NationStates Jolt Archive

It was strange for some time they seemed to have moved around and near the Dominion of the Dread Lady, they had even shared a brief communication with her once. Both had been on Mars although she had since pulled her interest out of the area, yet still to this day no actual formal meeting had taken place between the Lady and any member of the Council. Iyaana was even unsure if any Kionash had any dealings with Dominion citizens. This was one of those strange quirks of the universe yet the Lady was certainly respected, and could serve other needs for any nation that was in their position. For one thing the lady was one of the few World leaders who had managed to guide her people into sitting astride the fence between Melkor and his opponents.

It was such a status that made her a unique contact, for no matter the nations history their where always times when one needed to be able to speak somehow to another world leader, to carry a message, or to simply get a feel for another’s intentions. The Five Kingdoms however where a closed book to the Kionash. Allies of the Dark God rarely had good terms with ‘Pointy’ eared people.

This then was the reason Iyaana sat now writing her letter a formal invite. Elsewhere a case was constructed to carry it.



To the Dread Lady

Greetings from the Council in the past we have had little contact your people and mine, we feel this has been to our detriment, for you have shown a great adeptness in world affairs in the past. Therefore we hope to address this unfortunate situation. We are unaware of how much you know of our customs but we wish to extend to you a rare invite, and ask you to visit us on our Craftworld. This is our home and a place we do not take outsiders into lightly, and so we hope you will accept.

Should you accept we offer to arrange all Transport for you, and we have many facilities available to bring you safely to Tor Yvresse, some even placed on Earth. Of course we will observe any concerns of your own and extend to you the assurance that we will accept any security procedures you feel it prudent to observe.

The Council of Tor Yvresse



The Letter was delivered in a small box, crafted from wraithbone around the outsides where carved various creatures, and scenes linking together into a single whole, yet each standing separate.

Nathicana turned the intricately crafted box over in her hands carefully. She’d never seen the like, that was certain, and the material was strange. Beautiful, but strange. She spent some time studying the fine details of the carvings, her fingertips tracing along the clean lines of it slowly, methodically.

Fascinating … Now what in hell spawned this?

Opening the box with care, she removed the handwritten letter from within, and read through it once, then again. What indeed spawned this? There was no mention of Tor Yvresse in Al-Zief’s missive. Still, that is all that’s changed of late … forays into new territory. I wonder. They did unexpectedly send their support during that troubling time with Mateo. Quite courteous, if I recall. While on Mars we had little dealings with them, though I don’t recall them acting like certain other factions up there … I believe more than one of our allies continues amicable relations with the Eldar. I recall Aliria seeming quite comfortable with their representatives at the Winter Ball as well. Pity I didn’t have a chance to speak with them there as well. Goddamned Mirbach and his scheming …

The Dread Lady poured herself a fresh glass of ice water from the waiting caraffe, sipping slowly as she pondered the letter and its possible implications. Concern over expansion and a closer inspection of possible threats couldn’t be ruled out as a reason. Often such things were couched in polite words and hidden behind pretty gifts. In the Dominion, one looked that much harder at the left hand of someone offering a bauble with the right, after all. It stood to reason they were not alone in such practices. It was a rare opportunity, no doubt. But one in which to proceed with caution.

She took out a fine piece of parchment-style paper, and her calligraphic pen, and set to writing a response in her usual flowing bold script.

To the Honorable Council of Tor Yvresse,

Salutations from the Dominion. I have not forgotten your offer of aid and assistance during a time of trouble, what seems now ages ago. I thank you for your kind words; you flatter me, truly. I merely count myself a simple ruler of a nation, but one among many, who strives to do her best to govern her people well. No more, no less.

While it is true, we have not had close ties between our nations, and admittedly, my knowledge of your customs remains somewhat of a mystery, I would be honored to be accepted as a visitor to your Craftworld to learn more of you and your people. I can only think that good could come of such a meeting.

The offer of transportation is also appreciated, though I have in my possession spaceworthy ships that are capable of transport within the usual bounds. Whether or not this is acceptable to you remains to be seen. I too understand the importance of security, and if coordinates are traditionally not given out, I shall consider the alternatives. I’m certain you understand the usual levels of caution we tend to operate with, meaning no disrespect to yourselves. I require but my standard accompaniment of personal guards, and thank you in advance for providing the allowance for such in your invitation. If I may inquire however, as to any limitations to weapons, or other cultural, political, or perhaps religious faux pas or taboos we should be aware of? It would not do to inadvertently offend after so gracious an invitation.

I believe I can clear time during the next week, should that time mesh with your plans. I look forward both to your response, and to this visit. Indeed, it would seem past due. I have been remiss.

With Respect,

--Nathicana D’Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion

After blowing on the page softly, waiting for it to dry, she very carefully folded it, then removed a small brass box from her desk drawer. Taking out a lighter and the small stick of sealing wax, she soon had a reasonable dot of it melted in a small pool across the break in the fine paper. She set the items aside, and took out the seldom-used seal and pressed it down onto the wax, holding it firmly for a moment, then removing it. She studied the result carefully, and finding all in order, took out a decorative envelope mirroring the seal in black, red, and gold inks. It depicted a descending sable falcon over a divided field of gules and sable, per fess. Below, the motto ‘Imperium, Cupiditas et Dominatus’, ran in decorative script across a flowing scroll. Topping it, a proud helm of royal Medieval Dominion design, it’s mantle of black and red decoratively framing the shield, and the crest noting Imperial roots with the intricate crown above it. She gently slipped the letter inside, then closed the envelope using the thin red cord attached.

Always nice to have the chance to use the finer methods of communication, she mused as she made arrangements to have the missive relayed back to the council. This should prove an interesting trip indeed.

For once the Kionash where being careful to give no offence to a Mon-keigh and treated Nathicana as an equal. The first part of this was simple, her reply was sent in two parts one addressed to the Foreign office rather than the Lady herself. In it had been provided a series of guides to the Craftworld and protocol for visitors to follow. Most of it was fairly average information, such as advice on the nature of the Craftworld and provided more for insurance than anything else. After all the lay was used to the World Disk and areas of concern for the Craftworld where very much like those for any Space-Going vessel. While the Craftworld was sturdy, it was best to err on the side of caution.

Other areas of concern where highlighted, while it seemed unlikely it would be needed to advise them that the Aspect Shrines where out of bounds unless invited, it was still provided. This was a rule even the Farseers could not break, the true power within a Shrine was held by the Exarchs. The final page explained the nature of the Dome of Crystal Seers and asked merely that its status was taken into account.

The Dome is after all not just a place of governance, but a place of meditation and contemplation and a place where the departed souls of Former Farseers rest and where their bodies where ’Buried’.

The second Document was addressed directly to the Dread Lady.

Dread Lady Nathicana of the dominion

We are pleased to have heard from you so soon, and are happy with your decision to accept our invite. We understand your desire to travel here under your own technology and are willing to accept this. With just one request, we will guide your vessel to the Craftworld and upon your return from our home the Logs of the journey be wiped. Our greatest protection lies in our location remaining a Secret as we are sure you realize.

In the hopes this is acceptable we look forward to your visit.

The Council of Farseers.


OOC at last sorry about the delay, I was having trouble with this post, how to get across the protocols without appearing like they where lecturing Nathi. It's still not a perfect post I fear but... I could delay no longer

A polite message acknowledging the receipt of the information and acceptance of the terms had been sent off quickly. Arrangements were made, this time utilizing the DSN Third Fleet flagship, a Longship class dubbed the Marcus Aurelius, was secured and readied for transporting the Lady on this unexpected trip. Inadequate knowledge on the Eldar was remedied as best as could be managed with research and quiet inquiries with those who had dealings with them. Not for the last time, Nathicana contemplated additional augmentation to make such information simple to slot and run – there was always so much to remember, and learn when encountering new races and nations.

Masetti and Pascali, her Security chief since Marik had been killed and his second, accompanied her as her personal entourage, as did two of the Black Company mercs from Jacobian’s crew, Reihanna and Angelico. Strict instructions had been given on protocol, they had all been briefed with the same information she had, and each knew well the few silent hand codes reserved for emergency situations. Masetti of course, knew them all. Each member had been assigned a small unobtrusive comm device to communicate over channel Spook – not only could they maintain reliable contact if separated, the Intel department would know immediately should something go awry.

The fact that all had been done that could to prepare for the trip did not particularly comfort Nathicana. She knew well enough that the Eldar considered themselves to be a race apart. And given what smattering of their history she had been able to lay her hands on, it was no surprise. They wanted something – that much was clear. What exactly that was remained to be seen. In her experience, things happened for a reason, and nations like Tor Yvresse did not open such amicable relations without an agenda.

Direness, familiar to my own slaughterous thoughts cannot once start me.

She looked out the viewport at the emptiness of space and the Eldar ship leading them, listening to the subdued chatter on the bridge of the Longship. Nathicana shivered, suddenly feeling chilled. She again pondered the possible implications, the likely reasons for the invitation … and had such thoughts pushed from her mind as the craftworld came into view.

The structure itself was enormous, and she found herself doubting the rumors she had heard about the Eldar ships being more ‘grown’ and ‘shaped’ than fabricated. Surely nothing on such a scale could have been accomplished in that manner. The sheer number of bays crowding the sides of the variform ship was astounding. The green areas and telltale shimmer showing atmosphere where no domes existed amazed not only her, but the crew. Architecture, foreign both in form and seemingly function soon filled the viewport as they steadily approached. They occasionally caught glimpses of the many craftworld ships going about their daily business, their smooth forms gliding silently through the void, cutting graceful paths – the sharks in this ocean of cool blackness and glittering stars.

Following all directions from the Yvressi control, the ship finally docked where directed, its length insignificant against the flowing form of the craftworld. When all was in readiness, Captain Cipriano De Felice escorted Nathicana to the airlock where the rest of her party was waiting. She had chosen a style more in keeping with those she had worn in SilverCities and Freod, styled after the Old Dominion; a loose white silk shirt worn under an elaborate burgundy brocade doublet. Delicate blackwork detailed the cuffs and collar of the shirt, and some of the spiral details of the brocade had been picked out in gold thread and accented with pearl beads. Antiqued gold buttons adorned the doublet’s sleeves and front, while the black leggings and polished boots were quite plain; as was the light armored vest she wore under it all. At her side she wore her sword – something she had not had occasion to wear as much in her dealings of late, its simple black scabbard unadorned save for the gold cap at both ends. Of the sword itself, all that can be seen at present is a black leather-wrapped grip, a large onyx cabochon mounted in the pommel, gold inlay design sporting falcons in the cross-guard, also tipped with onyx. Though it had the look of a ceremonial blade, something in the confident, easy way she bears it seems to speak otherwise.

Masetti and the others are each dressed in simple black, from their boots to their shirts to their holsters and soft flowing longcoats that help mask the light body armor they wear beneath their clothing. Each appeared to be well-armed, though they did not proceed as being threatened in the least. They walked with the quiet yet alert demeanor of guards simply doing their job as they escorted the Lady from her ship.

The Landing area itself was simply decorated, although standing out over the gate the entourage would have to pass under was the form of two active esdainn Class Titans forming the gate, hanging from their arms where two banners, the first had been laid out with the Flag of the Dominion, the other was that of Tor Yvresse, the bottom of the banners draped over the floor so that the guests and the Eldar would have to pass through them. And where made from a silk type substance, a little softer than Silk, and a little finer, it had been found on some world several generations ago, and since added to the Yvresse’s supplies.

Iyaana had chosen her own outfit with two simple goals in mind; neither had been comfort or appearance, although that is not to say it wasn’t either of those. It was chosen rather to keep her arms and neck visible as it had been noted many Mon-Keigh found the crystal growth of a Farseer, unusual and somewhat distracting. It kept people off guard to see as was in Iyaana’s case, lines of crystal, growing in the place of flesh of and bone. On Iyaana it grew across both her Arms, encasing entirely the right arm, only stopping at her hands, and proceeding up her neck, stopping just below the chin in thin Tendrils of the Crystal, running up veins and capillaries. It looked excruciating, and the way her arm movements seemed slower and more deliberate than others of her species made it clear it was at the very least limiting. The Blue dress had a regal charm about it, the gold thread down the side kept hidden the inside runes, as Iyaana grew in power she needed to take greater protections against the attention of She-Who-Thirsts. Plunging down her cleavage, just exposed above the point of the heart could be seen a gemstone, it appeared old, yet well cared for.

By her side where two other Eldar the first on her right appeared almost Barbaric, a certain sense of a more chaotic lifestyle hung about him. His outfit was also more militaristic in appearance than Iyaana’s or that of her companion, some areas of it where even a simple armor, a cloak hung across his left shoulder, and by his side hung a sword, his movements where slightly unnatural as through he was more used to riding than walking, although they where still graceful, and only appeared clumsy next to his two companions.

On Her Left stood Galdern, his own robes far more of a scholarly nature, simple and with a slightly stale smell of old books about him. His own Gemstone hidden beneath his robes, but the slight hint of it could be seen about his neck, as the chains ran down to disappear beneath his robes. Galdern himself had slight hints of Crystal beneath his eyes, and on his hands, the fingers being completely crystalline in nature.

Behind the three an Eldar Maiden walked head bowed, in simple grey robes, appearing to fade into the background somewhat, as the four approached the Dread Lady Iyaana smiled slightly looking up at her entourage.

With a slight bow, more a tilt of her head Iyaana smiled as she spoke, ‘Dread Lady, we are glad you could join us, may I introduce my companions to my right is Rai’Star Iarstill of the Exodite peoples, to my Left Galdern Farseer of the Kionash, as for myself I am of course Iyaana High Farseer of Tor Yvresse.’

Masetti and the other guards keep their usual aloof yet watchful demeanors, offering Nathicana and the Eldar leaders as much privacy as is possible in such a situation. Even the illusion of such is a welcome thing in her eyes, and they are practiced in the art – here to be seen as little as possible, and heard not at all unless the situation calls for it. For her part, Nathicana acted as if they weren’t there, save for the few times she used a subtle hand gesture to communicate something in brief to the group.

As was likely predicted, it was Iyaana’s appearance that surprised the most. While not so unpracticed as to stare, a brief upwards tic of her eyebrow, a slight tilt of her head hinted at unasked questions and curiosity. Granted, the past handful of years had opened her eyes to many strange things, and the thought of inorganic substances fused with sentient forms was not alien, this was something else entirely. The purposeful display suggested several things offhand, to the Dominion mind.

One was pride in said growths and stone – a show of status, symbolism beyond that perhaps? Another was the sure knowledge that it would to some degree put the guest at a disadvantage – this showed not only a belief in some sort of superiority, but a sense of strategy, stacking the deck however pleasant the table was arrayed. The display of the Dominion colors hanging in a position of equal honor to their own had her on her guard even more than all the previous niceties. There was no ‘something for nothing’, after all, and proud people such as the Eldar would not show a guest such deference without a purpose beyond simple hope of ‘befriending’, she was sure of it. The fact that they continued to hint at their strong belief in superiority was one of the things that helped keep the balance, in her mind. Those operating from a position of strength could afford such gracious acts without losing face or seeming weaker for it. Strength such as was wielded by those now standing before her.

The young maiden was not missed, and in fact, was picked out for a more subtle watch. It was not unknown to have someone of power disguised as something less to avoid notice, after all. She was not about to let her little entourage be surprised by something unpleasant. Of course, the girl could be exactly what she appeared, or one dedicated simply to observing the interactions, noting things that might get overlooked – much as what her guards were doing currently. Regardless, nothing was to be taken for granted.

Nathicana returns the bow in the same manner Iyaana had, her head tilting just a degree deeper, moving her hand over to cover her heart in an archaic form of Dominion greeting, her eyes not leaving the High Farseer. Lets hope such gestures are not misread.

“I am honored,” she replies with a warm smile, albeit one lacking the flash of teeth – something she had picked up from her dealings with Speaker-Rrit. When in new situations where danger seemed inherent, she found it suited her purposes well enough. “The Council’s invitation and our welcome here have been most gracious. I can see now the rumored beauty and grace of both your race, and your craftworld fall far short of the truth.”

Iyaana was pleased in an odd way, it seemed the reports on this Mon-Keigh where accurate, not so surprising considering that she had somehow placed herself in a unique position of dealing with both Arda and yet remaining a prominent part of the Triumvirate. She shows strength for a Mon-Keigh, no human, while she is here I must remember to call her Human, they seem to be insulted by the term Mon-Keigh a slight smile appeared on her face at the thought. Of course she has noticed Kal-Istau-Dris, I wonder if she has recognized her, few are the people outside of the Council that know of her true role.

The Eldar maids thoughts where elsewhere, for her own part she was recalling her life before becoming Farseer, for the role she was about to play would require her to lie. Best she knew to use the truth, a long time member of the Council, her past roles had taken her far a field, into command of the Harlequin Fleet and before that the Outcast Fleet. Both had been secret roles, duties to be performed that gave the Council maximum deniability, yet her presence allowing them to remain in command. The recent decommissioning of the Harlequin fleet had brought her back to the Council and here her relative unknown status allowed her to serve her people in a different role. Her ‘Husband’ had been quite pleased to hear of the mission, for a while at least he would have the illusion of her return to him.

Lost in her thoughts she almost missed her cue, as Iyaana responded to Nathicana’s compliments. ‘I thank you on behalf of the Kionash and Exodite peoples. We have prepared some chambers for your stay here, and have modified them to suit mo… excuse me, human needs’ despite reminding herself it was hard to break a habit of several life times, here in her own home after all. ‘I must apologize that much of our home is built around the needs of the Keigh and may be inaccessible to you.’ Her face did indeed look the picture of embarrassment on this issue. ‘In order to help smooth your stay here, may I present Kal-Istau-Dris a young apprentice of mine, who will be happy to see to your needs during your stay and answer any questions you may have.’

This of course was her cue, much of her body remained covered in her clothing, for now this was seemed the best approach, her own Crystal growth was concentrated along her chest but it was felt best to take no chances and if she appeared modest, then there was less chance of questions being asked, uncomfortable questions. Stepping forward at the mention of her name she gave a slight bow, looking up at the humans she would have to serve for the next few days she managed a smile, ‘It will be my honor to act as Cetumen to your visit here my Lady.’ Stepping back a moment Iyaana nodded.

‘I hope she will be acceptable to you? I assume you will want to get settled after your journey, but it is my hope you will dine with myself and the Council this evening?’

Neither Nathicana nor her guard had any idea of the maiden's true identity past their natural suspicions. Not that it makes a difference, really. Dominion sensibilities demanded that they be good guests. There were always ways around spies after all, though they saw little need for much of that here.

So far, at any rate.

"Please, no need to apologize. I hate to think of all the bother you've put yourselves through in order to host us comfortably. Truly, more than we expected." She nods and smiles at the young woman, then looks back to Iyaana. "More than acceptable. We are honored be so well-cared for. I thank you for the invitation to dinner, and the opportunity to freshen up. It would be my pleasure," she assures them.

Aye, and then perhaps we'll learn the 'why' behind all of this, as pleasant as it is. I think I see a possible cultural tie. Hrm ... I hope they enjoy the wine we've brought.

The Kionash had long evolved a simple way to make their homes seem larger, no walls could be found in any of the buildings, instead simple Silk banners hung from the ceilings forming the independent rooms, it both gave the impression of a large Tent, and yet seemed to make each separate chamber larger somehow. Affording a sense of privacy even through in actuality little separated the inhabitants from each other. It was not co-incidentally a style that could travel, and was applied to anywhere the Kionash stayed longer than a day. So it might have come as little surprise that this was how the chambers of the Visitors had been arranged, also it was little co-incidence that they had been placed near to the Menelmacari Embassy, it was a simple choice the Embassy and it’s district formed the closest thing to a foreign quarter on the Craftworld, a quarter inhabited by a mere handful of people of course but still.

The Rooms themselves where again simple in layout a small computer network had been installed with an abridged record of Eldar history. Vast sections where missing, either deliberately or otherwise. For example it tracked the history of the Craftworld as a Merchant princes home before the Fall but the events of the Fall where missing. (These documents where some of the least detailed, seemingly more from a simple loss of the information than anything else) It tracked many instances after the Fall, but other things where left unrecorded. It gave Accounts of places but names where missing, or anything that could have identified the systems these events took place in. About the most completely recorded events where those that where public knowledge events after their arrival in Sol.

Still in all honesty the Council did not expect this feature to be utilized, after all a history lesson was hardly why they had arranged this little affair. Other than that the chambers contained everything one would expect in a diplomatic Suite, refreshments where available, the Kionash where known amongst the Keigh to be very, puritan, but what the Keigh consider Puritan and what others would consider it, are two very different things, and the choice available here reflected that. For a culture that had spent several thousand years traveling the stars they had discovered many ways to create the same basic effect, and almost like the stereotype of their people, this had resulted primary in a multitude of Wines, and spirits.

Of course having said all this Farseers where an exception, as where most of the group amongst the Kionash who fell into what where typically grouped as Exarch’s. Quite simply they had no care for such luxuries beyond the diplomatic courtesy. The Farseers could admire the taste but it didn’t excite them, they would admire it in an intellectual manner rather than the more emotional one. What they could recognize and what was also available in the rooms where a multitude of plants and several different designs for burners for the plants. For most Keigh these plants where simply used for relaxation to the Farseers they had an added effect. This led to them being more likely to be found with such things than with a Wine, which would become apparent later.

Still for now the ‘Cetumen’ simply showed the guests their quarters and the various artifacts at their disposal. And retired into a side partition until needed. It was perhaps two or three hours later that a polite if firm knock at the door into the building announced the arrival of a seemingly ‘young’ Kionash. Dressed in robes and amour, he carried in his hands a great helmet, his face appeared almost eager, as he nodded to the assembled occupants. ‘The Councils greetings Dread lady, they have sent me to inform you that this is typically the time that they dine, and would like you to accompany me.’ Turning to the Eldar, ‘and then my dear we should go eat ourselves, I have missed you.’ His features while remaining straight and somber could not hide the simple Love in his voice or burning in his eyes.

The Dominion party found the style of architecture rather enchanting, though it seemed to them odd not to have truly separate rooms – that much harder to keep things private that ought be. Then again, given the sheer size of the place, they supposed that different structures could offer the same. They thanked their escort upon arriving at their rooms, and with a practiced air, went about the business of unpacking, checking every corner of their accommodations, and freshening up.

Nathicana did in fact avail herself of the opportunity to learn what she could while she could. After all, it was foolish to do otherwise. She worked from most recent on back, mostly scanning to get an overall better picture of things, while quietly sampling a glass of one of the many local wines. Despite her natural bias, she had to admit, it was a fine wine indeed.

Questions were asked of the ‘Cetumen’ as needed, but otherwise, the group did as they usually did, aside from obvious scanning for bugs and the like. In the presence of one of their hosts, it would be considered rude, after all.

Angelico, as always, played the part of ‘muscle’ well, standing protectively near Nathicana while not close enough to annoy the woman. Reihanna herself was quiet, examining their quarters with a thoughtful expression as Massetti and Pascali provided the more lighthearted conversation among the group.

When the summons arrive, they fall into place around Nathicana, who nods and smiles softly in acknowledgement. “My thanks to the Council,” she says smoothly, quite prepared to follow the young Eldar, and looking forward to the meeting. “Will my escort also be allowed to attend, or will other arrangements be necessary?”

The group tactfully looks away to give the couple as much privacy as possible upon noting the look in his eyes. Nathi quietly examines her ring with a thoughtful smile.

The Cetuman nodded a moment and shrugged, 'I would assume the Council would not be adverse to the presence of your escort, they are after all a part of your entourage, I would recommend that they remain mostly silent and answer only questions asked of them, other than this, they should be acceptable.' Her voice was a careful mix of uncertainty as through the question had not occured to her, although with a subtle hint of rehersal behind it. Deliberately shown at this point.

The Route to the Mediatation chambers of the Council was a short one, although most of it was made onboard a Grav vechicle of some type a part of it was walked amongest the strange spires of the Dome. The Mon-Keigh where occasionary even stared at by people, not as a surprise sight, they had known of the coming of Mon-Keigh, but as something rarely seen. A Few of the less careful or perhaps simply more expressive individuals could not hide a hint of disgust at the sight of Mon-Keigh, and the Children who had not learnt restraint where far freer, pointing and one or two laughing, to be quickly hushed by parents.

Still it passed rather calmly, the chambers of the Farseers where behind two large doors, that opened without a sound, behind the doors was perhaps the least expected sight for the centre of government, for it was a school in all appearances. Keigh moved around in the sort of calm between lectures found in most universitys, carrying bundles of papers, or stood in bunches discussing things in Eldarlan. At the same time, other students obviously freshly come to the place did chores perhaps most associated with Apprentices, cleaning floors and other such chores, For this was the Shrine of the Seer first and foremost.

An outsider to the Kionash comes into contact mostly with two types of Seer, Warlock and Farseer, a Warlock is a Warrior-Seer, a Farseer one who has gone beyond mastery of the path. This through is not all there is to the path of the Seer, indeed almost all levels of beurcarcy and government is ran at some level by Seers of one sort or another, this was where they where trained often under the care of a Farseer.

Still the Guests where led on past rooms filled with the sight of an occasional floating rune, or as they went deeper the unmistakable sign of government at last, some things do not alter no matter in what manner they are conducted, and paperwork exists on levels.

The personal chambers of the Farseers lie near the heart of this vast Shrine, arranged in somewhat of a Circle, many of the rooms lie empty for the moment no Kionash has yet came forward to claim them, still the network honeycombs into a Simple shared eating chamber, at the head of the table stands Iyaana around her the other Farseers, andon the Table sits, a simple meal, a few attempts have been made to spice it up, but it is clear that whomever cooks for the Farseers is not used to the concept that they might want anything other than the normal meal.

'Greetings once again Dread Lady, come eat with us, it is time we got to know one another a little beter.'

The group had no need to have the instructions repeated – all heard and acknowledged. There was no fear of being unable to communicate, given their use of the silent hand code. “Most excellent,” Nathicana said with an approving nod. “By all means, lets not keep our hosts waiting.”

The humans followed their guides without question, though there was an air of alertness in them. The people they passed were taken in, acknowledged with pleasant smiles and nods as if nothing were amiss, and to all outwards appearances not taking any offense in the least at what in their nation would be considered rude behaviour. Such things had been discussed in advance, after all. And this was most notably not the Dominion. Quiet hand signals flashed between one or more of the group now and then, but other than that, and the occasional soft comments on the beautiful structures, and indeed, people, they traveled in surprising silence.

There was no mistaking the curiosity in their gazes as each new sight came into view, or was experienced, though they managed to fall short of being utter gawking tourists. On arriving at their destination, the offer their hosts respectful bows, save Nathi who nods and smiles at the greeting.

“My thanks for your most gracious hospitality,” she says, gesturing subtly to the meal laid out for them. “If I may say, I approve of your methods. It is a longstanding custom to discuss business pleasantly over a meal in the Dominion as well. I look forward to coming to a mutual better understanding of our peoples.”

Taking her seat where directed, Nathi settles herself in, assisted by Massetti, who then takes his place with the others, wherever their places are as well – neither he nor the others saying a word while maintaining their seemingly-casual watch.

OOC Eek sorry for the delay Nathi. and the less than greatness of the post.

Iyaana smiles lightly as one not quite at ease with the gesture 'I am glad that it meets with your customs. I find these less formal settings a little more conductive to conversation, the Dome can be... distracting.'

The seating arrangments where a little different as a Council formed originally from equals, it had not been that long as the Eldar measure time since the tradition of a High Farseer started, indeed only Three Farseers had held the title, from Melien who was a Council, to Telgorthrind and now Iyaana, the table therefore was almost cliched being round. Iyaana herself had a slightly larger chair but in all honesty little set her apart from the Council, and the guests.

Taking a moment to look around the Table Iyaana bowed her head slightly, a little debate had been given as to the meal, in the end it had been decided that all conversation would be in the Language of the Mon-Keigh.

'May we never forget the Mother, or her gifts to us. Come the time of the Lord of the Dead vengence and penence shall be earned, until then we maintain our flesh so that price may be extracted.' As she spoke the others around the table muttered the same words and then they too sat.

'I apologise for the less than exotic food, the Council with the Exception of our honoured Comrade here...' Nodding her head a moment to the Rai'Star 'Have little need for food other than sustenence, our chef is.... not as skilled as others of our people.'

As she spoke the man schuckled at the comment 'You Kionash where always strange.' Turning a moment to Nathicana he chuckled 'Did you know they gave up all the material pleasures for the title of Farseer, I don't mean they don't partake, they gave them up, gone, are no longer able to take pleasure from them. A strange exchange one I am glad we Exodites have never had to make, I could not imagine such a existence.' It was subtle but the entire conversation carried a slight hint of being pre-planned or at least perhaps cleared as a potential comment, Rai'star it appeared was to play the role of the Boistous drunkard, the Barbarian. In large part it was of course true, but some times he appeared to exaggerate a little.

The Dominion folk bowed their heads and held their silence at what must certainly had to be a prayer, looking back up after their hosts were seated and speaking again. "I assure you, there is no need for apologies," Nathicana said with a close-lipped smile. "We came here to achieve a better understanding of your peoples, and in turn, hope to offer the same of ours, not to be pampered and coddled and dazzled with every exotic delight the multiverse may contain after all - though I assure you, your hospitality thus far has been superb. Our quarters are simply beautiful, and this meal, perfect in its simplicity. Even were it not, it is enough that you would have us and break bread with us. Such things should never be underestimated, no?"

Nathicana tilted her head slightly, the corners of her lips turning up slightly in a more shrewd smile at the Exodite's comments. "Such things are not required of my people in their struggles to achieve excellence," she admits thoughtfully. "However, were it so, one would think that the ends justifies the means, no? Put in those terms the arrangement does not seem quite so strange. After all, in seeing the wisdom so far displayed by our gracious hosts, I hazard to guess that what they gain must be by far more than worth the price paid. Pleasures are fleeting. Power and knowledge ..." she trails off with a slight shrug and light gesture of her hand, her gaze dropping demurely for a moment, before looking back up.

The others, as directed, maintain their silence, though between them, their eyes miss nothing of the exchange, tucking away details and noting reactions, subtle changes of expression or body language if any are revealed, for later discussion.

((OOC I think it might be best to do the conversation at the table on IRC which as I return for the X-Mass Hols on Sunday... well it becomes possible))

ooc: Righto - I'll try and watch for you. Message me if I don't pick up on it right off the bat, as I tend to be back and forth a bit.