Vishal breaks his spell before making sure to use thieves cant to inform Cael, “They can hear us but not see us.” Before he signs to Cael “I didn’t see anything.” 

You all head to bed and go to sleep. Those of you who dream have a lovely dream in which you are gathered at the water's edge with your kindred. A great storm rages on the horizon, but you are safe among your people.

You wake up the next morning, and hear a smooth, soothing voice in your heads (except Kaori). "The spirits welcome a new dawn. Our Harmonious Shield prepares to depart soon. Direct yourselves to seeing their blades sharpened and their bellies full. Harvest four fields and prepare for them a cache of rations. Steel yourselves against the altavar that tempt us, welcome the Edgewalkers here to protect us, and follow the Path."

You get up and start putting together breakfast when you hear a knock at the door.

Taran leaps up and heads to the door, pausing a moment to make sure that everyone is decent before opening it.

Taran opens the door to reveal a changeling in a green and gold cloak. After a moment, you recognize her as the changeling who accompanies the Inspired yesterday evening at the service. She bows to you all respectfully. "I am Fali, the master of supervision in Borutesh. I welcome you to Borutesh, and am here to escort you to the manor. Her Inspired Grace Shiaaktavi desires an audience."

OOC: You would know that the blending of a Chosen's name (such as Shiaali) and a quori's name (presumably Aaktavi) means the Chosen is currently possessed by their quori.

Taran bows, speaking in his slow manner (I'm going to type in the spaces this time, just because), "Thank.... you... for.... the....welcome....Fali.... Allow.... us..... a.... moment.... to.....gather.... our.... equipment.... It.... would.... be.... inappropriate.....to.... be.... ill.... prepared.....if.....the..... Inspired.....wishes.....for.....us.....to.....begin.....our......work.....immediately."

Taran turns and begins quickly picking up the few pieces of his gear that he had not been wearing, thoughts splashing silver-quick. It could be a ploy, it could be a trap, or it could just be an obstacle. No matter what it was, the only play was to go forward and hope for the best.

Vishal gathers himself making sure to keep his own Quori spirit in check as he gathers his own materials, and swing if everyone else has theres, before saying, “We are ready.” 

With a single guard at her side, Fali walks slowly down the central road, out west toward the monolith and Shiaali’s manor. As she passes groups of Riedran commoners, they stop their work for a moment and bow their heads, both to her and you. The manor house’s architecture is much like Dar Ulatesh, with curves in shining steel and crystal. The foremost building twists up from its square base toward a single point, appearing in silhouette like a dancing spirit. You can see the rear building rising above its rooftop in complementing curves. In front of the arched entryway is a statue shaped from opal: a featureless human figure shrouded in mists. Four wings emerge, framing the piece in feathers and claws. Fali pauses briefly at the statue to bow her head, then heads beneath the archway into the manor. Past the antechamber, atop a dais in the throne room, stands the Inspired leader of the ceremony the previous night. She is dressed in silks, indigo and purple armor, and a horned headpiece. Her features are flawless, symmetrical, and sharp, and a soft glow emanates from her pupil-less eyes. The oni giant from the ceremony is standing to attention behind her, braced against an 8-foot-long studded iron club. Fali kneels before the Inspired, bowing her head, clearly waiting for you to do the same.

Taran kneels and bows his head, though he tries to keep his periphery trained from any surprises. If this is a trap, this where it would spring.

Kaori similarly kneels and bows her head, but keeps herself aware of any danger.

Vishal copies making sure to ignore his own Quori spirit who is burning up at all of this. 

Caelius kneels but keeps his eyes on the Inspired and the oni, not wanting to miss what they say.

Akuma is the last to kneel and bow briefly, silent but attentive as her eyes scan between the Inspired and Oni, occasionally flickering to their surroundings defensively as she remains at the ready for anything. 

The Inspired Shiaaktavi takes a couple of steps forward, looking down her nose at you from her raised dais, and inclines her head slightly, affording the respect Edgewalkers earn. She speaks calmly and confidently, arrogance ringing through her tone, as is appropriate from one possessed by an il-altas. You all know that it is a great honor even for Edgewalkers to be greeted by an actively possessed Inspired, rather than merely their Chosen host. "I trust you have found your stay in Borutesh so far comfortable? I thank you for coming in response to my host's request for assistance."

"Of...Course...Honored....One...." Taran says in his slow and and careful voice, "The...People...offered....nothing....but....aid....and....we....are....honored....to.....assist....with...whatever....matters....we......can."

Taran holds himself still. This is a hunt, a staredown with a predator far larger and more dangerous than him. He just has to blend in. He can do this.

"Naturally," Shiaaktavi agrees with a nod. "You may direct any questions about the situation to my host once I depart her, but I wished to greet you personally. Should you have a need, inform her and I will arrange it to be done."

Vishal nods respectfully and says, “Of course. It was an honor to talk to you personally.”

Kaori hopes that her slight tremble is unnoticed as she keeps her head down and her mouth shut, fighting the urge to let out a tweet or even a small coo and trusting the others to do the talking for her.

Akuma is silent, studying the Inspired from her respectful position. Her eyes flicker to the others, letting them handle any questions while she kept a less tense but attentive eye out around them. 

Shiaaktavi gives a slight smirk, and then the glow leaves her eyes. Shiaali rises from her throne, inclining her head. "Allow me to welcome you myself, as well. Please, join me for tea in the adjoining chamber." She makes her way to a door set in the side of the throne room. "Fali, please wait outside." The changeling bows and acquiesces, but the oni follows you all into the tea room, taking up a position next to the door. "Have a seat," Shiaali invites.

"Of course, Lady Shiaali." Taran says, rising to follow her into the adjoining room.

He hesitates a moment before sitting, his first instinct to begin serving the tea, but realizing that an Edge Walker would probably not do that. He'll just have to wait for a sign that they can speak more freely.