Eirwen led the foreign embassy into the inner Court chamber and stopped when the judges barred their path.
Six court clerks waited behind an expansive writing slab under the cool glow of suspended botanical lanterns.
Two root judges stood upon the living mossy floor where ancient vines twisted between the flagstones.
Whenever an emissary took a step forward, the botanical palace shifted slightly to seal the entrance behind them.
Hajin kept his left palm resting upon the bronze refusal socket case, watching the clerks with calm vigilance.
A welcoming ceremony could easily conceal an invasive search, which meant mutual consent took priority over courtesy.
The senior clerk bowed with formal precision, extending a pair of stiff silk gloves toward the traveling company.
"The Court records every weapon, vessel, socket, and tool entering the capital," the senior clerk announced.
Her shrill voice echoed off the damp arches as she took a step toward the lead baggage cart.
