-Four days later-
Infinus Sky Beasts hesitantly made landfall on the frozen dew. Grass blades softly crunched beneath their weight, leaving it as the only sound to break the tension.
A trio of elites welcomed the guests, weapons in hand. Although every weapon had their deadly portions tucked away. It was how Yarnin Variants showed a willingness to get aggressive but not be aggressive.
Unknowingly contradicting how Imbushkin Variants saw this. To them, it seemed like these forces were waiting for a good opening to strike.
Tinzor planted his foot before them, keeping a relaxed expression on. In response, the elites bowed in unison. Hoping this would release some tension.
Following behind Tinzor, Oniyin stepped onto the grass. The prideful feathers he wore around his neck and upper back reflected the morning sun.
Upon observing this display of Imbushkin culture, one of the elites stepped forward. They held their weapon far away from the visitors, while still hiding the blunt side of the hammer.
"Such beautiful feathers and colors. Is it a tradition in your Legion?" she asked.
Oniyin took off his helmet, letting everyone see his perfect jawline. "It started with Encur, we brought fashion and durability together. Plain colors bore us, so we added decorations."
Tinzor placed a hand over Oniyin's shoulder, then shook his head. "You are forgetting who started it. Before me, the leader was a Yonie. And he adored seeing his fiercest and finest look stunning."
The elite smiled. "Yonies as Legion leaders? Imbushko is unique. Regardless, he taught you all right. My name is Pheriqor," the elite gestured to herself. "Pleasure to meet you all."
"A pleasure to look into the eyes of a foreign elite and understand you'll fight together. I am looking forward to being by your side when our Weavers take flight," Tinzor agreed.
***
Later that day, all elites gathered inside an open building. Cloudy rays of sun climbed through the overhead window, showing Infinus how different their structures looked.
Tinzor, Oniyin, and Jakery sat alongside each other. A dancing flame painted the fronts of their bodies a bright orange as the embers crackled and popped.
Pheriqor and another elite, one named Vosquez, approached the trio. Each one offering different charms to the visitors.
"It would be smart if we broke the ice between us. What kind of allies will we be if we don't have a basic understanding of each other?" Vosquez suggested. "So let us teach you how Yarnin spend our time."
Jakery stood up to accept the gifts. He gave his best smile while bringing a fist over his heart. A gesture the Yarnin Variants did not know meant 'with care.'
Vosquez and Pheriqor exchanged looks, unsure of what Jakery did. But they still placed the charms on Jakery's wrists, ankles, hips, and a collar around his neck.
"What's this for?" Jakery mumbled.
"Do not worry about them being harmful. I am wearing them, too. See?" Pheriqor turned her head up, showing the collar was neatly placed around her neck as well. "This is for us to dance."
Upon hearing he had to dance, Jakery jumped and nearly froze out of shock. Tinzor and Oniyin quickly turned to get a clearer view of Jakery, ready to watch their ally embarrass himself.
"Careful, you might make the great young C. pass out," Oniyin joked. "His older brother wouldn't be too happy, at him at least."
Pheriqor softly chuckled, then she dragged Jakery further away from the flames. Where a group of Ferals and two Thawed stood. A Zegus took Jakery's hand, shaking it firmly and then letting go.
"When the music begins, you will dance to what the lead singer says. Focus on his words and emotions," Pheriqor instructed.
Jakery sighed, then positioned himself to dance when asked. Upon hearing the Thawed stomp and the Ferals growl and chuckle in rhythm, he began to move according to how the Zegus sang.
Vosquez grinned. "The little whistles tie it all together. That's what those charms really are. We put them in places that get a lot of movement and airflow so the dancers can contribute to the song."
Tinzor carelessly smiled as Jakery struggled to keep up with Pheriqor. "Yarno is very passionate about expressions, hmm? This is unlike Imbushko."
"What do you do over there?" Vosquez asked.
"Depends on what branch of Infinus. Ophus Variants undress themselves and challenge their fellow warriors to tests of strength. Seeing how can punish the hardest and take the most punishment," Tinzor answered.
He pointed his thumb at Jakery. "That one right there belongs to Infinus itself. They take massive loads of work and chip away at it until they get desperate for work."
Vosquez awed. "The economy must be thriving in Imbushko, mmm? What would it cost to get me a masterfully made armor set like yours?"
Oniyin and Tinzor glanced at one another, then Oniyin rested his eyes on Vosquez. "Economy? What's that?"
"You guys don't have one? Well, its when you trade for some sort of currency. Let's say, a Sky Beast costs something like seventy-six of whatever currency you're using. But Imbushko doesn't have one!" Vosquez explained.
"If you don't mind me asking. What is something your Legion does as a whole? To me, it sounds like the Trilogy," Vosquez asked.
Tinzor turned to the flames, then he bowed his head toward it. Gentle warmth massaged his crown, reminding Tinzor of who he is while honoring those lost during the Infinus - Light War, and those lost in this conflict so far.
"What Tinzor is doing is called 'honoring.' We bow to a fire, then remember those that fell during combat. While wishing for the best to who we love," Oniyin explained.
Vosquez positioned himself like Tinzor, then bowed. He too began feeling the comfortable warmth of the fire. Being in frigid Yarno would make anyone appreciate flames and warmth just a little more.
"Is it okay if we know what you're honoring?" Oniyin whispered to Vosquez.
"For everyone in Hymo, a safe exit. To our warriors, a triumphant victory. And to our regions, a prosperous future," Vosquez mumbled.