"Probably due to the manner of how they are announced publicly by their own deity, the vast majority of known Champions of the Gods in written history were Champions of Wind. At times others have revealed themselves, only to disappear into obscurity once more, while suspicion on others, remained only that, suspicion." - Illyvich Aglev, theological scholar in the Elmaiyan Empire.

Cal had left her nieces and Ying Xiao with Mimia and Éirynn, as Aideen and Kino led her deeper into the grand cathedral, where they were to meet the Champion of Death. By their words, while Aideen's uncle and father were amongst the oldest champions, the Champion of Death far predated them, to the point that there hasn't been another Champion of Death ever since. He was the first of that title, and also the only first-generation champion who still held onto the title to this day.

Their course brought them directly to the throne room, which was behind a set of majestic double doors large enough to admit a giant, made entirely from ivory. A dozen undead constructs shaped like knights in bone-white suits of armor lined up to the sides of the door, and upon noticing Aideen, they collectively bowed, then pulled the doors open to permit them entry.

Within the ornately decorated throne room - though Cal noticed that every decoration there was made from polished bone or ivory instead of the usual jewels and gold - was a massive throne, shaped like the skeleton of the tyrant lizard Cal once hunted. Seated on the "tongue" of the skull was a diminutive skeletal figure, in a robe of black, seated cross legged as he watched them enter, with eerie green soul fires in his eye sockets.

Cal was informed of his identity prior to the meeting, he was Nec Aarin, the Champion of Death, better known as the Bone Lord, and where the Lichdom of Ptolodecca got its moniker from. Despite him looking much like an Unliving, Aideen had denied that he was one, since he had existed for millenia already by the time the Unliving began to emerge.

That same ancient figure from a bygone era rose from his seat when he saw them approach, and went straight for Aideen, who gleefully collected the small figure - he barely stood a meter tall or thereabouts - into her arms and gave him a big, warm hug.

"Grandpa Aarin~"

"Little Aideen~ it's been a while since you last visited," said the Bone Lord in Aideen's arms as he returned the hug much like a doting grandparent would to their favorite grandchild. He also gave an acknowledging nod to Kino, which she returned politely. "How is everyone? And what brings you here this time?"

"Everyone's doing fine, and we're here to bring Cal around a bit," Aideen said teasingly. "You should remember her from last conclave,"

"Indeed I do. May I, girl?" The Bone Lord asked as he gestured with one hand. Cal understood his meaning, and trusted Aideen enough, so she extended her right hand to the Bone Lord who grasped it, and sent in his mana for a cursory check. "Hmm, impressive indeed for one of her age, and since the deities didn't mind her personality shouldn't have any issues either. I'd welcome you if you decide to join our little club, girl."

"Forgot to tell you, grandpa, but she's little Calais' youngest child."

"Oh? Did you have her meet Drietven and Mimia already then?"

"Of course! Oh by the way, I brought some of your favorite snacks. Rein baked up a fresh batch just this morning for you~"

"Oooh, now that's my favorite grandchild~ do me a favor and do the usual since Drietven isn't here, will you?"

"Sure!"

Before Cal's eyes Aideen worked her magic on the Bone Lord, flesh and skin covering the skeleton, as organs formed and orangish fur started to grow. What surprised Cal the most was how the Bone Lord looked after the process, since the ancient lich just looked like a positively adorable little therian with a fluffy, banded tail.

"Surprised, girl?" asked the Bone Lord when he saw Cal's baffled face. He laughed with a chittering sound at her look. With a snap of his fingers, one of the larger wall decorations dropped from its place, and walked to the middle of the room, where it rearranged itself into a round dinner table with four chairs around it, all made from polished ivory. "Everyone had that same look on their faces the first time they saw me like this."

Two rather young elves in neat butler uniforms came in shortly after they seated themselves, politely placed dainty porcelain cups before everyone, and poured tea for them, after which they left the teapot and a smaller pot of honey in the middle of the table before they excused themselves.

Aideen then brought out a large basket from her bag, from which she brought out a multitude of sweet treats. Center to the display were small cakes with alternating black and white icing covering its surface, which the Bone Lord assaulted with a near childish glee.

Cal tried one of them as well, finding the icing alternating between bitter and sweet, while the cake itself was fluffy and moist, not too sweet, with a gentle flavor, with a small amount of sweet-sour marmalade in its center. Having delicious sweets paired with the strong hot tea - a different variety than she was used to, but also brewed strongly like she favored - was heaven in itself.

She noticed that Kino and Aideen added a good amount of honey to their tea, while she and the Bone Lord favored it unsweetened. They exchanged approving glances to each other's taste, and made small talk as they snacked happily on the multitudes of sweets Aideen brought with her.

During the small talk Cal also learned that the Bone Lord was the one responsible for showing elves from Drietven's tribe a different way of living, and that her great grandfather had served him as the head butler since over a millennium ago.