She gave him a smile, and a quick kiss, before adopting her disguise as the elven man again, moving back into her original position, as time around them resumed. She continued their conversation for another couple of minutes, as if nothing had happened, before wishing him a farewell, and returning to the party.<br/><br/>A few minutes later, Kyuubi returned. "His Majesty wishes to see you, now," he said, bowing, and offering to lead the way. They thread through the crowd, crossing the massive hall, and he can see why it took so long; the hall's dimensions are deceptive, and it's quite larger than it even looks.<br/><br/>Eventually, they arrive at the foot of the stairs, Kyuubi ascending, while gesturing for Draiss to remain behind. He reached the top step, then turned to announce Draiss to the hall. "The Archdragon, Draiss Arcaniss!" he said, in a clear, empowered voice, that carried across the room, and drew the attention of every eye in there. It even seemed to rouse Barid from his languid state, focusing back on the reality before him, then down at Draiss. His gaze ran over Draiss for a long moment, before he spoke, the words soft, but translated across to everyone in the room. "Leave us. Everyone. Out. Now!"<br/><br/>His gaze never wavered from Draiss, as every individual, even his lieutenants at his side, made their way out the many doors ringing the room. The courtiers knew better than to hang around, and the staff were exceptionally skilled; the hundreds of people were removed from the room in a matter of minutes. The final doors slammed shut, behind the last person leaving, only the two of them remaining, in silence.<br/><br/>Then, Barid smiled.<br/><br/>He stood from his throne, and almost disgustedly, tore off his cape, and threw it back onto the seat he'd just vacated, standing tall. Beneath it, he wore a simple, military cut jacket, so dark blue it might almost be called black, with gold buttons and trim, black pants, and polished, black shoes. The only ornamentation was a small medal on his left breast; an ugly, twisted-looking thing, that Draiss would recognize; the medal he was given, crafted from a piece of scrap from the enemy flagship, awarded after he saved what was left of the galaxy. His uniform was only missing the white beret that had gone with it, and as he descended the steps, he looked almost exactly the same as the man who had stood on the command deck, while countless millions died around him, calm and confident and commanding as he directed his fleets in the defense of humanity.<br/><br/>As he reached the lower steps, he threw open his arms, apparently offering Draiss a hug, tears welling in his eyes. "My old friend. Welcome home."