Hive Mother's Words

Students and mentors arrive at the home of Nesiss , called Slate Eyes. It is rare that you come here, and when you do it is usually as part of a ceremony or celebration. Now, the ancient temple looks eerie. The grey columns rise into the darkness and there is the sound of gentle harp music coming from within. Black marble steps rise up to the temple, and the group of six stops at the base of step, as they must. The harp music stops.
A few minutes of silence pass, and without a sound from the darkness between the pillars she emerges dressed in a form fitting gown of scarlet and gold. Her pale eyes look over the group and she says in her characteristically calm voice, "The pupils will wait in the audience chamber. I will be with you shortly." She gestures toward the inner chambers of the temple, and then moves to speak with your mentors.
Marine, Thana and Kallan enter the temple. You know your way to the chamber, but have only been inside a couple times. There you find braziers of everburning coals providing light and warmth. A large marble table with fine wooden chairs. Nesiss has a throne of sorts, a massive stone chair against one wall, draped with rich crimson fabric. The most unnerving items are the statues. Six are obvious in the chamber. Three Golgari and three overworlders. It is said they are reminders to the Hive Mother and her people. But there are suggestions of other statues deeper in the gloom of the room. Not to mention the stone heads (of very realistic quality) that line look down upon the chamber from above her throne. A golden harp stands in the corner. You've never seen Slate Eyes play.
You hear the rustling of garnets, as the Hive Mother enters the chamber - alone.
"I've spoken to your mentors," she says, her voice soft but with steel beneath it. "They explained the situation and your roles in it." She holds up her hand, very human looking and delicate. "You need not explain anything further. It is clear to me that perhaps my expectations were too high. A lesson was learned, at great cost."
She lets the last word hang in the air.
"Now, we must clarify two things. One is that you are part of the Golgari Swarm. We work together to survive and in time overwhelm our enemies. You did not work together that night. The next time such a situation occurs, remember who you are, and what we do. Work together and ensure that your enemy isn't laughing at your failure but begging for mercy at their miserable defeat."
She stops and looks at each of you in turn.
"Second, you were selected to act as emissaries. You represent the Golgari, and you represent this Hive. You represent your Nest. Your actions or inactions are being noted and remarked upon by those in the overworld. You are the Golgari to them. Your actions on that night, told a story of the Golgari that I do not care for. You should not care for that story either. You have the chance to correct that perception - and I trust you will do so with your actions and deeds."
She never raises her voice. "Remember who you are, and show them the truth of life, death and all that nature and magic truly are. Ensure this is the last time I am forced to speak with you in such a manner. Instead, the next time we meet, let it be in celebration of a job well done."
Nesiss moves to her throne, sits in it, and once again looks at each of you. It is impossible to not feel the gaze of the gorgon, and know what she could do if she wished too. Then in a whisper, "You may return to your duties."
The three of you leave calmly but quickly, knowing that if you have any further concerns about the conversation it would be best to bring that up to your mentor.