They understand much. The Empress signed discretely to Ehtelë following quickly by another odd gesture as she followed Lord Besarian forgoing the ritual herself.
“By command of Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Daughter of Heaven.” Ehtelë announced as he turned to face the Arda Tuluvans, “We are to submit ourselves to the Ritual of Purification.”
The Empress opted for the railway cabin, her robes were far to heavy and cumbersome for an elegant stroll that long, it didn’t help that her neck was beginning to stiffen from weight of her headdress. The Empress was attended by Arda Tuluva’s Consul of State,
Inglor Lord Anordradil; her Ómari and seneschal,
Ehtelë; and her two standard-bearers. The rest of the Arda Tuluvan entourage took the pathway that lead to the Castle proper.
When Queen Vikoriya presented her gift the Arda Tuluvan Empress accepted it personally, a small smile appeared on her lips as she locked eyes with her fellow monarch. She thanked her host, “It is with gratitude that we accept this gift. As it is, salt holds a long historical importance to my people and society.”
Then Lodjan Finance Minister, Dragan Knežević, presented his gift. He, too, like the others averted his eyes. These small gestures that her hosts give have already gone a long way in impressing the Empress. The Arda Tuluvan sovereign made a gesture of thanks and warding of omens with her right hand (the pointer and pinky fingers folded in while the other three remained straight and she waved a small circle). The Empress’ most trusted
anvir’arma took the pillow case from Minister Knežević and presented it to the Autárimë Empress, who nodded her head approvingly while signing to Ehtelë as he handed it off to another attendant. “Her Most Sublime and August Majesty wishes to convey gratitude and thanks for this gift on from the Patricians of Lodja.” Ehtelë Voiced.
The same format followed after receiving the gift from Lady Utkin, Ehtele took the cushion presenting it to the Autárimë Empress before handing it off to another attendant, “Her Most Sublime and August Majesty wishes to convey gratitude and thanks for this gift on from the Plebeians of Lodja.” Ehtelë Voiced.
A box made of sandalwood and gilded in intricate golden designs was brought before Queen Vikoryia and was opened for her. “Jade, silk, and saffron.” The Empress said, it had taken Ehtelë off guard who looked a bit shocked. “We present the three traditional gifts to you as a sign of Our thanks and of Our hopes for a fruitful meeting.”
The Autárimë Empress followed in stride with the Lodjan Queen. The two glided down the corridor with such poise and grace it appeared to many the two floated, they held an aura of authority, of power: truly goddesses of their domains.
“We do what destiny wills.” The Empress said in response. “We are also arbiters of our own fate. For We are Heaven’s chosen and you selected by Sessifet.” She said with conviction. Like her counterpart the Arda Tuluvan sovereign kelpt her eyes forward as if peering into the their future. “We are beacons of light in a world dominated by men. We shall be a pharos to guide the ships of fortune and fate. In ages past the Queendom and the Empire worked hand in hand to the benefit of all. It is with this in mind that We are desirous to bring about an era of prosperity and tranquility between Lodja and Arda Tuluva.”
Any desire, Majesty. Did you hear that? Ehtelë signed to the Empress whose eyes shot him a quick, admonishing look as she flicked her hand. He bowed quickly and formally in apology, eyes averted to the floor as he took a few steps back allowing the Empress to pass by. The Empress and the Consul held a brief conversation before he departed to Arda Tuluva's embassy to meet with the ambassador and other concerns there.
“Her Most Sublime and August Majesty expresses great joy and gratitude for such honors of staying in the Divine Queen’s Palace.” He said to Lady Anna as the Empress walked by followed by a host of servants holding the sigils. “I am called Ehtelë, chief
anvir’arma and primary seneschal to the Daughter of Heaven.”
He gestured to for Lady Anna to enter first before following her inside. Soon an army of attendants flooded the room bringing in various cases and trunks. The Arda Tuluvan sovereign had disappeared into her bedroom to change and prepare for tea later that day.
He gestured to one of the couches in the parlor for Lady Anna before taking a seat himself. “I am sure you have been informed already, but I would be lacking in my duties if I did not stress the following.” He smiled at her reassuringly, “It is of great importance that you, nor your staff, speak or make eye contact with the Daughter of Heaven. If, by some miracle, the Daughter of Heaven speaks to you, you must show complete difference averting your gaze and first refer to the Daughter of Heaven as ‘Your Most Sublime and August Majesty’ and then thereafter as ‘Your Imperial Majesty.’”
“Any and all concerns or questions should be brought to my attention. Rituals and tradition govern all aspects of the Daughter of Heaven’s life. I do not believe there is enough time to explain even a tenth of them before our visit if over.” He said humorously with a smile.
It was then that Ehtelë requested that he be showed the apartments and staff that the Lodjans had prepaired for the Arda Tuluvans' stay.
He was informed that the cooking staff were becoming proficient in Arda Tuluvan cuisine, which was met with approval from Ehtelë.
After assessing the rooms and meeting the staff the Empress' senechal nodded his respects to Lady Anna, "Lodja truly is a most honorable and gracious host, Lady Anna. This shall go far in the eyes of the Daughter of Heaven."
The two had taken their seats back in the main reception area of the suite. Other Lodjan servants brought and prepared traditional Arda Tuluvan jasmine tea. Ehtelë took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by its aroma and taste. Just delightful. As the two drank the tea Ehtelë had, quite diplomatically, steered the conversation to the subject of Lodjan Royal protocol. He inquired if there was any special ritual or procedure the Empress should be aware of when meeting with Lodja's Divine Queen.
He has listened to Lady Anna and as she finished another of the Empress' servants appeared, bowed politely to the two then whispered in Ehtelë's ear. He raised a brow quisitively. He turned his head slowly to Anna. "Today is full of surprises. It appeared, Lady Anna, that you have been granted a rare opportunity for you have been summoned by the Daughter of Heaven."
Ehtelë lead Anna to the sleeping quarters given to Arda Tuluva's sovereign. Bowing low at the waist Ehtelë announced their arrival. There was a large paper multipaneled screen set up with lovely paintings of women regaling along a river bank with an abundance of flowered and cranes. The women were dressed in the style of the old Cúldarë dynasty show casing it's age.
Beyond the screen a blurred silhouette of the Empress could be seen. She appeared to sit, back facing them, almost lazily on a chair, yet with an aura of grace and authority. Two female servants attended to her hair, styling and adorning it with pendants and ornaments; while tworking others were rubbing oils onto her arms and legs.
It seemed an eternity before the Daughter of Heaven finally spoke, "Anna Immich, Chief Lady in Waiting to the Queen." She paused again. Her voice was soft, precise and astute. "A lofty position that few truly understand. Privy to much, yet unnoticed by many." She extended her arm as the oiks and lotions were worked further into her smooth, unblemished skin.
"Before We met with your monarch We would know who Queen Viktoriya truly is, of her character and person. Know that We have no ulterior motives. We wish only for harmony between Arda Tuluva and Lodja."