505-02-17 First Necromancy Council Meeting

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First Necromancy Council Meeting
RL Date	April 6, 2008
Players	Empress Mena, Azurios, Sabrina, Helena, Phoenix, Viola, Serath, Truth, Arianell, Samuel
Location	Imperial Audience, Gateway Isle
Crossroads Time and Weather
IC Date	February 17, 505 A.G.
Season	Winter

Audience Chamber - Imperial Tower - Gateway Castle
The audience chamber has an air of formality to it, despite its comfort. The large room is done in soft blues and golds, and a marble fireplace occupies a prominent spot between two tall glass windows overlooking Gateway. The windows are reinforced with wrought iron worked into elegant whorls of leaves, tendrils, and flowers.
A table to one side has four tall, wing-backed chairs framing it, with one of the chairs slightly larger than the rest. A grouping of velvet couches and chairs for less formal conversations is placed closer to the fireplace.
The standard of Gateway at one wall is framed by the crests of each of the four duches, and another wall holds an elegant tapestry of Gateway castle itself. A sidebar oft holds a variety of refreshments.

This eve, there is a larger table set within the room, able to seat at least twelve people comfortably. It is at the head of this long table that the Empress sits, Azurios to one side of her. There are four knights in the chamber itself watching over this meeting.

A bottle resides upon the table next to the empress. The azure-tainted crystal container has a ribbon around the neck.

Sabrina enters once the knights bid her entry and sinks into a curtsy once clear of being possibly smacked with the doors. "Your Majesty." She greets.

"I shall hope it is for the betterment of the entire Empire," Mena does reply to Azurios, then looks toward the arrivals. "Good evening, Excellency," she greets Sabrina, inclining her head. "Please do come in and sit down. Hopefully everyone else will be here soon as well."

Sabrina rises as bid and gives a slight smooth to her skirts before moving towards the table. She takes a seat near Mena, since she's one of the first to arrive. A polite smile is given to Azurios in greeting as well. "Good evening."

Helena arrives shortly after Sabrina, her back ramrod straight as she walks into the audience chamber. She curtsies as she moves towards the Empress. "Good evening, Your Majesty," she bids as she sinks towards the floor. As she rises she glances over the table, eyes briefly lingering on the mage.

"Lady Soranus," Mena then greets with another tip of her head. "Welcome, and do take a seat. Have you met the Baroness of Miller's Isle, yet?" she asks, indicating Sabrina.

"I don't think we've formally met." Sabrina mentions and tilts her dark gaze to Helena with a pleasant smile, despite the obvious nature of this meeting. "Sabrina Lancaster. A pleasure to finally meet you." Her title was already said by Mena, so why need to repeat it?

Azurios claims the chair he is standing beside just to the right of the Empress. He settles into it with implicit authority, as if such a seat is his due. His long, graceful fingers slide the wand into the opposite sleeve of his garments as he leans languidly to the side. Even though his gaze seems perpetually half-interested in those about, each arrival is at least gifted with the honor of a few moments of his uninterrupted attention. After all are measured, he looks up to the ceiling as if that were somehow more able to hold his attention.

There is a large table within the audience chamber tonight, the Empress sitting at the head of it. The others start filling in the open spots as they arrive. Four knights remain posted throughout the room.

Entering the chamber behind the others, Phoenix pauses and dips his chin to the Empress, murmuring a respectful greeting. Having come from the out-of-doors, he is still dressed for the elements. A tall man ill-suited for these environs of silk and walls of stone, there is a restless energy about him. He slides into the room like a quiet drift of stormclouds, conversing with none.

Helena turns a polite smile to Sabrina and offers her a curtsey as well. "Indeed, a pleasure, Excellency," she says as she rises from her curtsey. She looks to take a seat, but her eyes glance about the room again, taking note of those here, both familiar and unknown.

Viola strides into the audience chamber and drops into a bow for the Empress, "Majesty." The Empress is offered a smile as she straightens, moving to one of the open chairs and dropping into it comfortably.

Sabrina is sitting straight in the seat she claimed near the Empress. She watches the people file in with interest, offering a polite, if quiet smile to each.

Mena gives her brother a smile as he arrives, gesturing him toward the table as well. "Lord Phoenix Forester," she announces to the others, then makes the proper introductions. "Master Azurios Erastothenes, Lady Helena Soranus, Baroness Sabrina Lancaster of Miller's Isle... and Miss Viola Allen," she adds, inclining her head to the most recent arrival. "The Citizen Speaker."

Azurios draws his gaze downward from the ceiling when he hears his name. He leans bonelessly to the side in his chair and places an elbow upon the arm of it. His hand gestures to himself and then the table at large in an encompassing and insouciant gesture of introduction. He leans his head back and looks upwards when his bare concession to manners is complete.

Serath makes his way into the chamber, dark eyes taking in the scene before him. As he walks you notice his left arm seems to sit unnaturally at his side. He approaches the crowd gathered with care and he stops before them, easing himself into a cordial bow as he addresses the table, "Good evening, I apologize for my late arrival. There were some items that had to be addressed." He offers as a way of explaination.

Sliding out of his long coat, Phoenix sinks into one of the chairs at the table. He is choosy in his selection not by whom he sits next to, but that his back is towards a corner and he faces one of the reinforced windows. It is the latter that keeps his attention, much in the way the Master Azurios studies the ceiling. Polite conversation is left for those who feed on such civilities.

"Master Serath Evanor," Mena adds to the introductions as she inclines her head to the man.

Sabrina tilts a polite smile to Serath, and one of recognition, but she keeps quiet in her seat. She chose to sit near Mena, but as far as who sits next to her? Who is brave enough! haha. She is keeping generally silent until the meeting starts.

Azurios does sit to the right of Mena in the chair next to hers.

Helena has chosen a chair somewhere in the middle of the table, seeming to have not much of a care as to which chair she choses.

Viola doesn't seem too worried about who she sat beside either. She just took the nearest open chair.

A hint of a smile appears on Serath's face when he notices Sabrina, though his eyes take in the crowd gathered in silence for now. He makes his way around the table to take a seat next to Sabrina and he seems to exhale quickly for a moment when he makes contact with the chair.

"There are at least two more people coming, but I did know they were going to be a bit late," Mena admits. "But we shall start anyway in hope that they arrive soon. Welcome to you all, and thank you for attending. You know the reason you are here. Tonight, I would like to first turn to Master Erastothenes to better explain exactly the nature of Necromancy. I am sure there are plenty of questions to be answered. So.. Master Azurios? If you would give us a brief introduction?"

Sabrina laces her fingers together and rests them in her lap, and a smile is given to Serath as he chooses to sit next to her. As Mena speaks, however, her dark gaze turns attentively to her, and then to Azurios, expectantly.

From the satchel she had carried over her arm Helena withdraws paper and pen for taking notes, setting both neatly on the table before her. She turns her pale eyes towards the Empress and then to the mage, awaiting his introductions on the matter.

Mena does look over her shoulder to the other table left only with quill and parchment. A single word is uttered and the quill springs to life. This is how the Imperials take notes!

Serath settles his right arm on the table as well, his eyes settling on Azurios in quiet apprehension.

"Necromancy has endured and enjoyed an ill reputation within the Empire, and been the subject of much malingering and misunderstanding," Azurios begins to speak, each word enunciated like soft, sleek velvet, but lacking the warmth associated with such a touchable fabric. He deigns to actually look at those he is addressing, and his eyes have a piercing fire to them no matter how sleepily half-lidded his lashes may deceptively lower. Soft fingertips smooth a caress along the table's surface. "The term necromancy itself is ill applied, given its inherent association with death. Necromancy should be divided into two specific practices, Essentia and Corporare. The first is the study of the soul, life force, spirit, whatever you would wish to term it that indwells living beings. The second is the study of the flesh that is indwelt. Both have applications that would generally be termed good," his full array of perfect pearly teeth show in his smile, "and evil."

Sabrina is seated near Mena at one end of the table, and Serath sits next to her. She is watching Azurios as he speaks, her expression that of schooled neutrality. "In the application of Essentia, as you call it, dealing with souls, in any means isn't tampering with the soul of any living being an invocation against free will? How can that be justified by any means 'good'?" She questions. She looks like there are more questions, but... one at a time, ne?

Truth enters the room and takes a seat. He listens to Azurios and nods along with the man's words. As he listens he plays with a trio of handkerchiefs in his hands, making them appear and disappear, change color and tie and untie. No alarms go off, so it must be parlor magic.

Azurios turns attention to Sabrina with a satisfied flare of his eyes, as if this is a question he has considered. "Essentia can include such omnifarious activities as sharing of vitality between people in true magical healing, discerning of an agitated spectre what is the nature of its unease, re-tethering a soul to a body as we have done upon Draught recently, wrenching one from a body, imprisoning one, binding one to an item to enchant it." The infamous mage pauses briefly to consider the empress before his detailing continues. "Laying a geas upon a soul, torturing a soul, or other benevolent and malevolent deeds. As Baroness Miller's Isle indicated, I would hope to convince this committee that anything a person allows in their free and informed choice would be appropriately legal. Other actions would reside in the hands of the legal authorities as necessary, just as I'm certain torture, forcing potions upon a person, or other unsavory actions do."

Nell practically skids into the room, her cheeks flushed and her hair windblown, pieces of snow still scattered over her shoulders. "I'm sorry!" she exclaims, dropping a quick curtsey to the Empress. "So sorry I'm late, I'm here now." She brushes trembling hands over her shoulders, skirts, hair, then starts toward the table. With no Eadric to sit next to, she hesitates for a moment, uncertain of just where she belongs.

The quill upon the other table continues moving of its own accord and scratching away at the provided parchment.

Mena inclines her head to Arianell with a bit of a smile. "Welcome, Your Grace." There doesn't seem to be assigned seats, people just scattered at the table here and there.

Viola has thus far just listened to the question and answers with a quiet intensity, not taking notes of any kind, just paying close attention. At the arrival of Nell, Viola has to surpress a chuckle and gestures to the open chair beside her, 'This seat isn't taken, your grace."

"As much as it is good to see some of the damage undone on our soil,- Aside from fixing the problems made by, how else is tethering the soul useful?" Sabrina lilts in a counter. Her dark gaze shifts as Truth enters, and she shifts slightly in her chair, tossing her gaze immediately back to Azurios. "Explain how the use of corpses is a good thing, as defiling the dead in such a terrible way I see as dishonoring what should be an eternal rest." Nell's arrival is marked by a polite smile, but considering the conversations, she's keeping her attention, carefully, on Azurios.

Helena takes notes all the while that the mage speaks, but her pen pauses at something he says and she glances up. But as Sabrina speaks she remains silent, though her pen taps lightly against her paper. With Arianell's arrival she glances over and smiles a little at the Duchess before her attention is drawn back.

Unsurprisingly, Phoenix sits quietly throughout, listening.

"Oh, thank you, Miss Viola," Nell smiles swiftly to the Speaker, another smile and a wiggle of her fingers for Helena. "I've been meaning to speak with you, maybe after?" she whispers, then settles in to be a responsible member of the meeting. You know, on time and quiet and sitting down to catch her bearings.

"I would humbly request of Her Excellency," Azurios says with an overdone obsequious manner, sarcasm oozing from every pore, "to allow the matter of the body to wait until I move to the other portion of necromantic magic, Corporare." His manner turns back to the disseminating lecturer mode. "As for tethering a soul to the body, I have only stated it is a capability. If a soul is not detached from its form, it is a useless ability. It is only a remediation in unpleasant circumstance, but I care little if it is legal or not. I am listing abilities, and leaving to you to judge what portion you shall consider viable. That some of it will be justified and decriminalized is already predetermined."

Truth frowns at Sabrina's questions, but turns his attention to Azurios for the answers. He nods along once more, perhaps ruining any studious looks he might have by stuffing a pink, then orange, then green handkerchief into his left fist.

Mena remains silent and listening as well. She did not call this meeting of minds to speak at it. She wants to know what everyone else thinks upon it.

"Of course, Your Grace," Viola whispers to Nell in return, then shifts her attention back to Azurious and those that ask their questions.

Nell looks to Azurios, then to the rest of the table. "I'm sorry, Mage Azurios," she says with a small, polite smile. "But that was a whole lot of words that didn't really explain much. Could you say that again for those of us who haven't spent decades studying the subject?" she asks in her most respectful, polite tone.

A page is allowed into the Chamber, only long enough to deliver a note to Sabrina before he skitters back out. Bows and such are given as well, of course. She unfolds it and gives it a scan, lips pressing thin before she quietly slides it to Mena, giving a deeply apologetic, if now distracted look.

Mena's gaze does catch on Sabrina, eyebrows lifting as she looks the note over. It is with a nod she passes it back to the Baroness. "Of course, Excellency. Should you wish to quickly find someone to sit in for you here, you may do so."

His smile becomes bland as can be with Duchess Arianell's query. Azurios drums his soft fingertips against the table far too lightly to cause any real sound. "I will be most joyous and filled with gaiety to elucidate any particular point or all of them. That is why I am here. Would Your Grace be so kind as to select one to start with?"

Sabrina folds the note and rises from her chair, casting an apologetic look to the grouping as a whole. "I'm sorry, but I must take care of this. My brother will be filling in for me." With a curtsey to Mena, she turns to depart. Quickly.

Those gathered are seated around a long table, with the Empress at the head of it. There are a few open seats on either side of it. Four knights stand guard in the room.

Helena continues to take notes, quite a lot of notes in fact. Either she is a slow writer or she is jotting down her own thoughts as well. She looks to Arianell as the question is posed and then looks back to the mage, her smile fading quickly as Azurios speaks to the Duchess.

Empress Mena can be seen to lean over and murmur quietly to Azurios. She mutters to Azurios, "Perhaps you can... more plainly?... purpose,... it... only... against... nice.... a..."

Azurios senses "Empress Mena can be seen to lean over and murmur quietly to Azurios. "Perhaps you can speak more plainly? You are being difficult on purpose, and it will only work against you here in this venue. Play nice. Don't be a sore winner.""

Khaelis comes in and gives a bow to the room before looking for the closest seat available to the door to sit in.

When Sabrina told Samuel about the meeting, he didn't exactly assume that he'd be asked to attend. Pausing as he arrives at the Knights, the secondary heir to Miller's Isle offers a bow, showing the note to the Knights before moving to take the seat that his sister vacated.

"It's not kind to use big words just to confuse people," Nell chides the mage as one might chide an ill-behaved child, looking disappointed in him before she sighs. "What do you mean, if a soul isn't detached it's a useless ability? And really, I think we'd all appreciate it if you spoke just a little more plainly, please," she adds with an apologetic smile. "Really, I know you're a very clever man, but we don't use those sorts of words in the fens."

Mena smiles and inclines her head to the arriving folks.

Azurios listens to the soft words from the Empress with bounless exasperation. His hand upon the table's surface leaves off its idle caress of the table and reaches for the blue bottle sitting between him and the empress. His fingers curl around the neck of it and he draws it back to himself to set it upon the floor. "Plain words," he says as if speaking of some abhorrent topic. "Very well. A normal, healthy person has a spirit, soul, animus, whatever you would wish to term it, some essence within. The people on Draught were in danger because that tie between essence and flesh had been eroded. Cut off. That is why tethering, reattaching the essence, had value. The ability to do that doesn't really matter unless something has already gone wrong."

Mena can be seen to smirk only briefly as Azurios slides the bottle back in his own direction and takes it off the table.

"Thank you, Mage Azurios," Nell smiles warmly to the man. "That was much more clear, and I appreciate it." She tucks a curl behind her ear, tipping her head curiously to one side. "But...can a soul end up attached to a body beyond the natural span of its life?" she asks with some concern. "It would be rather dreadful to have one's soul bound to one's body even as the body continued to grow old and wear out and disintegrate, after all."

"If I might?" asks Truth. "The crux of the matter is that there are both evil and good applications for both of the two schools of magic the good mage has described. Just as there are good and evil uses of nearly anything in human endeavor. Is the discussion here to fully explore each and every application of a power that we have been forbidden study of? Is that not exactly the point? We cannot know how much good can be done by this magic, since we cannot study it to find out." He dips his head to Mena, "Begging your forgiveness."

Mena shakes her head a bit to Truth. "You need not ask forgiveness. But if we are being perfectly honest, there have been those that have been illegally studying necromancy for some time, years and years. Master Erastothenes here, for example. He is here to explain these practices to us before we do make the guidelines of which aspects to legalize and which to remain illegal."

"It is my understanding that the purpose is to present to this committee a general detail of the abilities of necromancy," Azurios murmurs to Truth with a nod more polite than most people receive from him. "This committee then can make recommendations to the imperial seat. Yes, Your Grace." He now answers the duchess. "That would be another torment. Extending the tie of a soul to a body without extending the fleshly ability of the body. I do not think most people would willingly choose that."

Duchess Arianell doesn't exactly look reassured by Azurios' answer, but nods. "Thank you, Mage Azurios," she says politely. "I...As the duchess of Guardian, I understand that sometimes dangerous things, like weapons, are necessary for defense and other good things. And I appreciate that you have made a lifetime of study in this, and so it is dear to you. I think we all just want to make sure that everyone is protected," she smiles, apologetic again.

Mena nods her agreement with Arianell, then looks toward the others who remain quiet. "Does anyone else have questions to clarify as of yet?"

Helena glances up from her notes again and steals a glance towards Arianell before directing a question to Azurios. She gives him a thin smile that does not touch her eyes. "You spoke earlier of performing such a practice only to those who give their will freely. How will you ensure this? Blackmail is a dangerous business, yes?"

Samuel shakes his head. "No, Your Majesty, I'm playing catch up with Sabrina's notes." he says, offering a bow of his head as he returns to notes, glancing towards Helena and comments, "If we handle it the way that we do on Draught, we have them sign a contract - but it's going to be something that should require the approval. Perhaps some checks and balances - if say Mage Azurious gets a contract, then it should go before a committee and the candidate interviewed - after all, it will be rather hard to ask if there are regrets after the person is reanimated." he points out as he makes a few marks on the paper.

Storm-colored eyes shift from their inspection of various unknown locations, Phoenix's attention sliding to Helena. He considers the young woman for a moment while she speaks.

Serath leans back in his chair as he listens to those gathered his eyes drawing shut for a moment at the contact with the back of the chair, his eyes rarely leave Azurios. Samuel's comments do elicit a raised brow from him however toward the end and he appears quite intrigued by the entire conversation.

The mage's lips twist in a smile rich and dark as fine wine. "I do understand your concern, and wish to honor it. Else I would not be here," Azurios answers Arianell. Helena is favored with his languid look and Samuel next. "I am open to any suggestions about the matter of free will. Contracts for those who wish to pursue any sort of animation, although such remains in the realm of Corporare. With that, the body can be raised past death, enchanted to be a servant. For someone who wishes to donate their body for the purpose of being a sentinel, or a subject for experiments, is this their right?"

Nell is quiet for a long moment, thoughtful. "Can necromantic magics be resisted by one who is not a mage, Mage Azurios?" she asks quietly. "I mean...Well, in terms of things like swords, even a complete novice has a chance to escape and survive if one is used against him. Can you say the same for necromancy?"

Helena glances to Samuel and then back to Azurios with a slight shake of her head. "Perhaps, but are you certain someone is agreeing because they fully will it or because someone else pulls the strings behind the scenes, threating family or livelihood if they do not grant the contract?" She sets her pen down aside her paper. "I am not suggesting that this is forefront on any mage's mind, or anyone's mind for that matter. I am simply concerned that some might find themselves forced to agree, whether they truly will it or not."

Azurios indulges in a slow respiration in through the nose and out from pursed lips. "No magic is absolutely certain. Much depends upon the state of the subject, as it would in a sword fight. In a hasty battle it is far more likely magic will fail. If a person is in a position where they cannot resist a sword, it would be equally hard to resist magic." Say, chained and gagged upon his sacrificial slab in his necromantic laboratory. "As for contracts or consent, my dearest Lady of Ethos, this is a question that has relevance in any deal someone makes. Blackmail is illegal whether it is in regard to necromancy, selling of property, taking of tonics, joining the military service, or any other endeavor. Seek out blackmail as a crime in and of itself."

Mena keeps listening, watching the people at the table as they ask and answer questions. The quill upon the other table still continues to write on its own, keeping track of everything said.

Truth moves through several variations of his handkerchief tricks. He purses his lips at several times, forcing himself to keep his silence and let Azurios do the talking.

Helena reaches for her pen, eyes still on the mage. "So, we shall have to simply hope that no one is using illegal means to gain someone's body once the soul has been taken to Providence, leaving the body to play servant?" She withdraws her gaze and jots down a few more notes.

"In terms of the body..." Nell grimaces faintly. "I feel like there ought to be some permission sought from the surviving family as well," she suggests. "Because of course, after a person dies, their soul is gone and their body is- Well, really, if I believe what I said about the cultists chopping up bodies being unable to hurt the souls, then I can't very well object much to what's done to a dead body. But- But I think there should be some respect paid to the family who survives them, who might have to see what happens to the corpse."

"I could probably go down to the docks right now with a bag of coins and get you twenty volunteers without batting a lash, Mage." Samuel says with a little smirk. "I understand the Lady's concerns, and why she would feel the way she does."

"There is a proposal already in place that those who do leave their remains for such practices be kept from any that would recognize the body," Mena does state with a nod. "That they be changed in some way that they would not be known."

"We are left to hope that any contract enacted in this empire, between merchants, between citizens, between nobles is done legally. I can also go to the docks with a bag of gold and convince a number of people to be subjects for Draughtian drug testing, to undertake dangerous missions, to steal. To break the law in many ways. This is not a matter of necromancy, this is a matter of people stupidly entering into any agreement," Azurios debates as he leans forward. His regard turns to Nell. "Should any person not have the say over their own body? What if they are at odds with their family and firm about their last wishes? Should any family automatically have say? If you wish to speak of free will, it is not free will to tell someone they do not have a choice what shall be done with their own remains after death, how they wish them used. If you say that such remains should not be animated without the consent of the person, should not such remains also not be left to rot or burned without the consent of the person ?"

Serath decides to interject at this point, his eyes intent on Azurios as he begins, "So far all we've spoke of is the application of this sphere. The laws it bends, the applications of it. As a mistborn we are taught young that magic is not good nor evil, it is but an extension of our will on the world." His eyes moving to those in the room, "Necromancy is no exception to this. /However/.. " He lifts a finger to make his point, "Perception is everything that matters, it is what is held beyond all science and fact. There is a very real reason why necromancy is held in the regard that it is, and we would do well to remember that. If we move too quickly with this, it will ease a poison into the foundation of society that will breed many more Voxes. This is not because Necromancy is intrically evil, it is because of the unavoidable perception of it that will draw people to it."

Truth stuffs his handkerchiefs away and speaks up, "Pardon me, but could not these practices benefit the living? The arts being described do not necessitate dealing with dead bodies at all do they? You are speaking of healing the soul. Perhaps you could ease the pain of those who have suffered. Perhaps you could take the sickness from the soul of a man who feels the need to commit violence. A child plagued by nightmares. Another afraid of the dark...could not these things be adressed through the magics being discussed? The Coporeus effects described by Master Azurios could surely push the field of healing the body to new levels. For is that not what you are indeed talking about, the ultimate study of the body and healing? Simply because the lable necromancy is being used, what could be incredible healing arts are being swept into darkness? Is this so master?"

"I am saying..." Nell presses her lips together, looking to Azurios again as she chooses her words. "I am saying that in the absence of instructions left by the dead person, the family should decide what is to be done with the remains. I- I believe that's the current practice, isn't it?" she asks looking to the others. "And really, you're being a bit...cavalier about it all, Mage Azurios," she chides again. "If a father asked that his corpse be dangled from the window of his bedroom until it rotted away while birds and insects did their work on it, I think anyone would understand if the family took issue. I'm only suggesting that we treat necromancy, at least in this...corporal? Copreus? Body sense, like we treat other requests for after death."

Helena glances towards Truth and once again her pen stills. "Are you suggesting," she begins without any suggestion of malice in her voice, "that you would use this magic, this art to improve one's soul? To remove or subvert feelings of rage or lust or fear? Forgive me, but I want to make sure that I am clear on this."

Mena remains quiet still, though there is a point where she just starts coughing for a moment, turning her head to the side and quickly producing a handkerchief to cover her mouth as she does so. It is a deep cough that speaks of something more than just having something caught in her throat.

"I think what her Grace is saying is that if this is allowed, that we use a proving ground, much like Miller's Isle - not that I am suggesting such - but a place far removed from the Isles where loved ones won't have a chance of seeing their last one. And I know I am not the only one that would be a little weirded out seeing a corpse 'servant' following anyone on the streets of Gateway or anywhere else." Samuel says as he makes a few notes. "And there are other ways to handle such things, Lord Truth." he points out. "A mother's voice is soothing to fears and nightmares, far more than the removal and reanimation of any corpse could do. And there is reasons why we have jails and prisons for criminals that are violent. I can understand the need for autopsies for those that have passed - but reanimations? I have yet to see any type of medicinal value to it." He pauses as Mena starts coughing, a small frown creasing his features.

Khaelis Glances around to each person as they speak, taking in both sides of the argument himself.

Phoenix, who has been and remains a silent observer to the proceedings, glances down the table towards Mena.

The coughing of the Empress does not last overly long and by the time it is done, she is reaching for a nearby waterglass to sip from slowly. She does murmur a quiet, "Excuse me," before falling silent once more.

Azurios circles one finger on the table in idle habit while others speak. He watches the path of his own hand as if that is his focus, the neat and perfect sphere he draws over and over. He begins to address each person who has put forth a comment, slowly and deliberately. "We are meeting here just for the purpose you stated," he says as his eyes raise to Serath. "This committee will be the one that learns and speaks of the restraints, the good uses, all to others." His eyes trail to Truth. "The soothing of the soul that you discuss is a potential capability, but we have not done much in the way of study of it. It is," he searches for the right word and speaks it to Truth and Helena both, "problematic, but not impossible. The flesh is simpler but requires personal sacrifice to do so. I only speak of situations where people have not left their own intentions, Duchess Arianell. I agree that someone who has not stated their will to have their body employed in this fashion should never be impinged upon. As for value," finally, he looks to Samuel. "What of a worker who could stride into freezing water to help someone drowning? A being that could walk into a burning building without pain or fear to try to assist any within? A line of fighters defending a border from the weresharks, who won't be lives lost and can take the first brunt of impact? Someone to do dangerous jobs that often result in injury?"

"Which was still someone's father, son, brother, mother, daughter, sister, husband or wife, Mage." Samuel responds. "Would an automation not serve the same purpose, though more expensive, money wise, but less expensive in the cost of a soul. And what, if we took your bag of coins in this case, would the price of one human soul be, Mage Azurios?"

Nell reaches up to rub a hand at the back of her neck, her torc slipping crooked when she does. "I think the mage is suggesting they're already dead," she offers cautiously. "In which case, technically, it /is/ just an automaton. Isn't it? Aside from- aside from the fact that there might be family who would object."

Samuel leans over to explain to Nell right quick what he meant. He mutters to Duchess Arianell, "... mechanical automation, Your Grace. A... Not... corpse."

Azurios has dubiousness writ in his eyes as he listens to Samuel, but it is tempered with Arianell's answer. "Exactly. Many people would willingly say they would be honored to defend the people of this empire past death, would they not? I know a number who would take pride in knowing every last vestige of their being was given for the good of this empire."

Truth frowns and turns his attention away from Azurios and to the Empress. He studies her with narrowed eyes, then says, "Pardon me, but is her Royal Majesty well? Is there anything she requires?"

Samuel smirks, raising a hand to gesture, "I'm sure there are plenty of Knights that would line up for that, Mage Azurios." he says in dry humor. "That would probably be your first volunteers."

Nell flushes a bit at Samuel's whisper, but nods. "I know," she murmurs sheepishly, then looks back to Azurios. "Would you suggest measures be in place in case someone should want to use these undead not as defenders of the isle, but, say, as a means of threatening people until one earned a position of power?" Innocent.

"I am well, thank you," Mena does reply to Truth with a nod of her head, though her voice is a bit scratchy for the moment. "Nothing to worry over, I promise you."

"That is a concern I have as well on the matter," Viola chimes in with Nell. "How are we to be assured that this army of corpses you propose won't be used against us in some form or fashion?"

Helena keeps an eye on the Empress even as she assures them she is fine. Viola's question draws her attention and she nods. "Yes, who will command those that are reanimated? Will it be only the mage who brought them new life?"

"I do not doubt it," Azurios agrees with Samuel blithely. "But they would likely not be alone." His full and perfect dental display returns, spreading at his features. "Any 'army' of such would be one that is beneath the control of the crown. Individual ones perhaps licensed? I think each person who would choose to pursue reanimation would choose what their path would be. The city guard might hold a reserve, the knights. Others as designated and gaining permission from some legal body, just as mercenary groups past a size must do the same?" He does not look as he reaches for the bottle he set on the floor and passes it to the empress again.

"And those that would choose a path that is less than honorable?" Helene asked pointedly. "Will they be allowed to commit crimes? How does one punish something that is simply a walking pile of flesh?"

"I think," Nell says slowly, "That it would be a good thing if all necromancers, upon being licensed to practice, were to take an oath that if any one should move against the laws, the others would be bound to aid in bringing the offender to justice."

Mena takes another sip of her water before placing the glass down and accepting the bottle from Azurios. Without a word, she places it on the floor on the opposite side of the mage this time.

"I have already pointed out to the Empress that my order would most definitely hunt down for justice any who defied the law. We have not pursued this decriminalization to have a few wild hares destroy it," Azurios agrees with Arianell, although he does not speak of licensing. Helena is answered, "It is the one who controls any reanimated creature that is the criminal, if a crime is committed."

"Since this meeting is more to familiarize ourselves with the practice of necromancy before we delve into how it should be legalized, are there any other questions about the practice of it that people wish to bring up?" Mena asks, looking around the table. "Master Azurios? Anything else you would like to point out before we end this first meeting and adjourn to let this information settle before the next?"

A slow breeze stirs the room although no doors have opened. It ruffles garments and hair, and seems to circle the Empress more than any.

A soft touch against your cheek, almost a fingertip tracing the line of your jaw.

Nell considers for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, I think that's all for now. Though I'd like to discuss this with you privately sometime, Mage Azurios," she requests with a small smile. "I'm afraid I don't really feel I understand it, but I don't have any constructive questions to ask right now, either."

Mena's eyebrows draw together at the stirring of air, though it is not in alarm. She seems to know exactly what it is. Her expression is more of a sad longing, though it is brief glimpse of emotion from her before her features are back to the courtly neutral.

Helena frowns as her writing is interrupted by the breeze, the corners of her paper are caught by it. Quickly she presses her free hand down, ignoring the fact that a few tendrils are drawn against her cheek by the same breeze. Helena looks up, brow furrows to note that she is not the only one troubled by it.

Truth shrugs, "Well, are there any other beneficial things it could bring to us? Other than curing insanity, eradicating fears and nightmares, easing suffering and depressing? Oh, and the healing arts and...." He stops and looks at Mena again, "Empress?" He looks around the room, looking for the source of the breeze. "The alarm is working isn't it? There's magic afoot. Foul magic I believe."

"I will make myself available for Your Grace, or any other who wishes to understand in greater detail," Azurios proffers with a turn of his long-fingered hand. "I am oft located at the university, within the laboratory of...." he looks at Mena with the stir.

"There is nothing foul about it," Mena murmurs in assurance, looking to Truth. "It is the currents. There is no cause for alarm."

Nell smiles faintly as the breeze brushes past, looking up and around the room. "We're going to put windchimes in the temple so that they sound when breezes like that pass through," she notes. Apparently it's important.

The furrows fade from Helena's brow and Nell's words bring a sincere and warm smile to her lips as she looks to the Duchess.

Truth frowns, "As you say Your Majesty. My apologies for overreacting."

Azurios's eyes trail upward and about as if trying to catch a glimpse of something unseen. His palm flattens against the table.

"It is the power of the Keeper," Mena explains further to Truth. "It is the Emperor extending his reach into this room, and such is always welcome," she says, her voice growing quieter at the end.

"Oh. Good evening, your majesty," Nell smiles swiftly, looking around the room as if to catch him wherever he is. "Providence bless you."

Truth says, "Providence Bless us all."

Helena bows her head and allows her eyes to sink closed, a stray smile touching her lips.

Mena draws in a slow breath and holds it for a moment before releasing it. "If there is nothing else for tonight, I will consider this meeting adjourned, then." There is a lingering and subtle sadness that remains in her voice no matter how neutral her features remains. "Thank you all for coming."

"Good evening, Your Majesties." Samuel says, addressing the Empress and the presence with a small bow of his head as he rises to depart.

Helena lifts her head, eyes open again, and nods deeply towards the Empress. There are a few more notes to take and once that is finished she rises and reaches for her satchel. But her attention strays back to Azurios a couple of times before she closes tucks her notes and pen away. She slips the satchel's strap over her arm. "Master Azurios, a moment?" she asks as some of the others move to depart.

Azurios rises in a flow of whispering expensive fabric, and his fingers encircle the neck of the blue bottle again. He paces to the sideboard and opens it to spill two fingers of amber liquid into the glass. "I will attend you in just a second Lady Helena," he says while placing the stopper in again and leaving the bottle on the sideboard. The glass he bears to set neatly and wordlessly upon the table next to the Empress.

Nell echoes Samuel as she stands, bobbing a quick, polite curtsey. "A good evening to everyone," she adds, standing back from the table. "I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the future."

"I shall let you know when the next meeting shall be," Mena assures, then inclines her head silently to Azurios's delivery.

Helena nods to the mage but watches as he attends to the Empress. Her lips thin in consideration but warm to a small smile as she looks to Arianell and offers a farewell.

Serath slowly rises from his seat, his expression not a happy one as dark eyes settle on those in the committee, he replies to Arianell softly, bowing his head, his tone polite and cordial, "It was a pleasure, your Grace. Till next we meet again."

Nell waves to Helena with a warm smile, nods politely to Serath, then turns to step out of the audience chamber.

Azurios steps back from Mena and delivers a marginal yet flourishing bow. He turns away. "Good eve, Duchess Arianell. I will call upon you shortly." His paces bring him back to Helena's side. "May we speak outside?"

Slow to stand from his chair, Phoenix remains in the background. For the whole of the evening he has kept his thoughts contained; nor does he seem inclined to share them even now as the evening draws to a close. However, he is not so quick to quit the room. Pulling his jacket on, he settles the worn leather on his shoulders as he moves towards the Empress. Lingering like a shadow, he waits.

Helena looks up at Azurios and blinks in surprise. "Of ... Of course," she says, casting a last glance towards Mena. "A pleasant evening, you Majesty," she says in farewell, coupling it with a curtsey. She turns and departs with only a quick glance over her shoulder to make certain that the mage follows.

Truth stands as the meeting his adjourned. He bows to Mena and Nell, then nods to everyone else. "Thank you for allowing me to sit in on behalf of my sister Hope, who I'm sure has different opinions on most of this than I do."

Mena does look up as her brother draws closer, her eyebrows drawing together slightly. But she does look back to those departing, inclining her head. "Good evening," she tells them. "We shall see you again soon."

Azurios casts a lingering look to Truth as he steps from the room, and a last nod to the mage.

Truth bows again, then slips out.

Serath glances torward Phoenix and Mena, his gaze lingering on them for a few moments and he bows, his tone soft and thoughtful, "Farewell, your majesties." Before he turns toward the doorway and he slowly makes his way out through the doorway, lost to his own thoughts.

Khaelis rises from his seat and bowing politely to the Empress, turns to go from the room.

Viola has thus far just watched those who have gotten up and left, her concerned gaze finding Mena after the two mages take their leave. "If you need me, Majesty, please let me know. It has been too long since we've gotten to speak." With the offer extended, the Citizen Speaker rises and takes a step back, bowing to the Empress.

Mena nods to Viola. "Soon, Miss Allen," she promises softly. "Until then, have a good evening."

"You as well, Majesty," Viola offers, taking another few steps back before turning to quickly close the distance to the door, then pass throug