<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/50/15b3a41b63432bcd1c3755c910f8be5c.jpg)</div>Umari listened attentively to Mists' story, nodding at the appropriate moments. "Your stories do not displease me," he said, giving a small smile. "It is always interesting to learn the events that shape a life." He frowned then, a pensive expression on his face. "I know of Skullstone, though we have never had any direct contact with them. Your tale is disturbing though. The dead should be left in the peace they have earned. I wonder if Skullstone seeks to expand its reach and find new sources of bodies to serve it. I must think much on this, but later."<br/><br/>When she rose to take her leave, he gave his ascent with a smile and a small wave of his hand. "Please, by all means enjoy yourself. We will have time to speak of other matters when the feasting is done."<br/><br/>When Ashen Heron rose to leave, he simply nodded, most of his attention on the newcomers within the hall, his eyes moving slowly from one to the next, watching how they interacted with his people, getting a feel for how easy it would be to integrate them. They seemed a capable crew, and would be a fine addition to the population of the war manse.<br/><br/>The rippling golden light that flowed into the hall caught his gaze, and his eyes widened.<em>Who ...?</em>He shook his head.<em>Has the Unconquered Sun graced us with another? Or is it one of the newcomers? I need to find out what's happening.</em><br/><br/>He rose from his place at the feasting table, flicking a quick hand gesture to call his trusted aides to his side as he strode across the floor. His eyes met Mists as he headed towards the doorway, and he gave her a small smile. "Please, my dear, join me. I'm as curious to find out what is happening here as you are."