One could cut the tension with a Norran sickle. Graetius slowly looks around the forum, at the consternated faces, the darting eyes, the concealed smiles...
For a split second Graetius looks like he is about to strangle Illyrio. It takes a moment for the Imperator's blazing eyes to glaze with understanding.
But of course my cunning spider! I was merely jesting, a jape for the one of the most cunning soldiers in Azlanxo! Men! Bring this esteemed gentlemen a drink!
Two servants scamper into the forum and thrust a large bronze goblet into Senator Aureolis's hands
In fact, empty the cellars! You Senators work so hard... you deserve a break, no? The Imperator should never have to drink alone!
Graetius waves his hand and servants immediately materialize from the shadows. They distribute libations to the members of the Senate. All are too afraid to refuse the offer. Graetius's looks around again, a vivacious joviality... except for his eyes... cold eyes that burn with a mad frenzy and betray Graetius's otherwise amiable visage. Graetius snatches two wineskins from a passing servant and presses one to Illyrio.
Come drink with me, my dear friend! All of you drink! Your Imperator commands it! The blood of Ozur commands it!
Graetius quickly upends his wineskin, spilling a fair amount of it on his white and purple robes. Noticing for the first time the presence of armed guards, no doubt carryovers from Graetius's "disbanded" mercenary company, on the edge of the forum, many senators look down and sip the cheap wine from simple copper goblets. Finishing his wineskin, Graetius addresses the troubled Senate...
In eight years, you all won't recognize Atlantis! I will take this once great city and raise it so that no man and no God can tear down what I have built! The continent shall soon bow before my army! Vulpis and I leave for the western front in the morning! I shall depart as your revered leader but I shall return as a legendary hero! At last, the Atlantean dragon spreads its wings and takes flight!
With a mighty laugh (some would later call it a roar) , Graetius stumbles out of the Forum and, accompanied by his armed guards, heads back to the Imperator's palace, no doubt hoping partake in more acts of gluttony and debauchery before the night was through. The Senators can only stare at each other speechless... was this really the same man they elected to be the first Imperator of Aztlanxo?
((I officially love this AAR now))
Oh Vulpis my dear friend, the Imperator has simply had one to many to drink, I doubt he is even talking about you, isn't that right Graetius?
For a split second Graetius looks like he is about to strangle Illyrio. It takes a moment for the Imperator's blazing eyes to glaze with understanding.
But of course my cunning spider! I was merely jesting, a jape for the one of the most cunning soldiers in Azlanxo! Men! Bring this esteemed gentlemen a drink!
Two servants scamper into the forum and thrust a large bronze goblet into Senator Aureolis's hands
In fact, empty the cellars! You Senators work so hard... you deserve a break, no? The Imperator should never have to drink alone!
Graetius waves his hand and servants immediately materialize from the shadows. They distribute libations to the members of the Senate. All are too afraid to refuse the offer. Graetius's looks around again, a vivacious joviality... except for his eyes... cold eyes that burn with a mad frenzy and betray Graetius's otherwise amiable visage. Graetius snatches two wineskins from a passing servant and presses one to Illyrio.
Come drink with me, my dear friend! All of you drink! Your Imperator commands it! The blood of Ozur commands it!
Graetius quickly upends his wineskin, spilling a fair amount of it on his white and purple robes. Noticing for the first time the presence of armed guards, no doubt carryovers from Graetius's "disbanded" mercenary company, on the edge of the forum, many senators look down and sip the cheap wine from simple copper goblets. Finishing his wineskin, Graetius addresses the troubled Senate...
In eight years, you all won't recognize Atlantis! I will take this once great city and raise it so that no man and no God can tear down what I have built! The continent shall soon bow before my army! Vulpis and I leave for the western front in the morning! I shall depart as your revered leader but I shall return as a legendary hero! At last, the Atlantean dragon spreads its wings and takes flight!
With a mighty laugh (some would later call it a roar) , Graetius stumbles out of the Forum and, accompanied by his armed guards, heads back to the Imperator's palace, no doubt hoping partake in more acts of gluttony and debauchery before the night was through. The Senators can only stare at each other speechless... was this really the same man they elected to be the first Imperator of Aztlanxo?
((I officially love this AAR now))