Date: February 10, 1999
Place: Tent - Varati Camp - Somewhere in the Empyre
Cast: Aurora, Kalypso, Khalid, Leonidas, Murako, Riana (@emits), Stavros, Thalia
Scene: The first night of negotiations for peace commences.

As the Empyrean envoys are escorted towards the central command tent, they can see the sheer size and power of the Varati grand army. Dozens of Clan banners fly high in the cool winds, announcing their presence for the world to see. Grim determination colors the faces of many of these young soldiers, while older warriors gaze upon the envoys with mixed emotions. There are no niceties here; this army was crafted for war and for the brutalities it may bring upon mankind. In the background, a wyvern Queen lifts her head to the sky, screeching out her challenge to any who cross her path.

Led into the tent proper, after being thoroughly searched by the ever present silver and black death guard that are the Agni-Haidar, the envoys are allowed into the presence of the God-King. He stands over a makeshift sink, washing his hands as he discusses something quietly with Thalia. Slowly, he turns toward the three who enter, and blue eyes flicker over their forms. Not a word is spoken.

Tent - Varati Camp - Somewhere in the Empyre:

(missed poses)

"Khalid-Atar..." the Imperator states, his one-eyed gaze flicking towards the God-King as he bows his head deeply in respect. "A shame our next meeting had to be under these auspicious circumstances, a fact which I truly regret... But, I hope that these circumstances can also be further prevented... " he states simply, voice honest and genuine, as he glances towards the other two. "They are, indeed, Tritonis, Khalid, and no less of them. I would let them speak for themselves however..." he replies to the query, his own appearance minorly disheveled from the long flight, thereby making the Khalid's little worse.

Thalia presses her lips together, a thoughtful expression anchored securely to her face. After a moment's contemplation, she nods to whatever it is that Khalid has said. What could they be talking about? The weather is as good a guess as any, judging from her calm manner and all. As people come into the tent, however, her attention is redirected, the woman twisting a bit to glance in the direction of the entrance. Her eyebrows lift faintly -- she is not surprised, but intrigued. After all, she had been informed of an arrival of sorts. Grey eyes tap each Empyrean face and the woman's mouth curves into the whisper of a smile. If nothing else, it is wonderful to see members of her own kind. When she notices the silver owl that Kalypso wears, though, she pulls in a quick breath, her gaze opening up wide.

Leonidas offers when his turn to speak comes, "I am Leonidas Severinus Thanatos, Khalid Atar, a Legate in the Praetorian Guard, and military advisor to the Aegis itself. It is an honor," he manages without sounding strained, "to stand before you, though I could wish it were on more pleasant terms, for gentler reasons."

Kalypso's head rises again, her gaze once again straying towards the Empyrean woman, before returning back to the God-King. She waits for Leonidas to speak first, before she speaks for herself. Her voice is soft, faintly lyrical with even the simplest of words offered. "And I am Kalypso Deukalia Tritonides." Her chin lifts just a fraction, her ivory wings tensing just enough to make them rise a few inches. She offers no further introduction on herself, however, but echoes the words of Leonidas. "An honor to finally meet you as well, Khalid Atar."

"Imperator, your words echo the sentiments that fill my heart." Khalid acknowledges Stavros with a dip of his chin, then does the same towards Leonidas. However, when blue orbs flash over Kalypso, there is a pause in motion and word. A widening of the eyes, the faintest of surprises. "Dea Kalypso. It is an honor to finally meet you." A pained pause. "You could be mistaken for the daughter of your aunt." Black wings extend and flap, almost in agitation as he crosses to his armchair and lowers himself somewhat comfortably into it. "Sit, please." With a twist of his wrist, he indicates the other chairs that have been setup for the envoys.

Thalia's expression of curious expectation softens back into a smile as Kalypso identifies herself, fine wings of white shifting faintly behind her. Her reaction is subtle, kept in check, for this is not that time to rejoice in family reunions. Of course, she wants to rush forward, take her kin and Dea into her arms before assailing her with a barrage of questions about Oriane and Riana. However, she tucks that desire away and settles for placing a slight curve to her lips instead. The woman stays out of the conversation, simply hovering along the edges, and remains were she stands: back and out of the way.

Nodding gracefully, acknowledging, Stavros meets the Khalid's gaze, dipping his head in admission to the statement. He, however, makes no motion to sit just yet, waiting instead for the other two to do so before him. Folding his hands behind his back, he waits patiently, calmly despite all that is going on around him. The faintest hint of a smile curls his lips but fades quickly enough, hidden under his typical mask of stoicism.

Leonidas, in turn, waits for Kalypso to take her seat before he sits, somewhat stiffly. Wings are shifted upward and aside to accommodate the seat. Callused hands are left to rest in his lap.

Kalypso moves towards the indicated seat, her wings spreading just enough so that she may sit comfortably. With her movements, she gains another chance to steal a glance at her cousin, a brief smile flitting across the youth's face before she turns again toward the God-King. She inclines her head once again, smile returning just enough to curl up the corners of her lips in response to Khalid's statement. "I have heard this before, but indeed, it brings me pleasure each time it is mentioned again. My thanks for your remembrance, of her."

There is a brief disturbance outside. The whistle of a breeze that still holds the faint chill of winter, and a murmured exchange of voices. Then, the tent-flaps part to admit another individual. Not a Varati, as one would expect, but a woman whose flaxen hair, slender build, and pale eyes suggest Empyrean, though she lacks their crowning glory, the wings that mark them forever separate from their kind. She is ground-bound, and she is garbed as a Varati; a strange addition to this private meeting of the God-King's. She enters his tent with the familiarity of one who has every right to be there, yet she does not interrupt the proceedings. Instead, she remains near the rear of the tent, and her grey eyes flicker to each visitor in turn. And halt, dead, on one in particular.

"Dea Damaris will always linger in my memory, Dea Kalypso." Khalid's speaks these words in soft reverence, before his tone hardens into something more distant. "At some point, we should speak on your aunt, Dea. This, unfortunately, is not such a time." He folds his hands in his lap, as he brushes off more of the grit from his clothing. He looks indeed the part of a warrior-king; blood is upon his clothes and fire is in his eyes. His hair has been let loose and frames his face in a curtain of midnight black hair. Only the briefest of glances is spared towards this newest arrival and only the slightest of nods is given in acknowledgment of this individual. Leveling his gaze on Kalypso, he inquires, "Dea, does this entourage speak for the Empyreal government? Does it have the power to negotiate?"

As the Imperator moves to sit, once the other two have, he turns his head to glance toward the new arrival. Both eyes, one blind or not, focus on her for a moment as he swallows a bit. However, at the Khalid's words, Stavros continues to sit, focusing now on the God-King himself, despite the occasional glance towards Aurora. "As of tonight, it should..." Stavros intones simply, his voice held quiet. "Should things have gone as I think they may have."

Leonidas answers Khalid directly, though he'll likely only hear the words from Kalypso. "We've risked a great deal, coming here, if we haven't got the power to put and end to all of this. If an agreement is reached, we have the power to make it stand." So sayeth Leonidas.

"As of tonight, Imperator?" Kalypso's wide gaze turns to Stavros, as both men answer the question put forth to her. She is, however, quite used to that. "What has happened tonight?"

Aurora's gaze had fastened on Stavros and not left -- not until she had time to re-acquaint herself with features once familiar. She swallows, too, and smoothes an unsteady hand down the fabric of her kamiz. Then, silently, she moves further into the tent, a brightly-garbed shadow-figure stealing unobtrusively closer to the God-King. Her purpose there is unknown, and her appearance an enigma. She comes to a halt nearby, flanking him, though not too close for distraction, and she merely listens. And watches.

Opening his mouth as if to speak, Khalid closes it anew as Kalypso inquires of her companions. There is a slight twist to the edges of his lips and a slender, black eyebrow arches. He remains silent, however, allowing the Empyreans to discuss amongst themselves.

Shaking his head quietly, Stavros looks towards Kalypso, and says only a few words, his voice held quiet and unobtrusive. "Only know that you have the power to speak, Dea, and end this... let not my comments stop it from happening. All you need to worry on is that we can end this terribly travesty and war. For that is all I worry about," he states, flatly, with a look to say that he will speak little, if any more on the matter for the time being. His one-eyed gaze flickers back toward the Khalid, and his companions, eyes lingering briefly on Aurora, but settling on the Khalid himself, intent on finishing this...

If one is watching closely, they might spy just the briefest of sidelong glances tossed in the direction of Aurora by Khalid. And for a moment, just a moment, one could almost imagine the weariness and concern ebb away from the features of the God-King. Then the mask is in place and impassive face regards the Empyreal envoys. He speaks, "Very well. I shall state the Varati terms. These terms will not be generous, but they are kinder than they could be, considering the state of the Empyre. My goal is not the subjugation or destruction of the Empyre. My end goal is peace. My end goal is also the continued strength and sanctity of the Varati kingdom. Understand this well as I speak."

Kalypso's hands fold together on her lap, as her eyes again cross the room to rest on the face of Khalid. Her own face is calm as she awaits the words of the God-King, her entire demeanor one of serenity. "We will listen to your terms, Khalid Atar. And we share the same goal of Peace for our people."

"Very well. Listen to all my terms before you interrupt." Khalid tacks on the word 'Please,' after a moment. His left hand flits up to curl back a lock of ebon hair around his ear, while black feathers rustle in impatience. "I have broken down the Varati terms into three categories. 'Non-negotiable,' 'important,' and 'negotiable.' This is how I value the terms. Non-negotiable means precisely that. While I will consider other options, if I do not like said options, I will refuse to negotiate on those terms. 'Important,' means I value them, yet I may be willing to bend depending on counter offers. And 'negotiable' means I believe it is important, yet I am willing to sacrifice said terms in the name of peace."

Stavros leans back in the chair a bit, to await the full terms, his face a silent, respective mask...

Thalia remains in the periphery, hanging behind, and to the side of, Khalid. The faint smile she donned earlier has long since faded back into the general sense of calm which seems to pervade her manner, an expression she secreted away once the discussion began in earnest. She follows the course of the conversation with her eyes, tracking her gaze from speaker to speaker, and interrupts this with only the occasional, flickered glance to Aurora.

Neither malice nor anger cloud Aurora's expression as she listens to the terms of the Amir-al and watches the faces of those who've journeyed so far to hear them. Stavros held her attention at first, but then she moves on to Kalypso, and she gives the young woman a curious scrutiny. After that, Leonidas is treated to the same considering appraisal. And last, Thalia, who watches from the periphery much as she does, garners a quizzical glance. Yet never once does she interrupt.

"The non-negotiable terms: The Empyre will pay three times the amount in damages that were inflicted upon the Varati kingdom upon their initial invasion of our sovereign lands, and twice the amount for the cost of fielding the Varati army during this war. The Empyre will issue a formal apology to the Varati kingdom; any sign of sarcasm or dishonesty in said apology will immediately invoke renewed hostilities. The Empyre and the Varati kingdom will exchange spouses for the respective monarchs of either kingdom. The Emperor will marry one affiliated with the Varati kingdom. And I will marry one affiliated to the Empyre." Khalid takes a pause for these words to sink in, then elaborates, "I know Lucian is about to be deposed. I would suggest your new Emperor be indeed male; the chosen wife from the Varati will actually be an Empyrean and one versed in your elemental magics. If you chose an Empress instead, then it is probable I will choose a Varati Warlord to be her husband. And the decision for who I shall take as the first Queen of the Varati in a thousand years will be mine alone; it will be an Empyrean, however." His voice is strong, commanding and quiet. As always.

"The Empyre will not attempt to reclaim Callisar's Eyrie; it is historically Varati territory and will remain in our possession. The Empyre will also surrender the province of Arelate to become an independent kingdom. This new nation will be one for your rebel mongrels and slaves, which will defuse the civil war that threatens to overcome your Empyre in this time of chaos."

Sitting up quietly, Stavros' gaze focuses on the Khalid as he speaks of the possible 'wife' of the future Emperor. He glances toward Aurora, seeming momentarily troubled, before looking back toward the Khalid again, steadily, hoping that perhaps what he thinks is to come is not quite what he thinks... Gaze thoughtful, he reclines again, mouth drawn into a thin line, awaiting the rest of the verdict, showing only the respect that the Khalid asked for in his pensive silence.

Kalypso's eyes round, as well, at the mention of the spouse. It is only a marginal widening, her face, otherwise, remains impassive. The other demands do not even cause a rise of her eyebrows as she retains the silence requested of her.

At Khalid's words, Aurora's gaze reverts back to the small envoy of Empyreans. She searches their faces for their reactions to these decrees, and does not miss that troubled frown on Stavros' countenance. There is a similar one on her own for an instant, before she smoothes it away. Leonidas and Kalypso are studied next, their expressions noted.

"The payment is for the dead. And to supplicate my Warlords for raising Clan armies. This should be obvious. A full half of the payment will come from the coffers of those Houses that voted 'yes' to the war against our kingdom. The other half may be raised in any manner the Empyre sees fit. The apology is to make clear that the Empyre was in the wrong in this war; my Pasha misspoke in the reasons for this war. It is not a war of honor. It is a war to ensure none will ever believe that any law or rule will preside in the Varati kingdom but my own. That we will ever tolerate any invasion of our kingdom." Khalid makes his explanations as he presses on, "The exchange of spouses... this is necessary. This is our only chance for true and lasting peace. Our people must be able to see through the eyes of our enemies. My power within the Varati kingdom is absolute at this moment due to the events of the war; this is the only chance I have to hoist an Empyrean Queen upon my people. As for the Empyre, in your weakened state, you must accept such a monarch. If indeed you choose a male Emperor, your Empress will be an Empyrean. But an Empyrean who understands the Varati like no other. A strong Empress, I promise you. One who will help guide the Empyre to an enlightened state. Who will help bring a Golden Age upon your people. I have no desire to enslave your race."

Stavros leans forward a bit. "Khalid, please forgive me..." he states, quietly, his eyes focused on the God-King. "But I must know... who is this Empress supposed to be? It is of great... personal concern to me." He pauses. "For my position," he adds after a brief moment and a glance towards Aurora. "And my personal well-being... Would you be willing to acknowledge at least that information to me?"

There is a thin crack in Thalia's serene manner, so subtle that it can hardly be detected in the shadows where she resides. A press of her lips, a faint tightening of her jaw, a marginal drop of her head. The woman closes her eyes briefly, a heartbeat at most, and then opens them again, her calm restored. A glance off to the side and then she resettles her attention on Khalid and the Empyreans.

This talk of the strong, powerful Empress promised by Khalid brings a minute change to Aurora's expression. Her lips tighten and she fixes her gaze elsewhere -- until Stavros' words penetrate and she shoots a look at him. There is agitation hidden in her gaze, barely expressed in her demeanor, but there nonetheless.

Murako arrives from the main encampment.

Kalypso's eyes move towards Stavros, before following his gaze across the tent to the woman that stands next to Khalid. Frown lines appear in minute detail upon the young matriarch's forehead, before she looks back towards the man known as God-King.

"Callisar's Eyrie is just that. Ours. It will be returned to our people." Khalid cuts a sidelong glance at Stavros, then responds quietly, "It will be Aurora. Her wings will hopefully be restored by the time of the marriage, so that there is no 'dishonor' in the eyes of your people. It is as gracious a request I can make; the other option is a Varati born. It would be much harder for your people to accept. She has given her consent. However, though I indulge your request for information, Imperator, this is not to be spoken beyond this tent. I do not wish Aurora's name mentioned until I can ascertain whether it is within my power to restore her wings." Taking a deep breath, the God-King presses on, "And as for Arelate, it is in your best interest, lest the Empyre be torn asunder by the flames of civil war. By agreeing, you show your benevolent power to the mongrel people. And save your nation. This ends the 'non-negotiable terms.'"

Smoothly, the tent flaps part once again. Aided by some unseen hand from outside, they are held up and out long enough for a male form bearing a tray to pass through and then close neatly against the outer winds. His bearing and clothing mark him as one of the naraki caste and the contents of the tray explain his presence here. Silently and efficiently, the young man settles his load upon a low table and begins setting out of service of small cups. The warm, spicy scent of kaffe soon fills the air with its fragrance as does the soft and subtle clinking sounds of ceramics and silver with their sounds.

Aurora's stance is stiff, rigid, and she darts her gaze away from Stavros as the God-King speaks her name. Thus, she is the first to notice the mongrel servant's entrance, and she gives his actions more concentration than they're due, reluctant to witness the Imperator's reaction.

"Khalid..." Stavros says, standing, his fingers curled into fists, held at his sides, trembling -- one of the first shows of emotion Stavros has had in front of very many people at all, much less the Khalid himself. "I respectfully request that the Empress be someone other than Aurora..." he states, swallowing, composing himself, fingers relaxing, as he straightens his visage. "This, of all that is to come to pass, is the only request that I would make be changed. Not Aurora... Please..." he voices, his tones not begging or pleading, simply asking, despite the narrowed eyes, of hope and begging that give him away. "Not her..." comes more silently, as he looks toward Aurora.

"Stavros..." It is the first time Aurora has broken the silence during this meeting. Her words are low-pitched and soft, yet hold an undercurrent of pain. "Please. It is done. If those terms are accepted, I have agreed." She still will not look at him, nor does she seem inclined to watch anyone else, other than that mongrel. He, at least, is 'safe.'

Kalypso inclines her head once to Khalid as her eyes move again to survey the woman next to the God-King. To marry her to the man Kalypso would have as Emperor would ruin four lives, and this is what brings a full frown to the angelic features of the youth. The frown is fleeting, replaced by her ever-present mask, as her stormy gaze moves towards her companion. She says nothing, expecting words from others more in-the-know than she.

Fierce blue eyes spare only the briefest of glances towards the naraki, before Khalid continues on in stating the Varati terms, "The 'important'..." There is both softness and anger in the God-King's voice as he cuts through Stavros' protests. "In one thousand years, Imperator, I have never chosen a Queen. Never. Yet, on this day, for the future of both kingdoms, I do so. I am not oblivious to your relationship with the chosen Empress. I feel sorrow at the implied loss. I feel more sorrow for the dead. There is no other who has the true potential to unite the two kingdoms in genuine and lasting peace than Aurora. It will be her. She made this sacrifice willingly and with open eyes. Do not belittle what she has given. And please do not interrupt me further until I finish. We can discuss the matter then."

His whole body trembling briefly, Stavros' lips draw into a thin line as he casts his gaze downward. He sits, slumping back into the chair, his eyes closed, a soft shaking of his head. "Forgive me, Khalid," he intones simply, eyes remaining squeezed shut. "I did not mean to interrupt..." Sighing heavily, he folds his hands in his lap, expression no longer stoic, but now for all the world as if an arrow had pierced straight through his heart. But silent, now, he remains...

"The 'important' terms," begins Khalid, anew, "Will be that the Empyre delivers one hundred griffins to the Varati, of breeding age. Fifty male, fifty female. And another one hundred of a young age. Fifty male, fifty female. I wish to ensure that the Empyre never believes it has air superiority over the Varati again. Or that Civitas Dei is impervious to siege. It may give pause to the Aegis, in the future, from voting on another war against the Varati." His black wings settle close upon his body as he presses forward, "In addition, the city of Parnassus will be turned over to the Varati kingdom. It is also historically ours. The Empyre will dismantle all military outposts within fifty miles of the border of the Varati kingdom." Blue eyes sweep over the forms of the individuals within the tent, gauging their reactions.

Despite the intensity of the discussion, the servant continues about his task of setting the cups in their respective places without interruption. His expression is neutral, and utterly so, eyes averted from everyone as he proceeds. Each is placed on a small ceramic plate and in turn, the kaffe is poured and then placed in a respective spot before one of the honored diplomats. The Amir-Al, Khalid Atar, is of course offered the first, the setting placed in such a way as to catch his eye if he shifted to the table, yet the action making no overt motion to draw attention. The shudra crosses back towards the cups and repeats the process, serving Leonidas next, then Kalypso, as the honored Aegian guests, and then Stavros, for he is male. Last are Thalia and Aurora, each woman given some of the steaming liquid.

One grey and one blind eye flicker open as Stavros finally begins to hear the rest of the terms, his glance looking towards Aurora again for a moment, searching her eyes before he looks back to the Khalid to listen...

A brief smile is offered to the shudra as Kalypso is served. Her eyes move back to Khalid, as she attempts to keep a mental tally of what is being demanded, and what they'll actually give.

"Finally, the last set of terms, the 'negotiable' terms are thus: the Emperor Lucian Deiepetes be allowed to retire in peace. He is just a boy. A boy who never stood a chance. I touched his face, when he was but a mage in Delphi and spoke to him of puppet strings and manipulations from the shadows. I wish I had been able to protect him, and guide him, but I was not. And so he pays the price for a crime he never could have avoided. The crime of a weak crown." Khalid shakes his head and just a hint of sorrow touches his blue eyes. Lashes lower and for a moment he is silent. Then, raising his gaze to Kalypso, he continues, "The province of Edessa should also be given to the mongrels for their freedom. While Arelate has been devastated and its use to the Empyre is now minimal, Edessa has also suffered much and could be given freely to the rebel slaves. In addition, Varati merchants are allowed free access to the river Tiber without taxation. "

As Khalid nears the end of his terms, thus opening up the negotiations for discussion, Aurora silently takes her leave. These are not her decisions, and only the God-King and his envoys can forge peace this night -- if it is to be forged at all. With a glance that encompasses each individual in turn -- even that unobtrusive mongrel going about his business -- she leaves the Amir-al's side and moves toward the exit. Her glance lingers on Stavros the longest before she turns away and ducks out of the tent.

Aurora exits the tent for the encampment beyond.

Kalypso nods, her face still calm as her eyes focus on the Varati God-King. "May we think on these thing overnight, Khalid Atar? And bring you our decision in the morning?"

Through thick, silky black lashes, Khalid regards the departing Aurora, then eyes the offered drink from the naraki. For the moment, he defers, before suddenly stating, "Oh. There is one issue I forgot to add to the list of 'non-negotiable' terms. Cassius Augustin of House Augustus will come forward, to me, to answer for his actions during the negotiations with my Pasha and during the war. His life will be in my hands. Eranthe Acesian and Kalypso Tritonides will also speak with me, though they have nothing in particular to answer for, per se. I only wish to speak with them on certain matters." A brief smile is granted in Kalypso's direction. "And yes, you may, Dea Kalypso. But let me state a few things before we end."

Stavros looks towards the Khalid, his face now a mask of resignation as Aurora leaves, and nods simply.

The shudra continues till all have had cups of kaffe distributed in their proper places. Even as the Aegian woman asks for time to consider these matters, a clear signal things are drawing to a close, he continues. Before each of the negotiators, a steaming hot cup of the liquid remains for their pleasure. Moving back to his place, he retrieves the last item on the tray: a bowl with a piece of metal protruding from the removable top. This clearly contains the sugar which is added to this strong drink. It is set upon a central spot where all can access it if they so wish. Now that his task is done, the young man retreats to the side of the tent, into the shadows which linger there. He does not remove himself yet, not until the service is cleared. Yet, where he stands keeps him well hidden and out of sight of these esteemed leaders and his God-King.

Kalypso nods towards Khalid, making no movement to rise yet, herself.

"The Empyre is not only losing this war, but it has yet to win a real victory. Parnassus was a feint and it was never truly intended to be taken. The Varati armies are all but unstoppable and will not flee the field until my word is given. The Empyre is poised on the edge of a civil war and there is no Emperor or Princeps. Let us not deceive ourselves on the state of the Empyre or its ability to fight yet another decisive battle." Khalid speaks firmly, confidently and without a single doubt in his mind, "If these terms are not accepted, upon negotiating the 'important and negotiable terms,' I will not end this war for anything but unconditional surrender. I will also wage total warfare on the Empyre without restraint or care. You will lose cities to my own power and nothing shall remain alive on Civitas Dei within one month of a refusal of my terms. Also, within one month of a refusal of my terms, there will be no single living Aegian. You may take these words to be a threat, a warning or a rant of a madman. But this war will end. And soon. One way or the other." He bows his head in a gesture of respect to Stavros and Kalypso, "I apologize for the necessity of my speech. In past days, I have begun to learn that kinder words are often ignored. Do not ignore these words of mine this day."

"I think we have too often learned that in the past, Khalid..." Stavros states, standing quietly. "They are well-taken, and rest assured they are far from ignored. I do thank you for your time in seeing us this day, and my wish to end this echoes your own."

A brief smile again curls up the corners of Kalypso's lips. "I echo the sentiments of the Imperator, Khalid Atar, and I do not wish for this war to continue any more than I wished for it to begin." She glances once again towards her cousin, still hovering on the periphery, and makes no motion to rise.

Rising to meet Stavros, Khalid says a bit more gently, "It is good to see you, Stavros. Of all living Empyreans sworn to the Empyre, there is no other I would more willingly call.... 'friend.' This has not changed. I am only sorrowful we must meet under such circumstances. I have not forgotten the small kindnesses and respect you have shown me in past days. I wish you well, Imperator of Haven." He speaks the words freely and with genuine intent. A faint smile creeps upon his lips, soon to fade away. "And to you, Dea Kalypso, I pay homage to the bloodline of Damaris Tritonides. She was a great woman and a patriot of the Empyre like no other. She understood, in peace, the Empyre would always be strong."

Bowing his head deeply, Stavros moves towards one of the naraki to make his leave. At the Khalid's words, however, he pauses, looking back towards the God-King for a moment, silent, thoughtful, before he speaks. "And there are few other, Empyrean or otherwise, that I could call friend, Khalid Atar. One can only hope that the circumstances we are under can soon enough change. Until the next, Khalid... Be well."

Thalia releases a very quiet sigh. Perhaps she was merely blowing a breath across the surface of her kaffe? Cloaked in shadows, she's been nothing more than an observer to these talks, but every word has affected her deeply. This is her Empyre that is sitting on the negotiating table; the future of her daughters and loved ones that is at stake. Her eyes sweep over the rim of her cup, finding Kalypso as she takes a careful sip. So like Damaris in so many ways -- she prays to the lares that the young Dea will be able to accomplish peace. As things seem to be breaking up, she takes a small step forward, darting a questioning glance to Khalid.

Kalypso nods as she now rises. "My compatriots would've been wise to remember this, Khalid Atar, but I fear that their minds were clouded, as well as their judgment, by factors beyond even their control." Her wings twitch silently behind her, as she makes no move to exit. "But I would have another word with you, Amir-al, if you would grant me such." She inclines her head towards Stavros as he moves past her, continuing to resolutely stand in front of her chair.

The naraki which Stavros moves toward tends the flap in the wake of the Imperator's departure. An open passage to the outside is allowed as a sign of respect.

Catching the movement out of the corner of his eye, Khalid places a hand on Thalia's arm for a moment. A gesture of familiarity that lasts for only a second in time. He answers quietly, to the unspoken question, "Yes, speak with your kin if it is your wish, Thalia. I know a mother worries about her daughters." Careful blue eyes turn to regard the Dea of House Tritonis. He murmurs, "Of course. What may I do for you?"

Kalypso inclines her head towards Thalia briefly, and, for the first time, Kalypso shows signs of nervousness. "I wish for my cousin to be allowed to rejoin her family in Civitas Dei, leaving tonight. Her daughters worry for her overmuch, and her husband as well, I should think." She glances at the woman once again, smile curling up the corners of her lips, before her eyes move back to the God-King.

"This is not possible, I am afraid, until after a peace treaty is officially signed and agreed upon between our two kingdoms. You may relay, as I have done myself, the state of well-being of Domina Thalia, but she will remain a guest of the Varati army until all hostilities officially and completely end." Khalid's answer is spoken in that quiet, restrained voice of his, but it is firm in its message.

Thalia ceases her forward motion with the touch to her arm, although her gaze does remain on the God-King's face. And, as he seems to read her mind, a small smile touches her lips and a bit of tension falls from her shoulders. Good. She needs to put her heart at ease. However, as she turns to Kalypso, the young Dea's request comes to light. The woman blinks once and then widens her eyes. She offers not a word as words are exchanged, simply standing there with an odd expression hooked upon her features.

Before a chill wind from the outside can sweep into the tent, the slave which tends the flap draws it back. The only sound which interrupts the moments between these two leader's words, is the movement of the tarp against the hard ground.

Kalypso sighs softly, as she nods. "I am prepared to stay in her stead, if you would have it, Khalid Atar, under the same conditions you hold my cousin." The expression on the young matriarch's face is solemn, her words calm. "It is the only thing I can offer."

"That would not be a wise political move, Dea Kalypso. You are needed to ensure that the peace accords do not fail. So much rests on your young shoulders. You must meet this challenge with a full and determined heart. And so I cannot agree to it." Khalid's eyes linger on Kalypso's face as he continues, "Thousands are dead on both sides. Over a half-million Empyrean citizens have no homes and await refuge and succor. Their need is most important. Domina Thalia is well, secure, and has not a single worry for her safety. I guard her with my life. See to those who need you most, Dea."

Kalypso shakes her head slowly. Indeed, she is a stubborn youth, and not one to give up easily. "I do not fear for Thalia's safety nor security, Amir-al, but for the relative ease of mind of her family, and mine own. I cannot face my tasks with such heart that you speak of, knowing that they are as unhappy as they are." She shakes her head again, consternation knitting her brow. "The needs of my people and the conditions of peace which you have set forth to us are indeed important, but not as much so as the happiness of my family. Our peace treaty we shall have, I am sure of it, but my cousins have been without their mother for too long, already."

Blinking at Kalypso, Khalid's expressions run the gamut, from surprise to disappointment to sorrow. Finally, he speaks, "It saddens me to hear those words from your lips, Dea. I would think your people would be of the utmost importance to you, for they are to me." Blue eyes are relentless as he holds the Dea's gaze, "Your request is refused. Your cousins and their mother will both have to wait until the treaty is signed. Press for it to be agreed upon swiftly, if indeed your family is of the greatest importance to you, and she will be released to her own free will."

Even as the debate over the fate of Thalia rages on, the naraki patiently remain in the wings. Upon the table, the cooling cups of kaffe have been left in favor of the far more heated negotiations over the Empyre's future. The few slaves who have clung to this place out of obedience keep their gazes straight ahead, and their postures erect. To do otherwise might displease the Amir-al, and even the lowliest of their number wishes to not invoke their God King's attention, let alone his ire. The young man who served the kaffe remains patiently in his place, half in shadow, waiting till the discussion has concluded before moving to clean things.

Almost on the heels of God-King's words, Thalia speaks up. "Dea, I thank you for offering to stand in my place, but I am one person. One rather safe and well-cared-for person, actually. And, as much as I would like to go home, I would not do so at the cost of sacrificing our House of its leader. Not in its most desperate hour." A glance to Khalid and then back to the young Dea. "Even if the Amir-al had granted the request, I could not, in good conscience, allow such a thing to happen. Please, send my love to my daughters and family. Let them know I am safe. And then end this. Do whatever you must."

Kalypso nods as her chin lifts again. Her wings perk up as well, behind her. She turns her gaze to Thalia for a moment, and inclines her head gracefully towards the woman. "I am doing all I can, already, cousin. Every minute, of every hour, of every day." Her words pause, as she lightly bites on her lip, turning once again to face Khalid. "I should find my companions now, Amir-al, so that we may discuss what you've offered. And perhaps some rest, for us all, if you would grant us the permission to stay within the safety of your camp? I fear that my griffins were rather fatigued from their journey, these past days."

"You have the services of my shudra and naraki and the guard of the Agni-Haidar and the Atarvani. A set of tents have been prepared for your own personal use within the vigorously guarded confines of Clan Khalida's encampment. You will be safe and secure," swears Khalid as he inclines his chin to Kalypso. "I will let you take leave. We can speak more tomorrow on these matters."

Kalypso bows her head once again towards Khalid, "Indeed, Khalid Atar. My thanks for your patience." She bows her head towards her cousin as well, before she moves towards the flaps of the tents. The welcoming screeches of two of the griffins greet Kalypso as she exits, quickly quieted by their attendant.

At the very words of the Amir-Al, the naraki seem to shift. The two who remain by the flaps to exit the tent prepare for the departure of Dea Kalypso, but hold their motions until she has approached closer. These ones are two younger looking mongrels, a boy in his teens and a girl perhaps in her early twenties. As the Empyrean women approaches, the flaps are opened and she is given free access to the outside. When she passes through, the slaves follow to tend to her needs.

FIN

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