The Magnaura

[ULC]

Demetrios raises an eyebrow. "And, pray tell, what is satisfactory to the Basileus?"

[_Tristan_]

The pig Anargiros will pay dearly for this insult.

I declare war on you, Helarionas Anargiros and have no care for your veiled threats, delivered by your "servant".

Never have I bowed before a threat, and it is not a cowardly dog like you that will change that.

One last word : to any and all of our priests, should one of your number choose to celebrate the union that Anargiros wishes, he had better walk to the ends of the earth afterwards because I'll follow him there to kill him, man of God or not.

[Ituralde]

A man nearing his Thirties enters the Magnaura. His hair is already receeding but the features of his face seem to bear a resemblance to the recently deceased Pavlos Chrysovergos.

Senators of the Roman Empire! My name is Nikitas Moschos. I just recieved this letter stating that I am apparently the nephew of Antypatos Chrysovergos, which makes me Duke of Sinop and Comes as well as member of this Assembly.

He looks around, unsure of what to say next.

That's all, I guess...

His words trailing off he leaves for the benches where he takes a seat.

[ULC]

Demetrios stands up, anger getting the better of him. "Veiled threats? What veiled threats have I given, or has anyone given for that matter! Methodios, you know me, if I knew of this, what do you think I would have done! Ser-, Helarionas is an impulsive man, and so is Aleksandra! War over this will solve nothing, at least try to talk to them!"

[Ituralde]

He's right isn't he, the Prince should know how important the will of his daughter is.

Nikitas chuckles slightly, then he suddenly realizes that he had spoken a little too loud and the room really amplified a man's voice. Taken aback he tries to shrug apologetically.

[_Tristan_]

Looking angrily at Demetrios, Methodios stands once again.

What veiled threats ?

These are the words that came out of your own mouth Demetrios : "how the Tagaris family would pay their price one day for their betrayal."

I have no proof that these words came from the man whose body you so gruesomely displayed before us... They might as well be those of this Helarionas, of whom I know nothing but that he has abducted my daughter.

And for that, I'll make him pay... Dearly...

[ULC]

Demetrios facepalms himself in exasperation.

"Methodios, please! Why on earth would Helarionas want vengeance on your family at all?! He is a kind man, with good intentions! We have received little in the way on why the two ran off together beyond that they love each other! For all we know, it's possible Helarionas took the threat to the Tagaris families life seriously and escaped with Aleksandra to protect her! Where is your proof she was forcibly taken! We know nothing of the matter, yet were already willing to hang the man!"

[_Tristan_]

Methodios' anger rises to fury.

What is it with my daughters that each and every nobleman from this Empire wants to elope with them ? I sure wish I had more than one son to save me from all this trouble.

If the pig Anargiros had any inforamtion on the possible threat to my family, I would have had more consideration for him had he come to me with this.

I have defied my Emperor for the safeguard of my daughter, did he think I would be unable to defend another against a less than tangible threat ? I am not yet in the grave though it looms ever nearer day by day.

She may not have been forcibly taken but she could have been lured to follow a man in whom she had put her trust wrongly. God knows there are enough smooth-talkers among our Senators and nobles.

As to why would Helarionas would want revenge on my family ? I have not the smallest idea but I've done enough things in my life that I may have stepped on the wrong foot here and there.

I do not see why the Organization, reputably dead and done, would seek to kill a lowly Senator like Anargiros. The death of Armatos at least makes sense. It is a great blow against our Empire and the Order of St John, which fought most staunchly against the Organization.

Thus, all this sorry business smells of nothing but conspiracy... I will not tolerate that my daughter plays a part in the dark schemes of any Senator.