The Magnaura

[Ignoramus]

Ioannis Komnenos storms into the Magnaura, eyes glaring at Ksanthopouos and Kalameterous.

"I had never thought I'd see the day when my brother would openly join with the Order in attempting to discredit me. Makedonios loves to claim I break the rules, though his claims often have little substance.

I am disappointed in my father for his lack of trust. He has in effect publically condemned me on the evidence presented by my greatest enemy and that in my absence. Have we so forgotten Roman law to condemn a man without hearing his defence?

Beware what precedents you are setting - history remembers those who act unjustly.

Ioannis leaves the Magnaura.

[Ramses II CP]

As the Caesar utters the word 'unjustly' a long, hollow laugh rolls out of Vissarionas, and for the first time since returning to the Magnaura he smiles, though briefly, and nods familiarly at the Caesar's retreating back.

'I presume he didn't notice that the session was extended explicitly so that he would be allowed to present a defense? Much like he didn't notice a few thousand Turkish jihadis sneak past his army to attack the capital... not that the Emperor needed any help, of course.'

Vissa then sinks back into his seat and resumes his blank, unconcerned expression.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios's eyes narrow and he speaks quietly to his departing son.

If you can defend yourself, than do so, indignation is a poor substitute.

I have not condemned you, I am trying to save you. Open your eyes and see that Ioannis.

You arrive, speak your words and just as quickly leave. Have you ever lingered in this chamber to listen?

The Basileus sadly bows his head.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Patriarch Nicholas III:

I have said what was needed to be said. I now take my leave.

*The Patriarch exits the Magnaura. Soon the Representative will be back to speak for him.*

[deguerra]

Kalameteros rises slowly after the Caesar is gone

For the record, I did not join with the Order to discredit the Caesar, House Asteri has been in alliance with the Order for some time, and openly so.

Secondly, I find the words "attempting to discredit" highly amusing, firstly because they imply that we were unsuccessfully, secondly because we merely published a letter from your hand and thirdly because a letter from your own hand can hardly serve to discredit, only to enlighten.

As your father said, Ioannis, nobody wants to take your right to defend yourself from you, but wild and entirely inappropriate indignation is a poor substitute.

I hope that one day, you will come to the realization that what I did, and what your father now does is not an attempt to prevent you from ruling, merely an attempt to ensure that you refine your character to become a greater Basileos.

I would like to state publicly that in that we ask much of you. Few men of this world are cut out to rule, and we are placing expectations upon you that we most likely could not meet ourselves. But that is what it is to rule, to be the God appointed leader of a people. One day you will be that leader, and I pray that day comes with you ready to take on that role.

[Ignoramus]

Reentering the chamber halfway through Kalameteros' words, Ioannis speaks after him.

How can I rule when this most esteemed body insults me endlessly and my father does nothing. Now he condemns me too. I have always been loyal to my father, but now that loyalty ends.

I trusted Kalameteros, I even promised you the position of advisor to me when I ascended the throne, because you were one of the few senators I could trust. Now it seems your confidence is meaningless. You speak of your high expectations in me, yet now I cannot even be sure they are spoken sincerely.

For too long have I had to bear the insults of that fiend, Makedonios. I hereby declare war upon him. I care not what my father thinks, as he has constantly refused to defend my honour. This is a private quarrel, and I ask that the rest of the empire leave us to it. If they do not, then I will not back down.

Ioannis hurls his glove in Makedonios' face and marches out of the Magnaura.

[Cecil XIX]

Armatos stands to address the Magnaura

The Caesar continues to show not just poor judgement, but recklessness. He just just declared war on a Megas Logothetes whose term is not even half over. Let this show this august body the wisdom of voting for the Basileus's Edict E2.1.

I shall wait for the Grandmaster to dictate the Order's response to this rediculousness. The Order shall stand united behind him.

[ULC]

Nikolaos reenters the Magnaura in a heavy and warm overcoat and cloak, protecting from what seems to be an unseasonal chill in the Capital. Yet still he strides in with confidence and a smile, turning to one of the senators and waves cheerfully, and he almost accidentally stumbles into the Caesar. Nikolaos huge frame and size, easily dwarfing anyone in the Magnaura by several inches and pounds, blocks most of the exit and Nikolaos awkwardly moves to let the Caesar pass. Nikolaos finally takes his seat and begins writing while taking a bite from a cookie.

[Ignoramus]

Returning into the diet, Ioannis Komnenos indicates his desire to speak.

"I must apologise to Antypatos Makedonios Ksanthopoulos for the grievous insult I dealt him. He is well within his rights to seek satisfaction, though it was of my making. My action was foolish and unbecoming of my rank and position.

Though I fear I cannot make it up to him, I offer to provide the Order with 5 catapults from Nicaea in order to strenthen the eastern frontier. I had neglected the the Syrian frontier during my tenure as Megas Logothetes, and must do what I can to make ammends.

I also apologise to this august body for my proposed violence in order to restructure the empire. You have a natural right to despise me, though I trust I may regain your respect.

To my father, forgive me. I deserve banishment for my words to you - such disrespect borders upon treason. You may do with me as you will.

I believe in order to display my sincerity, I must step down from the leadership of the Komnenodoukai. Rest assured that Anypatos Chrysovergos is a true soldier of the empire, and will guard our lands well.

I believe inappropriate to listen in on my judgement, and will retire to my quarters. My scribes will relate all the relevant information to me.

Ioannis Komenenos bows and walks slowly out of the Magnaura.