Tan was thankful that he didn't have to take off his gauntlet for once. A couple times he had simply refused to even meet with the person unless he got to keep it. Whatever was underneath it was something he was not willing to share.Yen Ai
The attendant and guards were a bit annoyed at the amount of equipment being dropped off. But to the question posed, the attendant responded, "You can keep that." Assuming everything had been gathered, up, the attendant said, "Please, follow me."
The two were led into the audience complex, where they entered into a hall that was wide and narrow. Passing by a few guards and aides who seemed to be lingering for reasons unknown, they reached the end, which opened up into a massive room. Through the large gateway, they could see a guard stationed at either side of the doorway on the inside. By each side door to the room stood one guard. And two stairways at either end of the room led up to an elevated dais about 3 feet from the groud. Behind a large, full-fronted desk sat a skinny man in elaborate robes and a young, dainty-looking woman, who despite her physique, was fully armed. The attendant, having led them in a short ways, bowed to both people behind the desk individually, then moved slightly to the side and said, "King of Yin, Xia Gongzhu, announcing Chen Tan and Qiao Mi, here upon invitation of the Princess." He turned and gave a polite bow to the visitors, and drifted off a bit to the side.
Xia Xi looked at the two with a bit of curiosity, and wondered to himself if his daughter had invited them here with the intent of fighting them, too. At least one appeared to be female. He said, "Welcome to Zhaoge, guests. I hope your journey was without incident. I am not aware of the purpose of the visit, so I give the floor to you."
He inclined his head towards his host as he was introduced, which was about as much recognition as anyone was ever going to get from him. Qiao Mi bowed properly at least. "The purpose of this visit." He paused, "Is that apparently your daughter would like me to enter your service. Though it wasn't stated, I assume this means my soldiers as well."
He wasn't one for too many words it seemed. Mi cleared her throat and spoke up, "We have met your daughter previously on the road under ill circumstances. I myself have seen her again since then." She sighed a bit inwardly. "I am not sure of Lady Xia's motive for asking us of all people, but that, I assume, is something you would need to ask her."[/quote]