Back in the Ambassador Kara's quarters, which have the sheen of new-wrought stone that has never seen the ravage of time, Degarde sits upon one of the guest chairs and awaits Brishen's words. He clasps his hands, all attention.

Brishen settles down on her chair, glancing back towards Sunrise and Snow-Ivy as she loosens her hair in a meaningful fashion. Since being appointed Ambassador, she's let it grow considerably longer, though it still manages to be quite unruly. "How much do you know of Savanite sign, Degarde?" She bites her lower lip, then continues, "That's not the right question. I know a lot was said that I didn't understand, both in sign, and motion."

"I have a fair command of basic Savanite," Degarde says carefully. "Diplomats before us have found that slaves often speak between themselves unwarily, which can reveal valuable information at negotiations. But yes, you're right. I have no idea what happened there, but I can tell you that no love was lost between the Aeolun and the Temple of Rephidim."

Brishen brushes a lock of hair from her eyes, nodding. "I don't think Envoy has many friends, here, or in Rephidim." She furrows her brow, "I'm not even certain why she's here – When I last saw her, she was a Zelak scout."

Degarde looks surprised. "A Zelak scout? Really, Ambassador? She doesn't look at all like one of them."

Brishen smiles faintly, "I know it sounds strange, but it's true. She has a knack for appearing in odd places." She crosses her legs at the ankles, primly, and continues, "She also has a talent for trouble."

Degarde purses his lips primly. "I would say so, Ambassador! I trust you are not contemplating the addition of an Aeolun to our staff? At best, I would say, she might make an informant of some level, but certainly not one to be trusted with keeping information or requests privy."

Brishen blinks. "N-no. That wouldn't be a good idea. We've a hard enough path in Rephidim without her."

Brishen raises her brow a little, and looks over her shoulder at Sunrise and Snow-Ivy, then back at Degarde. "I'd like you to teach me Savanite, Degarde. I'll need you with me now, when I see the Priest-Queen, but it would be useful later. And how are the Nagai involved with this city?"

Degarde looks puzzled. "Then why do you ask of her? It seems clear that… Oh, dear. I can instruct you on some basic Savanite gestures, but it would be prohibitively difficult, even if you were blessed with a full recall, my dear, to teach you the full language in the space of a few hours. As to the Nagai… " He rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"I have noted no official Naga presence," the secretary says. "If I recall the few circulars that reached us in the last diplomatic pouch, in fact, the Nagai empire had elected on a distinctly frosty approach to the Savanite declaration of independence. Understandable, really. It doesn't make them look good."

Brishen smiles. "I suspect, Degarde, that you'll be teaching me for quite some time." Her eyes narrow faintly, "It is important, though. We'll have servants at the Embassy, and I don't like the idea of not being able to speak with them. It's not right… "

Degarde nods. "Of course, Ambassador."

Brishen nods after a brief pause. "I'm not planning to pledge assistance to the city, or offer recognition beyond what Ashdod has, already. It's not my place, especially as ambassador to Rephidim. I do, however, want to speak to the Priest-Queen as one who is also of two nations. You noticed how the statues were dressed, didn't you?"

"It seemed an obvious copy of Templar armor," Degarde offers.

Brishen tilts her head. "But why? There's a connection here between this city and Rephidim. I don't know what it is, entirely, but I know it's important. At the very least, it makes me cautious: It wouldn't surprise me if the Temple wondered why a Babelite ambassador was here, and why I was chosen, in particular."

Degarde holds up his hands. "Now, now, dear Ambassador. These are salient points, but perhaps there are other explanations. It might be that they see the Temple as powerful and seek to emulate it. The Naga Empire has charged that the City of Hands represents an aping of their own customs, you know. Nothing more than made-up history. Though I personally cannot say which might be true."

Brishen shrugs fluidly. "Then why not imitate the Nagai? Why imitate a nation that holds them in slavery, resolutely?" She grins, "Unless, of course, the Nagai feel that the Temple imitates them, and in so doing the Savanites imitate the Empire."

Degarde chuckles. "Perhaps the Savanites view the Naga offer of freedom at a price as insulting, Ambassador? Consider, if you would: these lands are officially claimed by the Nagai Empire. How much would have to be paid by the Savanites if each and every one of these here were to be certified and made to wear their freedom jewelry? They may see the Temple as the one government that can defend them against Naga claims of jurisdiction."

Brishen fidgets a little. Eventually Sunrise and Snow-Ivy will attend to her hair. "Maybe, but it seems odd that they'd select a nation that has no intention of offering them freedom." She sticks the tip of her tongue out, then squeaks, "What do you know of the Priest-Queen?"

"Well, as you know, without a Captain-Astromancer in Rephidim, the situation is still in stasis," Degarde offers. "It may be that they expect the next Captain-Astromancer, when one is selected, to be significantly friendlier to Savanite diplomatic overtures. Though I really have no information on whether this can be expected to be true or not. As to the Priest-King, well, I know nothing whatsoever."

Brishen shrugs, grinning a little. "My father always said that new experiences were good things. And maybe the new Captain-Astromancer will be more supportive. I really don't know."

Degarde nods. "Of course, Ambassador. Shall we get started with some Savanite lessons, then?"

Brishen smiles, nodding. "Of course. The first thing I'd like to know is how to say 'May I have some fried grasshoppers'."

Degarde laughs. "Let's start with something simpler, Ambassador… " He gestures with one hand. "Yes." Another gesture for "No," and so it goes.