(1407) The Duel
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Based on the information Elle gave him, Ermac had no real opinion on the results of it. He had nothing to comment on. As he understood it, this was the culmination of what seemed to be years of gross mismanagement and negligence. The Obrimos kept his mouth shut. It was a tense situation as it was. It was better just wait it out and see what unfolds.
Crowley watched as the pieces spiralled out from the duel.
So much anger, given voice.
So many other emotions too.
"Hey man, chill! She lost. She Hierarch-boss-lady-no-more. Its over? What is this? The Old Country?" Glutton for punishment. Eager for recognition. Free Councillor at a Diamond duel, with all the hackneyed, backward, tropes he had been told to expect on numerous occasions. It mattered not - a trial by combat was over and now they wanted an Inquisition on top of that? No way!
Crowley had only rumours to go on and an imperfect understanding of the Awakened history of the city. Still... Enlightened people shouldn't drop to such levels. The lady had lost her election. It was over. Nothing more was needed.
His eyes flicked to the apparently blood thirsty mage, whose name he didn't really know, to the new Hierarch fellow.
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Bishop watched Aquinas ascend to Hierarch and Avalon fall. He was not surprised. He doubted, that Avalon retaining her position would have surprised him either.
But he could already see, that things were about to start going into the "let's point fingers"-direction. The political climate in the Consilium was about to change, Bishop was certain about that. The Ladder in power was nothing new, but it also meant, that defeating your opponents sometimes was not enough or did not suffice for parties bearing grudges. And politicking meant that there was ample opportunity to crush your opponents after you had defeated them with grace.
Bishop would not stay for such things. To him, the matter was concluded and he would return to business.
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Aurum watched the duel conclude with interest, and she had drawn closer to Avalon and the others near her. She wasn't sure how she felt about the results. She knew nothing and felt nothing either way. Regardless of whom won she thought that there would be change in the consilium.
As Leo asked his question her eyebrows rose in amusement. People were already trying to hang the woman out to dry or looking for the next witch to hunt. Then as Ixidor he made a lot of sense and she was grateful that one person seemed to rationally consider things. She turned to Crowley and some of the others.
"I agree with the fashionable guy over there," Aurum honestly said indicating Ixidor and his comments. "If someone has any evidence of any crimes or transgressions then they should present them to the proper fashion, and until then it is all nothing but rumors. Furthermore, it falls to the one with the biggest supernal dick and the counselors to decide if there will be an inquiry. I say ya give our new boss here a chance to collect himself and let him do his job." She finished and turned to Aquinas to see if he would have anything to say.
Avalon refuses the hand from Nous as well as the other hand that appears next to her belonging to Aquinas. In the midst of the approaches of some and the murmuring from the rest, he walks over and offers the defeated a hand. This was inevitable to him, an inevitable return and while he despises the current situation of the Consilium; Avalon is still right-handed.
Misguided and ready to die on her own sword, but still Diamond.
It isn't pity that caused him to offer a hand that Avalon refuses, neither is it a political move. Aquinas' gesture is just one between people. However, People will see it as they wish. The Hierarch frowns sadly at Avalon's refusal but realizes that he cannot dwell on it. The hard part has only just begun.
Aquinas turns to the rest of the group and first lifts a hand, urging calm from his Deacon ( Wolven Pryde ). “This isn't the time.” His voice lifts “There will be silence from the Wise who make up this Consilium.” Glints of steel linger in his voice, sharp edged and immutable. “As per our Laws, Avalon has lost and I, Aquinas of the Vox Draconis, am your Hierarch now.”
The Clavicularius steps forward, taking center stage and lowering his hand.
“As this Consilium shifts towards something greater, I will ask everyone's calm and patience. The Supernal has seen fit to ordain me with the ability to execute and judge the laws of the Wise within the Consilium of the Sacrament. However, our body of Law is anemic. This ends. But a Hierarch is not just a glorified Judge it is also a high-priest of the sacred rites of our people. As such, I hope you can look to me for guidance. No man is an island; no wise a singular Atlantis.”
Aquinas pauses, he isn't one given to shuffling or fidgeting and while he does not command a room like Ixidor might, his will is Iron. “Is Magus Orpheus ( Cryotic ) of the Mysterium in the audience?” A long pause follows before Aquinas continues, “He is thanked for his service as Herald but his services are no longer needed.” A breath is taken, “This means that I require two Magi to step forward to be my Herald. People I may trust to be my voice within the Consilium – to pass news and to be the main point of contact between the Member Cabals of this Consilium. They will also speak to all new comers and will make sure of their rightness before formally acknowledging them into the Consilium.”
The Hiearch's gaze slides across the group of Wise wondering for a moment who is audacious enough to believe they can speak for him.
“Sentinel Animus ( roadnottaken ), Sentinel Leo Lockhart ( Xander ) both of the Adamantine Arrow, I hope both of you will continue to serve in the capacity as my Sentinels. I hope, also, that you will suggest two more names to round out your team. I will require a full report on what is still a threat, what isn't a threat, and our potential options to deal with them.” It is not a request.
“Going forward, we will be drawing our Councilors from Paths, rather than from Cabals, as has been done. Councilors are responsible for choosing their own Provost. Potential Councilors will be aware that their choice of Provost will not be taken lightly; they are your ears and your voice should you not be available. For those Councilors who are now, no longer, the Consilium also thanks you for your service.”
This is not something to argue or debate. These are firm pronouncements and edicts.
“A few more things,” Aquinas makes a small smile before continuing, “I am charging the Silver Ladder as well as the Mysterium to present me with any and all precedents made within this Consilium. The Silver Ladder already have this charge from Lictor Telos of the Northern California circuit and I am reaffirming it, it is my Hope that the Mysterium might provide support to them in this.” A pause.
“In the coming weeks,” Aquinas starts again, “this Consilium will no longer be a Consilium caught flat-footed made to react. In the coming weeks we will take back the city of Sacramento from those long shadows that have lingered and grown fallow for too long.” Another small pause, “We will go on the offensive. We will storm the Ivory Tower and root out the weeds that have grown too bold in the absence of leadership. I will ask every order to arrange their resources for the task of weeding out the Banishers who believe the University is theirs and theirs alone. It is my hope that the Free Council's Assembly ( Beej ) chooses to work with us on this.”
“At the moment,” Aquinas concludes, “all of us must take a care. It is highly suggested that if you are not a member of a Cabal nor a member of a Cabal in forming, you look for one now while everyone is here. Current Sigil Bearers ( Xander Sirith Kelreth Djinn ), please approach and be re-recognized. If you wish to take initiative and form a cabal, you may also do so. Please also state if you are recruiting. Solitare Wise, take note – this is not a City to go it alone in.”
“If you believe you might make a fine Herald, please approach me.”
With that, the new Hierarch of the Consilium of the Sacrament cedes the stage.
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At the culmination of the Duel, Jonokuchi gave a slight bow to the victor from where he stood. The Hierarch had been chosen, now was the time to prove if he could help steer Sacramento back on track. However, he did frown when Leo spoke and as Asp whispered to him, Jonokuchi glanced towards her cabal and nodded. She needed to be with her team. He could appreciate that.
He only wished he could trust his own as much as she seemed to place in the Veiled Threats.
A sigh. To Jonokuchi, Leo was a loose cannon, Striker naive, Geist a ghost, and Weavebreaker...he didn't yet have an opinion. The fact they hadn't even conversed beyond an introduction was always difficult to trust someone.
Back to the present. The Consilium seemed to be bickering. The Hierarch called for Heralds, and Jonokuchi smirked at the idea of being the man to welcome new arrivals. Not really for the sumo.
Sentinels? To join Leo and Animus? Perhaps that is something Jonokuchi could do although there would probably be better suited individuals out there. Asp for one.
Finally, back to Cabals. He was a part of the Archangels. He just wished he knew what that meant.
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Zoey offered a quiet look to both Asp and Avis as she joined, before holding up her hand. "Excuse me for just a moment," she smiled, before making her way forward. Very well. He'd set out ground rules, and this would be handled immediately.
"Hierarch Aquinas," she called rather pointedly, ignoring whatever murmurs and mutters were going about the room as she did. A light bow preceded the words that followed. "I am Zodiac, Warlock of the Veils, and Sigil Holder for Veiled Threats." Especially with no current Herald who could make the announcement to the rest of the consilium, her voice was raised to make certain it was clear to all present. "I present our cabal to you as one including Asp and Avis of the Arrow, and Star and myself of the Veils. Our Sanctum location has already been presented to the Council, and to former Herald Orpheus."
She left that to sit for a moment, before offering another bow. "Additionally, unrelated to the affairs of my own Cabal, I wish to offer my services as a Herald to this city, should you deem it appropriate. I do not pretend that I am in any way the person for niceties, but I can promise this: The affairs of cabals will be in order, and those who are new to the city will be clearly screened before being presented any form of acknowledgement in this city. I have no patience for anything less."
Taking that moment to look around the room, she turned her gaze back to Aquinas, firm but polite as she spoke. "And Veiled Threats is most certainly not accepting any new members at this particular time, though I am happy to direct those who do not yet have a cabal towards others who may be looking."
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The smile on Ariadne's face is mostly hidden as Zodiac steps forward and declares herself and her cabalmates. Once her fellow Guardian has had her say Ariadne approaches the new Heirarch.
"Heirarch" The Epopt bows to Aquinas, the smile fully across her face. She reigns it in before continuing. "I represent the Unbound Smoke, Bishop along with myself are part of the Veil. Ixidor is with the Ladder, Ermon is talking with the Ladder. Reverb is with the Libertines." A moment and Ariadne nods to Aquinas, deciding on informing him of Pixel should he ever visit the cabal's sanctum.
"The Unbound Smoke is open to new members however we do have areas in which we are focused."
A song sprung to mind when AQ dove into his post victory speech. Going after the Banishers..hmmm. Interesting to see what takes shape. He did frown slightly however when the FC was specifically invited. Cause we wouldn't help unless asked? Fuck. I hope he's not one of those silver wand up the ass types. It was so easy to get spoiled with Ixidor as the head of Ladder. Still he wants heralds? Why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Not to mention it was good for the FC. And the Cabal I suppose.
Detaching from Ermon, Vincent walked over to where people lined up to talk with the new chief. Wonder if he's anything like the actual Aquinas? After Adriadne was done Vincent stepped forward. "Hiearch Aquinas, I'm Reverb, Syndic of the Free Council. I'd like to throw my my hat in the ring to be one of your heralds." Get it, cause I'm wearing a hat...so so bad. "I am the owner of the Byzantine, one of the places mages can go to do business, kicking back and checking for announcements. I've made a habit of making sure everyone who passes through my doors gets pointed in the right direction if they don't know already and a heads up on the landscape. I'd also like to once again offer up the Byzantine as a host for future conscilli, on a regular or semi regular basis, which ever works for you."
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Leo's eyes had snapped to Aurum for what could only be described as a baleful glare. A new face, and in the spirit of her predecessors the new face insisted on blabbering about things she was not present to hear and apparently knew nothing about. Avalon was a Cultor, and confirmed she was in contact with the one who wanted to annex Sacramento. Of coarse new person didn't know that, she was new, and apparently insisted on making that fact readily apparent to the others.
Fortunately Aquinas cut off Leo before he could speak. Flowery words Leo had heard from Azure, Impulse, and even Avalon about fixing the Concilium flowed forth. They were solid moves from someone who forced his way into the Concilium, but moves he had heard before. The promise of an offensive was good. Straight in line with the Crucible Leo liked to look back on. At least he promised something good Leo wasn't hearing for the fifth time.
"Leo Lockheart, Theurgist of the Ungala Draconis." Leo's gaze remained fixed on Aquinas, and he was almost rigid while looking to the new Heirarch. "Currently we also have Weavebreaker, Jonokuchi, and Striker of the Arrow, and Geist of the Free Council." A pause as Leo thought on another matter he hadn't really discussed with the others yet. "And we are recruiting for anyone interested and willing to help, guide, and protect the members of this Concilium."
When Reverb spoke he stopped himself just short of a scoff. Unbound Smoke pushing their permanent Concilium site? Go figure. "Oh I'll continue to serve as Sentinel for ya. I'm gonna start by saying the same thing I told Ermon when he tried to control Concilium by becoming the regular host for our gatherings, the idea is idiotic and unnecessarily risky. At best it should be rotated to avoid painting a target on an individuals place, not to mention avoiding the political clout one could attempt to garner from such overt control."
Yep, shooting that right outta the water. For a second he seemed to even forget about Avalon amid the palpable air of contempt around the First Talon.
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