Coming to Grips

**Date Started:** December 11th, 2021
 **Date Completed**: Febuary 28th, 2023
**Previous Role-Play** Meal Plans
**Next Role-Play:** TBA
**Users Involved:** User:Blackdagger01 & User:HoloArc
**Setting:** Khalahai
**Characters Involved:** Violet Fleur, Andrew Drake, Stella Drake, Eleina Drake, Ingrid Drake, Hotaru Drake.

The Steelfury Khanite have been travelling for days on end, only taking the most necessary breaks a day. Andrew stood rode at the fore of this collection of riders and warriors. However, rather than riding the rocktusk most enemies tend to see him upon, he instead let his favored mount carry him forward; his trusty Avilisk. This beaked and feathery-maned reptilian moved in such a manner that it almost looked as if it was slithering rather than walking. The creature felt agitated any moment that the more predatory beasts behind it got a bit too close to it's liking. "Easy, Veetra. There there." Andrew spoke softly to his mount, as they approached their destination. The harbor city Ghur'rahg is about as sacred a place as can be in Khalahai, being the only safe location to traverse as a general rule. If you want anything from abroad, this is the place to go.

Once properly within the safe distance of the city, a range of space where Khanites are not allowed to attack eachother within, Andrew sent out a selection of riders to the docks with a simple instruction: "Do not let Violet reach the docks." To which he received a simple nod as they rode on ahead. Dismounting and bringing her to a safe corner where Veetra could eat her meal in peace. A good meal of fruits, salad, leafs and grass. Taking a deep breath, steeling his own nerves, he looked to his Stella, his Khanari and motioned for her to gather the person of interest. The blue Vart'hya nodded and rushed off.

Opening up the door to a wagon cart, she cleared a way for Violet, her sister-to-be, to exit. She felt truly awful looking upon the woman. Not quite the vibrancy and harty look when she had first met her. These last eight days of poor eating habits were starting to show it's marks to an extent. "We are here Violet. Want to scope out some wares?" She spoke up, trying to have an encouraging smile.

Violet stepped out from the cart carrying on her the smell of chemicals as she'd been working all but nonstop even as they travelled. She'd made far more of her drugs and formulas than the Khanite could possibly need in any short amount of time lest they battle the God of this land himself though that excess did not stop her progress as she did not work for their sake but for her own. Raising a hand she pulled down the wide brim of her hat over the upper portions of her face as she put on a smile, hiding her eyes as she knew the lies on her face would not reach them. With her falsehoods on her face and any way of calling her out on them covered she spoke up in a weary but soft voice, "Yes, that sounds lovely, could always use some more materials..."

Sat upon her mount and watching the exchange with a side-eye, Ingrid watched the newest among their flock step from the wagon in such a sorry state. She did not care for it, not because she worried for the woman but rather because she did not believe that she represented their Khaan with dignity or respect. To look so pitiful after having been accepted into their ranks, in Ingrids mind, felt like a spit in the direction of their master. Something in which she felt a great deal of frustration for. But alas, she'd stay her tongue for now in great deal only to comply to her husband's wishes. Though he as well as she knew one could only bite their tongue so long before it began to bleed.

"Please, Stella, lead the way if you would be so kind?" Violet motioned for the much shorter woman to show her about the strange and foreign city.

The short woman nodded her head in the city's direction as the two of them walked towards it. "Let me know if you want to go somewhere. Wouldn't do anyone here any good if you got lost, right?" She softly chuckled. As they passed by most of the Khanite, they would soon see Andrew standing there and directing the men and women of his Khanite, telling them everything that was necessary to be done and purchased. He gave a look towards the two women, giving them a nod and soft smile before returning to the men.

Stella led Violet inside, and something that might catch her off guard for just a moment would be the familiarity of the architecture. The citizens of Lubbock had been the ones to establish this city, but trying to mix both the nations' cultures in both aestetics and wares. Some shops valued trade not unlike Khalahai, and others took coin for compensation for their goods. The buildings, while flavored to Khalahai tendencies, were most definitely more modern in its construction. Stella looked up to Violet, ear twitching to hear even the slightest sound the woman would make. "Lubbock are the ones in charge here, though they honor the Khanites enough to just not get attacked. Not that anyone would dare that anymore." Stella described the nature of the city. "Would you like to buy something?" She asked as she held up a rather big pouch of coins, containing gold and platina. "Andrew said that we could oblige any wish we had this evening. Though, I would guess that he primarily meant you in this regard."

She did not respond to Stella right away, a quiet, contemplative thought overtaking her for a few moments though she cared little for the idea of shopping. Rather, her mind was on other things for better or worse. After a minute of silence she realized she hadn't spoken up to the woman's question, "Oh, hm..." She started before going quiet again for some moments. Frankly, she didn't like the idea of accepting the money that Andrew gave them, as though accepting it would be accepting her own circumstances and bending to the will of these lands. Though she wasn't much of a patriot, she understood well her homeland represented the idea of freedom, even freedom to a fault in some cases. That blood ran through her veins and made it all the more difficult to come to terms with the idea of that freedom being taken away the customs of this place she knew oh so little about.

Still, she knew well that strong beliefs and a will of steel would not be enough to counter her fate. A fate that seemed indifferent to her feelings and her freedom even if the thumb she lay under was not so cold hearted. Regardless of Andrews intentions though, it was clear to her that he would not put his Khanite in jeopardy for her sake. At least, not enough to grant her freedom that is. It all gave her a headache, painful and throbbing in her head. "I could go for some sweet smelling soaps... it is difficult to wash away the sent of sterile cleaning solutions and often bitter and foul smelling medicines."

"Oh really? Hardly noticed." Stella tried to joke. "Come along then. Besides Eleina, those in our Khanite are generally not too big on soaps with any particular smells. Costs extra coin for no real added benefit. Although, when no one else is aware, Andrew tends to spoil me with a private bath with scents. Really envigorates, doesn't it?" Stella said with a slight hint of a giggle. "Just don't tell Magda anything about what I just said alright? I really don't want to hear anything from her in that regard."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She spoke up in response, not really understanding the context of what Stella had said as her head still ached from it all.

It took a trip that almost took them down to the docks to find the soaps. The shops here knew to entice the Khanites with the most appealing products first upon entry and leave the otherwise less clamored-for items a bit further in. They didn't simply find soaps, but bath salts, sponges, decorative 'stones' which emitted a scent just as well. Stella looked a bit flabbergasted at this. "I, um... A bit overwhelming for me. Not used to much... this much." Stella said with a short lived chuckle. "Pick anything. Maybe help me with something in the meantime as well? Pops used to say that too many options can make you freeze, and I am certainly feeling it now."

When they approached the vendor, the woman behind it brightened up at the sight of them. "Ah, young ladies who desire a more enjoyable bathing experience? Come forth, I am sure to have something that can stimulate your senses in a desirable manner." She called to them, almost sensually. In Stella's mind she seemed almost a bit high off of her own products.

Violet had noticed some products she recognized from Lubbock, some from Ogen, and some she didn't recognize at all. Looking to the shopkeeper as she made such an odd offer Violet wasn't quiet sure how to go about responding to it. The tone was quiet off putting but alas they would need to buy from here regardless most likely. Thus, she saw no harm in hearing the woman out even if she was likely to decline whatever substance she offered. "What do you recommend?" She asked the shopkeep with a raised brow.

The shopkeeper maintained a smile all the while as she first turned to look at stella. "Maybe something for you first ma'am? Trust me when i say that I know a Khanari when i see one." She said with a playful wink which caused Stella to mix a blush with a frown. "How about something sweet and soft on the senses? Nothing too overwhelming but will leave a pleasant scent to follow... My recommendation for you would probably be something like this," the woman trailed off as she started to pick between the wares.

Coming back shortly after, she presented her picks: "A cinnamon bath salt with just a hint of mint, along with a soap of blackberries. A sure fire way to feel both relaxed and renewed. I'm sure your husband wouldnt mind such a treat either." She teased finally. Stella looked a bit upset from having her relation to the Khaan be such a casual topic. sve wanted to object and deny the purchase. But at the same time...

Stella sighed in defeat. "I'll take it... What about you, Violet?"

The shopkeep turned to Violet again. "Yes, how about you? Maybe you have some paricular need that you want met? I work best when I know at least a little bit more about the person. Even if just such simple a thing to want to remove a smell, I need a bit more to work with."

Violet crossed her arms, left uncomfortable by the shopkeep and the conversation she'd had with Stella. It made her stomach feel as though it were turning, not because of Stella's relationship of course. Rather, the fact she had no choice but to join it soon enough. A moment of silence to recompose herself she opened her mouth again. "I'm a doctor who works with chemicals, many of which leave strong and unpleasent scents that regular soaps meant solely for washing cannot overpower. I need something that will help to remove the odor and replace it with something sweeter. If you don't have anything like that, then something strong enough to overpower it would work just as well so long as it isn't a worse smell like that of garlic or onions."

"Hm. I don't know of many proper doctors here in Khalahai. Nor with clothes like those... I might have the thing for you." The clerk said as she walked among her wares. In the meantime Stella just tried to get over her mortification of having been called out hte way she had. Eventually the woman returned to the desk and presented a selection of bath salts and soaps. "These sweet and savory flower smelling accessories will help you scrub off the vile smells so well as refreshing yourself after a long day of work. I hope it will help you reclaim some of that natural beauty of yours. Shame to lose it in ones work, no matter how noble."

Reaching forward Violet asked to take on of the bottles, bringing it to her nose to smell the fragrance being offered to her and whether or not it was something she could rely on to get the job done. A quick sniff revealed her answer, it was indeed a strong smell, sweet as well. Frankly, she wasn't quite sure if it would do the trick but she was willing to try should she catch it at the right price. "How much for the soap and salts together?" She asked, not stating her interest toward the product one way or another. Not wanting to get offered a high price just because she let it be known it was indeed what she wanted.

The woman smiled softly, feeling well pleased with a coming deal well struck. "It is quite the luxurous items, and hard to come by here in Khalahai. Several shops would be quite envious to have these in Lubbock. But, considering who is asking for them," She said looking sweetly at Stella. "How about sixty-five bronze pieces? Sound fair?"

Stella looked at the goods and considered the pouch of coins they had been given. "I wouldn't mind the buy, but it isn't only me who is after something nice today. What do you think Violet? Appealing or how do you feel?"

Violet raised a finger to her chin as she considered the offer, it was cheaper than she'd expected and that made her worry about the overall quality. But she knew nothing about the economics of Khalahai and thus, didn't know enough to really say one way or the other. Looking to Stella she nodded, "It seems like a good deal in my personal opinion. So long as we have enough for what you're wanting and my soaps I'm fine with the price." She explained, a mental sigh in her head as she wished she'd had her own coin, still unhappy about using the ones Andrew had given them.

Stella nodded at that and put up the necessary coins to pay for the goods. Receiving a small bag to carry everything in, Stella continued to waddle along with Violet to the next point of interest. "So, we've got some fresheners, anything else you want to look for? I don't want to sound like your boss or anything, but I would advice that you think a bit more about something that you might like to have. My Khaan is probably already looking for more lab equipment for you." Stella adviced. "Maybe you'd be interested in some clothes or accessories? Maybe something small to snack on?"

Violet raised her hand to grab hold of the wide brim of her hat at Stella's line of questioning, standing silent for nearly a minute before speaking up to answer Stella: "Frankly... I'm not really sure. Things like that are the furthest thing from my mind right now and might even have been equally as far before I came to this place, Khalahai that is." She responded as she looked to Stella, "I've been dedicating a lot of my time to working so I could avoid thinking about much else. Even in my few moments of rest I would go over my most complex formulas in my head just so that my mind wouldn't wander too far... It was the only thing I could really think of to do."

Stella stood still to listen to the woman's lament. She mentally sighed as she tried to think of what to say. "Violet, listen; These circumstances are not fun. They are not ideal. They certainly aren't fair. But shrugging off the basic joys of life will do yourself no good. I didn't want to get confrontational, but we have all seen how you are doing. Your work is outstanding, but you are falling behind on a very important aspect: Yourself." Stella said, trying to sound compassionate while also remaining composed. "You are likely to fall unconscious from neglect before the week has met its end. Violet, ignore everything else. Ignore every responsibility you and Andrew have imposed on you. Take care of yourself." Stella asked of the woman.

Walking ahead a bit until she stood in a way which would allow Violet to look at her without having to fold her neck, she continued: "Look, both he and I want your stay to be as comfortable and simple as it possibly can be. We want things to be well for you. We are not out to use you for any ulterior motives. Let us be of help, will you?" Stella finished, breathing raggedly as she felt a bit uneasy to have said the things she had. "There is a good place for some small snacks next to the Raven Docks. We can have a little meal and maybe..." Stella trailed off as she thought of something. "How about writing a letter? Maybe send something to whoever is at home waiting to hear from you? Maybe some communication between your real friends and you could do some good for your heart and mind? The raven docks is the spot to go to if you want to open up a communication line between yourselves."

Violet's eyes lowered to the ground as Stella spoke, knowing that in some ways she was right but ultimately it didn't make her feel any better. Crossing her arm under her chest and grabbing hold of her other she thought for a moment, looking back over at Stella when she brought up the idea of writing a letter. She was surprised at the offer, having not known it was an option. Both because it slipped her mind and more so because it never would have crossed her mind she would have allowed such a thing. Perhaps if she wrote home and explained the situation someone with more power and importance than herself could become involved and see her returned home. Though, the thought was killed as quickly as it was brought into her head as she was sure they wouldn't allow something like that to happen and causing her to let out a physical sigh.

"S-sure, that sounds nice." She lied through her teeth in response.

Stella could tell that her response had a lack of heart in it. "Come along. We shouldn't freeze up like this. The harbor is not too far away from here." She said as she ushered the woman forward. Riders and mere 'citizens' of various Khanites gathered along the streets, staying by a great many shops that held more utilitary uses and offered trade of goods rather than coin. It seemed like a sea of strong, lean and burly men and women working to provide for their homes.

After some time, they had reached the entry to the harbor. Violet would be quick to notice the mass gathering of Andrew's Khaley's around the docks, seemingly blocking away any path point towards the freighters and ships for travel. In the midst of it, Andrew could be seen approaching the area. Stella looked to Violet as she urged her away, fearing that the sight might upset Violet further. They neared a little coffe shop by the name of 'The Crimson Bean.' Stella found a free table that she sat herself down at, motioning for her sister-to-be to join her.

The gathering had indeed not gone completely unnoticed by Violet, sitting down at the table across from Stella she looked around the small shop. The smell of roasting coffee beans and baked goods was increasingly familiar and in a way, a bit comforting to the woman. Still, though she took comfort in it she found neither peace of solace in the shop. Looking to Stella she asked what had been on her mind since she was pulled away from the docks. "Something seems to be happening near the port, do you happen to know what it might be?"

"Not quite." Stella replied as a waitress appreared to take their orders. "All I know is that Andrew wished for no one to come near the area. Not even we Khanari were made privy to what is going on over there." She said as she received a heated scone with raspberry jam while waiting for her coffee. "Probably just making preparations for..." She began to speak before catching herself. "I'm sure he is just making some preparations for your continued comfort. I know not much has been found of it, but... He is trying."

Her pause and the way she'd said 'comfort' were somehow more stomach churning and ominous than had she just outright said it, assuming it is indeed what Violet believed that she would say. Having herself a coffee and slice of strawberry cake she picked at the piece with the small fork she had been provided, unsure of what to say or how to continue the conversation without making things even more uncomfortable and awkward. Still, she knew that Stella wouldn't allow things to continue like that and that she wouldn't be left alone until they were convinced she was okay in the most liberal sense of the word.

"So... maybe you could tell me a bit about yourself, Stella? I-I know this is probably an odd time to ask, it's just that... Well, you're the only person I really know in this place and yet in spite of that I know next to nothing about you. I suppose that speaks volumes to how little I know of everything else."

"I don't blame you for that. This land hasn't really given you the best incentive to want to learn more." Stella said, which while could be interpreted as a joke, was entirely serious. "As for me? My story has been very uneventful for many years. I am a Vart'hya girl who was taken from her home at a very early age and served as a slave for a Khanite that no longer exists. I was the personal plaything for the Khaan. I worked as a smith then and even now. While I work on armors and weapons, I much prefer to make cosmetic items. You know, necklaces, rings, trinkets and so forth." She said with a smile and a shrug. "The Khaan would have me work the forge for one half of the day, then torment me the other half. These days I work on my craft whenever I can, train combat with the hammer, and make small shows for the children with my Petal Magic. The land is harsh, so the kids deserve some levity wherever is can be found. At least, that is what I believe."

At Stella's story Violet sat down her fork, the burning of bile in the back of her throat as Stella spoke of being some plaything. Though she was sure that Stella had meant her story to be some uplifting one about finding her calling Violet couldn't help but find herself stricken with a sick feeling in her gut as she was once more reminded of the cruelty that Khalahei was capable of. Covering her mouth to swallow down her feelings she instead decided to wash them down with a sip of her coffee.

"I see, I'm glad to hear you found your calling..." She spoke in a half-hearted tone, not really seeing the bright side in Stella's story other than the idea that the torture for her was over.

"In a way, I suppose. Though I wouldn't say that forging small trinkets is exactly 'my calling'. Nor entertaining the kids. It is just a fun thing that I love doing. Offer something brighter to this harsh land. I know it isn't exactly very uplifting to hear what came before, but it led to a very good thing. Something that actually brings me a lot of joy. Smithing was forced upon me and I am just making the most fun out of it now. No, animal care is my true calling. Taking care of the mounts and animals of the Khanite is a true passion of mine. It is such a fascinating profession to care for them. I particularly love tending to their babies, making sure that they prosper and have a bright future in our Khanite." She said with a bright smile. "My life might not have started brightly, but it ended up somewhere incredible. Without Andrew's daringness and compassion, I would never have gotten the chance to know these joys. And he allows me to express these things and do as I see fit around the camp. There is a great liberty to that, at least when compared to what I had."

Violet blew on her coffee, having found it a bit too hot during her last sip, letting out a quiet sigh as she exhaled onto the brown colored beverage. "It's good to be passionate about something, though I'm afraid this place doesn't seem the best place the nurture such things, at least so long as they don't involve pillaging and conquering that is..."

"You won't hear me objecting to that. But I ask that you ponder a bit of a question, if you will so humor me: Do you think Lubbock would have acted differently if put in the situation of Khalahai?" She asked, not trying to be confronting, but just trying to put a light over an issue. "Did you know that less than four percent of Khalahai soil is fit to grow crops on? That the majority of plantlife here is toxic to humans and other humanoids? Did you know that a majority of the creatures that live here are predatory in one way shape or form? The inhabitants of this land didn't have the best circumstances to survive, much less so once we started to populate in greater numbers. The land was incapable of inhabiting us all. The other nations refused to make trade with us without excessive cost. And those who were willing to trade under more reasonable circumstances still eventually bled this land dry when resources didn't meet quotas, nor did it always reach us in time." Stella explained.

"Khalahai's raiding habits came out of necessity. The necessity of survival. Does it excuse it? Does it excuse our habits now that things are on the rise?" She asked as she gestured to this trading city. "No. Of course not. But we have a god who is quite incessant on reminding us of our old wounds. One that insists that the means of our survival is still hanging on our old ways. Ways which he has shaped into traditions by now. It is repulsive. Yet I ask you yet again; Would Lubbock or any of the other nations have acted differently under these circumstances? Would they have held true to their morals and allowed their own people to starve and die? Or would they have followed the same tracks?"

Stella sighed. "Violet, I know it is hard to find comfort here. Much less find a place here. Trust me when I say that I know. But there are those who are working against these ways. Those who would see that Khalahai becomes a respected nation. Not feared. Respected. You don't need to love this place. You don't have to call it home and hearth. But lamenting your role here now and neglecting yourself will do you no good. This land is strict and harsh, but it inhabits some of the most passionate and dedicated men and women you will ever find. And a particular one of them is going above and beyond to make your stay more bearable. Risking his reptutation and respects just to ensure that you aren't miserable." Stella said, trying to drive the point home regarding how she is not only treating herself, but the man who is currently trying to save her.

Violet opened her mouth to respond, but before she could she bit her tongue, sensing a presence near to them listening into their conversation.

"Appreciated, Stella, but you need not protect me." Came a familiar voice from behind. Stella snapped her head around to find Andrew standing there. He looked to Violet and the cake before her. "Glad to see with my own eyes that you are eating." he said with a smile. "My business in the docks have concluded. Mind if I join you for a bit?"

Hearing the voice of Andrew her eyes rose to meet the man before they fell to the ground again. Though it took a great bit of effort, she opened her mouth to speak in reponse to him. "I do not mind..." She said, trailing off as though she'd expected to continue talking but nothing came from her.

Andrew maintined his smile even though it might not seem like the most applicable situation for it. He pulled a chair from the sides and sat himself down in the space between the two women. Leaning slightly forward, resting his arms on the table, looking between the ladies he came to find the little bag carried by Stella's side. He leaned over and looked down into the bag. "Ah, such fragrant smells. You haven't been shopping on Eleina's behalf now, have you?" He teased her.

The tips of Stella's ear darkened in a bit of embarrassment, but her face remained with a firm smile in return. "You if anyone should know that I want to treat myself to some ladyness every once in a while. I'll also have you know that it is not just for me."

Andrew chuckled in response before turning to Violet. "I'm grateful for that. That you don't mind, that is." He said, a soft smile on him. He was pretty certain that she did in fact mind it, but confronting her on it wouldn't do them any good what-so-ever. "I want to thank you, Violet. I would like to thank you for every individual thing you have done for us, but we'd be stuck here all day then." He snickered. "All the same; I am in your debt. Your medicine and teachings has and will continue to save lifes in my Khanite." He spoke as he looked through a menu for what he wanted. "If I may ask, what made you want to pick up medicine as a calling? I almost took the path once too actually. But fate had other ideas."

Violet looked to the man out of the corner of her eye, unable to bring herself to look at him straight on. This inabilty came not from hate or disgust but rather an unwillingness to fully accept this situation. As if looking at the man now would all but confirm that she had no options, so long as she didn't, that there was still a chance for things to turn out differently than they had. Lifting her cup to her lips, she grabbed hold of her wrist with her opposite hand to keep it from shaking. A long drag from her drink came before she lowered it from her lips and rested it back down onto the table. What followed was silence, however brief before she finally spoke. "I was a child barely older than nine at the time when my parents and I were traveling to Libero, Lubbocks capital. As we traveled through a wooded area our carriage was suddenly stopped. When my father got out to investigate why we'd stopped we'd found an injured hunter barely capable of standing. He'd been attacked by bandits if I remember correctly, there was an arrow through his shoulder and a deep laceration on his leg. The wounds were bad but none seemed life threatening. He'd begged my father for a ride to the nearest village, my father declined but relented after mother scolded him and he was allowed to ride along with us. The man spoke to my father and mother during the ride but I don't remember anything they said, I was a child after all. A scared child that didn't fully understand what it was that was going on. I didn't know what bandits were, I'd never experienced the possibility of death before."

"We made it the the village and found the man a doctor but despite how few and minor his wounds had seemed the man collapsed and died. That was my first experience with death. Not a family member or a house pet or anything like that. Some strange man I'd never met before. I didn't understand how he died, he'd spoken just fine to mother and father barely an hour ago. He'd died of an infection, I later understood it to be blood poisoning, sepsis that is. But in the moment I still didn't understand, I felt weak and helpless. I hated that feeling, the feeling of being unable to do anything. It made me sick to my stomach, it disgusted me. That was the day I decided I wanted to help people and the day my catalyst appeared to me. I never wanted to face death like that again, unable to do anything but watch so I became a doctor." She explained her story to him, not knowing the point of it, what good it would do. Even after all these years, everything she'd done, she was still weak and helpless.

Her trembling hand went far from unnoticed. He wanted to reach out and still her nerves, but he knew that all he could really do was try and keep a conversation with her. "Sounds like a harrowing experience. It may not... Seem like it, but I've been where you were as well. The feeling you feel when you witness the death of another man is haunting. It set a pit in my gut back then and I felt utterly hollow. Powerless. I started thinking if there was anything I could have done to keep that from happening. Long after his death I still thought about it as if it would somehow save his life."

Andrew shook his head. "All the same, it says quite a bit about you, though. To want to dedicate yourself to such a cause at such a young age. Most don't even know what to do next week, much less have a comprehension of what to do when they are adult. Certainly proved the right path though. It must certainly have been your destiny if you got your Catalyst soon after that dedication woke."

When the meal came to him he had a fruity tea and a bright pink pastry. It looked like a very strange cupcake of some kind. He took one bite into the sweet bread. A small one. Almost as if he was a noble at a greeting, trying not to appear like a glutton. He held his cup rather tenderly and careful, as if fearing he might break it. His caution seemed misplaced on the 'tyrant' who only a week ago brutally killed a member of his Khanite.

'Destiny' that was the word of his that stood out the most to her. Looking into her reflection in the murky dark of her drink she wondered if she'd known this is where she'd end up if she would have changed her mind about the path she took. Would that make her selfish? A bad person? To let all the lives her work has saved be tossed aside for her own sake? Wouldn't that be the same as making her a murderer? Wouldn't she be no better than these people right now? The thoughts gave her a headache, she didn't want to think about any of that right now. She wished she could just forget about it all even if only for a moment, a moment of peace of mind.

"You have good manners for someone..." She didn't know how to finish that sentence without it sounding rude or insulting. "... From a place like this." She managed to find what she thought was the best way to word it.

The man turned to her and simply smiled. "What? You think people around here can't have manners...? Generally I'd say that you are right in your assumption though. As for this..." He seemed to hesitate for but a moment before setting down the cup and leaning back, arms crossed. "I wasn't exactly trained for the role of a fighter. Not to be an inspiring leader or warrior despite being the son of a Khaan. I was meant to be a Khanari. Sent off to some other Khaan to be their whatever they wanted. A bride, a plaything, whatever else. I always had these certian feminine looks. Old pops never saw a future in me, so he thought he could build alliances by giving me away. Make some manner of use of me." He said with a sigh. "I may be a Tyrant now, but the teachings of becoming a good little Khanari still sticks like glue."

She was noteably surprised by his story though, not for the reasons one might expect. "I see, I didn't know men could be brides or Kha- That word, Kha-na-ri." She responded, finding the idea odd. She'd thought they were used for... comfort, but now she was second guessing herself. Were they simply trophies instead? "It seems you got out of it somehow, considering how things have ended up, yes?"

"It is a... rather grim continuation." He said with a bit of awkwardness before proceeding. "We don't have terms like kings or queens or the like. We are Khaans, translated as 'tyrants' or 'regents'. A Khanari is the bride of a Khaan. Khanari is not a gendered term. Anyone married to the Khaan becomes a Khanari. The Khanari in turn has about the same rights as a queen would have before a king in your countries. Generally speaking." He said, trying to dodge the subject for as long as he could. "As for how I got out... The Khaan's word is law in a khanite. I really had no choice to refuse him unless I challanged him. And challenge him I did. I had trained in secret, you see. Trained to be able to take him on. He was a bit of a slob and a slow fighter. But any strike that hit really bloody hurt." He spoke. A sadness began to set into his gaze while his features remained with a brighter look. "I just had to be more nimble and faster than him. I took a big hit though. Before I had anything to say, I heard him speak; 'Do not suffer the challenger to live'. So I knew what had to be done. He was not gonna step down, so I did what I had to to earn my freedom and live."

Andrew's hands began to shake at the memory as he held the cup. "He was my first kill. I never felt so distraught. Still haven't felt the likes again. He may have been a swine and a bastard, but... He was still blood, you know? I wept and mourned his passing for days. Many in my Khanite grew sick of my 'wailing' and took off. I have been rebuilding and growing since then. I promised in my Khaan oath to be better. To be different. Compassionate and strong. Just and earnest. Firm and adaptive. Handsome and beautiful." He said at the later part with a flick of his hair to emphasize the point in a joking manner. "But above all, I vowed to value my Khanite and my followers, so well as anyone who has no part in the ever-waging conflict between Khaans. And when it all comes down to it, I want my Khanite to be a sanctuary for the dispossessed and those seeking shelter."

Violet finished off her drink with a sigh, "You're good with words, Andrew. I'll give you that. With how that story was going I worried the lesson you intended to impart on me was that if I wanted out of this marriage I'd have to kill you. I'm afraid that I hold too much value for life to do something like that, maybe that makes me a coward. I can't say for sure." She responded to him, still incapable of looking at the man head on but giving him more attention than she'd been able to before. "You just said 'so well as anyone who has no part in the conflict between the Kha-ans.' but what of the raids? How much blood is shed for the beakers and test tubes I'm using to keep your people alive? Stella said that the people here raid out of necessity but do the people you kill not have just as much a right to their lives and the resources they have? Do these raids not go against everything you just said?"

It was clear that Stella was about to speak up, but Andrew held up a hand as to show that he would answer this. He leaned forward and looked at the woman. "As it stands, I have to play the Tyrants' game. In a way you are right. But I can't put all my ethics ahead of the needs of my people. My khanite first. Then Khalahai. Then all others. I believe that all those that are unfortunately slain in our pursuit in resources had their rights to the items so well as their lives. And thus they have the right to defeat or slay my men in order to maintain them. I hold no grudge for that. I am saddened by such loss, but I do not feel hate towards the ones who slay them." He spoke, head slightly lowered but still looking at her.

"But onto the big issue. Do they have the rights to their lives and property? Of course. Which is why they fight for it and do what they can to maintain it. But do we not also have a right to life? When less than four percent of workable lands are unnable to satify the base needs for our people, the base needs to survive and no one wants to trade or work with us, what should we do? I understand the idea of the vicious cycle, truly, I do, but unless our god starts working against these ideals, I am stuck as is. I need to provide for me and mine. It is a cruel cycle, but I do believe in that every man and woman has the base rights to do what it takes to survive. If a man is starving in the streets, would you judge him for stealing a loaf of bread? Would you judge the woman who kills numerous attackers to keep her family and home safe? I wouldn't and I don't. We all do what it takes. And I will continue to do what it takes so long as it is necessary. But I still have principles that I retain among my people and my own code. We do not kill the weak and unarmed. As pops used to say: 'There is not glory to be earned by killing a declawed and toothless lion.' I don't expect you to agree with me... I just want you to understand."

Violet raised her hand, tipping the brim of her hat over her eyes. There was plenty she could say, few if any positive but she had not the courage to say them. Rather a more important question ate away at her mind, gnawing at her since the day she'd been saved and even more now because regardless of the things he's said even more now than ever it made no sense to her. "Then why save me? You stuck out your neck for me in that hellish place. What makes me worth any more than any other life you or they have snuffed out? Were I but another amongst the crowd during one of your raids I'd be dead but I'm not and I'm alive. All this time it's been eating at me and I can't decide how I feel because even after all this time I don't understand anything."

"Being among the crowd would not have made you a kill. Not in my khanite. Trying to kill my members might make you into one. And by all accounts, I haven't pinned you for a brawler. Maybe I am wrong in that, however." He said, sitting with a straight back while looking at her face. "You want my answer? Not that of a tyrant's, but *My* answer?" He asked, putting a lot of emphasis on that one word. "Because I saw a woman who was in dire need of aid. One who had nothing to do with any conflict except the one between Khaans. A conflict she had no part in. A woman dragged in, scared out of her mind, desperately clutching at straws to keep herself alive, to have a shot at seeing the 'morrow sun. I saw a woman who was needing someone to help her. There was no reason besides them trying to taunt me. You were within my ability to save and keep away from harm. And as I've said, I do not harm those outside the conflict. To leave you to their machinations would be the equivalent of killing you myself. If I can save someone within my power, and I don't... That is what would make me a monster true and earnest."

"Are you worth more than those already slain? No. I don't believe that. No human, calco, vart'hya or yokai is worth more than another. I didn't do it because you hold more value. I did it because it was a good thing to do and I was capable of enforcing that good. If there is no need for death, I will make damned sure that it doesn't happen."

Violet made note of his choice not to speak as a tyrant but all the same she merely nodded her head, with no words on her tongue she had nothing to say. Nothing seemed appropriate, even a thank you felt wrong in this scenario. So she nodded her head, acknowledging the things he had said.

"Master, we're almost done loading the convey with the supplies we gathered. I've also spoken to the traders down by the docks, a handful of them have mounts they're willing to sell if you'd like to take a look at them?" Ingrid spoke up, having finally found the man after a bit of searching. Ingrid acknowledged her sister and sister to be with a nod as not to seem rude. "Is there anything else you would like done, Great Khaan?"

Andrew didn't look at Ingrid while he spoke: "Done so quickly? I shouldn't have expected any less from you." He said with a bit of a hollow chuckle as he bit down the last of his cupcake and rose to his feet while swigging down the tea. "The mounts. Do you think they will be worth the investment? Will it pay off?" He asked simply, doing a soft and simple smile, widening a bit as Ingrid nodded as a response. He began to walk away after saying one last thing: "Make sure they don't wander around to a location they are not meant to be at. Lead them back to the Khanite." That was it. That was all as he proceeded to walk towards the menageries.

Stella simply looked up to Ingrid with a somewhat concerned look after what Andrew had just said. "I assume it has to do with the same topic as when we left? Keep a distance from 'that'?"

Ingrid nodded toward her sister-wife, unsure of the look on the woman's face or what it meant. "Yes, that seems to be the case. Either way, I don't think it's any concern of ours at the moment. We should return to the Khanite as the Great Khaan ordered, I'm sure he will join us once again when he has finished with his business." Ingrid responded in a matter of fact tone, turning back toward the entrance to the cafe only looking over her shoulder to insure the two would follow.

Though she did not appear to have been listening, When Ingrid told her to come Violet rose from her seat. In a way she looked forward to returning, to find her beakers and tubes again to work her hands to the bone. She took comfort in it almost in the same away some found comfort in booze or women, perhaps that made it a vice but if it helped others how could it possibly be?

"Stella, is there anything you might need before we head back? So long as it isn't so far out of the way I doubt Master would mind our slight detour. I know we do not come to the city often best to make the most of the trips, yes?" She spoken in a tone almost mirroring kindness, trying to be friendly with her fellow sister even if she made sure to remind her of the main priority of following Andrew's orders.

Stella made a bit of a huffing sound. Not out of any form of contempt or annoyance, but rather of amusement. "You know, I think we have what we need as of this trip. I'm certain that My Dawn has made his due preparations as I've asked as well, so I can't really think of anything that I need. Let us be off." the khanari answered, raising the bags of soaps and bath salts.

The three women walked back towards the caravan. One which was already mobilizing to return to the main camp which had moved in another direction. Towards a mountain range meant to be the wedding spot for the Khaans. It is as sacred as a location can get in Khalahai. Stella was guided by Ingrid back to the cart and jumped in with Violet, making room for Ingrid if she felt so inclined. Not that she really expected her to accept said offer. She'd likely be off directing the splinter Khanite or ride next to Andrew. Still, she always made sure to make room for her 'sister'.

Stella was not wrong, Ingrid not even noticing the space created for her and instead bidding farewell to her sisters to attend to other duties ahead of Andrew's return. Leaving the two alone in the cart, a silence kept at bay only by the work and talk of the Khanite around them preparing to set off.

"I apologize..." Violet spoke up with a hitch in her throat, clearing it before she continued on, "I spoke out of turn again. I won't make excuses this time, I know the situation I'm in and I know I should be grateful. Even if I'm unhappy with the current state of things I know it would cause you all far less trouble were I to stay quiet." Violet spoke in a sorrowful way, the clear sound of conflict and uncertainty in her voice layering her words like a thick ooze.

Stella sighed softly as she leaned forward on her knees and looked to the woman. "You don't have to be sorry, dear. I hope you can at least learn to come and be able to talk to me. I think your stay would be a bit easier to swallow with a bit of company and camaraderie. I know you take good comfort, or at least ease, with focusing on your work, but no obsession is healthy."

"What's more; You don't have to worry about you speaking your mind. Everyone here does it. You staying quiet would likely only cause more problems. Not for the Khanite, but for the Khaan. Andrew is... Well, he is a sensitive being. He is quite open with his feelings and cares for everyone in his host. If you would not talk to anyone, if you were to just engross yourself to your work to the point of malnourishment, he would be quite upset with that. Not angry. Upset. Upset with himself for failing you."

"It's not an obsession, I don't think so. It just feels nice to focus on something that makes sense to me when nothing else does. It has always been like this, even back home. I've never been good at anything else but my work, research, studying, mixing, making, planting, growing, cultivating, healing. Where I failed at everything else I've always excelled in those few things. So now, in a place where every thing I see and hear makes no sense to me, I only want to find some sense of comfort in the things that have always been there for me." She explained with a pained expression on her face though most of it was hidden behind her hat. She felt a sense of shame in her words, to admit it outloud just how much of a failure she was. Cooking, driving, romance, she'd failed miserably at them all but never in her studies. She held awards, honors, the respect of countless, she'd saved so many lives, but she also knew how her colleagues mocked her behind her back, how her parents were disappointed she was still unmarried. Taking in a deep breath she slowly exhaled it, calming herself and her emotions.

"And you are great at what you do. I am not telling you to stop or give up or anything else. I just want you to be good and healthy. That's all we want." Stella said softly. "I know that all of this is foreign, confusing, and probably outright scary. And if you want to stick close to your workspace to cope and be near something that makes a bit more sense, then that is what you shall do." She encouraged, trying to lift up the woman. She put her right hand forward and touched her knee, trying to show her solidarity. "Just remember to take care of yourself in the meantime as well." She smiled and took back her hand and laid down on the seat, looking up at the cart ceiling. "Everything is gonna turn out fine, mark my words. Your work is already earning you praise among the Khanite. A thing which will make your return home an easier pill to swallow once it comes to that... Also, have you been thinking about gifts? Since you are gonna, well, partake in a Khalahayan ceremony, our Khaan will grant you one gift that is within his ability and reason to give. A gift of your own choosing. I just asked for my own raw materials for a hammer back in the day..." Stella spoke, savoring the memory.

Violet shook her head to and fro, "T-this is the first I've heard of it. So no, I haven't thought about anything like that." She responded, not even sure what she would want or ask for. If she were to ask for something not readily available in Khalahai then it would likely just be taken from someone else, the thought of that made her stomach turn a bit and bubble inside as if she were going to be sick. "I don't really have much time to think either, huh?" She spoke in a nervous tone, feeling the added pressure of this now added onto her. Surely to most it would seem a blessing but to her it was merely another thing she needed to worry about.

"I asked him for a stinging bush, a plant only found in the clearings of Doma'Khane's rainforsts. I thought it would be a difficult task but it was in my posession less than a month later. Our dearest husband does provide, isn't that right, Sister?" The voice of a woman broke the momentary silence that had fallen between the other two women. Violet's eyes falling upon the intruder to see a women with long light green hair and a face that convey'd a sense of mischief about it in every place but the eyes where instead she found an unfamiliar cold she'd never experienced before. Not even her captors who had seemed all but apathetic to her plight had stared back at her with such chilling eyes.

Stella rolled her eyes at the woman's arrival. Second to Magda, this was the one person she felt could cause the most unease in the woman. But then again... Maybe they have a easier time as they are both... medically studied? Not moving out of the spot, she gave her reply. "I still think it was a reckless thing to do. Just him and a small retinue of riders? In the depths of Doma'Khane? I still don't know if he was just lucky or talented enough to do it. But yes, My Dawn sure does provide. For all of us. For us Khanari I'd just about say he spoils us." She said with a slight hand gesture. With a bit of a sigh, she got up from lying down, her eye trained on the new arrival. "Good to see you, sister. You always concern me when you engross yourself so much with your work." She said, a certain grim double meaning to it. Looking to their sister-to-be, Stella gestured to the new arrival. "Violet, let me introduce Hotaru Drake. Hotaru, this is Violet Fleur... Was there anything you needed from us, Hotaru? Or has your curiosity finally dug you out of hiding?" She teased.

"Curiosity, I'd only heard of our new arrival the other day. Figured it best to come and see who here would be taking my place as the newest wife to our 'great khaan'," Hotaru answered, placing figurative quotes around her last few words, clearly mocking Ingrid who she'd no doubt just spoken to. "It is as Stella has told you, Hotaru Drake, pleasure to meet you Miss Violet." She extended her hand with a smile that showed her fangs.

Clearly hesitant, Violet did not immediately accept the hand extended to her, her eyes moving to Stella for a moment as if asking permission to do so only realizing how stupid that was and extended her own hand. "A pleasure as well... Nice to meet you." She gave a brief shake before returning her hand to her lap.

The snake-eyed woman nodded her head before turning to Stella again, "And you're quite right, Love, it was reckless of him but think of all the answers that stinging little plant has given us. The men of this land love to act tough with an axe and blade in their hands but to think merely brushing the leaves against their skin would bring such..." She took in a deep breath to stifle her own excitement, a blush appearing on her cheeks at the memories of it all. She hopped up into the cart to get a better look at the woman. "She has beautiful eyes, yes but..."

"She looks tired and ragged, Has Andrew truly been working her to such a state? Or perhaps this is how she is naturally?" Hotaru continued, holding onto Violet's chin and turning the woman's head from side to side as she looked at the sorry state of the girl.

"You know better than to think that the Khaan would force anyone to these lengths without due cause. Mass producing medicine during a time of respite does not strike me as such." Stella spoke. "She's actually a very vibrant and beautiful being. But recent events have taken their toll on her I'd wager... Violet, dear? When we get back, would you do us the favor of getting a bath and get something to eat. I don't judge you for wanting to work through the uncertainty, but if you start torturing yourself by not eating or washing yourself, it will have an effect on the camp. Not to mention it will affect Andrew's psyche, and maybe even yours all the more." She said softly.

Looking back to Hotaru, she smiled a bit wider and continued. "She is a very talented medic and doctor. Maybe there is something to be learned for both of you. I'm thinking that you might have some things that she hasn't seen before. Could further her studies perhaps?" She asked. Despite very opposite worldviews and treatments of living beings, Stella had no hate or distaste for the woman. In fact, she respected her, and to an extent, actually liked her. Hotaru was as dedicated to the furthering of Andrew's future as anyone else, and she was willing to take it the extra mile when needed. Even if it at times wasn't needed either. She was a sister and fellow wife like the others, so a certain level of liking was always necessary. But Stella actually found her quite the charming figure at times. She is also good at giving reality checks like it is nobody's business.

Hotaru looked to Stella for a moment as if she suspected the woman of joking, yet upon finding nothing she nodded and let go of Violet who seemed quite relieved with that. "Perhaps, we could always exchange research and see if we can find anything useful among the other's notes." She crossed her arms and gave another nod, knowing it was worth a shot if nothing else. Perhaps the woman's research could teach her how to keep captives alive longer, endure more, who might know?

Violet let out a sigh, feeling a bit overwhelmed but not by the woman so much as how strange everyone seemed. "Yes, I'll bathe and eat. I promise." She responded to Stella before looking to Hotaru, tilting her head a bit as though not really beliving the woman was a doctor of any kind. "So you're a doctor as well? I'm always open minded to the work of others. I'd be glad to take a look at your research if you'd let me. Most of my papers were lost but I can rewrite them in due time." She tried making nice with the woman, having another medical professional around to talk to would indeed be a blessing on her heart and mind but something still felt off about the woman, something she couldn't place in any way that made sense.

Hotaru waved her hand, "Not so much a doctor as... someone with an interest in the human body and it's limitations. I suppose that does require quite a bit of medical knowledge on my part. I'll organize my findings and if there's anything I think might be of use to you I'll share it but otherwise I don't think you'd enjoy picking through all of my notes." She explained to her, knowing better than to out right say she was the Khanite's torturer. Though she cared not for what the woman might think she'd been warned to not distress the girl as unlike herself, she was not here of her own choosing.

"I heard you were the one to heal our darling husband, I thank you for that. You did well, not a scar left that I could see. If only I could have gotten ahold of the bastard who'd hurt him, such brutish things these people can be sometimes. What can I say? Can't live with them, can't live without them, right?"

Violet nodded her head, "R-right, it was no problem..."

Hotaru smiled and then turned her attention back to the smaller woman, "Where is our dearest husband now? Ingrid has the Khanite ready to move but I've no sign of him. She said he was still in the city, important business?"

"He's still not back?" Stella asked, feeling substantially concerned before she quieted herself down with a deep breath. "He shouldn't be long. It was only a couple of animals to be bought. Maybe the merchant is trying to haggle a little too much. It should be over soon." She said, now more confidently. After some few more minutes, there came the signal. Looking back again, they could see a giant, hulking metallic being, seemingly made out of make-shift metal pieces, holding a selection of beasts and dragging them with him behind, and with two large crates on its left shoulder. With a whistle did the mount of Andrew jerk free and run up to the metal being. That was the only signal needed as the caravan began to move.

Walking up to the carts, he tied up the new animals to it before the metal being seemed to collapse into itself, eventually revealing Andrew himself underneath. Holding the two crates, one in each arm, he placed them on a different one and appeared to pull out a small package from it. Looking towards Stella and the others, he approached them. Kissing the cheek of both his wives, he then looked up to Violet, a somewhat off look to him, but whatever it was, it was not made particularly clear.

With a cough to clear his throat did he hand over the package bundle to Violet. "For you, Ms Violet. I hope... I hope you will like it." Was all he said before nodding to his Khanari and jumping up on the back of his animal and rode ahead to the fore of the caravan, leaving the three women at the cart.

"Oh my, it seems I didn't make it back to my cart before we started moving. Well, I suppose that's fine." She said with a sigh before she looked to the package in Violet's hands with a curious look on her face. Though she kept to herself more often than not she was nosey when she could be and this would be no exception. Taking a seat beside Stella she waited with anticipatin to see what what it might hold.

Violet too held curiosity on her mind, looking down at the package in her hands she wondered what it was it might be though she was the only one with the power to open it and find out so she did just that, carefully pulling open the package from its seems as not to damage whatever might be inside. Opening it up she was surprised to find a great deal of white fabric, nearly endlessly folded together into the package with small metal clasps here and there. Seeing it mostly undone now did she realize what exactly it was, a wedding gown. She felt the turning sensation in her stomach again and nearly dropped it to the floor of the carriage but she did not, her hands tightening around it as not to let it fall. It would do no good, it would not change reality nor would it put a stop to what was coming.

"Would you look at that, it's your wedding gown. I hope he got the measurements right," Hotaru said as she looked at the parts of the gown that were visible outside the package. "Traditional white but certainly not a traditional gown," She continued as she reached over and pulled a piece of the dress out, looking at it for a moment before placing it atop Stella's head. It was a veil, or rather, its equivalent this time around. A white pointed hat with circular brim from which hand semi-transparent white fabric. The hat was too large for the small Vart'hya woman as it slid down past her eyes getting a chuckle from Hotaru. "It's pretty, he clearly put some thought into it. More over, he must have had it custom ordered. Do you still have your wedding dress put up, Stella?"

The short Vart'hya giggled a bit when the hat sunk below her eyes, only held up by her ears, laughing through the embarrassment of being so small. "Of course I do. How could I ever not?" She said, taking off the hat and placing it next to Violet. "I value that dress and day with boundless fondness. I was so scared after having been picked up by him. Taken away from my old Khanite. But he swept away all of it during my wedding day. I wonder-"

"Stella!" Came a borderline feminine and gruff voice. Stella turned to find the dark-skinned gurza woman. Magda looked a bit miffed about their gathering, riding on top of her boar. "The Khaan wishes your presence. It sounded important."

Stella groaned quietly. "I'll be with you shortly." She replied, getting up from her seat, causing Magda to ride off. "Hotaru, would you be a darling and offer some hands of help to our new sister? Everything needs to be just right. Call Eleina if you need some adjustments as well. I'll see you girls soon." Stella inquired before jumping off the cart and calling for her mount to carry her away, leaving the two remaining women at their own behest.

With Stella gone Violet felt ill at ease being left alone with the stranger she'd only just met. The devil you know vs the devil you don't after all and this woman certainly had the eyes to match that description. With a sigh, Violet looked down at the dress in her hands, unsure of what to say or do, what to feel or think.

Looking back at herself in the mirror the long white gown flowed down her body and onto the floor, the garment hanging loosely in some places and firm in others to hold itself up. It was indeed similar in style to her own clothing of choice, as though they'd been plucked from her closet and through some form of magic or alchemy melded together with a wedding gown. At her sides, poking and proding, pulling and straightening, Hotaru, Eleina, Stella, and Ingrid helped to get her ready for what they referred to as 'her big day' though she herself loathed the term as this was far from how she imagined such a day would be. Though she had no set picture for the sort of man she might love she certainly did not imagine him as a warlord in some strange foreign land. Yet here she was all the same, a beautiful but far from blushing bride.

"She's looking better, more like a woman fit for the Great Khaan. Impressive what a bath and some make up can do, and here I thought such chemicals were better served on clowns." Ingrid spoke, her words giving a sneaky backhanded compliment to Eleina regarding the make up.

Hotaru looked over the woman but did not step in to help with fanning out the dress, rather observing for now as this sort of thing was not her strong suit having never readied a bride until today. "It's certainly an odd wedding gown though but I suppose no one will ever be able to say it isn't unique. What was your gown like, Eleina? Both of ours no doubt needed certain alterations to accommodate our extra bits, yes?" She asked as she lifted her long scaled tail up before it plopped back to the ground with a thud.

Eleina wanted to spit back an insult at Ingrid but was luckily getting her attention captivated by the Yokai. Smiling through the precious sting, she gave her reply as she readjusted some bits of the dress. It had been designed to accomodate her natural state, but after starving herself, and even after starting to regain more of those features, she still had to adjust the dress a small bit. Smiling broadly, she turned to Hotaru with a stomp with her hoof and a wave of her tail. "One could say that again. But he was an absolute gem through it all. He allowed me to buy a dress I desired, and then when fits and some details were not to my liking, he simply told me to buy anything I wanted and needed to adjust it to my own accomodations and wants."

"At the end of the day I think i spent an odd few gold pieces to finalize what I wanted. I was so scared. I was afraid that I had gone overboard and was about to get punished for it. But when I met him with it, he simply smiled at me and said 'Are you happy with this?'" She fawned, loving the memory. "I know it is a scary time, but I am certain that you will grow to like our Khaan." She said cheerily, not really able to contain her own joy at the prospect of another sister.

"You'll have to show it to me some time, wedding dress or not I doubt anyone would toss anything they spent that much on." Hotaru said, recalling her own dress had been rather simple, a Kimono picked up from the market, one made with either an Orochi or a Calco in mind. She'd been happy with it, a nod to her homeland even if she had left it behind it was nice to have that reminder on her wedding day.

Violet stopped herself from sighing, not wanting to ruin the mood for the other girls nor find herself in the middle of something should they take offense to her lack of enthusiasm regarding the entire thing. "Yes, he seems to be a kind man. I only wish the circumstances under which this is all happening were different, perhaps then I would not need your kind words of encouragement." She responded to Eleina's cheerful tone.

"We all do what we can with the hands we're dealt, better than being eaten alive. You're better off than a lot of Khanari to have been chosen by Andrew though I suppose the others would know better about all that than me. I came to Khalahai of my own free will and Andrew is my first and only Khaan." Hotaru explained with crossed arms, trying to cheer the girl up in her own way.

Ingrid nodded, "I was once a Khaan myself, as ruthless and bloodthirsty as the others. I would like to think I was not a cruel woman but I know I did not treat my Khanari with the same love and respect that the Great Khaan does. I was lacking and that is why I was defeated, it was only through his love and kindness that I was spared and allowed to share a space at his side with these women, my sisters." Ingrid's tone was warmer than normal, as though riding a nostalgic high from the memories of Andrew and her own wedding. "Be grateful, as Hotaru has said, there are worse fates to be met here in these lands. You were lucky enough to be chosen by the man who will rule Khalahai soon enough."

Violet's head rose a bit at that, not the pushing to be grateful but rather the mention of Khalahai's ruler. She didn't know how that worked or what it all meant, based on the story Andrew had told her earlier in the day he didn't come from some special bloodline so she could only assume that he meant to take said throne by force. "He intends to take the place of Khalahai's God? I suppose to call him ambitious is a bit of an understatement..."

"He is beyond ambitious." Stella stated simply, backing away to view her sister when there was nothing more she could help with from her short stature. "He is courageous. He intends to take away the power from the largest tyrant of all and reshape Khalahai in a new image. Fields will flourish, lands will flourish with green and no one shall starve again. You remember how little of the land is farmable? When he is the new god of the land, he will ensure that all shall have their needs satisfied. From the smallest Khanry to the largest wyrm." Stella said with a bit of a blush on her face as she warmly praises her husband.

"Stella is right. Andrew is putting himself above and beyond the call of duty to save this land. Once all is said and done, he will rule the land and begin to shape a better path for us all to take. And should you want it still, he can set you free from here. Because who would stop him?" Eleina encouraged the woman as she finished the final clasps and pins.

"The god himself?" Came a gruff voice from the entrance. There stood Magda, looking over the women who had gathered. She was wearing traditional ceremonial clothes for Gurza, with some more added flair to reflect her position as Khanari. "You often seem to forget the very real risk that he won't win. Don't give a girl hopes that may not come to be. We might all-."

Stella stomped forward. "This!? This is the time to talk about that? Not to mention, have you no faith in your own Khaan?"

"I believe his is capable. I have faith that he can do it. That doesn't mean he will..." She spoke, words laced with aggitation over Stella's tone. She then looked up to the other women. "The Khaan is waiting for us. The guests are arriving. Let's get to it." She spoke without a single other word and marched off.

Eleina was quick to pick up the bundle of blooms and flowers that had been assorted and gave them to Violet, trying to occupy her mind with other thoughts. Like the wedding, even if she was not too keen on it. "Come now, Mrs. Drake. It is time."

Violet felt hesitation in her heart but took hold of the flowers all the same, were there any way out of this before now did not matter, she'd run out of time for solutions. This was it, she would have to go through with this and being referred to as Mrs. Drake only felt like salt on the wound though she knew the woman held no ill will she grit her teeth all the same.

Hotaru gently placed her hand atop the smallest of her sister's head, patting it gently and once Violet was out of earshot she spoke: "I understand your feelings, Sister. But Magda isn't wholly wrong, I've accepted that possibility and made peace with what will have to be done in that event. Until then I see no need in worrying about it. All the same, our newest sister needs to accept that possibility as well. This might very well be her life now, the sooner she makes peace with that the softer a pill it will be to swallow should it come to pass."

The snake woman let out a sigh, "Come now, our husband is about to marry. I've never seen a wedding before, don't want to miss it."

Stella wanted to make a reply, to say something, but that would be fruitless as of now. "Let's... Let us just try and make this as good and memorable a day as possible for her." Stella muttered as all sisters headed towards the ceremony spot. The camp had been rearranged to make a great opening in the center of the camp. THe camp had expanded to five times the area just to create this space. There were shouts, drinks and congratulations being thrown at the feet of the new khanari. It was truly a feast to admire for any Khanite.

When they reached the center of it, they found Andrew sitting on a bundle of pelts and bone, with an assortment of pillows, cloths, jewels and bones to make seats for all his Khanari. The previous Khanari would be sitting in a wide half-circle around him, with Violet to be seated beside him, the most well decorated spot of them all. When the sisters arrived, they would see Andrew there, not in his typical choice of attire, but rather in a harness which held up a single pauldron of leather and steel, two gauntlets with plated backs and leather pants from mighty slain beasts. And yet, for all this heavy equipment, he was undeterred in his walk or movements. All this extra weight meant nothing even to his mere toned frame. He got up to greet his wives part of the way.

He greeted them each and every individual with their names of affection until he came to Violet. "You look radiant, Violet. I am fortunate to be able to call you ally and Khanari." He said with a hand extended towards her. "Come. The Khanite and the guests will present their gifts soon." He said as he intended to get themeselves seated.

First came the Khanites gifts. Many were for the Khaan in respect, but most of them were for the Khanari. Clothes, jewelry, soaps and more. The guests were not many, but among those who were there they merely offered their gifts to the Khaan. After a lot of the ceremonies were said and done, there would only be the last few gifts to be given. Those between the Khanari and the Khaan. Andrew waved with his arm to calm down the celebrations. When it was silent, he rose up and began to speak: "Violet Drake! Your presence and agreement gladdens me to the core." He said bombastically, making sure to be heard by all. "You are a long way from home, far away from your known lands. And I would be remiss to not ensure that your skills are continued to be made able to hone and grow even so far away." He said, and with a wave of his hand, a few members of his khanite came carrying with two large boxes. "I hope that these materials will aid in that growth, sourced from here, in Khalahai." He explained as they opened the crates for her, revealing innumerable plants and insects from all across Khalahai. Most of which no one outside of Khalahai would even have known of.

Violet felt like a thousand eyes were upon her, an uncomfortable feeling to say the least but still she kept up a half smile as she knew the importance of keeping up appearances in front of all who had gathered here to celebrate. She followed his lead and did as she was told, knowing nothing of how marriage worked in their culture or how they went about such traditions and as such she leaned on Andrew as a crutch to help her through this event. The gifts were appreciated but overwhelming, clothes and jewels, soaps, and other items. Only when Andrew revealed his own gift did for but a moment her heart lift as the curious side of her took over to completely forget about everything else that was going on around her. Her eyes scanning over the plants and reeling back just a bit at the creepy crawlies only to realize she was silent and saying nothing.

Clearing her throat she bowed her head to Andrew, her husband for better or worse, "You honor me... With your words and your gift, Great Khaan." She stole Ingrid's way of referring to Andrew, feeling it was the most respectful way to address him without any romantic undertones to it. "I will continue to fulfill my duties as doctor in your large Kha-nite... as well as your wife, a Khanari." She spoke with all the grace and elegance of someone clearly bullshitting their way through a speech. All the same, she hoped her words would be enough to sell her act to the others though she knew it would not fool Andrew himself, not with such a poor showing. "Thank you for accepting me."

Andrew appeared exstatic by her words, spinning around and threw his arms up in the air. "Another regent for the Khanite. More blood to keep the mighty beast that is the Steefury's heart pumping!" He shouted out over the area, causing the people of his Khanite to join in the cheers. The other khanites were not in the same celebratory mood. Because whether they bought Violet's bluff or not, it didn't matter, for they all knew what this was. It was just one big power play from Andrew.

The now less feminine man turned around to look at Violet. He took her hands in his and kissed her right hand's knuckles. Speaking in a tone loud enough to be heard by her and not the rest, he said: "You have done good. The ceremony alone kept them at a distance, but that awful pledge of yours will cement in their hearts that this is all legitimate. What woman would willingly marry a Khaan and sound so unconvincing?" He chuckled. "This will make things easier in the future. There are only two steps left to be done. Another gift and then a short journey to the peak of that mountain." He said with a nod up to a smaller mountain range. "Once all that is done, no more center of attention." He said with a smile. "Speaking of which... My Khanari!" He called the other wives to him. Once gathered around, he spoke up: "Time for my final gift. Keep her company while I get it, won't you?" He asked of them before parting from Violet with a quick kiss to her lips before parting from her. Chaste like nothing else. And with that, they parted ways.

Stella came around spoke up; "We should stick around this area until he comes back. But either way, Welcome to the family, Violet. For however long that lasts.

Violet nodded to the woman, now her sister-wife in the eyes of Khalahai law or whatever sort of reigning code they seemed to abide by, "Thanks..." She responded half-heartedly, not really finding any comfort in her words though she knew the woman meant well just like the others.

"Not bad, not bad. If I didn't know any better I still don't think I would have bought that speech but lucky for you it doesn't matter what the others do or don't think. So long as it pisses off the other Khaan's it'll be win enough, that's the give and take of this little arrangement." Hotaru playfully mocked Violet's attempt to make this wedding seem something more than a statement.

"I see, perhaps I tried too hard then..." She responded to Hotaru's comments, not really knowing the ends and outs of whatever sort of game they were playing, only frustrated that the game pieces included living people.

Ingrid spoke up: "Perhaps in time you won't have to try at all. Though for now you are simply under our protection as you are now a fellow sister I would hope that you might find it in your heart to love your husband. You are a foreigner, ignorant and arrogant to the core, I can promise that we do not fit completely into whatever impression it is you have of us. Accepting Khalahai would be far easier if you could find love in your heart." Ingrid spoke, trying to sound supportive in her own, arguably unhelpful way.

"For once, I stand by what Ingrid says. Seeing the land and this Khanite more as a home than a prison will go great lengths to make you more comfortable. This life has chosen you, for a time, and it would do you well to start to try and see this land and our Khanite as a home instead of a prison. Andrew will take good care of you. You should try and keep up appearances as well." Eleina said, crossing her arms and looking rather confident in her words.

Stella was the next to speak; "Indeed as Ingrid says, there is far more to this land than just raiding and plundering. There are many intricacies and facets to living here, and you might just even be able to recognize some of them. And for all it is worth, we will help you in any way we can and are able to do. You are a sister now, Violet. It is only right that we try to make you at ease just as much as the Khaan." She said with a broad smile. Her silvery embroided dress hugged close to her features and trailing slightly behind her. One might honestly almost expect that she is the one getting married in this instance. She at least seemed enthusiastic about it. "And speaking of the man."

Andrew came walking up towards the women yet again, a wide smile on his face, though there was something about it that seemed a bit... tense. "My Khanari! My beloved wives. I have returned, and with a fine spectacle have I returned to you." He said, taking Violet's hands in his own and pressing a kiss to her forehead. He then pressed his own forehead against hers, whispering; "My gift has arrived for you. I'd like for you to come along with me on a bit of a journey to the mountains after you feel ready. You have the opportunity to walk the camp. To meet your subjects. Or, if you'd rather see this to an end, wrap it up. All there is left is my gift for that to happen."

Violet looked to Ingrid, her mind combing over the harsh but not wholly untrue words of the woman blunt as they were. Turning back to Andrew, he husband for better or worse, she nodded her head, "I don't think I would do well in front of the others so I will go with you to the mountains."

He smiled and parted from her. "Then that is what you shall have." He said before walking off. Entering into the crowd, it wasn't long before he came back with a most exotic gift of gifts indeed. "Will you ride with me, dear?" he proclaimed to his new wife. In his right hand did he hold the reins to a his reptilian beast, a sight she was accustomed to by now in terms of when he was riding. It was in his left hand where the show was though. Extending the reins forward, dressed in a saddle of beautiful design, was a hippogriff. A strong and proud animal indeed.

Violet was surprised by the creature, having never seen one before in her life. The head of an eagle, golden beak and white feathers that turned to a deep brown as they extended down from its crown. It's front legs adorned with talons that tapped at the ground to reveal their deadly beauty, sharp as razors while its back legs ended in hooves that clopped as it moved them side to side as though not wanting to stay still. It's head looked about, turning too and fro in quick snapping motions birds were known for. She was shocked into silence, the being was a thing of mystic beauty, a creature born of magical influence on the world rather than natural evolution. Reaching forward, like a child reaching out to pet an animal for the first time in its life, her hands ran through the feathers of its neck, getting the attention of the Hippogriff whose eyes locked onto hers to reveal within them an intelligence beyond what she expected of such a beast.

It was with Andrew and the other Khanaris' help that she was able to mount the Hippogriff, finding it far different from anything she'd ever sat atop before. However, with her in the saddle and hold its reigns, the two sat off as he'd said, toward the mountains.

They rode for some time at a brisk pace, Andrew never going faster than Violet herself was comfortable with, making their journey a longer one than it needed to be but with so little experience, riding much faster would only risk injury for her or the mount. As such, they crested grassy hills only to find taller ones moving higher and higher as they climbed the mountains on a well worn path. Horizion glew in a mix of fiery reds and yellows giving way to the deep blues and purples of the night sky as the sun set, the both of them reaching their desitnation just as what little remained of the sunlight disappeared somewhere into the great beyond. Looking down she could see the place they'd been earlier, the burning of fires and the sight of many still moving could be seen all the better now that the light they gave off was the only one in sight.

"It's pretty..." She spoke the first truly positive comment she'd given in a long time.

Andrew's eyes were directed elsewhere, thus not knowing the context of what she was talking about, so he assumed the best he could. "The animal? I was hoping you would like it. My Khanari told me you hold a certain admiration for them, so I was really aiming to ple-" He interrupted himself, looking towards her as he lifted off the tent bundle from his own mount. That was when he realized what she had meant. Putting the items down, he walked up to her, standing beside her, holding his hands in front of himself and following her gaze. The plains of Khalahai had always been a beauty to him, but he noticed how she was looking intently at the camp below.

"Yes... It is..." He said, almost enamored. "Seems like the celebration is still going on... Well, it is a momentous occasion. And considering the rough nature of our living, any chance to have a feast and party is one they will take. They will probably continue until sunrise." he chuckled. He looked to Violet. "Though I'd dare say you rival even that sight." He said in a genuine compliment, his tone not reflecting any kind of flirting. More like a observation of the obvious. He sat down right next to her, enjoying to look over the fields yet again. "That camp is the only true home I've ever known. The only place I've ever seen as a proper place to call mine, you know?" he smiled.

"Violet... Would you mind telling me a bit about your home?" He asked. "Between me trying to give you your space and everything else that has happened I don't think I ever got the chance to learn more." Meanwhile, the beasts behind them were sniffing and trying to get an understanding of the other. Their sounds brought an even bigger smile to his face. Leaning back, he looked up into the sky as the stars began to shine. "I have heard tales of it. Mountainous buildings of steel and strange materials. pathways of cement, and weird metallic steeds that also are a carriages. Sounds like such a strange place." he chuckled.

Violet looked to the man who seated now was shorter than her, certainly an odd sight given how he towered over her normally, how most of the men here seemed to tower over her. Careful as not to stain the dress by sitting upon mud or dirty she lowered herself to sit down beside him, joining him in looking to the sky. But she did not see through her eyes that of the starry night but rather, visions of her home. "Lubbock is a magical place with cities whose lights block out even that of the stars. Buildings like fingers that reach up into the sky as if attempting the pluck the sun and moon from their pedestals high above. Yet even then we were not content as we created machines that soar even about that, large zepplins that fly high into the sky so large they cast shadows as they block out the sun when they fly over." She explained, looking out over the empty plains of Khalahai, not a large building in sight, nothing but stars in the sky above. Where in Lubbock she'd never had the silence to think without interruption here there seemed to be little more than silence.

"Compared to it all, Khalahai feels so lonely. I could walk a thousand miles in one direction and perhaps never see another living soul. In Lubbock, such a possibility does not exist. Pick a direction and walk, in less than a hundred miles you'll find a city filled with more people than you or I could count if we spent and entire week trying. I'd bet that even in less than fifty you'd likely encounter someone, a fellow traveler, a bandit, a patrolling Knight. But not here..." She explained, getting to the root of her homesickness and why Khalahai made her feel the way it did, as empty as it did

"Sounds crowded." He joked with a chuckle. Looking to her, he continued, speaking in a soft voice. "All jokes aside, I can see where you are coming from. A stranger from a land where there is always someone around, now walking about in a place where everything and everyone is on the move and makes gatherings complicated. Luckily, I have a boon on that front." He said, gesturing down below. "My Khanite follows wherever I go. My home, my family, is never far from reach. When part of a community such as this, you are never alone. No one is ever free from another. The people of a Khanite cares and looks after one another. We share drink, food, stories and exploits with each other. We find camraderie in eachother and the challenges that lie ahead, knowing we have one another to look after each and every one. My brides will undoubtedly try and give you such a camraderie if you'd like. Ultimately though? Take your time. With anything." He said, looking over to the woman, a comforting and sweet look in his eyes.

"... I would like to see your home someday." He sighed out. "I doubt your lights can beat the stars, but it sounds interesting enough to warrant a look." he shrugged with a subtle laugh. "If a place like that can shape up men and women like you and the ones at the harbor, then it must surely be something special... maybe when you are free to roam again, you can give me a bit of a tour?"

She listened to him speak about the Khanite, his people, and the family they found in one another. Ultimately, she should have known that he would not understand and yet all the same she'd hoped that he would. At his question of one day seeing the place, if only just to see it she responded, "It most certainly is and I would not mind at all, however long it takes to reach that place again." She spoke, Magda's words echoing in her head and perhaps in a way she was beginning to accept them, that she might well and truly never get to return home. What would she do then? Live out the rest of her days in this place playing the pretend wife? Was there any joy or fulfillment to really be found in such a fate? Biting the inside of her lip for a moment she let out a sigh, "Time does, after all, seem like something I have a great deal of at the moment," He responded with a half-chuckle, the sounds of the insects buzzing all around them held off the silence as she finished speaking.

"I believe we rode up here for a reason?" She asked, remembering they'd indeed rode here for a purpose only to get shortly lost in conversation.

The sigh and half chuckle was all the signs he needed to know that he missed the mark. Exactly where? He knew not. Even so, he wanted to keep up the chat, if she was so inclined. As she asked him why they were here, he got a bit scared. The mighty khaan, the one who would challenge the god of this land some day. Scared of what she might think of him. "All in good time... I do realize that I have failed you. Keep on failing you. I don't quite understand why, but I am. If you won't mind it, I'd like to know more." He requested. "I have begun to realize that, in my effort to make you more at ease, I've only talked about what I feel. What I see in this land. How I have reasoned my beliefs about our home, society and people. I want to turn the tables. I want to understand you, Violet. I want to approach you with a more open mind. If you'd humor that... You can say or talk about anything you want. Then. Now. In the days to come."

"I promise that you can say and express anything you want. I have offered the same courtesy to those who married me before. I believe I can grow more by understanding those around me. I think I understand now though that I can't apply the same rules to you." He said, getting back up into a sitting position. "Stupid of me to not get that immediately... I am sorry. If you'll humor me, I want to know more about you. Many things make me curious, but I extend this question to you first; Is there anything you'd be willing to share? Of your own will rather than me posting so many a question? There will be a time for that, but I don't know if now is it."

Violet looked toward the man with a tilt of her head, a thoughtful yet regretful look on her face as she seemed to consider her words carefully, "Andrew, you're trying and I know I'm not making it easy but to call it a failure doesn't set well with me, something about the phrasing I don't quite like. I can't ask any more of you than to try but the fact of the matter is that we're two different people from two very different cultures and extremely different lifestyles. The circumstances that brought us together does not help soothe over that either. I'm alive for better or worse and while things might not be the way you wish they were I hesitate to call all of this a failure." She explained, trying to sound supportive if not a bit critical of the defeatist way he spoke of failure. "There are a million and one reasons why I find it difficult to open up, to lay myself out like a subject of study. I simply do not belong here, there is no other way to say it. Yes, I know, it isn't as though I have a choice in the matter, I've been made very well aware of just how little control I have over my own life as of late, and yes, it would be easier if only I accepted that things are the way they are, if I accepted Khalahai for what it is and just sat on my hands hoping it'll all be over soon enough..."

"But I can't, in the same way I could not simply accept my fate to be eaten like a roasted pig can I not simply accept that there is nothing I can do, that I have no control in all of this. What you and the girls say is true, more than anything I'm sure that with time I'll wear myself out until the thought of fighting anymore becomes a mere memory in my mind and I'll accept the hand I've been dealt but don't you see that's exactly what I'm scared of? That if I accept these circumstances I'll lose whatever little fight I have in me, I'll lose what little hope I have of ever seeing my home again. You aren't failing, Andrew, I'm just being stubborn."

Andrew listened intently, hoping that he would properly understand her, and be able to grant her a sufficient answer. As she finished her words, he took a few moments to let it simmer. He then shook his head. "You are not stubborn. And even if you were, I can't say that I don't appreciate such traits. I have been wrong in my demeanor. You call things as they are, and all the while, I have come with excuses and explanations to try and make us more sympathtic in nature. Considering what you have been through, that is far from the best approach. But the one I should be empathetic towards, I have not succeeded at offering it.. That same stubborness that makes you want something more and better than what you are now offered is a trait is something I should be able to relate to. I was not much different from you once upon a time. I have reprimanded you for behaviors that reflected mine. Even if I managed to escape my fate, I have not be as empathetic to another in my position and deeper into it."

"I do understand that you are afraid of that. Afraid to lose your spark. Your drive. Your fight and maybe even your passions. To end up as you say, in a position where the home you know is just a fading memory. I don't want that for you. Truly, I don't. I wish there was more I could do for you. I want to try and improve your quality of life around here. Foster your passions and drives, but if you fear that you will learn to be content here... I don't know what to do. I've never dealt with someone like you before. Even my Khanari that at first were afraid of me or hesitant were at least of this land and I just had to prove myself trustworthy to them. They understood this land and its intricacies already." He explained, shaking his head, unsure of what to do to make her more at ease without making her too much at home with the predicament. She wanted to go home in the end, and he wanted her to keep that dream alive. But he also wanted her to be comfortable here to not suffer through her existence. "You have given me much to ponder, Violet. I can't say that I have all the answers towards how to make the right decisions... But I think a good start is to be more open with you. If there is anything you want to make things better and more bearable, just let me know? While I want you to be able to come back home to your lands, I also want you to be able to live here. Not survive, but live."

He seemed heistant with his words. Not for lack of genuinity, but because he was not sure that he was doing the right thing right now. He extended a hand towards her. Not to take her hand for a kiss as down below, but instead for a handshake. "Can we make an agreement? I'll try to make your life bearable here, and you keep a line of conversation with me so I know how to go about things for your sake?"

At the end of the day both of them were having a hard time, and as she'd said, it only made sense for that to be the case. Even so she did not hate the man, nor did she hold any malice toward him, both were simply in predicaments that made things all the more difficult for them to find common and stable ground with one another. She did not hesitate to take his hand, shaking it gently, neither having any sort of vice grip on the other's hand. "That sounds reasonable enough, I apologize if you feel I've kept you out of the loop. Frankly, I'm not even sure myself what to do or what can be done and that is why I've seen no reason to explain such a thing to you, all the more now that I know for certain neither of us have the answers. But I'll talk to you all the same, if it would put your mind at ease. It is the least I can do, for being such a troublesome guest." She spoke, a small smile on her face as she let go of his hand.

"Regardless of how things turn out, whether I stay true to my passions or fall to the temptation of being content with this fate, I do hope that you find the path to complete your goal. If what you've said is ture, Khalahai can only benefit from your guidance."

"I... Appreciate your support. Now... For the hard part." He said as he got up on his feet and marched over to their mounts, unhooking the equipment he had brought with him here. She would notice that it seemed to be a tent, some stuff for a fire and a singular bedroll. Kicking into the earth, a hearth was shaped up where he could put all the things for the fire later. Setting up the tent, he threw the bedroll inside before proceeding with the fire. "Violet... It breaks me to say it, but there was indeed a reason we were meant to go up here." He spoke as he ignited the fire to light up their small encampment ad moved to his mount to pick out a singular blanket which he threw next to the fire, defeat in his eyes. "I assume other nations also hold the tradition of a wedding night? If so... I need not say further what they down there expect of us." He said with a hollow chuckle. "There will be no such thing, of course. But tomorrow morning we will have to act as if there was... I'm sorry for this. I don't want to make more demands of you, but if we can pull off the morning, they will have to leave, and you will be safe from all harm. My 'claim' on you will be legitimate and if anyone were to oppose, the full might of my Khanite would protect you. Until then... There is your tent." He spoke with a hint of sadness and a look that told all that needed to be said about his feelings on the matter.

As he started to explain why it was they were up there and what was expected of them she felt utter shock and a sense of betrayal rising in her after their talks. So much so that his further explanation that they would not be participating in such an act saw her exhale a verbal sigh of relief, unappreciative of the fright she'd been given. Her brow furrowed for a moment, as though she intended to berate him for even joking about such a thing. But she did not, in harsh and flickering shadows of the fire her face softened.

She did not know what would be expected of her come to morning, how to act as though they had done anything. But that was a problem for tomorrow, tonight she would rest. The stresses of the passing weeks have taken their toll on her after all, and though she'd fought off the effects, distreacted herself with her work, there was only so long one could go before it all caught up to them. "I see... I suppose we'll figure out what to do come the morning. Until then, I suppose this is goodnight, Andrew.

The Khalahai sun rose early in the morning, its rays shining upon the face of the sleeping Violet, stiring her from her slumber with an oh so tired look upon her face. She was sore, her body stiff and achy. She'd worn herself ragged over the last couple weeks and it would take more than a single full night's sleep to fully recover. But perhaps that would work to their advantage. If she looked as though she hadn't slept a wink then perhaps the crowd would have an easier time believing that the two had indeed spent the night consumating their sham of a marriage or, as much as she hated to admit it, not a sham at all in the legal sense.

Opening the flap to the tent she shielded her eyes from the blazing orange of the sun, scanning the campsite for Andrew.

Andrew sat there next to his animal, poking the embers of the now dead fire. He had a few hints of bags under his eyes. Clear as the day before them, he hadn't slept a wink in the slightest. Looking up from the bonfire, he seemed to have a concerned look on his face. "Rough night?" He asked, noticing her seemingly sleep deprived look about her.

Violet shook her head in the negative. "No, not at all truly. Best I've had in quite a while. But it would seem that band-aids don't fix bullet wounds." She responded, a with tired, light chuckle.

Andrew gave a faint smile as a response, glad to see her in a seemingly slightly better mood. He can't remember her doing anything close to laughing these last couple of days. "No, it sure doesn't seem like it. I'll be sure to give you the proper means to tend to that wound in the times to come. Hopefully that will soon be a distant memory." He said as he got up and kicked the ashes so the last embers got snuffed out. Stroking his hair back and putting on the heavier equipment he had arrived in, he began to make both a mess of himself while also organising himself. To make signs of a rough night that still was trying to be swept away by good appearances. Once that was done, he patted his animal awake, quickly standing alert to its next directions. "Ready to head down?"

Violet nodded, "I'm not entirely sure what to do once we get down there. Should I keep my mouth shut? Or should I sing your praises?" She asked, the time had come for her to ask what to do was no upon them, in a way she missed the night before when this was tomorrow's problem.

Andrew pondered that for a moment, never having been quite in a position like this before, only having to rely on the old studies he had gone through as a youth in preparation to be wedded off to another Khaan. "All things considered? Speak only when spoken to, since you probably wouldn't like to be talked to after such a 'erotic night' which wasn't really in your interest to be in. If they press you for answers about 'performance', just tell them that the details are for you and your Khaan. At most, tell them something along the lines of that the night was long. That I wouldn't stop to rest. Would explain both our looks, I'd say." He spoke, and while he could have made a joke out of it with a chuckle, this was no laughing matter to him.

"If you were to feel pressed into a corner about anything they say or ask, just tug my dress. I'll know." He said as he stood next to her Hippogryph, holding a hand toward her to help her up on the saddle.

She nodded to him, the talk of it all, whether she wanted it to happen or not, brought a slight blush to her face. She took his hand as he helped her up to the saddle of the beast and the two made their way down the mountain.

As they reached the bottom of the mountain, back to the place the wedding had taken place the smell of fires only having recently been put out was thick in the air only slightly overwhelmed by that of the alcohol. Many awaited their arrival, the evidence of great party was still there, though it was clear that they had tried to clean up the things that had been broken, Violet noticing a few missing tables and chairs to name a few possible casualties of the night.

Though many awaited them the most noticeable of those were none other than Andrew's other Khanari who stood in front of all the others, the first to greet them upon their return. Most wore smiles besides that of Ingrid who stood cross armed amidst the other Khanari, her intense eyes falling upon Violet and forcing the woman to not meet her eyes in response.

Once they were only a few feet away some of the guests began to clap and whistle, all having their own ideas of what had gone on the night before. Ingrid stepped forward, looking to Andrew and offering him a slight bow as she acknowledged him. "Great Khaan, welcome back from the mountain. We have eagerly awaited your return. I hope your night was well spent." She responded, a slight hint of jealousy in her voice none but only those closest to her would be able to catch. As she raised her head her eyes flickered to Violet for a moment before they fell back to Andrew.

"May I help you with your cargo, Great Khaan? It is the morning after your wedding, no burden should befall you following such a glorious occassion." She offered him.

"It was a long and challenging night, but you know I am nothing if not determined to overcome any." He said with a chuckle, cupping her chin before kissing her lips chastely. "It would relieve me of some of the tension to be free of those combersome things," He joked as he parted from her, looking up to see the obnoxious sight of the Gurza Khaan. He knew well that Violet had probably seen him by now. Putting on a brave face all the same, he looked to the rest of his Khanari. "My wives, would you see to your sister's needs? There is surely much to be gossiped about and discussed now with another in the fold. She will need a private tent now that is fit for a Khanari as well." he said with a sweet tone, walking past his brides and towards the overgrown menace that was approaching. "I'll leave you to it."

Stella nodded enthusiastically. She was all but certain of what had actually transpired on that mountain, but she needed to keep up the act. "Come, sister. You need to tell us everything." She said as she motioned for Violet to come along with her new sister-brides.

"R-right." Violet spoke up, dismounting the Hippogriff and taking Stella's hand as the women began to lead the way, Violet could feel the tension in the air and was happy to get away from it. Stella to her side, Hotaru at her back with hands upon her shoulders ushering her forward, Ingrid lagging behind as she gathered the Hippogriff and the packs Andrew had brought down from the mountain with him.

Stella escorted Violet through the camp, walking past men and women winding down from the fun of last night, several of whom were still either hung over or just outright drunk still. Some few could be heard from their tents having some 'casual fun'. Those tents Stella was sure to move away from even faster. When they arrived at the location, Eleina was in the midst of organizing the tent for Violet's comfort. The essentials were being set up, with the tent being substantially larger than the one she had before. Eleina turning around at the sound of footsteps, beamed at her sister-brides. "Welcome back. Things are almost complete. The rest will be for you to arrange, Violet! How you want your decour and such we'll leave to you." She said with a nod, waving a hand to show her the interior. A large bed, a chest to keep her things in, and the canopy of the tent had a sheet of cloth embroidered with the night sky.

Violet looked around at the interior of her tent. It was indeed a nice upgrade from the ninety-percent lab ten percent bedroom she'd been using as of late though admittedly that ratio was her own fault as she'd worked more than slept that entire time. She'd tried to wipe the tired look from her face during their walk but it still remained even as she gave Eleina a weak smile. "It looks wondeful, Sister. Beautiful even." She said before jumping a bit when she felt Hotaru's arms snake around her waist in a backwards hug.

"Pretty indeed, hopefully you don't have this one smelling like chemicals within the week. I recommend getting some flowers or something, or separating your work from your living space entirely." The Green haired Orochi gave her a word of advice before playfully planting a kiss to Violets cheek and letting go of her.

The sudden kiss to her cheek brought a red tint to them, the look on Hotaru's face making it clear as day that she was satisfied with that outcome.

"Perhaps you would like to give our newest sister-wife a kiss as well, Love?" Hotaru teased as she dropped to her knees to wrap her arms around Stella. Before the small Vart'hya could respond however Ingrid threw open the ten flap and entered, looking around the room before training her eyes back on her sisters. "Leave the poor girl alone, Hotaru." Ingrid spoke, though if she spoke of Violet or Stella was anyone's guess depending on how much Ingrid had heard from outside.

"I trust the accommodations are satisfactory?" Ingrid asked, looking to Eleina as though intending to blame her if they were not.

Violet nodded her head, at a loss for words, still unsure of how to speak to Ingrid as she remained one of the more judgemental of the Khanari. "I-It's wonderful, Eleina and whoever else worked on it did a wonderful job. The starry night sky above is beautiful." She responded, Ingrid only replying in a nod in each of their directions.

Stella yelped as Hotaru held her up in the air, arms wrapped around her chest, holding her up in the air in a similar vein to how a young one might hold their stuffed animal. Dangling in the air, she giggled a bit at Hotaru's playfulness, even if it was an awkward and embarrassing moment. But then again, she was amongst sisters, so it was fine with her. "As long as you are pleased, we are pleased. Your work station has been arranged to remain in a separate tent. Khaan's decision. You can probably overrule it if you really want to. I advice against, since I believe in that the workplace and the bedroom should be separate.

Eleina clapped her hands together and grinned. "I'm happy to hear that you are pleased. It might not be much, but I didn't want to intrude on your own preferences. Just let the Khaan, or us, know if there is anything you want with you in there and he will accomodate, I'm certain." She said sweetly.

"How fares my dear Khanari?" Came the voice of Andrew, trudging towards them. "All in line with your expectations, Violet?"

"My dear! It seems she likes it! It's just a matter of- My heavens!" Eleina cried out as she saw the state of him, his chest and shoulder stained with blood. "My love! What happened, I-"

"All is well, my dears," He calmed them. "Not mine. The Khaan took more than his own share of time to try and convince me for proof. He insisted that his hand should get a feel of the night before. I insisted his hand belonged on the ground." he spoke with annoyance in his voice as he tossed his axe to a nearby rider who took it away to clean. "No matter. He won't bother us again."

"As expected." Ingrid responded, a proud smile on her face as she personally celebrated her husband's victory. "Khalahai would be far greater if only her people would learn their place and stop challenging their betters." She continued, moving over to stand beside Andrew and pressed a kiss to his cheek. She clearly had more to say but was interrupted before she could by Hotaru speaking up.

"If he still lives then perhaps we'll learn to mind his own business and if he's rotting then perhaps others will learn in his stead." The green-haired woman spoke, her tongue flickering from her mouth after she spoke before she pressed another kiss to Stella's cheek before letting the shorter woman down.

All the while Violet had remained silent, unsure what to say or if she could even get a word in between the women if she did know what to say. "I-I uh, it's lovely, yes." She repeated what she'd said to the others when she'd arrived. It would of course seem their wedding did not fully smooth over all the hostility among the other Khaan's of Khalahai though she should have figured as much.

"Im sorry to have caused another fight." She got out, her voice small and meek as though admitting that the fight was technically her own fault would turn the others against her.

"It was no fault of yours, my sweet. By this point it is all legitimate. That fight was no ones fault except his. Magda is currently escorting him out of the camp. Afterward she is going to ensure that the scout party returns in one piece." He explained. "Feel free to do as you please. Drink, eat, sleep if you feel deprived. There is still meals to go around." He encouraged.

"The scouts? Do you expect trouble?" Stella asked as she was let down, elbowing Hotaru's thigh as she landed. "Do you need us to prepare?"

"Not yet. I have invited the Khaan Maahes to visit us. I intend to acquire his Khanite in our efforts. Whether that be submission or agreement to an alliance doesn't matter. We will need more soldiers than we have if we are going to take the title from Alkazozz." Andrew spoke with a serious demeanor before softening. "But that doesn't matter for at least another week. Let's just enjoy this moment for now."

"My Khaan. How would you like to enjoy the day?" Eleina asked with an intent the others would be able to catch onto. "It is a day to celebrate, as you said. How do you intend to enjoy it?"

Andrew smiled softly. "Drink. Eat. Sleep. Enjoy a few hours with the ones who so desire?" He said cheekily, looking to Violet. "Enjoy, Violet. Pardon me for now. A husband's work is never done." He spoke with a bow before turning around to walk towards his tent, leaving his brides to discuss amongst themselves who desired it more than the other. Part of him suspected that Ingrid might win out if she wanted it, Eleina never having been able to oppose Ingrid before.

"Another Khaan will be arriving then. That'll probably mean more fighting..." Violet spoke, fighting a sigh as she knew it would do little more than anger some and worry others.

"It may very well, all the more reason to be prepared for it. The Great Khaan can fell any enemy but that doesn't give us any right to slack around. We're plenty stocked on medicine and other materials of that nature thanks to you already, Violet. So feel free to enjoy the festivities and celebrations without concern. The rest of us will keep in mind what we will need to start on tomorrow to prepare for Maahs' arrival." Ingrid spoke to all of them, hands on her hips and chest puffed out. It was clear to Violet that she had indeed been a leader at some point, she wore those qualities out loud though she did not know how well the others might take her tone given she was not only not their Khaan but no longer a Khaan at all.

"Now if you'll excuse me, The Great Khaan needs tending to. Surely he could not have been satisfied by a single night with a virgin." She continued, making her leave before any could speak up to challenge her.

Hotaru let out a huff, bending her knee to jab Stella in the shoulder in retalliation for her earlier elbow. "Well, Ingrid's always had nerve." She spoke with a sigh as she'd wanted to tend to Andrew but if Ingrid was running off to catch him first she would hog him all to herself as she often tried her best to do.

Violet moved to seat herself on the bed, knowing that technically she should be celebrating as the others said, but her head felt a thousand and one pounds heavier as the lack of sleep the weeks before was catching up to her now of all times as she let her guard down and tried to relax. "She's certainly proactive." Violet responded, "I think I'll just try to catch up on some sleep. I've been putting it off for some time now and I worry it's catching up to me."

"Hm..." The sound escaped Hotaru's lips, "Well, if that's what you want to do no one can stop you. We should probably recommend it in fact, since we're supposed to make sure you stay out of the harms way while you're here. And sleep deprivation is a quick ticket to the grave indeed." She nodded firmly as though satisfied with her assessment of the situation.

"But what of my other sisters? So long as we avoid the drunks we could still have some fun. If we're fast we could even beat Ingrid to Andrew's tent, wouldn't that put her in a tizzy? What do you all say?"

Stella looked up to Eleina in contemplation, judging her reaction to Hotaru's suggestion. Eleina gave no sign of being of a mind to reject the idea, looking to Stella with a look in her eye that the short woman knew all too well. Usually it was Hotaru who had it though. "Sounds like a plan. Let's see if Andrew won't mind his *wives* attending to him." She spoke with a playful shrug before turning to Violet. "Enjoy your rest, Violet. A Khanari's work is never done either." She joked before the three of them took another path and hurried to Andrew's tent.

Meanwhile Ingrid walked casually through the camp toward Andrew's tent with the full intent of seeing all his needs met, stepping over the passed out drunks and past the hungover hooligans trying all possible methods to stop the beating of their heart in their own heads. Ever so looking forward to reaching her destination did she begin to softly hum a song, her ears burning red as she did so until something made her red ears twitch, vibrations like running that saw her turn around just as the other three women overtook her and passed by Ingrid. Stella with her shorter legs bounched up and down atop Hotaru's shoulders, Elenia following right beside her.

"H-Hey! Where do you all think you're going?!" She yelled, already knowing and clearly frustrated by their actions. Her loud voice seeing the hungover folks around her groaning out in pain and holding their heads.

"We simply figured that the Great Khaan might agree that three heads are better than one. Not to mention tails." Hotaru responded without turning back to look at Ingrid, continuing on with full intent on reaching their husbands tent before her.

"Why you!" The Badger woman hissed before taking off after them.