A Message from the Roof of the World

[Csephion Draxus]

Draxus looked to Ariadne as the fracas died down around them.

"There's too much high drama for it to be this early. I think we should retire, and consider the coming vote."

He glanced back at the throng of milling Satraps.

"Some are due more consideration than others."

[Ariadne Fyrian]

She returned the gaze he sent down at her, and stood to the side so that he could lead the way from the Oratorium. Whatever he had planned after this she could only guess, but one thing was for certain; the utter chaos that had followed in the wake of the Northman's words had been nothing short of what Draxus needed. It further cemented his hold, and Ariadne had to wonder if that too had been a part of the Satraps plan.

"And how long will that take... ?"

[Dietre]

Dietre had dismounted to stand patiently beside the hulking warbear that belonged to him. However long he would be waiting was immaterial - Yuri had given him a command, and it would be obeyed. The Northerner cast disinterested stares at those who showed interest in his presence, but beyond a simple glare, he stood as immovable as on of the many statues that surrounded the Oratorium.

He was to wait for Regulus Varo, and from the tone in Yuri's voice, he was to act as his protector.

[Parsideon Denix]

A figure in tattered clothing and armor limped up the road to the Oratorium. He was covered in mud, blood, and various amounts of grime, and looked gaunt as he shuffled inexorably toward the enormous dome that dominated the cityscape. Passers-by stared at him, but gave him a wide berth when they saw an Imperial Aquilae brooch holding his tattered cape around his shoulder.

It was an Imperator's brooch.

[Dietre]

Now this was a curious site, and gave the Northman cause to shift his stance as this limping, travel-worn husk of a man approached. That none chose to help him along was enough to cause a frown to cross Dietre's already constantly brooding features.

[Parsideon Denix]

Denix paused at threshold of the Oratorium's steps, slowly unfastening his armor and sword belt. He could not enter the building under arms. As he unfastened his gear, his eyes fixed on Dietre, who was himself donned in heavy northern armor.

"You come from the Jarnvid?"

[Dietre]

A grunt, and the giant looked down at the Necian. He watched as the man stripped his armor and weapons, head angling to the side to take in this - what seemed to him - strange behavior. His reply was simple and concise.

"The Roof of the World."

[Parsideon Denix]

In other times, the admission would have elicited disbelief from Denix. Such a lonely place was beyond the Cos Briste, and any journey would be nearly impossible. But Denix had frequently found fate to be whimsical of late.

He nodded to the barbarian, and trudged the difficult path up to the front door. The honor guard, seeing exactly who was approaching, rushed forward to take his armor and weapons, and escorted him to the door, where it was opened to allow him passage.

The furor of the bickering Satrapy seemed to diminish somewhat as Denix entered the building.

[Ariadne Fyrian]

At Draxus' side, the Glaucan turned to look at the form of a man. He looked haggard, worn to the bone from travel... but it was his face that struck a chord in her. She recognized instantly the man who now entered the Oratorium, and out of pure instinct Ariadne took a half-step back, her features betraying the shock she now felt washing over her.

[Csephion Draxus]

"Parsideon Denix."

Draxus's surprise was genuine. Ever since naming Mako as Imperator, he'd naturally considered the former Imperator dead. Fortune was with his old friend, however.

He noted with some distant amusement the reaction that Denix's appearance elicited in Ariadne.

"Introductions then would appear to be unnecessary."

[Ariadne Fyrian]

Her recovery was swift.

Head held high, Ariadne regarded Denix with a keen gaze.

"We... have met before."

[Parsideon Denix]

"My name is Denix of the Parsidei, Imperator of the Necian League."

He paused, his words heavy on his tongue, and exhaustion clearly taking its toll.

"My mission to recover the Golden Lantern, and to bring Kairun Fyrian into account...has failed."

[Ariadne Fyrian]

Ariadne made a pained face, lacing her fingers together before her while angling a sideways look to Draxus.

"Shall I leave... ?"

[Csephion Draxus]

Draxus shook his head slightly and smiled.

"Imperator, you have not failed. You have endured, and victory has come in respect for your perseverance."

Now, the quarreling Satraps had quieted down and were milling around the latest curiosity.

"Kairun Fyrian is dead, and the Lantern is returned to us. Indeed it was your efforts in confounding the pirate villainy that helped speed us to this amicable conclusion."

[Ariadne Fyrian]

She was to stay then. The Glaucan had to wonder however, whether Denix would recognize her. Her new standing would negate any previous wrongdoing on her part, no matter big or small; Draxus had seen to that almost immediately after her return. But, men had long memories.

[Parsideon Denix]

Denix flicked his eyes over to the familiar face of his enemy, but returned them quickly to his patron. Weary as he was, he maintained his martial discipline and stood at the ready, prepared to be debriefed.

"Then my mission as Imperator is ended?"

[Csephion Draxus]

Draxus smiled thinly at the question.

"Your mission is ended, though I think you may soon have other duties to attend to as Imperator."

He embraced the weary soldier and gave him a kiss to each cheek.

"But we mustn't talk of these things so soon. Necia welcomes you back to her as a prodigal son. You must be tired and hungry from your travels. Please accept my hospitality for the evening, and allow me the honor of returning your person to the niceties of civilization."

[Ariadne Fyrian]

Ariadne kept a small amount of distance from the two, knowing it best to allow them their own moment. There would be time in the future for other matters to come to light - or at the very least reemerge. Hands still clasped before her, the Glaucan turned her eyes to the side, gaze settling on Varo.

Surely Denix's return was seen as a good omen, and the message brought from the Northmen little more than hollow words?

[Parsideon Denix]

It wasn't what he had wanted to hear. If he was relieved of his mission, he wanted liberty to return to his family, or to Vatis. It was not to be, or at least not immediately. He could not refuse Csephion Draxus.

"I would be honored, sir."

He dipped his head slightly to the Satrap in gratitude. When he rose, he noted the disturbed state of the Oratorium, and the general feel of agitated men. It would do no good to ask of such things amongst his betters, and he made no comment of it.

[Csephion Draxus]

"Very good then."

Draxus reached forward and gave Denix's shoulder a squeeze.

"I'll have my people see to you. You must excuse me for being short, however. There is much work I must attend to."