<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/50/15b3a41b63432bcd1c3755c910f8be5c.jpg)</div>Umari listened to Xenovia's outburst with a solemn expression. His pose and expression were both calm and controlled, his intent not to see matters escalated clear. When she was done he looked over his shoulder at the women behind him, and then turned back to Xenovia.<br/><br/>"My people are protective of me, just as yours are of you, I have no doubt. The stories I have heard of the world beyond our shores ... yes, I can understand your need for caution, but we are not without potential enemies of our own. There are many who sail the Western Ocean who are friend to none. I am sure I do not need to tell you as much, for you have traveled far. If you are concerned for your safety, then perhaps this may reassure you."<br/><br/>He turned to take in the others of the Manse who stood around the room, meeting the eyes of each in turn before speaking. "This moment has the potential to see all that we have worked for, all that your ancestors have worked towards for a thousand years, to come to fruition. From the seeds of this day, a new Solar Deliberative may rise, but it will take all of us, working as one. I will offer my hand in friendship to our guests, and share with them our dream. Unless any prove themselves false, unless they raise their hand against us, let none raise a hand against them."<br/><br/>"If we are to rebuild the Golden Age of our ancestors, to bring the light of the Unconquered Sun back to this world, then let the first sign of trust be here, now."<br/><br/>He turned back to the newcomers and stepped forwards, offering his hand out. "Together, we can make this world what it once was, and can be again. I offer my hand to you now in friendship, and in the hope that we can become as one accord, to raise this world from what it is, to what it can be."<br/>