[sblock=Assumption]You approach the guards and Cian asks to see the master of the house.[/sblock]The guards don't flinch until you ask to see the "master of the house." When you ask, one of them actually smiles. "Of course." The two of them pound the hafts of their halberds into the ground and the gate between them rises, opening up into an ornate open-air courtyard with a reflecting pool. Despite the snow outside, the courtyard is warm and the air dry, and the water ripples gently. All in all, once inside, it feels like late spring.
As the last of your group enters, the two guards follow behind you, stomping their halberds again. The gate closes, and the pair of them relax, putting down their polearms. The one that spoke before speaks again. "We've been waiting for you in that snow for weeks now."
His companion nods. "Thought you'd never show. The Mahatkata should be here in a moment." He points to a balcony up on the side of the tower.
After a few moments, tall man with bronze skin and white hair, dressed in a light cotton shirt and pants appears. He looks down on your group and bows. "I am the Mahatkata. And you are from the south." He turns to Cian. "Mostly." His speaking voice is low and clear and clean. "I think I can guess at what you want, but why don't you tell me."
