Welcome to Gaia! ::

She pursed her mouth peevishly, and mentally ran through a long list of proper court etiquette. The Sun was at its zenith outside, back in Houka, the streets would be empty of warriors and shopkeepers alike, everyone went to the temples to offer praise and Sacrafice to Lycra.
Here, in the Lumos' realm such unerring devotion was not neccesary, and yet... If the goddess wasn't already angry that they were peacefully conferring with her sworn enemy, than surely their negligence would do the job. She sighed, and gazed at the suddenly interesting floor tiles. In the background she could vaguely make out what was being said, and made sure to moniter that conversation at least subconsciesly, in case she was questioned. Her mothers motives weren't clear, she had sent Etsu along with the envoy, but what was her intent, to show her off like a polished jewel, Sure, she was a decent diplomat, but there were dozens of others more suited for that position than she, why not send a minor prince, or princess? As crown princess her tutors were mainly interested in schooling about the history of Houka, and religion. She had to study other, more important, things on her own time. Arithmatic, and language was maybe a once a week thing, she spent most of the time in the practice stables, and training with the other warriors on the dueling grounds. She found herself clenching her fists with antcipation, New kingdoms, meant new weapons, new opponents. Indeed, she would make her way to the fighting grounds shortly after this introduction, she vaguely wondered when the other ambassadors would arrive. She was curious to meet the esperanzan ambassadors particularly, the Domachi representative. Mechants had come to Houka with tales of a large dragon that took human form at will. She had scoffed at the idea originally, but here it seemed that anything was possible.

Col. Pratt nodded his confirmation. The envoy was to leave tonight. He would infrom the Corporal, and send them on their way. He looked to his right, and nodded to the second guardsman at the door. Then, swiftly and silently, he turned on heel and marched from the room. He made his way through the Castle and into the courtyard, where he walked straight to Corporal Kaleb Vellar. He nodded to the Corporal, and said, "Corporal Vellar, your envoy leaves tonight. The Queen will send her chosen Diplomat when she has finished her audience with the Houkan Emmisarries." He threw the Corporal a salute and added, "Swift feet, Corporal Vellar. Lycra will not smile upon you when the sun rises."

With that, he turned once more, and headed back into the chamber. He slipped silently to his post, and nodded to the Queen. The envoy had been informed, and when their chosen diplomat was prepared, they left tonight. He said a short prayer for Corporal Vellar. The Houkans would not be so kind to this envoy as Pearle was.

((Crap, not tazers again. Will you leave me alone if I change the spelling to make you right?))

Faile smiled to herself as Rai strode into the dining hall. He had woken up late again. As much as he tried to seem inhuman and distant, she always saw the human side of him. The boy was very stiff minded about some aspects of life, and as impressive as he could seem to outsiders, he was like her little brother. Still, she kept her peace about him getting up late and let him eat his porridge and meditate in peace.

Of course, even without her, he was interrupted. The swishing of robes announced someone entering the hall, and from behind the large pillars lining the room stepped old Menclese. He was the temple's courier, and in his withered old hands were two letters. Faile's sharp eyesight caught the names on them, and she smiled again. Both were marked D'lora. Of all the alcoytes in the temple, there were only three named D'lora, and it had first been a source of much confusion.

Rising gracefully, Faile swept a curtsey as smooth as a wave and greeted Menclese. "Moonlight shine upon you father. What can we do for you?". Using the traditional greeting, she touched her lips and extended her delicate hand to the old man. Silent as always, Menclese merely placed a letter on it and stepped past her. With a movement surprising for an old man, he jumped over the table and set the other in front of Rai. Then, he shuffled off as if his ancient body where filled with rheumatism.

Faile's smile remained. She knew he was nothing like he portrayed himself, but that was his own business. Hers apparently lay in this letter, sealed by the high priestess herself! That made Faile's silver eyes widen slightly, and she looked towards Rai. The young man's dark eyes met hers in a silent exchange, and she shook her head slightly. Why had they, both alcoytes, been summoned by the highest priests in their religion?

And she blinked. The breeze had warmed since sunset, and whispered past her, gently waving her robes. The last hour was a blur, the sudden exclamations by both Rai and herself, the hurried packing, and the strange sense of unease. The letter had instructed her that she would be going with the Houkan envoy, and as much as the prospect excited her, she was still not comfortable with it. And why was Rai being told to advise the queen? He was no politician, even if he was intelligent and well trained. Shaking the questions away, her silvery hair caught the breeze as she started walking once more. It also irritated her how short a notice she had been given.

Luckily, she was far more fit than the group she was supposed to be in and soon caught up with the enovy. As awkward as it seemed, she still manged to be gracious and courtly once she caught up. With a simple introduction, and a token curtsey, she spoke "Moonlight shine upon you. I am D'lora, Faile' Anya D'lora. My apologies for being late, I hope it did not inconveniance you.". Her regal posture matched perfectly with her tone, and both spoke well of her. She was a priestess of Lumos, a protectress of the highest order, and she acted as one would expect her to.

Corporal Vellar smiled at the appearance Lady D'lora. "Good eve, milady," he said. "I'd been briefed on your arrival, however, it was very short notice, and Colonet Pratt insisted that I commence immediately. It would appear that he was right in his assumptions. You did catch up quickly." He made a slight bow, and added, "Corporal Kaleb Vellar, Lady D'lora. Pleased to make your acquaitance. However, we'd best be moving out before sunrise."

With that, he turned and continued towards Houka. He glanced to his left and right, making sure that his troops were still there, and then back to Lady Bemrise and Lady D'lora. He started to worry about having two such high-ranking women in his envoy, and that they would be a prime target for renegade Houkan Sorcerers. No matter, he told himself. Everything will be fine.

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