[center][h2]Eko Donpare[/h2][b][u]Earlier that day[/u][/b][/center]
	Bells welcomed the sun to its mid-morning position, a gentle breeze carried the song of birds who called out to the wind. However, not all was right, an air of despair had hung around the clouds today it seemed, tainted by the recent news no doubt, Eko Donpare, the Incarnate of Tenzayn the God of Change, could feel it as he marveled at the overall beauty of the weather and the city.

	From his position atop the grand belfry of the Imperial temple, Eko looked down into the city of Imperia, heart land of the Empire. How much it had changed in the past 800 years, Eko could still recall a time when the roads where roughly pounded dirt and houses were no more than single story huts. Now the roads where made of identical cobble stone squares and some buildings had already gone beyond their fourth floor with the help of magic. How mortals progressed was quite amazing and very encouraged by him, Tenzayn relied on such change increase his own power, compensating for a lack of dedicated worshippers, and in turn would grant some outstanding individuals with moments of genius to induce more change.

	Of course, today was a day of perhaps the greatest change up in Eko's life time, maybe even beyond that. Word had spread quickly that a portal had opened some great distance away and now the people were a panicking. Thus the Emperor had to get off his wrinkly old ass and give a speech to make people calm down. To say it garnered a small crowd was a vast understatement; even from his position Eko could tell that people from every edge of the empire and possibly beyond it had gathered into one giant mass of flesh. Their voices laced with worry and fear, some of the braver or fool heartier ones had a most boastful ring to them as they proclaimed how they would be a great warrior who'd drive the invaders back from which they came.

	Eko just laughed; he wasn't sure if even Incarnates would be able to take them on, the Gods had been watching them since they set foot on Deaus. Mere mortal armies would undoubtedly be slaughtered by the hundreds. At least the God of War and Death would have a field day, Eko almost felt bad for that Incarnate. Almost. 

	[i]"Citizens of the Empire."[/i] a voice boomed past the crowds making Eko turn his head, assisted by magic to carry it beyond the grand plaza, the Emperor had finally made his arrival, [i]"As many of you know, strange men from somewhere far beyond have made an arrival on to our lands. This is unquestionably perhaps not just the greatest challenge of a generation, but perhaps that of all the Empire's history. We know little of them but that they bring strange creations and constructs beyond the understanding of even our greatest minds fail to comprehend. But fear not, I have the utmost confidence that we will prevail and stay strong; potentially prospering from these new people who have come from a world away."[/i]

	The crowd had mix reactions, some felt reassured that it seemed the Emperor had a plan and everything under control, others demanded bloodshed against these invaders who dared march on their home lands. Petty squabbles, small melees and aggressive debates broke out between people of all age and ranking, thankfully there had been enough guards and leveled headed individuals who ensure that there was no full on riot.

	As for Eko, Eko just smiled as a flip of his coat he changed his appearance to that of his female form. These foreigners had brought great change to this world, something which both Eko and Tenzayn would approve of. Jumping off the ledge of the building, Eko wondered what she would be doing next, perhaps go and bother some of the legendary leaders who would no doubt be somewhere near the front or mess around in the streets of Imperia with some of the kids. Then again, she had heard that something intersting was going on in Maverin. Ahh... decisions, decisions.