgeries by which evil deeds can be done."
Altair nods respectfully to Thalia again, his smile not wavering. "I understand your concern, Maharani. I will consult with the other Commanders and the Archon and get back to you if such a letter seems required. Is there more that you need of me, your Highness?"
Thalia lifts the formerly waving hand and tucks it under chin, taking on a thoughtful air. After a moment, she says, "No, Commander, I believe we have been able to conclude our business in a speedy and efficient manner. I shall not keep you. I know that maintaining peace in Haven is a tiring occupation. I will not cause you to have an increased workload because I kept you here over long. Thank you for coming. I shall await word of your progress."
Altair smiles soft, bowing once more before Thalia. "Your Highness, it is always a pleasure speaking with you, business or otherwise. I hope that perhaps, when next we meet, it will be for conversation and such rather than heavy business. Until we meet again, may you have clear skies." Looking back to the glaring escort, his brow arches. He glances at his sword a moment, along its length, as if making sure the man hasn't damaged it at all. No doubt some jealous Varati would love to claim ownership of such a sword.
Thalia gives Altair a final nod. "Fly well and swiftly, Commander." She leans back on the throne at the conclusion, allowing the shudra to show Altair to the chamber doors where his fine weapon can be returned to him. Her attention departs from the Empyrean to others in the throne room rather than lingering in a fashion which mind bring an unfavorable reaction upon the Hound. The doors at the other end are held open, as if the Varati are more than eager to be rid of Altair, but Thalia's own opinion remains private as she waits for Altair to depart before speaking to another.
Altair gives the Agni-Haidar a nod before being escorted out of the room, showing little to no emotion as to what he thinks of the warriors that glare at him.
FIN
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