politics and polearms (rhia)

[Deleted]

Okay, these tedious senate meetings were such a pain in the ass. Mars had never been a fan of the senate meetings, nor was he a fan of sitting on the thrones in the throne room of Mt. Olympus. Why did he feel compelled to attend such meetings? Because these were his children. The children of Rome were his children and he would do whatever it took to fight for them. There was something a foot, Mercury had been spouting off at the mouth, erring on the side of caution that an ancient and evil enemy was up to something, Mars never took that sneak thief’s spouting for much. He was the god of Lies after all, so why believe anything that he said. But none the less, Mars was sitting in the back row of the senate hall, watching the politics debate back and forth. His daughter, Charlie, looked like she was ready to strangle one of those pacifists that was telling the senate that nothing was wrong. Mars worried about Remus, the boy looked tired, though nothing could be farther from the truth of this particular god of war being proud of his son. He had no time for these tedious debates, the real romans settled their problems on the field of battle.

Mars stood up, brushing off his black jeans, and turned, walking out of the senate meeting. He would probably need to walk around the place, get a feel for it. Though it hadn’t been THAT long since he had been at camp. It had been only a month or so, but that was more recent than some of the others could say. Drop your kids off and hope they survive? No that’s not how it worked. Charlie might have thought of him as a hard ass right now, but she would be grateful for his gruff and tough love in the future. Did he like the fact that she was with another god? No, he detested the fact that she loved someone who was immortal. Mars had made Mors’s life a living hell. That’s what he had been aiming for at any rate. Drop a couple of bombs on some insurgents, fun was had and Mors got a headache, problem solved. He would have to have a nice and stern talking to if she continued to be delusional in thinking that she really loved and cared for that wimpy wuss of a god. Mars would never admit it, but he knew that his kids deserved better than gods for mates. He knew what they were like and he would never think to subject them to such torture. Other gods kids, yeah free game, not his children.

He was starting to have one of those manly urges, you know to kill something or to go start another civil war in Africa. No, he couldn’t leave this place. Not till he was sure of what was going on here. Mars snapped his fingers, a bottle of water appeared in his hands so he could take a long and cooling drink. Sure there were some of these little snot nosed politicians that he wanted to turn into a smoldering grease spot on the pavement, but now was not the time to act rashly. He was much smarter than that. Even he could agree that the Roman knew how to put pain in the ass goddesses like Minerva in their places. He crossed his arms and leaned against the pillars as he watched the people walk through the senate halls back and forth like scurrying little rats. Politics, he thought with a sneer.

[Deleted]

Rhiannon had probably been keeping better tabs on when meetings were held than even those participating in the senate meetings. She needed to know when they were going to all be collected in one place, the leaders of camp. It wouldn't be hard to get ride of them all at once this way, but she had no such plot in mind. She still held the tiny sliver of hope that they would come to her side of thinking. At the very least she hoped they would realize they need not fight for the gods, nor against them. They could just stay out of the conflict all together. Which in her eyes meant Saturn would win, because the only way the gods ever got anything done was through their children. The ones they didn't even care about. Dropped off in this camp never to be seen again. Some not even claimed by their godly parents, left in whatever conditions their mortal parent lived. Soleil was the one on her mind at the moment. That little girl was already old enough to be in the legion and had not been taught to read. Sure demigods had a bit of trouble reading because their brains were hard wired for Latin, but this was just ridiculous. They never even tried, and whomever was her godly parent just left her that way. Given the nature of the girls nightmares she had a few guesses about the idiot, but nothing solid. Fear, illusions, things like that were what came to mind when thinking of her powers. It mattered not, surely Saturn would make them claim all their children. Then make sure they never had children with mortals ever again. She believed in him, and every promise he made her. They were few and far between, but she never asked him to make them. That's what made her believe them.

As much as she hated it, before coming to this place she prayed to her mother for protection and guidance. She learned she at least had chosen Saturn's side, that and the witch had finally decided to show her face. Acting as if they should be best friends right off the bat, though Rhiannon probably said a few things she shouldn't have. She'd never met the woman, she didn't have a huge number of siblings like some other gods, and this goddess wasn't married, so how much could she hate her? Apparently more than she had let on, or even more than she cared to admit. It was an interesting conversation to say the least. The reason for so much as letting her pass through her thoughts today was the reason she was in the Senate House. Just a little circle here, no one would notice. They had a store room that was supposed to be highly protected, if the artifact made it to New Rome it might be here or the Library. Library was perhaps the easiest place for her to get into, and lay the circle. This place needed a distraction, and what was better than the guard focusing on those in charge of the city and their well-being?

She made her merry little way through the halls, not looking suspicious she walked tall as if she was meant to be here. No one questioned her. Her little mind tricks had not been kept only in camp, even here in the city she had planted little ideas here and there. The gossips always did a great job spreading that information around, not that she talked to gossips. They would then talk about her. She kept away from them, as much as possible. She heard her name crop up a few times, but that was normally her love life. Some how that was always floating around, not just hers but everyone’s. Probably because it was normally the Venus girls who talked, always and forever talking. How guys dealt with that she wasn't quite sure. A smile crossed her face for a moment, she dealt with the endlessly talking children of Mercury so perhaps just a little she could see how they dealt with the yammering.

Speaking of that sly devil, he obviously knew where she was at in her loyalties. How much he knew, or why he hadn't snatched her out of his precious camp was beyond her. He was one of the few Immortals she liked, and fewer still that she knew cared about the camp. She had figured he'd smite her for offing a camper, betraying camp, or any other thing she had done for Saturn. The fact he had not gave her a bit of hope, maybe she could get him to Saturn's side. He had said he had hope for her? That was a strange notion. She had no hope for herself, why would he? Her attention was quickly dragged off by her eyes, and the man leaning on a column. The people around her walked like nervous, tip toeing, weasels. Not because a god was in their midst, she wasn't even sure if they recognized him, they were always like that. “Lord Mars, what brings you here?” she asked with genuine curiosity.

[Deleted]

Here lately, Mars had been thinking about his children a lot. He would never admit to carring for them, but it was there. He claimed all of the children that he knew of, while he didn't agree with some of the decisions that they made, he loved them all. Of course he was proud of Remus, he expressed his pride in his son when he could. Remus was his favorite, that much was true, but he loved all of his kids. He knew their names, knew their birthdays, and he cared for their mothers. All of them. Sure he needed work on his communication skills towards them, but he didn't know how else to be. Hugs and kisses, that was all for the lovey dovey kids. His children were better than that. Hell even some of his grandchildren were worth calling legacies of mars. They really had to empress him for him to claim them, but sometimes legacies were stronger than demi-gods. Nicholas was one such kid. Mars cared for him but he was a disrespectful little sot and needed an attitude adjustment. There was no denying that the kid took after him. He showed how much he cared for his daughter by trying to protect her from that dastardly god Mors. Okay maybe he was being over protective towards his little girl, most dads he knew would have chased that jerk away with a sawn off shot gun. Charlie was his little girl, no one elses and Mors would have to go through hell to take her from the God of War. She was an orphan now, she had no one else that she could call family other than Remus and her brothers and sisters here at camp. To be honest, Mars wished that he knew how to comfort and communicate to her that he was there for her.

His mind was brought back to the present, watching some of the children walking back and forth, most of them being escorted by older members of the legion. Brilliant, bringing children to this tedious bit of being a pain in the ass political meetings. Mars really had to give it to Remus, he personally didn't have the taste for the political aspect. The boy had talent, that was for sure. The other new Praetor, Jason Kyoto, was smart. Slightly a goof off, but in his opinion, much better as a choice than that other idiot that was in power previously. He didn't know what happened to the kid. Did he worry? Yes, after all this was his precious Rome. This was his camp, despite what Mercury said. He knew most of the kids, the older ones had a good place in his heart. He fought with them, they were his brothers and sisters in arms. HE held them in his arms as they died, it was something that gods don't forget. Well, at least he didn't forget it. The same couldn't be said about the other gods he knew.

He spotted someone who had actually recognized him. She called out to him, her tone curious and respectful to say the least. Much better than the little idiots tiptoeing around, he figured that eventually someone would recognize him. He was a massive man, even in his limited mortal form, it was unusual for there to be people bigger than he was. Mars adjusted his sunglasses, pushing them up on the bridge of his nose as he surveyed part of his domain. His face was emotionless as he looked down at Rhiannon Warlow. She was a strange child, a daughter of Trivia and of magic but she wielded a sword rather well. She had a particular talent for using runes and bolstering skills rather than casting spells like some robed bat dung thrower. If Mars had it in him to smile, he would have. His eyes watched her for a brief moment before he even started to talk. “Miss Warlow, you are not a centurion, nor are you a little legionair on a field trip to the senate, I could ask you the same question.” He knew about his sons concern about her, plus of course, Mercury couldn't keep his trap shut. Mars surveyed her for another moment as he watched her. “But as for myself, I am simply keeping an eye on things.” He commented with a wave of his hand.

[Deleted]

Rhiannon had this portal creation not only down to a science with all the experiments she'd done, but to make a portal directly to Saturn's side was second nature. She could draw that runes for that in her sleep, and had managed two scribble them once in a while when she wasn't thinking, and just absentmindedly scribbling. It would have been bad if anyone could actual read her runes. First off they were Celtic, that in it self scratched out a good number of people in the camp from reading it. Secondly they were mostly abstract words that had a plethora of meaning, though seemed to work together very well in making a circle of teleportation. The most wonderful part was that even if he should be moved she would still be transported directly to his side. She loved Magic so very much sometimes. Initially she was only able to get coordinate, which for an address in the underworld was not very suitable. She had even been given a tip or two from Trivia, the very goddess she got her powers from. She didn't trust much of what that woman said, but she knew a great deal about magic.

That insane goddess had recommenced she stop trying to fight with a sword and focus on her spells, and spell strength. It was probably the roman in her, but Rhiannon thought that was the most outrageous recommendation ever. Spells took too long sometimes, and while preparation like this worked very well with magic, the heat of battle did not. She was not the type of girl to sit back behind other people casting spells over others, she had to be in the thick of things. Fighting face to face with her enemy, there was no other way to be. She supposed it was the thought that doing it that way made it honorable. It was a bit difficult to explain to someone who didn't have a similar mind set. Though Rhiannon was fairly sure Trivia had a completely different idea of fighting in mind. If Mars were to catch her off guard, get close enough to stab her, she was fairly certain that woman would be dead. If gods died. Perhaps just pieces, either way she'd never get a spell off. It seemed like that frivolous woman couldn't concentrate on anything long enough to save her life. Until the talk of magic came up. They were both fascinated by it, like mother like daughter in that respect. Though Rhiannon would always claim to take after the ones who raised her, especially the book worm of a father she had.

Mars took a moment before answering, as if he was trying to figure out who she was, or why she was there. He had given her a knife, she slightly hoped he would know who she was. Actually she kind of expected for him to know her. The first thing from his mouth was her name, which meant he did know her. That was good, though she supposed she shouldn't be too surprised if a god whom only met her once should forget her name. Considering it was Mars she was talking to though, she was of the female persuasion so that might have had something to do with it. That was never a good way to think while talking to them, Rhiannon had a terrible poker face for when she was in a foal mood. Best to keep her mind from wandering to the reason she hated the gods. At least Mars didn't try to pretend he was anything but who he was. Best to look at the good things. "I may not be a young legionnaire anymore, but the politics of New Rome still interest me. I don't trust rumors, or gossip, so asking the people themselves is the best way to get the correct information." It was never a very hard to believe thing when dealing with Rhiannon that she wanted all the information possible and for it to be correct. Though she didn't want to say it quite like that to a god. Remus who had caught her numerous times snooping around knew who she was and knew what to expect. Mostly sass, and sarcasm. Her side still hurt from their last encounter, she could only hope his shoulder hurt. Knowing that idiot son of the god in front of her though, pain was just an annoying thing that didn't even bother to make it to his thoughts. "That's good to know." she said with a slight nod "Please continue to watch out for New Rome, and the Legion. I'm sure you've seen how divided it's been." Had Rhiannon meant to leave herself out? Not consciously. Though something inside of her wouldn't let her claim 'us' when she mentioned New Rome or the Legion. She won't admit any loyalties to Saturn until he'd gotten his artifact, but she felt a sharp pain when she claimed to be part of anything anymore. She had shed the first blood after all.

[Deleted]

Rhiannon Warlow, now this was a piece of work right here. After the killing that had occurred inside his Rome, Mars had a particular feeling that he would be needed here in the long run. While Jupiter might have frowned upon and scorned the gods that liked to mix and mingle with their offspring. Jupiter could blow and huff and puff all he wanted, but this was his. It belonged to him, everyone in it belonged to him. He was their protector and their patron. But he was more than that, anyone who knew their history about Rome and the god of War knew that he was much more than just a god to the Romans. He was their shield bearer, that extra sword or the extra man that armed the catapults. He was a warrior and would not sit idly by while his people suffered in war. The concerns that Remus had of her were valid, But until she actively did something that moved against Rome, while killing Valerie was a pain, it wasn't.... Openly against Rome. Besides, he wasn't allowed to touch that one, Bellona had called dibs. Mars wouldn't bother to go against his twin sister nor would he rob her of pleasure. He wasn't mean at all. Or at least not in that way. Maybe he could be considered mean, many of his children thought so and more in particular his grandchildren thought he was a downright beast. If he was going to claim a legacy, they had better do something worth while to prove that they were worth his time.

Rhiannon quipped about needing correct information. The wheels in his head went to spinning, while information was always good, it was also a form of power. He expected that idiot Augur to want to use information to levy against Remus or the other Praetor. He didn't trust that little prick as far as he could throw him. Mars didn't doubt that if he wanted to, he could punt that little scarecrow across the world back to the homeland of Rome. “Now there is no wonder why Remus has it out for you.” Mars remarked in his gravely and rather grating voice. He opened his mouth to say something but he was ran head long into by some little kid. He knew where he was, this was the Senate building. It wasn't a place to beat people's faces in. The kid got picked up by the scruff of his shirt and started swinging. Mars would rather have started a scene, he was rather fond of turning children into animals, especially the little brats that liked to run their mouths. Mars sent the little brat on his way, making a mental note to humiliate this kid when he was scheduled for some coliseum training. Oh there would be hell for that brat to pay later. “A good bit of people that seek information tend to end up dead. Ask your beloved Mercury about his sons.” Mars said, his lip curling over his teeth into a slight sneer. There was no love for mercury in this immortals heart.

“you have caused quite the uproar lately.” Mars commented, crossing his arms, again leaning a column made of stone. If he wasn't dressed in his mortal clothes, many would consider him to look like a stone statue or the essential of what a Roman Soldier should look like. “MY sister is out for your blood, so I suggest you watch yourself carefully. Make sure you are ready to contend with the consequences of your actions.” Mars would always watch over the legion and foresee the potential threats that could take down his beloved camp. There was really no love lost over Valerie in his eyes. If he couldn't beat a simple spell slinger like this girl, then she wasn't a roman and she didn't deserve to wear the mantle of Rome. Stupid girl. "Though to be honest it wouldn't be much out of the way to say it was that Pluto Girls fault. You are a crafty one, a much more worthy opponent than she would be."

[Deleted]

Rhiannon pushes her hair back, out of her face. They knew, Mercury knowing things she could accept, but even Mars and Bellona? That was annoying. There was that little voice in the back of her head chiming it's two cent in again. She had learned to deal with it, that incessant voice that threatened to drive her insane. 'Can't lay low to save your life can you?' That's right. She wasn't a daughter of Mercury, if she was would she be able to get the relic to Saturn in the underworld? She wasn't sure. Mercury went everywhere delivering messages, but did that transfer to his kids? She never asked. It might have been handy to be a Mercury kid, heck if she were his kid she probably wouldn't even be in this situation right now. She'd probably be like Josh, or Zidane, working for the camp. They might have been sneaks and thieves, but he had some of the most loyal kids she knew. 'Kind hearted fools' Rhiannon wouldn't start an argument with it, not right now. She already felt like she was going crazy, replying to the voice in her head was not going to get her anywhere. 'What's Mars going to do about it? Nothing, like how he's don't nothing so far'. She wanted to yell at the voice to shut up, but not in the middle of the Senate house, not with all these people. She still needed to do things. 'You can't do anything, just die'

Clearing her throat she allowed her hair to fall back around her face, the curls bouncing as they fell to gravity. "I know what my actions mean, and what they may entail. I've had friendly spares with Stone before, given this situation would be on the opposite side of the color spectrum...." she gave a small shrug. "I'm pretty sure my head being connected to my shoulders would be the least of my problems." Her tone wasn't harsh, or spiteful, not even a bit of fear was in it. Just a simple truth that she knew. Not that many of the things she said had a large amount of emotion to them in the first place, not unless she was being sarcastic, or if she was talking to Josh and Inek. Sometimes a bit of anger at Stone, or Felicity when they were being complete and utter idiots. Josh, Inek, even Saturn got to see her laugh and smile. Everyone else got the emotionless version. Probably something programmed into a Roman upon entering the Legion.

The mention of Felicity made her snort. She was so incompetent, but was a great diversion from Rhiannon's actions and even let other people have a kind of rally point. Albeit a crazy one. Some people would crowd around Saturn, and while Felicity was busy being nuttier than a fruit cake, she also drew more attention to what the gods where doing wrong. If not for that it might have been easier for them to find Rhiannon. 'Not that you hide yourself well in the first place' it's voice was always sweet and playful. That sinister twist stirring at the back of it's words. She could almost see the thin lips curling in a vicious smile, gods she hoped she didn't actually start seeing something along with the voice. She wondered if Bacchus was messing with her a bit. "Thanks, not that it's saying much considering who I'm being compared to..."

They were still in the Senate Building, she had questions and while Mars might not answer them either way, she wasn't going to ask them here. People, witnesses, she still had to get the relic to Saturn. Whatever the damn things was, and she hoped it wasn't anything too stupid. She hoped that it would be able to completely let him win when she got it to him. That way all of this would be good, the lying, the slander, the murder, the betrayal, all of it would have meaning. If it didn't, more than likely even Bacchus wouldn't claim right to her madness.