(OOC) Thu Apr 23 -->

The week has been a flurry of activity for the Kurai family. Ever since they were contacted again by some Savanites back in Safar – and just in time, as the airship was getting close to leaving for Half Valley – they were notified of the Temple's position (thanks to Jynx as interpreter) and convinced to go along after all to the City.

The two day's journey was a bit inconvenient at places, a hint that this will never be a tourist trap like Safar, but once they got there, it soon appeared to be worth the trouble. The representatives have been taking part in one feast and ceremony after another, and even taken on tours. The open use of magic by the Twelve-times-Twelve has left some representatives quite aghast, but at least no one has chosen to leave early just yet.

Through the week, the chosen successor to the throne, Third-Vision (also known as 'Third-Eye' or 'Jezebel') has been honoring her relatives by parading them through the City, allowing the citizenry to honor their new royal family.

What was once a gaping crater in the ground … and, before that, a grand palace … is now a foundation for a new structure that will house the leadership of this reborn Savanite nation. A few supporting columns have been erected through a combination of brute labor, careful engineering, and the intervention of magic (especially from the Sphere of Earth). As the palace is not just a residence, but a 'temple' of sorts as well, with arcane significance, the construction process is nearly ritual, with all Spheres of the Twelve-times-Twelve taking their part, and each wall and buttress serving a part in an intricate 'machine'.

Today, the Priest-King elect honors her father. As a slave, he was known as Ibis. Here, he is known as Running-River. His route through the city comes to an end on the palace grounds, as his litter is borne through the Vine Gate. Several persons are in the court – the tiles newly replaced, and stonework painstakingly restored – to observe and honor.

The circular court is surrounded by a stone wall – still under repair in some places – and dotted by several gates. Within the court, surrounding the palace, is an area covered by tiled paths and boxed gardens, along with benches and ornate 'creen feeders' – the latter holding supplies of grain and dried berries to give visitors the pleasure of feeding the creatures. (As if the pleasure were not just as present anywhere else in the jungle… )

Envoy lands atop one corner of the Vine Gate, where she figures the view will be best.

Among the others gathered at the court is a certain young black Khatta, with two certain Savanite sisters, and a certain Khatta family not too far away. "So when are they going to be finished with all this?"

Setting-Sun gives Jynx a scolding look. First-Dawn signs, "Be patient, will you? This is something special!"

Jynx sets his ears back and puts his paws up defensively, "I was just curious!" He gives a long glance around the area, "Besides, I'd like to see what it will look like when it's done"

Running-River rides in on the litter, borne by strong Savanites, and adorned in regal robes and jewelry that look terribly out of place on a slave. Nonetheless, he has a certain bearing to himself … as if he is not alien to a position of authority and honor, and could very well be the father of a ruler of the Savanites. He could come straight out of the ancient past … although the spectacles he wears on his muzzle might look slightly out of place to those who wouldn't expect the ancient 'savages' to have such things.

Envoy cranes her neck to get a good view of the Royal Father, noting his features down for posterity.

From the foundation, a black shape emerges and takes his place among the spectators. His feathered head sits higher above than most, granting his eyes an easy view of the parade. On each of his broad shoulders, a spotted kitten sits.

At the palace steps, the litter is set down, and Running-River is helped out of his chair. He strides up the steps, taking his place beside his wife, Creen-Song … and his many daughters, each one dressed like a princess.

Not all are present, though. Third-Vision herself is absent. The Champion of Roses is not with the others. Instead, she is with the Temple delegation, in a place of honor along with the other foreign dignitaries. With Jade-Eyes among the princesses, the total is brought to six standing there. Even Long-Lope has been conjured up … and she looks like she's not entirely sure what she's doing here.

Storm-Hand doesn't look entirely pleased, maintaining an air of dignity, but showing no excitement – looking the part of one performing a duty more than anything else.

"I didn't realize there were so many of them!" Jynx signs.

Zoltan nodges each of the two cubs and points to Moon-Brow. He gives Storm-Hand a slow, critical gaze as he looks at each of the sisters in turn, studying them and comparing them to oneanother.

Setting-Sun matter-of-factly signs, "Well, part of the prophesy was that there had to be a seventh daughter of seven daughters, you know… " even if Jynx didn't know.

So Azhtar is a princess, Envoy muses. I wonder how Melchizedek is taking this.

Melchizedek just stands in the crowd with the Temple delegation, his expression muted by his cowl … and his naturally dark features.

An Aeonian Templar in a lavish dress and a braided mane looks almost bored with the proceedings, a Korv attendant keeping his beak firmly clamped shut next to her.

"Actually, I didn't know," Jynx shrugs. He looks over to his family to see how they're taking this: even Dom's never been to a party this big!

The Twelve-times-Twelve has some new faces in its group … though only a few might have chance to notice, with so many faces to remember. A few of the more talented shamans have been inducted into the aging ranks … and Twelve of the ancient mages stand apart, dressed in more ornate robes, and carrying warpwood staves.

Dominic looks as if he's doing the typical 'stone-faced' act, while Lylia seems to be somehow … oblivious to all the ramifications, looking as if she's just having a wonderful time, and gets invited to ex-slave coronation ceremonies all the time. Eve is distracted, playing with a Savanite cub who looks almost like her double … except for the golden fur, spots, and digitigrade stance, that is.

Envoy makes sure to note the expressions on all of the guests and participants. Someday she might be able to figure out what they're feeling now.

Zoltan gently shifts the weight of Pouncer on his shoulder and sidesteps to allow a Savanite a better view in front of him. He watches quietly, simply basking in the apparent glory of it all for now.

At last, a procession comes through the Cliff Gate. A tall Savanite glides through, adorned in a gown that shimmers like zolk – white with purple trim – her raven-black hair braided with violet flowers. She is escorted by warriors from many tribes – in the traditional and other senses of the term, with 'wild' and 'city-born' Savanites represented, adorned in everything from barbaric leathers and pieces of bone to salvaged and polished chitin armor to even one who has a suit of bone mail.

Third-Vision approaches the foundation of the new palace, her namesake glowing faintly like a piece fallen from the Procession. She takes each step slowly and deliberately, flanked by the representative warriors, and stopping at the tier where her family stands. She bows to them … and receives formal bows in return.

Jynx does a double take at Third-Eye, hardly believing his own eyes! Is this the same cheetah with the glue bucket on her head? Even in her chambers she never dressed like this! "She looks unbelievable!"

Pouncer almost squeals at the sight of Third-Vision … but she's a good little cub and clamps her mouth, only letting out the most quiet of squeaks.

The black Vartan carefully sets the two cubs down from his shoulders and takes a few deliberate strides forward. His gauntleted hands rest at his sides; for the moment he stands motionless like a statue… simply looking out towards Third-Eye.

The Aeolun is also impressed with Third-Eye's new look, but also watches to see how the others react, especially Zoltan.

Third-Eye continues toward what will some day be the throne room, and pauses at another tier. All about are various Savanites of import to numerous tribes and parts of the "underground" … but she turns toward Zoltan. She smiles, looking at him for a moment … and then bows, symbolizing that he, too, has played an integral part in allowing her journey to this throne room to take place. Perhaps she could have come here without him … but would it have been the same Third-Vision?

A greenish medium-sized Naga reporter coils near Envoy, taking notes in a small leather-bound journal. He mutters quietly to himself, in Imperial. ( Obvious aping of the customs and culture of the Nagai, who have taught them so much over the milleniae. A remarkable accumulation of wealth, undoubtedly scavenged by thousands of petty thefts… ) Unless the Savanites have ears like bats, he is probably safe for the moment in his absent-minded thoughts.

Zoltan returns the smile, feeling the pride swell up deep in his chest. He then folds his hands across his chest and returns the bow. So many adventures he's had together with her… Did he ever in a million years think it would have ended with this?

Envoy spares a sidelong glance at the Naga, wondering if he's seen some of the frescoes near the Vine Gate yet.

( Of course the site must reflect a certain degree of wish fulfilment on the part of the Savanites, ) the Naga reporter mutters to himself as he takes diligent notes. He glances over at Envoy, then smirks knowingly as he jots down more text on the attendants of the ceremony. What exactly he writes, however, Envoy will never be able to see.

Smiling, Jynx notices Zoltan for the first time, glad to see that the Vartan is in attendance. "See that guy? I know him!" he signs proudly.

Finally, Third-Vision approaches the circle of the Twelve – the elect of the Twelve-times-Twelve, one representing each Sphere. Ice-Light, Twilight-Wing and Tears-of-Blood are among them. To them, she bows. She steps up, taking an artifact from each. From Tears-of-Blood, a warpwood staff. From Ice-Light, anointing with blessed water. From Twilight-Wing, a token cantrip of shade from the sun (though it thankfully does not scorch on this spring day).

From a mage of Light comes a crystal orb that is set upon the top of the staff, that seems to glow from within, as if it has the soul of a star inside. From a mage of Air, there comes a cool breeze that blows across the court … and sets the warpwood staves to vibrating subtly, creating a sound that is not unlike chanting voices heard softly echoing in the halls of an unseen cathedral.

So it continues, and from a mage of Earth comes the crown, wrought of precious metals and adorned with brightly-colored stones. It is not her first time wearing this headdress, but now she does so with all the authority it – with these other trappings – suggests. It is fashioned like a golden Creen that encircles the back of her head, its head curling just above her forehead to peek forward with obsidian eyes, its tail dipping down to encircle her third, blind eye, and its multi-colored wings spreading outward and to each side.

Envoy glances again at the Naga, to see how he's reacting to the magic display.

Adorned thus, Third-Vision ascends a pedestal, to turn and face her subjects and guests. The Savanites do not applaud, and they certainly do not cheer. She has their attention and their respect … as the new Priest-King, ruler of the reborn Savanite nation. Now, the Twelve bow to her, and the Twelve-times-Twelve as well.

The greenish Naga reporter scribbles notes, then looks piercingly around the audience, lips thinned. His thoughts are not as plain to be seen as Envoy's.

Jynx stops halfway between a clap, looking embarassed but glad that his paws didn't connect. ( I guess some cultures just do things differently. ) He looks to the sisters, then to the rest of his family again, since things sure have gotten quiet.

Setting-Sun and First-Dawn don't return Jynx's look. Eve and Sunny seem to be transfixed by Third-Vision's apparel. Eve is certain to start mewing that she wants a dress like that when they get home…

Zoltan clasps his hands behind his back, resuming his still as a statue stance. Amazingly, he doesn't feel as uncomfortable as he feared… it all seems so natural, and there's too many good emotions crowding out the bad.

After a suitable time has passed, Third-Vision signs, "The prophesies have been fulfilled. To the People all over this world, I extend my welcome to our City. Let it be no more that our People are seen as beasts and slaves, but that we are a nation. Let us not seek vengeance, nor to repay evil with evil. Many have helped the People, from outside our own bloodlines, at great cost to themselves, and no hope for gain. The mistakes of the past shall not be forgotten – lest they be repeated – but let them be forgiven."

The Naga reporter sidles next to Envoy and whispers to her in accented Rephidim standard, "Sso, as the bride of a demon from the Icelandss, how do you feel about the coronation of a Savanite queen?" He has flipped to a new, blank page.

Envoy blinks at the Naga, "I don't know. As an Exile, I feel that it is a step forward towards the maturation of civilization on this world."

Attendants on the palace foundation, at a hand-sign from Third-Vision, move out, summoning a number of persons – Savanite and not – who are brought forth to receive special recognition from the new Priest-King. Zoltan is among them, while attendants sign-promise to keep all eyes on Pouncer and Enos. Feli Kurai, also known as 'Jynx', is another one … to the surprised looks of Setting-Sun and First-Dawn.

The Naga reporter writes down, "Believes it's fertilizer." He then questions, "And iss it true that you were chosen to be the bride of a demon? You were sseen wantonly dissporting yourself with one at the Higher Institute, you know."

Envoy blinks again, and says, "I didn't get a chance to talk to the demon, so I don't know if it's true or not. Shhh, they're giving out special honors now."

Jynx is somewhat surprised as well, since he wasn't told that he would be taking part in the actual ceremony. Nervously, the Khatta follows the attendants, talking a large gulp walking shyly.

"Marriage on the rocks, bride says hubby not talking to her," the reporter writes down. "And what about the rumors that – ah! Any good dirt on the people going up, then?"

Envoy squints at the people on the platform. "I don't see any dirt on them."

Zoltan approaches Third-Eye as well, his strides are slow and deliberate as he attempts to walk with the dignity of the others around him. He keeps his gaze fixed on his friend, almost as though she were his anchor in all of this.

The reporter corrects Envoy, "One hearss good dirt on otherss. If one seess it, then they are remarkably lapssed in their grooming." He nods his head cheerfully to the Exile, then slithers on to try and get some choice commentary from the Temple delegation.

Envoy blinks after the Naga. (He thinks you can hear dirt, and yet people call me strange.)

Third-Vision smiles at Jynx. She signs, in phonetic where necessary, but the rest in Formal, "Feli Kurai, 'Jynx', Unlucky One, Slayer of Forest-Hogs … Though your adventures have been as much by your strange luck – or the providence of the Star – they have as oft been because of your good-hearted nature. You have been a shining example to our People that it is possible to coexist as equals with others. You have helped me without complaint, and have stood up for what you believed to be right. I therefore extend to you my welcome as a friend of the Priest-King, that the palace doors … " She smiles and gestures to the edge of the foundation. "… shall always be open to you, even when they are built. Though you be a loyal citizen of Rephidim, you shall also be an honorary member of our Tribe." She nods, and an attendant presents Jynx with a pendant on a necklace chain.

Dominic and the rest of Jynx's family, of course, haven't a clue as to the 'speech' that is being made. They still look rather surprised by the whole goings-on.

The black Khatta shyly bows to allow the chain to be put on, then bows again, deeper this time to Third-Vision. Rising back up, a strange cross of elation and nervousness is upon the Jynx's face, and with some hesititation, he finally manages to sign, "Th-thank you." When you have stage-fright as big as his, you can even stutter in sign.

Envoy belatedly wonders if she should have offered to translate for the people that don't know sign. But then, Dominic might not have welcomed the offer anyway.

The pendant is carved from ivory – Bromthen forest-hog ivory, that is – and is adorned with several sigils, including the Burst rune of the Sphere of Chaos. Not that Jynx would know anything other than that 'it looks kind of neat'.

The Vartan grins at Jynx and gives him an approving nod. "Earned it," he signs quickly, so as not to detract from the ceremony.

Jynx looks down at the pendant with a smile. Even if he doesn't know what it means, he's still honored to get it. Noticing the Vartan sign, the Khatta's ears turn deep red.

Next, Third-Vision turns to the large black Vartan. "Baron Zoltan Cambio of Mountain Shadow Tribe, Hero of Paradys, and Redeemer of Shadow … It is you I have to thank for so many things." She reaches to her neck, where, amidst all the regal trappings, she is wearing a very plain – albiet silver – pendant that resembles a crude representation of the Star. It has been considerably shined up, though the crevices still show a hint of the old tarnish that once covered all of its surface. "I would have died if not for your heroics. But that was not enough. Even when I hurt you, even when it cost you, or risked all you had, you helped me. You had faith in me, even when you had no logical cause to. Without you, I would have destroyed myself – and others. Without you, this would be no joyous occasion. I thank you, my friend." She smiles genuinely. There are no baubles or tokens to offer.

"You are very welcome," Zoltan signs back, trying his best to keep his signs clear. "I knew that you were a beautiful gem, and now you will be the gem of all your people. You will be a great, kind, and noble Priest-King. I am honored to have had the honor of knowing you through all of this." He bows deeply to Third-Vision.

The honors continue, though the 'speeches' are somewhat shorter, as the new Priest-King recognizes various persons who have aided either Third-Vision herself, or the 'underground', or contributed in some other way 'above and beyond the call of duty' to this occasion. Given the speed of Formal Sign … it does last for quite some time. But at long last, it winds down. Third-Vision, accompanied by the honor-warriors, the Twelve and the Twelve-times-Twelve, departs, walking out into the City.

Envoy jumps down from her perch, and walks into the unfinished palace to look around.

Zoltan does the first thing that comes to mind after the festivities are over… he hustles back to where the two cubs are to check on them. ( Wow. It all seemed to happen so fast… )

Eyes glued to the pendant, Jynx makes his way back down to the others, the beating is his chest still going strong, and his mind puzzles over his new gift.

A grayish, roughly humanoid shape separates itself from a small group of Savanites, making its way toward Zoltan and Feli. It appears to be someone dressed in gray, wearing a smooth wooden mask with laughing eyes.

Enos is fast asleep in the arms of a Savanite attendant. Pouncer, Eve and a little Savanite kitten named Sunny are feeding Creens. The Savanite cub's ears are wiggling, and Eve tries to imitate the gesture, though she hasn't quite gotten it down pat yet.

A couple of Savanite warriors walk up to Jynx before he can catch up with the Kurai family.

One of them signs to Jynx, "Honors, Unlucky-One! I'm jealous." He grins toothily. "But we've got a little token of our appreciation to offer as well."

Envoy finishes examining the bones of the future palace, and makes her way towards Zoltan.

After seeing that the cubs are being well cared for, the Vartan tries to 'mingle' a bit… he's been in his chambers for most of the time in the city, afterall.

A human wanders up toward Zoltan. "Most impressive," he scrawks in a beakless rendition of Vartanspeak. "I didn't realize your full credentials!"

Still looking intently at the pendant, Jynx practically rams into the two warriors. He looks up at them with a start. "Finger-Bone, Silent-Step! How are you?" The young cat's face lights up, "Token of appreciation?" Jynx gives a puzzled look.

Sidling up to Zoltan, Envoy smiles and says, "I bet you never thought you'd stand in the Palace, after the first time you saw it."

A greenish Naga appears in front of the masked figure. In accented Rephidim standard, he asks, "Sso! How does it feel to be at war with the Naga Empire, or at the very least, in opposition to Vizier Makoss's decree? And what secret deals have you just conducted with the Savanite uprising, Mr. Representative?"

The reporter has started yet another blank page, and listens eagerly for anything that might be interesting to his readers.

Finger-Bone's accomplice pulls a hand out from behind his back … and reveals a glassy black dagger, cut from volcanic stone, and with a handle bound in strips of Bromthen leather, with a colored bead design braided in between the strips, and a couple of black-blue Creen feathers tied to the 'pommel'. "For you," he signs. "Better for getting forest-hogs!" The dagger is presented to the Khatta.

The gray-cloaked figure halts, intercepted by the reporter before being able to reach Zoltan or Jynx. "Err… I assure you, this misunderstanding will be straightened out soon enough. If cooler heads prevail, I'm sure this will all be resolved peaceably. Both the Nagai and the Savanites have come so far, culturally, haven't they?"

"I'm still learning them myself, Justinian. Truth be told, I'm still trying to get comfortable with the concept of being a baron. A little over a year ago I spent most of my time lifting boxes in the Rephidim docks… " the Vartan looks over at Envoy and finishes his sentence in Rephidim standard for both the human and the Exile to hear. "I never ever woulds have imagined all of this."

Envoy says, "Please, go back to speaking Vartan. I'm trying to learn it."

The reporter gleefully writes down, 'Feels Savanites misunderstand Naga benevolence.' "Very true, Mr. Representative. So you must be here to enter into negotiations with the Savanite queen! Do you feel that the Emperor-Potentate intends to recognize the Savanite uprising as a legitimate government, or are armies at this very moment, on their way to crush the movement like a bug?"

If the beating in his heart doesn't slow down soon, Jynx may have a heart attack! He looks wide-eyed at the dagger, one of the most beautiful weapons he's even seen, and takes it as it is presented to him. "Th-thank you," the cat looks up at the two warriors, "thank you very much! This means alot to me. So much has happened lately… "

Across the way, a couple of Inquisitors and a Korv are approached by a green-eyed Savanite princess. They exchange formal greetings … and then part ways again.

"Uhm… not as such, really," hisses the masked fellow. "I'm just here as… er… hired entertainment. Drama troupe, I really don't know much about all this."

Finger-Bone's ears wiggle as he signs to Jynx, "Just remember … THIS is the end you use on the forest-hog. THIS is the end you hold onto. There, you're learning already!"

The reporter looks crest-fallen. "Well then, hired by whom?" He slithers closer and whispers, "And do you think you can get me into the party?"

Zoltan smirks a bit at Envoy and then resumes squawking to the human. "How about yourself? Was the ceremony to your liking?"

Justinian looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods and scrawks, "It was definitely worth the trip. Whether it's worth the trouble with the Emperor-Potentate remains to be seen."

Jynx's ears turn crimson, and he smiles up at the Savanite, "Hey, I'm the one who got the grub, just you remember that!" He gives a small playful ear-wiggle, to show its all in fun.

The warriors give Jynx an enthusiastic head-fur-ruffle, then move along, leaving the black Khatta with his prize.

The robed stranger scratches the back of his head through his hood with a gloved paw. "Oh, in this business, you're never sure just who your employer is. Just as long as someone hands over the coin, eh? Heh, heh." He thinks a moment. "Hmmm… well, if you're with the entertainment, perhaps you can get into the party. How would you like to join my drama and magic troupe?"

"I am grateful that you chose to remain, Justinian. Very grateful." the Vartan scrawks, "For a moment I thought I would be the only non-Savanite here."

Eve runs by, squealing and giggling loudly, chased by Sunny and Pouncer and a whole crowd of cheerfully-squeaking Creens.

Envoy hmms, and asks, "Do you really think the Governor was speaking for the Nagai Emperor?" She still speaks Common, however.

The black Khatta gives the warriors a good-bye wave, and continues on his way, dodging the furry kitten bullets. Wow, a ceremony, pendant, and dagger all in one day, maybe life's taking a turn for the better.

The two Aeonian Inquisitors walk along, though the one in the dress turns to look faintly disapprovingly at the antics of the kittens.

The reporter scratches over one eyeridge, then replies, in Imperial as he and the masked person both speak it flawlessly, "I can make shekels vanish and good wine appear but apart from that, I don't know. Still, give me a knock on the 'ol tent pole when you're going. I'll be in third tent from the left in the Naga section." He confides, "It's a little small, but I'm just on as an observer. If I can get some good circulation out of this though, I'll promise a good finder's fee."

Zoltan rubs his chin. "From whats I hear about the Emperor Potentate, only suicidal idiot woulds claim to speaks for him when he no really does," he answers.

Envoy watches the Aeonians, wondering if the female is related to Melchizedek somehow. A sister or niece perhaps. Maybe a cousin.

"Oh, you won't have to do much," hisses the cloaked figure, rubbing his paws together. "You can be assistant for the disappearing and re-appearing act. All you need to do is get in a trunk, and I do the rest. Simple, eh?"

The reporter grins. "It's a deal. I'll see you tonight then!" He looks around avidly for some more people to con into giving him some juicy gossip.

Envoy says, "Well, it wasn't exactly a public announcement, nor was it through diplomatic channels. I would think an Emperor's servants would not make such mistakes."

The masked personage's shoulders shake a little, his mirthful mask muffling a quiet snicker. "Sure thing. In fact, why don't you do some rehearsing? I wouldn't want you to mess up the act. I can have another of my assistants take you to my camp and you can practice using the stage trunk, and the secret exit to it."

The green Naga says hurriedly as he notices an armored delegation going by, "Oh wait! There's the Champion of Flowers, or Lilies, or one of those bouquet things. I'll see if I can press her into a statement about the display of naked Temple military might in the form of a warship here." He nods to the masked figure and hurries off.

"Is no like announcement was made to roomfull of nobodies. Just abouts every important person in Sinai was in that room. If someone go in there and claim to speak for Naga Emperor… he either stupid or telling truth," Zoltan scrawks.

Envoy says, "Or a fanatic?"

The entertainer shrugs, and watches the reporter hustle away. (Well, at least he's gone.) He makes his way toward the chatting group again.

"What if nobody even told the Emperor," Envoy suggests, "to avoid upsetting him. I have observed that people generally tell those in authority what they think they want to hear."

Justinian raises his eyebrows but doesn't comment on the theories.

Mind still swirling over all that has happened today, Jynx rejoins his family, fingering the pendant, then looking up at Dom, "Well?"

Zoltan just shakes his head. "I guess I not find out until Emperor decide to invade one of us to make good on he threat… or our speaker's head show up on pike somewheres."

Dominic blinks, looking down at Jynx. "Ah. Uhm … very … interesting, Feli. Quite a show."

Off past a few tents, sounds of gruesome violence ensues. A voice calls, "Ah! Ah! I was just assking!" More thumps follow.

Lylia says, "I think that lady Savanite was simply lovely. And – oh! I hope Eve doesn't PET any of those Creens that are chasing her. They carry all KINDS of diseases, even if they are cute… "

Justinian muses to Envoy, "Hmm. I wonder if you are perhaps telling us what WE want to hear?" He grins lopsidedly.

Jynx just grins up at his father, since he's come to expect type of reaction from him by now. "They won't hurt her mom, they're just as clean as we are!" He just keeps smiling, although he wishes Lylia wasn't so dense at times.

A bruised green snake appears near Envoy. "A code of ssilence, I guess," he mutters, then peers down at his notebook.

Envoy smiles to the human, "My speculations are generally less worrisome than my questions, sir. Just ask Zoltan."

Justinian looks askance to Zoltan, eyebrow cocked.

(Perhaps I can use him in a 'sawing in half' trick,) muses the gray stranger. (He's probably not going to be in one piece anyway.) Discarding those thoughts, he reaches the Kurai family. "Good day, Feli! I thought I'd offer my congratulations on the accolades you received. I had no idea I'd be seeing you here."

Lylia hmms. "That reminds me. Feli, you HAVE been remembering to wash your ears, haven't you? I worry about you, off on all these adventures on your own, in so many DIRTY places… "

"She questions worry me quite often," Zoltan replies.

"Sewers, for example," Dominic mutters.

Envoy looks to the Vartan, "Speaking of which, there's something I was hoping you could help me investigate, Zoltan. When you have the time, that is. If you're interested."

The green snake lurks nearby, taking notes.

A Savanite who looks like Third-Vision, only with a white spot of fur in the middle of her forehead instead of an eye, and somewhat younger (and less ornately dressed) walks up to Zoltan, smiling to him in greeting.

The hippogryph sighs a bit. "I no even had time to stop and speak to Third-eye since I gets here, Envoy. I no thinks I going to have any spare time soon." He brightens a bit as the Savanite approaches. "Hello, princess."

A Savanite cub runs by, this time being chased by Pouncer and Eve … and, of course, a swarm of trilling Creens. Enos would be running after them as well, but there's an advantage to having cheetahs looking after one's cub – They can catch up with the little rascals REALLY quickly!

The Savanite princess, Moon-Brow, curtseys to Zoltan.

Envoy just nods to Zoltan then. She'll try to question the Twelve Times Twelve herself… or at least one of them.

Jynx just looks blankly at his parents, after all this and all they care about is baths? Instead of making a argument, the black Khatta just sighs, "Yes, I've kept clean, just to make you happy. Where did Setting-Sun and First-Dawn go?"

"Setting … who?" Dominic looks confused. Lylia doesn't look any more enlightened, but she offers, "Friends of yours?"

"you going to be staying heres with you family? Zoltan signs to Moon-Brow.

The green snake dutifully writes down, "Bride of demon on first name basis with royalty! Demons suck out brains of Vartan nobility." He hovers nearby hoping for more scandalous gossip.

Moon-Brow's smile fades a bit. She signs, "I am not sure. I would be happy here. But I might be willing to travel for an adventure or two." Her smile returns with an ear-wiggle. "Too many princesses in one place spoils the novelty."

Envoy giggles at Moon-Brow's joke.

Jynx nods at Lylia, "The two Savanite girls I was with earlier, you know-" He stops short as he just realizes another familiar voice was aimed at him. The Khatta turns around to face it, "Hello?" Recognition. "You? Here?!"

Moon-Brow signs, "I suppose Pouncer and Enos, one way or another would be nobility as well, true?" Her ears wiggle, and then she signs, "I think Enos has been calling for you, Baron."

Enos, squirming in the arms of a cheetah attendant, is sounding very fussy.

Envoy notices the tabloid reporter again, and goes to whisper to him, "My roommate is an Exile that used to eat Nagas on his homeworld you know. They'll probably invade soon, armed with giant sandwich rolls."

"Very good, Feli! Shhh, now… not everyone should know who I am… " The gray-clad figure taps his laughing mask with one fingertip, the voice behind it cheerful. "You're okay though… as I understand it, you're quite a hero among my distant kinsman out here!"

Dominic says, "Well, Feli, while you chat with your … ah … secretive friend here, I suppose we should go find Eve… " With that, Dominic and Lylia stroll off, keeping a collective eye out for a suspiciously large gathering of Creens.

Zoltan nods to Moon-Brow. "I think it someone's nap time. If you excuse me Justinian, Envoy… " He makes a quick little bow and then departs to tend to the younger cub.

The reporter laughs. "Oh come now, you don't expect me to believe that, do you? Now, if you told me that your roommate was some sort of super-Kavi who was going to lead a messianic crusade, that might be news." He bows to the Aeolun, then follows after the griffin, murmuring, "Baron! Baron, do you have any statement on Vizier Makoss's decree? Will it affect the hitherto neutral, even legendary status of Paradys?"

"Distant kinsman?" The black Khatta crosses his arms, "What are you doing here anyways?" He nods to Dominic as he and Lylia go off, then turns his attention back to the stranger. "Nevermind, I'm in too good a mood to have it spoiled right now." The Khatta eyes the masked figure, "Well, I'm going off to eat, I guess you're welcome to join if you want."

Envoy smiles and tries to strike up a conversation with the human diplomat. "So… ever fought zombies?"

The cloaked entertainer's reponse is in sign, one of the eyes inside the holes of the mask winking. "I'm here representing my tribe, of course! Come along, and we can talk it over if you're not too busy."

Jynx grimaces, "Of course… Then with a sigh, moves off in the same direction as Zoltan. Was that Star he saw with him?

The sun dips down far enough to bathe the canyon in shadow, and the stars wink into the sky. Once more, the City of Hands has a Priest-King, and there is a Savanite nation – if not quite an empire. Prophesies have been fulfilled … but not quite as expected. Whether it be for better or for worse … shall yet be seen.