Nine-hundred and ninety-two years. It was 992 years ago that the nameless orphan boy chosen by the Great Mother had been crowned River King and given the name 'Nijlon'; a name that out of respect of the man has never been given to another member of the Royal family. And it was 8 years before that that the scourge known as Ta'hamurg had been driven out by the Kantau. And the current River Queen was sitting in her silver throne, staring down at a servant who had relayed a message from an emissary from the nation that claimed descent from that scourge. River Queen Mata, the Second of her Name, was a young woman in her early twenties who many considered her to be quite beautiful with her dark skin, brilliant emerald eyes, and flowing golden hair. However, her appearance was marred by the dour expression that was always on her face. She was currently dressed in traditional dress, barefoot and topless with an exquisite and intricate blue and white skirt and a crown of silver studded with dazzling sapphires sitting atop her head. 

She was silent as she thought about what the servant had just told her. The River Queen had been busy bathing at the time of the emissary's arrival, and so he had been asked to wait in the courtyard of the Palace to await audience with her. She had no qualms against Sengri Ta'hamurg itself, though they claimed to be descendants of Ta'hamurg and worshiped the same foul God. But she was curious as to why they would be having a celebration for the thousandth year since the fall of Ta'hamurg, considering what she knew of them it hardly seemed like it would be something they would celebrate. The Kantau, on the other hand, most definitely would; though it would take place in 8 years at the celebration of the millennium since River King Nijlon's coronation. 

"So, a celebration in Sengri Ta'hamurg," she said slowly.

The servant nodded his head quickly, "Yes, your Grace."

Once more the River Queen stopped and thought, while the servant waited patiently. After a few more moment of deliberation she made a decision, "Fetch me the emissary, I wish to speak to him." Something didn't seem quite right to her, and she wanted to speak with the man carrying the message in person before making any final decisions.

"As you wish, your Grace," the servant replied with a bow, before making his way to the palace courtyard. The courtyard itself could also be referred to as a garden, due to the fact that it was composed of sections of lush and beautiful greenery with stone walkways set throughout. And the plants found there were not only plants native to Kant, but with species from far off corners of the world as well. It did not take long for the servant to find the emissary, and when he did he bowed his head before speaking, "The River Queen will speak with you now."

"I am honored" the emissary replies and follows the servant to the queen.

The servant led the man through the Palace, throughout the stone corridors to the River Queen's Throne Room. The Throne Room was a massive and spacious area, with a high vaulted ceiling and stone columns all along the side. Standing guard between the columns were men and women dressed in the armour and royal blue of the Royal guard, with muskets in their hands. The throne was located on a raised stone dais with a frame holding a dark blue curtain, which was currently open and exposing the throne and the River Queen sitting atop it. The wall behind the throne was painted with the image of a four-armed woman half-submerged in water, and the throne itself was built of beautifully carved white stone.

"So, I hear there is a celebration happening in your land," Mata II said, the same stern expression on her face as usual, "However, I wish to know more about it before I make any decisions."

"It is to celebrate the new millennium, and the great things it will bring to our world, your Majesty."

At that Mata raised an eyebrow. "Really? Your people would celebrate the fall of the civilization they hold in such high esteem?" she asked, still not entirely convinced, "Why?"

"We do not celebrate the fall, Highness, but the milennium. It is symbolic. A new beginning."

"I see," Mata replied, finding the idea of a millenium being symbolic of a new beginning idiotic. New beginnings occurred because of events, not because some arbitary amount of time had passed.

After a few more moments of deliberation she spoke up once more, "The responsibilities of running my Kingdom prevent me from attending myself, but I shall send a representative in my place." In all honesty she could have gone if she really wanted to, but she saw no reason to go herself. And she had no desire to travel all the way to Sengri Ta'hamurg herself for just for a celebration.

"Of course, Highness." The emissary said, bowed, and left.

As the emissary turned to leave, an angry glare fell across the River Queen's features. She quickly stood from her throne before the emissary had a chance to make it out of the throne room and barked out, "Halt!"

Then once the man turned she added, just as angrily, "You may have no more business here, but you do not turn your back on me until I have dismissed you. Do I make myself clear [i]emissary[/i]?"

"I come here with the authoraty of my rulers, carrying their words in a message. While I wish to beg pardon for any offence commited, I also feel I must remind your Highness that any threat to my person is a threat to Sengri Ta'hamurg itself. Now, Highness, had we any more business or can I begin preparations for my journey home?" The emissary is calm as still water, an apologetic smile on his face.

"In Kant, an emissary's purpose does not excuse any rudeness. And when one is in Kant, one follows the laws of the Kantau," Mata replied, her face once more like stone as she sat back down on her throne, "You are dismissed."

Then, almost as an after thought, she added, "And I offer you a room in my palace to stay while you are preparing to return to your home."

"I graciously accept, Highness. Farewell."

Mata just nodded her head, and with that the servant who had lead the emissary returned and lead the emissary away, to one of the many beautifully furnished rooms in the River Queen's palace. Meanwhile the River Queen sat on her throne and thought. Who was she going to send to this celebration? She'd already said she would not be attending personally, but she wasn't sure who would be a good individual to represent Kant in Sengri Ta'hamurg. After several long minutes of deliberation a thought struck her, and she knew exactly who it was that she would send to the foreign celebration. A small smile came across her lips as she thought about it; she would send her younger sister, a fine choice as she was still of royal blood and, unlike Mata, her enjoyment of such activities had yet to shrivel up and die.