mandalus :: the city of fates.

[The hideout the C'Meni are in is dark and purposefully so. They don't want to be found again. With Iafara kidnapped, it is P'Tyara's task to lead their people, but it is proving to be difficult. She was never raised as a leader. When she begins her message, there is a long pause of static, before the image clears up to show the dimly lit place they hide in. The video is encrypted, far beyond what any of the System had previously been capable of and P'Tyara looks understandably concerned.]

Some of you may not remember me, some may not have met me. I am P'Tyara, guard and lady-in-waiting to Z'moni Iafara. Princess of the C'Meni. She, and many of our people, were kidnapped during the siege on the Starport. [She swallows a knot of emotion - not sadness; rage.] It has taken this long for us to be certain of our safety, and to set up safer situations for those arriving in the city.

[She glances aside to a few of her people, nearby but only just within the shot.] New arrivals are coming up at the beach in the Old Town district. This is because it is us, the C'Meni, who were forced to be those who welcomed you all. We were forced to do the things that are done to you when you arrive, for your own safety, I promise you that.

[P'Tyara sighs, knowing she'll be questioned for all sorts of things she's saying, but not minding. They deserve answers.] Bangles will no longer be put on those arriving, and I would like to discuss removing them from those of you who still have them. As long as the Cult of Mes'Klou still have control of the Bangles, they have control of all of you.

[There's a brief pause and her gaze sets harder, a frown creasing her brow.] In our time in hiding, we have discovered both the location of our kidnapped C'Meni brethren, and of a prison beneath the city. Our people are there, and some of yours might well be. We need to plan, to rescue them.

This line is secure. More secure than any of your conversations have been. So, please, speak with me. [She nods once, and ends her message.]

Hello to the City of Mandalus and Honored Guests.

[ Like the News Broadcasts, the Mandalus Network comes alive in the early hours of the morning. Standing in front of the camera is a woman with a strong expression on her face. Proud, noble, and yet hardened by war. She nods her head respectfully towards the camera. ]

You know my people by the name of C'Meni. The group that several of you helped out of the crater? Those are my people. I am Princess Iafara. My people come from beyond the barrier. There are several things we wish to share with you, out of gratitude for aiding us and being so generous. While I understand that you have no reason to trust us, I hope that our willingness to co-operate will be enough to build that trust.

My people long have celebrated the Ancient Gods and know of the texts and stories of our world. Our priests, while they are few, believe they can return those you have lost from beyond. The ceremony is not without its risks. However, we hear that the Toni Kdara - those you call the System - bring the departed back frequently.

[ From Iafara's left, another woman steps into the shot and turns her head to speak quietly to the Princess. Her words cannot be heard by anyone else. Finally she turns her attention to the screen with an equally serious expression. ]

As z'moni said, there are risks. Unlike the... System, we are not able to play with life and death so easily. We will return the dead to you only with express permission from those nearest the deceased.

[ The other woman falls quiet. Iafara raises her hand and gently places it on the woman's shoulder. ] This is P'Tyara. In your system of royalty, she would be known as my lady-in-waiting. If I cannot answer your questions, then P'Tyara can.

[ Iafara then moves to the side, gesturing to the small group of C'Meni. Who are already at work building something. ] We have advanced technology, as many of you saw in the Home. I believe you refer to it as the Facility? We believe that we can construct a device that will destroy the ghoul known as Mes'Klou. We require your help in its construction. If you would like to help us, then please. Contact us on this message.