Ecithian Hospitality [Finn, Pharaoh]

[Talisman]

67 Ash, Year 124

[Closed - Finn, Pharaoh]

It was a heavily discussed topic in the Senate. The idea of becoming a vassal state of the Kingdom of Solunarium did not sit well with a number of those who were still able to be present. Some even wondered if the plagues and sicknesses that were present had been engineered by the desert-dwellers themselves. It was clearly not natural sicknesses that were afflicting many Ecithians. They were attacking that which was of great value to the Elves and their human slaves: dragons and the ability of one to use magic. Considering how they were not promised any immediate panacea, any prior involvement of theirs was debatable.

The motives of the Solunarian delegation were fairly obvious - with the return of their long-lost demigods, expansionist dreams may well have been being revived. This offer clearly was not out of the goodness of their hearts; else they likely would have spoken up back when it first began. They had not, though they had had their own problems to deal with, and had instead shored up the borders to make sure that what was inside was not at risk of spilling out and contaminating an entire kingdom of magic users.

On the other hand, Ecith had little choice. The assistance was needed, as their own mages, scattered as they were, were fighting a difficult battle. The dragons were not infallible, and aether creep was sapping for those that were dealing with it. While the pestilence of wing rot was improving with quarantine and treatment procedures, it was not completely stamped out yet. Desperate times called for desperate measures. They would see what terms could be decided upon, if they would be. If it could not be managed, then they would do what they had always done... tough it out themselves, and find other options.

All the same, Finn Dux and the handful of those he wanted to bring with him had a feast planned for them. They would get into the matters of politics later on, but for now, this was more of an opportunity to feel each other out and go from there. They could then discuss in the Senate what proposals the foreign delegation had for them at a later date; but for now, this was simply going to be a show of Ecithian hospitality.

The humidity was oppressive compared to the aridity he had become used to in Atraxia, but at least the feast wouldn't be outside in the open air. It was to be held inside another building in the mountainous city, stony and laden with flowering vines. The tables were laden with fruit, vegetables, and roasted meats, from game to fish to livestock. But none yet had taken seats at the table while they were waiting for their guests, and those inside ranged from Orkhan to some truly massive Moratallen, to Dragons in various shapes and sizes - some had elected a human-esque appearance, likely for Finn, some had chosen Elf, some were a blend. Those that were here were by and largely chieftains or ranking members of the paths, and older dragons that wanted to see these newcomers for themselves.

But three of them were waiting - a silver dragonborn Orkhan that stood tall over many of those gathered heavily tattooed and covered in scars that were both stylized and earned in combat, a male-seeming earthen Moratallen, who had thick, mossy hair and a beard to match, and a rather short and slender female Orkhan. And these three were the Triumvirate, who represented the leadership of Ecith since Raxen, Syren, and Galetira had stepped back from the day-to-day some decades ago.

"I am Achaka Vog'ul Lonelyblade, Warchief of the Commonwealth," the dragonborn spoke first. He was ancient, but strong, and considerably in his prime.

"I am Chuck Eutga Windwhistler, Muse of the Commonwealth," the Moratallen went and introduced himself next. "Welcome to Ecith."

"I am Hanna Noelle Widowmaker, Shaman of the Commonwealth," the diminutive female Orkhan was pleasant enough, but there was something much darker wrapped in a smile. "I have seen your coming, Finn Dux of House Viator."

[Finn]

Finn laughed.

Then, he swept a bow—too Kalzasern for the Solunarian princes who accompanied him, too Solunarium for the court of his former Avialæ overlords. When he stood, though, his blue eyes sparkled with amusement and some excitement. There was a bit of the country lad in him still, even after all his travels and his time learning to marshal his reactions. They wanted him to be Finn and so he would be Finn.

"I thank you for your hospitality," he said in passable Ecitharese. If the light seemed almost to shine brighter upon him as he spoke, perhaps it was a touch of Aværys' grace making his Radiant's words understandable to foreign ears. "It seems Your Excellencies were informed of my ducal accession before I was. My own name is new to me, but that is meet as I have become Solunarian where once I was Kalzasern."

He introduced those few of his retinue who would be dining with them; the handful of veiled Sentinels had no identity save their uniform, and they would stand or circle, ready to evacuate the Solunarian dignitaries should some fracas akin to the Mascerata occur here.

Finn would not hide the Archduke or the Prince. It was clear they were here subject to his imperium, which ought to prove to the Orkhan elite just how much was changing in Solunarium too. If the shaman knew he was now of ducal rank, she likely also knew that he was chosen of Aværys and wedded to a son of Phædryn-Sol'Aværys and the Crownwyrm himself. There had to be something to this open-faced man than his song and his sinews.

There were gifts to share, but now was not the time or place. This was a feast, and he was looking forward to noting the similarities and differences between Orkhan food and music here and that of the Orkhan who had settled Kalzasi before even the Avialæ came.

[Pharaoh]

Alikhandrian of Verkágos was the one member of Finn’s arriving retinue who stood at the human’s side, rather than behind him. He was also the sole member of the delegation with whom the Ecithians were familiar. He had not made his reemergence furtively and had been openly interacting with agents of the Commonwealth in his travels and since setting up a home base in Drathera some months ago. If the dragon was regarded as a spy for the Zalkyrians, he certainly wasn’t being stealthy about his research into the realm of his birth as it currently stood. When last he’d dwelt in Ecith it had been recovering from Solunarian occupation, so things were a sight different in the modern era into which he’d since awoken.

Where Arkænyn, Phædreon and the Sentinels inclined their heads in respectful acknowledgment, the stern-faced Platinum
Dragon in elven seeming, remained statue still except to utter in Ecitharese:

“Greetings, Achaka, Hannah…” He paused, pursing his lips as if to suppress a sneer as he continued:

“Chuck.” After giving voice to his salutations, Alikhandrian returned to stoical silence and regarded the room with impassive violet eyes.

As the unveiled members of Finn’s party, Arkænyn and Phædreon were dressed in complementary regalia. Both donned black and white vestments, with Arkænyn’s falling more into the realm of armour and Phædreon’s into the formal robes of a mage scholar. The latter’s hair, like his garb, was black and white and something in the gleam of his armour made Arkænyn’s hair look whiter to meet the pure white of his cape and armour accents.

All seemed quite content to leave the ball in Finn’s court to speak on behalf of the Sacred Solunarian Empire ascendant.

[Talisman]

"You get to used to it," Chuck smiled down at the Seer. What exactly 'it' was was questionable, but largely up for interpretation. Hanna's knowledge, Alikhandrian's pointedness about his name, the jungle itself... "Your Ecitharese is good, but would you prefer the Common tongue?" the Moratallen's manner was mild. If it was easier for Finn and his team, then the Triumvirate could make due. Not all would later over the course of the meal, but how the young man managed with ancient dragons and some chieftains was on him.

"Well met, Alikhandrian of Verkágos," Achaka nodded to him. This was an unsurprising development. Platinum as he was, it was to be expected that he had maintained ties with the arid land of his dragonflight. That was how that type was. It was merely something else to watch and be prepared for, but there was nothing for it at the moment that wouldn't cause problems with what was to come. As it was, they would perhaps be on the same team going forward, despite a history at odds and the circumstances that had brought this together.

It would all be dealt with in time. The Commonwealth did not suffer betrayers, no matter their race.

Those with Finn would be greeted by name if they chose to introduce themselves, otherwise simple pleasantries would be enough. There was no sign yet for the platinum dragon to find the demigod triad that had looked after the Commonwealth for so long, and perhaps they were abstaining from this feast. It was far more likely that they would attend, if incognito, and make themselves known if it suited them to do so. The current Triumvirate, Finn likely already knew from his homework, were all Heralds of Raxen, Syren, and Galetira. Avaerys was able to see things through his eyes; it made sense that their gods could as well.

"Friends," Chuck's voice rose only slightly over the sounds of conversation and music. "Thank you all for coming today. Our Solunarian guests are here. Let us enjoy this feast tonight and leave the politics alone until the Senate resumes in a few days." There would be time enough for that when the Senate recommenced, and when it did... Finn would be attending. Those around them were going to the tables in the large room, and it seemed that all three of the Triumvirate would be sitting with Finn and his entourage.

"How are you settling in?" the Moratallen asked him once they were seated. There was music playing from a handful of Bards, not so loud as to interrupt the flow of conversation, but loud enough to be present and enjoyable. Plates were there to be filled to whatever each of them desired, though people did circulate with bottles and jugs of drinks. "Anything to your liking? Wine, something harder?"

[Finn]

Finn would not be able to say straight-faced that he wasn't amused by someone else being on the receiving end of a platinum dragon's dry wit, but fortunately, nobody was asking him to. He didn't know yet what to make of the dark note in the seeress' welcome, but he would surely be briefed after the feast was concluded and his team held a post mortem.

"I promise my Ecitharese will improve," he said earnestly. "I am a quick learner of languages, but I think it will require immersion here before I am properly fluent. I will happily speak Common so as not to offend your ears with my learning tongue."

None of his entourage needed babysitting in a social sphere, but he would make a point of checking on them from time to time. He followed the Moratallen's lead and sat with him. It shouldn't be a surprise the Muse would want dibs upon the bard-cum-ambassador.

"Well," he began, tone laughing, "we have hardly settled at all. Only a few hours ago, we were in Solunarium, our envoy of peace being blessed by religious and governmental powers. Our prædium is beautiful, and I am slowly becoming accustomed to living in grandeur, though my origins are quite humble. I recently moved my own parents and siblings to Solunarium where my growing success could afford more benefits for them, not the least protection from future calamities like the Eclipse. Their village wasn't close enough to Kalzasi to enjoy its protection. Now they want to know why I am fleeing their presence for another land again, but it is my honor to build bridges between Solunarium and Drathera."

His words and smile were sincere; that was his weapon as well as his vulnerability.

"Ah, everything looks and smells delicious or at least interesting... Why don't you select a drink for me? You can better curate my experience than I can in my ignorance. Though, please, don't test my tolerance on my first day in Drathera. I would hate to make a fool of myself so early."

[Pharaoh]

The bulk of Finn’s retinue seemed to be attending as an honour guard. The veiled, black-clad sentinels arrayed themselves about the space at symmetrical stations along the walls. The exceptions were Alikhandrian, Arkænyn and Phædreon. The latter two seemed content to remain in each other’s orbit, exchanging whispered words in Vastian from time to time, and not engaging with their Ecithian counterparts without being expressly addressed. Whether they were aloof or deferential was up to interpretation, but both wore their standoffishness with the cool stoicism of Re’hyæan royals.

Alikhandrian, however, seemed at his ease as he claimed a seat beside the ominously dubbed Hannah Widowmaker. He spoke up in Ecitharese that was unaccented, though some of the verbiage might have been archaic and out of favour in the modern age.

“Telling a Solunarian to eschew politics is like telling a crocodile to forsake swimming, so it is meet that our envoy is not of Solunarian origin.” The Platinum Dragon observed with a faint smirk. His sentiment was only vindicated by Finn’s words, highlighting humble beginnings that few true Solunarians would acknowledge let alone mention in public without coercion. It intrigued Alikhandrian to note that this was the chosen of Aværys and plenipotentiary of the Umbrian Crown. Perhaps more had changed in Solunarium than even the Commonwealth in the intervening years of his torpidity.

[Talisman]

It was the more natural way, certainly - all three of the Triumvirate would sit at the table with Finn, but like knew like, and bard knew bard. Achaka would have preferred to not be here or stick around for this socialization, but it was a necessary evil at this point. It was required of his station. But he would listen and comment as needed, if he was needed. Hanna may have seemed kindly, considering her smaller size and the fact that she showed her age more than her peers, but like the others, she had a duty to her homeland and that was to protect it by any means necessary. Seers, especially with that age and level of experience, could well be a mixed bag when it came to temperament.

"Nothing like a good party to help you relax, no? But there's no shame in learning a language. Speak in whichever language you want to. If you want to push through with Ecitharese, by all means. If you would rather save that for later and speak in Common, the choice is yours," Chuck nodded. "Try that one, it's a mead that's got some papaya in it. Very refreshing taste and it won't kick your brains around in your head." He indicated when the server brought it around. He had something else, and the strength of whatever was in his mug, Finn could likely smell. But the large Moratallen likely no lightweight when it came to such things. He would point out, too, what each thing at the table in front of them was - exotic fruits, what different vegetables were, and different kinds of meats. Those certainly ranged from domestic to exotic, and if his palate wasn't feeling adventurous, the Muse would recommend he stay with that which was more familiar. Some of the game was definitely an acquired taste.

One thing that was not present, if only to be polite to the cultural sensitivities of the foreign emissaries, was any meat from reptiles. Not that there was any shortage of it, but they had chosen to not present it here.

"Crocodiles can walk and run," Hanna pointed out to Alikhandrian's comment. "But I understand the point, and offer my own: it is better to wait. When the Senate convenes, those who wish to listen will do so. We are not in such a place now, and it would be inappropriate." Politics were of the public record here - those who wanted to listen to such events could do so, no matter where they were in the Commonwealth. Such was part of the structure and magic of the Senate building. If Solunarium wanted to keep their politics largely behind closed doors, that was their choice. But it was not the Ecithian way, and as such, when the time came for proposals and discussions, it could very well be that tens of thousands would be listening to what was being said in the chamber.

There was also the fact that the warhawks of the Senate were not pleased with the possibility of becoming a vassal state of the Re'hyaeans to the East once more. But there was some benefit to it - especially when it came to the Imperium. But all things considered, none of the Triumvirate wanted passions and tempers to flare here at what was supposed to be a welcoming feast for the emissaries from Solunarium.

That being said, it was interesting that they had chosen the one they did. He was accompanied by more than one of royal blood, and there was no doubt that the court of dragons that had claimed the Umbrium had plenty of options when it came to diplomatic envoys.... but they had chosen one who was a fairly new transplant to the city.

[Finn]

Finn was hardly The New Solunarian, but he was a new option that seemed to fit into the plans of gods and dragons, at least. He fairly shone here, even without engaging in Aværys' grace. His intelligence was of the emotional variety, and he was sincerely interested in other people and their stories and perspectives, which made him an excellent bard when he had the time to focus upon music. Alikhandrian hardly knew him yet, but soon would. Finn wasn't sure any dragons liked him, if liking was even a thing they did. But if he grew to understand how Finn was useful to the cause, he knew he would be more fully accepted even than he was with the Crownwyrm's imperium.

And as for the Orkhan... well, the Solunarian hatred toward them made sense intellectually, but he couldn't wrap his emotional intelligence, such as it was, around bigotry like that. He had grown up in Kalzasi, where the Orkhan were often priests and scholars, and so revered. He didn't know the Orkhan that Hilana's bedtime stories described. Perhaps he would yet.

"I will learn Ecitharese," he promised, "by and by. For now, though, I think fluency will help us more in the cause of building bridges rather than walls." His smile was earnest. He believed what he said.

"Oh..."

He tried the papaya-infused mead, and accepted small portions of nearly everything. The few caveats were things he knew he didn't like, and didn't want to have to screw up his face at something someone had put effort into making for him. He even tried a smaller glass of what Chuck was drinking.

"I am fortunate, I think," he explained later, "that I tend to like almost anything that is well made. I will certainly develop my preferences, but..." Then he chuckled. "Perhaps I have gone without too many times to turn my nose up at something edible. But no, my compliments to your kitchen crews. Chefs and all. The culinary arts are not those at which I excel, but a dish or a meal can be a story unto itself. My mother is a blacksmith, though now she is dabbling in finer metals for fun since I have done well enough she doesn't have to work to feed us... My father did the cooking most of the time. But when he was ill, she would cook. Simple things. Generally breakfast foods for supper. Eggs, toasted bread, perhaps some bacon... She wasn't what anyone would call a gifted cook, but there have been days when I have woken up ill and all I wished for were her humble attempts to feed her children while her husband was laid low... And a simple meal like that can take me back twenty years and warm my heart as well as fill my belly.

"Oh—" He stopped a passing server. "I would actually like another of those, please. Thank you."

After he had finished, "I am eager to learn more Orkhan art, however. Well, to be more precise, Ecithian Orkhan art. There are talented Orkhan bards in Kalzasi, but from what I gather, the diaspora of your people has led to a rich variety of styles."

[Pharaoh]

“But swimming is the closest they shall ever come to dragonflight, poor things.” Alikhandrian answered drolly. Solunarians were ambitious, particularly when they stepped outside the clearcut confines of their sacred hierarchical pyramid. He watched, intrigued, as Finn spoke idle anecdotes and seemed to genuinely enjoy the feast, of which the dragon himself did not partake outside of the liquid offerings. Alikhandrian, like many of his ilk, relished the hunt as much as the consumption and his metabolism was quite slow when he wasn’t activating his ignis gland overmuch.

Arkænyn watched attentively and, though he was picky about which foodstuffs looked appealing, he tasted of those that did and, in spite of a far faster metabolism than Alikhandrian’s, he only took a few small sampling tastes of the food. He did not conceal his distaste at the bits that didn’t suit his palate, cringing and wrinkling his nose at unwelcome flavours including that of the papaya mead.

“Just a dry red for me.” He requested in Aurisian-accented Common, as an ostensible servant stepped by.

Phædreon was a more adventurous eater than the others, it seemed. He filled his plate wantonly with all manner of divers options and sampled the fare at a velocity that verged on indelicate for a Re’hyæan royal. He had, of course, led a life that didn’t require as much regimentation as the normal prince royal of Solunarium. He’d gone hungry and dined upon things that would make a Re’hyæan duchess clutch her dragonshards.

“You’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t sample the rock crab.” The time mage bade the Platinum Prince in Vastian. “I know the presentation is unprepossessing, but the flavour more than makes up for the appearance.”

[Talisman]

"A wise choice," the Muse agreed. It was smart of him, though either of them could have made themselves understood in the other tongue, Chuck from years of experience, Finn through his marks from Avaerys. But it did speak more to himself and his character that he was willing to put the work in to try to learn Ecitharese the natural way. Though with Mesmers... who knew.

"Food tastes better when shared with friends," Chuck nodded sagely, the movement causing a little bird to cheep from within his mossy beard. It had been hidden until then, and oddly, it seemed to be made of pure metal - platinum feathers and all. "Sorry, little one," he offered the bird a tiny morsel of fruit. It was taken and the bird disappeared again, content with its prize. Finn could detect its symphony, and all was well in the bird's world once more, it seemed. The drink that the Moratallen had was enough to make things get a bit fuzzy and bubbly all at once, and when he'd gotten the cup, the Muse had mildly advised temperance. It wasn't his place to tell him what to do or what not to do, after all. Finn may have packed on muscle from his training, but this was made for Orkhan and larger, and too much might well have him sound asleep at the table.

"You must have missed them while you were gone, from the sounds of it. How did a farm lad from a northern village end up in the glittering jewel of the desert kingdom?" This was bound to be a long story... but that was also the best kind, now, wasn't it?

"You might be right," Hanna agreed. Where Chuck had switched to Common for Finn, she remained in Ecitharese while she was talking with Alikhandrian. "But I wouldn't say they trouble themselves about such things. They are not troubled by ideals that they cannot achieve. They are already the kings of their environment, perfectly evolved for it. Aedrin knew what He was doing," the Seer ate bits here and there, though with less of the exuberance of the Muse and Warchief. Achaka listened, watched, and very rarely spoke unless directly addressed. Neither Hanna nor Chuck tried to push him to participate more - the Triumvirate knew each other well, but the silver Dragonborn did seem to be listening to Finn, even if his attention was largely elsewhere. "An interesting choice by your greatwyrn, this one. We will see how the shuttle weaves between the threads with him."

No one was put out by Arkaenyn's expressions; they knew there was no pleasing everyone, and while they'd put out enough of a spread that most were enjoying it, tastes were tastes. Finn had gotten to try quite a bit of wild game during his camping trips with Hilana, and some of her meals could get pretty far off of the beaten path when it came to what the average person enjoyed. Phaedreon's enjoyment more than made up for it, at least. With his appetite, various servers were happy to bring him things that were getting more and more exotic yet, and watching to see his reactions to them.