Helia watched as the group moved to disembark, eyes sliding over the four-guards with barely more than a cursory glance. They were trained men, their toned and muscled bodies moving with a controlled kind of violence that reminded her of her Death Games Champions.<i>Hmmm not military men then, likely they came from Rome's arena....Gladiators.  </i>She sensed more than saw her personal guard shift around her, stepping tot he sides to be clear of their posts if necessary.<br/><br/>Next, her gaze took in each of the ladies, who hung on to the arms of the guards.  Each was a beauty in her own right, clad in short, breezy outfits that left a bit to the imagination but tastefully showed their lithe and youthful forms for hungry eyes. They laughed and chattered freely, teasing their escorts and generally enjoying themselves. One or two seemed a bit more reserved, eyes downcast, taking quick peeks at the party awaiting them below. Not a single one of them was a noble born lady by their manner, though well behaved. A few had been trained to it, she could see it in the set of their shoulders and the flawless posture despite the lacking of a corset.  The collars clinging to their necks signified their ownership, and the way each of their eyes always seemed to find their way back to one man sealed the conclusion of who the owner would be.<br/><br/><i>This man....</i>she thought, a smile touching her lips. He was dressed in fine clothing, a rich cloth that would not be out of place in the deepest vaults of the palace. It was elegantly cut and led one to think of nobility. He wore no adornments but for the fine kain he walked with though the limp she detected was slight.  He carried himself with an assured grace, rather than an arrogance or sense of entitlement. The woman who walked at his side was at ease there, calmer than one might expect.<i>Hmmm he treats them well</i>. Not a single one of these ladies displayed so much as a hint of being ill at ease, their glances at him were for assurance.  All but for the lady on his arm, a seasoned companion.<br/><br/>She was intrigued to see what the sea had washed ashore to their lands in more depth. It was half of why she was here, after all. Her master had wanted to show off a bit. This was expected of course, this being a cordial visit the aim would be to impress. Thus the large welcome party, and of course the Emporer would send his prized Lily. True, though no noble born lady she was raised and trained to it. Had gained a title and lands of her own, now ranked among the nobility. The populace of this great Empire knew it to be but a matter of time before she was raised from the Upper Harem into marriage to the Emporer. She would become his second wife and then gain the title Princess.  By sending her, He had pleased the masses.  Normally, protocol dictated that she remain in her litter lounging like the goddess she was meant to represent.  Perhaps allow them to have a glance of her through the silks, enough to entice the imagination.  Helia, however, had no intention of doing so.<br/><br/>She handed her cup off to the Cheif Diplomat, Raul,and sat up. As she moved to swing her feet over the side, the ladies of the lower harem fluttered and hurried over. Two of them pulled aside the curtains while another two opened parasols, their eyes staring at her wide the only hint this was out of the normal. As she swung her bare feet over the side, the fifth woman hurried to unravel a rug for Helia to place her feet on. The bangles about her ankles not giving the faintest chime with how smooth the motion was.<br/><br/>"What are you doing, dear lady! I cannot allow you to burn yourself on the stones, my dear lady, please...do sit down.." Raul, chided softly, leaning down as he placed her cup on a small table.<br/><br/>"Oh Raul, my esteemed friend. What is a little pain for the glory of our beloved Emporer?" She responded, smiling gently at him. That was all they had time for as Owen and his party drew within ear shot.  With that, Helia rose to her feet, the crowd some distance away shouting joyously as she stepped forward. Her hair tumbled down her back, a sea of seething ebony with fire opals glittering in the sunlight.  Her gaze was on the one person that mattered, Owen. She clasped her hands loosely before her, taking care to keep her posture perfect, but relaxed as they closed their remaining distance.<br/><br/>Raul stepped forward and opened his arms wide. "Welcome to our great Empire good sir." He turned and swept Helia a deep bow. "My Lady Helia Elalee-Kailu, Lily of The Empire and beloved of our Blessed Emporer...May I present to you Lord Owen Wilson of Rome, who has come at our Blessed Highness's request."