The trees around the meeting area were allowed to diverge and open up, giving those within the meeting area a view of the Galrie clan down below. Being up high, wind also made its way up there, rustling the leaves, contributing to the calming aura of the embassy. A dainty Coatl, dressed in fancy garbs, approached the meeting area with a serving cart in tow. On top of the cart was one large cup of tea, for Laeveris, and a much smaller cup, for Wowzers.
"The Leader and the ambassador are still preparing, but will be here shortly. In the meantime, please treat yourself to a drink," the server smiled, "This is a tea brewed from the herbs of this region, we hope you enjoy it".
Laeveris grinned, bowing her head graciously as she took the cups from the cart. Laeveris delicately placed the small cup in front of Wowzers before immediately trying the tea in her cup.
"... I think I like it!" Laeveris remarked after contemplating the taste, "Do you happen to have some tea bags of this? I'd like to take some home".
"Actually... No, our tea artisan had this tea specially brewed for this occasion — but I can ask her to prepare more of it!"
"If it's no trouble!" Laeveris reassured. The server nodded, jaunting out of the meeting area with a pep in their step. Wowzers waited until she was sure they could no longer hear them.
"... Tea artisan, huh." Wowzers murmured. Laeveris took another sip of tea.
"I knew you'd remark on such a strange job title. A lot of the herbs in the Wasteland are... passable, but maybe we could get our own tea artisan to make the conditions more livable." Laeveris chuckled. Wowzers opened her mouth, considering the idea of responding seriously, but her mouth closed upon further thought. Wowzers and Laeveris would continue to wait in silence after that.
----------✧----------
Distant footsteps could be heard within the halls of the embassy, signifying the Leader and the ambassador's approach. It had been a moment since the server promised that these two characters would arrive, as Laeveris had grown quite relaxed, possibly soothed by the tea as well, while Wowzers still sat somewhat vigilantly. Even though their approach was long foreshadowed by the sound of footsteps, their appearance would remain unseen until the natural light of the meeting area shined upon them.
The Leader, an elder Pearlcatcher dressed in long, intricately patterned robes, lead the approach, followed by the ambassador, a young-looking Mirror dressed in similar robes to the Leader, albeit shorter in length and different in color. The two dragons would sit across the meeting area from Wowzers and Laeveris. Expecting business to start, Laeveris finished off the last of her tea, setting the cup to her side where it wouldn't bother her. Wowzers had expected the same, giving the Leader an expecting look. The ambassador looked to the Leader as well. She was just... sitting there. The ambassador considered nudging the Leader, but for fear of informality he decided against it, going back to looking at the foreign dragons sitting across from him.
When it was clear things needed a push to get going, Wowzers took the responsibility upon herself. "It is an honor to meet you, Leader Gallah." Wowzers started. As her voice traveled through the meeting area, Leader Gallah jolted awake.
"Oh, yes! It is an honor to have you here, Sanctuary Leader Wowzers." Leader Gallah echoed back. Already, Wowzers was a little taken aback. This 'Gallah' was not who Wowzers thought she'd be. Nonetheless, Wowzers tried to carry on as she would usually.
"It means a lot to us with the Sanctuary that the Galrie clan would accept our request for alliance on such short notice. We believe a union between our people is what we need in order to quell hostile feelings with the broken Armistice."
"Yes, and that would be why you want my grandson here." Leader Gallah said flatly. "Tell me," Gallah began more gently, "what makes you so interested in the Galries, anyhow? I believe we haven't even known each other before you sent that letter".
Wowzers' fins shifted and flicked as she thought on her answer. "The Galries' reputation precedes your people. I've heard your people's name echoed to me when I was young, my perception of the name tinted by the landscape around me. I've grown older though and have built my own perception of your people, but it wasn't easy. Our alliance isn't just of interest to the Sanctuary, but it is of interest to my own morals as well". Wowzers paused to take a breath, "Now I would like to know, what made you interested in us?"
Leader Gallah tilted her head upwards and closed her eyes. Then she chuckled, "I have no familiarity to your people as you do mine, but the Armistice concerns both of us either way. I'd be a fool to ignore it. When I got that letter, it was a surprise, and in my age I believe surprises should be indulged in".
So much for such a personal response. "To get what we both want from this union, it will take more than having your grandson as an ambassador. The Sanctuary can offer something in return, as a tangible benefit of our alliance". Wowzers looked to Laeveris.
Laeveris began, "During our stay here, prior to this meeting, I did some research around the Galries. It is true that the Galries suffers from frequent Beastclan attacks?" Leader Gallah nodded, and Laeveris continued.
"Well, while the Sanctuary does not have much to offer in terms of dragons we can send to fight them off for you, we can offer alternative solutions that may better fit the Galries less combative life style. For one, we can offer scouting services that can warn the clan of an attack, both from Beastclan and dragons alike. If that's not enough, we can also provide weapons and deterrents, which we are sure work well from personal experience".
Leader Gallah sat there silently, mulling over the proposition before raising her head finally. "And?"
Laeveris paused for a long moment, thinking of what to say, before beginning again, "The Sanctuary can also provide knowledge to the Galries, especially in the medicinal front. Life in the Wasteland has given our medics and potion makers a special edge".
Gallah sat there, letting her eyes close as she let the thought marinade in her mind. Growing anxious that she was going to turn down the proposition, Laeveris prepared to try and list another positive, but it turned out that preparation wasn't needed.
Wowzers glanced towards Laeveris. Aside from her general role as leader of the Sanctuary, Wowzers had nothing large in terms of schedule. Laeveris on the other hand was composed of an intricate web of schedules. It was then, to her surprise, that Laeveris seemed unphased by Gallah's statement. Taking that has a sign Laeveris was willing to accept these conditions, Wowzers turned back to Leader Gallah.
"We do not object".
"Good. It's bad for the mind to have such esteemed guests yet not even treat them to a bed." Gallah spoke warmly, though Wowzers' chest was still tight from how the conditions were presented earlier. "I don't suppose you have any other propositions?"
"No, everything we have presented is all I have discussed with Laeveris." Wowzers responded.
Gallah smiled, "Well, I think that concludes our meeting". Gallah began to rise with some aid from her grandson. "Your quarters will be in the second tier of the Galries. You can ask Server Mylah to find your residence".
As Leader Gallah and her grandson turned to exit the meeting area, Gallah could be heard murmuring to him as they walked away. "Don't be a slacker and get ready for once. And make sure to pay our guests a visit before you have to leave, too".
Waiting until the Galrie natives were out of ear-shot, Wowzers and Laeveris took a collective breath. Laeveris stroked her mane, wishing she had asked for more tea, while Wowzers finally took her first sip.
----------✧----------
Laeveris was going through the pages of her planner, painting over some of her recent planned events with a thin paint, meant to conceal pen marks. Wowzers, who was perched on the sill of a nearby window, watched the process with a kind of sorrow.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect this to happen." Wowzers spoke finally.
"It's alright," Laeveris muttered as she painted over the last of of her recent plans, then setting the planner aside to dry, "No one could have, but let's not make something negative out of a vacation."
Wowzers glanced off to the side, "I don't mean to keep you from having fun, but this isn't vacation. Not for me, anyway. Think about it; few dragons outside of the diplomatic group have seen me, so what will the common people think when they see me walking around?""I see, but I think the Galries know there is an alliance negotiation is going on. They'd expect at least one Plague dragon to be roaming around, no?"
"That'd probably be right, but even in the context of an alliance, I don't think the Galries will think very highly of me. It'd be better if I stayed back here for a while."
Laeveris nodded her head, "That would be wise... But if I run into an opportunity to meet with the Ambassador, I'm not letting you miss out on it. And I know you may not be the person for it but... If you'd like to bring back some souvenirs..."
"Souvenirs won't be needed", Wowzers chuckled softly, "I'm glad I brought you along. Delphian would've mouthed off Gallah back there".
"Speaking of which, I wonder how she might be doing..."
"I've reassured her plenty of times things will be fine before we left, but now that our return has been delayed we should update the Sanctuary".
"Oh, absolutely. Should we knock out a rough draft before starting the week?"
Wowzers nodded, flitting over to perch on Laeveris' shoulder as Laeveris prepared a blank page in her planner and took up a pencil. Laeveris' hand would blankly hover around the page, thinking of what exactly to write until Wowzers piped up.
"You don't need to overthink this. Just let the Sanctuary know what we'll be gone for another week — and also mention the arrangements the Sanctuary had agreed to." Wowzers instructed.
Taking what she said in mind, Laeveris' hand movements paused momentarily before she began writing things down. Some moments would pass silently with only the sound of scribbling filling the room. Once done, Laeveris set down the pencil on the bed and lifted the planner to her shoulder for Wowzers to read. Even with Laeveris's considerations, Wowzers still had to lurch forward some distance in order to read the page. After a moment, Wowzers nodded her head, and with that Laeveris set down the planner and looked out the window.
"Sounds like a deal then. I'll see to it that this letter gets sent out today — but now comes the issue of finding some parchment paper, and a proper writing utensil come to think of it".
"Good luck," Wowzers began climbing down from Laeveris's shoulder, "You're an Ice dragon, so they should take you asking around more kindly". Laeveris nodded, taking up the planner and sliding it into her satchel. As Laeveris climbed off the bed, Wowzers could feel the cushions rise as they were freed from Laeveris's immense weight.
"I'll be back, and with food if the gods are willing". Wowzers smiled slightly, "See you".
----------✧----------
"Meet me in the Sanctum's garden, tomorrow night. I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
Wowzers found this message dropped at the doorstep of her and Laeveris's residence this morning. It was contained in a nondescript envelope with a simple wax seal designed after the Galries crest. The letter itself also matched its envelope — a simple piece of paper seeming to lack the heft of fancier papers, and it was trimmed to match the length of the letter's actual contents. Wowzer's fins shifted to one side.
Wowzers glanced black to Laeveris, who was still asleep, comforted by the rays shining through the window of their residence. Wowzers sat for a couple moments more before slipping the letter back into its envelope, then concealing it in her clothing.
----------✧----------
"If you're indecisive about what flavors you'd like to try, you can fill out this quick quiz! I'll serve your friends first, but you can hand this to me once I get back." Mylah instructed, sliding a piece of paper and a small pencil to Wowzer's side of the table. Wowzers stared blankly at the form.
"I have never in my life heard tea be described this way", Wowzers commentated for the other two sitting at the table, "At most, Wasteland folk describes it as sweet or sour..." She added, looking over the list of options for tea flavors and smells.
The Ambassador leaned over to look at the form, "Is there anything that you'd like help with?"
"Not really. I know what all of these words mean, I'm just struggling to apply them to tea, of all things." After examining the form a bit longer, Wowzers went ahead and marked a small selection of the flavors available, and marked off all options for tea smell. The options for smells seemed redundant, it wouldn't matter as long as the tea didn't smell rotten. Wowzers attempted to slide her form to the edge of the table, but noticing that her arms wouldn't reach, Laeveris slid it the rest of the way there.
"That aside, it's an honor to meet you, Ambassador Wynne." Wowzers began.
"It's great to see you too, Sanctuary Leader... Err..."
"Wowzers."
"Wowzers! I am so sorry."
"No need to apologize... I'm curious, Ambassador, what made you invite me today?"
Wynne's body tilted back as he tried to think. "Does it have to be a good answer?"
"No."
"Great, because really, I had no reason. I just saw Laeveris sitting in the tea shop and remembered that you two are from the Sanctuary, so I smelled an opportunity to meet both of you!"
"I'm sure Wowzers would like that a lot about you," Laeveris added, to which Wowzers agreed, nodding her head.
"Sometimes you can't wait for conditions to be perfect, so you'll have to learn when to take any opportunity — that's one of many things you'll need to know when living in the Wasteland."
"Geez, you know how many Plague rumors are floating around in the Galries, you aren't exactly helping the Sanctuary's case here!" Wynne laughed, a tinge of nervousness in his voice.
"It's probably not the rumors' fault entirely, as aren't rumors based in some sort of truth if not twisted by word of mouth? Rest assured, life at the Sanctuary shouldn't be the fight for survival Nature dragons will have you think. At most, you'd only need to worry about dragons from outside the grounds."
"Mmm..."
"Laeveris, Ambassador Wynne!" The voice of Mylah rang out, "Your tea is ready!" The coatl rolled a cart to the table, topped with an Imperial-sized pitcher and cup and a smaller, Mirror-sized cup. Mylah tilted her body to the side, looking past the large pitcher, "Have you filled out your — oh!" Mylah took up the filled out form from the edge of the table, setting it onto her cart. "We'll have your tea in a moment. Laeveris..." Mylah added quietly, "Could you take your pitcher, it's so heavy and I don't want it to spill..."
Laeveris obliged, setting her orders and Wynne's onto the table. As Mylah wheeled away, Laeveris took to pouring some tea into her cup.
"You like my clan's tea that much?" Wynne tilted his head, ogling the huge pitcher.
"Well, it's a good product. Plus, we don't have much to make tea in the Wasteland. Nothing good, anyway".
"Why not get exports then?"
"Nature dragons aren't the only ones who spread Plague rumors", Wowzers explained, "Due to the risks presented by the Wasteland, not many clans outside the territory are fond of working with us. For the ones that do, it's been decided that it's best to ask what we need of them, not what we want".
"Well — now that the Galries and the Sanctuary are allied, maybe I can ask Gallah to send some tea exports?" Wynne proposed, an air of excitement in his voice.
Wowzers shuffled around, but as she did, the letter she hid earlier began rubbing against her scales. "I'm sure the dragons of the Sanctuary might like that, but I wouldn't try convincing her too hard. Can't risk overdoing things..." She added silently.
"I'll try talking to her tonight". Wynne took up his cup as Laeveris was working her way through her third. Finally, Mylah came back carrying a small platter with several cups of tea. "When looking over your form your responses were... very general, so our artisans decided to give you a sampling, as you are an esteemed guest at the Galries and a stranger to tea!" Wowzers fins flared wildly as Mylah placed the tea cups one by one, another disgruntled expression staring back at her with every cup, totaling four.
Wowzers side-eyed Mylah, "We don't have to pay for these extras, do we?"
"Of course not." Mylah reassured.
Wowzers convinced her fins to calm as she took up her first cup of tea. To end this interaction as soon as possible, she took large, spaced out gulps, finishing each cup in a couple of seconds. As a consequence, she was feeling winded by the time she put down her last cup. Wowzers sat a moment to recover, only then realizing Mylah was still there, spectating.
"So, which was your favorite?" Wowzers squinted at the cups.
"I wasn't keeping track of the differences. None of them tasted bad, is the least I can say."
"Mmm! I suppose you have very general tastes then. Will that be enough tea for you then?" Wowzers nodded. Frankly, she never even anticipated getting this many cups. Mylah began taking up Wowzers' cups, Wowzers herself helping by scooting some of the further cups towards Mylah.
"Ambassador Wynne, are you done with your cup?" Mylah questioned. Wynne nodded, sliding his cup over, "I think I've had enough for today".
"And what about you, Sanctuary Leader Laeveris?"
"I might stay here for a bit longer, actually. Some tea cakes once I finish this pitcher would be nice, something to calm the nerves, too." Though it was easy to accept this extended stay at the Galries as a vacation in the moment, the implications of having her web of schedules shifted was beginning to hit Laeveris.