"Your city is marvelous. Impressive. I look forward to seeing it and meeting your people." You state, looking out over the city from atop the spire. It spreads out beneath you.
"Ah! I wish you to get acquainted with it as well, Pheonix!" Samkrend states, cheerfully.
Then he shoves you off the edge with a strain of powerful muscle. You twist and unfurl your wings in an instant, staring at him in surprise as the fire pushes against the air and keep you at roughly the same elevation.
"Goddess indeed!" Samkrend laughs, turning his back to you to walk away. Your jaw works as you bite back your anger -- but it takes a glance to Mellone to truly calm your fury. She shakes her head gently, her eyes pleading with you. You drop back down on to the pad, and follow him down to the lower level. The streets between the pad and the palace have been cleared for you, and your retinue and Samkrend's guards make your way casually down it, until you reach the Palace gates. Servants appear to show you your rooms in the guest palace, before directing you to a dining hall.
You take a seat on a cushion, across from the Khaganate. A firepit lays filled with smouldering coals -- the room is plain, unadorned. Filled with nothing but the cushions and stern guards. Two sullen indiviuals sit nearby him, a man and a woman, roughly William's age. Beside the man, Rekhyt lounges. He flashes a cheerful smile and a wave as you and your retinue settle into your seats.
"So, since you people are so busy, busy, I'm curious about something before I let you avail yourself of my hospitality. I mean to make war upon you if our alliance doesn't go through. Tell me, why should I form one with you?" The small tables in front of you are bare.
That's a bad sign -- no food means we do not enjoy guest rights yet.
"[The Holy City is in ruins, Father.]" Rekhyt volunteers, "[They do not have the industry to oppose us -- the Crusaders are spread thin]."
Samkrend nods, his dark eyes turning on you once again. The smile fades. "I owe much to Nicole, but not enough to give up such opportunity." Nicole, for her part, looks annoyed, but settles back in the cushion. You cross your legs.