When the last of the burning spots fade from your eyes, you find yourself in the antechamber once more. Jun has since vacated her seat, leaving you alone in the plush, velvet-draped room. You pluck a glass of water from the table and swallow its contents in three long gulps.
Vague impressions are scorched in negative across your mind's eye. The King's smiling, bemused face; the brief glimpse of a woman in a gown; the feeling of falling, endless falling and chill.
All things considered, you think that meeting went well.
As if on cue, the door behind you swings open. You adjust your mask before turning to greet the newcomer. The tall, thin councilman with the dark beard stands behind you, flanked on either side by a member of the royal guard.
“Totemist.”
“Councilor.”
He paces forward, stepping past your seat to settle down opposite you. The guards remain in the doorway behind you. The councilman wastes no time in getting to the point.
“The King has spoken,” he decrees. “He finds no fault with your intent, and the council no reason why we should not agree to your proposal.” You tense momentarily as he reaches into his long jacket. After a moment, he withdraws a wax-sealed scroll. He proffers the parchment to you.
“Deliver this to your village's governing official. Once their signature and seal are marked upon the document, return it to us and we will begin deliberation regarding the cost and timeline of the road's initial construction.”
You accept the weighty roll, tucking it into your cloak. “Thank you, councilman...?”
“Mos. Mos Cagari.”
“Councilman Cagari,” you finish. “I will see this delivered to the elders with all speed.”
He rises from his seat. “If there's nothing else, I bid you good day and safe travels, Totemist.”
You incline your head to him respectfully. “Thank you for your time.”