[LOCATION] The Park of Angels (Plaza)

[Fox]

The Plaza of Angels stands where Smugglers Alley once stood. On the brightening where meteors fell from the skies, Smugglers Alley was virtually destroyed.

One man, Rodrigues Emmanuel Deslates, came forwards and paid for the rebuilding of the mercantile area of Imperia. It was changed almost beyond recognition and renamed the Plaza of Angels

The Plaza was built around a central park, the Park of Angels. The park was an enormous square of landscaped lush green grass, each area of which had different flowers for people to look at, creating beautiful displays all era around.

In the very center of the Park of Angels was a bronze statue. It stood fifteen feet tall and was of an Angel. She stood, wings outspread and looked down on the people who walked past her. One hand reached down, as though she were leaning down to help someone.Her eyes were soft and gentle and those who knew commented on both her beauty and her resemblance to Mrs Deslates, Rodrigues' young wife Chex.

At the base of the statue was an inscription:

You cannot appreciate the light unless you have lived through the darkness

This statue is dedicated to all those who were lights in the darkness, to all those who died as a result of natures fury and mortal folly and more than anything, this statue is dedicate to my wife, Chex.

She is a true light in a dark world.

Around the statue were benches, each one placed so that it looked over a display of flowers, which flowed out from the statue in a wonderfully colourful spiral. Each bench had inscribed upon it names of those who died either on the day that the meteors fell, or as a direct result of their falling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

People came to the park, both to look at the message board or simply to spend time here. It is a place for meeting people, old friends and new folks.

[Caideline]

The 15th Brightening of Aperitus, Spring Era XIII PF

Caideline found a nice bench to sit on as she surveyed the beautiful surroundings that filled the Park of Angels. Such an appropriate name for such a place, especially with the bronze statue of an angel in the very center. It was perfect to unwind and think of the past. She had taken a good many things from her home when she left, her mother's pendant along with a small pouch filled with letters and such. Until now she hadn't the time to really look at the letters her mother had hidden from her, but she was certain that one of them had to be about her father.

Now that her mother was gone, she had to know about her father and she thought one or more of the letters could tell her. Was her father alive, did he know about her? These questions plagued her since before she could remember.

She opened the mall velvet pouch filled with papers and began to sift through them patiently, most where old letters from Minya's family, but two of them caught her eye. It only said the name Min on the outside. When she opened the first one up it said.

Dear Min,

I know you are not happy with me for leaving, but there was nothing I could do. I had to return home. I hope you and the child do well.. That was all she read for the rest had been burned. So her father knew of her existence at least, that was a start.

She then read the next letter.

Dear Min,

You haven't written to me in a while, I hope this letter finds you well. I haven't told my family about you or Caideline because of their distaste for Vysstichi, but know that I do often think of you. How if Caideline, she would be near my nephew Rhys' age, he is a fine lad off to Primus Guadeo.

Once again the letter stopped there because of burn marks. It appeared that her mother hadn't taken well to reading the letters and had attempted to burn the letters only to save the remains and put them in her velvet pouch.

Suddenly hope rose in her heart, she had a cousin near to her age in Primus Guadeo, maybe she should seek him out. She was torn in emotions, she felt both relief and fear, relief to know that maybe she wasn't alone in the world, but fear because her father had stated that his family had a distaste for her kind.

Regardless of her fear, she knew she needed to know her father more and her cousin could hopefully help her, maybe she would even meet her father as well. Hopefully Rhys would recieve her kindly, she doubted she would handle rejection well from her supposed family.

She put the letters back into her mother's velvet pouch and drew the drawstring, standing up and dusting herself off. She had found what she had been looking for in a way, she touched the pendant around her neck and smiled, although the pendant had been her mother's, it had been given to her mother by her father early in their relationship, a family heirloom of his.

With one last look around the beautiful park before leaving to prepare for her trip to Primus Guadeo, but would she gain more from this trip or lose more?

[Rioshi]

Timestamp:

Second Brightening of Ioannes, Midday

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Pretending to rest upon the bench in idle weariness, the red cloaked Katta known as Rioshi waited silently for his visitor to approach. He did not now how the other would react, or even if he was just there by chance, but Rioshi was determined to find out. Better safe than sorry, no? He had enough worries to last him and had no wish to have a dagger thrown into his lazing back by some arrogant pursuer that might have noticed his arrival, in any case, it had been a while, and it seemed as though both sides would be unable to take each other unawares in this strange place. In dismay, Rioshi half opened his eyes to take in his general situation to the best of his abilities. This approach was taking far too long in Rioshi's general opinion, so he decided to find out what is visitor really wanted. Noticing the slight movements to his left, the Katta called out.

You can come out already. Might I ask what your business is with me? I am tired, and it has been a long run from Jaedaxia... Please, make it quick.

It would be quite curious to see how things turned out, for better or worse.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Seldom did the Aedile find the time in his wearisome schedule to rest. Since his appointment to the position the young Syl'rosian's brightenings had consisted of a hectic clash of meetings and work. He barely scraped a few candlemarks together for such leisurely activities as sleep and consumption of food, and for those he now tended to feel a pang of guilt. The elf had hardly recognized the monumental task that he had been warranted with, when months earlier, he wandered into the office of the Thane and landed the job of Senior Aedile. Each brightening his job and the responsibility of shepherding a city consumed him completely, and the task of perpetuating a city out of poverty into his Utopian vision (the fanatic dream strangely aligned with that of the Thane) was wearing him out but energizing him simultaneously.

This he pondered as he slowly walked the gardens of the Park, solemnly and thoughtfully, head cast down in pensive thought. Until he was stirred, and immediately the raven haired Syl'rosian drew his head up, brows furrowed in light agitation towards the disturbance.

"Business? With you? Is it not a little conceited to think that I would be here, in a park of remembrance, for the sole purpose of you? Who are you anyway?" an uncharacteristic smirk spread across his lips. "Speak quickly, you can be fined for such malevolent speech towards city officials, didn't you know?"

It was not like the elf to make idle threats in the manner of his predecessors, but his agitation led him to such ends this brightening. It was obvious also the katta was not aware of the presence of his bodyguard, a fair distance a way near the monument, yes, but with constant vigilance keeping a steady eye on his charge.

[Rioshi]

Grinning openly now, Rioshi noted that not once had he heard that the Aedile did come to this place regularly, and since he had not moved until he was addressed, the fact that he was being watched by someone not far off meant he had taken precautions prior to his arrival, yet did not want it to look like he had set things up in advance by keeping his associates close at hand- but not close enough to be spotted by the casual passerby. It was true he may not know their professions, but for them to remain there at a relatively same time period was...worrying. But, no matter. He was here out of curiousity and would indulge the elven gentleman accordingly. Time and place for such things...

"Conceited or no, then why exactly is the Aedile debasing himself to talk to one as humble as my own person?

Surely there must be a reason for you to approach me in the first place....

But, I will apologize if my words have given offense,

for I had no wish to disturb you or your walk. I have had enough of the unwilting thoughts from one trapped within the confines of his own mind and devices- be it out of political strength or power. My deepest apologies.", Rioshi stated calmly. The Katta did not mean to fight, nor was he here to delay the Aedile in any way. With calm precision he nodded to the Syl'rosian and went back to his thoughts.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The Aedile's agitation quickly mellowed, seldom did his bursts of inexplicable rage possess him longer than a few moments. This creature, although seemingly paranoid, would not incur his retribution this brightening for a simple misunderstanding. A thread of lingering malcontent towards Rioshi however was spun that would not likely dissipate for a while.

"If an Aedile's character is degraded because he speaks to a common person- my institution would be utterly frivolous and simply a facet of corruption. I would hardly be comporting myself with honor if it was so.. Does an Aedile not sit in an office all brightening and speak to the common folk? Negotiating terms and drafting settlements, and generally helping them along their way?"

Although the majority of grunt work with the relatively lesser citizens of the city was reserved for the Aediles and Assisstant Aediles (apposed to the Senior Aedile) it was essentially still his job to shepherd the flock, the common populace of the city.

The Syl'rosian approached the katta, and gestured lightly at the space beside him upon the seat, taking it for himself provided the response was positive. Facing the furry fiend beside him, he smiled, and offered a hand.

"I believe a proper introduction might be in order? I'm Eraisuithon Nan'tathren, Senior Aedile of this city." the knowledge that his own name was quite a mouthful to those not of the elven race painted a small smile on his face.

[Rioshi]

Paranoid Rioshi might be, but it was far more preferable than being stabbed in the back unawares by an unfavorable lot who might have taken offense during his earlier actions taken in Paxia or Vortex... However, he had probably forgotten his manners for a moment, and from the Sylrosian's taking affront at such, it was best to be courteous. "Serale. My name is Rioshi. It is a pleasure to make your acquantance, Eraisuiton Nan'tathren.", he said, taking the proffered hand and shaking it firmly.

"This peculiar institution of which you speak... has there not been some agitations following your rise into the office? I wish you well in your endeavors, but you seem a little disoriented at the moment...", the katta said in a curious tone. "Usually public officials that have come upon my person are not easily taunted so... Yet, a point of dignity must be noted on your part, so I do not doubt that the qualities needed in your role within Imperia are well kept."

Sure, Rioshi had heard wisps of corruption within the governing staff, but he could not deny the truth behind the Senior Aedile's words; that his presence and that of many others were vital in the city's survival.

With a light smile the Katta nodded his head in acceptance, and put aside his blade in a gesture of trust. The elf had taken a risk whether he knew it or not, and Rioshi was honor bound to do the same out of respect for the elf in turn.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The elf sighed wearily, and ran a deft hand through locks of jet-black hair as he rested his tired body against the support of the bench. Taking this walk had been a good idea- Gods knew he needed a little rest this brightening. It was beneficial to both the work ethic and the body after candle marks of being poised over papers and memos.

"Agitations with my ascension? ... not really my friend. Nothing more than could be expected. Simply a few eras worth of work, a crumbling city, and not enough staff...." His words were spoken in the manner of someone much older than himself. He smiled a little in a friendly sort of way, his eyes- dark tumultuous seas- wayward in their gaze staring off at something or very well nothing in the distance.

"Say, What brings you Rioshi, to Imperia? Business? Pleasure?" the elf certainly knew their wasn't much in many respects to come to.

[Rioshi]

After watching his companion's tired emeanor break through, the katta leaned softly against the back of the bench. No rest for the weary, no rest for the soul, no rest for the teary, 'till they reach their goal. Sould but one hath fallen, their own heads will roll in turn... up an down, up and down, till their words come crumbling down.. Well, at least he had a chance for salvaton; that he had managed to escape- if only for a time.

"Such despair is ill fitting of your character... Are you not freer now that when you are trapped in your office? Or perhaps you cannot handle the job...?", Rioshi teased, trying to get the Senior Aedile to cheer up a bit, or at least get irritated enough to snap out of it...

"I have come here on business, but with regards to one whom I respect and believe to be a friend. And you? What brings you here?", the katta countered with a tilt of it's head.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The kattas words roused the Aedile from his languid state, and a peculiar look composed of half a grimace and half a grin took to his face as he jolted completely upright.

"Oh believe me my friend, my job I can handle." he laughed "Sometimes though I think its good to take a little walk, and enjoy a beautiful summer day, no?" he explained gesturing vaguely to the park around them in its summertime glory; his voice more cheery.

"Opportunity my friend, opportunity is the reason. This city presents.. oh so many opportunities for everyone. Especially more than Syl'rosia I might say.."

It was true, in Imperia he could seek fame and fortune, a happier, more adventurous life. That was certainly something he couldn't get in cramped old Sylrosia for sure.

"Will you be staying long then, in Imperia? Planning on perhaps staying for a while?"

[Rioshi]

The peculiar look upon the Sylrosian's face was a bit unneverving, but certainly nothing more than Rioshi could handle. While the katta's plan had been to revive him from his stupor, it usually took longer than this. Surely it was just the elven acceptance of a second wind... right?

"Opportunity is a fickle thing, but from your descripton it would seem as though you were ill fit not to enjoy your stay in Imperia..." Rioshi stated, eyes staring into the summer sun without glare. "My own reasons are difficult to explain, but I believe them to be well defined enough to be worth the labor of getting here." he finished with a smile.

"Past that, opportunity comes in many shapes and forms. Until my contact has settled his business to the full, I believe I will be more than happy to explore this city for as long as I am able. So I guess you could say I will be taking my time here abouts."

A life here would have its advantages like any other, but Rioshi had previously decided that he would take his time for once and see what this land had to offer. At least they had good weather... Better than the alternative anyways.

After all, how bad could it be?

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Rioshi possessed the talent for speaking for a good deal of time but in truth never revealing much more than a paltry fragment of the explanation the elf originally sought. Eraisuithon keenly noted this trait, but not in a negative manner. Speaking at length yet saying basically nothing was something essential among political circles, and being able to do it well was desirable.

Yet despite that, the answers left little room to branch off from into conversation. The Katta strangely interested the Aedile though and he did not allow this to become a setback.

" Imperia grants some sights to see these days that you might want to go look at during your stay, but it is only a shadow of cities former monolithic glory. Imperia was once quite a sight.." the Aedile sighed and shook his head.

"Though its rather dark of me to speak like so.. A lot of progress has been made over the last few months. Hopefully soon the city will not only be back to its old standard, but perhaps it might enter into a new age of glory and grandeur. That is my goal.." the Aedile trailed off and looked thoughtfully at Rioshi "What exactly is it that you do? I don't think you've told me anything of your profession."

[Rioshi]

Yes, it might be true Rioshi had a way with words, but why answer in the way sought without understanding what was truly being asked? Politics aside, any speaker worth his golden tongue had to learn fast the better parts of his trade lest the words turn on him en masse. Learn from the past, or be doomed in the future. Rioshi cared less to make the same mistake twice, nor repeat the darker shades of history. Not much fun, that.

"Imperia... has it's uses among some discreet circles, my own tastes possibly among them. While the city hath fallen upon harder times, opportunity here seems as ripe as in anywhere else. See it as such. A tower of the arcane is destroyed. While it is true that the mages and druids are devastated, the craftsmen and builders rejoice to have work aplenty at a better price. So, the cycle continues, and opportunity is always present. The only need is to make sure that the opportunity favors you and not your enemies..." the katta said offhandedly with a chuckle.

"Glory is but a figment in the eye of the beholder. Surely there is nothing more that appeals to you to profit from this reconstruction? Honor? Fame? Wealth? Choose any and I might tell you to watch your purses hereabouts, but I believe you would not fall prey to the devices that had destroyed the power and influence of so many others who have chosen your path. I advise you to look to a place called "Paxia". Two cities that thrive and rebuild together have strong implications to grow better than any seen before... Bonds made early on in both places could forge a beneficial alliance when choosing to rebuild from the ashes. Just a thought, that is all. Brothers in arms..."

Rioshi stared off into the distance for a moment, then with a glance to the Aedile, he continued.

"My... profession? For now, I am but a humble visitor. Ask again in a more private place and I might be indulged to tell you. Needless to say, I am currently unemployed within this city."

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Keenly the Aedile listened to the Katta, noting his almost philosophical outlook. In some respects he seemed to grasp an understanding of how the world worked, but the process' of a city were still clearly foreign to him.

"It is true what you say, destruction can bring forth a period of building, death can make way for growth, but in the case of Imperia it is not exactly such a clean affair. The majority of people are impoverished, most uneducated in schola let alone trades. The economy is stagnant, jobs are nonexistent and resources are not there. The government is at half staff, and the coffers are greatly depleted. Gangs run the streets, and crime flourishes as always. No, it is not impossible to accomplish things, but not the easiest either."

"My goal is to see Imperia enter into an age of enlightenment and glory, where a man does not worry about the future because his life is secure, and where information and arcane coexist in a fruitful partnership.. I do not seek great personal gain, simply happiness, and I will be happy when the city is in a state that its residents are."

"You yourself seem well experienced, and I might just like to hear an account of your employment. If you think that you will be residing in the city at length, and seek meaningful employment and a source of sustenance, please come see me at the office of the aedile. There we shall talk."

The elf stood up, and offered a hand once more to the katta.

"I believe your services could be of great use."

And then he took his leave, departing to go back to his own job.

[Rioshi]

With a wry smile, the katta mulls over the Aedile's words, philosophical reply or no. He may have been unused to the workings of a city such as Imperia, but the katta had friends in high places, so he was not overly concerned.

"When has the goings on in the shadier areas of the large cities ever been clean? The hardships undertaken by the people are doubled to the benefit of those who seek greed and power as their reward for physical strength; using brute force to overcome hostile territories against their own beliefs. I have fought before, and done things a beserker would pale at. Impossible is a concept for the weak minded. If it were easy, somebody would have done it already, true?

Alas, but that it has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. The pride of one race must stand together with the other races if the hope of civilization and progress is to flourish. If history is to remember us, let it do so with our own devices. History will be kind to us, my friend, for if we continue surely we may change it as we will. If we see our fates have given us enemies...That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life. I would expect nothing less from one of your position. So...”

I will come. I like a man who grins when he fights, and an elf who is not afraid to speak his mind. I will come."

Watching the figure fade into the distance, the katta grimaced, looking at a hidden object in his glove that seemed to respond to his voice.

"Yet another gamble with fate, my friend. The stakes seem to your liking. Care to accept the wager?"