Valeria remains passively quiet a moment, her hands held to her pursed lips in a strange semblance of prayer, while her eyes stare lazily upon the ground. In time, she gathers her composure and her prevailing smile returns to her face.
"Dear Titus, forgive my impertinent behavior," she says demurly, "but I am only a woman and given to passionate discourse. I question your words previously spoken to illustrate a point, but I give you the benefit of the doubt that your intentions are just. Yet the fact remains that there are external forces in play with a very direct interest in what becomes of Teneo. I, for one, desire that none of these forces have an undue hold over Teneo... or any hold not welcomed by, or beneficial to, Teneo."
"Titus, you question my feelings regarding Fengheld? In truth, I know little of Fengheld other than that it is a powerful covenant, as is Durenmar, and powerful covenants do not take actions like aiding the establishment of a new covenant for purely altruistic reasons. Does Durenmar have a vision for Teneo? There can be no doubt, though I have not been made privy to the intentions of the masters of Durenmar." She looks towards Gorgamesh momentarily with a cheeky grin. "Perhaps Gorgamesh here knows more concerning the dark secrets that are Durenmar's. Yes, Durenmar would not have become involved in this venture without some idea there would be benefit from it. Of course, it could be that Durenmar's sole desire was merely to prevent the foundation of another chapter house of Fengheld. It is no secret that they adamantly resist Fengheld's intent to found a chapter house on the very grounds of Durenmar."
She pauses a moment.
"Do I have a vision for Teneo? Of course, else I would not desire to be part of its foundation. But as I have stressed, my vision, no more than any other, should overshadow or singlehandedly guide the destiny of Teneo. But the true answer you seek is whether my vision is one to be influenced by Durenmar. That answer is a qualified 'No'. I put no more faith in Durenmar than I do in Fengheld."
"I have no reservations against working with Fengheld, Durenmar, or any other covenant. And, as you say, we will need allies. But what does Fengheld expect in return for its assistance? Durenmar has yet to make, dare I say, requests of us... but by your words, and evident in the letter we received, Fengheld's finger is already in our pot."
"And so we return to your words. You have taken umbrage that I found your words disturbing, and though my heart is honest and bears no intent to injure or defame you, nor to punish you for your relations with Fengheld, the fact remains that your words raise concern. You say you fully intend that Teneo be an independent covenant, and that you are prepared to take an oath that will severe all ties that may behold you to Fengheld, but the very words you use to justify your leadership of Teneo are that Stentorius has communicated his vision to you, and that you feel it is your mission - your mission, I say - to see to it that we stay focused on the goals he has set for us."
Valeria remains quiet for a moment, looking to each magus in turn.
"That is a strong statement. Surely you can see just cause for my concern? For my part, though I may appreciate what assistance Durenmar has provided - and most assuredly that of Fengheld, too - I do not consider it my mission to see that Durenmar's intentions for Teneo - whatever they may be - be carried out. Nay, sodales. Let Fengheld... let Durenmar... yea, let any covenant ask of us what they will... but let us, as a council, decide what Teneo shall grant in return."
Valeria then begins to address all the magi in general.
"Perhaps this vision of Fengheld - or Stentorius, as the case may be - perhaps this vision is a worthy one. Perhaps these goals which Titus mentions would truly be to the benefit of Teneo. If so, then surely we, as a council, will see their wisdom and can agree to pursue them. Or is it wisdom to submit the future course of Teneo to an authority figure to carry out a vision to which we have not been made privy?"
Valeria smiles to Gorgamesh. "Gorgamesh's eagerness to forge our charter and take our oath is comendable, but, my friends, a charter is no simple matter to be forged on the spot. Yet, neither can we presevere in the foundation of Teneo without an oath to bind us."
"Titus," she says, addressing him directly, "I have spoken plainly on my desire, and though you have brought my own vision for Teneo into question, I have made no overture to place my will above thine own. Indeed, I stress again the need for a balanced council, that we may all contribute to the foundation of the covenant. At this early hour, my proposal is specific and clear: an oath of allegiance now, a single vote each, and a three-fourths majority to decide covenant affairs and forge the covenant charter."
"You oppose this, that is clear, but please, speak plainly now and let us all hear your counter-proposal. You say you would be made leader, but what does that mean for us? Shall you decide what covenant duty we are to owe? Shall you decide what tome we may study from the library? Shall you decide where punishment, and where merit, is due?"
"You say you would welcome a council for discussions - a senate, you called it - but what does that imply? Would our voices carry any weight? Caesar, too, had a Senate, for all the good it did Rome. And we know to what end that came."
"Tell us, Titus, exactly what it is you would have us consent to, that we might not enter into the arrangement blindly."
