The simhata placidly accept the gentle ministrations, while Armin returns to offer handling and care instructions. The pride lord steps forward, recognizing Sorceress as the predator she was. A mutual respect even a cross-species interest, nothing sexual, just the interest to add her to his pride. She was a great huntress. The body language was inviting, he was too proud to come to her, though he did give her all signs to approach him.<br/>Before the day became too long,  a long shimmering ripple of a gong resounded from the great house. "Ahhhh, the master Lord Tyssus is home. We should retire and freshen up for dinner. We shall dine in just over a candlemark, the servants know to assist you in any means you have for preparations. I must let you know, dinner tonight will be hearty and filling but plain fair, the real splendor of our kitchen will be displayed at your victory. We ask that you be ready to act this evening upon the close of negotiations, either to assist, or tend to yourself while we aid our assistants."<br/>The lady herds the group to the house before retiring to meet her husband and finish preparations for this evening.<br/><br/>********     ********     ********     ********     ********     ********     ********<br/><br/>The dining chamber was empty except for a line of servants. As each member enters the next servant of the opposite sex bows and directs the members to the side of the room. A concealed door led the pairs, servant and guest, down a steep set of stairs to a doorway. The doorway was plain, though as you pass the entrance a single mote of essence is expended and your caste mark alights upon your forehead. Your servant announces you by title of Exaltation and name offered here. Even Sakura receives the recognition of being a free elemental in the service of Lady Yume.<br/>Within the room, Lord Tyssus lounges upon his throne-like seat at the head of an extensive table. Foremost the symbol of the defamed Deceivers blazes openly upon his brow matched by the welcoming glow of his broadly smiling face. Four additional figures abide the right side of the table facing you, leaving the left side of the table for your seating. Among those seated across from your entrance Lady Tyssus, her forehead glinting in silver with the symbol of secrets, to the Lord's right, Dawn's Joyful Incense, an air dragon,a tall wisp of a man with fair complexion and silver hair and iris, Silent Root of Midnight, an earth dragon, a woman of immense strength yet small in stature gazes upon you with eyes the green of tarnished copper, and Summer's Jealous Dragon, a fire dragon, the smoldering gaze of a man with hair of darkest charcoal, and skin of whitest ash.<br/>Several covered dishes reside upon the table over small warming braziers. As you are seated, your servant steps back behind you. The silence of the room is enforced until all are in attendance and seated. Once all have taken their rest, Lord Tyssus stands, a powerful jaw extended forward as though he was used to plowing through arguments and fights with it equally. His penetrating eyes scan the room taking time to consider all in attendance and offer each a moment of his glory. His plain dress only accented by the material, heavier cloth, better trim, none worn. A deep breath and he addresses introductions where a nod of confirmation come from all of those to the right and he offers the name of all to the left as well. "<strong>Welcome, guests and friends.</strong>" At this, all of the servants turn and exit the hall. "<strong>Before we eat, I shall offer you the meat of the moment, then we shall eat allowing for questions and general conversation, at the end of the meal, I will want an answer. Either answer is acceptable, whether to help us or to take your mount and go about your future. None shall have anything said against them. Though all will be held to the same secrecy that we require. One of your secrets is known to us, as is one of our secrets known to you.</strong>"<br/>"<strong>We have suffered the kidnapping of a youth among our house. His loss was felt to the point of abandonment of critical maintenance of our livelihood. He has been found, secured and returned, though now much must be done to restore our industry. An appeasement must be made to the god of the temple below, for an angry god makes poor artifice. For his appeasement, a broken artifact of each of the magical materials must be brought forth after a thousand mile journey to rest as a warning within the cathedral. A male fire elemental must be baptized in the service of the Unconquered Sun and christened within the cathedral below. A new pearl of the Opal Court must grace the god's mantle. A dormant acorn of the World Oak must be brought here to be housed till it sprouts. A three-clawed sage must be brought to renew our treaty with the river court. And all of this must be accomplished during the visit of Ten Thousand Glorious Sunsets.</strong>"<br/>Lord Tyssus stops for a moment to allow this to sink in before he continues. "<strong>Your reward, the services and gratitude of not only the House Tyssus, but the fully-functioning factory cathedral manse of Desus below. Connections with the Cult of the Illuminated, available training, equipping, and shelter within reason across Creation, and a tale that will spur your heart and warm your hearth in old age.</strong>" As he finished his initial offer, Lord Tyssus grew his smile again. "<strong>Now, the food here is available, but the servants will not be back till we finish and I call them. So, please, fill your plate and let us discourse our needs.</strong>"