From the Lips of Evil|Ekaitz

[Kender Bard]

Demetria surveyed Ekaitz as best as she could as she began approaching, frowning thoughtfully. To her silent companion she spoke - because if she didn't, she would go stark mad with boredom. "I don't think it's wise to send someone to Ekaitz. They should come to us." She shrugged. "But I'm not Queen." Yet. "Let's see if the natives are restless, Tall and Silent. Go on ahead of me, I'll be right behind you."

[tuo]

Arrowhawk nods and without a word begins to stride forward towards Ekaitz, and although he may not look like he is aware of what is going on around him, he is on full alert and ready to respond to even the slightest threat.

[Northen Light36]

So are the Ekaitz guards. An arrow is fired at Arrowhawk, aimmed so it hits the ground just in front of him.

"Halt!" calls a guard. "Who are you and what do you want?"

[tuo]

The instant the arrow lands in front of Arrowhawk, his arm thrusting out of his robes and flings a lighting bolt near the guard to strike part of the barricade close enough to the guard to allow him to feel a bit of static from it. "Attack me again and the next one will kill you. I come at the bidding of my master Nissar, Impierator of Morilanta. He wishes to establish a trade agreement with your master."

[Kender Bard]

Demetria snorts, amused at the display of power. She's also very glad that she sent Arrowhawk ahead of herself. Raising her voice, she calls, "As you can see, we're a bit twitchy with threats. It would do well if you sent out someone a little more level headed, and I will treaty with them."

[Northen Light36]

For a long time there's silence from Ekaitz, but just as it seems like no one is ever going to respond, the gates slowly open and a man steps out, looking coldly at the pair. This is the head of Mathew's guards, tall and built like a young giant, there's also a dark cruelty about him.

"Lord Mathew bids me to hear what it is you have to say," he says simply.

[Kender Bard]

Demetria stepped forward, placing a hand on Arrowhawk's forearm to keep him from anything rash.

"We are from New Morilanta," she said. "My Lord and Master, the Imperator Nissar, wishes to discuss the possibility of trade between our nations, particularly in slaves. He recognizes that here is a land of those akin to our own; civilized and superior to the rest of the lands." Except our own.

[Northen Light36]

For a long while, the man is silent, then nods. "I think my Lord would be interrested in such a proposal. When can we expect to host the Lord Nissar?"

[Kender Bard]

Demetria tilted her head for a moment, rubbing her fingertips against the neckline of her shirt. It looked like an idle gesture, seductive, and she meant it to be, but it was also so she could touch her Mind sign and speak with Nissar.

At length, she said, "He can be here within two days. I expect that I and my guardian will be given quarters befitting diplomats until this time."

[Northen Light36]

"That can be arranged," the man replies. "Please, come with me. We will have a guest house made up for you and slaves assigned to service your needs."

Barking an order to one of the guards, the man leads the guests to a smallish mansion. A few minutes later a guard marches for slaves, two female, two male, into the yard, then returns to his post. "Will this meet the Lady's requirements?" the head guard asks.

[Kender Bard]

Demetria approaches the four slaves, inspecting them carefully. She pulls one of the women forward and shakes her head. "No, send this one away. I don't like how she looks." Too damn healthy, must be a new one. "These three will do nicely though, thank you. Morilanta will not forget the hospitality of Ekaitz in our deliberations."

[Northen Light36]

"Fine," the man replies. "Do enjoy your stay." With that he grabs the slave girl and drags her out of the house, leaving Demetria and her companion alone with the slaves. One of the males steps forward slightly and kneels.

"What do you require of us, Master and Mistress?" he asks, his voice subdued and his eyes never leaving the floor.

[Kender Bard]

Demetria knows what she wants, but for now she looks at her guardian. "Well do you need or want anything? Some seeds maybe?" She snickers.

[tuo]

Arrowhawk shakes his head. "No, I am merely here to protect and observe for Nissar." He stares at her in a disturbing way when he says that.

[Kender Bard]

Demetria stares back, then growls, "What're you looking at, bird man?"