Family Ties: Negotiations

[Creselda Arepharis]

The Greeting Palace was all decorated up and ready to receive guests. AmKelosh had moved in near Kayosia, the city often used as a capital aside from the floating court. Kayosia is a major space port and an almost planet wide metropolis. The Greeting Palace is high in the oldest section of the city. The city that was there when Kayos first came and renamed it thousands of years ago. Sometimes during war or unrest AmKelosh returns to hover near the city, even breaching the atmosphere of the planet so the palaces literally float above the city. This in turn creates a force field around the oldest and most noble sections of Kayosia as AmKelosh's defenses are theirs for awhile. Of course the magic behind all that is more complicated than simply putting a floating palace or fourteen above a planet bound city. The smaller towers that hold the field also float around the top of the city and from the ground it's hard to tell due to how spread out AmKelosh is at the moment, but from space on their decent, anyone looking out the windows of Kirian's ship would see that the towers make a sphere shape. If they traveled through a portal gate system, then it's not as easy to notice.

The two main ways to arrive at Kayosia are through the space port if you take the long way, or through a portal gate system if there is a portal closer to your starting destination. Teleporting long distances through space is almost impossible, even for elder gods, though like with all magic, there are some who probably can. The portal system would put them out in the protected part of Kayosia whereas the space port would put them outside of the unseen barrier as ships can not fly through the barrier AmKelosh creates.

Either way, there is a greeting party of servants and a handful of nobles to oversee the moving of any luggage or items the visitors brought with them. It is custom in Kelosh for visitors of such nature to stay at least a night, but often a week. A night is slightly insulting, but not enough to go to war over. A week is enough time to get to know one another and discuss matters fully and leisurely. It's not a full week, but a fae week of five days. Five is the number of change and transition, most often associated with transmutation. But making new friends is also a change or transition. When Kayos built his empire he made it's culture borrowing parts from many other cultures, both around at the time and long gone. His parties also last seven days, as was fae tradition.

A warm, soft smile of a woman with long black hair and slightly pointed ears greets Kirian as he steps forth through the gatehouse of his preferred travel method. She wears soft pastel colors which have a trim that match her light teal eyes. Her garb is very high end Keloshian and though she looks to humans to be in her twenties, her power is far from so young. She is the Warlord of Magic of the Kelosh Empire, Creselda Arepharis. There are twelve warlords, but it is custom for only one at a time to greet new friends as more than that is feared to be seen as aggression. Creselda is known to be one of the nicest of the Warlords, but also one of the most powerful. Her family is said to be the most powerful magical family in the empire, and maybe all of Nepherasta. No one knows what race they are, so they are documented as being their own race. Many believe them to be a type of fae, as their magic is innate and not learned through study. Well, not all of it. Creselda studied on top of what she could naturally do, making her the strongest magic user in the three and a half galaxies that span Kelosh.

“Welcome, friends.” Her arms sway outward from her, palms up and she leans back just slightly at the same time. Though she doesn't expect anyone to hug her as is evident in that her hands return to a folded position in front of her. Her movements are fluid and something about them says she knows the sword as well as the spell. Though her knowledge of battle is no secret. She has been at Kayos' side directly through much of the conquering, as he prefers to lead from the front lines and demands the same of all his Warlords. Though in the last thousand years or so she's been seen on the battle field less. Kelosh also isn't expanding as quickly as it once was. There are many reasons as to why not. People of all races, classes, and power levels love to gossip.

Word would have been sent ahead of time to alert the Keloshian's to how many dignitaries and personal servants were coming and about how much stuff they'd require to bring so that the correct number of vehicles could be waiting. The vehicles are small flying machines that can each hold about a dozen people besides the pilots. There are as many vehicles as needed.

There are roads in the city, but not all are ground level. The city of Kayosia built up over the years so there are many levels and the main street level is several stories above the ground level. The ground level houses the most criminals and seedy elements of the city and most law abiding citizens don't go below street level. Part of this is because the main law enforcers of the city are it's original inhabitants, a winged people called the Angean. They tend to live in the highest parts of the city so the lowest houses those that wishes to be the most unseen by them. Nobles of Kayosia would also tell you that crap rolls downhill and that is why you should not go below street level. Some nobels and Angean don't even go as low as street level, but fly around above it either by natural means or by use of vehicles such as those that wait for Kirian and his party.

[Kirian]

Ah, the famed floating city. Kirian regarded all of it with neutral obsidian eyes. It was second nature anymore to assess the defenses, making note of any weaknesses that could be exploited in a siege. Not that he intended to start a battle, of course. But it never hurt to know those sort of things. The trip had taken the better part of six days, and he was suitably restless as a result. Jai had been left in charge, though, and there was little doubt that his right hand would keep the men in line. And should anything that required his attention come up, there was also little doubt that he'd be duly informed and summoned back.

As they met the welcoming party, Kirian paused on the landing. Creselda, was it? He'd heard of her a few times. He could appreciate the fact that Kayos was sending one of his greatest warriors to meet them. A minimal smile crossed his face at her greeting before he brought a fist up in sharp salute. The four officers that he'd brought along with him as a guard and his son all moved to salute as well. "Hail and well met," Kirian replied. His voice was deep and resonant. And when his magic was active, it was rumored that it echoed with screams and the sound of clashing weapons. Relaxing, he gestured once behind him. "We stand ready to depart at your leisure." Not that he was attempting to be rude. But he was a man used to action, and he absolutely detested wasting time. Especially when there was an objective that he aimed to achieve.

[Creselda Arepharis]

Creselda continues to smile sweetly and mostly means the smile. She is the mother to an entire race after all and has a strong maternal presence about her. She likes the salute. It is respectful and has a bit of a power feel to it. Keloshians are a warrior race and respect power. The ones she brought with her do no need to be ordered. As soon as Kirian voices a readiness to move on to the next location, she casts one backwards glance just over her shoulder to someone standing on the outskirts and many people with short or shorter hair rush forward to start loading bags. They have with them the necessary tools, like carts, straps, or whatever else they need. The one Creselda had glanced at has long hair and gives the orders for the others to move. Creselda has already turned her full attention back to Kirian. “Kayos and Iatha wait for us at the Greeting Palace.” He motions toward the floating vehicle behind her for Kirian and his men to load. She lets Kirian decide who rides in what vehicle or if they'll all fit in the one.

[Kirian]

"Of course." Kirian turned to the small group at his back. "Alain, Enright, with me. Camrien, Rieve, Nox, you three in the next." He wasted no time, a hand setting on his son's back to guide him toward the first floating vehicle. The names would sound familiar if they had done any research into Kirian's forces. Enright, one of his strongest swordsmen. Camrien, a diplomat who served to great effect. Rieve, a pet assassin who possessed the ability to nullify magic in an area around him. And Nox, who rumor had it could control primal darkness. All of them were strong warriors in their own right. But it was the boy who seemed to garner the odd stares. A veritable unknown, yet the officers that obeyed Kirian paid him an odd sort of deference.

[Alain]

Weight shifting, Alain shot Creselda an uncertain look before smiling awkwardly. There was little doubt that he felt a bit out of place for this meeting. "Uh, yeah.. Okay, Dad.." As his father guided him toward the carriage, he shuffled along and climbed inside obediently. He shifted a bit in the seat, apparently taking a bit to get comfortable. Once settled, he stared out the window, his dark eyes looking around to take everything in. This place was nothing like the world he'd lived on. Or like his father's own realm. How did they keep those castles floating like that without bumping into each other? He tilted his head thoughtfully as he considered. Maybe a layered enchantment with proximity sensing to prevent them from getting without a certain distance. It was the only thing that he could think of, at any rate. He'd have to ask Arion for another enchanting lesson when they went back home again..

[Kayos]

The ride toward the floating island the Greeting Palace is on was not that long. The city has some very old buildings of stone and wood and some very new buildings of metal and glass. Some buildings seem steeped in magic and some in technology. Vehicles fly along designated skways like roads while others roll along stone roadways on lower tiers and sometimes on tiers even above a skyway or two. Some buildings float and some go down into the darkness where the sunlight does not reach at the bottom of the city. There are also foot paths and foot bridges spanning the city and connecting floating gardens or buildings to each other. There are people that walk along them on two legs, some with more legs, and some fly near them. Only the law enforcers of the city have leave to fly wherever they want and not have to follow the pathways. This is mostly to prevent in flight crashes in such a busy city. It's a long way to the ground if something were to happen. There are many colors and bright flashing sings of technology or magic trying to sell a wide array of items and services as they pass by.

Creselda doesn't seem to notice any of these things as she is very used to it. AmKelosh often comes to rest above Kayosia when it's not traveling. The court has been resting here awhile now though and soon it will travel once more. She watches the others as they travel. Watches how they interact and listens to the things they say with their mouths and with their eyes. The ride is short however so not much is learned in the brief time, but every little bit of knowledge adds up in the end of things.

The Greeting Palace rests on a small floating island with it's own garden and several landing pads for flying vehicles and a few for flying creatures. The Greeting Palace is fully staffed with highly trained servants for all needs a palace and those staying within might require. The staff all wears uniforms so they are easily spotted by those with requests.

As they come down to the landing out the window they can see all this as well as on the walkway that leads from the landing toward the palace stands a very tall and broad man with long red hair. The hair is hard to miss as it floor length and blowing in the wind. The breezes this high are always strong in Kayosia, which is nicknamed The City of Winds. He is dressed in long Keloshian robes of royal nature and rich fabrics. He is dressed for show so there is no doubt he is the emperor of Kelosh, called a god by some, though he doesn't like that term and forbids worship of himself. But he does sit on the High Council, which is made up of what mortals would refer to as elder gods, but in Kelosh they are just called The High Powers. At least they are when around Kayos. He can tell people not to worship him, but he can't stop them from doing so in their hearts or behind closed doors. He stands about eight feet tall so his long hair leaves a long trail in the wind, easy to see from a distance as the shuttles move toward the Greeting Palace. Next to him stands a much smaller figure in both height and width. The smaller one also has long red hair, though it's not as long. She's harder to make out, but one could guess that it is his sister standing next to him, Iatha Ramezki. He is dressed in mostly reds and golds, but she wears mostly black with red trims. They stand alone half way between the landing and the palace.

[Kirian]

Arms folded over his chest, Kirian glanced out the window with casual interest. But it was a safe bet to say that nothing escaped those dark eyes as they observed everything that the carriage passed. Old fashioned, technology, magic, it was all regarded with an even look from the man that many had come to regard as a god of war. He seemed entirely relaxed on the ride, waiting with an air of patience for them to reach their destination. Every so often, his gaze would move back to his son as if to make sure that Alain was still there and comfortable. It was plain to see, even from those brief glances, that Kirian valued his son's well being highly.

The men who had come with him all seemed to take the trip in stride. The only one to show any sign of agitation was Rieve. The assassin chose to crouch on the floor rather than in a seat, eyes narrowed. Every so often, Nox would reach down to rest a hand on Rieve's deep green hair briefly as if to calm him. Each time, the assassin would huff and rest his head briefly on the dark haired man's leg, almost like a dog in want of attention. Kirian watched the pair a moment before his attention returned to the window. 

As they neared the palace, he caught sight of that streaming red hair in the distance. Sitting up a bit straighter, Kirian focused his attention entirely on the form of Kayos. This was it. This was the reason that he'd come here. Once more, his eyes slid to his son, a frown on his face for a moment. If Kayos proved recalcitrant, then he'd have to find another way. Hopefully, this one would work out. Otherwise, he'd have to start over again. If nothing else, maybe Andriel could provide something. "At attention, all of you. We're about to meet our host," Kirian said quietly.

[Alain]

The city, plainly, was dazzling to Alain. The teen leaned to stare out his own window with eyes wide and filled with wonder as he took it all in. His enthusiasm and delight were obvious to read in his grin and the sparkle in his eyes. "Enright, look!" Grabbing the white haired man's arm, the teen pointed at something excitedly, drawing a soft grunt from the older man. His son's enthusiasm brought a smile to Kirian's face as he continued his own observations. Laughing, Alain sat back in his seat and continued to watch until his father spoke again.


Sobering, Alain looked to his father's side of the carriage, nerves replacing his excitement. He still wasn't entirely sure what his father hoped to accomplish here, but he knew it had something to do with him. Something to do with the seal that he'd told Urian to place on him. He could feel a faint pulsing, almost a buzz, along the marking that stretched over his left shoulder and pectoral. But what he expected this Kayos guy to be able to accomplish about it, he wasn't sure. Nervous, he shot a look to Enright. The one eyed man gave him a gruff pat on the shoulder.

[Kayos]

As they exit the craft they’ll notice the walk is made of large slabs of white stone. The walk itself is not carved, nor does it bear much in mosaic except around the borders to the garden. The railing when one is needed is also white stone, but of very highly intricate carvings. Most the carvings are just pretty scroll work, but occasionally there are little figures carved into the design as well. Around the landing pad these figures are mostly of other space craft and as they near the garden they become more animal or pixie in nature. The light posts seem to be made of red stone that is polished and shiny like precious stone. The posts are also carved with little red dragons wrapping up the posts as if playing a still game of chase that they’ll never finish. All the carvings of figures are enchanted. If Alain looks closely at one of the posts as he walks past it, he’ll notice one of the red dragons watching him. Its little carved head follows him as he goes, looking at him with it’s cold stone eyes. No other part of this dragon moves, nor do any of the others. About the time he wonders if it’s really watching him and not just an optical illusion, it’ll grow still as the other unmoving carvings. It does not breathe, nor give off signs of life.

Kayos waits for the group to come to him. He watches them with curiosity and patience, waiting for them to stop and marvel at anything they wish, though if they do he’d be surprised. He expects them to be more disciplined, but will not judge them either way. His intention is to adopt and bring them into the family. It’s a large family and some of its members were obtained through force, but that doesn’t make Kayos care any less. It seems to be a conflicting personality trait to take by force, make people join your family through wars, but then love them anyway. But then Kayos has often been accused of madness.

He smiles warmly as they approach and he does indeed mean the warmth in his smile. His sudden hot temper is legendary however. Most know due to the madness and temper he can go from warmth to war at a master vampire speed.

[Iatha]

Iatha remains by Kayos’ side watching those coming closer that dare to wish to be part of her family. She would have been fine if they’d kept the family to biology only, but she doesn’t resent those that are adopted into it. She also reserves her dark, old vampire heart more from those adopted, especially those by force or great necessity. This adoption is not forced, but she thinks they need her more than they need them. Her brother sees things differently and she does not argue that often. He is a High Power and as such knows more about how the other High Powers are so he understands the war cycle differently than she does.

They are standing in the bright sunlight, but the magical dome around the Greeting Palace protect her from the harmful UV rays of the local sun that could fry her where she stands. It’s still too bright out for her and so she wears a wide brim hat and shaded glasses. Kayos has no such things despite the rumors he’s also a vampire. Rumor also says he is true immortal and can not be killed. Iatha believes the later, but isn’t sure about the vampire rumor. Kayos is huge and strong looking.

In contrast Iatha is petite and small. She looks like she couldn’t be more than sixteen human years old. This is not a topic they will discuss and there should be enough rumors about how one should never mention Iatha’s apparent age in front of Kayos if they wish to live. It will set off his madness fueled anger, though no one is sure why. Iatha knows. Voric knows even better than she as that anger is often directed at Voric Argars, Iatha’s husband, who married her and made her an immortal vampire when she was still a teenager and now she is stuck at that age, reminding her big brother constantly of her teenage marriage ten thousand years ago. The memory would probably have faded otherwise. She neither smiles nor speaks as they approach, though she doesn’t seem unwelcoming either. Despite her resting bitch face, her posture is relaxed and non threatened or threatening.

[Creselda Arepharis]

Creselda keeps a soft, warm smile on her features. Kayos likes to call her and Iatha his pillars. Creselda is often on his left and is referred to as his heart and Iatha is often on his right and more his sword. It’s a silly little simplification of their complex relationship, but Creselda understands where the notion comes from. She doesn't correct anyone who forgets she is fully capable of dealing death, though sometimes she wishes Iatha would correct those who think her cold. Iatha’s heart runs deep.

Cres will wait to see if the group wants to lead or be led down the walkway toward Kayos and then take her place in front or behind as they please. Some would take symbolic meanings in where they walk, but Creselda has nothing to prove to anyone. She is the mother of a magical race of beings, said collectively to be the most powerful magical known race. As they near the emperor and his sister, Creselda will take her place on his left. "May I present Kayos, Emperor of Kelosh and his sister Iatha, Warlord of Death."