The Magnaura

**ULC** · 01-05-2009, 15:36

Helarionas sets his book down, taking his time as he begins to speak again. "Aleksios, maybe you misunderstand - I say war should not be waged for wars sake. You are so willing to go off and kill without the knowledge of what it entails because war to you is fun, because as far as you know, it is good, and it is something to be done. It excites you beyond all measure, it makes your eyes gleam and twinkle with the thought of spilling the blood of your enemies in the name of the Imperium. You take joy in it, pride in it, love it, without truly understanding of what is being asked of you, nor trying to reason why it is being asked of you."

"So no, I am not telling you not to defend the Empire, I am not telling you that you should not take up the reins that were so well handled and taken care of by Lord ek Ikoniou and Lord Chrysovergos, but I am asking that you put both more thought into your actions and your words."

By this time Helarionas is now staring forcefully at Aleksios, and he holds his gaze a few seconds more, as if summing up the character of Aleksios, and then sighs, returning back to his reading.

**Andres** · 01-05-2009, 15:55

Aleksios ek Pigis stares at Helarionas. A grin appears slowly on his face while he adresses Helarionas.

The Empire needs men like me to do its' dirty work so that men like you can spend time sitting in a chair, sipping on wine and eating grapes in the meanwhile talking and talking and talking about why war is evil or good, when it is justified, how the empire should be run and how we should do this or that and blah blah blah.

I, however, am a man of action! Maybe it's because I'm young, but I doubt it. Some men have fire in them, others are... like you.

**ULC** · 01-05-2009, 16:10

Helarionas slams his book down, standing with a start and whirring on Aleksios. "You dare call me a fool when your own foolishness will cost you one day? You know nothing of me, or who I am! I have lived through more in the last 5 years of my life then you have in all of your 20 years of life, and you dare criticize me upon my experience?! I am your better in more way then one, and I do not speak of titles, land, or privileges. I'll do my duty for the Imperium, just as you. I'll fight for every last grain of dirt and breath of air that rightfully belongs to us good Romans, but I won't be so blind as to why I do it! Unlike you, who's mere purpose is similar to a dogs, I'll have more reason to do what I do, a greater drive and fire then you can muster then from your little pleasures of begging from masters you can't comprehend and serving a purpose you'll never understand!"

Towards the end of his rant, Helarionas's voice slips into a Hungarian accent, and when Helarionas finishes, he stares Aleksios back in the eyes, daring Aleksios to challenge him.

**Andres** · 01-05-2009, 16:19

Aleksios smiles. He fills a goblet with white wine and raises it to Hellarionas.

To Roman spirit!

He drinks from the goblet and laughs softly.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**KnightnDay** · 01-07-2009, 02:02

A young man who some recognize as having features similar to elder Ioannis Kalameteros, and even his son Magnentios steps forward to address the assembled members. Ammonathas looks carefully among those in the hall.

Vengance and retribution? We shall rush towards our Venetians enemies in a blind rage, slashing and tearing at all before us? This is the mark of a Roman army? By all that we hold to be true, this cannot be. It must not.

What plans, fellow countrymen…what plans have we made to deal with our adversaries in a deliberate and calculating fashion? The Basileus himself sails to Latium to avenge the death of Savvas and many other good Romans. My own courageous and honorable brother stands by his side, leaving no man to question where the House of Asteri stands in this matter.

I asked what plans we have made. Let me speak to you now, not just of plans, but of actions. Four hundred men stand with me on a march against our Venetian foes. All of these good Romans, to a man, are part of an army of brother Magnentios who has generously consented to leave them in my charge. Three hundred men from the garrison of Thessalonike will near double our force of arms. I hope and trust that the empire will see fit to provide for another three hundred. Yes good senators, untested but unfearing, I propose to lead a force one thousand strong against our enemies. Such armies exist today in our holy lands, shall we not raise such similar numbers against our foes in Italy now?

Let us not take half measures amidst cries for blood. I have ordered taxes to be raised at Thessalonike in order to aid our efforts. The citizenry understands that they may be called upon to provide even more aid in lives and treasure in the near future. These then are but some of the actions taking place now in the House of Asteri. Our resolve is firm, and our deeds to be defined with a clear vision…that of victory.

No nation can stand against an empire such as this, so long as there are good men to lead and contribute to its success.

Ammonathas returns to his place, trying to gauge what effect, if any that his words have had among the senate.

**ULC** · 01-07-2009, 02:17

Helarionas relaxes after Ammonathas finishes his speech. Throwing himself back down into his seat, Helarionas picks up a goblet and raises it to Ammonathas. "Indeed, well spoken Senator Ammonathas, tis too bad..." Helarionas takes a sip from his goblet, "...that dear Aleksios does not see it in such a way." Helarionas turns to grin at Aleksios. "Tell me Aleksios, how close are you to the Venetian front, and with how many men?"