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The man had walked in silently, stare level as he did. Not so much in defiance, but that he would take what was to come. He wasn't one to beg or plead. If his words were to come with punishment, so be it. He didn't feel he had much left to go on anyway as it was.

He listened as Kiwi was spoken to, the others from the Silver realm having been called upon as well before he was addressed. It became rather obviously what this was about at that point. While he wasn't aware of how the others had done, this was about that choice, wasn't it? Though not initially. His failures, as much as he hated to admit it, were the first time to be brought up. Yes, he hadn't been the most successful, but at least the king realized it wasn't from lack of effort.

If nothing else, yes perhaps it was well enough to return alive from such a place. Certainly some must have fallen? He merely took the statements in silence, thinking it best not to reply. He had little ground to stand on to argue the points, and they were true enough. Denial of fact never got anyone anywhere.

Then came the question he'd anticipated to a degree, perhaps not in his case, but for the others. Still, apparently the king did hold true to his word. They could be in peace, or choose to fight alongside them. He simply lifted his face a bit, watching the man as he obviously considered. Though he had been for a while. The decision wasn't an easy one, he did not dislike his old way of life, nor the Kingdom he had come from. He wished to see them prosper once more, but that wasn't an option, was it? All he could do was hold what was still there and live. To protect as he could. With that in mind he spoke after a moment, voice as level as possible.

"No, you would not force us." He stated, watching the Emperor before him for any reaction. "Nor would you abandon us. Or so would seem the way of your people." He added, thinking back to the events of the day. Rather than turning them away when he saw what had happened, Mengyao had found use for them, a purpose. Even if it was also in his best interest as well. "I still wish not harm another of my own should they do no harm here; however, I do not wish to see this land fall." He added, frowning at the thought. The people here did not deserve what had become of Silver in his mind. "Before I stated, I did not know your people. Your land so I could make no choice. For I would not fight for one who I could not yet judge." He added, thinking a moment on how to best word his thoughts before speaking again. "However, your people are an image of you in a way. Such as we, the Silver were an image of our King. If they are to speak for you, then you are worth protecting as well." He then let his head drop a bit, a polite gesture as he crossed an arm over his chest in a bow. "If you are willing to forgive my wish to save the remnants of my people still, I will trade my services to protect yours. I will see any who strike against these lands as striking against my own as well. May Edric become a home for my people as well as yours."

With that, lifted his head slightly, watching the King of Gold a moment through it for a reply. Certainly he would agree, for in truth it meant Molan merely wished to further bolster the land's populace. And if his own struck against the Gold, he too would see them as an enemy. For if he was to make a new home for his people, any to harm it were as such.

(( Spoke to Kuro earlier for OK to accept bit and move on. ))

The shift wasn't exactly unpleasant, nor normal. But it seemed to be overly as quickly as it had begun, an odd feeling. An emptiness briefly, and then once again a warmth. Similar to before the kingdom had fallen. It was a feeling he'd known only a day before and never realized he'd lost it. With it came some sorrow, realizing in a way he had just betrayed his home. Not entirely, but at the same time... Even if it returned he could never go back. He was no longer one of them and wouldn't be. "I, will do all in my ability to serve." If it meant protecting those who should not fall, dying was within reason. ...as well as ending the life of one who would destroy kindness. Yes, it would be worth it in the end. "Thank you." With that, he bowed his head at dismissal. Assuming he had business with the two women before he moved off, his miasma clearly showing his choice at that point. As did the stone he now carried with him.

As he said. He would do what he must to prevent further tragedy.

That task completed, he did head out toward the main room, finally breathing a sigh as he left the sight of the king. Well, he could relax a bit for now... or not. He had only a second before he spotted a similar figure off to one side, still holding something owed to him. "Kashiyoru." He stated it rather firmly as he walked over toward the man. He was dead set on getting it back now.

Only a select few who were close in proximity to the Empress would have seen the slightly devilish glint in her eyes when the woman asked her, the quiet voice travelling between them softly. She wouldn't say though, it was her little secret.

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out~" She sing-songed lightly to the young miss, before looking up to Shaheen again, giving her a look. It was kind of the look that said, I think I will go bathe, you're welcome to join me if you wish, as I am sure that the mark on your hand is the same as mine and I feel we need to talk before I have a mental breakdown.

She could say a lot with a look.

Flicking her eyes over to Lan, she rose her eyebrows lightly, giving her a simular look. They all needed a break, it appeared.

"I think it's safe to say that Lan and I are in needs of a washing, seeing as everyone else seems to be settled up now. Anyone who is still in the need of a good wash can follow, if they wish." She stated, before going to get cleaned up. Turning to Mjoll, she gave the girl a sweet smile.

"Offer clothing to those that still need them?"

[OOC: This happens ICly Pre-voice Appearance]

Kiwi seemed to have zoned out a moment, and coming to suddenly, allowed his fan to fall still as he gave a sweeping bow. "As you wish my lord." He turned, stepping once more through the crowd. His eyes searched faces, ignoring the glimmering robes about him as he did his best to locate the others.

He noticed Ligaya not far from the fountain, and still looking quite wet. And not far from her, Sap seemed to be passed out near the bath area. He approached Sap first, gingerly prodding her into awareness, and motioned Ligaya to join him.

As soon as the two were together, he spoke. "Pardon me, but the Emperor requires you both immediately. You may check in with lady Mjoll for a fresh change of clothes if you wish, but we must make haste."

He tapped his fan impatiently in one hand, staring down to them with a look that was both kind, and full of serious business.

[OOC: ICly happens Pre-Voice Appearance~]

She managed a smirk in return, twining her fingers with her hand, and eying said clothes with shaking her head a little. "I'm glad. And really, even with shredded clothing I'm pretty sure you would still look lovely." It made that squeezing feeling in her chest lighten, having Lan there in one whole piece, sweetly soft voice still the same as it ever was.

Fini's expression softened with the reassuring squeeze. She leaned a little into the other woman's side, taking just that moment - one small moment - to let everything fade to the background except right then. Just the two of them.

Just one moment.

"I will survive, I promise." Gazing at Lan, she didn't care if anyone else caught them. Fini leaned in and stole a sweet kiss from her, hovering there for a minute before ducking her head away, cheeks flaming red.

"You probably shouldn't keep his Highness waiting too long." She said with a shaky voice. "And, promise you'll be careful?" Fini whispered, slipping her gaze back up to Lan's.

He was dressed in the finest clothing he'd ever owned. His hair was slicked back, and clean. He probably smelled nice, that water seemed like it had something in it..

All in all, Bastion was actually, finally, feeling pretty good about himself when he walked out of the baths. That feeling remained, even when the first thing he saw was that man from earlier, being cuddled by the flirter he'd dealt with when he fell. Bastion stared at the two for a moment, before a giant grin lifted his features.

"HA!" He chirped out. "And you were worried about me? Hell, I'm a pussycat compared to this." Bastion shook his head and found himself a seat, refusing to miss the show. He felt so much better about his mix-up from earlier. It was clear this Molan just had that certain allure that called to men. It wasn't his fault he'd almost fallen for it.

'So precious.' Kashi smiled as Molan stuttered for a moment, but it was all over in a flash when Bastion chimed in. The flustered and blushing Molan became less meek and gave way to a more timorous in appearance. Like he was suddenly questioning Kashiyoru. He frowned and sent a glare in Bastions general direction.

"He's just jealous." Kashi smiled nervously. "Jealous he can't play in our reindeer games."

Jealous? Well, he didn't particularly seem it. Unless Bastion was an absolute master of the poker face, he actually seemed to be more unamused at this point than anything. He stared up at Kashi a moment, giving him a weird look at the term. Or maybe it was the truth and he was worse, just very good with words?

He was still busy trying to figure out just how much of it he believed, until the last bit as Bastion was heading off. There was the war, but he wasn't about to go doing that on the first day he met someone. Right? I mean, he'd thought it ridiculous earlier today when he fell it. Then again... nearly dying made one do stupid things. Uhg, he really was getting confused. His head really wasn't working. Though he did huff a bit, starring at Bastion as he headed off. "I... I stated I would aide as was needed, should it be time to fight I will." He decided not to comment on the other bit, still rather embarrassed with the whole thing, and confused.

He glanced cautiously at Kashi, trying to gage his expression a bit as he lifte dhis head again, obviously wanting to hear something of the truth from the man. "So, is it just a game to you?" Well, if it was. Then he'd have a bit of pouting to do on his own most likely, but... he wanted to trust someone who'd saved his life. But technically they both had. It made things more... complicated.

"Yeah. Sure. I'll see you out there. Maybe." Bastion rolled his eyes, grinning as he walked away - just in time to see the tail end of the Lady Lan pulling away from what looked liked a very tender moment. Had he just missed something juicy..? DAMN THESE BOYS. That would have been worth watching. He looked deflated, bowing his head respectfully to Lan as she walked, only to jump as her hand patted his rear in reward for a job well done. There was a moment of surprise, followed by a melting moment of satisfaction.

And that was why Bastion Leto loved his Kingdom, and was ready to go die for it.