<strong>A Village in the Canopy - Kelcis's Home</strong><br/><br/>"I thank you for your willingness to do business properly, here, Aeryn" Kelcis said. He nodded deeply toward the scholar. "But as I told Lazerette, I cannot merely bring you to them. If I had such rights, I would not be … delaying … you?" He frowned, then shook his head and correct himself, "I would not be keeping you waiting. Particularly no-" He broke off as, in rapid succession, Reliyian and Eshalu both raised their voices against Aeryn's offer of self-sacrifice.<br/><br/>Once they had said their piece, he nodded at them in acknowledgement, if not necessarily agreement. "As you say, mage, my authority is over a small group of … 'children.'" The word had a hint of distain to it, as though Kelcis was aware of the implications that it held for the elves and humans and held absolutely no regard for it. "I am not the commander of a den guard or a great mother of many. Others will have very patience for your<em>existence</em>much less this sort of disrespect. I am here<em>because</em>my matriarch trusts both my judgement and my, hm, kindness for whatever things fate might leave on our doorstep. It is my job to sort out what little treasure might be found among the trash that normally washes up on ours shores."<br/><br/>"So yes, when the time arrives, I will see that your meeting is a collective one. But please, spend what insults and threats you have on me that you might be of some use. Either to yourself or to us."<br/><br/>His general address done, he focused his gaze towards Eshalu. "Now to you, I owe an apology or perhaps an explanation. I saw likeness where there is none. The manner in which I spoke to you would be considered … hmm … respectful but not overly familiar would be the best way to describe it? Your ability took me by surprise. To offer the threat that I did, worded as I did, would express …" He literally grasped at the air, undisguised frustration showing on his scaly visage once more. "A desire for mutual improvement. One seeks to overcome, the other seeks to maintain a lead." He patted his own scarred chest. "Many of these are marks from my former students."<br/><br/>"But I bore you, I am sure, with my talk. I will trouble you no more about it. Or, indeed, any other thing. But you, in particular, should hear my warning again and heed it twice. Make no shows of defiance or skill at arms. Show no signs of violence or danger in your manner or words.<em>I</em>would die for such an act. You are not hatched, and would fare worse."<br/><br/>Finally, the lizard fell silent for a short time, allowing them to respond or speak among themselves. Apparently, he felt that he had dispensed with whatever duties he held here. Once they all quieted down once more, however, he spoke up again, "You may wait here or elsewhere as it pleases you. My youths will not trouble you unless you threaten them. If you have any further requests or questions of me, ask them now. I will not keep my matriarchs waiting when they do call for you."<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Chilly Conversations</div><div class="spoiler_body">Few comments here. Drag things out or move them on. Whatever works.</div></div>