Welcome to Gaia! ::

If Max had any sort of fear or reservation about letting the spider within Ryumi's grasp, it didnt show. His mismatched eyes followed her pinkish red eyes to the little creature and back. He could see the curiosity in her face, that hunger to see and learn and it made him smile. His glance shifted to Raven, it seemed even the curious cat wanted to know how this would play out.

And...was that heat? Warmth spreading into and across his hand. He watched with an astonished sort of curiosity as something blossomed from Ryumi. White, and bright and visible only through one of his eyes. It was some sort of goodness, happiness and peace. Without words, feelings were the next most natural method of communication. It made such perfect sense, but more over it felt...like nothing he had ever felt before, a sort of untouched purity as only a newborn could present.

"I... I think she's saying hello... Do you feel that, Max?" Max laughed a light sort of laugh and said. "I do, I really do. But more importantly..."

If Ryumi was not already touching the eye legged ambassador, Maximos brought it closer. Like putting a lizard under a heating lamp, and then he said. "Do you think he does?"

The Shadow craned his head back over his shoulder and said, "Damion, would you care to translate?"

First meetings were important. They set the precidence for later meetings and let two or more parties know the others intentions, usually through the trial and error process of modified sign language or perhaps the giving of gifts. Ryumi had the lucky ability to bypass that in her own way by broadcasting her feelings like a magical empathic tower, sending it straight to the little creature held in Maximos's hand. The issue presented here, however, is that one party had no idea how to reciprocate just yet. There was a confused moment for the tiny intelligence, a waving of forelegs in concerned patterns that meant nothing to the larger creatures that surrounded it. How could it explain that it came in peace, and meant them no harm?

Damion seemed to jerk abit as he was addressed, jumping in his seat and blinking owlishly at the assembled.

" Sorry, must have zoned out."

But that wasn't the case at all he realised. Even as he spoke he knew all that was going through the creatures mind and ultimate the hive mind itself, the locus broadcasting frantically in the hopes of explanation.

" The hive mind understands her intent, if not the method of transmittal, and wishes for her to not crush the.....Ambassador."

The Hydra spoke slowly, having to piece together the words from half formed images and thoughts. While the hive mind as a whole was intelligent enough in its own right, it was an alien intelligence made up of the minds of hundreds of spiders not just to include the 50 that lurked on Damion's person. It was alittle like speaking to someone who didn't speak your native language, trying to communicate with pictures and hand signals until the point was made.

" The spider-kin is honored to meet with the Draconic representative."

Spider-kin? That was new, Damion hadn't received that thought before. He frowned as the implications of that bothered him. Spider-kin implied another intelligence linked with the greater hive mind, perhaps a creature he hadn't yet encountered. Or maybe it was the creatures names for themselves, which meant a higher intelligence than he previously thought.

"And, it seems, surpassing her father." Max said with a grin, as a friendly little jab to his good draconic buddy. As the Arbiter of this little meeting, the Shadow passed his hand over Ryumi's and therefore over the spider and said, "May this be the first step of a proper peace between the Kazamaru and the Red Spider-kin."

He smiled a wide warm and beaming smile at Ryumi, reaching out with his other hand to very rub a finger down her cheek, careful of her sensitive newborn skull, and said. "You did very well Ryumi."

And then lift both his hands to up in front of his face letting the little spider rest in the crook between both of his palms and added, "And so did you little one."

Then, true to his word without further adieu brought the arachnid back to Damion, holding out his hand so that he may overturn it and let the spider fall back in his owners grasp. And with that, he would clap his hands together as if dusting them off and then look around the room and say. "So then! Whats next?"

If the spider felt anything at all, it gave no physical sign, turning slowly as Maximos regarded it to look up at him with all of it's eyes. Damion too was watching his friend as the 'meeting' was concluded and both parties took their leave. It wasn't until the spider was rejoined to the hydra that the latter seemed to relax, a smile twisting one corner of his lips upwards to reveal a glimmer of teeth, " I believe food was mentioned at the beginning of these negotiations."

He hardly waited for confirmation from any quarter, standing up almost fast enough to dislodge his spider friends and moving for the kitchen. It's not like he was hungry at all and he wasn't going to eat but it was something people did in parties like this. Drink, Eat, and be merry.

The ambassador scuttled up his hosts arm while it spoke, watching the room as intently as it could. Even if the other meat creatures in the room couldn't understand it, the spider thought he had done well, psychic communications making the entire ordeal that much easier. Nothing was sacrificed and no one got hurt, a kind of peace brokered, all in all a good deal. Raven might have been able to see tiny whisps of an all to human happiness flickering within Damions aura were the spider sat on his shoulder.

The cat jumped with a yowl of surprise more than pain, but her claws did shoot out as she almost lost her balance... digging into whatever she could, flesh or cloth.

There was an old saying about pulling a tiger by it's tail... that sort of thing applied to all cats in general xp

The cat gratefully scrambled up John's arm and across his shoulders to hide in his hair, sticking her cold little nose in his ear as he made mention of giving her back to the baby... there was no way that was happening, that kid had a grip like iron! xp

Vargus blushed a little as everyone complimented her cooking. It was well known that the Kazamaru brothers delighted in her culinary talents, but hearing praise from so many was a rare thing indeed. I wouldn't praise it until you've sampled it, but thank you nonetheless. Vargus was highly empathic and capable of reading the emotions of others. It helped with her healing of patients and easing suffering. In that vein, she picked up on Max's confusion as he determined what to call her. Miss Kobayashi will do, Mister Maximos, if you wish. Vargus was not especially fond of standing on ceremony. She'd spent much of her life listening to everyone call her "Lady Kobayashi." Being the daughter of a High Council member tended to carry with it such respects, and she'd always found it overbearing. Of course, special celebrations were another thing all together.

If you're so fond of it, I should have Vargus write the recipe down and give it over to Walter. That man knows how to cook, that's for sure. Ryugi almost wished he'd invited the man to the gathering. He was sure Walter didn't get out much. He always saw the man watering his plants, caring for the house, or some such thing. Sworn oath to Maximos or not, Ryugi thought Walter could use a little celebration at some point. Ryugi stood up and walked over to the kitchen table, carrying Ryumi in his arms. Younglings like Ryumi, even in human form, did not suckle like human children. Her system was born ready to munch down solid foods, especially meat. While she'd kept her mouth closed for the most part, little Ryumi had a full set of teeth, something that would certainly stand out among human babies her age.

As Ryugi stood by the table and Maximos spoke up about seating, Vargus replied. I'm glad you mentioned that, Mister Maximos. Angaran customs are something of an interest to you, are they not? Since this is a special occasion, we'll sit in the traditional style. She moved the pot into the center of the table and continued speaking. Ryugi and I will sit here in the middle of the side of the table facing the rest of the room. I will sit to his right. Traditionally, dragon society on Angara focused around a matriarchal concept. Protect the female and her offspring. Thus, as many dragons found they were "right handed" in their human forms the male was seated to the left, so that the drawing of his blade could easily sweep across an attacker and move in front of the female if she were to be attacked.

As Vargus spoke, Ryugi moved to her left and pulled the chair out for her. But she did not sit immediately, and neither did Ryugi. Mister Maximos, as the godfather of our child, you will sit to my right. Traditionally, this is where the trusted adviser to the family would sit. In most cases the adviser was an older family member, or a close and trusted friend. As you will be guiding Ryumi, and a directing figure in her life, and due to your status as a most trusted friend of the family, it is only right that you sit here. Vargus would motion to the chair to her right, still standing. It was strange how the gentle woman could pick up such a strong air of authority so quickly. She went from housewife and cook, to commanding the dinner table and leader of the family unit in just an instant.

I will sit to the left of Ryugi. If anything should happen to him, it is my duty as his brother to step up and protect the family. Ryudo seemingly appeared next to Ryugi. The shadowy dragon man had a way of being able to slink about undetected, popping up unexpectedly as if he'd been there all along. It was a skill he'd mastered as a young man, and carried with him to this day. By the sound of his voice, even this nonchalant and seemingly self-absorbed man took his family duties most seriously.

Vargus didn't miss a beat, and picked up where Ryudo left off. The rest of you may sit wherever you wish on the opposite side of the table. This seating arrangement allows the family unit to admire their home and friends at the same time, and reminds them of things to be most thankful for before eating. It also serves the defensive purpose of being able to see an attacker before they could strike at the family. Ryugi and Ryudo took their seats as Vargus finished, but Vargus herself continued to stand. For serving, I shall start with myself first, to ensure I get what I need to survive first. Vargus grabbed hold of a ladle and served herself a helping of stew before continuing. Next, I serve our adviser so that his mind may remain clear, and not be effected by hunger. Maximos was served a large helping of stew in his bowl as well, larger than Vargus. Of course, this was simply due to how much Vargus wanted, and not part of the ceremonial side of things. My mate is served next so that he might remain strong to protect me and my children, followed by the other siblings. Ryugi and Ryudo were served next.

Finally, I am to serve all our guests, the food being a presentation of our family's means and a gift to you, our friends, so that we might sustain your bodies as well as our friendships. Each guest at the table would get an equal helping of stew from the pot, Vargus taking a second look at John and adding just a little more for the big man before moving on, serving various drinks to each guest in the same order. Now, while the family is served first, everyone begins eating at the same time, a reminder that our friendships have brought us all together, that we share in the light of this moment together, and that together we move on ahead and into the future, sharing both good times and bad.

After finishing, Vargus would finally sit, everyone served as Ryugi would stand. Now, this isn't part of the ceremony, but I wanted to take the opportunity for another toast. He grabbed hold of his glass and glanced to each person at the table. Maximos had been there for him as a friend, mentor, and comrade for years now. As far as he was concerned, the shadow man from Aria was as close to his heart as his own brother. They'd shared good times, bad times, and strained their friendship almost to the breaking point, but friendship was something that held strong, and could not be broken simply by a few spats over the years.

Stephen, while quiet since his arrival, had also been a dear friend of Ryugi's. The young man had followed Ryugi into battle on several occasions, gladly accepting his orders, and fighting with all his heart. He was a good man, and one that Ryugi was proud to call his friend. They'd been through thick and thin, fought each other, and the man had seen it fit to introduce Ryugi to his adopted daughter, an act that Ryugi wished to repay by having the young man here this day to celebrate the birth of his own daughter.

Hono and John were a fine couple. Hono had picked Ryugi up and put him back together more than a couple times. She was catty, wise in her ways, and playful. She, too, had battled at his side more than once, and for that he was thankful to share this time with her. John was a man Ryugi only knew by stories and word of mouth, but from what he had heard, the man sitting so calmly in his home was a man of great power, and a man of respect. He was a lover to Hono, and a dear friend of Maximos, and that alone spoke volumes about the worthiness of this man to be here at the birth of Ryumi and to celebrate this moment with Ryugi and his family.

Tilly Pace had followed Ryugi for years now. She was a little voice clinging to his tailcoats, and always curious about the world around her. Ryugi considered the little muse a sister to him, and he'd defend her against any man that tried to turn her young and sweet mind into mush. The little muse would always be welcome in Ryugi's home, and he was happy to be sharing this wonderful and special moment with her as well. Plus, he hoped that she and Ryumi would be good friends. Every young girl needed another to call "friend" and Ryugi hoped Tilly would gladly take that title.

Damion Hedly, a man who had gone through more metamorphoses than most. He'd met the man a few years ago when he joined up with Ryugi for HEaven or Hell, but even then, out-powered and outgunned, Damion showed he was a mighty fighter, capable of defeating some of the strongest opponents known in the competitive circles. Damion was a man of passion, of fire, and of almost animalistic drives to follow his heart. He was strange, that was for sure, but the swap-dwelling man had never done Ryugi wrong, and had always had his back when Ryugi needed him. For that, Ryugi was thankful, and glad to have the man here with him now.

Last came the frost paladin. Ryugi still didn't remember her name all the time. In fact, he'd only met her a total of three times, including now. However, the woman had come to Ryugi looking to improve her elemental masteries, being the only person she viewed as a brother in this strange land called Gaia. For some reason, as Ryugi looked around the crowd of his dearest friends, he found only two faces truly absent. The first was his pupil Damrius who Ryugi had not seen in ages, but the second was Ammiel Moonblade. Ryugi's earliest friend since coming to Leviathan Stadium years ago, and his unofficial rival. The circumstances of Moonblade's death still ate away at Ryugi behind his veil of joviality, but his friend was in a better place now. Ryugi's last thought as he looked around the table was that he'd wished his old friend could have been here to share in the moment with him, but such was life.

All of you, thank you for being here. You're my nearest and dearest friends and acquaintances, and I'm glad to be sharing this moment with all of you. So, a toast to good friends, good food, and good times. Ryugi would raise his glass, glancing once more around the table before taking a sip of his drink in tandem with his friends. Now then... Let's eat!