Negotiation skills.

[leftthecradle]

It was a typical negotiation room. There was a simple, central table with chairs arrayed around it in groupings indicating the various factions involved. Papers were stacked at each grouping: proposals, counterproposals, maps and lists. There was a small, refreshment table set up to one side with servers doing their best to seem invisible

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[tea_and_honor]

Her hands are tucked in her sleeves, wide sleeves which drape gracefully from under the hood; a shining blue with the unmistakable sheen of silk.

She bows, in the Japanese style, to all present before lifting the hood and allowing it to drop back onto her shoulders.

Cinnamon colored eyes in a white, white face, red lips, and hair a pure and true black. Its good to be a shapeshifter.

"Good day, gentlebeings."

Her smile is blindingly brilliant, brim full of a good nature that transcends even species feelings on the showing of teeth.

"I am honored to join you on this occasion of peace and goodwill."

[leftthecradle]

The make-up does little to soften the impact on the two parties in the room. Over the last 1,000,000 years, humans have become such creatures of legend that their unshielded forms inspire high levels of awe and sometimes dread. As a result, they have adopted the ancient Vorlon practice of using encounter suits

[tea_and_honor]

It could be worse. She could have shown up in blue-jeans and a pony-tail. She's done that to people, too.

The beaming smile is turned on the avians, her head tilting in a birdlike manner for just a second. Body language is something she's quite good at.

"Your rudeness is forgiven, I am certain that you were not expecting me."

And then the same smile for Yavel's group, because as an impartial observer this is something she needs to do,

"It is my pleasure to assist all who seek peaceful resolution. Perhaps we shall begin with Tea?"

[leftthecradle]

Yavel frowned. "Tea? What is this Tea? We and the Phavok have important matters to discuss and..."

"Yavel," the Ranger overrode him with tones that indicated that he was more than a little offended. "She is doing you a great honor by even offering Tea to you. It is a ritual from the ancient past of humanity. I cannot remember any time in recorded history that it has been offered to Evat, Phavok or any outsiders."

He leaned forward slightly and the undertones of his voice took on an immenent mortal threat. "To refuse would be...a grave insult."

Panic gripped the Evat delegation and one of Yavel's assistants all but groveled. "Oh, of course! We would never even contemplate refusing such an honor," he gibbered. "Please, Lady Ako. What is Tea?"

The Phavok were torn between curiosity, relief and perhaps a little smugness as they also humbly asked for instruction in the honorable art of Tea. The Ranger sent a thought back to Ship.

I'm enjoying this entirely too much.