Pavilion
A moderately small tent has been set up just outside of town for the ceremony that Lady Inaya Al Nadia wished to have. It seats perhaps twenty people or so and has a small stage built at the front. All around the pavilion are colorful and fine zolk curtains and draperies, giving the entire tent quite a different feel from Sylvania. Even the 'chairs' aren't typical chairs; they're rather fluffy pillows made for lounging. In the corner a small incense burner is lit filling the room with pungent foreign scents. On each side of the stage stands two huge tiger guards, each wielding large scimitars.

Amelia can't help but tug at the hem of her pleated leather 'skirt' out of nervousness. She hasn't worn her official armor in some time and is finding it a bit itchy. "Oh, hello Olivia," she says when see spots the Skeek. "And Djivan," she adds a bit later.

Olivia arrives with her arm through Djivan's, the two gawking in unison at the fineries in the tent. For this special occasion, the Skeek is wearing her dark red dress with the gold geometric patterns on it. Part of her hair is twined into a crown braid while the locks at the back of her head fall free. "When Inaya said she wanted a 'ceremony,' I wasn't quite expecting this," she breathes to the others.

"Vov, vou know my name. I be impressed," Djivan remarks to Amelia with a smirk. "Housebroken, indeed," he then adds. Boy, he doesn't forget much, does he? And then with a look to Olivia, he asks, "Vhar ver vou expectin'?"

Olivia takes in all of the fine draperies with just a touch of envy, then says, "Well, perhaps not something quite this grand, I guess. But she's some sort of noble in her own country, yes? So perhaps they go in for this sort of thing all the time."

"At least there isn't a big sacrificial stone altar," Amelia comments, looking around the tent, then smiling to the two tigers.

"Gran'? It be pillows and de floofy stuffs," Djivan says and waves at the decor. He then gives Amelia a rather odd look, commenting, "Vou a bit paranoid."

"Gunther is a bit paranoid," Amy counters. "I'm just… cautious."

Olivia smiles knowingly at the gypsy and comments, "Oh, I get it now. You don't like it 'cause it's too girly, right?"

"Jus' keep tellin' vourself dat, puffbutt," Djivan says with a grin. "An darn righ' it too girly! I can' be around such girliness, I be too manly."

"Just because you don't bathe doesn't make you manly," Amelia teases. "And this isn't girly, it's… foreign."

Olivia sighs and shakes her head. "Manly? Uh-huh. This from the guy with socks on the walls and ceiling of his wagon! Just how is that manly?"

"No bathin' makes vou stron!" Djivan declares. "An socks are very manly! It be quite a 'feat' to get dem to stick." He puffs up proudly at his joke.

Olivia looks over at the Kadie girl. "Do you want to hit him for that, or should I?"

"You need the practice more," Amelia replies to Olivia.

Djivan grabs a pillow for defense. "Don' even t'ink it," he warns.

Olivia grins at this, and promptly swats the gypsy! "Too late, I already thought about it!"

Djivan rears back and whacks! Amelia with the pillow. "Sorry, can' hit her. I don' date vou," he says with a grin to Amelia.

Amy makes sure her hair isn't mussed up from the impact, then glares at Djivan. "Wow… that was so… manly of you," she finally says.

Olivia laughs as she snatches the pillow away from Djivan. "Okay, that's enough outta you! We don't want to cause a riot before our hostess even gets here!"

Lowering her voice, Amy tells Olivia, "The witches aren't coming. Isolde said it wouldn't be proper. Do you know if Natasha is going to show?"

"Glad vou kin finally recognize manly, it no like vou date any," Djivan teases back with a grin. The two tigers near the stage both make an ahem sound rather loudly. "Please do not damage the pillows," Azar says.

Olivia curtsies quickly to Azar and gives an apology before putting the pillow back into its place. Then she whispers to Amelia, "She said she would be here… all, er, 'dressed up,' if you know what I mean."

"The stage will be crowded if we all have to be up there at the same time," Amy notes. "I've got eight men coming from the militia, Nene and Bebe. Gunther and Zahn are supposed to come too. Then there's you, and Natasha and maybe Bravil if he comes."

"She vill be here soon," comes the gruff voice of Bravil and a large swathe of cloth moves aside to let the huge creature through. The tigers actually seem momentarily surprised to see someone that big come in. They look at each other.

Olivia gives a bright smile and a wave to the wolf before turning back to the conversation. "Well, maybe she'll call us up one or two at a time?" she wonders.

"How have you been?" Amy asks the oversized Jupani with a smile.

Bravil looks up from where he's trying to figure out how to sit on the pillows without making them explode. "Sore in mornings, stiff. Other den dat, as I always am," he answers.

"I'm sure one of the witches can help you out with the soreness," Amelia offers.

"Ah, you are a bit early," comes the voice of Lady Inaya and then she steps into view from behind the stage curtain. "The Gods must have granted you wisdom; for the best seats go to the earl… " She then stops and just stares at the huge Jupani.

"This is Bravil, Lady Inaya," Amy says, quickly introducing the man.

Olivia sees the Khatta's consternation and jumps in with her own introduction and a bit of an explanation. "He is from the gypsy camp, the same band that was used as a cover for the necromancer's crimes."

Inaya blinks, then curtsies to the wolf. "Ah, welcome then, Mr. Bravil," she says with a smile. Bravil … he just looks confused. "Thank vou … vou soun' familiar," he says slowly.

"Why don't you have a seat, Bravil?" Amy asks, taking the wolf's hand to try and distract from the 'familiar sounding' Khatta.

Olivia clears her throat uneasily, then asks the Khatta, "So… do you wish us to sit anywhere in particular, or may we choose on our own?"

"Oh, ah, ves," Bravil says and stares at the pillows a bit more then sits down with a whumph. A couple of pillows go up into the air.

"Wherever you wish," Inaya replies and waves her hands.

"Thank you." Just to show her solidarity with Bravil, Olivia takes Djivan by the elbow and steers him over to where the wolf is, so they can sit near him.

"I am happy to report no hordes in the perimeter," declares Gunther as he marches in, "Everything is … yeek!" The Kadie jumps about three feet when he spots the tigers and Inaya.

"Uhm, what exactly do you need us to do during this?" Amelia asks Inaya, then rolls her eyes at Gunther.

"Oh, nothing much, child. Just come up when you're called," Inaya says with a smile. Her brow arches as she then looks towards Gunther and asks, "Is something wrong?"

"Uh, no, nothing at all, no," Gunther babbles and goes to sit behind Bravil.

"I feel popular," Bravil deadpans.

"He's just jumpy," Amelia explains. "We Kadies are like that."

"You feel like a huge tree," Gunther mutters from behind Bravil.

Olivia leans over and pats the Jupani's huge forearm. "I feel safer next to you than near the tiger guards," she says lightly, pointing to the scimitar-carrying felines.

"Don't cause trouble," Zahnrad tells Gunther as he enters. He starts towards Amelia, but then pauses as he eyes Bravil. "I'll … sit over here," he says and sits down on the other side of the room.

Bravil sighs quietly.

Two lithe figures enter and immediately hook their arms with Gunther's. Nene and Bebe are actually wearing dresses, and have made sure their fur was extra-glossy for the event. "You can take us to our seats now, Gunther," Bebe whispers to the Kadie. Nene adds, "Over by the big guy there. I bet we could all fit in his lap!"

"I don't think he'd like that very much," Gunther notes and takes the two over to sit near the wolf anyway. The Kadie looks like he's stuck between wanting to argue with the two and biding his time to work out some plan to deal with them. Djivan leans over and asks Olivia, "How he get two?

Olivia leans back and whispers, "Must be his lucky night! Perhaps Bebe talked her sister into sharing him?"

Amelia goes over to Zahn, and whispers, "Bravil doesn't remember the attack. He wasn't in control. Try not to make him feel like you're afraid of him, please?"

"Or dey be plotting his doom," Djivan replies.

Bebe smiles to the big wolf, while Nene is sure to keep a good grip on Gunther's left arm, so that he can't easily escape.

Olivia nods and grins. "I wouldn't put it past them."

"It's not that easy. Just seeing him brings back my memories of the night. I can still hear the sounds of my own bones cracking from being hit," Zahnrad admits in a whisper.

"Uh, why are you holding onto me?" Gunther asks the two and eyes them suspiciously.

"Amelia told us to keep you out of trouble," Nene says. "If we do, we get to keep the dresses."

"Who's going to keep you out of trouble?" Gunther asks accusingly.

The otter girls look into each other's eyes and just grin. "What makes you think we'd get into any trouble, Gunther?" Bebe asks, trying to look innocent.

Inaya laughs softly at the commentary. She obviously can't understand the language, but she understands the meaning.

"One of my decoys is missing," Gunther says flatly.

Amy sits down next to Zahn, and rests her head on his shoulder. "I'm nervous," she whispers to him.

"Is that a machine to make someone stop being coy?" Nene asks Gunther.

"You are forming a harem quite nicely, Mr. Kettenrad," Inaya finally says, sounding amused. "Or, is it the other way around?"

Zahnrad wraps an arm around Amelia. "Why?" he whispers, "You're one of the heroes of the day. I'm just the lucky survivor."

"No, it's a stuffed figure used to lure people into a trap. Someone swiped it," Gunther remarks and eyes Nene, then Bebe.

"Because I don't know what to expect," Amelia replies, and squeezes the hand draped over her shoulder. "My dad will probably show up too," she adds.

"Your father? Here? Wow," Zahnrad replies, sounding rather surprised at that. "Why's he coming? As for what to expect, it couldn't be anything bad, could it?"

Djivan looks at Olivia and just grins. "Glad it no' me between two otters," he tells her.

Watching Inaya, Amy whispers back, "All I know is that I'm not what Inaya expected, and I'm not sure why she came all this way with her little girl."

Olivia traces one finger languidly down the gypsy's arm, commenting with a smile, "So am I. You know I don't share!"

"I mean this in a good way; how can you ever be expected?" Zahnrad asks, brow furrowed. "Has she done anything to make you think she means you harm?"

"Not… yet… " Amelia whispers. "I guess I just feel a little exposed is all."

A curtain draws back again, and a robed and hooded figure slides quietly into the tent. The person is definitely female, and a gypsy. She curtsies to Inaya and says in a tone that's obviously forcibly altered, "Thank vou for de invite, Lady Inaya. I am Madame Natasha, leader of de Shadowsvalk tribe."

"You'll be fine. I can't imagine anyone ever getting the better of you," Zahnrad reassures Amelia and kisses her cheek lightly. "It's one of the great things about you."

The tent flap opens again, held by a well-dressed black poodle, and the portly figure of Mayor Streusel waddles in, complete with his top-hat and big sash that says 'MAYOR' on it, along with his wife. Erik von Richebeau lets the flap fall behind him as he enters after them.

Olivia looks back over her shoulder at Natasha's entrance, trying to keep her expression neutral. Let's see if Inaya is as unobservant as Natasha says, when it comes to those she considers beneath her, she thinks.

Inaya shakes her head softly and just smiles at the ridiculousness of the mayor. She then curtsies to Erik and adds, "Nice to see you again, Master Richebeau. You did not bring your mother?" And then with another smile and curtsy to Natasha, she says, "And welcome Madame Natasha. I am glad to finally meet you. We have much to talk about."

"Mother sends her regrets," Erik says, bowing formally to Inaya. "Something came up that is demanding her full attention," the man explains, somewhat apologetically.

Olivia cringes a little at Inaya's words. Great. Natasha's going to have to put on the performance of a lifetime here! Hopefully all those years of playing the fortune teller will help her out…

"I hope her husband is fine," Inaya replies to Erik and curtsies again. "Please send her my regards."

Gunther decides if the otters are going to hold onto him, he's going to keep a good grip on them, too. "What're you two doing after this?" he asks the two. "Sneaking into someplace, no doubt."

"Oh, 'father' is quite enjoying himself today," Erik remarks, with a hint of a smirk.

"We're going dancing," Nene tells Gunther.

"With who?" Gunther asks quickly.

Members of the militia begin to arrive now, each dressed in the same Olympian-style armor as Amelia. The Lapi and Kadie men find seats near the back row. Behind them come Jonas Chalk and Achilles Blacktail, who quietly take seats at the very back.

Near the back of the stage, Kalila slips into view. She stares at the large gathering with wide eyes and stands near one of the guards. She's once again dressed in formal gowns and looks rather uncomfortable.

"With 'whom'," Nene corrects. "And that will be whoever wants to dance with us. There's always a crowd at the Boathouse."

Zahnrad glances over his shoulder at Amelia's father worriedly.

"People often want to dance with you?" Gunther asks suspiciously.

The large Kadie's black face is, as always, inscrutable. He seems to having a hushed conversation with Jonas, while keeping an eye on the two tiger bodyguards.

"Are you kidding?" Bebe asks Gunther. "Just look at these dresses! And we're starting to really bloom now too."

After Inaya and Natasha are finished greeting one another, Olivia looks back again to try and catch the gypsy's eye. She motions to a seat near her and Djivan, in case she wants to take it.

Gunther rolls his jaw slowly. "I should go to keep an eye on you two. Who knows what trouble you're really plotting," he says.

"You're welcome to tag along," Nene says.

Natasha bows her head to Olivia and goes to sit beside her. "This is more uncomfortable than I expected," she whispers quietly to the Skeek.

Amy casts a quick glance back at her father, then focuses her attention back towards the empty stage.

"What are they talking about?" Zahnrad asks Amelia.

Gunther sniffs loudly. "Tag along? I feel so wanted," he grumbles.

"Dad and Jonas?" Amelia asks. "Who knows? Maybe they think the tigers would make nice rugs."

"Your family scares me," Zahnrad mutters.

"I wasn't being serious," Amy says, nudging Zahn with her elbow. "I just don't know what they talk about."

"You've never tried to spy?" Zahnrad whispers back. "I would."

"I'm not good at spying," Amy admits.

Nene whispers to Gunther, "You could pretend to be a stuffed decoy, and we can prop you up in the corner… "

Olivia feels for Natasha's hand underneath all of her robes and, in finding it finally, squeezes it. "I know this must be hard. But you're doing fine so far," she whispers.

"Then how would I keep people from accosting you?" Gunther asks.

"I bet the otters know what they talk about," Zahnrad comments absently as Inaya moves around on the stage and heads to stand in the center front.

"I haven't asked them about it yet," Amy notes, her eyes following Inaya.

"If we thought you'd stop them, we wouldn't let you come," Bebe whispers, then shushes. "I think things are starting now."

Gunther puffs up at one of those ideas, either the otter girls being accosted, or maybe just that others are accosting. Still, he remains quiet.

Inaya raises her hand to try and get everyone's attention. "May I please have everyone's attention? May the Gods forgive me for interrupting, but the appointed hour has arrived and I would like to begin," she says quietly and in accented standard. "I am sorry I cannot speak your native language."

Olivia falls quiet as Inaya starts speaking, and turns towards the small stage after giving the gypsy's hand a last reassuring pat.

Natasha doesn't speak; she merely bows her head towards Inaya. Bravil folds his hands into his lap and watches the Khatta with an odd curiosity. And Zahnrad, he slips his arm from around Amelia and watches the stage now. In the background, Kalila is watching nervously.

Amelia tries to relax, by doing some breathing exercises.

"I know I must seem strange to all of you. A foreigner from a far off land who came to your town," Lady Inaya says and starts to slowly pace across the front of the stage, "Not only a foreigner, but one who would bring her only daughter with her. Perhaps I even seem crazy to all of you."

A few of the militiamen nod inadvertently before catching themselves.

Despite her exercises, Amy still can't shake the bad feeling she's getting – especially when Inaya actually mentions her daughter.

"Your lands are as much alien to me as I must be to you. Well, I hope to answer those questions today, if you will allow me," Lady Inaya continues on, then pauses to look out into the crowd. "In my homeland, honor and family mean everything to us. And why I am here began nearly two decades ago, when some of the evils of these lands took from us our shining star; my beloved sister, Tasha Al Nadia."

Natasha draws in a slow breath and squeezes Olivia's hand this time. The posture of the gypsy droops more, as if trying to disappear.

Lapi ears perk up, as the promise of a story draws in the attention of the locals who haven't heard it before.

Olivia keeps a straight face only by will alone. Don't look over at her… don't do anything that might give Natasha away! she tells herself sternly.

"She was the youngest to ever join the College of Mages, which brought our family much honor. How easily she learned amazed her instructors and she quickly rose through their ranks in the Sphere of Spirit. When she was of marrying age, she had many suitors, but our Father would have none of them. None were good enough for her, or at least he said. Though, secretly, Tasha told me she found them all bores and merely interested in her for her status and she asked Father to turn them away as is proper in our society," Lady Inaya continues on, her eyes glancing away as memories return.

"They made Erik look suave and manly," Natasha whispers in confidence to Olivia.

This time, the nod of understanding comes from the back row – from Achilles.

A bit of the old mischievous twinkle returns to Olivia's eyes at this bit of information.

"I … envied her. I hated how much praise she got. I always felt overshadowed, so much less than her," Lady Inaya admits and lowers her head. "It wasn't fair, I thought. Then, a day came that Tasha asked us all to gather and she told us she was chosen for a special mission: 'To help clear out the remaining Necromancers and abusers of the Magical Arts' which still held Sylvania in its throes. She said she would be gone a long time, and would give us no more details than that. I still remember father and mother talking about that later; I snuck out of bed to listen to them. They suspected there was more to the mission … but family honor bound us to let her go."

"She was sent here to die," Amy whispers to Zahn.

"The next morning Tasha kissed my forehead and told me goodbye. I … I just turned away from her and told her to go. That it wasn't fair that she got all the honors and I didn't," Inaya admits, her voice growing a bit softer. "She told me 'I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing it for your future.'. I … just laughed and left the room, so certain she was lying. When her ship left the docks later that day … I didn't go."

"She was ten. She didn't understand," Natasha whispers softly. "And, I couldn't tell her the truth."

Olivia lowers her own head a little and whispers back, "At that age, I'm sure she didn't. Although knowing that probably didn't help you at the time… "

"Knowing she would live was enough," Natasha whispers back.

Olivia nods mutely, lost in her own thoughts.

"The poor dear," Appela Streusel whispers to her husband and Erik, who is having to struggle to keep from tearing up. "I'll bake her a pie and invite her to tea… "

Inaya looks up at the gathering. "We never saw her again. Years passed, then we got a letter from the College. Some items from the group that went with Tasha were found in the markets. When interrogated, they learned that the remains of a party was recovered in Sylvania. They were writing to tell us Tasha was dead; killed by a necromancer named Valicross," she says softly. "It broke my parents' hearts, though deep down we knew she was gone. It was then I knew … I knew I would never get to apologize to her. I will always carry inside me that I never said goodbye to her. Such a simple thing that always seems; always seems like there's all the time in the world to do that. Well, life taught me that there isn't."

"You didn't have to say goodbye, Inaya," Natasha whispers.

Amelia reaches over to squeeze Zahn's hand.

"I … I know how she feels," Zahnrad admits to Amelia. "You never really have enough time to say everything you want to someone."

Olivia puts one hand up to her forehead and rubs it distractedly. Dear gods… that's how her family found out about the attack – because the party's items showed up in the markets??

"But, I guess that still doesn't answer why I'm here, does it?" Inaya asks the group and bows her head. "I am sorry. My parents recently past away and my husband … he was killed in an accident. All I have left is my daughter now. And it's taught me one thing; to hold your family close because tomorrow they may be gone. When I received word from one of our trade contacts in Justininople that the death of Valicross had been reported and that he met his end here, in this town, Stonebarrow … I had to come here. In my own way … I had to somehow say goodbye."

There are plenty of sympathetic nods from the audience this time. Even Amy seems more melancholy than nervous now.

Olivia shakes her head at the words, "hold your family close," and sees a picture in her mind of her mother's face, scowling at her. Easier said than done for some people, she thinks bitterly, then pushes the thought out of her head. No, don't dwell on that now. You're here to support Natasha.

Natasha sits through the news of the death of her parents with a marked stillness about her. "It's funny in a way, that you always know that they will die. I knew I would never see them again, but … I," she finally says in a choking whisper.

The Skeek feels for Natasha's hand again, and takes it in hers. "I'm sorry," is all she can murmur.

"So, I brought my daughter, all that remains of our family, here. Your town has brought closure to a nightmare of our lives," Inaya says and then drops down to her knees. "For that, for bringing closure … I thank you, with all my heart. Thank you for laying my sister to rest. We all thank you." Kalila walks up quietly behind Inaya and puts a small hand on her shoulder; the normally lively child merely looks at her mother with a worried expression and drooping ears.

Amelia sniffles, and wipes at her eyes, whispering, "It's not right… "

"No, but life usually isn't," Zahnrad whispers quietly to Amelia.

Olivia raises her head and now looks worriedly at the Khatta on the stage. I know she's upset because she feels so much guilt over not being able to say goodbye to Natasha, but her behavior is a bit… unnerving. I hope her mood stabilizes soon or I'm not sure what might happen…

Inaya reaches back and puts her hand on Kalila's and stands back up. She draws in a few breaths, then says, "Those of you here helped end the nightmare, so I have brought things for you which fit that which I learned each of you were responsible for." She then turns slightly and nods towards Amelia, "And I would ask that Miss Amelia Blacktail to please come up here." At that, one of the tigers slips behind one of the curtains.

Still a little nervous, and with her eyes now a bit red, Amy stands up and gives Zahnrad's shoulder a squeeze before walking forward to the stage.

Inaya waits quietly as Amelia heads up onto the small stage. "I have been talking to various people in town and they told me that you were the one to strike the final killing blow, Miss Blacktail," she finally says, her head canting slightly to the side and watching the Kadie curiously.

Amelia tries to keep calm, but her legs are tensed all the same. She nods her head and manages to say, "Yes, ma'am."

Olivia now takes her hand from Natasha's and watches the two on stage intently. Amelia told me to watch out for what Inaya might do, too. Have to be on guard…

"A thousand pardons, but I must admit that it comes as quite a shock to me. In my homeland, women are not allowed to be fighters," the Khatta says and folds her hands together. Azar returns from behind the curtain, carrying a long case.

Natasha sits quietly in the gathering, just watching the event so far. Zahnrad watches quietly, too, looking rather unconcerned about the proceedings. Gunther is eying the otters, mainly.

"I'm… the only girl in the militia," Amy mutters, wondering what's going on behind her… but not wanting to show how nervous she is by turning to look.

Inaya motions for Azar to approach her. The large feline walks by Amelia and over to Inaya. As Inaya places her hands on the case, she says, "I had to give much thought to whether or not this would be appropriate, but … your lands are not mine, and customs do differ, so … I shall." Latches on the case are released.

Olivia leans forward on her pillow, just a little. She really hopes this is a gift that Inaya is going to give to Amelia, and not something worse!

Watching closely, Amy prepares to jump back, just in case. She thinks back to what she saw in the spirit world, and wonders if Inaya is going to throw a knife at her or not.

Inaya flips the case open and reaches inside. The sharp sound of polished metal on metal fills the room as Inaya draws forth a skillfully crafted steel sword. Except … the steel looks a bit different. Stripes of darker metal twist and flow through it, making the blade look almost like a flow of water. At several places along the thirty inch straight blade small holes have been cut through as well, probably to keep it lighter without sacrificing strength. The hilt is a basic cross guard of metal, but again it's two types of metal apparently twisted together. The Khatta glides it effortlessly through the air, then stops it in front of Amelia. "My family became involved with the metal trade of Abaddon," she says, "So, it gave me access to items to craft a weapon worthy of someone who slew such a horrible monster. It is not like most metal swords, as you see, but a forged mix of two types, which gives it the dancing waves within its blade."

Amy seems to forget her trepidation as she looks into the swirls and patterns of the sword. "It's beautiful," she says quietly.

Olivia's eyes widen when Inaya swings the blade near Amelia, but soon lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding when the Khatta stops. Then she beams happily, hearing that Inaya is going to give the amazing weapon to Amelia.

"The core and edge are tempered differently, the center is kept soft and flexible and the edges are hard. It will be a tough weapon to break as well as be difficult to dull," Inaya says, then reaches into the case and pulls out a simple leather-clad wooden scabbard with a metal band around the top and slides the blade into it. "It was made for … smaller people, when I learned about those who inhabit this area," she explains, then extends the sheathed weapon towards the Kadie. "May it serve you well against all nightmares which still haunt these lands."

Zahnrad is watching and looks rather stunned by that much metal. And the sword definitely gets Gunther's attention. He stares at it with a rather envious and disturbing gaze.

Amelia reaches out to take the weapon with both hands, practically cradling it. "Th-thank you, Lady Inaya… "

Inaya bows her head to Amelia. "Am I correct in you knowing the proper care procedure for metal weapons? If not, my servant Azar can explain how to keep the weapon properly," she says.

"I'm used to iron and steel," Amy mutters. "I think I'll talk to Azar though, in case this needs special care."

"I … am sorry that it isn't exactly the proper gift for a woman," Inaya apologizes, "But, I do hope it pleases you."

"It's perfect!" Amy gushes, her tail swishing happily as she hugs the scabbard to her chest. "I always wanted something for close-quarters fighting."

Inaya looks rather confused by the reaction, really. "Well, then your unusual lands have worked well in your favor, Miss Blacktail," she says, then approaches the Kadie and kisses her on the top of her head. "Thank you."

Amy looks past Inaya to Olivia, and smiles brightly. To Inaya, she bows, and says, "It is our duty to slay necromancers. But it is a privilege to be so generously rewarded, Lady Inaya."

Olivia gives her friend a surreptitious thumbs up when she glances in her direction. You deserve it, she mouths to her.

Inaya steps back and folds her hands in front of herself. "As I understand it, there were others involved in fighting his minions, true?" she asks.

Nodding, Amy says, "My militia squad, and the rangers, and Gunther was bait, and… a few others who couldn't attend, for one reason or another. And Dame Natasha of the Gypsies, of course."

Inaya nods her head. "For your militia members, I have brought an assortment of other crafted weapons to choose from. Most are daggers, but, there are a few crossbows as well. All daggers are steel, and the crossbows have flexible metal bows instead of wooden stretchers. They should serve well against any foe," she says. "I hope that it appropriate?"

Amy looks to her men in the audience, who are all nodding vigorously. "Very appropriate! And if you ever need to have some other monster killed, just ask."

"Ah, very good, then. Before you go … may I ask what happened in his final moments?" the Khatta inquires. "But, if you do not wish to speak of it, then please forgive my asking."

"Oh," Amy says, a bit giddy still. "Dame Natasha canceled out all his powers just before I struck, even though it nearly killed her. She had to be fished out of the river… "

"I … see. Dame Natasha is a witch?" Inaya asks, her expression momentarily distasteful.

Natasha lets out a quiet sigh. "That, I knew, would not sit well with her," she whispers softly.

Hearing this, Olivia leans over to Natasha and whispers back, "Yes, you told me as much. I hope she won't cause a scene about it?"

Realizing she may have said too much, Amy stammers, "Well, no, not really a witch… I mean, she's like an anti-necromancer… "

"She uses magic, I see," Inaya says and then simply bows her head. "Thank you, Miss Blacktail. You way sit down if you wish, or remain up here. It is your choice to make."

Amelia bows again, then scurries off the stage. She sits back down next to Zahn, still clutching her prize to her chest.

"You're never going to let go of that, are you?" Zahnrad whispers to Amelia after she sits down.

"Eventually," Amy whispers to Zahn.

Inaya looks out into those gathered. "I would ask that Dame Natasha please come up here," she says.

"Just don't sleep with it?" Zahnrad asks her.

Natasha tenses up. Slowly, she lets go of Olivia's hand and gets to her feet. Bravil watches her worriedly and almost says something. But, Natasha quiets him with a simple placement of her hand on the bridge of his muzzle and whispering, "It vill be fine, please, do not vorry." The robed and hidden Khatta heads up onto the stage and faces Inaya.

"It can fit under the pillows," Amelia whispers, then turns her attention to the stage.

Zahnrad rubs the bridge of his nose.

Olivia shifts a bit closer to the Jupani and pats his forearm again, adding her quiet reassurances.

"I understand now that you struck away Valicross' powers, Dame Natasha," Inaya says quietly and rather reserved compared to her emotional state earlier. Natasha simply nods her head at this. "It is … a difficult situation," Inaya continues, "in that the laws of my homeland we must brand you as evil as he. I see, I … a thousand apologies. I see that would be unfair in this situation."

Olivia nods a little at this. Let's hope the rest of this interview will go as well as the start of it…

"I am not sure how to appropriately reward you, Dame Natasha," Inaya says and bows her head, "This is most irregular. Perhaps I can offer you this; if you wish it, I will sponsor you with the College, so that you will no longer be branded as evil by them."

The Skeek's eyes widen again and she looks back over her shoulder at Amelia, wondering if this turn of events has caught her as off guard as she.

Amy just blinks at the notion. There's no way Natasha can accept that, obviously, if she has to avoid the College mages.

"Vou honor me," Natasha says quietly and in the forced tone alteration and curtsies. "But, I cannot accept vour offer. I haf many here vho need me dat I cannot leave; dey need me. Besides, my role in dis vas no' as much as ot'ers present. My dear frien' Bravil, vho suffered and vas seriously vounded. De quiet and determined Olivia, vho stood 'er groun' against him an even helped lure him into a trap. I … am nothin' in dis compared to others."

"Maybe guilded mages aren't humble," Amy whispers to Zahn.

Olivia, unused to hearing herself described as 'brave,' merely blushes to the tips of her ears. She's very glad that Natasha spoke fondly of her friendship with Bravil in public, however. She hopes he will find some pleasure in that.

Zahnrad just shrugs to Amelia. "I know as much about mages as the frog prince knows about bi-directional gears with resonance dampers and double-clutch reduction plates," he whispers.

"So… not much then?" Amy whispers back, just to be certain.

"Not a thing," Zahn confirms.

Inaya looks momentarily sad about this, then nods her head. "I … understand. Should your mind ever change, do please let me know," the Khatta says. "I wish my sister could have met you before she fell to him. She might have survived. Thank you for all you did, Dame Natasha."

"May I ask you one thing, Dame Natasha?" Inaya then says quietly. Natasha's hooded head tilts, then she nods, saying, "O' course."

"May I see what you look like?" Inaya then asks.

Olivia suddenly freezes and grabs Djivan's hand. Oh no!

Amy suddenly grabs Zahn's hand and squeezes hard. "This could be trouble," she whispers to him.

"Oh boy," Djivan mutters.

Zahnrad winces and says, "Yeah, it could."

"I … decline, Lady Inaya," Natasha says and curtsies again, "Tradition of de tribe dictate dat I must remain hidden, as part o' bein' de leader, detached and mysterious. It sell more to de people vho come to de shows."

Olivia leans close to the Skreek and mutters to him, "I hope she buys that… If not, we could be in for some swift maneuvering!"

"I see," Inaya says with a hint of disappointment. "Then, I shall not keep yo up here any longer, if you wish to sit down." Natasha dips her head to Inaya, then walks off the stage and back to her seat.

"I wonder if she suspects," Amy whispers, but not particularly to Zahn.

"Will Olivia and Bravil please approach?" Inaya asks next, then looks directly at Olivia.

Natasha says to no one in particular, "That was harder than I expected." She then slumps.

Olivia squeezes Natasha's shoulder comfortingly as she gets up from her seat. Then, after smiling at Djivan, she heads up onto the stage with Bravil following in her wake.

Bravil creates quite an impressive wake of his own as everyone moves out of the way of the huge Jupani. The tigers on stage watch him warily.

Inaya looks between Olivia and Bravil. The Khatta shifts nervously being this close to such a huge creature. Bravil just watches her with a furrowed brow, curious. "So, you lured Valicross into a trap," she says to Olivia.

Olivia curtsies to the Khatta before answering, in part to hide her anxiousness about talking of the necromancer again. It's not exactly a subject she enjoys. "I did my best, ma'am," she answers. "In the end, the trap did not quite work out as we had planned, but with Dame Natasha's help, we managed to weaken him even before Amelia's final confrontation with him."

Inaya nods at this. "You are not a warrior, so the gifts to the militia would not be appropriate. I … understand that you are a bit of an artist and work at the Weavers guild. So, if you wish it, the zolk curtains which adorn this tent are yours to take when this ends," she offers.

A delighted smile lights up the Skeek's face as she looks around again at all the beautiful draperies, then back to Inaya. "Thank you very much, I would be pleased to have them! You are very kind to offer them to me!"

"Wow," Amy whispers, then turns to Zahn and quietly asks, "Do you think there's enough here to make a regular airship from?"

Zahnrad considers that. "Probably, yes. I doubt Olivia will let me touch them, though," he grumbles.

"It is my pleasure, Miss Weaver," Inaya says and curtsies to the Skeek. She then turns and looks up, then up some more, at Bravil. "Mister Bravil, I am very sorry, but is there anything I can offer you? I am not sure what you would want."

Bravil looks long and hard at Inaya. "Vhat I vant … vou cannot give me, Lady Inaya," he finally says in a quieter than usual voice and lowers his head. "I apprciat' de offer, regardless."

Olivia sneaks a sideways glance at the Jupani and sighs very softly. Sometimes life just isn't fair, she thinks.

"Nothing at all?" Inaya asks, her head tilted as she considers the Jupani. He shakes his head and says again, "No. I do appreciat' de offer, but fineries an such are no' for someone like me." The Jupani then bows and heads off the stage, leaving a confused Khatta watching him.

Amelia sighs as she watches Bravil, knowing what he should look like.

In an effort to ease Inaya's confusion somewhat, Olivia steps closer to the Khatta and murmurs so that only she can hear, "Bravil is rather sensitive about his size and the impression it leaves on others. Please forgive him?"

Bravil sits back down next to Natasha. Natasha reaches over and places her hand upon his. The Jupani looks over at her and for once, he smiles. It's tainted with a bit of sadness, but it's still a smile.

Inaya turns her attention back to Olivia and nods slightly. "I … think I now know what is meant by a gentle giant," she admits to Olivia. "He isn't what I would have expected from looking at him. For that, I owe him an apology." The Khatta turns to Bravil and curtsies to him again.

Olivia smiles gently as Inaya gives her wordless apology to the wolf. Perhaps I misjudged her, after all. Then she asks quietly, "Do you have further need of me, Lady Inaya, or may I return to my seat also?"

"You may sit if you wish," Inaya tells Olivia. She then looks out to the crowd and asks, "A thousand apologies, but is there anyone else I should invite upon the stage? Or, have I covered everyone present in some fashion?"

Olivia nods and returns to her seat as Inaya addresses the crowd.

The otter girls hop to their feet, and drag Gunther up to his. "This guy here!" Nene says. "Yeah, he was the bait!" Bebe adds.

Gunther urks and tries to shush the otters. "Quiet, you! I don't want her to know me. I can't spy on her if she knows me!" he complains.

Nene whispers, "Did you remember to wear your medal, at least?" to Gunther. Bebe whispers into his other ear, "Hah, you're a terrible spy though."

"Ah. Then Mister Gunther, will you please come up?" Inaya asks and motions towards the squirming Kadie. Gunther stops in his protest and just glowers at the otters. He then stomps up onto the stage.

Zahnrad rubs his forehead. "Don't embarrass the family, don't embarrass the family," he repeats over and over.

Rubbing her own forehead, Amy chants, "Don't accuse her of anything. Don't accuse her of anything… "

Inaya watches the Kadie curiously and Kalila peers out from behind one of the guards. "Hey, it's the bush guy! Hello there bush guy!" Kalila calls out and waves at Gunther.

Gunther … looks like he wants to explode. "Hello," he says to Inaya and forces a smile.

The byplay between the otter girls and Gunther, added to Kalila's comments about his being 'the bush guy,' prove to be too much for Olivia. First she snorts, tries to cover the sound with her hand – then gives it all up for lost and laughs out loud! This seems to affect Djivan, too, because he whoops loudly and points up at the embarrassed Kadie. Even Bravil leans over to the Skeek and asks, "Vhat is dis about a 'bush guy?' Is dat some special sort o' Kadie?"

Gunther's left eye just twitches. Fortunately for those present, he doesn't explode.

After looking confused at all the laughter, Inaya smiles to Gunther and asks, "So, you were one who helped lure him, then. Is there anything you would want?"

Stepping from behind a curtain rather apart from the entrance, a pointy-hatted Kadie in a dress strides out towards the rearmost row of seats. All the while, the dark eyed Morgan eyes Inaya with one quirked eyebrow. "Hmm," he murmurs.

Gunther points out into the crowd, right at Amelia. "I want the sword," he says.

"No!" Amelia declares.

Eventually, Olivia and Djivan manage to get their laughter under control, until all that can be heard is a few muffled cackles and the soft sounds of Olivia wiping her eyes with the hem of her dress. Even Gunther's demand of the sword doesn't stop the pair's chuckling.

"Ah, that cannot be offered. It is no longer mine to offer, a thousand apologies," Inaya says with a small bow of her head. "But, if you wish, you may select from the daggers and other items. There should be enough for one to give to you."

Amelia makes a small squeak of alarm at the thought of Gunther getting a dagger to play with.

Gunther looks rather disappointed. But still, he remained fairly well behaved and says, "Okay, thank you … Lady Inaya." He then just griiiiins out at Amelia.

Morgan sits, legs tucked beneath his skirts, and remarks in to Amy's ear, "Be careful for what you wish for, is it? Gunther with a sword – he'd kill someone, or himself! Or me, trying to put him together again."

The Kadie girl jumps at the sound of Morgan's voice. "You came, Morgan?" she whispers, somewhat unnecessarily. "Lady Inaya is not exactly friendly to witches."

"Ah, you may sit if you wish," Inaya tells Gunther.

Gunther prances off the stage and just smiles at Amelia when he passes by her. When he returns to his seat with the otters near Olivia and Djivan, he says in a low voice, "Pity that two people won't have another quiet date ever again."

"Oh, I know," Morgan tells Amelia in an languid voice. "But, I felt I should see what she was all about beyond that. Congratulations on your reward."

"Thank you," Amy replies, naturally. Next to Gunther, Nene asks, "You'll let me have the dagger to gut fish with, right?"

"What do I get out of it?" Gunther asks Nene.

Olivia merely grins hugely as she tells the air in front of her, not even turning around, "Look who's talking – you have not one, but two girlfriends to contend with now! My dates will be practically relaxing by comparison!"

Nene thinks it over, then offers, "Well, you could watch."

"Who said they were my girlfriends?!?" Gunther says quickly.

Olivia now does look behind her – but not at Gunther, at Nene and Bebe. "What do you say to that, ladies?" she asks, winking.

"He needs some work first," Bebe notes, while Nene just nods and says, "And he has to prove he can catch us."

Inaya looks back into the those gathered. "Is there anyone here who handles medicines and such items for the town?" she asks.

"Work? I'm perfect," Gunther insists.

Amelia automatically looks to Morgan at the mention of medicines.

Olivia nods back, satisfied by the answer. "You see? Apparently you have potential, Gunther. Congratulations!"

"Oh, my cue," Morgan announces in whisper, with just a hint of mischief. He raises a hand and, daintily, wiggles his fingers in response to the call for an herbalist.

"Hey, it's the dress guy," Kalila announces and points at Morgan.

Inaya turns and looks at Morgan. Her expression is momentarily one of abject horror and a bit of loathing. She tenses completely up and her fur even puffs out some. "Ah," she says, pausing to lick her lips. "Please, approach."

Olivia raises the hem of her dress to her eyes again. "I swear, we went from tragedy to comedy in about two acts!" she whispers to Djivan.

"He really don' have de hips fer dresses," Djivan whispers to Olivia.

Olivia snerks and swats the gypsy, but only very lightly.

"Love to, thank you," Morgan says as he rises. After dusting off his skirts – completely unnecessary, given the cleanliness of the pavilion – he heads front. Once on stage, he smiles and tilts his hat back. "I hear you're rewarding our brave townsfolk; thank you."

"Yes. They have helped my family, so it is only proper," Inaya says a bit stiffly. "I brought along a selection of herbs and treatments from my homeland which may interest those of this town. If … you are the appropriate representative, then they should go to you."

"I do believe that is me, and medicine is not something I would turn aside. So: thank you again, I will see it put to good use," Morgan replies, smiling all the more. "It is very kind of you."

Inaya dips her head. "Azar will deliver it to any location you wish; please tell him later where you wish it to go," she answers and takes a step away from Morgan. She watches him nervously.

"Oh, I shall." Morgan claps his hands together and tilts his head. "Well! I won't take any more of your time – I'll just return to watching this grand event, if you don't mind! Thank you again." The Kadie wiggles his fingers again, and then heads off stage.

Amelia just lowers her face into her hands for a moment…

Inaya lets out a long sigh and looks relieved when Morgan finally leaves the stage.

Zahnrad whispers to Amelia, "Morgan lost any remaining guy points he ever had with that little display… "

"Now, I have a general thing to say and this ceremony draws to a close," Inaya says with a smile and clasps her hands together. "I will meet with the Mayor and Erik later this evening to discuss establishing trade relations with the town. Goods, clothing, and 'exotic' items are quite popular back home. So, I think something mutually beneficial can be arranged, if the town wishes."

"It's all that bat's fault," Amy whispers. "She's a bad influence… "

"She wants him to act like a girl?" Zahnrad asks in whisper. "Or just gets him to misbehave?"

There's a bit of a hubbub among the crowd, as some of the town elders whisper to each other.

"She's taught him how to tease," Amy grumbles.

"Afraid he's going to tease you?" Zahn asks Amelia.

Morgan retakes his seat behind Amelia, still smiling away. "I'm not a tease," he insists, with mock-indignance.

"Zahn, everyone teases me if they can," Amy whispers.

"I don't tease you," Zahn insists.

Olivia looks rather surprised and thoughtful at Inaya's latest suggestion. "Hmm, such a trade agreement could mean good things for the Weavers," she admits to Djivan. "Even for me, if I could get in on such business… "

"Oh, yeah, I guess it vould. Vou be all famous an stuff an forget me," Djivan laments.

Erik is positively glowing, and whispers to the mayor. Zahn can probably pick out the word 'airship' from the muttering.

Inaya curtsies to those gathered and says, "Once again, I wish to thank you all for your help in closing an old nightmare for my family. You are all welcome to remain, or go do other things."

"I should ask her if they collect monster heads in the desert," Amelia notes.

Olivia laughs a little and kisses the gypsy on the cheek. "I seriously doubt that… but the extra income might make me a better catch, don't you think?" she teases him.

Zahnrad is lost in thought until he hears the faint comment about 'airships'. The Kadie then bolts upright and looks around rapidly. "I know I heard that," he says.

"Puttin' vou on a catapult voul' make you a better catch. Money jus' make vou vealthy," Djivan teases in return.

Olivia smiles. "All right, point taken."

From the back row, Achilles turns his attention from Jonas and looks directly at Zahnrad.

Zahnrad twitches, feeling as if someone is looking at him. He turns around slowly and spots Amelia's father. He blinks, then swallows. "Your father is staring at me," he whispers to Amelia.

"Then sit down," Amy hisses, and tugs on Zahn's arm. "What do you think you heard, anyway?"

"I do believe I'll stick around to discuss trade. Why, she must know how very helpful I can be," Morgan remarks. He looks down and arranges his skirts a bit, and nods.

Zahnrad goes down quickly. "Erik said airship," he whispers.

Amy seems about to reply to Zahn, then turns and grabs Morgan's hand. "Oh no you won't. Witches don't get involved in that, you very well know."

Olivia now turns to Natasha, who has been sitting very quietly through all of this. "Are you all right?" she asks in an undertone. "I know this must have been difficult for you. But Inaya seems to have turned out well enough. Perhaps that helps a little?"

"Oh, don't get me wrong – I don't intent to get involved, as you say. I just want to keep an eye on her, and see what she's about. Oh, and remind her I'm around. Plus, it would do to give her a better impression of our … backwater little town people, wouldn't you say?" Morgan smiles. "I intend to make friends."

"I'm just … thinking," Natasha says a bit absently. She's obviously watching Inaya up on the stage, who is currently talking to her bodyguards.

"I think you're trying to cause trouble," Zahnrad says flatly.

Olivia looks curiously at the older Khatta. "May I ask what about?"

"I do hear the remarks of the pot," Morgan teases Zahnrad.

"It doesn't negate my statement," Zahnrad replies.

"What I should do," Natasha remarks quietly, "About a lot of things."

"Well, you can ask Erik about it," Amelia says, then sighs. "There'll probably be a big banquet or something, and we'll have to use the great room back home. Probably have to cover up all the mounted heads… "

"You could just get rid of the heads," Zahnrad suggests.

Morgan waggles a finger at Zahnrad. "Don't worry about me," he insists.

Olivia casts a quick glance over at Inaya now, just to make quite sure that she isn't paying any attention to them. Then she lowers her voice even more and asks, "Are you thinking of… telling her anything? About you?"

"I don't know," Amy says. "Lady Julia liked the heads, but I think it's because the Gallees have a tradition of beheading their leaders or something."

"Lady Julia is a hateful hag and ought to be burned at the stake," Zahnrad mumbles.

"Your friend was right. It's wrong for her to not know," Natasha admits quietly. "But, you see how she reacts. She won't understand."

"Yes, but she did like the heads," Amy notes.

"You scare me sometimes," Zahn replies.

"Hm, I'd best speak with Natasha. You two don't do anything I wouldn't do, now," Morgan tells Zahnrad and Amelia. After standing, he heads over Natasha's way.

"She gets along with Dad too," the Kadie girl notes, sounding a bit worried.

"Now your dad scares me," Zahnrad says.

"I wouldn't do some things you would do," Zahnrad points out to Morgan. "Like … wiggle my fingers at people."

"Don't do anything Morgan wouldn't do?" Amy asks. "Who knows what Lili has gotten him to do… he scares me."

Zahnrad just shrugs at Amelia. "From what little I know of that bat, you should be scared. I can't imagine there's anything she wouldn't do," he notes.

"She wants to give me dragon wings," Amelia tells Zahn.

"Really? That would be great! You should do it," Zahn says quickly.

Olivia tries not to get her hopes up too much at Natasha's statement. "I see how she reacted to Morgan, but I think he was trying to tease her just a little bit, to see if he could get a rise out of her," she whispers. "As for her reactions to other things, I thought she was remarkably kind, given the society she grew up in. But if you ever do decide to say something, and need help, you know I'll do whatever I can for you."

"I mean, on my fur," Amy clarifies. "Dyed in. She even suggested tiger stripes for my tail!"

"Oh," Zahn says, looking a bit disappointed. He then leans over and considers Amelia's tail. "Striped tail? That could be interesting… "

"She remin' me o' vou," Bravil finally says and looks over to Natasha. His head tilts with curiosity.

Morgan retakes a seat behind Natasha, sitting with his legs out and head propped on a hand.

"No stripes," Amy says firmly. "Besides, we need to be concerned about Gunther. With a metal dagger, he could… well… shave people… "

"I … please, excuse me," Natasha says and then gets slowly to her feet. "I need some time to think. I will see everyone later," she says in a quiet voice. And with that, the Khatta heads towards the exit.

"He wouldn't dare try that," Zahnrad insists.

As Natasha heads past him, Morgan reaches to pat her shoulder. "I thought so. Natasha: if you need someone to talk to, I'll be here for you," he whispers.

Olivia looks after the gypsy with worry in her eyes. Then, shaking her head a little to pull herself out of her reverie, she gets to her own feet and pulls Djivan up with her. "C'mon, I have a missed date to make up for with you," she tells him. "And with Gunther out dancing with Bebe and Nene, we should have a lot of… privacy."

From the stage, Inaya turns and watches Natasha head towards the exit. Briefly, Natasha looks back at her, then down to Morgan. She nods without saying a word and then continues on, disappearing past the curtains.

"This is Gunther," Amelia says. "He'll already be working on a way to do it from a distance… "