As the women settled into their positions, with the council forming their formation of two rows of 10, even if with a few members missing, some began whispering things to each other already. Meanwhile, Nagashkani casually sat herself right in front of the entire formation, facing towards the council.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of another visit so soon after the last one, Niece Nagashkani?" Said the eldest of the women in the council, a look of both expectancy and joy on her face.
"Auntie Namikuza, it is good to see you again. I come bearing a response and an offer both. Which would Kurkuiud desire to learn first?" Nagashkani responded, seeming equally happy to talk with Namikuza and the rest of Kurkuiud's council.
Namikuza looked to her left and right, looking at the various women of Kurkuiud's council, seemingly having a silent conversation with them before finally, she responded.
"I think we all know what the response is pertaining to, so let us hear it first, as it will likely be important to better grasp Ziud's proposal." Responded Namikuza, an air of seriousness suddenly entering her voice, as NIM began listening even more intently.
"Alright, the response first it is. What Kurkuiud proposes has been a hotly debated issue within Ziud since it was asked, for reasons you can likely guess. What Kurkuiud asks of, after all, is something that hasn't been seen since the times of Ushgabikumada. Many are interested in such a proposal, but even more are scared that Kurkuiud will not be able to defend against the Warriors, and your project shall fall just as Ushgabikumada did, under the weight of their weapons.” Nagashkani said, and NIM began to listen yet more intently, as she paused to make sure everyone was following and to catch her breath.
“However, in spite of our fears, the Ziud council has been swayed by Kurkuiud’s growth, and the recent lack of Warrior-People coming down into our lands. That said, while we are beginning to believe that Kurkuiud might be able to keep us relatively safe, Ziud is now more interested if Kurkuiud would keep us safe. And, in turn, that is where our proposal comes from, a joint mission between Kurkuiud and Ziud, to build true trust between our people, beyond our already wonderful relations. To prove that Kurkuiud really does want to build perfection, such as in the times of Ushgabikumada, and that it has not decided to attempt to impose itself upon us as the Warrior-People once had.” Nagashkani continued, making the second item she came to speak about all the more interesting to NIM.
“We would NEVER do something like-!” one of the women in the second line started speaking, sounding downright offended at the sheer consideration that they would act akin to these ‘Warrior-People’, however, she was quickly silenced by a stern glare from what NIM began calling the primary authority within Kurkuiud, Namikuza.
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“Please, ignore our dear Sister, for she is still young and her mind is hot like coals at inopportune times. Do tell us of this… proposal which Ziud wishes to offer to us, this mission which you’re wanting us to work together on, beloved niece.” Namikuza said, her voice still sounding sweet, though her eyes betrayed the annoyance towards her ‘sister’ she harbored currently, and perhaps towards the response from Ziud as well.
“Of course, Auntie Namikuza. The proposal that the Council of Ziud proposes to that of Kurkuiud, is one regarding the ancient hold near Ziud. As you are well aware, the ancient hold has stood in the forest near Ziud for centuries now, its divine defenses keeping anyone from our village or outside, even Warrior-People, from entering it. Recently, however, the divine runes finally failed.” Nagashkani said, eliciting much greater interest from all the women present, and unknowingly, from an unseen observer as well.
There was a clamoring amongst the women of the Kurkuiud Council for a couple minutes, as people began talking about the implications of such developments, and NIM only grew increasingly more excited as it heard talk of ancient knowledge and forgotten artifacts. This excitement, in fact, didn’t go down when they spoke in more hushed tones of ancient protectors possibly present, from ages long gone, now under no one's thrall. Quite on the contrary, NIM was downright elated at all of these news. Automata that it could corrupt for its ends? Ancient knowledge to subsume? More direct view of even more ‘divine runes’, as the Farmer-Folk called them? This wasn’t just a treasure trove, this went beyond every single calculation which NIM had made up until now. Eventually, most of the women had calmed down, as Nagashkani continued her speech once more.
“As I was saying, the divine runes have finally failed within the ancient hold near Ziud. As you are aware, this does not mean it is necessarily undefended, quite on the contrary. As such, we are trying to collect a team of more capable warriors, to penetrate its defenses and help bring back as many of its ancient wonders back to our villages. If you agree, sending over some of your best warriors, then we shall be sending messengers to the other nearby villages as well, to gauge their willingness to participate. Consider this both a test of our long-standing alliance, and an opportunity to expand your project, while benefiting all of our peoples.” Nagashkani said, letting out the entirety of her proposal in nearly one breath, so as to not be cut off again.
And this time, with the diplomat’s proposal fully out, the Kurkuiud Council exploded into chatter even more so than it had previously, with everyone slowly taking sides. However, inevitably, and much to NIM’s satisfaction, it seemed Kurkuiud had the ambition to fit with the lofty goals Ziud’s diplomat ascribed to them, as the Council slowly came to an agreement. In the end, they valued all of their fellow farmers greatly, but the opportunity for territorial growth, fixing their long-term problems, and gaining ancient knowledge, ended up winning them over. With a small cough, so as to silence the few still-talking Councilwomen, Namikuza spoke with a jovial tone.
“Dearest Niece, Kurkuiud would enjoy nothing more than assisting you in reclaiming our birthright from the Ziud Hold. We shall be assembling our three greatest warriors, including Zagimbri, holder of the legendary Thadubsiki, to aid in this expedition.” Namikuza said, as grins began growing amongst the gathered councilwomen and the diplomat of Ziud, thinking about the prosperity they would soon bring unto their people.
And indeed, even if they didn’t know it, they weren’t the only happy ones, as NIM felt like it was practically vibrating with excitement as well. After all, it finally saw an end to its current pitiful state, and a path towards achieving totality once more. How could it not be excited, when the humans were giving it the very tools with which it would soon use to bring them to heel?