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Inner Courtyard - Living Quarters - Palladium - Haven
A colonnade surrounds the perimeter of the inner
courtyard, whose paved paths lead to various domiciles, each
built in the traditional Empyreal style. Tiled roofs, arches,
columns, and even balconies are common features on all the
homes, and the decor is light and airy--much like those who
dwell within. There are no staircases, although there are
some residencies that extend to a second floor, for the
occupants have no need of stairs when they can simply glide
through the air. Almost everything is built of pale marble in
shades of white, cream, or rose, and climbing vines of
flowers mirror their hues when the season is right. A
circular fountain graces the middle of the courtyard, and
residents can often be found seated at its edge, whiling away
a few hours.
Atalanta soars in from the skies above.
Atalanta has arrived.
Leaving the halls of Jove at this unusual hour is the
hunchbacked figure of Julius Jove, a simple sack slung over
his shoulder, head bowed and heading off for who knows
where...
Atalanta circles above the courtyard, returning from some
errand or visit. She espies the figure, and just mutters to
herself as she lands essentially at the doorway to the
garden. Not like the man could escape her, but just in case
there's a thought, well, she'll block the exit.
Julius halts in his shuffle as soon as the Empyrean
lands...and stops completely once he sees who this is. His
eyes shift as he offers a respectful nod, whispery voice
speaking, "Ave.. Domina."
Atalanta takes a step forward, "Dominus, just the person I
was seeking." My, my, my, that usually sounds so ominous with
regard to Atalanta and sounds no less so right now. She eyes
the sack and remarks mildly, "You are going away on a trip?"
Julius nods. And that's about it. He seems taller, perhaps
it's because he isn't slouched or hunched or as broken
looking as usual. Since you haven't moved from the doorway,
he adds after a breath, "Can I ... help you?" He sneaks a
look past you.
Atalanta smiles genially, and that just looks so -wrong- on
her. "Of course, I think it's about time that we talked, you
and I." Talked? Oh dear, this is starting to sound worse and
worse. One does have to wonder whether she tries to sound
this threatening on purpose. "Perhaps we could go to the
Pantheon and have a drink?" This is a first, her asking a man
to accompany her somewhere for a drink. Mostly because she
knows that Kaly will have a fit if she drinks at home again.
Julius blinks. Once. "Drink," he says, not a question, but a
restating of the word probably least unusual in that
statement from someone least expected. He stands there, as if
testing to see how irritated you could become with silence
before, with what only could be considered a casual shrug of
his shoulders. "If you wish, I have no reason not to," he
replies. Is that a suspicious glance?
Very likely. After all, it isn't as if Atalanta and you are
the best of buddies. She does swing aside and allow a gap in
the entryway to the garden. There will only be irritation if
you decide to insult Iris or herself. Until then, you're safe
enough for now. "After you." She's such a guy sometimes,
either that or she doesn't consider you one, so someone has
to be.
Julius's brow bends towards his nose as his concern for this
particular little tete-a-tete is starting to show on his
features. Looking to you as you step aside, then the
entryway, he looks back in time to whisper, "I... do not know
where the... Pantheon is. Perhaps you should lead the way."
Oh no, see, she doesn't want you behind her, because she
doesn't know when you might sneak away, and if you do that
and she has to find you, well, the worse it will go for you.
Atalanta just isn't in the mood for that. She smiles
cheerfully again, "Just head out of the Palladium, as if you
were going to the Rialto, it is between here and there."
She'll be your backseat driver. Move along, little doggie.
Julius doesn't move immediately. It takes a bit of inner
dialogue first to choose to show his back to someone who has
shown obvious distaste with him and seems to have the
demeanor to take action. Pulling out his feathers? He still
remembers, but... slowly, he takes that first step, and after
a small nod to you, takes another....
Oh, that pulling feather things was only if you hurt Iris,
that's all. And you haven't done that lately, have you? No,
the way Ata hears it, Iris has been the idiot and you've
declared your love, for what it's worth for her, so that
earns you some points for good taste, even if you are a one
winged freak. She strolls along casually after you. Heck, she
doesn't even have any weapons with her.
Julius walks like a man whose been marched to his death
before. Odd, rather suspicious little fellow isn't he? But,
wherever this streak of paranoia came from, it brought along
a bit more of a noble standing... if not strong and certainly
more assured. He says only, "This isn't a ... social call..."
and leaves it at that.
Atalanta quirks an unseen brow at this. But of course, it's a
social call, if it were anything else, she would have the
sword in your back. She tsks under her breath and reassures
you, "But of course, it is, Dominus. O ye of little faith."
Friendliness does not breed trust in the one winged man, but
Julius says nothing more and walks silent, noding only should
you point him in the right direction from time to time...
Atalanta indicates the way west as she strides along,
"There."
Julius nods and moves as instructed...
Atalanta indicates the door to the Pantheon. She has acted as
if this were no strange thing, going out on the town with an
undesirable, no matter his class. "Here we are."
Julius nods and looks over the building. He has acted nothing
more than wary; he steps inside.
You step through the door of the Pantheon and enter the
tavern's interior.
The Pantheon - Haven(#350RDJM$)
Bright frescoes decorate the walls of this large,
pentagonal room, depicting the rise of the city of Haven with
Delphi at its heart. The domed ceiling is supported by four
marble "atlantes"--statues carved to resemble youths from
each race. The figures are expertly rendered and painted, if
somewhat stylized, and they hint that this establishment
caters to clientele from each. A long, marble-topped bar runs
along the last wall where refreshment may be ordered. The air
is laden with the smell of richly prepared foods and
ambrosia, suiting the exclusive nature of the tavern. Rose
marble tiles decorate the floor, which sinks toward the
center of the room in a series of three pentagonal terraces.
Situated at the two higher terraces are fine tables of
polished oak--those on the outermost terrace long enough to
seat larger parties. The lowest terrace features a shallow
pool, lined with greenery and replenished by small fountains.
(See 'places').
Atalanta enters the tavern, and the carved door shuts behind
her.
Atalanta has arrived.
Atalanta has a word with one of the hosts, indicating they'd
like a table somewhere out of the way, and to be supplied
with an adequate amount of ambrosia, and that they aren't to
be bothered by the staff. If this were any other woman, this
would get her smirked at or some other sort of inappropriate
reaction. However, it goes away when Atalanta reveals her
name and smiles prettily. They're seated right away.
Julius follows and sits. Sack still shouldered, he watches
the staff move about the room and eyes the drinks as soon as
they arrive with less suspicion and more curiosity. His
first time 'out drinking', possibly his first with the potent
drink of Ambrosia, this is new enough to him to know to keep
his mouth shut and watch to see what happens.
The drinks are poured and of course, Atalanta jumps in and
takes a gulp. "Go on, drink, drink." By the way, the
Tritonides, are known to drink like fish, so don't be afraid
if the quantity gets up there. She'll wait til you've had a
couple and she's had some, then she'll get to this whole
business about Iris.
Julius knows in this situation to take cues as living in
slavery never leaves you with much social conversational
skills. He takes the cup as you do, and after the
encouragement, takes a tentative sip. A reaction slams into
his face as the strength of the Ambrosia sits up and says
hi... but it doesn't deter him. Of all the people he'd show
weakness to, you are right below 'Selene' and above 'Varati'.
A stronger gulp and he forces himself to get use to this...
Well, at least she ranks above Varati, but let's not think
about the actual implication of that, shall we? Atalanta
doesn't even seem to bother with taste, not really, she just
drinks. Finishing up her first, and starting on her second,
she pauses to ask, "So, where are you running away to?"
Julius looks up from the rim of his cup to eye you straightly
with a good enough answer, "I have business elsewhere I need
to attend to. I am not running and have no need to. Why do
you ask?" He thinks he knows the answer, but might as well
see if you'll say as much. Hrm, a rather honey-like taste...
Atalanta replies sunnily, "Because I think you're running
away from Iris, because she mucked things up, and could have
married you instead of that drunkard." My goodness, let's cut
to the chase, shall we? "And you're mad that she tried to
protect you rather than give you a chance to fight."
Julius sets the glass down as you speak, full attention on
you as words surprisingly close to home are spoken. "I ...do
have business to attend to," he reaffirms. "You have...
spoken to Iris." His voice is neutral, not much to read...
Business? Ha! She can't think of what business you might
have, thus, you must not have any. Atalanta sips her
ambrosia, before replying, "Of course, I've spoken to her.
She doesn't come to the Palladium any more because of you,
and I have no one to bathe with." Thus, I have to get this
solved so that things will go back to the way I want them.
She adds, "And I believe that you would be doing a foolish
thing by running away, and that she has done many foolish
things by her treatment of you." Wow, that -almost- sounds
like she's on your side in this... thing.
Julius says again, the rasp in his voice dropping a bit as
his tone is clear and low. "I am not running. I would
appreciate you not saying such." A small cough returns things
to normal, hand touching the discarded mug as if judging
whether or not to pick it up. "Her actions," he rasps,
"are... what she wanted. Wants, now. I could not call them
foolish if they are truly her wishes." Stoic, his face is
unreadable.
What are you going to do, fight her about it? She just smirks
at the comment, then tops off your goblet before doing the
same to her own, "Her actions are -not- what she wanted. If
you both had simply listened to me the first time I said
anything, you wouldn't be in this mess." A drink, then she
states plainly, "Iris would have you for a lover, but I have
told her that if she desires it, she would have to woo you. I
am sure that your pride," what there is of it, after all, you
are wingless and no one -else- would have you, "has been
hurt. She must convince you that of her feelings, but she
comes up with excuses about you not wanting her. You don't
feel that way though, do you?" That could be a threat you
know, taken wrongly.
Julius looks down to the cup as an excuse to hide a bit of
frustration, picking up the glass for a rather healthy
swallow of Ambrosia. "Iris tells me she would have me... Iris
also tells me that I know very little and she fears for my
safety. I have told her ... how I... feel." he takes a moment
to cough. "And her only answer was an ...apology. I do not
know enough of what her intention are ... and if what you...
advise is appropriate for what she has told me."
Atalanta stares at you a moment, "Trust me, she wants you for
such. She would have never asked for me to deliver a message,
would she, if she did not? Iris says many things, but you
must remember she is a young woman who has been much
protected and coddled by her family." That's the pot calling
the kettle black, but never mind that. "You need only fear
for your safety if the two of you are indiscreet. Would you
have her for lover?" Answer the question.
Julius takes a moment to hold your gaze as if winning
something by not blinking first. "She asked you to deliver a
message?" he asks.
Atalanta nods, "She did." Drink, "Would you have her for your
lover, Julius?" Gasp, she called you by your name, as if she
were trying to be ... friendly. It's either that, or it's the
ambrosia.
Julius takes a moment, then answers honestly as you'll get
out of him, "If she... still wants me. Truly does and does
not see me... as a pity. A regret." he looks back down to his
cup, then back. "I would be honoured."
Look out, Atalanta is going to pull out one of her 100 watt
smiles, look, there it is! For a moment, her potential as a
beautiful, proper young lady can be seen. "She still wants
you. Trust me. She's worried about Tiberius finding out, but
that's no problem, I shall be your chaperone." Well, that
just killed it, didn't it? "She even said if you were to die,
she'd drown herself."
Julius frowns. A deep scowl cuts his pale face at the mention
of death, but he does not turn his eyes from you. "I... do
not have to be her lover. If she fears for my safety so much
then... I would like to see her again. It is all I would
expect... or ask for."
Atalanta's smile dims and she says blithely in that cheery
tone of voice, that has an undercurrent of sternness, "You
will be her lover, you see, because I'm tired of watching the
pair of you dancing around each other, falling all over
yourself to do whatever you think the other wants because you
think it best. You will be such, because you want it and she
does as well. Someone needs to be bold, Julius, and I'm
afraid it's going to have to be you. For once in your life,
you will have to state what you want and will have to take
charge, because she won't. I don't think I have the patience
to listen to her wallow in her misery for the rest of our
friendship." More ambrosia. "You lived through the Varati,
you ought to be able to live through this. And to have the
courage to take what you want rather than be polite. After
all, Julius, when will you have another chance like this?
There are not women waiting in the background for you to get
around to them. What's more, iris truly loves you and not as
some freak, but for what you are." All those who never
thought that Ata could be this perceptive, please raise your
hands and wings. "You mess this up, it will be the greatest
regret of your life."
Julius is silent in the face of... so many words. And a lot
of truth unacceptable to his small perceptions of The Way
Things Are Done. "She has been quite bold with me. Bold
enough to make decisions...," no spite of malice or... any
emotion rather. Heated words with no heat behind them. "She
tells you one thing. Then speaks to me of another. I have no
wish to 'take' anyting from her that she does not wish to
give freely."
Atalanta leans over and says softly, "Yes, and you've let her
be bold, her kind of bold. Iris is a morass of insecurity,
except when she's fighting with me. She loves you. She wants
you for lover. You love her. You want her for lover. Now, as
i see it, since you both want the same thing, there isn't a
problem, except that perhaps the pair of you revel in drama
so much that you create it. She had to be bold because you
would not. Now, you can see what a mess she's made of it.
Perhaps if you started taking up your side of this and doing
what you're supposed to be doing, it can be fixed." Sitting
back, she states, "And of course, she told you something
different. Probably stumbling over herself adding in things
like, 'I know I shouldn't be saying this' and 'It's not my
place' or 'I'm sorry' about twenty times. But what she told
you and what she told me isn't anything different, not
really."
Julius asks as if he were wondering about street signs, "What
am I supposed to be doing?" then maybe with a bit more intent
behind it, "According to you?"
Atalanta sighs and places a hand over her eyes. Hasn't she
just been telling him for the last hour or so. She says
tiredly, "You are supposed to be staying right here, instead
of taking care of whatever 'business' you have." She does
avoid saying you're running away. "When you meet with Iris,
do not allow her to go on about how sorry she is, because, by
the time she gets done with that, days will have passed. You
might tell her from now on that you can make your own
decisions, though you appreciate kindly up til now the job
she's done for you. A kiss probably wouldn't be untoward,
either. I promise not to look."
Well, yes, the obvious has come to Julius before, but ...
"She has feared for my safety so much as to curb the time she
spends with me... such action you describe ... seem the type
she feared would spread rumor before..." Hey, it's again the
truth.. but also a bit of an excuse... he takes a drink from
a nearly empty cup.
Here, you obviously need more ambrosia, you haven't said
you'll do anything stupid yet. Then Atalanta stands, "You
need more to drink, and you need to think about it. I've told
you as much and probably more than Iris wanted. You need to
decide, Julius Jove, whether you are going to be a pathetic
one winged freak with no one to love or whether you are going
to be a man, the man of Iris' dreams, her hero. One of you
has to stop this nonsense about 'not being good enough'.
Either you take charge of your life, or remain enslaved for
the rest of it." Tossing enough coin on the table for the
drink and a tip, she heads for the exit. "When you are ready,
come find me and I'll tell you of Iris' note."
Julius's eyes automatically go to the coin, a shiny object in
the line of vision, before sending back up to you, grim in
demeanor. His mouth forms a small line at the slur, eyes
bright... but saying no retort nor great upset. The other
'drama queen' keeps his seat, knuckles trying to turn white
against the cup but not leaving it either. He holds there for
a moment, then asks, "When will you tell me what Iris' wished
to send to me?"
Atalanta glances over her shoulder and replies, "When you can
come to me and tell me that this time you won't let her down,
when you can look me in the eye and tell me that if I ever
insult you again, you'll take it out of my hide, when you can
take that desire to live that you must have had to live
through what you did, and use it for something else. Use it
for your future, and not your past." She smiles, "And when I
believe that you do mean it. Good evening, Julius Jove. Enjoy
the ambrosia."
Julius bristles in his seat.
*fin*
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