Their wait was short, as predicted. The man who came to greet them was not what Aiesha had expected—not a mazoi as would be proper should someone come calling at the edge of Satriya, but a man with an impenetrable air about him. He commanded the space in a remarkable way; merely approaching and standing firm before them, he announced himself and there was not a breath wasted, nor a hair out of place.

Osiris wasted no time and launched in to his own announcement of the amiirad's arrival, and as the words flowed from the lion's mouth with a booming certainty of their own, Aiesha felt herself waver internally. Her titles were accurate and held their own power, although she felt uncomfortable as they were relayed, as if they were indeed a lie.

Beside the man from Tianlong—Téng Shēn Léi, Emperor, her mind raced—there was a prowling pale figure who earned a brief, nervous, shrouded glance from the girl. She cleared her throat and focused.

The air was still a moment before Aiesha tried to speak for herself, keeping as calm as she could. This was above and beyond the lessons of her father—and for the first time she doubted herself and her dream of exploration, of diplomacy across the new world.

I wish to extend a warm greeting. I... Hope I have not disturbed you. I met one of your people while traveling in the west who spoke proudly of Tianlong. In the moment Layre's name slipped her mind and to smooth that over, Aiesha hurried along.

I wish to extend—an offering of friendship, in the interest of learning about one-another. She closed that off with a smile, which felt forced, and then thought—should she bow? No, she was a princess, but... he was an Emperor! What was an Emperor? Oh, gods...