A Second Meeting

JP with White_Caribou, Winteroak and Cindy

Shalia had briefly informed Islana about their situation over dinner. She offered up details about the Ozainae--what the Sand Horde was, their Twin gods, the Prophetess and her tale. The redhead inquired with a clear tone of curiosity that the older witch greatly appreciated.

Finally, Shalia explained that the thing occupying her time and mind was a very important treaty. The details she would not trouble her with now…Islana did not need to be distracted by thoughts of her old home being destroyed. Not until the alliance was solidified, at least.
Shalia emphasized just how much was on her plate in saying that Arcadia’s future depended on this while keeping it just vague enough. Saying that she would get her way.

As they walked to the meeting, two guards accompanied the women, one leading while the other brought up the rear, eyeing the environment cautiously after the attack earlier.

They neared the unmistakable Sand Horde tent and Shalia had no nervousness. No fear or worry. This was the easy part of what was to come. Like Koshnem had said, how could they refuse her? She’d rather leave this place dead than empty handed, and death was not an option.

Glancing back at Islana, she could only see the woman’s face by the faint glow of nearby lanterns posted along the Armat outskirts. Shalia was not sure what they were playing at in inviting her slave along. From how Islana described their reactions to the sudden request, Shalia felt satisfaction at knowing they'd been caught off guard.
She almost missed the sight, smell, and sound of the camels nearby, but even with their hump-backed figures obscured in the area by distant light, could the strange and new beasts really go unnoticed?

This night, Shalia was dressed in her white coat, head held high with a signature icy gaze. She took one final inhale of the cool night air before stepping into the tent, rejuvenated.

Focus on what you want and claim it, Voice of Winter.

Islana was grateful for the information Shalia had shared with her regarding the Ozainae, it quenched some of that thirst for knowledge that the young woman seemed to carry with her.

Yet, it felt like it wasn't enough. Islana wanted to know everything about the desert dwellers, but she did understand when the dark haired woman had given all the information she had about them.

The redhead tried not to ask beyond Shalia's knowledge. Her fascination with the Ozainae couldn't be contained but there was some down play to it. There wasn't anything to be gained by questions which the older witch couldn't possibly answer.

Walking behind Shaila, her mind fixated on what she had been told and the questions still there. Stopping for a brief moment to take sight of the camels once again, then the redhead entered the tent, her eyes focused, almost unconsciously on one of the many tusks in the room, as her other senses took in the rest.

Amastan and Agizul were waiting inside the pavillion. The guards stayed outside and only Islana and Shalia allowed in.

Three or four men were sat in a corner of the room playing stringed instruments the likes of which none of you had seen before.

Shalia sat in front of the priests of the Twin Gods. Islana stood behind.

"Well met again Shalia Nix." He stated. "What can we do for you?"