Back in Viper's Hold, not long after the battle of the Desolate Band…

War is a messy affair no matter how skillfully conducted. Gathering the dead and tending to the wounded is attended to by kssh'atga leading burial details. General Diamondback hasn't been any less busy since the fighting ended, but now sees to more mundane details, the army's paymasters distributing spoils, tallying casualties, and so forth. One of the things he sees to personally is the commissioning of local commoner artisans to prepare the grave marker dedicated to the battle. One of the few surviving desert giants has been harnessed to haul a basalt shard back from the area at the Temple to serve for this purpose.

Rebuilding is already going on in the outlying town, the peoples of Viper's Hold apparently well enough used to conflict. Much of the debris has been removed by now, and newly made ribs jut from damaged buildings where new clay will be built over them.

And even though Umeko is of noble birth and the ruler of this territory for the time being, she has been seeing to many things that some might consider 'beneath' her station. While waiting for the last ship to finish repairs, the Kiriga has been seeing to both the living and the dead, Currently, she's wearing simple clothing and has been helping as much as she's able with one of the rebuilding projects in Viper's Hold. Keeping busy has helped keep her from dwelling too much on the losses of men. With building it's about creating new things, not destroying them, after all. For current moment, she has drawn away from one of the work crews to see how the process on the grave marker has gone … and to give her opinions.

As usual when he's not doing things for Mage Pyrelighter, Xander follows along behind Umeko in case she needs anything.

Diamondback is not on hand at the moment, but one of the army's kssh'atga, a slate-grey Naga in white robes and a bowl-shaped reed hat, is on hand to show the shard to Umeko. It's a very large chunk of stone, sharpened by the winds of the Desolate band, and it promises to tower a good 50 feet in height, though currently it lies on its side. The kssh'atga carries a book open and cradled in one arm, which he writes in when regiment leaders come to him with their tallies, and he seems practiced enough to hold up his end of the conversation while he does so. "This piece was taken from the valley you fought in, Governess. We considered a chunk of the ruins, but the General stated that was off-limits per your instruction. I think this piece is quite impressive, however. It should do nicely. Our historian will be having the account of the battle recorded here on the eastern face, and those who fell in battle recorded on the western face, drawn from my records."

Lilac has taken to her beast form again, despite still wearing clothes. The commando uniform seems to work well for either shape, being baggy to avoid transformational ripping, and tied at the ankle and wrists to prevent slipping. She trails after Umeko, occasionally sniffing at this or that.

"You really need some more clothing options," Xander whispers to Lilac.

Umeko's head snakes and tilts as she considers the monument. "I agree with your evaluation of this stone. It will do well to record the history to the battle and the names of those who fell. Their service to the Emperor, these lands, and myself should never be forgotten. It is the least we can do," the Kiriga says, a small waver of sadness flashing through her as her thoughts drift back. "Much of what truly matters in your life are the memories you leave behind. With this, people will remember them always. The loss reports come in hourly. What is your current record of those who have fallen?"

The beast-woman looks up, then barks at Xander! She then leans over and begins tugging at his robe, tripping him up a bit.

"Ack!" The Lapi mage pauses for a brief tug-of-war with Lilac.

The gray Naga glances down at his book, licking the tip of his quill. "We're still counting, so I couldn't give you an accurate figure, Governess. However, overall casualties have been relatively light despite the resistance we faced at the pass and at the bandit's nest."

"Not light enough," Umeko murmurs to herself. She pauses to rub her jaw for a moment, brow furrowing a bit to a wince of pain. Shaking it off, she looks back to the monument. "I must leave for Nagai City soon to meet with the Emperor. I apologize I will not be here when the monument is finally completed. But, I do promise to return to see the result of your efforts," she says.

The tug-o-war ends when Lilac lets go, her attention stolen by another of those sand beetles she seems to like to chase. She lays down, watching it scuttle across the sand a moment before yawning wide.

Falling on his rear, Xander mutters, "I do not think Lilac should stay transformed so much… "

"You have eternity," hisses the kssh'atga. He writes a few more lines in his book, and in the lull, a familiar frilled shiga arrives. It's Sgt. Jechlun. His uniform still looks dusty, but considerably better than he looked after the first siege. He bows deeply at the waist. "Ah, Governess, guests are arriving. A small ship bearing the Emperor's crest."

Kin dips her in a light bow to the Sergeant. "Ah, my honorable leader of the Fangs. I was not aware we were expecting guests," she says. She takes a moment to consider her appearance, then looks to the squabbling Lilac and Xander behind her. "I should not keep them waiting," she admits, "Though my attire is not what I would wish for meeting with servants of the Emperor. Please, show us the way." But, before following the sergeant, she looks back and tells the two, "Follow … and please try to behave respectfully."

"Yeah, so no inappropriate sniffing, Lilac!" Xander teases the dog-girl, and then hurries to stand close behind Umeko.

Lilac, who is now nosing around the beetle, suddenly looks up when Umeko addresses her. Her ears perk, her tail wags, and she tilts her head in a way that's far too innocent. A moment later, she hops to her feet and is off trotting after Umeko again.

"They're putting down in the courtyard, my lady," hisses Jechlun, who leads the way. Sure enough, a small (for an airship) and sleek craft is settling into the sun-drenched and sandy center of Viper's Hold, its envelope creating a good-sized shadow. It does so without the benefit of a mooring tower, somehow staying in place with just a few anchors pitched down into the dirt. Several long banners stream from each side of the gondola, the Imperial seal writ large on them without the accompanying marks of his majesty's legions.

"Do you know who they are?" Umeko inquires of Jechlun as they head towards the ship.

The shiga squints in the light, shading his eyes with a hand. "I'm afraid I can't begin to guess, beyond Imperial representatives, your honor." Fortunately, nobody is made to wait long… a gangplank thumps down, and bends under the weight of four tall, heavy-set Shigai, a dull gleam reflected from their heavily scratched armor. Komodo.

The grim reminder hits Umeko hard. "Keyoa's 'family' as it were. They are here for his body," she comments to the sergeant and the others. The Kiriga draws in a breath and heads towards them now. Her eyes flick about as she tries to determine their 'leader'.

When the small ship opens up, Lilac drops on to her haunches and watches the men exit. She looks between them, then to Umeko, and back again. After Umeko's comment, Lilac seems to understand, and simply watches. Her ears focus forward, and she tilts her head curiously.

Xander swallows whatever he might have been going to say at the sight of the armored Komodos. He instinctively does not want to draw their attention.

Except for their scars, they might as well be identical, even to reptilian eyes. They seem to notice Umeko's attention, and lumber toward her, coming to a stop that casts their shadows over the group. The one who speaks has a scar that crosses from his upper jaw to the lower, permanently baring a number of the long teeth on the left side… but it doesn't seem to effect his speech, what little he uses. "Where is our brother?" he asks, voice low and gravelly.

Lilac casts a long look towards where the Temple rests, undoubtedly recalling the last time she saw Keyoa alive. The beast breathes a chuffing sigh, head shaking before she looks back and up.

"Your brother's memory will forever burn in my mind. He served me with honor and distinction. Unwavering and strong. He never gave ground, not even when death claimed him," Umeko says as she bows her head to the scarred reptile. "His body has been placed in one of the storage buildings; we had intended to carry it back to Nagai City when we left. Please, follow us." She lifts one of her arms and with a fluid curl of her fingers, motions for them to follow. The Kiriga then turns and heads to where the body was taken.

The beast follows after, as she always does. As she trots along, she slows her steps, stumbling as she begins to revert to her human form. When her front paws are no longer paws, but hands, she lingers behind as the rest of her body catches up. When it's over, she shakes herself, scattering sand from her hair and clothes. "I think that beetle stinked up my nose," she murmurs to herself, rubbing it as she hurries after.

With a creak of leather and steel, all four komodo fall into step behind Kin. "Tell us of the battle. Any who were there," says another of the towering warriors.

The fire mage trails behind, not wanting to be stepped on.

"Your brother engaged Beshret, sword to claw," Umeko explains as she walks, "While I engaged the shadows which empowered Beshret in these lands. A noble named Hakuu and his ally, the Cervani named Vandringar. Beshret rightfully earned his title, the Razer, as his skill was great. But, he did not win by skill of arms, he won through a poisoned blade. Even poisoned, your brother stood his ground fiercely, never asking for aid. He stood as a wall against Beshret while we stopped the others. And though Beshret gloated at when your brother fell, it was short lived. The ancient powers that Vandringar sought here back lashed in their final gasp and struck down Beshret. Were it not for your brother and the time he bought us … it is likely we would have lost the battle in the temple and new monsters would have been born into the world." She pauses there for a moment as she rubs her jaw, the newly growing in fangs a constant reminder of what happened to her.

"He was really something else, Keyoa was," Lilac chimes in from behind. Before there was a beast, and now, a young woman with wings and a tail is walking where the beast once was. "He was like a living rock, implacable and unmovable. I was there when he died, too, and I'm really sorry we couldn't help him. It was a sad day – for everyone."

"He never cried out when struck," Xander adds quietly.

The procession is led through Des' old stronghold, and down into the expansive cellar beneath while Umeko relates her account, the Komodo Elite following silently and listening. They incline their heads to listen to Lilac and Xander as well. The group arrives at a stone slab where one of their own lays, the giant form of Keyoa stretched out on it and still clad in his armor, his clawed gauntlets resting on his stomach. The one with the permanent snarl nods slowly. "He rests on his back, and not on his belly. As it should be, for we do not bow to any but the Emperor." Another murmurs, "He fell in battle, and brandishing steel. As it should be, for we do not give up our arms to any but the Emperor." The last hisses, "He did not give voice to pain. As it should be, for we grant no comfort to the foes of our liege." Each takes up a position at the four corners of the slab, and flick one of their long finger blades, chiming a different note apiece. Then all four stoop to lift the body up between them.

Lilac's brow furrows at the recitation of the Komodo Elite. She tilts her head, mirroring the same gesture she uses when in her beast for bemusement or interest. "That's very poetic," she murmurs after a second. Then, after biting her lip, she offers, "I don't think any of us alone could have defeated Beshret the Razer. Keyoa did the best that could done without outside help, and we all had someone to contend with in that battle. He had the worst of it. He gave us time to stop them. I fought Beshret too, and only luck and help saved me."

"Beshret paid a thousand times over for his victory, though," Xander murmurs.

Umeko draws back so that they can lift Keyoa's corpse unhindered. Now a ways back, the Kiriga drops down to one knee then lowers her head. "I honor the warrior who stood beside me in battle. The warrior who burned brightly against a threat too all. A warrior who knew not fear. A warrior who's faith in his duty inspired all those around him. I, Umeko Tsuguri, honor his sacrifice. May he find peace in the waters of the world beyond; a reward well-earned by his service to the Emperor. Thank you, Komodo Elite; thank you, Keyoa. You will be remembered," she says in Imperial. The Kiriga then draws back up and stands proudly, head held high.

"Ugh," Lilac agrees, looking a little pale at the memory of Beshret's death. "I still have blood in my- … Um, never mind." She steps back, reaching up to scratch at an ear, then bows as Keyoa's corpse passes.

The four warriors pause, and the one who spoke for the others turns his head to look at Umeko, Lilac, and Xander in turn, the first time he's looked directly at any of them. He says, slowly as if unused to acknowledging others, "Live well. Die well." With that, they carry their brother up the cellar steps.

The Lapi can just nod to that, unable to speak when looked at directly by the giant reptile.

"Um, thanks," Lilac replies in a uncertain tone, looking up from her bow. "You too! Tell Keyoa hi for me, when you see him again." Her tail wags a little, then she turns away quickly and rubs at her eyes, sniffing as her nose begins to run from the emotion of it all.

Umeko watches the komodo leave and lets out a soft breath. "I should check on the ship repairs. It is time that we answer the Emperor's call," she says to the others. "We have done all we can here for now. The land is rebuilding and the people as secure as they can be for now. Come. The journey must follow a new path. New people to meet, new battles to fight." She reaches up and takes a hold of something hidden beneath the rough shirt she wears. "But never forget those the journey may make you leave behind, either through death or simply because you have to travel on."

"You're just as flowery as ever, Ummy," Lilac says as she follows Umeko out, patting the woman on the arm. "When we get there, can I get some honey?"

---

Soon, the trip is finally in order, and "Governess Tsuguri and Honored Retinue" as the summons apparently specified, are on their way back to Nagai City, though they are without the Snowshoe siblings, Gibson having begged off to report back to his fellow Curators. The trip feels longer than it really is, and though Captain Idrisc chats pleasantly when approached and relates that Bestows-Tranquility was repaired satisfactorily, he is able to relate little else. When he finally does contact Umeko and her friends again, it is to inform them that they are arriving, and they may disembark above decks… odd, since the Equalizer usually moves crew via the cargo cranes.

During the journey, Umeko focused on improving the appearance of herself and her friends. In the end, she has once again been finely polished with scales gleaming of metallic gold. Each talon has been sharpened and polished. Her mane has been neatly trimmed, and around her eyes, lacquer has once again been applied. Though … with close inspection, she has altered the design slightly so that stylistically, it almost replicates a cheetah-like pattern; at least one that has a Jadian inspired art flair. Her gold and purple zolk Kimono has been cleaned and now drapes over her lithe frame. Lastly, she carries the Autumn Harvest gently tucked into her obi. She makes her way through the decks now, collecting her friends.

Lilac's spent a majority of her time eating, sleeping, and most of all: getting cleaned up. The on-board tailors managed to provide her with a quality fitted pair of breeches and tunic, along fine leather boots and a cloak with a real metal clap and chain. Typically, she's either in Umeko's room, or else on deck watching the clouds float by. With the approach of Nagai City, Lilac informed Umeko that she'll be waiting on the deck, watching the massive warship enter the city.

Xander hasn't been spending as much time on grooming as the females. He's had his robes cleaned and touched up, but mages aren't expected to be all that gaudy. Well, most mages aren't. He's been using his time mostly to be nervous and jumpy, and practicing meditation and anything else he could to keep him from freezing up when he's in the Emperor's presence.

Umeko, in short order, is rapping on Xander's door. "It is time," she calls through it. "I would be honored if you attend me."

"Uh, be right there!" the Lapi calls. There's the sound a bottle being corked, and then Xander exits the room. His ears seem to be waving about like antennae and his nose twitches furiously. "There's… a lot of Air Magic in the… uh… air… " he notes.

Umeko pats Xander's cheek, telling him, "Calm yourself. We must collect Lilac still. And do remember you won't be eaten here." She then turns away and heads towards the upper deck.

"This is big magic though," Xander notes.

Joining Lilac on the broad decks of the dreadnought, Xander and Umeko soon see the source of the magic. All of the Equalizer's air mages are on deck, maintaining a strong ritual, and it soon becomes apparent why such careful control of the winds is necessary… the Equalizer is flying through Nagai City itself, cruising so low over the streets that the stone spires of the city's ziggurats tower above the dreadnought's envelope. Once above decks, they can hear something too… a muted rumbling caused by thousands of Nagai and Jingai drumming their tails against earth, stone, and wood in the scaly people's version of applause. The streets are thick with scaly streamers of color that border block after block of Imperial soldiers with pikes raised in salute. Banners billow and flap from long poles from the sides of the ziggurats, and flying citizens trailing long ribbons trace patterns in the air. No more than a few hundred yards ahead, the Imperial palace looms like a mountain of marble with gilded towers.

"Oh… I've had nightmares that started like this," Xander whispers while trying to maintain a smile.

Umeko's eyes grow wide at the spectacle. She's heard stories, but has never seen Nagai city herself. Nor did she ever expect a hero's welcome to the city. She walks towards the forward railing to look out over the city. The enormity of everything around her and the Kiriga suddenly feels very small and young. "How did we get here?" she asks of no one in particular. "It is like a dream. Like a story; the roar beneath the valiant and honorable warriors as they fly triumphant."

"Can you see it, Ummy!" Lilac's perched on the rail, leaning forward so far she seems likely to fall right off the ship. "I've never seen such a big celebration! Isn't it amazing? Is this all for us?" Her tail wags so fast the breeze is generates may be just what pushes her off the deck.

"I didn't realize Viper's Hold was this important," Xander mutters, keeping a bit further back from the railing. He's pretty sure being seen by so many carnivores will shorten his life somehow.

"Nor did I, Xander. It is amazing that our efforts in such a small place has lead to this. Who are we really? A runaway, a bard, and a young mage. How did we earn such an honor?" Umeko asks as she continues to look forward. "I look at all this and feel as if I were just one sand of many on a beach, waiting to vanish with the tide."

"What's important is that we won, and won big," Xander whispers. "It's a political coup for the Empire and a warning to the other breakaway republics."

"I think the importance is symbolic, Ummy," Lilac explains as she hops back off the rail. "Didn't Nagai suffer in that big war? This shows that the old Empire can expand again."

Pausing a few steps away from Umeko, Lilac takes a moment to smooth out her new outfit, which has been slightly ruffled in all her on-deck running around. "I did some waving," she admits, looking up again, "do you think that's okay? It just seemed appropriate to wave at the crowd."

"The Emperor-Potentate was said to have died at the end of the war, and the Empire started to fall apart," Xander whispers. "The whole continent splintered into independent nations. But the Emperor apparently wasn't dead – or came back from the dead, depending on which rumors you believe. Some of the territories joined back up, but the Empire lost at least half of its size."

The Equalizer draws even lower, flying so close that the sculptures, reliefs, and vines that decorate each pyramid can be seen in sharp detail, as well as the fiercely clapping citizens that line the balconies. A voice rolls over the stone canyon, obviously magically assisted, but deep and familiar. "Citizens of Nagai! Today marks the dawn of a new era for our glorious Empire. The great wars saw our land fracture, but not shatter… no, our great city remained through these darkest of days. Our people's coils still stretch from the sunrise to the sunset. Now, a hero returns to you, having begun our great work to restore order to our Empire, to sweep away those who would divide us. Honor she who has risked all to serve and unify the Empire… honor Lady Umeko Tsuguri of Jadai!"

The Lapi's ears drop at the announcement, and his left foot twitches as if it wants to stomp out a warning.

Lilac's own ears shoot up! "Ooo, it's all for you, Ummy! I'm definitely going to have to write an epic or something about this. It'll be my first epic." Her tail wags in anticipation, then she walks over and gives Umeko a hug.

"I'm sure waving is fine Lilac, it should not … " Umeko starts to say, then stiffens at her name being called out. The Kiriga for the world looks as if she wants to say something, anything … but cannot find the will to do so. For the moment, she looks as frozen as Xander often does. To Lilac, it's rather like hugging a statue.

"It… it sounds like the Emperor is about to re-annex the lost territories," Xander whimpers.

"It does," Umeko finally admits. "I am not sure what to think of that."

"Yeesh, you're stiff," Lilac says, leaning away from Umeko. "Isn't this good? I mean, sure it means a lot of wars, but there's always wars. Sylvania has seen so many wars we should base our calender around them!"

"The Priest-Queen of Xenea won't be too thrilled," Xander notes. He actually starts scanning the crowds now, to see if free Savanites are among the Jingai.

"Perhaps the efforts I started with the Burning Sands could help find peace between the two," Umeko suggests to Xander, though not sounding exactly certain on that. "A small hope, but a hope."

Lilac casts a glance over at the cheering crowds, and suggests, "Maybe you could suggest an alliance, or something? Naga and Savanite, or … Well, I don't know. I just sing and bite people." She shrugs a little, then waves at one of the streamer carriers as they fly by.

The stomp would immediately have been drowned out by the thunderous redoubling of tail drumming, and there are no Savanites among them that can be readily seen. The Equalizer clears the walls of the palace, and settles into a vast courtyard bordered by opulent gardens, the ship mirrored in shining ponds. Several mooring towers rise above exotic trees, and all are used to secure the dreadnought. One is large enough to secure a bridge to the deck to, and an honor guard of Nagai soldiers in ornamented chitin wait to escort the trio, bowing deeply before leading them to marble steps that stretch up toward the palace's summit, spaced with thick columns. From somewhere at the top of the steps, the Emperor's voice calls again. "Come forward and be recognized!"

"I am so scr… " Xander starts to mutter, but the rest is drowned out by the voice of the Emperor.

Umeko draws in a long breath, then lets it our slowly. "It is time to face our future, it seems," the Kiriga murmurs to her friends. With a polite head bow to the honor guard, Umeko begins the long climb up the stairway. As terrified as she feels right now, she keeps her head held high and expression as impassive as she can manage it. Each footstep is deliberately placed with delicate precision as she ascends.

Lilac's ears suddenly wilt, and she scoots a little behind Umeko. "M-m-maybe I'm not quite ready for t-this," she stammers, looking at the honor guard, then off at the palace. "I-is this really happening?" She then pinches herself, followed by an "ow."

Xander follows along, because… well, what choice does he have, really?

The top of the steps spreads away to a massive chamber shaded by an arching roof inlaid with colored stones and supported by columns as thick around as Umeko's bedroom so far away in Jadai. The floor is polished marble of black and white, veined with gold and cut to resemble a serpent spiraling out from the center to the head of the stairs. Stone tiers ring the chamber with coiling bowls, occupied by richly dressed Naga that cease conversing with their neighbors to look at the new arrivals. Surprisingly, they're not the only people present… nobles of different species are here too. Eeee representatives, humans, Cervani, and Jingai of various stripes cluster around tables… and even amongst the other people, Umeko can spy a familiar face immediately, stern and rugged: her father.

In front of Lilac and Xander, Umeko's tail suddenly lashes when she spots her father ahead, but it at least doesn't hit either of them. Again she draws a deep breath, thinking, "Steady yourself, Umeko. He cannot do anything to you here." Onward she walks into the room, claw tips clicking lightly upon the marble floor beneath her feet. Her eyes continue to search the room, looking for the golden serpent, the Emperor himself. She must, after all, be prepared to bow low when she sees him.

Seemingly having to strain to keep her hands at her side and not, say, hug herself or grasp her tail like a safety blanket, Lilac walks a little stiffly beside and to the rear of Umeko. "T-t-the f-floor is very n-nice," she remarks, sounding bewildered. "And l-look, non-Naga people. Y-y-you could f-f-it my village in h-here. I think I'm b-b-b-babbling. Am I b-babbling? I t-think I am." She takes a deep breath, exhales, and adds, "Wow, t-this is amazing."

The far back of the chamber is a raised dais shrouded in semi-transparent zolk veils… and a gargantuan shape behind them stirs. Only when six Komodo take up positions along the edges of the platform do the curtains draw back, revealing the wedge of a great, golden head with shining eyes. The Emperor-Potentate of Nagai's head easily clears even the Komodo by their own height again, not even especially reaching. Chains and collars of precious metals glitter and flash along the serpent's scales as he pours down from the dais, and all those present immediately go prone. "At last, we finally meet, Umeko Tsuguri of Jadai," says the towering Nagai. "You who have fought so hard to return a piece of our Empire visit its heart for the first time."

Xander falls to his stomach as well. It almost looks voluntary even, and not at all like he's trying to play dead.

Umeko suppresses a ripple of fear that dearly wants to go through her body. To fight it, she focuses on her breathing and lowers herself. Gracefully, the Kiriga reaches the floor and alights her chin upon it. "You honor this young Kiriga greatly, glorious Emperor," the Kiriga says in clear and crisp Imperial. "Duty dictated what must be done and it was an honor to serve. The skill and tenacity if your army was truly a sight to behold. Those mercenaries that thought they could sow chaos in the lands of the Vipers Hold learned otherwise. I must also specifically give my greatest thanks to your General Diamondback, and your Komodo Elite. Though I served with both a short time, I will always remember their dedication. And lastly … I offer my apologies for the loss of one of your Komodo Elite. Though I know it was his life's oath to serve until death, as his leader while he fought in the beast lands, his life was my responsibility."

Lilac continues to look around as she makes her way forward. When Umeko jerks, she blinks, then follows her gaze to the woman's father. "OH MY GODS IS THA-" She almost stumbles into Umeko when she stops to go prone, and after watching the woman bow down in a blank stupor, she quickly mirrors the movement and flattens herself to the floor. Again, her curse shows in her movements: a quickly prone Lilac looks rather like a trained beasthound bowing for a treat. The glinting collar doesn't help any!

The Emperor glides closer… eventually so close that all Kin, Xander, and Lilac can really see is a wall of golden scales. Umeko can feel a weight press at her back, and hear the jingle of gold and silver ringing together as she is crushed to the marble. Thankfully, the pressure lets up before it becomes painful. Lilac and Xander can each feel something cool brush across their backs, and a murmur passes through the assembled nobles. Just as abruptly as it happened, the golden wall draws away, and the Emperor reclines in his own coils. "All may rise in my presence. Yes, Lady Tsuguri, General Diamondback spoke well of you and your cohorts, and I have come to value his counsel. I am pleased that you concerned yourself so greatly with the General and the legions… many would have been content to wait in Viper's Hold for my word. You addressed them, and even now, you treat those around you differently. Let us have introductions." He gestures to indicate the Lapi and bardess.

The Lapi mage wonders if he's just been licked, and nervously rises up onto his knees.

Lilac finds her tail pushed around by the coldness, and shivers a little. Her ears might have been flattened, but they were already flattened by a different kind of pressure. When bidden to rise, she cautiously begins to get up, looking around until she's on her knees … looking up. And up, and up! "Oh wow," she wheezes, finally getting a good look at the Emperor. Stunned, she just stares, eyes round like saucers.

Umeko has heard of the 'honor' of being beneath the Emperor's coils; but had never expected to experience it. With the same slow and deliberate grace that she lowered herself, the Kiriga rises back up to her knees. She slides her hands into her sleeves and keeps her head slightly bowed to the Emperor. "I have always believed that it is the duty of those born of the nobility to show through their actions to be worthy of the title by their actions towards others. If I was to be the Governess and direct the General, then it was also my duty to earn his trust by standing beside him and work with him. The same holds for your legions. If they were to trust my decisions, then they needed to know the woman beyond the title, most Glorious Emperor. I have done the same for those I meet, and it has earned me many allies and friends whose skill helped us see through the darkest days." Her head rolls and first she looks to Lilac, introducing her, "This is Lilac, a bard who calls herself the Flower of Sylvania. She has been by my side throughout everything and has suffered much. It was through her skills of stealth that I first learned of a connection to the insurgents of Viper's hold and a greater group that was funding them."

"Hi," Lilac offers meekly at the introduction. She gives the Emperor a little wave, and a wag of the tail.

Next, the Kiriga's head rolls to Xander. "And this is Xander Lightfoot, journeyman mage in the art of fire. He is impulsive and sometimes reckless in facing danger. But, he has always shown bravery in the face of impossible odds and has been wise council on many matters. It was his skill with the magical arts that helped down one of the mercenary airships that nearly killed your scryer and ambassador to Viper's Hold," Umeko uses by way of introducing the Lapi, "He has been a true ally and friend." Her attention returns to the Emperor and she finishes with, "There are at least four others that have been great allies, but I must offer their sincere apologies for not being able to be present today. Even now they are trying to gather information on the movements of those who backed the insurgents."

Xander bows his head at his introduction, letting his ears flop forward.

Slitted, golden eyes each the size of man's fist studies Lilac thoughtfully, then Xander in turn, and the Emperor tilts his head thoughtfully. "Curious how these things happen, is it not? We all have our part to play, even those who are not of the people. You are welcome here, Lilac of Sylvania, and Xander Lightfoot of the Collegia. I would then see you all rewarded. This is not only a homecoming for you, young Umeko, but I have convened my delegates from the outlying lands as is my custom. I understand one of the houses of Jadai had intended something special to be presented, a rare piece of art or some such, but you have given me something incomparable. Not mere sand and rocks, not simply a quelled uprising. I am not sure every citizen can understand it, but that is neither here nor there. I would know what you desire. A military commission? I can grant it. Would you wish to remain in your governorship? It would be so. Or would you wish to move on? Understandable also. Tell me, then… I will not grant the boons of old until the Empire is united once more, but you will be rewarded."

"Hey, thanks. It's been a long time since I felt welcome in a whole city," Lilac says, warming up to the occasion. She then quickly blinks, and adds, "Not that I'm bad! It's complicated." She offers the Emperor a smile, then turns her attention to Umeko, to see how she responds.

The question Umeko has been dreading has come at last. Not only that, but she has been uncertain of her answer. Part of her would wish to continue her governorship so that she can be close to those she befriended. And yet, there is also much left to be done. "Most Glorious Emperor, while I would be most honored to retain the governorship and continue the work I have begun, I cannot take the position at this time. The reason is the shadow of their threat still hangs over the Empire; those who backed the insurgents still roam free. The most dangerous of them, a Cervani named Vandringar, still seeks an ancient power throughout the ruins of this world. If he is left unchecked, in time he will rise to once again threaten the Empire and then the entire world. I ask that I be allowed for now to continue to pursue him and stop his designs. So, what I would ask of you, glorious Emperor, is that I may be allowed to return once his threat is ended and take up a position then. I also understand if that is not possible." There Umeko pauses for a moment. Her eyes cast to the red dragon in the crowd, then back to the Emperor, "And I have one more minor request in that I ask that my honorable Father, Lord Tsuguri, and our family, share in the honor I brought to the Empire. I'm many ways, I am my father's daughter and share the same fire; we merely express it in different ways. Were it not for my family, I would not have had the strength required to face that the darkness that tried to take hold."

The golden serpent smiles, evidently a practiced expression since not all Nagai do this. It's an expression he wears well. "Already done. Your father is here by my invitation. I have seen to it he will be returning to Jadai with my favor, with a grant of land and gold to both the Tsuguri family and the royals of Jadai to express my esteem for your peoples." He nods once, lifting his head regally. "I will admit that I had hoped you might be persuaded to remain in the court, but I did not hold much at that… you have done much, but there is still much for you to do. Ah, to be young and free. Certainly then, you shall have leave to pursue the enemies of the people wherever they may lurk. You may appoint someone in your stead to Viper's Hold if you wish. For now, I grant you an officer's commission within the Imperial Army, with a land grant and title in Viper's Hold… or elsewhere, if you prefer."

Umeko bows her head. "Thank you, glorious Emperor," she says, "I will consider whom to appoint and have you that answer before we depart Nagai city." She considers the offer of the land grant, then adds, "As for a land grant, perhaps an area in the southern section of Viper's Hold. I earned the respect of people that live in that area and their eyes and ears will allow me to know much of what occurs there."

"It will be done," agrees the Emperor, smile broadening. "Though you may have holdings so far afield, it is my hope that you will still visit the capitol from time to time. For now, stay in our great city with my compliments until you see fit to roam. I have declared a week of revelry and stoked it with coin from my vaults. Enjoy the sights and my attendants will see to the comfort of you and your companions."

"I would be most honored to visit the capitol when I can, glorious Emperor," Umeko says, her head bowing once more, "And to attend the revelry you have declared until we must depart to hunt the shadow. I also wish to spend some time meeting the members of the court and the other outlying nobles." She pauses there as she thinks over what she wishes to ask, then finally asks it, "And perhaps we may speak more during this time. If it is not an inconvenience upon your time, of course."

The great serpent seems faintly bemused, but in a magnanimous mood. "I am a busy Naga, but during the week of celebration, I am certain we can find some time to chat… I would enjoy it, I'm sure. The rest of my court is no doubt eager to meet you."

"Thank you for honoring my quirk of wishing to learn of others, glorious Emperor," Umeko says. "Is there anything more you wish to know of me or of the battles fought in Viper's Hold?"

"I am sure we will discuss it more," hisses the Emperor-Potentate. "No doubt your father is eager to see you again. Go with the gratitude of Nagai, Lady Tsuguri of Viper's Hold, Lilac of Sylvania, and Mage Xander Lightfoot of Caroban."

Umeko returns fully to her feet, then bows low at her waist. "Until we speak again, great Emperor," she says. Her eyes now flick back to the stern face of her father and for a moment she allows herself to wonder what he may be thinking.

Xander follows the woman's gaze to the big red Kiriga. He offers a wan smile to the stern dragon. I'm sure he'd understand about me polishing her scales. It's explaining the fangs I'm worried about, he frets.

As the conversation goes on, Lilac finally manages to stand back on her feet. She listens with ears perked forward, eyes glancing from the Emperor to the watching nobles in all their exotic finery. She even darts a look at Umeko's father – but only very briefly, and with a quick look up at the ceiling. She still isn't sure what the man thinks of her.

The title bestowed, the assembled nobles and delegates drum their tails or bring their hands together to applaud, and the Emperor of Nagai loops backwards over himself to return to his dais, the zolken curtains drawing back to swallow coils that seem to go on forever. The heavy-set lizard bodyguards follow last, and the vacuum left by the Emperor is filled with Naga flowing past to congratulate Kin, to comment on what an honor it was to be personally smooshed by the Emperor, or to otherwise chat her up. Glances in Lord Tsuguri's direction find him politely fending off the same, and eventually casting a look back at his daughter, then moving off past the chamber's columns and out of sight.

"Well, we survived, I think," Xander whispers to Lilac.

"The most terrifying part is yet to come. I have to face my family," Umeko murmurs quietly once she is finally free of the congratulations. "Those I worried and came close to disgracing. Will he understand? Will we reach an understanding at long last? Will I be accepted? Or, is this a battle as old as time itself and will merely continue to its next chapter?