[color=gold][center][h2] Adiel [/h2][/center][/color]

A gust of wind blew into the main hall of Illyus, particles of sand slowly trickling to the floor as the goddess Adiel appeared from the dust in the form of a young girl. Her blue dress swished about for a moment as the wind died down. Her gaze flicked around Illyus. It has been a long time since she was around here. Adiel internally scowled. She hated the wars that had gone on between her and her 'brothers and sisters' as she called them. They all descended from the same ancestors after all. A distant, slightly sad look came across Adiel's face as her gaze continued to scan the room. Her eyes widened as they crossed the floor below her feet. One of her boots quickly scooted across the floor, attempting to sweep the small pile sand she created when she came to Illyus. Adiel then awkwardly pointed a finger at the sand, causing it to fly off in a small gust of wind. With that out of the way, Adiel looked to the other deities that arrived. With a short sigh, Adiel pushed thoughts of the past behind her and offered a bow to the three before her.

"Greetings." She said, simply, looking to Onhiel and Kelthis respectively. "I am glad to see you again brothers." Her eyes flicked to the long table, a distant expression upon her face. The memories she was trying to hold back were returning. In the past she remained passive, avoiding any involvement with other nations. This time her plan was different. She wished to put herself in a position of power. She needed some leverage in case history were to repeat itself. Once again, Adiel brought herself back into the moment and she started to make her way over to the table.

Adiel would seat herself rather enthusiastically on Prothos's open side, staring up at him with a smile. "And hello to you, dear brother. It has been a long time since we've gathered together. How fares your lovely waters of Lemuria?" Her gaze would remain locked with his as she spoke, an elbow atop the arm rest to prop her chin up as she did so. "Which reminds me," she continues. "I've heard tales of many delightful resources in your nation that I feel my people would love. Being so far apart, I imagine our two nations have rather exotic goods in comparison. Perhaps the two of us could work out a trade deal after this election?" Adiel's smile returned, but it quickly faded into a look of intrigue when she spotted Prothos's octopus. "That is a rather unique creature! The oceans always seem to have such fascinating fauna. Perhaps one of your aquatic creatures will be the muse for Mandisa's next monument." 

It seems Adiel would have continued had it not been for her remembering of the reason she had come: the voting. "Oh..." She paused after she and Prothos had finished their exchange. "I would like to hold my opinions until all our brothers and sisters have arrived." She then nods after finishing her statement, a warm smile coming across her face as she looked to the three deities she was with.

[hr]
[color=gold][center][h2] The Holy Nation of Mandisa [/h2][/center][/color]

The bustling of the desert city of Heliopolis, capital of Mandisa, had not halted its daily business and work despite their knowledge of Adiel's meeting. Merchants chattered throughout the city, peddling their wares to Mandisans and travelers alike; masons toiled away at producing new structures be it housing, obelisk, or statue; and the businessmen of Mandisa circled around a table within the palace, each peering at another as they discussed plans for Adiel's trade routes.

Even outside of Heliopolis, the deserts were alive with caravans, travelers, and fauna. Scarab Beetles journeying along the same paths camels packed with numerous bags did. Jackals scavenged along the side of the path for food. Occasionally, a traveler would spot a fox scurrying across the sand in search for its next meal. The Mandisans were close to the animals. Sharing the desert with the fauna was very important to their Pharaoh and goddess, Adiel. There was most definitely more than enough space.

Rumors continued to spread in the Mandisan deserts. The myths and legends of the Nekropolis, or city of the dead. It was an old legend of a place that was lost in time, only visible if one were to venture into the right sandstorm at the right time. Inside, one would find the dead and the living dead in a city. Any who managed to find the gates of Nekropolis and enter were all never to be heard from alive, again. While many think it is simply travelers succumbing to desert heat, others think the bodies that are mysteriously found in the desert have much more sinister and supernatural explanation.