As you continue to talk with Naii, the conversation returning to lighter topics, the door to the office opens again, and the woman in the blue robe beckons you inside. When you enter, you are seated in a group of chairs arranged around a small table - only after you are seated do you realize that it is, in fact, a sturdy wooden desk. Across from where you stand is seated an older woman - you might place her at around fifty, for a human, her face beginning to show the first signs of her advancing age. Her hair is loose and dark - it shines chestnut in the dimly lit room, the only illumination the light of the wall sconces and the dim sunlight peeking through the shades. Her eyes seem tired - in fact, her entire body looks worn, as if it had been hard-used over her life and was only now able to pause and take a rest. She wears the red robes of a High Priestess of the Phoenix, and to one side lies the staff of her office - a black staff, carved of walnut, with a bright gold cap, carved with the rays of the sun in an elegant whorl around the tip.
When she sees you enter, she rises to her feet, and strides out from behind the table to greet you.
"Riishaad." Although the greeting is formal, even clipped, it is clear from the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes that the two woman know each other well. Shaada sweeps to one knee before the older woman, pressing a kiss to the inside of her offered wrist.
"My honor and my duty, milady Priestess." Shaada's reply is just as short, but at a gesture from the priestess, she rises, and the two embrace.
Finally, Shaada steps back and gestures to the three of you where you stand waiting. "My companions, Lady Nydia - the maid Eirea, the cleric Grall Malthos-son-of-Giel, and Revenant, an adherent of the Silent Call. And two others, but they will be along later - we set out early, this morning, before the sun was even up, and they required a little more time to prepare before setting out. They should be along soon, however."
Returning her attentions to you, she continues. "Grall, Eirea, Revenant - allow me to introduce to you the lady Nydia, High Priestess of the Phoenix and Abbess of the Temple of the Phoenix here in the Howe; the lady Brede," this with a gesture to the woman in the blue robe, "and Naii Uueshetaadema, who I believe you've already spoken to. And this," she places her hands on the youngest girl's shoulders, "Is Verill. She'll also be accompanying us - she is responsible for caring for the Sword, and trained in it's safe transport."
She gestures to the seats around the table, pulling the contents out of the basket as everyone is seated. She lays a plate of meat pies on the table, followed by a caraf of thick brown coffee and a smaller bowlful of nuts. Priestess Nydia fetches a basket of fruit from below the desk, and Verill sets the table, giving each of you a plate, as well as setting two more places for Drowning Fish and Alderon.
As you begin to eat, Nydia, Brede, Naii and Shaada begin to talk. They discuss many things - the fires in the city, the conditions of the Howe-Raahls, and upcoming Temple holidays being just a few. They seem content to chat amongst themselves, seemingly updating each other on the goings-on of half the continent, and they speak comfortably and familiarly with each other as if old friends. Verill sits at Shaada's side, listening intently, although she rarely comments.
Perhaps fifteen minutes later, a knock comes at the door. An older man sticks his head in. "Two further guests, milady Priestess. They have the lady Riishaad's token, and said they were to join her?"
Nydia nods. "Send them in."
As the other two travelers enter, Shaada rises to meet them. "Alderon, Drowning Fish, welcome! Glad you made it here! Come, have a seat - we were just waiting for your arrival before we got down to business. There's breakfast, if you want it."
Once more she introduces the other occupants of the room, this time more briefly. "The Lady Nydia, High Priestess of the Phoenix. Naii Uueshetaadema, captain of the Mage's Guard. Lady Brede of Ffjolknir, and Virill, guardian of the Sword."
Nydia's Robe
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http://www.mooncostumes.com/image/27386
Nydia herself has chestnut hair that reaches her chest, and dark brown eyes. She also carries a wooden staff capped in gold as symbol of her office.