[Tarot]

There was quite an impressive line-up of Chelseannan authorities standing next to the Podesta as he kept delivering his summons to the islanders. The Podesta was a large man - that was the easiest way to define him. Everything about him was big, from head to toe, his face somewhat rugged and yet still managing to come across as handsome. The man holding his umbrella was, by contrast, thin as a rail, with an elongated face and a deep dark moustache covering his lip; he was not wearing a white wig, either.

The next man, standing behind Podesta Vidocai, was deathly pale and rather strange-looking. His umbrella was being held by a young girl with an adoring look on her face that seemed to be enthusiastically catering to his every need, though he barely paid her any attention. He chain-smoked throughout the 'call to arms', cheap cigarettes that regularly ended up squashed beneath his foot. His wig was well-kept and he was wearing dark spectacles, but behind those were pink eyes. Even amidst dark and foul weather, the albino's eyes needed the protection of smoked lenses. A violin case was flung across his back.

A woman stood with the rigidity of a nun, accepting the heavy rain as a punishment without trying to shield herself. She was in her fourties perhaps, never been beautiful but gifted with startling hazel eyes. Her dark gown was a rather shocking contrast to the bright-colored attire of most Chelseannans, and she was wearing a golden necklace in the shape of an eye. Next to her a young, lean olive-skinned man rested with the trademark cockiness of great fencers, not bothered by the rain as it fell upon his wide-brimmed and plumed hat, hand casually touching his Chelseannan rapier, unmistakable due to its elaborate basket hilt.

Other people filled the area of Piazza del Mare reserved for the authorities. When the square was reasonably filled, a figure stepped near the Podesta. He was a middle-aged man with a paternal face made for smiling but currently unable to do so. He nodded at Vidocai, who returned the nod and began his speech.

"Citizens and guests of Chelseanna," the Podesta spoke under the heavy rain, "I am sorry to be the harbinger of such appalling news. The Kalendryan Observatory located on the central tower of Castle Chelseanna has spotted what appears to be a hurricane of devastating proportions with their telescopes. It originated well North of the Medonian continent and is traveling at an incredible speed..." There was a short pause. "It is headed this way."

Murmurs began to fill the Piazza del Mare. While storms were not uncommon in the summer, such an assembly over one was unprecedented. "According to the luminous Photosemic messages we have received from the Tower, we have somewhere between one and two candlemarks to prepare ourselves for the incoming storm. We believe this to be the second of three Storms that the Sacred Oracle prophetized thirty eras ago, the first being the Great Tempest that isolated Olympia from the rest of the world for over an era."

The murmurs rose and took on the tints of fear, though the Chelseannans were remarkably orderly compared to their mainland equivalents. "Please," Vidocai cut the protest short, "we are running out of time and we need to prepare. It is quite possible that the whole island will be struck. We will have to break the seals."

At the mention of breaking the seals the whole audience froze. The icy woman smirked. The albino violinist yawned, as if still fighting the latest hangover. This was quite possibly one of many things the people of Chelseanna would rather not talk about, especially to foreigners. "Meanwhile, if any of you would like to volunteer to help with the evacuation effort, or is willing to lend assistance in any way, please talk to Miss Kalpas here. May the gods have mercy upon us." And with that, the Podesta stepped away from the Podium. Ibizia Kalpas, soaking wet but uncaring, stood there for anyone who would approach her. Meanwhile, fencers from the Delot academy mingled with the crowd to assist and make sure whatever evacuation was being planned happened in a calm and orderly fashion, though there was no indication yet as to where people would be evacuated to.