The weathered carriage makes its way up the winding and ill-repaired road which circles the central mountain on Rephidim, taking it far away from the city proper. On the opposite face of the mountain, at its base (though still an appreciable way up steep slopes) can be found the fortifications of Golgotha, hewn out of solid stone in a formation that suggests a skull, in an irregular way that hints that it may be built upon a natural formation which suggested something skeletal in the first place.

On occasion, giant avians fly by in formation, presumably bearing armored riders, though the riders are sufficiently smaller (and at a much higher elevation) such that they can't really be seen from below.

The Dromodon-drawn wagon bumps along, its horse-like Rhian rider oblivious (for all one can tell) to each jolt and bump, though it's a bit harder for the two passengers to ignore.

Bassai is that passenger being jostled around, accompanied by his quiet servant Tekki. He observes the impressive vista passing in front of him, his expressions saved for uncomfortable bumps, and limited to a narrowing of his eyes.

Bassai hisses quietly to no one in particular, "Hopefully we will arrive before this carriage dissintegrates."

Tekki just looks away, avoiding showing his unavoidable expressions of displeasure to anyone, since it's not for a Savanite to be making faces – even if they're prompted by pain and surprise.

Bassai says, "Just endure Tekki, it can't be that much farther."

The carriage rolls to a stop. Outside can be seen the gate to the grounds, looking as if it has been fashioned from a single large piece of bone … or perhaps ivory … or perhaps some chitinous growth. At each side stand lupine guards in garb that bears the modified symbol of the Knights Templar – similar to the Star and Anchor, except that the tips of the star have been flanged slightly, turning it into the "Bounded Star and Anchor".

"Here we are!" whinnies the Rhian. He hops down from the carriage, and pulls off a wooden ramp which he sets at the door to the carriage, locking pegs into holes to secure it.

Bassai slithers down the ramp, thankful for its convenience then speaks to the Rhian. "I am sure you did your best, but it was less than a comfortable ride. Will you wait to take us back, or do you want to be paid now?"

The Rhian looks the snake up and down, then says, "I'm content to wait." He proceeds to remove the ramp, once Tekki has disembarked, and puts it back into its proper place hanging on the side of the carriage.

The horse adds, "Besides, it's not like I have anywhere to spend it until we get back, eh?"

Bassai flickers out his tongue, "Very true, well with the Serpents blessing this won't take too long. Come Tekki."

Bassai progresses towards the wolves, approaching the more serious looking of the two guards.

The horse checks on his Dromodons, moves the wagon aside, then settles back for a nice long nap – pausing to gauge the sky for the likelihood of rain first, that is. He decides to sit INSIDE the carriage, given the threatening nature of the late afternoon sky.

The wolf barks, "Halt! State your name and business."

Bassai says, "My name is Bassai, I am an archaeologist, and I am here to see the Champion of Roses."

The wolf looks at Bassai and at his slave, then nods his head. "You are expected. You are cleared to enter the grounds, and to proceed to the Sanctuary of Roses." The gate begins to open.

Bassai nods, "My thankss. This is my first visit, where is the Sanctuary of Rossess located?"

Beyond the gate can be seen, at the base of the great stone skull, a multitude of much smaller fortifications apart from the mountain itself. There is no real unity to their construction, a jumble of buildings, some looking more like fortifications than others, making it look more like a miniature city than a military complex.

Bassai looks past the gates. { No, I don't want to be wandering around in there as I was at the Temple. }

The guard waits until the gate opens enough to allow three persons to enter abreast, then points off toward the spires. "Proceed to the Sanctuaries, and look for the structure that bears the Crest of the Aspect of Roses. If you are unable to find it on your own, do not hesitate to ask one of the squires for assistance."

Bassai nods curtly, "My thanks again for your assistance; I will try not to disturb anyone unnecessarily."

The wolves go back to their positions, leaving Bassai and Tekki at the gate's opening.

Bassai slips through the gates, heading for the spires.

The gate slowly closes behind, once Tekki passes through. The way toward the spires is still uphill, and much looks in need of repair, though the remaining walkway is not in as ill condition as the broken road which led up to the gates. Trees stand about, hindering a view of the full expanse of the grounds that the Knights Templar roam, though the robed and armored figures can be seen heading about, even into and out of the woods, suggesting that no part of it is unused.

Bassai moves with a determined pace to disguise the small glances he makes off to either side, just … looking. He gestures, "observe" to Tekki, "indulge your curiosity."

The way to the spires is less than completely convenient, but well short of arduous. Soon, the "crests" can be seen well enough – Each building bears stained glass windows, most prominent being circular windows at the front of each structure (They face seemingly random directions) that each bear a symbol or icon or picture. The Champion of Flame and the Crimson Lance are represented, simply enough, by a dancing flame depicted in the stained glass window. And so on and so forth. Only one building seems to be in particular disrepair, its stained glass of a smoky color, and shattered. At least the pieces have been cleaned away – and probably long ago.

A flash of magenta off to one side catches the snake's attention … alerting him to the presence of a structure that has a stained glass window that depicts a stylized rose, surrounded by stylized vines and thorns.

Bassai observes the various stained windows. "I believe our destination is this way," he says and heads towards the stylized rose.

Tekki looks about, but he seems faintly intimidated from going out of bounds in pursuit of satisfaction of curiosity. He stays close to his master, although being more open in looking about.

The building graced with the stained glass window of the stylized rose looks more greenhouse than fortification. The grass and plants immediately about it are better tended than those about those in the immediate vicinity, though for the most part even the others are fairly well kept – especially in light of the size of the overall complex, and the work that must be required to keep such things up.

There is no sign of that flash of magenta. The front entrance is an open archway, beyond which can be seen vegetation inside – bushes … rose bushes.

Bassai flickers out his tongue, tasting the mixed rose scents as he approaches the archway.

Bassai says, "The champion may require some seeking out."

Bassai glances around, trying to catch any flash of magenta, and then simply heads towards the open arch, looking inside.

The tiled floor inside the archway is flanked by beds of roses of all major varieties, and a few of more obscure origin. The path splits ahead, circling around a pool with floating lilies on its placid surface, flashes of gold darting about within its depths.

Windows to each side let in considerable sunlight, the structure at this point being more window than solid stone. However, ahead the windows give way to more solid structure, and a slight raise in the floor – a floor which, at a semicircular juncture, has a mosaic tile pattern on the floor blending the symbol of the Bounded Star and Anchor with a stylized rose.

Bassai slides past the lily pond, blending surprisingly well with the foliage as he approaches the open juncture. "Don't eat the goldfish, Tekki," he says, in a way that suggests he was perhaps tempted to.

Crossing this garden does not take terribly long, though there are enough distractions to make the trip take much longer for anyone who cared to inspect it fully. As for the tiled floor beyond, it serves as a juncture from which radiate five doors – to the west, northwest, north, northeast and east. (The structure runs north-south, or particularly close to it, if not perfectly.)

Tekki gulps and nods his head in response, following close behind his master.

As Bassai passes the bond, there are fewer obstructions of his view of the mosaic-floored section of the building … and he can now see that there is a lone figure seated on a marble bench to one side of the doors. It is a Savanite slave, wearing spectacles, pausing to flip a page in a book that he is reading.

Bassai slithers to the centre of the tiled floor, resting on the symbol of the Bounded Star and Anchor, and examines the options.

The five doors are all closed, and more or less nondescript, albeit of solid construction.

Bassai notices the slave and heads towards him, waiting for a respectable acknowledgment of his presence.

The slave startles at Bassai's approach, and sets the book down beside him, adjusting his spectacles. He stands and then bows to the Naga.

Tekki stands behind and to one side of his master, at a respectful but accessible distance, watching the meeting, but also keeping a wary look about the chamber for anything that might suddenly pop out of the garden or one of those doors.

Bassai bows politely as well, then addresses the Savanite, "I am seeking the Champion of Roses, or perhaps, yourself. She informed me she had one knowledgible slave, and that was the person I finally intended to speak to."

Bassai says, "I am an archaeologist; do you have any knowledge of this subject?"

The slave signs, "It is my humble honor to be of service to you, sir. I am Ibis, servant of the Champion of Roses. I was formerly a possession of Lord Titus haut Mikide, and schooled in matters pertaining to his expeditions."

Ibis adds, "In answer to your question, sir, yes, I have some knowledge of archaeology, though my knowledge of course does not compare to that possessed by even the least of the esteemed students of ancient history that the Nagai Empire is pleased to send out to unravel the mysteries of our world."

Bassai nods, flattered even though it doesn't show, "Most excellent. I am Bassai and do indeed seek the many mysteries of the ancient Nagai Empire. My present search leads me to believe that you may assist me."

Bassai says, "Specifically, by providing some details of your former owner's plans."

Ibis bows again. "My former owner had many plans in regards to archaeological expeditions. I hope that I do not presume too much to believe that you might perchance be interested in details of the expedition to the Vykarin Wastes?"

Bassai nods, "Yess, that was the one that captured my attention. You anticipate my needs well. I must say you are an excellent assistant, and if I did not possess Tekki, I would be very jealous of your present owner."

Tekki's tail twitches. Is that a look of jealousy?

Ibis bows his head again. "It is the wish of the Champion of Roses that you be given the information you require. There may be much to tell. Do you require any sustenance or any other accommodations while you are here? Perhaps some cushions to recline upon in the garden?"

Bassai nods, "Yes, some cushions would be most excellent, the tiles here are swiftly becoming uncomfortable. As for sustenance, some tea would be nice. Tekki will assist you with the cushions, and may require some food. Please find him something if so."

Bassai says to Tekki, "You have my permission to ask for something small if you are hungry."

Ibis bows his head again, signing, "I will now depart, if it please you, sir. I regret that it is not the will of the Champion of Roses that any should follow me into her chambers." With an apologetic gesture, Ibis heads up to the central, northern door, raps upon it a single time, then, without pausing long enough for anyone to respond, opens it and steps through.

Tekki nods to Bassai, but pauses at the door, looking faintly frustrated as he seeks for some way to be of assistance despite being barred from following.

Bassai nods after the departed figure, "I see. Do not trouble yourself Tekki; consider it a moment's rest."

Before Tekki can take much advantage of the moment's rest, Ibis comes through the door again, bearing cushions. He hands them to Tekki, offering the Naga's servant a chance to be helpful after all, and slips back into the chamber once more.

Bassai says, "There, please arrange them in the way you know I prefer."

Tekki takes the cushions, and heads over to whatever spot his master seems inclined to recline upon, and sets out the cushions in as appropriate manner as he should know how.

Bassai watches his slave, then glances down at the book Ibis was reading. "Have you ever wanted to read a book I didn't tell you to, Tekki?"

The door opens again, revealing Ibis once more, who comes through with a tray bearing a tea service. It also includes a covered platter. The servant of the Champion sets this down before Bassai.

Tekki blinks at Bassai, and signs, "I am curious to learn more so that I may serve you better, master, but far be it from me to pry into any matter to your displeasure." Hmm. Being around Ibis must be encouraging him to be a bit more verbose in his signed responses…

Bassai reclines on the cushions, "I will consider some books in the future then. At the moment, please see to my tea." He turns his attention back to Ibis.

Ibis sets out the contents of the tray, then removes the cover from a platter, revealing a particularly plump-looking yiffle bound and garnished, looking frightened nearly to the point of cardiac arrest. The Savanite does not look at the creature, but sets the lid aside, signing, "If you should be hungry, here is a modest morsel provided for you by the wishes of the Champion of Roses."

Tekki takes over the business of handling the tea, freeing Ibis to better answer Bassai's queries.

Bassai says, "Please pass my compliments on to the Champion of Roses; she has provided me with much more than I anticipated. I am overwhelmed at her generosity and your quality of service."

Bassai says, "I do believe I will partake of some food. One moment."

Ibis bows his head again, then signs, "At your leisure, sir, I am at your service, to answer what questions you may have, to the best of my meager abilities and limited understanding."

Bassai takes the deliciously garnished yiffle and swallows it with obvious relish.

Ibis remains, sitting on the tiled floor, awaiting questions from the Naga archaeologist.

Bassai finishes eating the yiffle, and follows it up with a few sips of tea, waiting for it his meal to settle, then speaks. "There. Most immediately, I need to know the location, and how it was found. I have some writing utensils should you wish to draw a map."

Ibis bows his head, then signs, "The Champion of Roses would not wish for your time to be unnecessarily wasted, hence I was instructed to prepare maps before your arrival." He turns to one side, while still seated, opening up a stone coffer, and pulling out some leather-bound scrolls, which he then hands over to Bassai.

"I humbly beg your forgiveness, if some of these maps are of no interest to you," Ibis signs, "for I was not certain of the breadth of your interest in the matters of Lord Titus haut Mikide's endeavors. These represent the locations of all of Lord Mikide's expeditions sanctioned by the Temple and – up until the time of my dismissal – underway by his direction."

Bassai says, "So you oversaw most of his expeditions? Hmmm, could you name a few suppliers in Rephidim that are a good source for the necessary equipment?"

Bassai says, "The maps will be useful, I am sure, and in any case your knowledge should be preserved for future need."

Ibis nods, then signs, "The translation of my phonetic sign to Rephidim Standard might leave many options for error. I shall write down a list, if it should please you, sir." He retrieves some more materials from the coffer – writing utensils and parchment.

Bassai nods, "Yes, that would be most sufficient."

Ibis proceeds to write down a list of the suppliers that Lord Titus did business with … although he takes a bit longer on several accompanying notes. (Some of the suppliers include notes that recommend, in very polite and diplomatically obtuse language, NOT doing business with them.)

Bassai sips his tea, observing the efforts of a well trained, properly educated Savanite.

Once Ibis finishes with the list and recommendations, he hands it over to add with the maps. He then looks a bit apologetic as he signs, "Oh yes. It is not my place to offer recommendations, given my limited understanding, and this is beyond what the Champion of Roses has directed me … but I submit that you may wish to take care in approaching my former master in regards to any plans you may have in pursuing any of these sites."

Bassai nods, "As I have no knowledge of your former master beyond rumours, I will take your advice. My main desire was to question someone knowledgible and competent, and I have found that to be you."

Bassai says, "Some of these rumours I have found to be most strange, and if you would indulge a mild digression … I have heard it said that some of his discoveries broke his mind, and the minds of his slaves."

Ibis bows his head, then signs, "If you should wish more information about my former master's expeditions, I might humbly recommend that you seek out Isstan, master of the Sphere of Mind. He would, more than any other, know of the truths behind my former master's … practices."

Bassai says, "Isstan, yes, I have heard of him, I believe. I will contact him at a latter time. I had asked the Champion if I could purchase you. She declined. my desire still is to obtain some workers skilled in archaeology. Are they on the list of suppliers?"

Bassai says, "Guards, bearers, and a few to dig and prepare specimens, that sort of personnel."

Ibis bows his head, then signs, "I humbly regret that my kind are rare to be found educated in such matters as archaeology. I know not how to recommend any source of workers especially attuned to your needs, aside from the usual hired help. My former master's contacts would be of limited use to you, I am afraid."

"As for myself," Ibis signs, "I sincerely doubt the Champion of Roses would be willing to part with me. It is meant as no affront to you, I assure you, sir."

Bassai nods, "A pity that, and I can see why. It is most unfortunate that most of your kind lack proper education. I have never regretted giving some to Tekki. Savanites make most agreeable workers."

Bassai flickers out his tongue, then takes a moment to sip his tea, { Most curious, his demeanor suddenly seems nervous. I wonder why? }

Ibis bows his head. "You are most kind, sir. It is my utmost desire that I may not disappoint you in your assessment of my kind."

Bassai signs, "You do not disappoint me in the least," then occupies his hands with the tea, sipping it again.

Ibis nods, and remains there quietly while the Naga sips at his tea.

Tekki is fairly quiet as well, as per usual.

Bassai says, "I have heard that possessions of your former master were driven insane by some of the things they saw while on expeditions. Kame Ikata being one, can you shed any light on these rumours, or should I take this also up with Isstan?"

Ibis adjusts his spectacles, then signs, "My knowledge of this is limited, but this is a matter that no one fully understands. Kame Ikata was borrowed from his master by Lord Titus, in order that he might paint the interior of a First Ones ruin in the Vykarin Wastes. Kame Ikata was left alone to work through the night, painting a chamber … and was found apart from his senses when morning came."

Bassai says, "This is the same site you have indicated to me with the maps?"

Ibis nods. "That is so. As for Kame Ikata, the paintings he worked on during this expedition – including this very one – are in the possession of Lord Titus haut Mikide … although they will be sold off in auction."

Bassai says, "Do you have any specifics on the chamber he was left in, and what he was painting? Ah yes, I see, when will that auction commence?"

Ibis signs, "My apologies, sir. The auction is, barring delays, currently underway this very day. I was not aware you had not been informed."

Bassai says, "Oh! That is not your fault. How long will it last? I still have a few things to question you on."

Ibis adds, "Lord Titus haut Mikide has not been very good at advertising his auctions. I would not be surprised if he was reluctant to part with his possessions. As for the auction … I expect it will last well into this evening."

Ibis says, "It should be held at Alysin's Auction House. That is where Lord Titus has been auctioning off all his former possessions … such as myself."

Bassai says, "Hopefully the piece I desire then will not sell before I have time to arrive. How will I recognize it? Are there any other living possessions you recommend I purchase if they are on sale?"

"If it would be of any use to you," Ibis offers, "I may be able to accompany you to the auction, and aid in any identification of artifacts for sale. As for any other … living possessions … I believe Lord Titus sold off all his excess possessions of that nature some time ago."

Bassai nods, "Please seek permission to accompany me then, and I will ask my minor questions along the way. Before we leave, was there anything else you had prepared in anticipation, that I have neglected to ask you for so far?"

Tekki's tail twitches nervously, as he looks to his master for direction.

Ibis signs, "The maps are the only items that I had prepared for you ahead of time, sir. As for permission, it is already within the bounds of the directions given to me by the Champion of Roses. She is already at the Auction House presently."

Bassai says, "Let us proceed there immediately then. Tekki, run and wake up the carriage driver, have him turn it around and be ready for us."

Bassai carefully gathers up the materials supplied by Ibis, then contemplates the cushions he is resting on. "Do you think the Champion would loan me the short use of a few of these? The ride is atrocious."

Tekki gets up and bows to his master, then heads out of the gardens. Once outside, he goes at a much faster sprint.

Ibis bows his head to Bassai. "If it would please you, sir, then so you mayt make use of them."

Bassai nods, "Please bring three then – one for myself, you and Tekki. I need your hands free enough that you can answer my questions, and I see no reason to make him suffer through that trip again. Let us depart now."

Bassai slithers quickly towards the gates, with Ibis following with his burden of cushions. This time he spares no side glances, and is satisfied to see the carriage ready as he arrives at the gates. Climbing aboard, he signals for the Rhian to make it quick.

The carriage clatters off, the passengers inside holding tight, and when possible conversing about Titus haut Mikade's former expeditions while rushing off to the auction of the items created during one of them.