Title: A Spy's Report
Date: Thursday, April 20, 2000

The throne room is filled to its nether end with courtiers seeking the Queen-Maharani's favor. Clothed in bright and gay colors, the courtiers chat among themselves while waiting for their name to be called by the seneschal.

On her throne, Thalia leans forward an intent expression on her face as she listens to the petition before. She speaks a few words and then the seneschal summons the next supplicant.

Geridan strides in to the throne room at steady pace, showing absolutly no regard for those around him. They don't exist. His firey pale eyes instead are set quite firmly on your own, but do not misread, it's not anger. Immediatly as he reaches you he drops to the floor taking a knee, one clenched fist pressed to the floor and his gloved hand setting itself losely on the hilt of his blade beneath the plain light cloak whihc adorns his shoulders. "Namaste Maharani." he speaks, quietly but confidently, a tone fitting for his stone-set expression.

Business before the Queen-Maharani proceeds. Thalia, as yet, does not deign to notice Geridan, instead listening to the newest courtier present his case to her. Only when the courtier has finished, does she break from the set schedule and look down at Geridan. Those who have been waiting longer and more patiently than Geridan grumble at the intrusion, but the legendary generosity of the Maharani holds most of the mutterings beyond earshot. She does not bid Geridan to rise. Instead, she leans back on her throne and looks at his bent position. "What brings you to my presence, Geridan Kentari?"

"Urgent news Maharani." he insists plainly, no strings attatched, no emphasis, just a statement. He makes no effort to rise, he stays kneeled as he is, head bowed, body hardened. This is not the same man you met with last. "It would also be best." he adds, eyes darting somewhat menacingly to those near him, finally giving them notice. "if we could speak privatly as well."

Speech does not come from Thalia's pale form for a long moment. Finally, she gestures with her hand, indicating that those near the dais should back away. The shuffling of feet and clothing provides evidence that her wishes are being obeyed. "Rise, Geridan Kentari, and tell me your urgent news," commands the Queen-Maharani. Her voice does not move further than the man kneeling at her feet and despite the high occupancy of the room, it seems like Queen and subject are alone.

Geridan rises slowly, his form standing confidently before you, not a quiver stirring in him. He makes one last bow then clasped hands find eachother behind his back, burrying in his cloak and again those flaming crystals set themselves upon you. "I've come to bring word of Resolution Eclipse, and perhaps some other details of the world you are yet to be aware of." Waiting for permission to continue he continues still and tightliped, descretly searching your eyes.

Thalia lifts one hand from its resting position on the throne. She gestures, the movement like that of a fluttering bird. "Continue." Unlike the beings of fire and stone, the Queen, in her sari of blue, holds an air of motionless about her that suggests the calm surface of pool reflecting the summer sky. She is not the flighty breeze, as is so often seen with those of the Empyrean race. Instead, she is like the breath of wind before it blows. It is this counter and contrast which gazes down upon Geridan, waiting for his next words.

Tue Apr 25 19:11:18 CDT 2000

A level gaze, unyielding and chilled to the bone. Those pale eyes almost seem to glow with a radiance of cold as they rage and swirl. "I have come before you today to bring word of the Resolution Eclipse Maharani." he says blandly, but confidently, bowing his head once more. "And perhaps some other matters your are yet to be aware of." Both hands have swept back behind him in to his cloak, one clasping the others forearm firmly as he stands, still as stone.

Thalia looks down at Geridan, with dispassion in both mein and posture. "Then speak, as I have allowed you to break before those who have waited patiently and honorably for their audience. Tell me the news so I may know if you are worthy of being allowed to speak your piece without needing to observe the courtesies all the others in this room strive to obey."

Geridan bows again in apology, though this meeting is long overdue and he thought it quite neccessary. "I have key knowledge of Resolution Eclipse's workings, dealing, and set up. Jehan unknowingly made me second in command. I am before you today prepared to share this knowledge with you in any way I can and help to bring about their distruction." If he was ashamed or hurt though as a result of the comment, it doesn't much register in those crystalline eyes. Even at his most impassive this man used to show some emotion. But now he stands before you naked of it, and those blue sphere's rage as if proclaiming proudly their lack there of. "I come before you willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the Maharani's safety and to bring these cultists to justice." Justice meaning imprisonment /or/ death.

Thalia states, in emotionless tones, "Speak of this knowledge. You have stated before that this man, Jehan, has made you second in command. Now I would know what information you have gained. What does the man plan? Where is this organization located? How many members does it have? You claimed before that Resolution Eclipse had penetrated both the Hounds and Delphi with its members. Do you have any proof to support these previous claims?"

Geridan bows his head once more, a mixed gesture. "They have a warehouse in which they reside in. I can provide you with a layout of it, it's key defensive positions, and their plans for holding it." This is far from the man you met with last. "They plan an assasination of you Maharani, though I have convinced him to put the idea on hold for now, giving both myself and you more time to deal with the situation. It's membership is fairly small. I would say no more than a hundred. As for his connections with the Hounds and Delphi, I believe those to be dissolved."

Thalia leans back on her throne, her expression now taking on a thoughtful tone. She gestures over to the scribes which hide in the shadows, recording the proceedings of the court. "Please hand your layout to the scribes. Do you have a description or a picture of this Jehan? Does he have a last name? What are the plans for the assasination? Can proof of it be found in this warehouse?"

"A description will be easy Maharani." he speaks sharply, but calmly, his eyes lowering briefly. "They planned to catch you out of the Atesh-Gah. On one of your rare trips to the Rialto and assasinate you there. And I can do better than give you proof Maharani." He hesitates for a moment, but still does not waver. "I can give you the man himself."

Thalia says "And when will you produce this man? So far, no one else appears to know of him except you." She looks down at Geridan with a waiting expression on her face. Finally, she reminds, "The layout to the scribes?""

Geridan nods. There is a shuffling in his cloak, and when his gloved hand emerges it holds in it two pieces of parchment. Taking steady strides he hands them to the scribe, inclining his head as he does so. "One is a simple lay out. The other includes their plans and key defensive positions." He turns in his heels and walks back before you once more. "He trusts my Maharani." Still no sign of weakness, but there is strain in those eyes now. "Without hesitation he does. I can help you manipulate him in to a trap and aid in his capture. He wont argue me." He pauses for a long moment, the strain vanishing and his entire face becoming grim death. "I have one request though Maharani. If indeed the man must be put to the noose or the blade, I wish to be the one that does so to him."

Thalia appears to be considering Geridan's proposal. "What sort of trap? How would you manipulate the man into self suicide?"

One of the scribes takes the pieces of paper offered by Geridan and begins making a copy of the items. Another scribe continues to take down the words spoken by Thalia and Geridan.

Geridan's brows furrow ever so slightly now as he ponders over that. "I'm not quite sure. I could work in conjunction with some of the Agni-Haidar and perhaps some less conspicuous faces. I could simply lead him in to a secluded area, he often likes to frequent the Garden with me." His eyes seem to be sparkling a bit now. "People could be positioned in wait in the maze, or in the trees, some inside the park and upon him and I entering would take up positions at the entrance." Again his hands float behind his back, clasping underneath his cloak as he stares off distantly. "Then we could pounce on him and take him."

Thalia shakes her head. "No. There has been much discord between my Agni-Haidar and the people of Haven in the past few months. I will not willing place them in a position of instigating a problem which will cause a disturbance. If you wish to produce Jehan, then you must bring him to Atesh-Gah and present him before me and Khalid as a traitor to the Varati people."

Geridan nods twice. Ofcourse, logical, after the proclimation and the recent acts by Amipal the Agni are far from popular. "If I could manage to get him within the walls of the Atesh-Gah, could the trap be layed within?"

Thalia looks coolly at Geridan. "If this man, as you say, completely believes your word, then there should be nothing which would prevent him from enterring the walls of Atesh-Gah willingly and happily. Indeed, you should be able to bring him into the throne room without aid. This will be a test of your boasts that this man believes all that you say. I do not, based on your own words, see a need for a trap."

"He may trust me Maharani," Geridan continues, just as blandly; neither showing discouragement or frustration of any kind. "but he is a very cautious and clever man. And the simple fact of being in the Atesh-Gah would put him on his guard. I believe a trap would be neccessary to bring him in to custody. I believe I can get him here though." He hasn't moved yet since he stood back before you after handing over the parchments.

Thalia says, softly, "If you can bring him into Atesh-Gah, then it should not be a problem for you to bring him into the Throne Room. It is but a few more feet into the compound."

Geridan nods, exhaling a deep breath. "I will endevor to do so Maharani, though I suggest you have people standing by. As I'm sure you will." He pauses for a moment, wanting to pass over the topic. "You can launch an assult on the warehouse that same day. With their leader in captivity they will be unorganized and with the plans I have given you, they should fall easily."

Thalia replies, "Merely send word ahead that you come with Jehan. Of course, should he deny that he plots to assassinate me, then it will be your word against his before the Varati court. I would suggest that you plan for additional witnesses to support your story."

Geridan'd brows furrow again and his eyes harden. "I don't think it is possible Mahrani. I can find witnesses to give testimony to his free use of his fire magic in scare tactics. But I believe the simple fact that he is leader of a cult formed under the idea of killing you would satisfy that." The most emotion he's shown in his voice yet today, and it was simply an intone of curiosity.

Thalia replies, "You said that Jehan is a clever man. What is to prevent him from denying your accusations?" She arches one brow and waits for Geridan to answer.

Geridan ponders for a long moment, his head bowing slightly and his eyes darting distantly, his mind burning and working. "I believe any evidence needed would be found in the headquarters. And I'm not entirely sure he would deny it. He considers me a friend." He seems to harden again at that, standing up perfectly straight and even the cold fire in his eyes vanishing to impassive grey. "Otherwise yes, it will be my word against his. I will think on the matter for now and we can cross the bridge when we come to it. If you have any ideas Maharani, I would more than gladly accept them."

Thalia does not provide ideas. Instead, she asks, "Do you have any other news to impart? Otherwise, there are others who wait patiently for their turn before the throne. It would be unkind to make them wait longer than necessary."

"In fact I do Maharani." he proclaims, if a little louder than neccessary. "I am putting my hand in for the position of Provost of Haven." He stands perfectly still, awaiting your reaction, though he doubts tehre will be much of one.

The brow which was raised earlier, rises again. Thalia says, "I see. And, do others know of your intent? I had not heard of your candidacy." Her arms, relax languidly on the rests; pale, as the marble beneath them, Thalia and her appendages could be ageless stone waiting for Geridan to answer.

Geridan shakes his ehad slowly. "A select few do. I am planning to announce it publicly shortly." He hesitates for a moment, for the first time seeming unsure, but in the end decides against asking.

Thalia nods. "Good luck on your endeavor." She adds nothing else, besides the faint encouragement.

Geridan gives a slight smile and bows deeply. It's the first smile you've seen from the man, if it can even be called one. "Thank you Maharani. I believe that is all for now. Should any more news arise or should I discover more about Resolution Eclipse I will attempt to notify you as soon as possible. If it pleases the Maharani that is."

Thalia smiles faintly. "I would like to be notified. However, my advice is that in the future, you might wait to be announced by the seneschal before striding past all the other Varati and placing yourself before the throne. If you wish to become Provost, then the opinions of others will matter and placing yourself at the head of the line without considering that others were waiting before your arrival is rather rude."

Geridan nods, "My apologies Maharani, and I shall convey them to the people, along with my thanks as I depart. I pray I obtain the position so that I may better serve yourself, the Amir-al, and the citizens of Haven. Good day and good health to you Maharani. And thank you again for your time." He bows, awaiting dismissal and smiles that same slight smile again, his eyes meeting yours levely. "By your leave."

Thalia commands, "You may leave." While her voice is not thunderous or terrifying like that of the God-King, it is majestic in its own right. With this, her attention leaves Geridan to capture that of her seneschal and await the next supplicant.

Geridan rises, turning sharply on his heels and marching tward the exit with his head held high. He's quite pleased with himself though it does not show. Those whom he wronged he inclines his head to as he passes, whispering or mouthing silent namaste's to each individual or group. Coming to the door he stops, taking one last look around, then proceeds through the exit and out of the Atesh-Gah.

FIN

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