Main and Primoris - Haven 

A pair of armed guards, clad in Jovian blue and gold escort 
Selene into the city streets. A mongrel walks a step behind, 
holding a parasol over the noblewoman's head to keep off the 
light rain that's been falling all morning. A second pair of 
guards, identical to the first two, follow behind Selene
and her slave, each man watches the street carefully, should 
there be any sign of trouble. 

Julius stands close to the Palladium, near enough to the 
entrance to give the guards a second look at the cloaked figure. 
His deep hood is aligned to the walls of the great embassy, 
suggesting where his attention lies as he stands almost 
motionless in contemplation? Study? Memory? His face obscured, 
it could be anything. he seems not to have noticed the rain as 
the cloak in splotched with wet spots... 

Selene pauses just outside of the gate, considering the land 
and buildings on the opposite side of the street, rather than 
focus on the figure huddled in the cloak. More than one of her 
escorts does notice and the elder of the two, a man who appears 
to be in his 40's, leans over to whisper in the Domina's ear. 
She, in turn, shifts her attention from the task that brought her 
out of the walls to the crouched figure, form distorted by the 
blackness around him. Taking him for one of the many refugees that 
had once occupied the street she takes a step toward him. "Sir, 
why do you linger at our gates? The wagons have left days hence 
for the outer walls and on to Arelate." She is curious, 
obviously, but there is a hint of haughtiness in her voice 
as well, she is noble afterall. 

Julius's head turns, the cavern of the cloak now focused 
on the speaker in an almost startled manner. His bright 
eyes, despite the hood, affix you with a confused expression.
"E-excuse me?" his voice is soft and carries a slight rasp. 

Selene takes a second step forward and then is halted from 
a third by her guard's heavy hand on her slim shoulder. The 
other three rest their hands on the pommels of their swords, 
just in case that one hides a weapon beneath his cloak. 
"The refugees, from the war," she explains and then points
north. "They have all left for their new land," she sneers 
slightly at the thought of those mongrels owning land. "The 
Palladium cannot continue to hand out money to each beggar 
that takes residence at out gates. So, I ask again, why did 
you not leave with the others?" 

Julius's confusion melts from his shadowy features as he sets 
his gaze upon you, fading into a wide eyed stare. The outline 
of his jaw lowers and his eyes don't seem to blink from your 
image. A moment passes before he collects himself and looks 
away, his features flushing, at the ground in an almost 
servantile manner. "I.. I am no beggar, " a bit of defiance in 
his voice?, " I am.... I as told I would find family here." 

Oh. Well, as the confusion fades from the shadowed figure, it 
seems to find a happy home on Selene's visage. "Then ... I ... 
I apologize sir, for the mistake. It is only that we've had 
so many come here for handouts we've ..." She gives a shake to 
her head as it is not important, now that he has revealed himself 
not to be what she had been led to believe. "Who is your family, 
sir? The noble houses of the Empyre reside here in the Palladium, 
but there are many lesser houses and merchant families who live 
nearby, I am sure if you give a message to one of the Palladium 
guards your family can be notified quickly of your arrival." 

Julius's gaze flickers back up to you at times, as e speaks slowly, 
as if the words were drug up from some lost part of him, speaking 
in measured recall, "I am... J-julius. Julius Justinius Jove." 

The guard with hand on Selene's shoulder raises a brow in speculation 
as his hand unconsciously tightens on the Domina's shoulder, 
expelling a wince from her as she tries to pull free. The guard
apologizes and drops his hand to his sword. Anyone can 'claim' to 
be nobility, but this man isn't going to believe him just yet. 
Selene gasps softly at the revelation of his name, running it through
her head to place it. "Tell, me sir," she says, thinking along the 
lines of her guards, "Do you know who I am?" An odd question perhaps, 
but there is reason for everything. 

Julius lifts his eyes once more, steading hem on you as his brow 
furrows in concentration. A moment passes of an unflinching stare 
before they close, his head lowering in silent defeat. His shoulders 
tighten a bit as he answers rather sadly. "I... no. I do not. It has 
been... everything... long ago." dreams of such a moment can never 
prepare you for the real thing as he struggles with his words, eyebrows 
knit in concentration... 

Selene nods at the answer, as if he had responded correctly. "I have not 
seen the one who's name you claim since I was six or seven years old, and 
he would have only been about 5 years old, so perhaps..." Now free of her 
guard's grasp she takes that third step toward the man. "I am Selene
Justina Jove, daughter of Severin and Justina Jove and granddaughter to the 
late Empyror Justinius. So, knowing that you stand before a member of the 
House who's lineage you claim, do you still wish to retain your claim that 
you are Julius Justinius Jove and thus my cousin?" He words are more informative 
than accusing, giving him a chance to recant his name, if he is not really who
he claims, and if he is, well there is always room in the Palladium for another 
of the Kronian's sons. 

Shoulders hunched, head bowed, looking back at you with keen eyes from under a 
heavy brow like a feral dog in need of training, Julius looks as far from noble 
as one could get. But the light in his eyes betrays his mannerisms, the determined 
stare he gives you one of steel and will. "Yes." His voice does not waver this time, 
holding steady. 

Slowly, Selene stretches out her hand from beneath the parasol, ignoring the cool 
raindrops that dot her skin. She offers it, one family member to another, to welcome 
you home. A smile appears as well on her lips as her fingers await yours. "Then, dear 
cousin," she says warmly, "we should get you inside and see you attired in something 
fit for your position. I would not have anyone else mistake a member of Jove as a common 
beggar. Please, you'll find the comforts you are accustomed to within our walls." 

Julius's eyes review the hand offered and slowly reaches out his hand to it. The delicate 
lady's hand of smooth and unblemished skin only makes his calloused, careworn hand seem 
monstrous; a bony wrist sports a deep, imbedded scar sliers out from the cuff of his tunic 
as he reaches to touch your gently, almost testingly to see if it is truly solid as he hopes. 
A deep sigh lifts his shoulders and drops them; he looks away from you, voice slightly hoarse, 
"T-thank.. thank you." The words are spoken with far more sincerity than any manner of 
politeness. 

Eakiel walks very slowly up the street, the rain really not dampening his already low spirits.
Hands tucked under his arms, his eyes stay fixed on the ground, save to glance toward the 
Palladium as he draws nearer. He makes no move to head toward it, though. 

Selene tightens her fingers around Julius's hand, well aware of the roughness she grasps 
but makes not mention of it. "You are family, Julius, you need not thank me, but you are 
most welcome. She pulls him closer, so they may walk side by side. The four guards drop 
their hands from their pommels, a bit more at ease now that this man is revealed to be 
another they are to protect, rather than be wary of. "The baths, I think first, with 
some new clothing, and a substantial meal, you look as if you need it," she says good-
naturedly. 

Eakiel glances toward the voice - and comes to a dead stop. Clearly, he recognizes 
Empyrean aristocracy when he sees it - though he dares not look for long before 
fixing his eyes at his feet. 

While Selene is busy with her newfound cousin, her mongrel slave, a girl in her late 
teens, is well aware of another of her kind. She offers the man a tender smile, 
hoping to catch him before his eyes find the ground more interesting than their 
little gathering. One of the Jovian guards takes notice as well and scowls at the 
mongrel loitering around the Palladium. "If you have no business in the Palladium 
mongrel, I'd suggest you continue on your way," comes a gruff voice, almost a
threat. 

Julius tries to stand a bit straighter. He notes the soldiers, the guardsmen of 
the Palladium, even the mongrel man he had passed in the street days before... 
this would take a lot of getting used to. He pulls himself up straighter, trying 
to break himself of his cowed nature now, his head still bowed. He bites his 
tongue before another 'thank you' can be spoken. His eyes turn to the mongrel man
only once at his new-found cousin's words before turning back to what lay ahead for him... 

Eakiel manages to notice the slave girl before he fixes his eyes on the ground, 
and just barely starts to smile back, before the guards bark at him. He jumps, 
and performs a bow - one that speaks too much practice to it to belong to one 
of Haven's dozens of normal mongrels. Without a word, he starts stepping backwards, 
slowly. Only a brief, wistful glance at the Palladium's entrance takes his
eyes from the ground after that. 

Selene sighs in annoyance as she hears her guards shooing away another likely 
street rat. Annoyed at the man's presence, surely not at the guard's response. 
She gives a brief look over her shoulder at the man and actually smirks to find 
him looking at his feet. "Come Julius," she says, returning her attention to the 
cloaked Empyrean. She leads him inside but stops to give a quick word to one of 
the Palladium guards whose pale eyes swing to the mongrel on the street. He nods
slowly as she and Julius continue inside. 

Julius follows along... 

*TRAVEL* 

Garden - Palladium - Haven 

Selene pauses to release the guard from their duties and to instruct her slave 
to have the kitchens send a meal to the baths and fresh tunics and togas from 
Julius. "And have a room made up as well," she calls out at the last minute, 
just before the slave disappears into the living quarters of the Palladium. 
"That baths," she says, motioning toward one of the large structures seen in the
gardens. 

Julius's head has been tilted skyward the entire time he's entered, the hood 
fallen off of his head revealing a rather pretty face. His nose a bit crooked, 
his features seem to portray a man in his early adult years . His high cheekbones 
and eyes do seem a bit hollowed and something marrs the right side of his neck, 
mostly obscured by hair. He looks to where you indicate, pulling his eyes to a
new location with a mixed expression of hallowed reverie and... fear? He looks 
back at you, a bit unsurely. 

Selene turns from the stone structure rising majestically before the pair toward 
her cousin, obviously startled at his somewhat haggard appearance, but, remaining 
polite she makes no comment. "Come, it will be a delight, I promise." A reassuring 
smile breaks through her initial shock and she leads to inside, Jovian slaves already 
entering the garden with the requested items. 

Baths - Palladium - Haven 

Slaves follow the two Jovians in, one bears linens and silks, the finest of tunics 
and togas in a variety of colors so that the Dominus may chose those which suit his 
taste. Another two slaves carry food and drink, a larger meal than is normally taken 
in the morning, but it appears Melora, Selene's slave, had instructed the kitchens 
that this man was in need of a good meal. And one last slave brings towels and oils 
for bathing, delicate glass bottles arranged on a silver tray. Selene pays
them little mind, more interest lies in her cousin than those that serve her daily. 
"A warm bath?" she asks him, eyes flicking to the smaller pool in the corner. 

Julius's eyes mostly keep to the scenery, blinking but a few times as if he'd 
miss something while his eyes close. Watching the servants, his gaze now surveys 
the pools and lounges of the baths, jaw slightly open in wonder... 

Julius takes a deep breath, finding his voice amongst the splendor of it all, 
"Y-yes," he says in that soft, raspy voice, but hasn't made a move to go anywhere. 

Selene raises a hand and a slave appears from against the wall. "Help my cousin 
disrobe and see that everything he wears now is cleaned, should he ever have 
the desire to wear such attire again," she says, hinting that she hopes he 
will not. Another wave and the servants with food are sent to set up alongside 
the heated pool, as is the one carrying the oils. "If you have any desires,
Julius, you need only but ask." A female mongrel approaches and helps Selene 
with her chiton and sandals, leaving the noblewoman free to enter the waters 
as well. 

The slave approaches Julius questioningly, and begins to slowly help him from 
the clothes he wears, wrinkling a nose at their muddy and travel-worn smell. 
Julius agrees to his all cautiously, his jaw set as he turns his head down 
out of... shame? Shame, possibly, as his form appears more 
haggard than one would imagine.... 

The slave eyes go wide as he tries to hide his shock, taking the clothes and 
pulling his eyes away from the sight as he helps the man into the warm bath. 
Julius's eyes are not the only eyes turned away... 

Selene pauses at the pool and turns to make sure all is in order and her cousin 
is seen to. What she had not expected was his current appearance, one only 
hinted at when his face had been revealed. Dark marks and vicious scars cover 
his body, certainly this was never something meant for a noble. "Dear Kronian," 
she breaths, the shock impossible to hide. "Who did such things to you?" Tis
lucky a slave was at her back, or she would be sitting on the floor in shock, 
rather than remain standing. 

Julius's head is low enough to where his hair shrouds his expression. His 
shoulders roll in as he sits in the water, the slave with his previous 
clothing having skittered off quickly. All the lashmarks, burns and scars have 
made him smaller to the eye, his body also rolled in with his shoulders, as if
he were trying to hide. His voice falters, you begin to have some reason why it 
does so, "I was a... prisoner of the Varati for 5 years," the strength in his 
voice as her recounts the day gives the impression he could recount the days, 
hours and minutes as well.. 

A shaking hand raises to cover her lips. "Those evil monsters did that to you?" 
she gasps, unable to pull her gaze away, but knowing it is rude to stare. 
"Those creatures have no honor, to beat an innocent man in such a manner!" 
Finally, her sapphire eyes drag from her cousin to look at the water instead. 
"You do know that Jove will do anything to see that justice prevails for such a 
slight against our house." she whispers, quivering with anger. 

Julius's shoulders rise and fall with a deepened breath you can watch as this 
thin ribs rise and contract, visible against his skin. His worn hands clench 
under the water as a drop from under the mane of hair to the water's surface. 
His shoulders square back a bit as his knuckles begin to whiten. Another breath
can be seen and heard as a sharp exhale from his nostrils. He replies with
nothing. 

Trays of food line part of the edge of the pool, an array of meats, vegetables, 
fruits and pastries, something for even the pickiest of eaters. A slave pours a 
glass of wine for Selene and one for Julius, should he desire it. Selene sips 
from her glass as her eyes focus back on her cousin. "Where ever you have been 
before cousin, you will find safety here, no Varati can lay a finger on you in
Haven, that I can promise as well." 

Julius lifts his head to the offered wine glass, averting eyes and taking the 
glass with both hands. After taking a deep drink, he says with a soft voice that 
has lost it's rasp, "Thank-," a pause as he remembers your words before, 
"...thank you." 

Selene looks as if she would ask a hundred questions but her cousin has only 
rejoined the family and looks a bit worse for well. Let him heal and relax before 
bombarding him with questions. Hmmm, that leaves little to talk about, doesn't 
it? Another sip to consider topics. "I hope you will find the Palladium 
comfortable. I'll admit it is nothing like the comforts offered in Civitas Dei, 
for we must live among these others, but we've done our best to make it livable." 

Julius sees food. Food he doesn't have to hunt or strangle with hands or spear 
with a stick. His eyes are wide at this wondrous site as he reaches out with a 
wet fingers to take up a slice of fruit with practiced care. Placing it in his 
mouth, he hungrily grabs for another one as you speak. Swallowing, he replies, 
"It's wondrous..." 

Selene seems to relax, now that her cousin is bathing, drinking and eating 
properly. "Yes, we pride ourselves on such delicacies, Julius, and if there is 
anything you wish for but do not see, you need only ask a slave to retrieve it." 
She smiles over her cup at the thought that no longer must he be the one to
serve others. 

Julius has a healthy appetite at least. A plate of fruit is gone suddenly, as 
his eyes hungrily scan for the next plate. Snatching up a slice of bread with 
honey, his fingers quick upon the food just in case it should fade from his 
view, his brow knits slightly at his lack of manners. A bit of shame crosses
his face but is quickly replaced with the slice of bread. Barely chewing, he 
swallows, saying softly, "I.. I can not think of anything you have not provided 
so graciously for me already... Domina," his soft speech goes quickly as he 
finds a delicately arranged tray of spiced meats... 

Selene watches with amusement as the plates are quickly emptied and taken away 
by servants, only to have more arrive from house Jove shortly after. She takes a 
small pastry to nibble on, certainly one piece will not be missed by her cousin 
who's, to her delight, devoured everything else. She lifts her goblet so that it 
can be refilled, for while she does not eat much, she has her fill of the wine. 
"Please, Julius, we are family, Selene will be fine, you need not give me a title, 
especially in a private setting such as we are in." 

Julius reaches higher for that last celery stalk sliced with diced tomato as the 
servant tries to take it to be refilled. Saving it from the horror of being uneaten, 
he takes a full bite as you speak. Starting to pop in his mouth, he covers it 
quickly before remembering to chew and swallow. His face reddens slightly, 
"Forgive me, my ... manners are sorely out of use..." his shoulders rise and fall
with a sigh as he finishes of the celery, watching with an almost fascination at 
as another servant pours him a fresh glass of wine... 

Selene lifts a hand from the water to hold it out, a sign that no apology is needed. 
"I am sure you will remember quickly, cousin, and if not, well, I'll do what I can 
to nudge you in the right direction." A smile follows the good-natured statement, 
unable to miss that child-like look of wonderment that settles on his face. She 
can only wonder what he must be feeling, and hopes she never learns it first hand. 

Most of the servants have gotten use to the sight of such a scarred and broken 
looking man as he, the wine servant even offering a small smile as he looks back 
at her, watching her return to her place with the jug. He carefully takes the glass 
again, everything treated with such delicacy. He looks back at you with a slightly 
worried expression, looking just short of your eyes. "F-for that can I at least thank 
you... everything," he sighs, his voice almost a whisper now, as his head turn back
to look at the glass he holds gently in his hands, ".. i can barely believe it's real...." 

A look of wanting to comfort and protect washes over Selene's face and were they 
not in the baths at the moment she would hug her newly-returned cousin. "It is all 
very real, I can assure you. Nothing will hurt you here. You are with your family and 
those who I am sure will soon become friends as well. If you feel the need, you may 
have house guards escort you around the city, should you desire to visit the marketplace, 
or the beach or just to see the city." 

Julius takes a swallow of wine and a deep breath, "I have seen the city... I really 
didn't know where to go at first...," his close and a bit of the tension that framed
his form begins to slide away, work of the warm water, the rich foods and wine and, 
to his delight and amazement, having no need to be tense to begin with. "I have a 
feeling it's far more than what I have wandered through..." 

Selene nods in agreement. "It is a large city, cousin, and you will soon learn there 
are only a few places you will wish to visit, and still will want guards with you. 
But we have almost everything you could wish for here, so you probably will not find 
much desire to leave." 

Julius shakes his head, taking another swallow of wine. He speaks tentatively again, 
"How... how many others... family members... are there in Haven?" 

Selene glances upward as if the answer lingers just above her forehead. "The number 
changes from time to time, cousin but there are usually anywhere from 15 to 40 Jovians 
in Haven at any one time, so you should never feel as if you are alone." Her eyes fall 
back to his form, slowly ignoring the scars and slashes that cover his body. "And members 
of other houses reside here as well, we've made a small community of sorts here in Haven." 

Julius starts at the number given, sputtering only slightly before gaining a semblance 
of composure. His bright eyes are wide looking at somewhere far past his hands or the 
water or titled floor... his lips parted, he is stuck speechless. 

Selene leans forward to rest a damp hand on Julius's shoulder. "Is there something 
wrong?" comes her whispered question, her eyes filled with concern as she stares at 
his somewhat unfocused ones. The two slaves nearest the pool exchange confused glances 
and step away from the two nobles, leaving them with relative privacy. 

The muscles of Julius' shoulder instinctively flex and tighten to your touch, but he 
continues to stare. His hair hangs limply about his slackened face as his voice finds 
him, weak words spoken, "s-so many...." disbelief runs over his features. 

Julius looks up quickly, looking frantically back to yours, searchingly, "m-my father! 
mother... " 

Selene removes her hand from his shoulder and leans back against the tile wall, lifting 
her wings so that they are not submerged in the water. Her eyes never leave his, hoping 
that invisible contact will help comfort somewhat. "I do not know where you mother or 
father are Julius. I've not seen them in many years." Her shoulders shrug in soft regret. 
"Were they with you when you were held?" 

Julius closes his eyes with a sigh, pulling himself together. A deep breath removes some 
of the tension he wrought, his hands still left to grip the glass as if it held the strength 
and composure he nearly lost. This all takes a moment as you watch him wind down; he shakes 
his head sadly, "No..." 

Slaves approach with thick towels and Selene sets her glass aside as she offers her hand 
to you to help you out of the pool. "Come cousin, we'll wrinkle badly if we remain in here 
much longer, and I am sure you'd want to see your home." At the mention of his parents 
not having been with him she can only smile. "Then I am sure they are still well, cousin. 
I can send word to Civitas Dei in the morning and see if they can be found?" She ends 
with a question, for perhaps he does not wish to find them? 

Julius takes your hand with that delicate of touches from his worn and roughened 
fingers, the pleading look in his eyes answering your question before he speaks, 
"Please, I....," he stops as the servant wraps the towel with care about his thin 
form. He sighs, watching the servant forelornly, "... not much of a son am I?... 
maybe they won't want to see me..." 

Selene blinks in surprise as her legs are toweled off and then her torso and arms. 
"How can you say that Julius? I am sure they are beside themselves with worry over 
whether you are even alive! How could they not be delighted to hear from you or 
not wish to see you?" Another slave brings forward Selene's chiton while a third 
brings forward the selection of clothing for Dominus Julius to chose from, his 
other clothing thankfully disposed of. 

Julius watches the servant who towels him, ".. perhaps it would be better to have 
their son... dead... then to have him like this," his eyes drift over to that empty 
right shoulder, but back to the new servant before him, his reverie shook by the 
presentation of far finer clothes. Caught for a moment without a decision, he paused 
long enough for the young girl to offer a weak smile and
hold one of the selections out to him. 

Selene scowls and feverishly shakes her head. "How could 
you think that, Julius. You were held against your will 
by those creatures. It was they who did that to your body, 
it is their fault, not yours." She takes a deep breath to 
collect herself and sighs. "But if wish not to contact 
them yet, then you need not do so." 

Julius gets caught awkwardly as he reaches out to take the 
offered selection and the girl offers to dress him. The two 
look at each other for a moment, a staredown of sorts, before 
the girl gives another smile and gestures for him to duck his 
head. he does and the girl slips the undertunic over his head,
assisting his arms. It seems as you won't be the only one 
teaching him. He confusedly watches her finish, lifting an arm 
here and maneuvering as needed; when she finishes, he sighs and
looks back to you, sheepishly, "... perhaps I should make myself 
more presentable.." 

Selene's slave finishes with the last brooch on her shoulder and 
tenderly fastens the large pear-shaped diamond around her throat. 
Selene's finger's go to it immediately to make sure it lays
just so against her skin. She looks over her newly dressed cousin 
and smiles. He still looks quite thin, but the Empyrean garb is 
much more suitable, not to mention cleaner, than what he had been
wearing previously. "You're starting to look your part already, 
cousin," she assures him. 

Julius looks back at you with a rather small, wan smile, then 
back to himself as if he were surprised to find himself there: 
he has been dressed in a toga of rich blue bordered in a gold
embroidery. Most of the scarring has vanished under the fabric 
save for the irregular jagged tissue of his left shin, the marr 
on his right forearm and the ever-present absence of a wing.... 

Selene nods again appreciatly over his choice of attire. "We 
will just feed you more often," she teases, leading her cousin 
from the pool and back out into the garden. 

Julius smiles, following you out. 

*fin*