Miles to go before she sleeps

[Ghanima]

Weary.

Weary was the best word to describe the Empress Reagent’s current disposition. It had only sunk in once her child, who would take the throne as soon as they were old enough and educated properly had been sent down to the continent to receive specialized tutoring somewhere in the land of Maur, the country that bore her family’s name much the same as Maur Prima and Secundus.

Ghanima had been quite busy; allocating funds from external trade to finish up rebuilding and redesigning the sky city’s infrastructure which had been severe enough to have needed years of work. The council had been completely restructured as well; those few members found to have aided and abetted Kriese Maur in her failed coup seemingly having just...disappeared. Of course they had been heads of their respective great houses and worthy explanations provided by the law via her Bedrocks had been provided to the families. It had all been very neat and, as far as her intelligence informed her— they suspected nothing.

Being a good ruler didn’t mean being efficient without sacrifice. And Ghanima would not tolerate treason sitting on her seat of seven— and she wouldn’t allow those houses to wear the shame of what the members had done for decades to come.

In these delicate times no one could afford shame for their family names or for the empire as her people needed cohesion now more than ever with how wonderfully the entire empire was sliding back onto track without flaw. As far as she was concerned those betraying, worthless creatures had given their lives for the greater good. There was no more honorable way to die.

However in her now thirteen years of ruling the empire after having taken the throne at a young and equally wise and ruthless fourteen years of age that did not mean the cloak, dagger and subterfuge she ordered of her Bedrocks didnt bother the woman.

Nut brown, delicate hands wrung the gilded iron balcony of the veranda on the floor above the throne room; their owner’s brows knit and lips pressed while she mulled over what should and must be done to keep the peace. her hair was pulled back simply; the silver and crimson length folded and clipped to reveal every angle and curvature of her delicate, heart shaped face. Strange hazel eyes in azure and sienna scanned the landscape her floating ziggurat currently hovered over; a sprawling coniferous forest to the north of the continent clear across the planet from her continent. To think if they’d chosen to ‘park’ the city some six hundred miles to the east they would have been hovering over the Redpoint lands.

For now, the planet— their ‘Sanctum’ as all called the world wasn’t cold. It was summer in this part of the enormous world and though the season was hot and unforgiving everywhere else it was still somewhat cool this close to the cold peak of the planet. The skies were gray and heavy rain fell over the endless expanse of evergreen forest.

Ghanima was a being born under the hot sun in the arid deserts in Maur, but, she found herself enjoying the gold climates more and more. Sometimes, she considered permitting her people to colonize parts of the great north. Why not? And then someone interrupted her thoughts.

“Infernal matrix…” came the husky voice of one of her highest priestesses. Ozur, with her shaved head and copper colored eyes was suddenly on the veranda with her after having passed through the atrium. The balcony sat on the far side of the ziggurat facing away from the city and so, above and below them they only had the sloping expanse of the enormous black pyramid to hear them— and perhaps the Obelisk. The private docking port far below only used by herself and foreign dignitaries was too far below to be an issue. “You asked to stay updated on Celesin? It is time I reported.’

“Mmmh…” would be her answer as she turned away from watching the rain hit the trees nearly one hundred feet below them. A deep crimson caftan trailed behind her as she turned toward the imperial sorceress— bored. Ghanima regretted asking, really. The empire that threatened her own some years ago hadn’t been, at least visible, up to much at all. If they had any affairs that threatened her interests or her people they certainly were quiet about it. She hoped it was apathy.

Not meaning to be so symbolic, the empress yawned widely whilst trying to speak to Ozur. ’Yes….report. I know.’

[Sergei-Deker]

The commander of this once cutting edge ship was once more at her helm. The storied Obertus and Sanders Star ship Abyssal had once been the vanguard ship, designed to lead the charge against enemies which threatened the United Planets Federation. The charge had failed. This remnant of a failed Coup against the Exercions only survived by its captain and crews ingenuity. Sleek would be a word for the craft which could at most only support 10 people. It was the private jet of star ships. It was also small enough to make sub-orbital travel with little difficulty. The black crafts propulsion jets cut off as the Black Sun Capital came within view. Coasting now to acceptable speeds to compensate for any other air traffic in the area. The excessively tall man and his entourage of five others that seemed to dwarf his own impressive eight foot stature by a good foot were at the ready. He flicked a switch and began to broadcast to the control tower.

"This is Dorian Dignitary Sergei Deker requesting permission to dock. I am sending over my credentials now on a secured channel. I will be accompanied by five deltas as a precautionary measure. Hope you don't mind but I got stuck with baby sitting duty." His words had a rumbling bass quality to them, and the chuckle he added to the tail end of his transmission had much the same quality.

He stood up and would allow the auto-pilot to take over docking. Turning to address the cloaked figures which were taller than he. "Alright Boys, no attacking, no snarling, no intimidation. We're here on Emperors orders. We make good with these people and maybe, the boss sends you to the front lines with me next time, you make bad, and I'll kill you myself. Got it?" There was a synced up nod as they understood. The cloaked Delta's moved towards the exit hatch as they awaited an opportunity to follow.

Once docked doors would be linked with the sky city and Sergei would leave to meet with who ever decided to meet with these dignitaries from outside of Sanctum. He was a hulking man who filled out his armor well. Built to wield weapons larger than himself, he was certainly only a little less imposing without helm or weapons. Though his red bird of prey helm was carried in the crook of his left arm. He carried a small package in that same large hand. His face was one of a soldier, scars gave him his distinguishing features, and his face was certainly pockmarked with them. Short cut white hair showed his apparent old age, but bright mismatched green and blue eyes that shone with apparent youth and vigor may lie about such things.

He assumed he'd be met not by the empress herself but by an escort, he would take their forms in and greet them politely. He spoke once more in that bass heavy voice but this time tinged it with the years of command he had under his belt. "If it's all the same to you, I'll skip the tour for now. I've heard tale of a lovely empress that I have yet to meet." Sure he was being a little forward, but complimenting usually got you everywhere in societies such as these. He went along with whatever else they needed from him. The only thing he would insist on stopping them from doing, would be removing the hooded cloak from a Delta. If they insisted he would show them why those hoods stayed in place.

He would be lead to where they would meet. Wherever that would be the sound of armor clanking against itself from Sergei was certainly to be heard. While the light swish swish of the Delta's cloaks as they moved almost soundlessly behind and around him. Their features unnaturally obfuscated by a sort of malleable darkness. No need to scar these folks unless they personally asked for it. The ravages of war hadn't been kind to him, but what countless wars did to his guards. Those were the kinds of horrors people rarely wanted to think about.

[Ghanima]

“Giants? What you mean “Giants?”, Farhan?’ she’d say; one of her crimson adorned handmaidens standing at her side with a box of something akin to snuff in a dusky, pale pink color. The Empress took a pinch from the box and flicked it under her nose while staring at the portly man in the fez who had interrupted her admittedly lackluster report on the Celesin. Again, nothing of note. It disturbed her that they were more toward the end of unpredictable rather than boring.

“I-I...I mean. Very, very large men in armor. They introduced their part as being from the ‘Dorian Empire’, here to ….well, we aren’t sure but it looks to be an endeavor of good will for the crowned head?’” the man was sweating’ wringing his hands. Ghanima could smell the scent of his clove cleansing soap giving away to odor at a rapid rate. An acrid stench of fear.

It had been a while since they’d opened the capital, Maur prima, to foreign dignitaries as was their custom after war and destruction.

“Then they are here as heralds from Dorian?” Which, of course, sent a message that the emperor had not come himself. What did that mean? Caution, disrespect? It had to be expected that these oversized and far too powerful intergalactic empires that suddenly had the run of Sanctum would see her continental rule as paltry. But she had no intent to pout about it. Then again, why contact her in the first place if she didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things? The Black Sun was large enough to be a world power but these people were in the business of owning stars.

Small and slender brown fingers reached up to the side of her high steward’s skull and gently removed the silver ear crest adornment— it looked like fine jewelry but was, in fact, a communication device. Usually Ghanima preferred not to be plugged directly into the security channels and left them to be governed by the forces themselves. Through it she heard one of the paramilitants below requesting status on permission for the visitors, who had already been cleared to dock, to enter into the greater levels of the Ziggurat. “-- Credentials are valid, Sirra Tahir, your orders?”

“See them directly into the great hall. Not the chamber and dais.” The man on the otherwise stammered, nearly choking his own saliva before he croaked “Yes! As you will it, AYYIM!” to which the Empress only caught the tail end just as she passed the ear cuff back to Farhan and moved around him to leave the veranda. As Ozur followed close behind her she’d give the man a long, unblinking, probing look as they left him standing on the balcony and overlooking the woodlands and overcast sky.

Below, the party og giants that had arrived faced silence and a tinge of bewilderment. This was a nation infused with the blood of gods and yet they’d hadn’t seen anything quite like the group that had come to them in the name of peace...or so they hoped. The man who had found himself personally addressing the whims of the Empress Reagent (and feeling as blessed as the event warranted) would be charged with addressing them.

“Please, follow us. We will have to inspect your….the gift you have brought with you. We apologize for any offense this may cause.” Naturally, the much smaller man did seem intimidated by Sergei’s size and presence— he was formidable to say the least— but cowards didnt make it very far in the ziggurat’s elite security forces. Courage was necessary and he held his brown skinned hand out for it.

Should he oblige; a red eye piece was turned down from his turban and used to focus on it as his detail of men flanked the foreigners and lead them from private aero docs. After a no-doubt awkward stint in an enormous hall-sized lift carrying the party up the back angle of the pyramid they would arrive shortly into the chamber which Ghanima herself had requested. Inside— the air from the coniferous forest was sweet and fragrant and they were high enough that some of the cloudy fog would pass through the floor-to-cieling circular windows in the Great Hall.

Thin wrought iron separated them from the better part of the heavens save for the back wall of the chamber which closed off the other half of the floor. Load bearing problems had been solved with an array of columns from which hung brilliant blue ganfalons bearing the silver crescent moon insignia. Alternating, red banners for house Maur formed a pattern for the room. A most interesting feature of the chamber was the flooring— it was pure black sand and the visitors’ feet would sink into it slightly once they crossed the threshhold.

Across from them and flanked by four of her high sorceress’ was the empress herself: she was small; dwarfed by inches in her own servile company; her hands in front of her belly and obscured by muted slate robes. Seems she had been favoring minimalism as of late— or was this tradition for her new status given that her son held the crown if in name only.

Before words could be exchanged her militants took the knee and bowed deeply; their foreheads meeting the sand before they rose and met their chins with their fingertips.

“The Emperor from the Dorian empire has sent his dignitaries, Inferness….” One of them stammered; the men parting to reveal, at least symbolically given the height difference, the party behind them. They didnt like that she’d ordered them directly to chamber. Sure, the credentials checked out...but what sort of symbolism was in play sending the most intimidating men possible to meet the crowned head of the Black Sun? And worse, why did she oblige?

They all swore oaths to their sovereign and understood she had a reputation for being cunning beyond what any other crown had accomplished in centuries. Was she making a mistake or being reckless or did she know something they did not?

Meanwhile, the Empress Reagent said nothing. Her heart shaped visage was serene, watching them all with hawkish curiosity. How would these wardogs introduce themselves, she wondered?

[Sergei-Deker]

Sergei followed, he was good at that, what he wasn't good at was being quiet, and by extension subtle. When the guard decided to approach him, sure he was imposing as hell but it took courage to approach a warrior hardened by age such as he. When the guard spoke of inspecting the gift he would use his free hand to grasp at the war helm in the crook of that arm, and then extend the wrapped gift to them, waiting for the smaller man to take it from his hands. "If you're going to open it, please wrap it back up for me. I spent ages trying to get the bow just right." A bit of humor from the big man? Well he didn't need them being scared of him now did he? That was more of his Emperor's flavor anyway.

If the guard did in fact open the gift, he would find a large amulet within. Well to be precise it was a amulet with a setting for multiple gems. Each gem would be roughly the size of a newborns clenched fist, and five of the nine slots were already filled with gems of Purple, Blue, Pink, Red, and White. Each gem was already cut and set in such a way that they matched their setting and ONLY their setting. The other four was noticeably blank. Upon inspection of the actual setting they would find the material to be in good but not great condition, and for the metal to look very old. Once it was shown whatever was to be done with the box was noted. He would definitely prefer that it not be taken out of his sight for long. That amulet was an heirloom of his people. As far as detail went there was certainly writing within there. However unless they had some way to translate languages that they had never encountered, that mystery could stay that way.

As they rode up the elevator of the pyramid Sergei would move to where he could view the outside. He was laughing about something as they moved up in that awkward diagonal angle instead of straight up as he was so used to. He turned to one of the hooded figures he brought with him. Somehow he could pick that one out among the others and spoke. "Can you believe this? Pyramids. The luxury of these people. When we were young the whole barracks was lucky to get a tower. " The figure took a long moment before it let out a laugh that was accompanied by a smokers hacking cough. There was a moment of quiet from Sergei and then he sighed and looked away for the rest of the trip.

When they were lead into the great hall Sergei took it all in with obvious interest. Lead as he was his charges fell into line behind him. His metal boots and his own heavy weight made impressions in the black sand upon the ground. The cloaked being behind him also left deep boot prints, however the other four including the one Sergei had spoken to gave other odd foot impressions. Clawed talons that were lightly brushed into obscurity by the overly long cloaks. Massive hoof like feet as well as what appeared to be knuckles or even feet with raking talons on either side. Of course the weight of these creatures despite their size was negligible. They left very little impression in the sand despite their immense size. By their height standards they were all anorexic save for the first one in the line. The impression they left in the sand and their cloaks brushing it away could of made any kind of design. After all those feet were at no point actually seen.

As they were introduced Sergei looked upon the Empress and her cadre of protectors and servants. The slightest bit of a grin played at his scarred face as he laid eyes upon their empress. She was pretty enough he supposed. Though he could do little more than stare at her with searching mismatched eyes. She was soft looking from his perspective. How someone like her could hope to actually rule a nation he had no idea. He supposed he could appreciate the being to look upon though, even if she was considered a midget by his races own standards.

The escort bowed their heads, to the point of getting sand upon their own heads. Was he expected to do such a thing? Bowing was a sign of servitude. He didn't even bow to Arcerion. Culture be damned he wouldn't bow to someone like this either. Sergei if anything was blunt in what he did. He spoke simply, the only difference in his tone was that it did not have that tone of command that he had given her underlings. "We appreciate you seeing us on such short notice Empress. I am Sergei Deker, Commander of the 86th Judgement Company stationed in Nexxian. My entourage includes members from the most prolific races of the empire. You'll have to excuse their silence, the biological modification they've endured makes them slow-witted outside of combat. You are natives of Sanctum, as we did with Nexxian we will extend a hand of friendship to you as well. As a show of good faith I have a gift from Emperor Arcerion Vileur Shuinsai." He watched her face, looking to see the reaction that she would have. He had been informed of the last gift his lord had given her. His eyes meaning to take in even the smallest of reactions as he unintentionally called upon the natural empathetic nature of his powers. However this needed to go down, he would hand over the gift or wait for it to be delivered. Once it was given, and hopefully relief was shown upon the empresses face he would speak once more.

"That is a relic from before the Dorian people came into power. In fact it is the last thing we made before our realm changed hands." Sergei was not one for metaphors, or fancy ways of talking. He spoke in facts. The gifts intention had been simple when given that bit of information. The beginning of something new.

Sergei now looked around to see if there were other rituals to observe before they got down to the actual talking bits. Of course if he had done something wrong he would of corrected his demeanor, to the best of his ability. This open friendliness was a bit weird. If this had been Sergei's idea he would of landed and just started slicing people up. Found the Empress, and tossed her over his shoulder and taken her back to his ship for some intimate negotiations. It had worked at least five times already, and one time it even got him married.

[Ghanima]

[IN CHAT] 20:26:05 Ghanima - Sergei might note that the militant he’d given the payload to would only shake his head as if he were even slightly confused before gathering himself and saying only that it would not be necessary. He’d get to keep his perfect bow after all. And how? The answer would be revealed after they’d all entered the hall and,indeed, the high Ordo who’d been beside Ghanima all the while would be the first to approach wordlessly; her eyes not on the militant or even Sergei but the figures he had entered with. She was pale for a Black Sun native and had narrow, almond eyes with monolids. The priestess-cum-high-sorceress must have been from the small, secluded country in the north of the continent— her name was Ozur and she boasted close cropped copper hair and blood red eyes. Narrow hands emerging from the extended cuffs of her hooded silks and kaftan hovered around the box; a glow emanating from seemingly the bones as if they were producing heat from the inside. -

20:26:18 [Ghanima] On cue, her eyes turned crimson— and then she stepped back. Satisfied. To anyone who had seen the Kings in action they may well note how familiar those eyes were. ’It is without corruption.’ would be her only utterance before sliding back to flank the diminutive potentate with it in hand and unsealing the box as well. ’Biological modification?’ would be the first lilting words uttered by Ghanima Maur; her strange eyes on Sergei after he spoke. It was something of interest that she had taken a shine to that of all things. ’Welcome to the Black Sun, Sergei Decker. And to give me a gift of such importance...it is beautiful.’ and she meant it. The empress wasn’t selling him fluff but genuinely did appreciate the jewels. She held the amulet delicately in her palm; her fingers tracing over the gems with her free hand. ’I am somewhat familiar with the Dorian empire. I have received a gift from your emperor once before, I believe. It was very different from this one.’ -

20:26:26 [Ghanima] she made no expression or tones about how she’d felt about that fleshcrafted abomination she’d received. Truly, she was a practiced woman. ’If I am not mistaken, Dorian is somewhat like another empire, Celesin— you take to the stars?’

20:56:09 Sergei-Deker nodded, he was glad that his hard work could be appreciated by the empress after all the jewel was not of his own making. That could be attributed to the O&S foundation and their research into dimensional manipulation. In fact that gem had been under close scrutiny for centuries to make a faster and safer version of the old FTL drives. He was not familiar with the Kings, even in name, or in how they operated. When it came to knowledge and ability to read certain things Sergei was the bottom of the bucket where his race was concerned. When the first question was asked by the empress he would simply grin showing off a full set of white teeth. "Deker." He corrected quickly, pronouncing it as D-Car. He nodded knowingly. "We called it the Universe Amulet. It is missing a few pieces unfortunately. My lord wishes to convey that should a full alliance be made he would happily fill out the missing pieces." Again Sergei was not one to mince words with intention. He was here to start an -

20:56:16 Sergei-Deker -alliance and he would make sure that they knew it well. He nodded to the next statement, chuckling to himself in that deep bass voice. "Who you spoke to then is a different man from who rules us now. Before they were an upstart clan of thugs and brutes content to bring fear. My emperor has learned." He finally felt the need to address her first question. Looking to his entourage. "Yes, I called them Delta's when I was King of my worlds. Our finest fighters." He walked to one and raised the arm of the cloak, showing an emaciated arm with next to no muscle definition, the skin clearly stretched taut over muscles. "This one I named Rodriguez after my son-in-law. The last time I saw him in combat he single handedly used shouldered a cannon the size of a small building, took to the sky and decimated the command ship of my enemy Warren Bane." How that was possible by such a form was not explained upon, but biological modification should be enough. He grinned to her with pride as-

20:56:54 Sergei-Deker -the sleeve slid back down. He looked around before raising a gauntleted hand to his face and tapped himself lightly on the forehead. "I did not mean that as an intimidation tactic your grace. You ask, and I answer. I am a blunt man, it was my peoples way." He folded his hands behind him and bowed his head as a sign of apology. He raised it again once he spoke again with pride. "Yes we are a space faring people. Have been since before the Dorian conquest. Though I hold no love or hate for Celesin so long as they respect the borders of ourselves, and that of our allies." He thought that was fairly obvious of the kind of help they could theoretically offer in a worst case scenario. Now concerning his entourage, well one of them seemed a little more attentive then usual. The one whose form actually made an obvious impression in the black sand of the great hall. If they noticed it's peering eyes, well there was nothing Sergei could do. For now he kept the attention as on himself as-

20:57:20 Sergei-Deker -he could. "Empress as one former ruler to one upon the throne of power, I believe we may be able to benefit greatly from one another."

21:12:41 Ghanima very gingerly placed the amulet back into the box and allowed herself admiration of it for a few moments longer. It really was beautiful, and, in her youth and status it was reasonable for her to appreciate such beauty as a gift. An Ordo acolyte wearing a silver mask over her face was given the box and she circumvented the entire party to leave the room. For the safety of such a clearly old and precious item it would be tentatively repaired if needed and then placed into an elaborate shadowbox in the Empress’ quarters. On the way out of the hall she passed stewards entering the hall with cushions. A four-tiered dias of perfectly cut obsidian stone rose from the black sand and may momentarily give the guests the illusion of being trapped— however the ceased to rise at waist level. Seating! Sergei and his company were of course allowed to stand if needed, but, the cushions were for the obvious. Cross-legged on red satin now,

21:12:55 [Ghanima] she gave Deker a Did he now? for the sudden spiel he went on as he showed her features of his brethren. And thank the gods for his reasoning that followed as the guardsmen at the chamber doors seemed more than alarmed. ’I assure you, it is quite alright. Bluntness in my position is refreshing in many ways.’ She thought to say something about him mentioning himself as a King and why he was with Dorian along with the “campaign”, but, as soon as she had the answer seemed obvious. Asking for illumination on it could very well be considered an insult— and he was already making it clear that he wanted an alliance and could protect her empire from its biggest threat:Celesin. But there was something to that and it had to do with the reason Ghanima had asked to confirm that Dorian was of the stars. ’What you say is true, Sergei Deker.’ she’d said his name correctly that time. -

21:13:52 [Ghanima] The first had been fault of her accent. ’-however, musnt it be a mutually beneficial one? I believe wholly in good will but star faring empires levied against one another do not seek out those restricted to their homeworld. If I may be blunt as well...what do you expect we can or could offer the Dorian empire in this alliance?’ And she wondered— did he know about the Catacombs? The Black? Perhaps even the Djinn? A pause. ’Do you appreciate drink, Sergei Deker? The foreigners of this world say our wine is something of legend. Shall I treat you?’ A steward had turned in his direction; his rheumy eyes waiting for confirmation.

21:34:47 Sergei-Deker saw the seating appear, as if he was used to such a thing, though the twitches in his eyes and lips certainly said differently. He was not keen on such feats they were beyond his own mental capabilities. He was a brute. He turned to the others and spoke ina different language. One that would sound more akin to a bird song than any semblance of common. The cloaked figures spread out around the edge pillows and allowed Sergei ample room to sit. "I can imagine. Not mincing my words is why I was sent. Politics are all about double dealings and telling half-truths, but alliances are about trusting one another." He seated himself in a fashion that kept his feet squarely planted upon the ground and his back arched forward though there was no reason for this. Old habits die hard in old war birds. "It comes to mind that you may not be aware of your astral position. What our scientists say is that it is unique. I believe the Sanders boys said 'They sit upon a fulcrum.' -

21:35:08 Sergei-Deker -So being one of the largest empires upon the world, without a Shuinsai at your head we desired to learn more." He was obviously referencing Nexxian as he had before. When she asked for a drink he would look to one of those around him before he would nod. "I would be honored to be treated to your wine. Alchohol is one of my favorite vices outside of combatting my lord emperor's enemies. None for my entourage. It rarely agree's with the suppressants we keep them on." He pondered a moment, just what could they give the empire that they did not already have? Sergei had not been informed, and Nexxian was already in the perfect position to hold an army of a good size. "I cannot speak for my lord Arcerion as to what he wants. I am the hand that offers friendship. I can however guess if you will take my own opinion with a grain of salt." He waited patiently for her to ask him to proceed.

21:48:50 Ghanima ’Indeed you do not mince words and leave me the impression you are wisened and experienced, Sergei Deker. I like you already.’ clearly, his full title would be used until he provided something different. She watched the concealed ones move so that he may sit and took note of his very much military-trained posture. Just after, the steward presented him with a red glass chalice— not unlike a wine glass but its done near perfectly circular with its topmost quarter removed cleanly for the rim. The liquid inside was stronger than wine but obviously made by the same methods and threatened to be as strong as savory. Sweet, spicy and heady. There was a reason the empress was only sipping it. ’Ah, yes, then you know. We are indeed aware of the fulcrum of which you speak. It seems with the lessening of our xenophobia some of our ‘secrets’ have gotten out. It was unavoidable, after all.’ -

21:49:52 [Ghanima] She did not mention which fulcrum— the catacombs were related to the Black but the latter was still something completely different. Ghanima held her tongue to see if he revealed familiarity with that as well. ’And you want access to it? I understand. How, pray tell, will you use it to your societal or strategic advantage? If you do not carry such information, salt or otherwise, your opinion is much appreciated.’ And now, she’d gift him with a little honesty— it wasn’t like they didnt know already. What Ghanima spoke of carried no fear but a matter-of-fact tone about it. ’It is also somewhat of a saving grace against the looming threat of Celesin. Though he has not acted upon it the Emperor Mesiphidon himself delivered a threat some time prior that we would submit to his rule or find ourselves eradicated.’ She pushed a long, errant lock of white and crimson hair away before continuing. -

21:49:59 [Ghanima] ’Mesiphidon seems used to his words resulting in an immediate exposure of belly...’

22:12:12 Sergei-Deker he chuckled once more in that deep bass as she mentioned liking him. Once the glass was brought he would raise it to his nose and sniff it. Taking in every scent he would close his eyes. "Sergei will do just fine Empress. If I was so insistant on formality and politics I would of asked to be called by my full title. It's a mouthfull and I'm not sure how good you'd be with my native language." He spoke again in that bird song language and there was a low chuckle that errupted from all but one of his cloaked entourage. The one who had been peering and seemed in better health than the others. He grinned as if there was a small joke between all of those which currently sat down. "It is not a matter of secrets getting out. If you could see where you lay in space you'd understand. I am no scientist. In fact the only thing I'm good at is drinking and killing, but even I could recognize upon my bumpy entrance, that this place was unique." -

22:12:19 Sergei-Deker -He pondered about her questions about how they would use it and he would shrug his shoulders and take a sip of the wine. "That is not for me to decide. If you wish I can get someone to speak to you about it?" Did he have access to something like that? He nodded and took another sip. "Celesin is exactly the reason I believe we seek you out. Like us you do not roll over and expect your belly rubbed like a pet for performing a trick. They have their uses truth be told, but they are also pridefull and fools who think themselves the best at everything. In my time in Nexxian I have seen two sides of them. Noble souls who put themselves forward for the people. And people who are mad with power. I have spent my life, before my rebirth as an Exercion fighting the tyranny of the second kind, as the first kind." Hopefully that made sense to her. That while they may not be an enemy at the moment Celesin had that capability to change upon a whim. Sergei fully expected that whim would come-

22:12:33 Sergei-Deker -soon enough. "Threats are easy. Peace is not." He knew, from experience. When at war the man knew where he was headed. But when he had to be a diplomat, he was not the best, or even close to placing in that race. He knew how hard it was to keep others happy. "I believe with your skills and our technology, we can find something mutually beneficial."

22:30:27 Ghanima finally had her chance to laugh. No deep, bassy chuckle but the slightest hrmph and a smile for his title. The decision to send this Sergei at first seemed like somewhat of a mistake, but, now Ghanima understood the appeal and intention. Perhaps Arcerion understood how often the Black Sun was faced with pretentious snakes who spoke in code and gilded their words with imitations of precious stones and metals— and decided against it. It would be something to ponder later. For the statement about scientists she let one small, brown hand raise with the palm facing away from both their faces (insult and authority would be applied if she turned it toward him and undue vulnerability for the reverse) and lightly shook her head. ’No need, Sergei. I am indeed interested in what you have been sent by the empire to propose, that much is certain. In due time and if applicable such knowledge will come when it is necessitated’. -

22:30:43 [Ghanima] After, she listened to him speak of Celesin and briefly wore a puzzled expression.They engaged in something other than Imperialism and tyranny? Or, via propaganda, did Mesiphidon have his servile zealot Primoris and military convinced they were the way, truth and the light sent to save everyone from themselves? Surely that involved good deeds on the surface? It did not conflict with the intel from her Bedrocks for certain— no evil was true and immediately recognizable after all. At his last sentence she watched him; silent for a slightly awkward stretch of time and speaking in a somewhat strange tone after. ’Should it fall into place I believe we can. What would benefit us? The stars….’ As her empire was on the precipice of reaching it but a certain few developments were holding them back. Surely, they’d touched down on moons but they did not have sustainable space travel,living or militia under their belts. -

22:30:49 [Ghanima] Ghanima wanted to advance in a way that sometimes frightened her council and her people. But people were afraid of what they did not understand, and, if the Black Sun were to survive the true high tier power struggle? They needed the stars.

22:47:23 Sergei-Deker had a perplexed look upon his face when it was solely left up to him. He had the means to communicate, and gain access to what they may need at a moments notice. Yet she seemed content to have this commander laying the foundation for an alliance. He took a much longer sip than he should of, and coughed, patting his armored chest with a mailed fist and tried to laugh it off. "If it were up to me, I'd offer an alliance based on the wine alone." Compliments were given where they were due. "If you will allow me to ramble. The Dorian empire is composed of a few races. The most populous of them are the Vicelings, Zephyrans, Utopians and my old people, the Starbodies. They lack what you seem capable of doing with your skills. Maybe a half a percent of them are able to harness skills like this in the way you did to make these pillows. The rest must resort to technology to 'bend the world'. -

22:47:40 Sergei-Deker -Bales and the Dorian people, that is the people who are descended from Thargor have the inate skill. As do most, but not all Exercions. However those last three take up maybe a single percent of the total population. I believe an exchange of knowledge in this way, can help both of us. You get the stars, and we get ... a way to truely oppose those who would make us bend the knee." He pondered a moment, thinking on it all. What could he risk telling her. "There are other more dire concerns. We posses a weapon of mutually assured destruction. IF Celesin were to attack and kill our Emperor I fear that the Heirs are not yet of the power to contain it." This garnered him a look from the one who had been peering about. A look of absolute hatred and disgust that was barely contained. From that creature there was a low rumbling growl that was accompanied oddly enough by the sound of metal grating upon metal. Sergei as was his nature could not know fear. However embarassment was not-

22:47:59 Sergei-Deker -beyond him. In a quick language that mirroered a dialect of Celesin's emperor's own he spoke a quick apology. And with those words spoken Sergei seemed to unintentionally gather power around himself.


23:05:15 Ghanima ’An interesting conundrum of which I am sure we could be of assistance.’ And for it, goodness, they’d get the one thing that would make it possible to defend against such looming threats like Celesin. Ghanima was not so naive as to immediately trust an offer based on a single conversation, however; she was more than willing to begin building a relationship with Dorian— especially considering they appeared to know the circumstances the empire had to thrive under. The constant promise of subjugation or obliteration looming over their lives. And without any subterfuge both empires would get something out of it. Sergei asked permission to ramble and received a sweeping gesture and’Please. to permiss it. Once he was finished she, pensive, touched her fingertips to her bottom lip and soon held her glass outward for the Steward to refill and understood she’d need to be cautious or render herself far too inebriated. -

23:05:28 [Ghanima] ’Understood, of course. It would certainly be beneficial in either direction. I may as well acquiesce to a joint venture and building trust for the alliance. To turn it down would be nought but an act of pride.’ And Ghanima waved the idea away as she’d never entertain such an unwise course of action. Now, he spoke of a weapon and really caught her attention. The empress tilted her head— a weapon, something the emperor was required for and that his children could possibly not protect on their own. Very interested. And it proposed a threat to Celesin? There may have been more time to ponder it, but, she’d turned to the one who reacted visibly even beneath his cloak and cover. This was certainly sensitive information. That said, Ghanima was no null and indeed sensed that gathering of power. She was raised in and with the same power as her sect of high sorceress holy women, after all. The high mark of Djinn blood within her came with gifts.

23:05:33 [Ghanima] ’Then it is a double edged blade, I gather...and should be a last resort?’

23:22:14 Sergei-Deker looked towards the cloaked figure, as if hearing words unspoken and would nod. He had said to much? He could no sooner turn back time than he could know fear. He recomposed himself after a moment and spoke of this double edged sword. "If we were to release it, Dorian would cease to be. In fact its release would not only threaten us, but yourselves, Nexxian and Celesin. It is why my Emperor has asked for a cease fire between Celesin and Dorian troops, and even marries off Thargors own blood to their royalty. Can you imagine, marrying the last child of your most precious family member to your enemies? Arcerion may be a monster, but he is a monster that looks out for his own." The rattling of metal, chains maybe, ceased. He answered her other bit of political talk with a simple smile. -

23:22:16 Sergei-Deker -"I am happy to hear that. I am certain the Emperor will be as well. We shall not impose any law upon your land, as we assume you shall not upon our own should this alliance go through. Though understand that some our kind have, unique tastes as I am sure you are aware. If such things could be overlooked while we are within your borders I am sure we can have a long a fruitfull alliance, Empress Ghanima." He pondered a moment if there was anything else he needed to speak of. "As I have spoken our own names at length to you, might I know the name your race has chosen for itself? I do not believe that Sanctumites has a good ring to it."
23:22:25 [Ghanima whispers to Hepner] Honestly you dont need one. Stats not required. If you fight, we do turn based logic. It will be good to havea system

[Ghanima]

17:24:48 Ghanima looked surprised. Surely, the weapon was something she thought unwise to use as any form of leverage considering Mr. Deker had mentioned it would threaten his own grounds, her grounds and even Celesin. Seemed more like a spiteful failsafe of sorts that should be done away with rather than ever used as some sort of leverage— in the defense of Dorian, Sergei hadn’t mentioned any moves to employ the weapon as such, though, he had told her after all. No, what had surprised her was the news that someone from Dorian was marrying a figure of importance from Celesin. The steward; all in gilded blue satin with gold and ruby trim eased soundlessly to her side again and refilled her glass while she had let the warlord and former king finish speaking. He looked agitated and confused by the silent exchange. ’Tell me more of this marriage. Do you not fear the implications? That Mesiphidon would of course use the binding as leverage in some way? Who is it that you marry to them, and vice versa?’-

17:24:59 [Ghanima] Ghanima wasn’t judging just yet, but was curious. And with what little she knew of Dorian, it could be something to endanger the budding alliance they were seemingly both hoping to forge now. Overwhelmingly, the outcomes could all feasibly point to her empire being overtaken— by either one. Soon, in the deep future..who knew? The house of Maur had formed the empire and kept it from falling into decline for a millennia and not by accident. However, she’d no doubt have to wait a moment to get an answer to her question as Sergei had asked her something she actually had to give a thought to. ’We simply refer to ourselves, as each denizen of the empire as The People of the Sun. My fief are Maur-a. As we are so varied due to intermingling and the mark of the Djinn, at best and by legend, there are those who would call us the Jann.’ Which meant ‘Child of the Djinn’. Though true Jann were half Djinni and still a matter of legend to the populace. Ghanima, who thought of Khooey, knew differently-

17:25:01 [Ghanima] -now...

17:58:29 Sergei_Deker was asked to speak of the marriage. Now that was something of which he was a little more well versed, having personally been assigned to Nexxian with his elites. He was given a bit more information through whatever means he had to communicate with others and simply grinned. "Jophiel Shuinsai, the lady who leads Nexxian is to marry their Primoris Daul. A bud of a relationship was established before anyone had the capacity to stop it. So the emperor did what he does best. He used a regretable situation to his own advantage. By proposing the idea himself he has gained respect from both involved in this relationship. As far as implications are concerned, of course this arrangement has its own problems, however this sword cuts both ways." He grinned downing what was left of his wine and would raise his cup as if to toast with nothing in it. "If it is all the same I'll have another glass. Ancestor's I might have to ask for a cask of this for my personal stock back on Rykrea." -

17:58:35 Sergei_Deker - His booming voice was full of good cheer as he interrupted his own rant. "Ah yes as I was saying, shouldn't they too fear what we may do? By binding their hands to ours we may observe them more closely. I have spoke rarely with Jophiel, though if she is her Father's child there is one thing I can speak with absolute certainty. Should Celesin seek to harm her family, I doubt the child of Mesiphidon will leave her spouse's bed that morning." There was certainly a dark glint in his eyes as he spoke of this. It was a risk, and one that the Emperor was willing to take. He did not agree with it, he believed they should meet them honorably on the field of battle and test their mettle against one another. The Emperor was subtler than he. Finally he had a name to call these people, and he smiled. "People of the Sun. We have something of a similar name where I am from. Though I am pleased to note that you do not resemble them in anyway." Another chuckle from him, and even a hacking cough-

17:58:55 Sergei_Deker -of a laugh from those who had accompanied him. "Jann, I will write it down for any of our future diplomats so that they know the proper title for your people." He had given her information and now it was his turn to ask a question. "I am curious of something. Is it the Jann way that there be only one leader and that they be female?" That was about as unsubtle as a freighter full of bricks, but when it came to Sergei not being fed information he tended to revert back to his usual ways.

18:11:51 Ghanima ’s eyes widened and she wore a somewhat bemused expression to the explaination of the marriage, observing Celesin closely, leverage— all of it. ’Ah, well then a toast to the betrothed pair. I cannot say I am unamused by the idea that the Shuinsai maiden and the Primoris found each other first without intervention. From what I know of the Primoris Potentiae, she’s somewhat of an enormous and handsome oaf. Fearful, but alas.’ Not that Ghanima truly meant to insult one of Mesiphidon’s favored children and paladins, but, they’d never had the kindest view of all things Celesin within the empire. When Sergei requested more, she gestured to her bottom lip again, straightened her fingers and used the lined-up digits to point to her guest and his empty glass. By now it wasn’t hard to discern that the Steward was deaf. It made it that much easier to keep their conversation as discreet as she preferred.-

18:12:28 [Ghanima] ’Already without meeting her I see myself admiring some of the qualities this Jophiel Shuinsai exhibits. As a token of goodwill please allow me to offer her any manner of extended stay in my empire’s capital city.’ An inclination of her head as per tradition, to say “it has been decided” in so many words. A feminine chortle preceded her words. ’Oh, my word— I will assume that is a compliment Sirra-Lord Deker. As for your second query, no, but perhaps I should be inspired to employ such a tradition by my decree.’ A dry and bold political joke. ’We are an ancient dynasty; the House of Maur. We have rules for two thousand and seven hundred years and are responsible for the unification of the empire. Before my rule, my father Utraxa Din Maur ruled the empire for sixty years until his untimely death by murder. I inherited rule at the young age of fourteen.’

18:13:07 [Ghanima] -'And I am ever grateful you appreciate our stock. When you leave I will be sure to send you with more than enough from my own personal collection.'

18:32:40 Sergei_Deker chuckled at the mention of Daul being an enormous and handsome oaf. "That she is. Had we met earlier I may of even tried to take her to roost with me. After we had exchanged traditional vows of cracked bone and bloodied fists of course." He nodded to her next bit of talk about the Princess who reigned in Nexxian. "I'm certain she would be delighted to visit and take in the sights. After all, you both do inhabit the same planet." Once the glass was refilled he would nod politely to the steward which filled it and drink more. "It is most certainly a compliment. You do not float upon skeletal wings, nor is every bit of your flesh charred." He listened to her as she spoke of her making such a decree. He laughed along with her dry wit. "My best wishes for your father's spirit." It was a simple statement that he had spoken time and again. "As we are on the topic I have a question. Have you sired any children?" -

18:32:43 Sergei_Deker -When he spoke this he certainly gave her form an appraising look. Though she was much smaller than him beauty was something he appreciated in all its forms. She may not look tough, but she had certainly shown a glimmer of her power. If there was one thing Sergei appreciated more than a drink it was power. And after all, knowledge of their line of succession could always prove useful.


18:45:55 Ghanima ’I am certain that would be something of a legendary match, Sirra-lord Deker. Though as I understand it the Primoris Potentiae makes her preference solely of women. Even I could admire the hypothetical offspring of such a union, however.’ Another way of saying, jesus, they’d have been huge. At “skeletal wings and charried flesh” the Empress actually smiled— a real smile, not a prim one. And one that showed her perfectly white teeth. While she did not illuminate the purpose of the grin, it had inwardly been because she’d thought of the Iftit. Black skin, wings of leather and bone not unlike a bat from a cave. All the illustrations she’d seen as children. Ghanima had to fight rejecting a swallow of wine when he had oh-so forwardly asked her about children— and looked her over like a plate of something hot being offered to him. The Empress knew well that she had set a new standard of beauty and, while not egotistical about her aesthetic presence, she saw no reason to be coy about it, either. -

18:46:02 [Ghanima] The looks of appraisal were not foreign to her and they had ceased to bother her in most cases as well. Winning the battle with a mouthful of wine; she found her voice again after touching her fingertips to her sternum. ’My, my...’ she’d say before continuing. ’I do have one son. He is not within the capital city at the moment— somewhere on the continent I am sure. The absence of his sire is unfortunately yet another case of a life stolen.’ Now, Ghanima hadn’t expressed any emotion at all for her detailing of the death of Utraxa-Din. But this time, something passed her face. She was certainly not over losing Matheson to this day and the Mage along with Fureya were far from forgiven. ’May I ask what inspired such a query?’


19:08:01 Sergei_Deker he nodded while they spoke of the woman known as Daul to him. He did not bother with titles most of the time. They were a mouth full. Even if he and the Primoris had only had brief encounters of glances as they passed along the streets, he had heard of her preferences. How could he not given the betrothal. "Such preference only barely contains my desire. Though I may not face her in combat to make her mine, I would one day hope to match my own skills against hers. As one day I hope to match swords with Fenris, though much time has passed since we last spoke." He saw the smile at his mention of his own people's boogey men. It was unnerving to him, and it actually managed to make him think twice about giving her such a look, though it didn't stop him. He nodded as she mentioned having a son and could only mutter something beneath his breath, doing his best to hide the bass. Had he said 'Lucky'? He looked back to her and shrugged almost to casually.-

19:08:13 Sergei_Deker -"We were speaking of offspring already, not our own but those of Emperor's. I figured it would make a nice segue." He chuckled and offered up his own bit of information. "I too have a child. A daughter. Her wings stretch out like her late mothers. White and red like the blood she sheds. Her lust for battle matches my own. Her singing voice on the other hand is sublime unlike her parents. She has mastered the common tounge better than any of us from before the Emperor's time." Interesting to think that such a man had actually once had a wife. That was however an unimportant part of the past, but maybe the little tidbits of knowledge about her own features coupled with the bird helm Sergei kept with him might show that this man was definitly no longer what he had been before. After all there was certainly very few avian features about him. -

19:08:31 Sergei_Deker -"It is an odd situation we find ourselves in. Friends with a common cause to be together. Protection from Celesin as a whole. You desire the stars, an honorable legacy which my forebearer's would appreciate. We desire teachings in your ways to better ourselves. What is the value of a star though?" He grinned at this and suddenly there was a shift in the way he spoke, as if he let something loose. He was never good at being subtle that was certain. But he was good at getting what he wanted. "I will be forward. I would like to put in a request for a mining crew to come down in the coming days and sample the land. This world is an anomaly and we would much like to compare its minerals to those found in Nexxian. With our scientists we may be able to uncover something mutually beneficial."

19:23:40 Ghanima ’Truly a man born of battle, I see. Fascinating, I must say. For both you and your daughter.’ Now, Ghanima took a pull of her wine and put it aside. The Steward naturally came to refill it, but, she waved him off with an open palm and a single nod as if to convey her gratitude for his services and intuition. It wouldnt do for her to become inebriated in front of a foreign dignitary and her cheeks were already somewhat rosey. Now, they had moved back to the deal placed on the table by Sergei’s arrival and she sat up a bit straighter in the chair, back to Indian style rather than leaning to the left with a bare toe sluicing back and forth through the black sand on the conference room’s floor. ’There is immense value in a star, Sirra-lord Deker. Not to suggest your people take your space faring for granted, but, it is a new frontier for us. We only became technologically apt in the past three centuries, and, in the past ten our capabilities have all but exploded thanks a man I appointed-’

19:24:11 [Ghanima] ’ some years ago. But for all that our empire progresses at a frightening speed, we are no match for the people of the stars. And they come to us with aggression in the form of Mesiphidon.’ Ghanima laced her fingers and turned her profile toward the round, iron framed behind her that showed the sky and the clouds underneath the sky city. They’d taken to a much higher altitude since Sergei boarded— customary for dignitaries and visitors lest someone think they had an opportunity to blow them out of the sky and kill two birds with one stone. How the openings to the outside didn’t effect the pressure, temperature or even the current inside of the open air chamber must have been something to do with enchantment. ’Forward, I appreciate. To begin I will grant you limited access to our mines in Maur, Shaluud and Simya and see that you have any sample you desire.’-

19:24:19 [Ghanima] ’The empire is rich with resources— even some that should not exist. They have granted us immense wealth, as you’ve no doubt discerned.’
19:45:08 Sergei_Deker he nodded at the compliment and smiled himself. "War is a passion for the people I once lead. Outside of the few Heroes of the empire you will find no finer soldier's than the Starbodies." He heard how they valued space and stars and the like. He knew that he had the upper hand and would only press it should it become neccesary. This was a fight at this point with words instead of fists and blades. If she denied him his simple request he could deny her everythinig. It would be within his right to do so, and would take months if not years for the Emperor to repair relations. However there was no reason to deny such as she had not denied him. Only limited what he could do. "Aggressive though he may be on the field of battle, it is my belief that he is a child in the realm of true politics with other nations much like I am. Call it warrior's instinct. On that note I believe my Emperor and yourself may prove to be much more than a simple thorn in his side given time to mature relations

19:45:27 Sergei_Deker -Once permission had been granted he and his entourage would rise as if by some unheard command. "In that case you may expect a small entourage from the Charybdite Mining Corporation as well as the Obertus and Sanders foundation to make planet fall within a few days time. I am sure my Emperor appreciates your cooperation. We will make sure to give you another gift when operations are complete. Either another gem for the amulet we presented you, or maybe I could get you a Spore Field generator for the city. The second option would allow you to monitor your permiter in real time. Given your abilities you may also be able to augment it to suit your own style. After all, the spore fields we use for weaponry hold similar bonds to your magics." He waved the group off to leave and they did so though he waited there. Was this a custom of his? No he just wanted a moment to speak alone to Ghanima. -

19:45:39 Sergei_Deker -"You have power, and I respect that. Maybe some day we could know each other a little more intimatly. I'll even refrain from my customary spar." He grinned, and clenched his fist as he looked her over once more. There were no sly looks, no hidden meanings. She was an empress, and he had been deposed before.

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