Perfect Orchid nodded in deference to Whispers, after accepting Crow's mental link without showing any surprise. Still, she continued to speak out loud, at least until every joined the telepathic chat. "You are right, of course, lady Whispers that the people of the River Country are proud and not prone to panic. However, everyone in this group should be familiar with the effectiveness of the charms of the Exalted. I believe without intervention, the Mask of Winters<em>will</em>succeed."<br/><br/>"I would advice against splitting yourselves too far. The Mask of Winters has deathknights and mortals to spare, but we have no such luxury, so I believe it would be best to determine to the best of our ability the most effective targets you could strike to stop the Deathlord's plans. If you cou-" But the woman garbed in amethyst silks was interrupted when the door, and three people stepped into the suite: a woman, flanked by two taller men who could not be more different from each other. "Ah! I am happy to see you've arrived." She spoke, standing to bow politely in greeting. "Everyone, this is the distinguished Imara Iselsi, her brother Vedaa Iselsi, and her partner Witness." She made proper introductions, gesturing to each individual with her hand for everyone else's benefit.<br/><br/>Sky proceeded to summarize the situation for the newcomers, so Orchid cleared her throat. "As I was saying... I don't believe any of you should act independently, and sir Crow, I am familiar with your skill at matters of subterfuge, but I believe most of the Mask's agents who are of consequence will be operating outside of Thorns."<br/><br/>When the scavenger addressed Orchid she turned to face him, hands held together, and listened to him intently. "Unless I'm mistaken in my predictions about the Scarlet Dynasty, they are too divided to do anything against the Scavenger Lands if the new Treaty is as planned: simply stricter measures for the nation's duty to each other in matters of trade and commerce, and likely tightening the knot with the military strictures, but no radical changes. The Realm will be wary of the Confederation that would result from that Treaty, but not to the point of war. However, discussions are already starting, instigated by the Mask's agents, about a new draft even more consolidated. It would make the Confederation much more unified in military matters, even creating an active Confederation Army. And, if the Mask's plan is fully realized, the final draft of such a Treaty will create a Republic of Rivers ruled by a council, and<em>that</em>will urge the Realm to take action."<br/><br/>"As for assistance I could provide, well... I gathered you all here to ask you to save the Confederation of Rivers, but I do not fancy myself a great leader. There are other matters regarding the Mask's activities that only I can attend to, and I'm sorry, but that's all I can say about them." She explained gravely, with a tone of regret in her voice. "I have faith that you can succeed at the task."<br/><br/>"Of course, I could not let you go without preparing you all to the best of my ability." The elegant woman smiled, rising from her chair to glide across the room, her hips swaying enticingly with the clicks of her heels as she moved to the chest. "Please, accept these with my thanks." She commented with an air of gratitude after opening the chest and removing the contents, then going to each person and offering the gifts she prepared.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Sky</div><div class="spoiler_body">Still no lies to detect, but you pick up some half-truths when Orchid is greeting Imara and her friends, and (as you might expect) when she says she can't talk about what she'll be doing. And finally, you detect another half-truth when she start giving away the presents.</div></div><br/>-----------------------------------<br/><br/>As Orchid went around the room, Imara and her companions were greeted by a familiar face. "Zain! Always good to see you, how've you been?" The black-haired one replied, returning the Dragon King's shake eagerly.<br/><br/>When Zain greeted him, the Dynastic Anathema's other companion bowed back respectfully. "I am Iselsi Vedaa, distinguished Dignitary. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."