EMPIRE 5: The Festival of the New Sunrise!

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-15, 09:27 PM (ISO 8601)

Festival of the New Sunrise
It is a happy day on Lyrae II, homeworld of the Lyraens, a planet blessed by the touch of Lyrae herself (etc. etc.). Today is the Festival of the New Sunrise, the day of Winter Solstice for those living in the northern hemisphere, where Lyrae lives, or Summer Solstice for the south. Either way, it is the Lyraens’ greatest celebration, for either the sun is at her height or the days are about to grow ever longer.

Red and gold decorations festoon the snow-covered streets of the rebuilt and restored Lyraen capitol, Cyra. Banners hang from windows, welcoming visitors and friends alike to step inside and enjoy the local specialties. Meats of all kinds, some imported from off-world, exotic locations, cooked in fine spices or smoked for days to lock in that hearty flavor are available almost anywhere, though plenty of sweets and some vegetable offerings for those who aren’t obligate carnivores. Additionally, troops in heavy armor stand ready at strategic locations to lock the city down and protect the civilians should ALL try its tricks once more.

For the official representatives of foreign powers, however, Lyrae has once again opened up her home. Each race receives a suite tailored to their needs and, if possible, their preferences. All ships, however, are to be parked safely in orbit, where the newly completed Solaria can watch over them.

The day of the celebration itself is full of concerts, plays, parties, and all other manner of celebration. However, come evening, the “Most Anticipated Event of the Year” (according to Proxos) kicks off with the elder Luminary personally throwing open the doors to his personal manor to the waiting crowd outside. He poses, paws on hips and dressed in a dashing green suit with gold trim. “Welcome! Welcome, one and all!” He looks around at the assembled faces and grins. “Well? Don’t just stand there in the cold! Come inside! Warm yourselves by the fire.”

Areas of Interest!

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The Buffet and Punch Bowl: A place to talk and enjoy the Lyraen cuisine. It is a lot of meat, but there are other things available. Plenty of ‘spirits’ too.

The Gift Table: Proxos will be here for anyone to interact with, though he will slip away every so often when he spots an opportunity he can’t pass up. He has gifts for EVERYONE.

The Tea Room: Lyrae is here, playing hostess. Not only do they serve tea, they also have cookies, biscuits, and cider.

The Dance Hall: Playing jolly, merry tunes all night long! Come grab a partner and dance the night away! (Private rooms are available off to the sides, if you should need them).

The Grand Exhibition Hall: Proxos has set up a contest here. The team that can make the best ‘Gingerbread House’ (a concept he learned from the Cosmic Couriers) will receive a prize!

The Basement: Despite its location, Proxos has a game room and private theater set up down here. Anyone is welcome to request whatever they like, though the attendants will refuse to put on something that would offend other guests.

The Garden: Though covered in snow and wrapped in winter, the garden can still be a fun place to hang out! Start a snowball fight! Build a snow-wolf! Or make a snow fort!

Contests:

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- The best Dancing Partners

- The best Gingerbread House

- The best Snow Fort

- (And Proxos is offering a special prize to anyone who can make Lyrae genuinely laugh).

**HalfTangible** · 2019-12-15, 10:26 PM (ISO 8601)

[Incoherent Screaming]
Veritus-Timens delegation

Imagine, if you will, that you had been invited to be a tea party. This tea party is being held in the middle of a mine field, located on an artillery range that you knew for a fact was being used for practice not even a week beforehand. Further imagine that the person inviting you to this tea party was a being known for deception and lies, and that the other guests were also know for backstabbing and treachery. Finally, imagine that refusing this invitation on any grounds will result in your house being nuked from orbit.

That nervousness mixed with terror and the certainty of death is roughly one tenth of what the Agni Immolati, Adiuva-Veritus-Timens, was experiencing. She had made her way off of her "diplomatic vessel" that looked cobbled together with prayers and duct tape by an atheist who didn't know what tape was. Her guards followed behind her in single file, to minimize any poison the group may leave behind. (They had taken precautions against such a thing, of course, but accidents could happen).

The female's chitinous armor cracked open and the smell of rotten flesh filled the air around her, a smell that usually gave her comfort as it warded away carnivorous predators. Here, it didn't help one bit. Small aparatuses designed for this occasion had been bolted to the poison glands on her four scything legs; if she was unable to control her fear there would be little poison spread as she ran. Her razor-sharp claws weren't something she could do anything about, nor were wound-like face or sickly green 8 eyes. She tried and failed to contain the harsh, predatory rasp coming from her throat that would betray her fear.

Her entire species was doomed.

Adiuva had never been a particularly devout female, but she was no atheist. She did believe in the gods of sky and earth, and in the terrible judgement that was to come for her people. But before the aliens had been discovered in space, she had believed them more... metaphorical. That the sins of all beings would come back to bite them, and taking vengeance was utterly pointless. Moreover, going into space seemed like the best way to avoid such a fate even if it were true; the sapient aliens would come from beneath the earth where their old gods slept, surely!

No, turns out they were in space all along. The Duenem (whatever they were) had informed them that they could (if the Veritus so chose) be taken under their wing as a protectorate until such time as they properly cemented themselves in galactic politics.

The Veritus knew a threat to their entire species when they heard it, and almost immediately the Agni Immolati - the sacrificial lamb - had been chosen. Her. She had come here to buy time.

And now, she was here, at a place that reminded Adiuva of nothing less than the hunting grounds of the Periculosus-Timens. Here to sign her species into what would surely be chattel slavery for the chance that they might live even one extra year. Adiuva knew it had to be done, but why it had to be her was a mystery.

She and the rest of her "diplomatic escort" marched forward, and she saw the other sapients of the planet. They were strange canine creatures, with copious fur. Some of them shrank back in false fear. One or two looked disgusted by something, gripping their noses.

They were, apparently, "invited" for peaceful overtures. She was not fooled. Not by the Duenem's talk of peace, the warm golds and reds of this place, or the apparent fear and disgust she saw on the faces of these canine "Lyrae" creatures. Adiuva was prey, marching right into the waiting jaws of a horrid predator. She doubted she'd even make it off of the planet alive, but she would do whatever she could for her people.

“Well? Don’t just stand there in the cold! Come inside! Warm yourselves by the fire.”

Adiuva hissed and fidgeted. She wished it could've waited another ten minutes. "... Very well. There are worse ways to die than being cooked alive. But I must warn you to be careful of my poisons when you feast on me; they are potent."

The four Veritus behind her fidgeted. Likely they were glad it would be Adiuva who died instead of them.

**SquirrelWizard** · 2019-12-15, 11:45 PM (ISO 8601)

Grymlans

The Grymlan shuttle entered the atmosphere in their customary fashion, the atmosphere scorching its plates as it plummeted like an oversized metal brick; the giant thrusters on its side roaring to life, burning off the speed of its descent, as it dipped into a lower, stabler, saner, flight path. The ship lumbering to a stop as it landed in its designated spot, an elevator descending as the ship hissed and settled on its landing gear. Exiting the elevator was two grymlans and a large mech.

Flash winced as he walked at the head of the group. He was still getting used to the gait his new prosthetic right leg and the cold was causing it to ache. Despite the best efforts of body-fixers it needed to be replaced; a reminder of his fight against Annul. Wounds had healed, but left their mark on the Grymlan's features. Scars marred his normally smooth coat, giving him a scruffy look, and there was a chunk missing out of his left ear. Though he loathed to admit it, the cold had forced him to modify his wardrobe, adding in a long jacket. In defiance of this fact he had opted to wear it more like a cloak than a jacket. At his side was his daughter, Luna Starshine. The young Grymlan was quietly making a name for herself within the Grymlan Dark-Ship fleets. A small symbol on her jacket's shoulder indicated that she was part of the Grymland Shadow-Seeker branch, which tended towards military research and information gathering. Trundling behind them was a large bipedal mech sporting a hologram of the letters "OwO" on its faceplate.

Seeing Proxos, Flash waved, "Hi-hi. Big-boss Proxos, Combine is here to well-wish max-cheer."

NEW PEOPLE!!! Veritus-Timens

With the revolution new faces were bound to crop up, and Flash approached the fidgeted around the fire. The Grymlan approached the beings and smiled broadly as he greeted them. "Hi-hi, your people new yes-yes? Much-greetings, I'm Flash Starshine, High Coordinator of Grymlan Combine. We would want-need max-best relations no-no?"

Behind him the OwO-mech slowly approached, dwarfing the Grymlan, as it said, "Hewwo! new fwiends? i wouwd weawwy wike to get to know mowe about youw peopwe. Pewhaps we can intwoduce you to the othew waces of axiom?"

**bc56** · 2019-12-16, 02:19 AM (ISO 8601)

The Ascended Overlady
Syndrome Arrival

The Syndrome bioship Hungry-Maw approaches with much fanfare. The reason? It's carrying the new Overlady and her retinue. Maw has been to the system once before, at the philosphical conference, and is familiar with the procedures needed to prepare to send down visitors.

The group is larger than what Violet-Pale-Feet's predecessor usually traveled with. In addition to the Overlady herself, resplendent in red and gold silks, there are several other persons along with her. Following closely behind the Overlady are two others, a familiar Syndrome female, Orange-Crimson-Dawn, the Shipheart of Hungry-Maw, and an Alituran woman with short, bright red hair and thin blue tattoos like lightning covering her entire body, even her face. Behind them are a trio of Krankot knights, lightly armed, here as bodyguards. Behind them are a third and fourth Syndrome, a teal-colored female with white eyes and a purple female with dark blue spots. They begin spreading out.

Spoiler: Who's all here?

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Violet-Pale-Feet: The Overlady. Very important.
Orange-Crimson-Dawn: Shipheart. She speaks for Hungry-Maw.
Madam Paragon Astra Fulgura: Alituran Paragon and archaeologist.
Mech-Captain Mortret: Leading the bodyguard squad.
Teal-White-Eyes: A lazy Syndrome poet who uses Kadmium implants to get around and ignore gravity.
Purple-Blue-Spots: A Syndrome Strainlady here to check on a project.

Distracted from the hosts: Veritus-Timens

Violet-Pale-Feet begins to move towards Proxos for greetings and salutations, but is distracted by the Veritus-Timens emissary. "Magnificent," she murmurs, before walking over to Adiuva. "Excuse me, but could I get a tissue sample? I have not seen such an exquisitely deadly creature as yourself in some time."

Actually greeting the hosts
With the Overlady's dereliction of duty to investigate an interesting new lifeform, the task of saying hello to Proxos falls on the shoulders of the Alituran. She approaches the welcoming Luminary, her long green and black dress swishing across the floor. "Thank you very much for the invitation." She wasn't around when episodes of the Roaming Star series were being filmed in Syndrome space, but she's seen it. "It's an honor to meet you."

Meanwhile, Orange-Crimson-Dawn slips into the tea room. Hungry-Maw is whispering in her head, encouraging her to speak to Lyrae again. "Hello, Lyrae?" She's definitely caught off guard by Lyrae's new body, although she herself has changed a lot. She looks older, somewhat taller and a lot more mature. She carries herself better.

In search of an experiment

Purple-Blue-Spots also slips away, but her destination is far more nebulous. One of her experiments is somewhere around here, and she wants to see how the young one is doing. All she has to do is find one small dragon in this huge palace.

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-16, 03:01 AM (ISO 8601)

At the Door with Proxos

The elder Luminary laughs at Adiuva's 'joke'. "I assure you," he says with a twinkle in his eye, "We have plenty of food waiting inside without adding you or your friends to the menu." He does hold the door open a bit wider to let them in. "Ah! But before I forget." He winks. "Come see me later and I'll have a gift for you all."

He turns to the next set of guests. "Flash, old boy!" Proxos cheers, stepping away from the door to bend down and shake the Grymlan's paw, "They put you back together very well! A good, rugged look. Come inside! We have hot chocolate here somewhere."

"Ah! This must be your lovely daughter." He bows to Luna. "Welcome, welcome."

"And if it isn't everyone's favorite AI!" He sizes up the mech and shrugs. "Well, you will fit through the door, so come on through!"

To Astra Fulgara, Proxos bows once more. "Madam Paragon. A pleasure to see any members of the Syndrome here." His eyes twinkle. "Perhaps I could interest you and your delegation in a game of Poker a little later?"

A Medical Check-Up
The Syndrome and the 'Experiment'

Actually, Purple-Blue-Spots doesn't have to look all that hard to find her quarry, mainly because it (or rather, she) is barreling through the halls at full speed, whooping and hollering in excitement. Riding on her back is a Lyraen pup, about twelve years old, with a huge grin on his face.

"Whoooooo!" he cheers, "Faster! Faster! We have to--"

The uplifted dragon spots Purple-Blue-Spots out of the corner of her eye and lets out a yelp. She tries to come to a halt, but inertia doesn't quite work that way. She slides across the ground, claws scrambling for some purchase, and slams into the wall. The Lyraen boy riding her is thrown clear and lands on a nearby couch.

"Ow..." he says with a little whine. He sits up, rubbing his head. "Meerax, what gives?"

The dragon, meanwhile, rights herself as quickly as she can. "S-strainlady," she says, nervous.

Lyrae and ~~Clockwork~~ Orange

Lyrae is in the middle of sipping from a mug when Orange-Crimson-Dawn enters. She sets it aside carefully and nods to her. "Ah! I remember you," she says, "Welcome back. I see the years have been kind to you."

**HalfTangible** · 2019-12-16, 11:27 AM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by Miltonian

At the Door with Proxos

The elder Luminary laughs at Adiuva's 'joke'. "I assure you," he says with a twinkle in his eye, "We have plenty of food waiting inside without adding you or your friends to the menu." He does hold the door open a bit wider to let them in. "Ah! But before I forget." He winks. "Come see me later and I'll have a gift for you all."

"An ambush is unnecessary, Lyraen-Lyrae II." Adiuva flexed her claws. "We surrender unconditionally and will comply with any demands you make that do not conflict with the surrender demands made of us by other powers in the galaxy."

Originally Posted by bc56

The Ascended Overlady
Syndrome Arrival

Distracted from the hosts: Veritus-Timens

Violet-Pale-Feet begins to move towards Proxos for greetings and salutations, but is distracted by the Veritus-Timens emissary. "Magnificent," she murmurs, before walking over to Adiuva. "Excuse me, but could I get a tissue sample? I have not seen such an exquisitely deadly creature as yourself in some time."

The Lyraens were not coming too close, perhaps intimidated by the Veritus, but the real reason would become apparent the closer Violet-Pale-Feet got. The Veritus-Timens had a powerful stench that only became stronger as she grew closer (even moreso than getting closer would do). They stunk of rotten flesh, the kind that came from a corpse rotting slowly from within as maggots writhe within in its belly. With five of the creatures together in a straight line, it was more like a pile of rotten corpses.

Adiuva, for her part, felt her muscles relax only for an instant before she tensed up again. This creature was an arthopod like her, clearly, and that almost made her relieved to see a clear and understandable (potential) threat... but in that same moment she realized that this may be what ultimately dooms the Veritus: something familiar to relax their guard. No, no, she would not drop it for anything and she would assume nothing.

"... With the utmost respect, my 'tissues' are highly poisonous. Taking a sample here and now would quite possibly kill you horribly. Not that I would want that, it's simply a fact of my biology." She tapped the metals attached to her legs. "These are to prevent such poisons leaking onto the surface of this planet. That said, we will surrender unconditionally to your people and cooperate fully on any demands you have that do not conflict with the demands of other powers."

Originally Posted by SquirrelWizard

NEW PEOPLE!!! Veritus-Timens

With the revolution new faces were bound to crop up, and Flash approached the fidgeted around the fire. The Grymlan approached the beings and smiled broadly as he greeted them. "Hi-hi, your people new yes-yes? Much-greetings, I'm Flash Starshine, High Coordinator of Grymlan Combine. We would want-need max-best relations no-no?"

Something was evidently wrong with the translators they'd been provided. Adiuva had no real way of knowing this, of course, but she had-

Behind him the OwO-mech slowly approached, dwarfing the Grymlan, as it said, "Hewwo! new fwiends? i wouwd weawwy wike to get to know mowe about youw peopwe. Pewhaps we can intwoduce you to the othew waces of axiom?"

reasons to suspect it. She also wondered briefly if the frigid air on this world contained any hallucinogens.

"FlashStarshine-Grymlan and... Mech-Grymlan. We are the Veritus-Timens and we hereby surrender unconditionally to any and all demands made of us by the great and powerful Grymlan Combine that do not conflict with the surrender demands of other powers in the galaxy."

**bc56** · 2019-12-16, 11:56 AM (ISO 8601)

Veritus-Timens

"Wonderful! Simply marvelous!" The talk of poisons does not do much to deter the Overlady. She produces something from the folds of her garment. It's an insectoid creature akin to a very large tick, with bony, serrated mouthparts. "I simply must get that sample. Don't worry, it will be relatively painless."

Meerax

"Meerax! How have you been? Are they treating you well here?" Meerax needn't worry. Purple couldn't bring a whole medical laboratory along. She just needs to be sure there have been no unforseen complications arising from the dragon's uplifting.

Proxos

"I would be delighted to, as would several others in our delegation." Astra leans closer to Proxos for a conspiratorial whisper, "Watch out for Teal though. She cheats."

Lyrae

"Yes. I have learned much in my travels with Hungry-Maw." It's been half her lifespan since they last saw each other. Orange continues. "They have been kind to you to, I hope?"

**HalfTangible** · 2019-12-16, 12:05 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by bc56

Veritus-Timens

"Wonderful! Simply marvelous!" The talk of poisons does not do much to deter the Overlady. She produces something from the folds of her garment. It's an insectoid creature akin to a very large tick, with bony, serrated mouthparts. "I simply must get that sample. Don't worry, it will be relatively painless."

Adiuva had thought the creature would want her to rip one of her own arms off for a 'tissue sample', but if she needed someone to be eaten by this thing... She sighed and gestured to one of the other Veritus; Iuvo was nice, he deserved a painless death. "You heard her, Iuvo. Better than what awaits me with the Duenem, I'm certain."

One of the other creatures (a bit smaller than Adiuva) stepped forward out of the line. He grabbed his arm and with a loud, sticky crack tore open the chitin that served as his armor. Beneath it was sickly green fluids and white flesh, with just the barest hint of blood. Iuvo turned its head away and held out the gap in his armor. "Mind the fluids. They're poison." He said.

**Tentreto** · 2019-12-16, 12:36 PM (ISO 8601)

The Duenem

Lighter Lighter carefully led her twelve Duenem into the house. In truth, with Mint and Jet dealing with the fallout of Efficiency and the Revolution, it fell to her to lead the Duenem delegation in this event, which included having a talk with the most terrified aliens she had ever heard of. From what the reports had said, she assumed the diplomats involved were needing defraging. Nevertheless, she was prepared for anything.

At the door

Lighter quickly scuttled over to Proxos and gave a few blinks of acknowledgement. "Thank you for setting up this festival Proxos," she begins, "it is good to see cheer and joy after such grave times in Axiom. While we are unable to sample the food and beverages, we will be sure to try out your dancing."

New Allies, New Vassals?

Quickly scanning the room, Lighter easily spotted the towering somewhat mostrous figure cowering in a corner, in front of the rest of it's delegation. If Lighter had been able to have a mental breakdown, she would have at this scene. Instead, she analysed why all the reasons such a species had even managed to get here if they were scared of everything. But she was the offical delegation and 'meet and greet,' so she had to somehow approach them without scaring them off.

Carefully, and so that all the Veritus-Timens could see her slowly approach, she came over. "Greetings," she intoned using her external speaker and translator, "I am Lighter Lighter of the Duenem. Are you Agni Imolati Adiuva?" she says, directed to the one in front. "It is good to finally meet you in person. I trust your journey here was enlightening?"
She carefully avoided standing in any of the poison on the floor. She was pretty sure her armour could withstand it, but better to leave that until later.

Spoiler: Lighter Lighter

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Lighter Lighter is a fairly standard Duenem model, standing at half a metre tall, and does have a prehensile tail attachement, which in her case ends with a small blowtorch. She has amber diodes to simulate eyes, and six legs to stand upon. Her main difference is that she has especially heat resistat armour plating.
On her name, she was initially created as a lighter for a rich Niua, and found her true calling later as a fire starter for new factories and foundaries.

**kjelfalconer** · 2019-12-16, 12:36 PM (ISO 8601)

Kaavrek would have been lying had he claimed he wasn't at least a little nervous. After all, this was the first time Svaatyr had (visibly) attended a function like this since the maturation, which meant he had to be the face of the entire Regency. No pressure or anything for a first job. And if he messed this up, he sure as hell wouldn't have a second.

Still, he'd done his research. The Lyrean's had a similar enough diet to the Nolkir and the 'Ridx that it had made logical sense to bring an offering of the more exotic delicacies from the wilds of Emjata. And thanks to one of the Vox-Veniir's useful little gadgets (though they still hadn't worked out how to make them work for non-Vox), the meat was still warm from the kill. He'd brushed up on the Lyreans known friends and allies as well (through a sea of redactions in what reports he had been allowed to read), but there was still no substitute for experience.

He was lightly dressed for the weather, as he stepped through the garden, but he was bothered little by it - his Nolkir father hailed from the wintery northern reaches of Zel-kryes, and he had inherited his thick fur, though the soft charcoal colour and silken texture came from his Vox side. The backless jacket allowed the full mass of his mane to flow free, though he'd tied the lower half into a loose ponytail - so as not to obscure his actual one. He'd done his research, after all, and has spend the better part of the morning doing his utmost to make it appear even fluffier than it already was. At this point, the foot and a half long appendage was almost as wide as he was, and quite frankly he was struggling to sit down. The price of fashion.
"A pleasure to finally be here, honoured Proxos." His Lyrean was somewhat faltering, and he was under no illusions he'd be able to make it through the whole event in it, but it'd felt important to at least make an effort. "I've brought a few gifts, nothing fancy, just some very fresh exotic meats from Svaatyr, along with a skilled chef who can make sure they're prepared perfectly." By which he meant a college friend of his doing a culinary degree. He threw an arm around Proxos - from what he'd read most of the guest here had a strange aversion to contact, so he'd have to fill his boots where he could. That he allowed his tail to ever so lightly brush against the man while he did so was besides the point. "I've also a more personal gift. Just a little something, some fur care products from back home. I can't promise how they'll work for Lyrean fur, but they work wonders for me."

He'd make the full rounds soon enough.

**Ivor_The_Mad** · 2019-12-16, 12:37 PM (ISO 8601)

The hum of engines reverberates through the air as the large armored transport ship touches down with a hiss. The airlock slides open and a blast of heat is expelled from the ship melting the nearby snow. When the boarding ramp is lowered Nozdak makes his descent onto the planet's surface. He looked up at the sky as the snow falls on his face mask. He catches a few flakes on his hand and marvels at how they disappear so quickly. This only lasts for a second before his gaze returns to the city and the welcoming party. He has donned his regular armor suit but today he has something new. Coiled around his arm is a black and red serpent-like creature. Its head has 2 small horns and a mouth full of sharp teeth. It blends perfectly into his armor, and at a glance is almost invisible. Behind him, 5 more figures follow. Two of them don a lighter more flexible armor, a sword hilt visible at their waists. Their helmets are emblazoned with an emblem that is still known to few. Behind them are the 2 pilots and finally a figure who most have come to know, The Drunken Master. He manages to walk in a semi-straight line dragging behind him 2 hovering crates.

When Nozdak reaches Proxos he raises his fits to his chest in salute. "Greetings Proxos, I thank you for inviting us to this cultural event. I have brought some gifts with me just for this occasion."

Not so Little Critters!
The warmth would have hit him if he was not wearing full armor. Instead, he noticed the levels of IR radiation rise. He walked forward into the room and signaled to his men that they were dismissed. The first thing he noticed was a group of creatures he had not noticed before. He walked up to them and stared at them through his mask. He speaks in a deep curious voice "Hello. I haven't seen your kind before." His dragon slithering down his arm and raises its self up to stare at the creature. The creature makes a startled sound and hops back. Realizing that his mask, which is specifically made to intimidate with its robotic, emotionless feel, combined with its almost draconic style, may intimidate the creatures, he removes it. He presses the side of the helmet and with a hiss of steam lifts it from his head revealing his scaly, spiked head and sharp teeth. "Sorry"

The Drunken Master knows exactly where he is going next. He makes a b line right for the drinks. He sets down his crates and opens the lid of one revealing bottles of bright yellow drinks. He places some of them out next to the rest of the drinks and then takes one for himself. He carefully reads the labels of the drinks and mutters under his breath "no... no... maybe.... on second thought no... ah, here we go! He grabs a glass of green liquid, he sips it experimentally and seems pleased. He grabs 3 and brings them back to his crate where he pours them into a small machine and pushes a button. Hissssssssssss. He pours the drink out and it now bubbles and a slight white mist rises off it, he sips it again and giggles. He adds in a few drops of this and that and when he is satisfied he bottles it and sets it out with the label "Laughing Juice". Satisfied he sits to wait for results.

**KriegTiger** · 2019-12-16, 01:18 PM (ISO 8601)

Proxos the Doorkeeper

Talotius and Brigid approach the doorway with Proxos standing there as greeter. Brigid - her lithe 2.5m height bedecked in a revealing body hugging cut-away ensemble of boisterous colors with streamers of fabric trailing her as she moves - observes the previously unknown race delegation walking in single file with curiosity. Talotius is quiet and inscrutable as ever, although the former Speaker is very obviously making an effort to 'party it up' because while the Aether stone is unchanged in it's subdued smoked glass disposition, the shoaling sub-frames that make up the rest of Their shape are absolutely rebellious in their display; it's as if every Tezh that inhabits the hundreds of parabolic discs had a different idea of what 'party attire' is and the result is the galaxy's ugliest holiday garb - from utterly light absorbing vanta-black with pinpoints of pure white light to iridescent glittery sparkles that move like oil on the surface of water, to eye watering neon yellow, green and and purple swirling lines, and so many more.

The motes within the Aether stone twinkle merrily as They introduce themselves "We offer greetings on behalf of the Tezh Consensus, Proxos, and thank you for the invitation." Talotius' 'body' folds as if bowing slightly to the Luminary.

Brigid approaches and extends her upper arms (left being synthetic from shoulder down) - the lower ones folded across her midriff - in greeting to clasp his hand with both of hers "A pleasure, it's a rare treat to join in another culture's festivities." The streamers from her garb drift forward as she stops and greets the Lyraen with a broad toothy smile "I look forward to trying all there is to offer, I've heard much about some strong Kronin drink from one of our other delegates and am curious to find what the Lyraens have to offer. I promise not to go swinging from the chandeliers."

Your first order...

Brigid has been watching and listening to the newcomers with interest, they seem thoroughly terrifying - what with their appearance and natural armament - and yet overhearing snippets of conversation they appear afraid of everything. As she wanders through the crowd randomly with Talotius in tow, meeting and greeting various guests, she always manages to get ever closer to the Veritus until she can finally simply turn and be face to face with one - seemingly unphased by their fearsome demeanor or giving any notice to the scent others have reacted to. The former Speaker hovers silently at her shoulder.

"We accept your unconditional surrender" She says immediately with a deadpan voice and stern expression "As your latest meta-overlord we instruct you to locate sustenance compatible to your biology, and then consume it while making observations about the current climate and my compatriot's taste in decorative choices."

Talotius freezes suddenly when the words 'unconditional surrender' come up, but then when the dialogue continues the Tezh realizes she is being silly and the sub-frames begin to drift and sway normally again - if anything they work to become even more eye-catching.

The commanding demeanor doesn't last long though, and her muzzle curls up at the edge in amusement and finally she starts giggling (if you can call a deep feline rumbling chitter a 'giggle') incessantly until she has to wipe her eyes "Forgive me, I could not help it. Welcome to Axiom, it is a pleasure to greet you - I am Brigid, Speaker for the Tezh Consensus. This is Talotius; my predecessor."

**Lleban** · 2019-12-16, 03:19 PM (ISO 8601)

SPACE KING & son near the Gift Table

SPACE KING and Hotokie arrived, in a bit of a foul mood, space DOUBLE PARKING over some weird bug alien ship. The SPACE HORSE incident has largely robed the knights of the ability to safely fight the same, leaving a lot of schedules unexpectedly cleared. Fortunately, a certain baby moma was now far closer, so things weren't all bad. Lyrae II was also quite beautiful for what its worth, as long as you lack fur allergies anyway.

On the way to the gift table SPACE KING addresses his raspberry boy....raspberry young adult.

"Rule NOMBRE TROIS of being cool son, arrive fashionably late, and ALWAYS seize the free stuff first."

"You interrupted my hang out with Shiv-pa and my friends for this." Its was literally physically impossible for a half Droccen-half knight to roll there eyes as far as he did but by some miracle Hotokie achieved it. "Really dad get off you're space horse, we're late because you haaddd to pass through Zaran space."

Hotokie strikes a dramatic pose with his dancers body, flourishing right arm into a snap, using dramatics to distract from activating his shadow powers "Besides father I'm a already vveerrrryyyy cool."

An awkward silence passed for a minute before Hotokie added "Right!"

SPACE KING sighed before responding "Son I'm not the smartest candle in the box but you can't convince me MUSCLES don't FLEX, source powers or not. Besides I heard on the zaran grape vine that Mika Ren might show up, shes you're age right."

**SquirrelWizard** · 2019-12-16, 03:53 PM (ISO 8601)

Proxos
"Yes-yes," Flash replied reflexively flexing his prosthetic, "Body-fix make do. Sadly needed to craft-make new leg. How goes Lyrae? First ALL, then Revolution." he shook his head, "Much-bad times."

Luna nodded in agreement, "Much-joy though, we gift-give present to Lyrae." She revealed a wrapped package from under her arm, "Grymlan sweet-biscuits! Many-types. We much-hope she enjoys it."

Sly Marbo intensifying - Veritus

"Surrender?" Confusion crossed Flash's features, "No, surrender, friendly-talk, maybe friendly-work in near-future."

"OwO wondews whewe you have heawd wumows that the gwymwan combine, ow OwO, demands youw suwwendew? We'd be mowe intewested in weawning mowe about you. My name is OwO, cuwatow of knowwedge and discovewy fow sevewaw species."

Flash held out his hand as a sign of welcoming and friendship. "I'm name-called Flash, what are you name-called?"

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-16, 04:08 PM (ISO 8601)

Meerax's Unexpected Medical Checkup

Instinctively, Meerax comes to a quasi-military attention. "Great! Uh, everything is great here. A few people are weirded out that my mind is so, uh, advanced for someone so young, but..." She smiles nervously, an odd-looking expression on a dragon. "But I mean, that's just because you all know your work well, right?"

Her Lyraen companion slips off the couch and moves between them, arms folded across his chest. "Hey! Are you giving Meerax trouble?" he demands with a scowl, "If you wanna hurt her, you'll have to get through me!"

Proxos Continues to Man the Door

A wry chuckle escapes Proxos' lips. "Well, perhaps having a guilt-free target for her anger and aggression will do her some good. He does take the package and secrets it away under the edge of his large coat. "I will make sure she gets it. Oh! Unless you wanted to give it to her yourself."

Proxos laughs and pats Astra on the shoulder. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind! Thank you for the warning. Now, enjoy the party."

"Lighter!" Proxos says with a smile and slight bow. "Well, I shall look forward to seeing it. A rare treat, to be sure."

Proxos accepts the Svaatyr's attention with a pleased grin. "Ah! You know our people well. I am sure we will all relish your gift. as for the products, we'll soon find out! And, while you're here, don't forget to pick up the one that I have for you." He pats the man on the back. "Be sure to grab yourself some nice cider and enjoy the party."

"Ah! The Kronin. Nozdak, correct?" Proxos chuckles to himself. "And I have gifts for you. It is the season for it, after all!" He pauses and adopts a more serious expression. "But of course, no gift can truly replace the everlasting friendships we make along the way."

"Talotius! It has been a little while, hasn't it?" He gives Brigid a small bow as well. "Welcome, both of you. The Tezh are always a welcome sight."

Lyrae and Orange

Lyrae's face twists, contorts into an expression of restrained fury that morphs into a strained, false smile. "They have not," she says, "But the Syndrome have ever been a faithful ally. I appreciate your assistance in the matter with ALL."

**Gaius Hermicus** · 2019-12-16, 05:12 PM (ISO 8601)

It had been a tough four years for Guntur Greataxe. When Aneb Two-Gun returned from his imprisonment in Commandant territory, Guntur decided to step down from the role of Urthuun, rather than be killed. Still, Aneb seemed to mistrust him. Having been the supreme leader of the entire Rothuun empire does that sometimes. Having been thrown out of Aneb's court, Guntur spent most of his time sulking in his palace on Ikhal, sinking deeper and deeper into lethargy and depression. But then, the invitation had arrived from the Lyraens, and Aneb was tied up in various legislative business. Aneb was stuck with only two people who had much of an international presence: Guntur, the king of Ikhal, and Ty-Rone, the king of Grishal. Both were thorns in his side, and both had attended significant intergalactic events, making friends along the way. The Urthuun eventually decided to send both to the Lyraen party, it is rumored for the sole purpose of getting them out of his hair for a few weeks. Perhaps after the party, they could take a holiday on Cricalores. A nice long holiday. Yes, that would be nice.

Guntur came prepared to party. In addition to Ty-Rone and the capybara's assistant Haerthala the Strangler, he was accompanied by another Rothuun who had fallen out of Aneb's favor. Bephik Axemaker, the Regional Governor of the newly conquered Prismatic Sea, was a priest of Iteus, whose rather unorthodox theory of ascension involved grafting as many appendages from various galactic species onto himself as was physically possible. Although the surgery required to attach the arms, legs, tentacles, hooks, barbs, stingers, pseudopods, tails, mandibles, wings, and snouts was successful, the immense amounts of painkillers required developed into a serious addiction. Bephik spends most of his time nowadays doped on at least three or four drugs, and is often drunk to boot. He is accompanied by his personal servant and lieutenant, a Rainbow Octopus of the Rouge Cluster, with the title Red-Eighteen.

The doors of the palace swung open. Leading the party was Guntur Greataxe himself, clad in a dapper crimson and blue robe. The robe was tastefully decorated with splatters of ash and burn holes: Guntur had gotten into a disagreement with a desperado in a bar on Cricalores and hadn't had a chance to clean the robe since. Hopefully the scorches would add to his mystique and provide an aura of majesty around his person for this event. He is followed by two guards in leather vests and microplating armor. A pause of a few moments follows, before the doors swing open again and Haerthala, a berserker in a chainmail skirt and byrnie, enters. Following at Haerthala's back is the oversized rodent known across the galaxy as Ty-Rone, the Horned Capybara. It has been several years since Ty-Rone last made an appearance at such an event, and in the time since, it has grown to incredible size. It is approximately the size of a small horse, with antlers stretching six feet in the air. It is a testament to its incredible strength that the massive spires of horn do not cause its head to collapse. Ty-Rone looks around at the various dignitaries, before trotting off towards the table of his friend Proxos. The pause between entries is longer this time, about four minutes, before the final element of the Rothuun delegation opens the doors into the great hall. A creature that may once have been a minotaur sidles his way into the space, wearing what appears to be a muumuu woven of furry tendrils. Only when he draws nearer does it become clear that the tendrils are, in fact, squirming tentacles of flesh incorporated into his own body. From beneath the tentacles emerges a third arm, which raises a flask of some amber liquid to his lips. His mouth opens, first in the normal verticle manner, then again perpendicularly to the first movement, dividing his mouth into four mandibles. He tosses the flask in and swallows, glass and all, before shivering with delight and continuing into the room. Floating at his side is a tiny creature, only about a foot in height, with tentacles stretching out another foot in every direction. It sits in a steel and glass sphere, which is filled with red-tinted liquid, and is floating above the ground using propulsors crafted of Kadmium. The Rainbow Octopus gives a deferential salute to every foreign dignitary it sees as it drifts along with its master toward the seated Drunken Master.

**Gengy** · 2019-12-16, 05:30 PM (ISO 8601)

The battle had been a bloody one. Many lives had been lost. Many new friendships had been forged. These Maturated Races weren't all terrible after all. Wrath... was in a good mood.

The humanoid figure in red and black military fatigues still had a mask that made him look like he was in an unhappy mood. The terrible furrow of anger on the porcelain mask that was at the forefront was a stark contrast to the otherwise cordial and welcoming actions of the victorious leader of his people; and he knew it was all thanks to those gathered here. Indeed, though the five pips near the starbursts on both shoulders of Wrath's uniform - and the several medals proudly displayed upon his chest - made him seem like he was here for something more formal, the three-faced being was feeling rather merry.

I am all for merriment!
I am not; it's depressing.
Would you two pipe down!?

Well I just think it's rather queer
Honestly, I'd be much better here
You and I both know,
And so of course does Woe,
So why won't you let me steer?

Wrath didn't bother responding to his mental counterpoint. He just cast their gaze over at the other member of the delegation here from Efficiency Ground. It was a large block of metal that was easily two meters tall - not including the foot or so it floated freely above the ground. The rectangular metal box was taller than it was wide, but it had consented to designing itself a "cage" to limit it's powers when it suddenly found itself pulled from the Beyond into Axiom. Wrath had always known it as Leader, and those in the upper echelons had referred to it as Efficiency. However, with a little bit of recent data sharing - now that he'd finally convinced some of the idiots back home that the Maturated races were utter morons - he'd managed to figure out his former Leader's full name:

<Transporter/Beyonder/Efficiency> Conveyance

The Designator - no, Caller - AI was still powerful. The sides on it's self created prison - and Wrath still wasn't happy about that, but didn't see other options - were simplistic, and a mix of black and grey metal, with a red square panel on each vertical side of the tall rectangular box. These red squares glowed whenever the Caller AI deigned to speak. Honestly, Wrath felt it looked like a really terrible metal coffin, but he did have to admit: All tests of power output indicated that Conveyance was severely limited.

Limited for what many had revered as a God, however, still meant powerful. Wrath was very unsure about bringing it here, but after such a hard conflict, there was damn politicking involved, and if Wrath wanted to make his bid for being the new Leader of his people, he had to put up with some things... as well as prove that he could be the jailer to Conveyance.

Which... wasn't turning out to be too bad. Much to Joy's well... joy... Conveyance seemed to be getting into the swing of the party and holiday like atmosphere. Wrath was a bit worried that he didn't know how it appeared, but the supposedly limited Caller AI had somehow acquired a festive hat that now lazily hung down one side of it's otherwise imposing metal box. And Wrath's usual black beret had also somehow been replaced by a matching festive hat. The Caller AI was probably doing what it could to play whatever minor pranks it wanted, to keep itself amused.

Sighing, Wrath muttered under his breath, "Well, best get this over with."

Nodding to the guards, Wrath lazily walked into the Tea Room, only stopping to ensure that Conveyance floated behind him.

**Fyrecatt** · 2019-12-16, 05:31 PM (ISO 8601)

The Festival of the New Sunrise

The three Raeth women and their bodyguards stand at the edge of the crowd, listening as Proxos welcomes his guests.

Embra shivers and attempts to pull the folds of her robes more tightly around her. She glances at the white ground. “Frozen water falling from the sky… How any creature could live in a place like this is beyond me.” Solari just nods, too cold to offer a reply.

“Oh, I think it’s fantastic!” Vii bends to scoop up a handful of snow and examines it more closely. Forming it into a ball, she grins and tosses it at the back of Solari’s head. The snowball bursts into cold powder, making the taller woman wince.

“Decorum, Vii.” snaps Embra. “You are a diplomat, not a child. Act like it.”

“Yes, Embra,” Vii dusts the snow off of her hands. “But it’s also a party. You know, a time to let your hair down.” Looking at the plain, rather severe updo sported by her elder, she adds, “Metaphorically, anyway.” She tosses her head, making the tiny bells braided into her own hair jingle cheerily and causing the large, fuzzy spider riding her shoulder to chitter in admonishment. “Sorry, Spark, didn’t mean to startle you.”

Embra closes her eyes and sighs, muttering under her breath, “Thay’kaya, give me patience.” Looking up, she sees the crowd beginning to move toward the doorway, the light spilling from it promising warmth and refuge from the snowy outdoors. “Everyone is going inside now. Come along.”

Spoiler: Who's Who

Show

First Voice, Embra Vernied - Eldest of the Voices, she is the most composed and conscious of “proper” behavior. Her features are sharp and fine wrinkles around her blue-violet eyes give hint to her age. Lavender hair, streaked with white, is twisted into a tight coiffure on top of her head. She is wearing flowing gold-colored robes made of a silky material. A cape of indigo and gold appears to drape down her back, though closer examination shows that the “cape” is actually a pair of folded butterfly-like wings.

Second Voice, Solari Lomos - Solari is a woman of few words but many thoughts. Her quiet demeanor can come across as timidity, but she is constantly observing and cataloguing everything (and everyone) around her. Her wide blue eyes give her an air of innocence and naivety, belying her quick mind. She is dressed in robes of gray and her pale blue hair falls in soft curls around her heart-shaped face. Her blue and silver wings drape down her back in the same manner as Embra’s.

Third Voice, Vii Zoltani - At only 1.5 meters tall, Vii is considered absolutely diminutive by Raeth standards. She makes up for her lack in height with an overabundance of exuberance. Her child-like features are often accented by a wide grin and a mischievous twinkle in her blue-green eyes. Her turquoise hair is shaved close to her head on one side, while the longer locks on the other side are dyed with orange streaks. In the spirit of holiday celebration, a number of her braids are adorned with tiny bells that jingle with every movement of her head and she is wearing bright orange robes. Her orange and black wings tend to betray her emotions, twitching and moving in her excitement instead of just sedately draping down her back. A large, brightly colored spider rides on her shoulder.

Sparklemuffin - A fuzzy peacock spider roughly the size of a small dog, “Spark” is Vii’s constant companion. His back is decorated with iridescent blue, green and purple markings and his legs are strikingly striped with black and white. His six glittering black eyes shine with uncommon intelligence.

A Small Token

Pausing at the door, Embra inclines her head at Proxos. “Thay’kaya sends greetings. We appreciate your invitation and your hospitality. Please accept this small token of our goodwill and thanks.”

She makes a gesture with her hand and one of the small, stocky bodyguards steps forward holding a largish box. Vii reaches inside and pulls out an ornately faceted decanter filled with a shockingly pink glittery liquid.

Embra continues, “This spirit is from our homeworld. It is distilled from the flowers of a vine that only blooms every few decades and is reserved for particularly auspicious occasions. It seems an appropriate libation for a celebration such as this, especially considering recent events.”

Vii extends the bottle to Proxos and grins. “It can pack quite a punch. We brought more bottles, enough for everyone. Where would you like us to put it?”

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-16, 05:59 PM (ISO 8601)

Proxos Mans the Door...Again!

As Wrath and Conveyance (a name which can only properly be said if you use the tone of voice most like a brick striking a slab of granite) move to pass by, Proxos calls to them, "No, no. Hold on a minute." He steps in front and studies Conveyance, paw under his chin and rubbing the slightly longer patch of fur that looks vaguely like a goatee. "It needs something more. Ah!"

He snaps his 'fingers' and an oversized, white 'beard' appears on the 'front' of Conveyance's coffin. It hangs down from the top and, in combination with the hat, makes the powerful machine look at least twice as festive as before. Proxos turns to Wrath and says, "You, on the other hand, are perfect. Very dashing. I rather fancy the military look myself."

--

"And the Three Voices too?" Proxos chuckles, "Well! I am quite pleased. I don't think I've met any of your people in person before! Welcome. Come in from the cold, please! It is warmer inside and you don't have the benefit of fur."

"Oh, well now this is a rare treat!" He grins. "I can take care of transporting it. I'll set it up with the other drinks and food. How does that sound?"

The Rothuun

Guntur and Ty-Rone are, fortunately for both of them, well-liked here. In fact, as Guntur moves into the house itself, he quickly feels as though he is being watched. But this is no assassin. Rhia, of House Vulk, is also in attendance and remembers him well from their last meeting.

She sits on one of the balconies overlooking the main hall, watching him with a hesitant, but warm, smile. She is not sure if he is the same person she met before and if he still values the relationship they had. So, she sits apart and lets him decide if he wants to approach her or not.

As for Ty-Rone, he finds Proxos once the Luminary has moved into the house and by the gift table. The Lyraen Grand Admiral's eyes positively light up when he spots the horned capybara. "Ah! If it isn't the best singer in Axiom!" he calls, "Have you come to show up the poor band I hired?"

**LapisCattis** · 2019-12-16, 06:44 PM (ISO 8601)

Umkhonto Malyat Elunxwemeni arrives almost comically bundled in furs and cloths, all of course beaded and jeweled as appropriate for his rank, but appearing more as a fluffy five-limbed bundle with a leathery head emerging than as the lithe, cunning lizard he was. Carried on his wrapped tail are three similarly fluffy lumps with gold, green, and red eyes peeking out. Arriving with him are Mitzi, now fully grown with long golden fur and padding five feet away from the embarrassing sight of a fluffy shapeless gecko train, Bart, a grey scaled Theseon covered in mud for insulation, and Jacksy, a female 'Mini-Tuxie' with dark blue back feathers and a white underbelly.

"This meeting should be interesting. We have been lucky to have remained in place through a second Revolution, but we have many new neighbors and new species to meet. Perhaps this time, we can avoid any kidnappings." Malyat finished by turning his head around to glare at his spawn. Damn brats had stowed away on the ship and were only seen once they entered Lyraen space. They were lucky he had packed extra wraps, though maybe a little freezing on an alien planet would teach them a lesson.

"I think I will remain in the Garden. I would like to stay in the snow and get my fill of the cold before overheating to socialize inside." Jacksy had already been nervous at being chosen as the first galactic representative of her people, and the humid atmosphere of the Nemikhomo had set all of her feathers rustling.

"Yer a crazed bird, all right. Mal! I'll race yer fluffy arse to the grog. Mebbe I'll get to see those cows again!" Bart could smell the Laughing Gas and was on the hunt, leaving the others in a hasty, four-legged search for drinks.

(The Ndodan Delegation splits up for maximal fun)

At the Door
Malyat and Mitzi proceeded to the entrance to make formal introductions, though first Malyat de-fluffed himself and his spawn by pulling off the wraps, making sure to keep one foot on their tails to prevent a quick getaway. "Proxos! Thank you for your invitation and for hosting this event. I'm sure we are all happy to reconnect and meet peacefully after the recent turmoil."

Mitzi, for her part, was busy trying to get her fur to stand down and turn away from her puffed up form after seeing the Veritus. Biting back surprise and no small amount of alarm, she manages to greet the terrifying creatures. "It is a...pleasure to greet new faces. Where do your people hail from?" Please don't let them be neighbors.

Before the Veritus were given a chance to react, a delighted squeal rang out from the hatchlings when they noticed the new species. The gold-eyed one wriggled her tail out of Malyat's grip to jump in front of Mitzi, clearly intent on climbing the newcomers. "Cliff-beetles! Cliff-beetle, cliff-beetle!"

The Garden
Jacksy quickly finds the snow and icicle covered Garden and gets to work. The Tuxie knows she must interact with the other guests and be the confident face of the Tuxie to the galaxy, but everyone is so big. At least at home the Tuxie on patrol would always be there to defend against the Big Things. First, she must collect herself, and what better way to do that than to build a little snow home and some snow balls? Packing together snow, Tuxie first creates four pyramids of snow balls to sit next to the four corners of her snow home for peace of mind in case she is startled by a Big Thing, and to act as ready building filler. She starts to create the four walls with equally sized snow blocks with a little round snow nest inside, then walks inside to begin carving out a cold pit, using the snow to begin building a domed roof. Just a short little nap in the cold to muster the bravery to introduce herself and her people officially to the Big Things.

Buffet and Punch Bowl
Bart went directly to the drinking Kronin and the punch bowl, not understanding why supposedly civilized creatures would talk before getting pleasantly buzzed and filled with food. "Oi Kronin! Ah'll take a bowl o' yer green juice there, s'long as'y're sure it'll knock the socks offa yer dragons!"

Gift Table
After giving herself a thorough glance-over to ensure no poison from the newcomers had dripped onto her coat, then walked off to a large room with a tower of piled wrapped boxes and parcels. Finding a suitably large one near the top apparently named 'Rust,' she sat on her perch to watch the room and the delegations filter in.

Grand Exhibition Hall
After being sent off by their all-too-grumpy father (they were only saying hello!), Mirna, a dappled gold and brown female with gold eyes, left her brothers and their explorations to follow a strange sweet-spice smell. Reading the instructions of the 'gingerbread house contest', Mirna had found her calling. Grabbing large sheets of gingerbread, ~~stealing it from others~~, stacking, snapping, and gluing with the strange white sweet sticky stuff to make the perfect house, she at long last stepped back to admire it. An impossibly tall cliff of gingerbread, with icicles and roots drawn on with the sugar stuff, and a cavity left, the opening lined with candy and sugar to appear as if partially closed by stalactites. Each layer of precariously stacked gingerbread was indented from the one below it, creating thin walking paths just big enough for her. Now to only find a judge who would appropriately give her the prize.

Basement
The boys, Gidei and Kirda, had noticed their sister disappear but continued on. In the lower levels of the building, they came upon a large room with an entertainment system and a large screen. Even on the dry, desolate home planet, the hatchlings had watched Korima vlogs when their parents weren't looking. Ignoring the attendants' silly questions like 'where are your parents?', the two dug through piles of moving-image-files and pushed one to an attendant to watch. With enough begging and insistence, the attendant gave in and put the children's movie about letting go of ice on screen.

**HalfTangible** · 2019-12-16, 07:45 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by KriegTiger

Brigid has been watching and listening to the newcomers with interest, they seem thoroughly terrifying - what with their appearance and natural armament - and yet overhearing snippets of conversation they appear afraid of everything. As she wanders through the crowd randomly with Talotius in tow, meeting and greeting various guests, she always manages to get ever closer to the Veritus until she can finally simply turn and be face to face with one - seemingly unphased by their fearsome demeanor or giving any notice to the scent others have reacted to. The former Speaker hovers silently at her shoulder.

"We accept your unconditional surrender" She says immediately with a deadpan voice and stern expression "As your latest meta-overlord we instruct you to locate sustenance compatible to your biology, and then consume it while making observations about the current climate and my compatriot's taste in decorative choices."

Talotius freezes suddenly when the words 'unconditional surrender' come up, but then when the dialogue continues the Tezh realizes she is being silly and the sub-frames begin to drift and sway normally again - if anything they work to become even more eye-catching.

The commanding demeanor doesn't last long though, and her muzzle curls up at the edge in amusement and finally she starts giggling (if you can call a deep feline rumbling chitter a 'giggle') incessantly until she has to wipe her eyes "Forgive me, I could not help it. Welcome to Axiom, it is a pleasure to greet you - I am Brigid, Speaker for the Tezh Consensus. This is Talotius; my predecessor."[/INDENT]

Oh joy, they liked to play with their food. That was going to be miserable.

"Brigid-Lyraen-Tezh Consensus, I am Agni Immolati Adiuva-Veritus-Timens."

Iuvo called out. "The climate is cold and your clothing is too bright and gaudy to be effective camoflauge, especially in a snowy envi-"

The Veritus behind Izuo shoved him in the back. "We have to find food first, dumbass."

Originally Posted by Ivor_The_Mad

The hum of engines reverberates through the air as the large armored transport ship touches down with a hiss. The airlock slides open and a blast of heat is expelled from the ship melting the nearby snow. When the boarding ramp is lowered Nozdak makes his descent onto the planet's surface. He looked up at the sky as the snow falls on his face mask. He catches a few flakes on his hand and marvels at how they disappear so quickly. This only lasts for a second before his gaze returns to the city and the welcoming party. He has donned his regular armor suit but today he has something new. Coiled around his arm is a black and red serpent-like creature. Its head has 2 small horns and a mouth full of sharp teeth. It blends perfectly into his armor, and at a glance is almost invisible. Behind him, 5 more figures follow. Two of them don a lighter more flexible armor, a sword hilt visible at their waists. Their helmets are emblazoned with an emblem that is still known to few. Behind them are the 2 pilots and finally a figure who most have come to know, The Drunken Master. He manages to walk in a semi-straight line dragging behind him 2 hovering crates.

When Nozdak reaches Proxos he raises his fits to his chest in salute. "Greetings Proxos, I thank you for inviting us to this cultural event. I have brought some gifts with me just for this occasion."

Not so Little Critters!
The warmth would have hit him if he was not wearing full armor. Instead, he noticed the levels of IR radiation rise. He walked forward into the room and signaled to his men that they were dismissed. The first thing he noticed was a group of creatures he had not noticed before. He walked up to them and stared at them through his mask. He speaks in a deep curious voice "Hello. I haven't seen your kind before." His dragon slithering down his arm and raises its self up to stare at the creature. The creature makes a startled sound and hops back. Realizing that his mask, which is specifically made to intimidate with its robotic, emotionless feel, combined with its almost draconic style, may intimidate the creatures, he removes it. He presses the side of the helmet and with a hiss of steam lifts it from his head revealing his scaly, spiked head and sharp teeth. "Sorry"

It wasn't a robot but it could make itself look like one?!

That was even more horrifying.

"We surrender unconditionally to any and all demands you make of us so long as they do not conflict with the demands of other powers!"

Originally Posted by SquirrelWizard

Sly Marbo intensifying - Veritus

"Surrender?" Confusion crossed Flash's features, "No, surrender, friendly-talk, maybe friendly-work in near-future."

"OwO wondews whewe you have heawd wumows that the gwymwan combine, ow OwO, demands youw suwwendew? We'd be mowe intewested in weawning mowe about you. My name is OwO, cuwatow of knowwedge and discovewy fow sevewaw species."

Flash held out his hand as a sign of welcoming and friendship. "I'm name-called Flash, what are you name-called?"

"I am the Agni Immolati of the Veritus-Timens, Adiuva-Veritus-Timens. I speak for my people until I am killed or sacrificed." Adiuva's voice was starting to shake. "We will comply with any and all demands so long as they do not conflict with any other agreements we have made with other star powers."

Iuvo glanced at his leader. "You said that already and it is really getting annoying."

"LOOK HERE, MALE!" She snapped at Iuvo, whirling on him as the other three Veritus backed up. "I have ONE JOB right now, it's stupid, and repetitive, but I'm going to do it! And if you have a problem with that, I AM TOO SCARED TO CARE! OKAY?!"

"... s-sure, no problem.

Originally Posted by Tentreto

The Duenem

Lighter Lighter carefully led her twelve Duenem into the house. In truth, with Mint and Jet dealing with the fallout of Efficiency and the Revolution, it fell to her to lead the Duenem delegation in this event, which included having a talk with the most terrified aliens she had ever heard of. From what the reports had said, she assumed the diplomats involved were needing defraging. Nevertheless, she was prepared for anything.

At the door

Lighter quickly scuttled over to Proxos and gave a few blinks of acknowledgement. "Thank you for setting up this festival Proxos," she begins, "it is good to see cheer and joy after such grave times in Axiom. While we are unable to sample the food and beverages, we will be sure to try out your dancing."

New Allies, New Vassals?

Quickly scanning the room, Lighter easily spotted the towering somewhat mostrous figure cowering in a corner, in front of the rest of it's delegation. If Lighter had been able to have a mental breakdown, she would have at this scene. Instead, she analysed why all the reasons such a species had even managed to get here if they were scared of everything. But she was the offical delegation and 'meet and greet,' so she had to somehow approach them without scaring them off.

Carefully, and so that all the Veritus-Timens could see her slowly approach, she came over. "Greetings," she intoned using her external speaker and translator, "I am Lighter Lighter of the Duenem. Are you Agni Imolati Adiuva?" she says, directed to the one in front. "It is good to finally meet you in person. I trust your journey here was enlightening?"
She carefully avoided standing in any of the poison on the floor. She was pretty sure her armour could withstand it, but better to leave that until later.

Spoiler: Lighter Lighter

Show

Lighter Lighter is a fairly standard Duenem model, standing at half a metre tall, and does have a prehensile tail attachement, which in her case ends with a small blowtorch. She has amber diodes to simulate eyes, and six legs to stand upon. Her main difference is that she has especially heat resistat armour plating.
On her name, she was initially created as a lighter for a rich Niua, and found her true calling later as a fire starter for new factories and foundaries.

Never in her life had Adiuva been so relieved to see something that terrified her so much. At least with organics, you had a chance to read their response with an ounce of authenticity. Machines, though... they could very easily fake every emotion they experienced.

"It has been akin to learning that the male you just mated with is your hatchling from the future: many possibilities, yes, but most of them are too horrible to contemplate." She responded, turning to face the Duenem directly. "I hope you will not consider it an imposition if I ask we get the complete surrender and capitulation of my species done as quickly as possible."

Originally Posted by LapisCattis

Umkhonto Malyat Elunxwemeni arrives almost comically bundled in furs and cloths, all of course beaded and jeweled as appropriate for his rank, but appearing more as a fluffy five-limbed bundle with a leathery head emerging than as the lithe, cunning lizard he was. Carried on his wrapped tail are three similarly fluffy lumps with gold, green, and red eyes peeking out. Arriving with him are Mitzi, now fully grown with long golden fur and padding five feet away from the embarrassing sight of a fluffy shapeless gecko train, Bart, a grey scaled Theseon covered in mud for insulation, and Jacksy, a female 'Mini-Tuxie' with dark blue back feathers and a white underbelly.

"This meeting should be interesting. We have been lucky to have remained in place through a second Revolution, but we have many new neighbors and new species to meet. Perhaps this time, we can avoid any kidnappings." Malyat finished by turning his head around to glare at his spawn. Damn brats had stowed away on the ship and were only seen once they entered Lyraen space. They were lucky he had packed extra wraps, though maybe a little freezing on an alien planet would teach them a lesson.

"I think I will remain in the Garden. I would like to stay in the snow and get my fill of the cold before overheating to socialize inside." Jacksy had already been nervous at being chosen as the first galactic representative of her people, and the humid atmosphere of the Nemikhomo had set all of her feathers rustling.

"Yer a crazed bird, all right. Mal! I'll race yer fluffy arse to the grog. Mebbe I'll get to see those cows again!" Bart could smell the Laughing Gas and was on the hunt, leaving the others in a hasty, four-legged search for drinks.

(The Ndodan Delegation splits up for maximal fun)

At the Door
Malyat and Mitzi proceeded to the entrance to make formal introductions, though first Malyat de-fluffed himself and his spawn by pulling off the wraps, making sure to keep one foot on their tails to prevent a quick getaway. "Proxos! Thank you for your invitation and for hosting this event. I'm sure we are all happy to reconnect and meet peacefully after the recent turmoil."

Mitzi, for her part, was busy trying to get her fur to stand down and turn away from her puffed up form after seeing the Veritus. Biting back surprise and no small amount of alarm, she manages to greet the terrifying creatures. "It is a...pleasure to greet new faces. Where do your people hail from?" Please don't let them be neighbors.

Before the Veritus were given a chance to react, a delighted squeal rang out from the hatchlings when they noticed the new species. The gold-eyed one wriggled her tail out of Malyat's grip to jump in front of Mitzi, clearly intent on climbing the newcomers. "Cliff-beetles! Cliff-beetle, cliff-beetle!"

Izuo, it seemed, was drawing the short end of every stick today. As the tiny furry... lizard... thing came at him in a clear and open attack, he schreeched and the smell of rotting flesh intensified. When this failed to make the child turn away (for some ungodly reason no one here seemed to care that the Veritus all smelled like corpses) he began to move back, away from the tiny child. "I surrender! Please don't hurt me! You don't wanna eat me, I'm poisonous!"

"What's going- oh core oh CORE!"Aviuda's head whipped around, and her eyes fell to the ground. "Izuo, your legs!"

The metal constraints on Izuo's legs that had kept his poison from leaking on the ground had, at some point in the last few minutes, cracked.

...And the small child was walking straight towards the Veritus-Timens leaking its very potent poison all over the ground.

Oh **** no OH ****

In a blur of motion Adiuva rushed forward, grabbing the child by its legs, and threw it back towards the delegation, roaring in fear (though it probably sounded like a battlecry to the others assembled) as she did so. In her rush, her claws dug deep into the child's limbs, and it bled all across the ground.

It took a few moments for Adiuva (or the other Veritus, for that matter) to process what had just happened. The sacrificial lamb of the Veritus had just picked up the small child of one of these aliens, and threw it bodily across the room while leaving massive gouges in its limbs. To keep it from poisoning itself, yes, but still. Gods she hoped she'd been fast enough, she really did not need "poisoned the child of a diplomat" to be on her record.

**LapisCattis** · 2019-12-16, 08:23 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by HalfTangible

Izuo, it seemed, was drawing the short end of every stick today. As the tiny furry... lizard... thing came at him in a clear and open attack, he schreeched and the smell of rotting flesh intensified. When this failed to make the child turn away (for some ungodly reason no one here seemed to care that the Veritus all smelled like corpses) he began to move back, away from the tiny child. "I surrender! Please don't hurt me! You don't wanna eat me, I'm poisonous!"

"What's going- oh core oh CORE!"Aviuda's head whipped around, and her eyes fell to the ground. "Izuo, your legs!"

The metal constraints on Izuo's legs that had kept his poison from leaking on the ground had, at some point in the last few minutes, cracked.

...And the small child was walking straight towards the Veritus-Timens leaking its very potent poison all over the ground.

Oh **** no OH ****

In a blur of motion Adiuva rushed forward, grabbing the child by its legs, and threw it back towards the delegation, roaring in fear (though it probably sounded like a battlecry to the others assembled) as she did so. In her rush, her claws dug deep into the child's limbs, and it bled all across the ground.

It took a few moments for Adiuva (or the other Veritus, for that matter) to process what had just happened. The sacrificial lamb of the Veritus had just picked up the small child of one of these aliens, and threw it bodily across the room while leaving massive gouges in its limbs. To keep it from poisoning itself, yes, but still. Gods she hoped she'd been fast enough, she really did not need "poisoned the child of a diplomat" to be on her record.

All Mirna wanted to do was play and climb the fun looking cliff-beetle. Her short life flashed before her eyes as her playful pounce turned into a dizzying spiral, somehow in the opposite direction?? and pain seared along her arms and legs. Even before she hit the strangely fluffy ground, she heard her father roar at the delegation and the clack and skitter of claws as he faced the not-so-fun cliff beetles and her brothers scattered. This might've been a not-fun bad idea.

Umkhonto Malyat Elunxwemeni had felt his heart stop when his daughter's tail escaped him, then the ghost of his mate screaming at him for being such a useless lowlife when he saw her body hurtle through the air through his peripheral vision. He registered Mitzi racing to catch Mirna, cut off the pleasantries immediately and whirled around, crest raised high, teeth bared, tail lashing, and claws outreached to ingrain in these child-harming beasts the wrong they had just done, and he was intent on unleashing the wrath of every old god, spirit, and parent on these beasts.

"HOW DARE YOU HARM MY HATCHLING"

His daughter should not have charged at an unknown species, but her punishment would come later after she had healed. Please, gods, let her heal and stay with me.

**Ivor_The_Mad** · 2019-12-16, 08:26 PM (ISO 8601)

Poison and stuff!

Nozdak Is taken aback at the creature's reply. He took a few steps back to show he meant no harm. He did not understand what he had done to frighten them. "I wish you no harm. I am just curious to learn what you are." It was at this moment the Ndoda arrived. He turned to welcome his allies. "Welcome Ndoda. We are glad you could make it." He then heard behind him "oh **** no OH ****". He whirled around to see the Ndoda child being lifted and thrown across the room by the Veritus, a green arc following the child's path. His hand dropped to his gun and he was about to draw and fire when he noticed the fear on their faces and the sizzling pool of poison forming on the floor. He drops his gun back in his holster and walks over to the spill. He looks up at the Veritus, "You really should be more careful with this." He taps a button on his gauntlet and aims his fist at the puddle. He pauses and presses a different button. A small vile pops out of his gauntlet which he uses to scoop some of the toxin up. He taps the button again and a greyish white mist sprays out of his gauntlet covering the poison which begins foaming and eventually turns into a pale bluish-white powder. He places the vile in his utility belt. He then takes out a tool from his belt, looking at the Veritus with the cracked plating. "Mind if I seal that up? I don't want any more accidents happening."

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-16, 08:35 PM (ISO 8601)

The Incident

In a moment, the fun, festive atmosphere is shattered. Lyraen security officers pop out of every conceivable place they could have been hiding. Those with 'Earth' elemental implants pop out of the ground, forming a barrier the Veritus and everyone else. Others descend from above, held aloft via the power of miniaturized tornadoes. White-suited Lyraens rush over to where Mirna is, already pulling out medical supplies. The Lyraens were nothing if not prepared.

Proxos appears in the middle of the chaos, having skipped the intervening space between the door and the middle of the courtyard entirely. In times like this, it was crucial to take charge quickly. "Everyone!" he shouts, "Everything is under control. Or it will be, assuming you let these fine wolves do their job. Please, any guests not immediately involved in this, head on inside. Have some cider! I am sure we will sort this out and be joining you shortly."

With that, he lets the guards handle the crowd. As for himself, he turns towards the Veritas, eyes literally blazing. "So..." he says, "EXPLAIN."

**Gaius Hermicus** · 2019-12-16, 08:35 PM (ISO 8601)

Haerthala:

A scream rang out from across the room. The Ndoda child was shrieking as the Veritas-Timens sank its claws viciously into its body, and hurled it across the room. Haerthala moved like a flash, one moment next to Ty-Rone, the next slamming the Veritas-Timens leader against the wall, one meaty gloved hand clutched around its throat, the other pulling a viciously barbed dagger and waving it menacingly in the insectlike creature's face. As the creature struggled for breath, Haerthala spat in its face;

<What the hell do you think you're doing? You try something like that again, and I'll break you like a twig! If you want to fight somebody, pick on someone your own size, why don't you?>

She steps away, dropping the gasping creature on the ground and cracking her knuckles in preparation for a brawl.

**HalfTangible** · 2019-12-16, 08:47 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by Gaius Hermicus

Haerthala:

A scream rang out from across the room. The Ndoda child was shrieking as the Veritas-Timens sank its claws viciously into its body, and hurled it across the room. Haerthala moved like a flash, one moment next to Ty-Rone, the next slamming the Veritas-Timens leader against the wall, one meaty gloved hand clutched around its throat, the other pulling a viciously barbed dagger and waving it menacingly in the insectlike creature's face. As the creature struggled for breath, Haerthala spat in its face;

<What the hell do you think you're doing? You try something like that again, and I'll break you like a twig! If you want to fight somebody, pick on someone your own size, why don't you?>

She steps away, dropping the gasping creature on the ground and cracking her knuckles in preparation for a brawl.

Originally Posted by Ivor_The_Mad

Poison and stuff!

Nozdak Is taken aback at the creature's reply. He took a few steps back to show he meant no harm. He did not understand what he had done to frighten them. "I wish you no harm. I am just curious to learn what you are." It was at this moment the Ndoda arrived. He turned to welcome his allies. "Welcome Ndoda. We are glad you could make it." He then heard behind him "oh **** no OH ****". He whirled around to see the Ndoda child being lifted and thrown across the room by the Veritus, a green arc following the child's path. His hand dropped to his gun and he was about to draw and fire when he noticed the fear on their faces and the sizzling pool of poison forming on the floor. He drops his gun back in his holster and walks over to the spill. He looks up at the Veritus, "You really should be more careful with this." He taps a button on his gauntlet and aims his fist at the puddle. He pauses and presses a different button. A small vile pops out of his gauntlet which he uses to scoop some of the toxin up. He taps the button again and a greyish white mist sprays out of his gauntlet covering the poison which begins foaming and eventually turns into a pale bluish-white powder. He places the vile in his utility belt. He then takes out a tool from his belt, looking at the Veritus with the cracked plating. "Mind if I seal that up? I don't want any more accidents happening."

Izuo was standing stock-still. The rest of the delegation had backed off, closer towards the exit. They were glancing between the various delegations, trying to spot who would be making a move against them. So far it seemed those who had noticed were too shocked to do anything.

Adiuva glared directly into the monster's eyes. The fear that had come to define the Veritus remained, but it had been joined by new emotions: resignation, and resolve. This was what the Agni Immolati - the Sacrifice - was for. She would die and the rest would run; and if she was lucky perhaps her poisons would claim her murderer. The others would hurry back to the homeworld and, if they could, prepare for the coming retaliation. There would be no surviving, but that did not mean they would not try.

"If you're going to kill me, do it and be quick." She growled. "The 'hatchling''s injuries are my doing and no one el-"

Originally Posted by Miltonian

The Incident

In a moment, the fun, festive atmosphere is shattered. Lyraen security officers pop out of every conceivable place they could have been hiding. Those with 'Earth' elemental implants pop out of the ground, forming a barrier the Veritus and everyone else. Others descend from above, held aloft via the power of miniaturized tornadoes. White-suited Lyraens rush over to where Mirna is, already pulling out medical supplies. The Lyraens were nothing if not prepared.

Proxos appears in the middle of the chaos, having skipped the intervening space between the door and the middle of the courtyard entirely. In times like this, it was crucial to take charge quickly. "Everyone!" he shouts, "Everything is under control. Or it will be, assuming you let these fine wolves do their job. Please, any guests not immediately involved in this, head on inside. Have some cider! I am sure we will sort this out and be joining you shortly."

With that, he lets the guards handle the crowd. As for himself, he turns towards the Veritas, eyes literally blazing. "So..." he says, "EXPLAIN."

Originally Posted by LapisCattis

All Mirna wanted to do was play and climb the fun looking cliff-beetle. Her short life flashed before her eyes as her playful pounce turned into a dizzying spiral, somehow in the opposite direction?? and pain seared along her arms and legs. Even before she hit the strangely fluffy ground, she heard her father roar at the delegation and the clack and skitter of claws as he faced the not-so-fun cliff beetles and her brothers scattered. This might've been a not-fun bad idea.

Umkhonto Malyat Elunxwemeni had felt his heart stop when his daughter's tail escaped him, then the ghost of his mate screaming at him for being such a useless lowlife when he saw her body hurtle through the air through his peripheral vision. He registered Mitzi racing to catch Mirna, cut off the pleasantries immediately and whirled around, crest raised high, teeth bared, tail lashing, and claws outreached to ingrain in these child-harming beasts the wrong they had just done, and he was intent on unleashing the wrath of every old god, spirit, and parent on these beasts.

"HOW DARE YOU HARM MY HATCHLING"

His daughter should not have charged at an unknown species, but her punishment would come later after she had healed. Please, gods, let her heal and stay with me.

"The Veritus leak a very potent poison under stress; that is what the apparatuses on our legs are there to prevent." She pointed to the poison on the ground that the Kronin was currently gathering up. "Izuo's, it seems, had cracked. The hatchling would have died had I let it keep going towards him."

**SquirrelWizard** · 2019-12-16, 08:52 PM (ISO 8601)

Drama - Veritus and others

Everything was happening too fast and Flash cursed his injuries dulling his reflexes, slowing him down. Perhaps with some luck the kid would live, he wasn't sure what would cause the Veritus to attack and getting information out of them was proving... tedious. It didn't help that the Rothuum, in their typical fashion, was doing more to escalate things by pulling out a knife.

There was movement at the door as Luna quietly slid in, snow powdering the cuffs of her jacket. She had obviously heard the commotion and her purple eyes narrowed at Haerthala waving her knife about. With a grunt she hurled the small globe of packed snow at the Rothuun, nailing her in the back of the head, as she yelled out. "Typical Rothuun, come-bring with knife to snow-ball fighty-fight!"

**LapisCattis** · 2019-12-16, 08:57 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by Miltonian

The Incident

In a moment, the fun, festive atmosphere is shattered. Lyraen security officers pop out of every conceivable place they could have been hiding. Those with 'Earth' elemental implants pop out of the ground, forming a barrier the Veritus and everyone else. Others descend from above, held aloft via the power of miniaturized tornadoes. White-suited Lyraens rush over to where Mirna is, already pulling out medical supplies. The Lyraens were nothing if not prepared.

Proxos appears in the middle of the chaos, having skipped the intervening space between the door and the middle of the courtyard entirely. In times like this, it was crucial to take charge quickly. "Everyone!" he shouts, "Everything is under control. Or it will be, assuming you let these fine wolves do their job. Please, any guests not immediately involved in this, head on inside. Have some cider! I am sure we will sort this out and be joining you shortly."

With that, he lets the guards handle the crowd. As for himself, he turns towards the Veritas, eyes literally blazing. "So..." he says, "EXPLAIN."

Originally Posted by Gaius Hermicus

Haerthala:

A scream rang out from across the room. The Ndoda child was shrieking as the Veritas-Timens sank its claws viciously into its body, and hurled it across the room. Haerthala moved like a flash, one moment next to Ty-Rone, the next slamming the Veritas-Timens leader against the wall, one meaty gloved hand clutched around its throat, the other pulling a viciously barbed dagger and waving it menacingly in the insectlike creature's face. As the creature struggled for breath, Haerthala spat in its face;

<What the hell do you think you're doing? You try something like that again, and I'll break you like a twig! If you want to fight somebody, pick on someone your own size, why don't you?>

She steps away, dropping the gasping creature on the ground and cracking her knuckles in preparation for a brawl.

Malyat snarls and slaps Haerthala away from the Veritas with his tail and shoves his way past Proxos. "If ANYONE is questioning these child-harmers, it will be ME."

Originally Posted by HalfTangible

"The Veritus leak a very potent poison under stress; that is what the apparatuses on our legs are there to prevent." She pointed to the poison on the ground that the Kronin was currently gathering up. "Izuo's, it seems, had cracked. The hatchling would have died had I let it keep going towards him."

Malyat snarled and pushed his face into Adiuva's. "That IT is my DAUGHTER. And that does NOT excuse YOUR claws tearing her APART."

Mitzi pads up to the fuming father and the Veritus, careful to only step on the neutralized poison. "The poison that Mirna touched has been neutralized and the Lyraens are working on her. There should be no permanent damage and she should be able to make a full recovery. I sent the boys outside in their wrappings to play to get them out of the way." Twitching her whiskers at the Veritas, she continued with a glare. "If you knew you had such lethal poison, why did you risk war and harm to others with such feeble apparati?"

**Miltonian** · 2019-12-16, 09:11 PM (ISO 8601)

The Incident

And this was what happened when you didn't move fast enough. Proxos only had himself to blame. He laid a paw on Hraethala's shoulder and said, "Thank you, but as your host I must insist on handling this myself. Please, go on inside."

He glances over at the medics, who give him a nod, and moves back into the middle of the confrontation. "Your daughter will be fine," he informs Malyat, "Ever since the incident at the Auction when Rhia saved Guntur, our medics have made it a point to be well-versed in xenobiology. Now, your affairs on your own, but from my perspective, I expect she will be up and walking in a few minutes and maybe will want her father to hold her rather than be too busy screaming and declaring war."

To the Veritus, he says, "However, if this poison is so dangerous, we cannot allow it in the middle of a crowded party when your protections against it are clearly...inadequate. And while, with regards to death, injury is the lesser of two evils, it is still an evil." He turns to the guards. "If one of you is a Shaper, mend the broken...sock. Then find something to reinforce ALL of theirs with. I will not have this happen again."

A Lyraen guard steps forward and says to Izuo, "By your leave."

**Fyrecatt** · 2019-12-16, 09:17 PM (ISO 8601)

Just as Vii is about to suggest to Embra and Solari that they “divide and conquer” (all in the name of diplomacy, of course!), a commotion draws their attention. It’s hard to see precisely what’s happening, but the screeching and raised voices don’t sound friendly. The sudden appearance of several Lyraen security officers confirms that whatever is happening has gotten out of hand. The voice of their host rings out across the crowd.

"Everything is under control. Or it will be, assuming you let these fine wolves do their job. Please, any guests not immediately involved in this, head on inside. Have some cider! I am sure we will sort this out and be joining you shortly."

Vii bounces on the balls of her feet a couple of times, trying to get a glimpse of *something*, but to no avail. “I hate being so short.” she grumps. Resigned, she turns to the others and composes her face. “As I was saying, I think we should split up and mingle. I’m going to head over to the buffet. I’m famished.”

Solari raises an eyebrow. “You’re always hungry. You have the appetite of a troll. I honestly don’t know where you put it.”

“High metabolism,” Vii quips. Before Embra can chime in, Vii turns and quickly begins walking towards the smorgasbord. She waggles her fingers in Embra’s general direction. “YesIllbehaveseeyoulaterbye!”

Thread: EMPIRE 5: The Festival of the New Sunrise!

EMPIRE 5: The Festival of the New Sunrise!

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