A long canoe-like boat makes its way upstream, poled along by a froggy Shiga in the back and a thin gangly lizard with bugged eyes in the front.

In the center of the canoe are two passengers, both winged. They could have very well flown most of the way … but this is considerably less exhausting and presumably less risky. This is still the jungle, after all.

The smaller of the winged figures begins to wake from her nap, holding a medium-sized package in her lap. "It didn't look this bad the first time we found it," Envoy says to her companion once she's taken in the view.

The day is growing late, and long shadows reach across the canyon … but there are already some lanterns lit at the broken stone slabs dipping into the water that serve as a makeshift dock for any boats coming in. Several cheetahs and lizards can be seen gathered there.

Envoy considers waking the Ranger, but decides to let him sleep some more. She is no longer surprised at how long she sleeps after performing prolonged magic rituals, figuring that she slept through most of the afternoon.

A familiar cheetah can be seen amongst those gathered at the shore – tall, long curly black hair … Azhtar! Or, that is, Priest-Queen Jade-Eyes. She smiles and nods as she sees Envoy riding in on the boat.

The Aeolun blinks in surprise and comes fully awake, not expecting the Queen herself at the dock. She signs out, "Greetings, Priest-Queen Jade-Eyes of Xenea!"

The boat comes up to the shore, and a couple of wiry, muscular cheetahs step up to the boat to assist Envoy out of the boat. Another cheetah sees the reclining winged Hekoye, and signs, "He is obviously weary. Shall we let him rest a while longer?"

Envoy nudges Lochinvar by rustling her wingfeathers back against his nose as she steps ashore.

The Priest-Queen's jade eyes twinkle as she sees Envoy, and she signs, "It is so good to see you again, and it has been so long! Please, do come with me. We are only living in tents and shacks here for the time being, but in time, the City will be renewed again. We have much work to do, in order to plan this properly, before we start setting stones upon stones once more."

The Hekoye's nose wrinkles a little at the touch, then sneezes, having the effect of waking him also. "Rrrrr," he mutters, coming to, propping himself up in the boat and rubbing his eyes.

"I've brought you a gift," Envoy signs, one-handedly, while she holds a bundle with her left arm. "Something I hope will help inspire you in your efforts."

Jade-Eyes smiles. "Wonderful! Let us get inside, and then perhaps I can look at it? The footing here is so awkward by the river." She gestures, and starts leading the way back up from the riverbank.

Envoy looks over her shoulder to make sure Lochinvar is lucid, then follows after the longer-legged cheetah.

Lochinvar, becoming more awake now, brings himself to a stand in the boat, stretches out his wings and rubs his shoulders. "I hate sleeping on my back," he mutters to himself, then catches his balance a little, before heading getting off the boat and hurrying to catch up with Envoy and Jade-Eyes.

Priest-Queen Jade-Eyes leads the two visitors to a large tent that evidently serves as her home here in the city, pitched under the partial shelter of the looming cliffs in the half of the city that once housed the Palace.

Inside, there are numerous cushions thrown about, and the air smells of fruits, flowers and a touch of perfume or incense of some sort.

"This is Lochinvar," Envoy says, introducing the Hekoye. "He is a Ranger with the Temple, and one of the explorers of Arcadia." She takes a few deep sniffs of the air and smiles.

The Ranger nods politely to Jade-Eyes, and signs, "It is an honor to meet you."

Priest-Queen Jade-Eyes inclines her head. "Welcome to the City of Hands. It is good to meet a friend of the Mage Envoy of Lothrhyn." She turns to Envoy. "And it is good to see that you have succeeded so well in your pursuits."

"Safar so good," Envoy signs, trying not to giggle. "This reminds me of your old room at the Temple, somewhat."

Jade-Eyes' ears wiggle. "Some tastes do not change greatly." She glances at package held by Envoy. "Pardon me for being selfish … but I am terribly curious to see what you brought?"

A couple of cheetah servants duck by, bringing trays of refreshments for Lochinvar and Envoy. Most of it consists of fruits and nuts, and juices, though there are also some bits of cooked Bromthen forest-hog meat.

The Earth Mage smiles and holds forth the zolk-wrapped gift. "I made it last night," Envoy explains, speaking since both of her hands are full.

Lochinvar signs, "Thank you" to the servants, and picks up a random juice and a few pieces of fruit from the trays.

Jade-Eyes reaches toward the gift, then signs, "May I?"

The servants set down the trays within easy reach of the visitors, and then bow, ducking back out of the tent, leaving the Priest-Queen alone with her guests for the time being.

Envoy nods, and warns, "It's heavier than it looks."

Jade-Eyes nods, and takes the package … and her hands dip noticeably once she has it. Her smile widens at the solidity of the … whatever it is … and she carefully begins to unwrap it from its zolken covering.

The winged Hekoye watches also, curious since he did not see Envoy buy whatever this gift is.

Gold-furred hands reveal a series of figurines mounted on a stone base, representing the Savanite Royal Family – Jade-Eyes' family. Her parents pose proudly on the right side, while the seven Princesses stand in order of age, ending at the left end with the youngest, Emerald-Eyes. Golden amber is used for the fur, with white quartz for the throats and obsidian flakes embedded to form spots. More obsidian flows from the heads, following curls or braids, and in one case draping like liquid flame for Fire-Mane. Eyes of green or brown glass twinkle in the tiny faces, and all are draped in ancient costumes and jewelry.

Jade-Eyes sucks in her breath, bringing up one hand to her muzzle as she smiles faintly and her eyes moisten. Realizing the weight again of the sculpture, she carefully holds it again with both hands, and seeks out a low table in the room. She carefully sets down the sculpture upon the wooden table's surface, and stands back to marvel at it … turning to smile gratefully at Envoy. "It's beautiful," she signs.

"I'm afraid I couldn't manage whiskers," Envoy says. "They would have been too fragile." Smiling, she signs, "I'm glad you like it! I'll have to add on to it once you have some children, of course."

Jade-Eyes' ears wiggle at this last part, and she signs, "This is a priceless treasure. I shall make certain that it is given a place of honor."

Smiling proudly, Envoy signs, "I remember the layout of the City from before the attack, if you need any help restoring things to their proper places. When do you think the repairs will be completed?"

Jade-Eyes signs, "It will take years. We wish to take care not to lose any of our past in any eagerness to clear away the rubble and to build anew."

Envoy nods. "And for the present, how are you doing? The burdens of office haven't sucked all of the youth out of you yet, it seems!" White-furred ears wiggle along with the signs.

Jade-Eyes signs, "Oh, no! It's all terribly exciting. Of course, there have been a few problems here and there … but nothing unexpected."

"Delegating things to the Twelve then, I hope?" the Aeolun signs. "Lochinvar and I heard in Safar that you'd been visited by an Angel of the Star; is that so?"

Jade-Eyes looks past Envoy to Lochinvar. "So … is this fellow your … ?" She just waves her hands vaguely, leaving the sentence uncompleted.

Jade-Eyes breaks off from the unfinished question, and smiles, signing, "Oh, yes! Isn't it amazing?"

"Travelling companion," the Hekoye answers. "We met up again purely by chance in Xenea. I'm along to see the 'sights' and whatever else may come up, since I have the time."

"We will probably be returning to Abu Dhabi after our visit," Envoy signs. "Now that the Earth Tower is being researched by the Collegia, the old Nagai Empire and Babel are asking that their representatives be allowed access as well. But that must seem rather mundane to you! Tell us how you met this Angel?"

Jade-Eyes, still smiling brightly, and even a bit more now, signs, "Oh! I so much wish you could have come with me that night long ago! I went into an ancient shrine, and … the Star signed to me through an angel of light! The Star is coming here, to Sinai! But there's so much to do to prepare. It may be years before we are ready. And the Star is going to visit its people on Abaddon first before coming here. It's such an amazing time to be alive!"

"Did it say when it would get here?" Lochinvar asks.

The Priest-Queen signs, "The Star wishes to give me enough time to prepare. It may be as few as five years, perhaps ten."

"I don't suppose it's too late for me to visit the shrine?" Envoy asks. "I have met many supernatural beings, but never an Angel. Will the City be ready in time for the Arrival?"

The Priest-Queen signs, "I certainly hope that it shall be! There are still many of the Twelve-times-Twelve to assist us … but they are stretched thin across the People, and there are many concerns. But once we have things in order, it will all fall into place. I trust that the Star shall provide. And as for the shrine… " Jade-Eyes looks thoughtful for a moment. "Well, it would be most unusual … but it would seem hardly appropriate that I should have so many years ago invited you to come, and then turn you away now!"

Envoy blushes, and signs, "I am glad that you trust me. I'm not as dangerous now as the Temple and Third-Vision once considered me."

Jade-Eyes smirks. "I suppose your friend isn't dangerous, either?" She glances over at the winged Hekoye.

Lochinvar arches an eyebrow a little at the question. "How do you define 'dangerous'?" he asks.

Envoy looks at the half-Vartan as well, and grins.

Jade-Eyes' ears wiggle. "As long as you promise not to touch anything, I'm sure you'll be fine." Her face takes on a more serious expression. "But, please, be reverent. If the Angel does appear, please do not ask silly questions or show lack of faith. We are dealing with powers beyond our full comprehension."

The Hekoye nods and says, "Very well. I shall do that much."

The Aeolun nods solemnly in agreement.

Jade-Eyes signs, "Well! You are welcome to rest up, and we shall go in the evening. How does that sound?"

"Thank you, Jade-Eyes," Envoy signs. "I underestimated how much energy your gift would require from me, and have not fully recovered yet."

"If I might ask," Lochinvar signs, "would you be adverse to me walking around for a bit? I'm still feeling cramped from how I was sleeping in the boat."

"Not at all!" signs the Priest-Queen. "You are quite welcome to do so. Please, stay only in the areas where there are lanterns. Even if you can see in the dark, the lanterns serve to drive away the less … pleasant denizens of the jungle."

Later that evening, Envoy and Lochinvar are led by the Priest-Queen to a plain, unassuming stone building … little more than a shack, it seems, judging from the outside.

But as soon as they step inside, they are met by a dazzling display as the light of the lantern Jade-Eyes carries is reflected off of countless crystals set in the walls, and mirrored panels. The floor descends into a wide pit, lined with mirrors and crystals, and it is dominated by a crystal column set in the center, which rises toward the stone ceiling.

The Hekoye-Vartan puts his hands behind his back, clasping them together to try and resist his urge to touch any of the decorations. When he agreed not to touch anything, it seemed such a simple agreement at the time.

The Aeolun's smile widens. "More mirrors and light than the Map Chamber. I wonder if that survived the invasion?" she asks, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the glare before trying to sign.

Jade-Eyes shakes her head sadly. "No, alas. That was destroyed." The room seems to glow more brightly than should be accounted for by just reflections of the lantern.

"Shame," Lochinvar comments absently. "Sounds like it would have been quite a sight."

"A great loss, as there may have been more to learn about the outer children of Primus from it," Envoy signs, as she tries to examine the chamber for enchantments.

Envoy's magical sense verifies that she is definitely still inside the Forbidden Zone of the Xenean Canyon. If there is any magic at work in this chamber, it would be of such small magnitude – or sufficient attempts at concealment, such as with the Sphere of Shadow – to make it imperceptible.

The room continues to brighten gently. Jade-Eyes breaks off from whatever reverie she was in, and signs, "Oh my! The Angel is calling!" She sets the lantern aside on a stone pedestal, and shutters it. The room remains just as bright.

The winged-coyote perks an ear to try and hear any such 'call' and looks around?

The Mage pauses in her examination of one of the mirrors, and gives Jade-Eyes her full attention.

Jade-Eyes steps back from the "bowl" in the center of the floor, and drops to her knees, kneeling. She glances to Envoy and Lochinvar, giving them encouraging nods.

Envoy blinks, and then kneels as well beside the Queen.

The crystal column in the center of the chamber glows more visibly, and beams of light can be seen crisscrossing the room, cutting through dust-motes floating lazily about. The light dims, then focuses, but it's still quite bright compared to the darkness outside.

Lochinvar kneels too, slightly hesitant, after a moment and narrows his eyes while looking at the light.

An apparition is visible within the column, seemingly trapped within the crystal. It looks remotely humanoid, but only vaguely so, with a long, thin upright body that tapers down into what might be better described as a tail rather than legs. Six wings radiate outward from the creature's back – thin and spindly, and they do not flap in the slightest.

The creature has a distinguishable head, but the features are obscure. It's as if the creature might be wearing armor, or as if it might be fashioned from ceramic and steel. It has a mechanical look about it, yet a very alien appearance as well.

The Aeolun's eyebrows raise a bit at the sight of the "angel", as she tries to discern any recognizable traits.

Ghostly hands form, floating in front of the creature, stylized rather than seeming to be actual hands. "Greetings, daughter of the People. The Star smiles upon you."

Envoy turns slightly to watch Jade-Eyes' reaction to the creature.

Lochinvar meanwhile continues watching the apparition to see if it's going to notice that there are others present aside from the Priest-Queen.

Jade-Eyes smiles and signs back, "I live only to please the Star. The progress on the City continues smoothly, though slowly. I have ordered my helpers to remove the false inscriptions that we found. And I have with me two friends, one who supported me in the time before my ascension."

"May they be blessed," sign the ghostly hands.

The Aeolun forces her hands down, almost having signed a 'Thank you' to the image.

Jade-Eyes signs, "I have nothing else to report at this time. I will sign to you once the chamber has been purified of the blasphemies."

Envoy blinks, and whispers, "Blasphemies?"

The "Angel" signs, "So be it." And then the image fades, and the room slowly darkens.

The Ranger glances over at Envoy, hearing her whisper, and shrugs slightly – not knowing what is meant there either.

Once the room darkens, Jade-Eyes unshutters the lantern, illuminating the room once more. "Wasn't that wonderful? It's so beautiful!"

Envoy blinks in the light of the lantern. "I am confused, Jade-Eyes. Why did you speak of blasphemies? Did you mean graffiti left by the Nagai troops?"

Lochinvar raises from his kneeling position. "It certainly was a unique experience," he offers in answer to Jade-Eye's question of them.

Jade-Eyes signs, "There were inscriptions pretending to be histories of the Savanite Empire, but they were found to be created after the fall of the last Priest-King, when the City should have been deserted."

"The Twelve determined this?" Envoy signs questioningly.

Jade-Eyes nods. "That is correct," she signs.

"Is the Star coming here on a star-ship?" the Exile asks, "Such as the one the Silent-Ones came in so long ago?"

Jade-Eyes signs, "The Star has rejoined its People, and shall be arriving with them on a great space ark. They shall arrive first on Abaddon, then here, and they shall visit the colony on Arcadia as well."

Envoy stands then, and looks around the chamber once more in the lamp light. "The angel did not appear as one of the People. Does the Star recognize other species as being of the People?"

Jade-Eyes signs, "Angels are beings unlike the created People. But, yes, we are all Children of the Star, although the first People are especially blessed and especially burdened with the duty of spreading the message of the Star."

Lochinvar quietly listens to the conversation for the moment.

"The Angel is an envoy then, like myself?" Envoy signs, raising an eyebrow. "An artifact?"

Jade-Eyes ponders this, then signs, "Perhaps that is so. I had not considered it like that."

"Interesting," the Mage signs. "This gives me much to think about, Jade-Eyes. Much indeed."

Jade-Eyes smiles and bows, then signs, "Shall we retire to my tent? There are many partitions, and I shall see to it that you are made comfortable for the night." She gestures toward the door.

Envoy nods, and looks to Lochinvar for his decision.

"If you don't mind, I think that I will retire for the evening.," the coyote signs. "I imagine that the both of you have some catching up to do, and I will be like a third wheel sitting there – no disrespect intended."