Surprise Invitation

JP with Winteroak and Cindy

Lerek approached tent in long strides with Islana feeling like she almost had to skip to keep up with him. Two nearby guards pulled out some long thin and curved swords out that again Islana had never seen before challenging the man. They were wearing long flowing robes and strange scarves tied around the heads just like her recent captors had.

Lerek spoke in Odon to the guards pointing at Islana. After a tense exchange of words, one of them went inside the tent before coming back holding the flap back allowing entrance. Lerek grunted to Islana to go first.

Inside was quite an opulent scene. Rugs of red, black and gold patterns covered the floor as well as some of the must plush pillows she had ever seen. There was few silk or satin sheets dividing the pavillion into different areas. Strange looking wooden lanterns hanged from the ceiling as well as peculiar small metal pendants that seemed to wave in the air, making pleasant sounds as they touched each other.

She stepped forward to find the bald woman from before Amastan, laying side ones in some sort of recline chair. Next to her dresses in the same robes was the man that Islana assumed was Agizul. They both looked on with interest.

"You did go back to your mistress like you said you would." Amastan said with a grin. "Part of me hoped you had decided not to be a slave and run away..." The tone was teasing.

It was a good thing that if Islana couldn't be tall, speed was an asset her legs were granted with. Still, the guard moved quickly and she was started to wonder if she could keep up, then they reached the tent.

While paying attention to Lerek and the other guards, she was also focused on the clothing. That was until the young woman was granted access and stepped inside.

The room that Shalia and her were sharing was quite beautiful but this, this was beyond that. All the patterns, colors, and textures of the room coupled with the sounds of the hanging metal objects seemed to fill the senses. It was exquisite.

Lost in this scene for a moment, the redhead almost forgot her place and who she was addressing but quickly recovered and bowed to both Agizul and Amastan.

Biting back a smile at Amastan's quip. By this point, Islana had dealt with the reality that there were little options for her. Shalia though had turned out not to be someone she needed to run from, so, the situation wasn't as bad as it could be.

"I did go back. I have been sent with a message for The Emissary."

Islana's tone was even as she spoke, trying to hide her interest with everything about these people.

Islana noticed the crossed tusks everywhere. In little patterns on the rugs, in the hems of Amastan and Agizul's robes, even in the hanging lanterns. The man looked at Islana and bowed his head slightly.

"Speak." He commanded. "What message do bring from Shalia Nix?" He asked.

The tusks seemed to be ubiquitous, fueling her need to know about them even more. If Islana could have her way those questions would come right now, to the people who were in that pavilion with her. Such was not the case.

"She requests another meeting with you."

Islana awaited the man's response.

"Another meeting?" He said slightly surprised. "We met no more than a few hours ago." He looked at Amastan who raised her eyebrows.

"When and where?" The bald woman asked.

"This evening, after dinner, at a location of your choosing."

Islana had a feeling that Shalia had done that to kept control of the situation but also give them a say.

The man nodded. "Agreed. Tell The Voice of Winter she can visit us here." He said l looking at Amastan. The woman looked at the young redhead. "You might as well come along. As our own guest." She added with a grin.

Islana bowed and left with the guard in tow.

The priests of the Twin Gods looked at one another.

"You were right, brethren." Agizul. "Uncanny." He said and both priests wondered what this would all mean.