Bassai slithers onto the causeway, having interrupted his work on various projects to respond to an invitation which instructed him to be present here. He looks along the line of statues and sees one covered with a drape. The archaeologist progresses towards it.

The statue is completely covered by a heavy cloth, conspicuously having two peaks – one notably higher than the other – rather than one.

The Minister of Savanite Affairs slithers closer to the twin peaked statue, looking around for the author of the invitation.

In short order, the Naga artist from the sculpting chamber can be seen … as well as several nobles and their attendants, coming down both directions of the Causeway. At first, Bassai might have cause to worry that he would be in danger of being 'honored' under the wheels of a selona rickshaw … but the pace of each vehicle slows, each passenger disembarking, and taking a place to regard the draped statue and the one standing before it.

Bassai nods respectfully to the approaching dignitaries. He spares an extra glance for the sculptor, and to try and see who the Master of this particular Ceremony will turn out to be.

The last arrival is the largest – an aged and greatly scarred serpent whose time in this plane may well exceed that of the Emperor. His scars, unless the tales are made more bland than they need be, have been earned simply through age and various misadventures in the palace, rather than any accomplishments on the battlefield. He is the Caretaker of Memories, the chief historian of the Nagai Empire, and his mind holds a treasure trove of its own, to be sure. He would easily command the honor of crawling over all present, but it is effort enough for him to simply disembark from his rickshaw, and he does not seem interested in going through such formalities, but simply looks over to Bassai and the draped statue expectantly.

The artist slithers up, next, taking position next to a corner of the drape. He flicks his tongue frequently and proudly, holding his head up high, except when he bows low to Bassai in passing. The glitter of anticipation in his eye is not diminished in any way – He's glad to be here, and this is his moment as much as Bassai's, it would seem.

The archeologist, and now Minister bows to the Caretaker of Memories. It is a formalized ritual gesture that shows the supplicant's willingness to adhere to honour, with the understanding that it will not be required on this occasion. As Bassai straightens up, he surveys the crowd, flicking out his tongue before drawing in a breath. A pause that will allow anyone who is going to speak the chance, before he commences.

The Caretaker, tired as he is from the years, appears to be the one to partake of that particular honor, as he slowly (oh so slowly) unrolls a parchment scroll. His tongue flicks several times before he draws in an audible breath to begin speaking …

In a barely understandable, raspy, hissing voice, the Caretaker's words could be translated, given a time to think on them, "Bassai, Archaeologist and Minister of Savanite Affairs … " and then a considerable space for appropriate and creative titles, "… you have distinguished yourself above and beyond what is expected even of those greatly honored in your profession, by accomplishing that which cannot be replicated. Your place in history is guaranteed. … " He pauses, but there's probably more.

After the pause, commendations continue on in a similar vein, and then, "To recognize not only your accomplishments in discovering a new sky island, and a key piece to solve the mystery of their origins, but also your commendable work in uplifting savages to become like unto civilized peoples, this token of the Emperor's appreciation has been commissioned, so that you may be remembered forever hence."

There is another long pause. Eventually, no words forthcoming from the Caretaker, he looks around (slowly), then (slowly) folds up the parchment and puts it away. "What are you waiting for?" he hisses.

Bassai seems swollen with pride at the caretaker's words. He stands proud and tall, and turns to watch the sculptor standing beside his work.

The sculptor shakes himself out of a half-stupor, and yanks on the edge of the drape. It slides off of the statue, descending to the ground.

The subject of the statue gazes upon the monument.

Sunlight glints off of the highly-polished statue, a larger-than-life rendition of Bassai, in a heroic pose, gesturing somewhere off in the distance with one hand, and bearing some unknown (but surely important) writings, with Tekki by his side, looking hopefully onward.

It's all so … monumental … except …

… it has been painted yellow, with black spots.

"HISSSSSSSS!" is heard from several of those watching. The sculptor's jaw drops.

Bassai flicks out his tongue, glaring at the defamation. He manages to control a hiss of anger, and silently stares on.

The Caretaker blinks at the statue … or perhaps it's a spot just above it … quite oblivious to the fact that anything is amiss.

A rattling noise can be heard, but it soon stills as the owner simply grabs his own tail, hoping vainly that nobody noticed.

After a moment, Bassai manages to regain some of his composure. "I am most graciously honoured by this gift from the Emperor." He gives a quick glance at the artist, before facing the crowd.

The sculptor is crestfallen. He feels at his neck, as if not fully believing that it is still there … or that it may remain there for very long. He gives Bassai a most pitiful, pleading look.

"I can see that my new portfolio has perhaps been consuming too much of my time," the archeologist continues in a cheery tone, "It would seem that some of my staff have pulled a small jape that implies my work is in danger of taking over me. I trust it will wash off."

"Y-yessss," stammers the artist. "I will PERSSSSONALLY sssscrub it!" He frets with his claw-hands nervously.

The Caretaker looks around, then starts slithering back to his rickshaw. It would seem he thinks business here is finished, as the rickshaw slowly heads away. A few of the rest of the crowd seem eager to depart, while others simply have a look of disorientation. Even if Bassai's position may not be terribly popular … defacing of a statue such as – one commissioned by the EMPEROR – is unheard-of. This is punishable by – as with so many other crimes – slow, painful (and very creative) death.

"I would appreciate that greatly," Bassai says in a quiet aside to the sculptor. Noticing the anxiousness of the crowd, he decides to forgo the lengthy impromptu speech he was preparing. "I would like to thank you all for attending this occasion. As we are all busy with respective duties, I won't keep you with a long talk. I will simply say I am honoured, and today will be firmly fixed in my mind for the rest of my life."

The ringneck Naga slithers to the side of his statue's pedestal to converse privately with the artist, and signal that anyone who wishes to leave may do so.

The rattler, still holding his tail, looks at the rickshaws of those departing. His name is Breenan, and he is Chief Gardener – not merely a groundskeeper, but a full-fledged botanist. He looks back to Bassai and hisses, "Pleassse, Minisssster. Give ussss your sssspeech. Do not let your moment be ssstolen by criminalssss."

There are several nods of ascent – even from a few that have, during moments in the palace, made it clear that they didn't like Bassai's attitudes toward Savanites.

Bassai feels a renewal deep inside his scales at this request, and moves once again to stand prominently in front of his statue. "You are right, it would be improper to let petty vandalism sully a proud moment. I am deeply honoured to be here today; at many times on the sky island, and during my previous expeditions, I was worried that I would be here at all."

Breenan manages a snakish equivalent of a faint smile, and settles back a bit on his coils, at last releasing his tail – which makes not much more of any sound than usual.

"The many statues that line this causeway are of equally great Nagai who have contributed to our Glorious Empire." The ringneck waves his hand at the long line that stretches off into the distance. "They are who inspired me."

Several serpents nod, no doubt having their own personal heroes in mind. Even some of the Jingai faintly nod at this.

"Marissonon, conqueror of the three continents and discoverer of Rephidim; Telialun the Far Wanderer, the explorer who travelled to Lamu in the age before airships; Hurgal, Delver of Secrets of the Stars, who found the heart of the comet that is now the largest diamond in the Emperor's collection." The Archeologist gestures at the stone figures in the distance. "Heian, Pentrakki, Kankuset… "

"All of these bold Nagai were who I looked up to in my many years in the Institute of Archeology. Thinkers, Explorers, who struck out into the unknown with the sole desire to find greatness hidden there, and add it to our empire." The Ringneck rises proudly to his full height. "I wished to accomplish something as grand as they have, to contribute to the collective glory that is the Nagai Empire. It is what makes us strong, the way our history is interwoven into our present, each coil adding to the one that will come after."

Several chins raise, as Bassai's ringing words inspire reverie and remembrance of dreams in many members of his audience.

"Each statue represents a turning point in our past, where the action of one individual moved us ahead. Our progress is never straight, but it always towards greatness." Memories come to the Archeologist's mind, of sweltering long hours in a digging pit, trying to coax one more secret from the ground. Tedious hours researching old texts, attempting to find a reference that would help a breakthrough. More recent memories, of eavesdropping in the temple, the violent deaths of Fetiss and Thorn, and fleeing from the Sabaoth's forces. He swallows them into the small places of his mind as he continues with his speech. "I cannot describe the pride I am now feeling at being counted one of those points."

"It has always been my dream to recover the glories we have misplaced in the millenniums of our Empire. It did not feel grand at the time, but it was the motivation behind it that has earned me a statue here today. The simple desire to uncover what is historically ours, for everyone to see and marvel in the glory of what we have accomplished." Bassai turns to look up at his statue, and looks past the paint job, at the pose he suggested. A gesture indicating the future possibilities. "It was while I was undertaking this task, that I made the dramatic discoveries that have earned me such acclaim, and come to the realizations that have brought me some ire. This is why I am so elated at the honour; this statue is both a personal tribute, and a permanent mark of the moment the Nagai Empire once again moved forward, into the unknown, into the marvelous, leaving everyone else to follow on our trail."

Bassai turns back to the crowd, "and that is why today is forever fixed in my mind. I have seen my hard work turn to glory, and add to the Empire."

The audience can withhold its reaction no longer. Tails whack against the floor of the causeway, the tremulations felt through the cobbles. (The rattlers, such as Breenan, simply shake their tails, creating enough noise as it is.)

Bassai's speech is met with the Nagai equivalent of enthusiastic applause.

The Ringneck Archeologist, Minister, and other titles he has trouble remembering proudly hears, and feels the deep rumbling accolade. He lets it wash his earlier discomfort away. He gazes happily back at the crowd.

Bassai's only twinge of regret is that none of his close friends are here to share this moment with him. He swallows that feeling as well.

The applause dies out, and, one by one, those assembled move forward to offer their congratulations and words of encouragement – and occasionally support – to the accomplished archaeologist.

Bassai graciously accepts the congratulations, and kind words, and conscientiously makes an effort to remember the offers of support for a latter date.

And, one by one, they make their departure … at last leaving only Bassai and a very nervous-looking artist who isn't NEARLY so excited as before. Anxiety-stricken would be more appropriate.

"Will you be able to restore it?" the archeologist asks.

The artist looks to Bassai and says, in all honesty, "I ssshall or die trying."

The ringneck nods, "It is unfortunate that some base individual exists, who does not share your pride in the work, or respect a gift of the Emperor. I appreciate your efforts, it is a fantastic sculpture."

"In a way, that paint is not such a bad thing. It reminds me that true greatness may be covered, but cannot be hidden forever." Bassai muses philosophically, "however, it is also insulting and I will feel much better when no trace of it remains."

"Of course," nods the artist. He immediately grabs the drape and starts scrubbing at the paint. It's a vain gesture, of course, but such is his desperation to get started. Perhaps when there's nobody looking, he will go for more effective solvents.

It is then, though, that Bassai notices that the causeway is not completely empty. This would not be unusual, of course – In fact, it would be more unusual if a rickshaw would have rumbled by here by now – but the lone stranger would appear to be a single, spotted feline dressed in well-worn garments.

"It leaves me wondering who dislikes me so much they would deface a work of art. I see I will have to be watching my back… " Bassai stops his frustrated hissing as he notices the lone figure.

The figure approaches, a stone's throw away, silhouetted in the light of the setting sun. Already, the yellow paint of the statue takes on a more golden, then orange hue.

The Ringneck Naga turns to face the backlit individual. His pupils narrowing into slits as he gazes into the setting sun. His hands rise to sign, "Tekki?"

The Savanite approaches, and the silhouette splits, revealing a second, shadowed figure walking just behind him, shorter, but also a spotted feline. Yes, it is Tekki, and one other. The former slave approaches his former master, and bows deeply as his answer to the signed question.

Bassai flicks out his tongue, and observes the second figure, then returns his gaze to Tekki. "It's good to see you again, and… who is this?"

A faint smile spreads on Tekki's face as he nods, and his companion looks up at Bassai with liquid, beautiful brown eyes, blinking at him expressively. Tekki signs, "She is my betrothed, Rainbow."

"You are as lovely as your namesake." The ringneck Naga signs to the smaller Savanite, "and you both have been blessed with the treasure of each other. My congratulations, Tekki, Rainbow."

Tekki nods again, and Rainbow's ears blush from under her head-drape as she bows her head to Bassai.

"Ah Tekki, I understand at last. Still, I do wish you had told me, it would have made a few things… easier." The archeologist dismisses many distracted hours of self reflection in a few words. "Will you be staying? I would like both of you to meet Sephira. We have been spending a fair amount of time together. The plant has also become quite interesting, and… ah, pardon me. I'm rambling."

Tekki looks to Rainbow, then to Bassai, then to the statue. "I am sorry … Minister … for what happened to your statue. I am glad you were so honored, but saddened by the insult."

The ringneck nods his head, "I am too. It will wash off, I hope. He looks up at the carved figures, and how the paint glows in the evening rays. "Some people just do not appreciate change. I can tolerate the attack, because I know what I'm doing is for the best. It has to be. I wish it was as clear to everyone else."

Tekki only nods solemnly in response. "I would be pleased to stay a while, Minister. But perhaps now … is not a good time for me to be your guest." He looks meaningfully to the statue.

Bassai nods, looking at the statue, and replying with a sighing hiss, "True. I'll have to see what can be arranged. Perhaps I can provide quarters for you in another part of the city, or somesuch thing. Things have been very awkward, and I appreciate non-hostile company."

Tekki nods his head. "I do not wish to impose, sir. With freedom comes responsibility."

The archaeologist flicks out his tongue, a glint to his eye. "Oh, it would not be an imposition, and you could always proof-read the first draft of my book if you're feeling too guilty. I want someone who will check the spelling without scanning it for legal implications first."

"Its up to you, I realize you may have other things on your mind now." Bassai smiles at the two Savanites. "I'm sure my opponents will find just as much to use against me in your absence as your presence."

Rainbow signs, "The risks you have taken will not be forgotten, sir." And then she hugs her hands close to herself, as if afraid she has signed too much.

The archaeologist nods, patting the pedestal once then signing, "That is why we have statues." Other possible meanings to her words may have occurred to the Naga, but he hides any reaction to the interpretations so Rainbow won't feel uncomfortable.

Tekki manages a smile toward Bassai, and then looks up at the statue.

"And hopefully soon I will have a clean one." Bassai says proudly as he moves to stand beside the Savanites and look up at the Sculptor attempting to remove the damage. "Your colours are pretty, especially with the golden tinge it gives; I think my own would be vastly more striking, however."