The Magnaura

**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?"

**Andres** · 01-07-2009, 23:24

Aleksios looks at Helarionas. He seems bored with the man.

In Zagreb. Together with Senator Aleksios ek Ikoniou and his army.

**ULC** · 01-08-2009, 00:40

Helarionas smiles deeply, and there is something off about it - it is devoid of warmth, and something cruel and calculating stirs underneath of it. "I wish you luck then! Goodness knows you will need it, and I hope your unquestioning service to the empire is deservedly rewarded!"

**Ibn-Khaldun** · 01-12-2009, 17:07

Theo stands..

This is an old matter but.. WHY did Basileus Ioannis bought Benghazi? The 'War' against Venetians have been very beneficial to him. He have gained many provinces and now he also purchased Benghazi.. a worthless castles in desert!! Money that coud've been used to improve towns and cities that we already had!!
And just like the last time he is pretty much useless as a Megas Logothetes as well.

Theo sighs...

(OOC: I understand if Igno have RL things that does not allow him to be here but IC Theo doesn't understand that

)