Difference between revisions of "Ashnabis session 21"

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(Lllillilli undergoes the rite of pfullaes, entering hith adulthood)
(Daifan and Balinteze go spy at the Silver Waves)
 
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<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> You enter the inn's main room, which has a number of tables and benches for guests to dine or enjoy a drink at, and which has perhaps a dozen people already seated or standing at the bar to get their orders.
 
<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> You enter the inn's main room, which has a number of tables and benches for guests to dine or enjoy a drink at, and which has perhaps a dozen people already seated or standing at the bar to get their orders.
 
<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> The man at the bar is massive, very tall and heavyset, and he gives you a friendly nod in greeting as you enter.
 
<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> The man at the bar is massive, very tall and heavyset, and he gives you a friendly nod in greeting as you enter.
<br>* Thelef is now known as Bartender
 
 
<br>* Daifan smiles tiredly back at him
 
<br>* Daifan smiles tiredly back at him
 
<br><Bartender> Good afternoon, travelers!  Can I get you something to drink, after your journey?
 
<br><Bartender> Good afternoon, travelers!  Can I get you something to drink, after your journey?
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<br><Daifan> I'm getting better...
 
<br><Daifan> I'm getting better...
 
<br><Balinteze> You are, sweetheart :)
 
<br><Balinteze> You are, sweetheart :)
<br><Daifan> but I'm not complaiing about someone else's cooking :x
+
<br><Daifan> but I'm not complaining about someone else's cooking :x
 
<br><Kezosia> Well... is there anything else you need?  There's fresh water and a couple of towels in the room, if you want to clean up, and the bed will be made.
 
<br><Kezosia> Well... is there anything else you need?  There's fresh water and a couple of towels in the room, if you want to clean up, and the bed will be made.
 
<br><Daifan> I think we're set?
 
<br><Daifan> I think we're set?
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<br><Balinteze> I return :)
 
<br><Balinteze> I return :)
 
<br>* Daifan says loudly when they come back in, and closes the door
 
<br>* Daifan says loudly when they come back in, and closes the door
<br>* Bivizmi is now known as AshnabisGM
 
 
<br><Daifan> I was starting to get worried :x
 
<br><Daifan> I was starting to get worried :x
 
<br>* Daifan says but winks ;)
 
<br>* Daifan says but winks ;)
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<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> Zefa does not dine with the guests, but she does get a meal and take it back upstairs.  The other staff are all there, doing their jobs - serving food, getting drinks, cleaning up after the meal, etc.   
 
<br><Ashnabis_Narrator> Zefa does not dine with the guests, but she does get a meal and take it back upstairs.  The other staff are all there, doing their jobs - serving food, getting drinks, cleaning up after the meal, etc.   
 
<br><Balinteze> [q] This might be a good chance for one of us to look at the storeroom.  If you can slip back there, I can try to keep the staff distracted.
 
<br><Balinteze> [q] This might be a good chance for one of us to look at the storeroom.  If you can slip back there, I can try to keep the staff distracted.
<br><Daifan> <br><q> I can give it a shot
+
<br><Daifan> <q> I can give it a shot
 
<br>* Balinteze nods
 
<br>* Balinteze nods
 
<br>* Daifan will excuse themself form the table then, ostensibly to go to the bathroom, but then slip around to see what they can see >.>
 
<br>* Daifan will excuse themself form the table then, ostensibly to go to the bathroom, but then slip around to see what they can see >.>

Latest revision as of 19:11, 30 November 2019

Ashnabis session logs
Previous Session 21 Next

Summary

Session

Session date: November 17, 2019
Fair Cycle date:

Prologue


<Ashnabis_GM> For those of you who come from the Omban states, the one thing you quickly learn here is to tolerate the gug mites, tiny, awful pests that seem to fly into every Ashnabi meal all summer, starting in the month of Gugivas for which they're named.
<Ashnabis_GM> That's not to say that they lack vermin back home. Not at all! There are any range of delightful creatures to land on your mug of ale, but at least they have the decency to seem apologetic about it. The gug mites just ... pervade.
<Ashnabis_GM> Gugivas goes on forever, or so it seems, and not only in Khutu where they don't follow the Fair Cycle and where the month thus has 34 days. It's not just the gug mites, it's the boredom, as this is a slow time for the land registry.
<Ashnabis_GM> Fortunately for you there are any number of exciting events on your schedule this month in your personal lives to keep you busy!

Lllillilli undergoes the rite of pfullaes, entering hith adulthood


<Ashnabis_GM> Llillilli, today is the day of your pfullaes, where you will achieve the whesef grade marking your transition to adulthood among the People. You will be eligible to participate in family and child-rearing activities and to be unaccompanied in most hith affairs.
<Ashnabis_GM> You have been expecting this day for a long time, and many of those closest to you have gathered at midday at the stone circle up along the Colony Road towards Shuggep.
<Ashnabis_GM> Thelef is there, of course, although it would not be appropriate for him to be your sponsor. That role will go to Shulilae, who looks distinctly uncomfortable to be standing at your side here, as if expecting to be struck down. You know their views on the solar faith, so it means even more for them to be here.
<Ashnabis_GM> Helithae is there too, to play their part - they are quite round with eggs right now, and you know that at any time they may lay them soon.
<Ashnabis_GM> Fifelus and Hillisi are here, your proud trainers. You also feel better knowing that they would be more than ready to take care of anyone or anything who would dare to cause an interruption here.
<Ashnabis_GM> Thulle is here in their role as ambassador to the humans from King Whuthe. Their presence here is notable, although of course it gladdens your heart.
<Llillilli> :3
<Ashnabis_GM> There are a few other hithkindred - Whellae and Hefeth - and of course your family is here to support you, although they will not participate in the ritual.
<Ashnabis_GM> Laelaesi will conduct the ceremony - as you know, they are the solar most positively inclined towards humans. They look upon you warmly as the crowd begins to gather.
<Katenzhi> (Go Llillilli! Yay!)
<Ashnabis_GM> (so I believe that Katenzhi, Jimba, and Daifan are invited, though again, they may play no role in the ritual)
* Ashnabis_Narrator changes topic to '<Llillilli> this is like my hith quincenera <Katenzhi> Hithmitzvah'
* Laelaesi approaches you before the pfullaes begins.
<Laelaesi> The sun beams on you today, child. It is a good day.
<Llillilli> I can't believe it's finally happening. @_@
* Laelaesi 's red and blue double crests twitch slightly, you think with mirth.
<Laelaesi> You think this has been a long time? People wait decades for this. A few never reach it, even among the People.
<Llillilli> Really?
* Llillilli seems surprised at that.
<Llillilli> Never?
<Laelaesi> Well ... it is very rare for someone to be blocked at the sese grade. That is a particular form of cruel punishment. But yes, it has happened.
<Laelaesi> More often, we would keep someone at whesef or lethillae.
<Llillilli> I see...
<Laelaesi> You know, child, that there are some solars who will not do the pfullaes for humans?
<Llillilli> Oh yes, I was well aware.
<Llillilli> Or at least, I assumed.
<Laelaesi> That same privilege extends to any individual hith who is deemed problematic.
<Llillilli> I just hope one doesn't show up to blind me again.
<Laelaesi> That will not happen.
<Laelaesi> There are many of the People here who, if there were to be another incident, King Whuthe would need to intervene directly.
<Laelaesi> That would not serve anyone's political goal.
<Llillilli> That's reassuring... sort of
<Laelaesi> I hear that you are to be betrothed to Thelef, after the pfullaes.
<Llillilli> Yes, that's right.
* Llillilli smiles a little.
<Laelaesi> Congratulations, in advance, then. It is a good match, I think. Your eggs will be strong and your hatchlings plentiful.
<Llillilli> Thanks... I uh, hope so
<Laelaesi> Do you have any questions before we begin?
<Llillilli> Can you just... remind me what's expected of me?
<Laelaesi> Of course. I conduct the ritual, and then I touch you on the eyes, hands, and ... glands ... for your three age grades.
* Llillilli nods.
<Llillilli> Right.
<Laelaesi> Then I strike you with the withering touch on the chest, and then in turn you perform the withering touch on me in turn.
* Llillilli takes a deep breath, and nods.
<Laelaesi> Then I end the ceremony with some words, and then we celebrate!
* Llillilli smiles again.
<Llillilli> Alright then.
* Laelaesi leads you over to the circle and then directs the other participants to take their places.
* Shulilae takes up their position as your sponsor.
* Thelef is nearby, watching proudly :)
* Laelaesi stands in the center of the circle, next to you. Around you, your supporters stand on the stones, looking down on you.
* Llillilli tries to appear calm, but can't help grinning a little bit. :3
<Laelaesi> We gather here today beneath the midday sun to bear witness by the heart and skin and spine and lungs to Llillilli, hatched and spawned and raised under sunlight and deep waters. May the sun shine on this day.
* Laelaesi waves a hand, and the area around you all is bathed in bright daylight. A domed rainbow surrounds you.
<Laelaesi> Who stands to sponsor this child?
<Shulilae> I do.
<Laelaesi> You stand recognized, Shulilae.
<Laelaesi> Lllillilli, do you accept the burdens laid upon you this day?
<Llillilli> I do.
<Laelaesi> Just as the deity's light is split into its six constituent colors, so are we bound sixfold in the paths of our lives. Llillilli stands today to take the third step.
<Laelaesi> As eggs we lay in the sun to hatch, and as infants we play in the sun. We find our path following Its Light, and now we come to lay our own eggs, to contribute to the furtherance of the next generation.
* Laelaesi lays their hands on your eyes.
<Laelaesi> The first, eyes opening.
* Laelaesi takes their hands and grasps yours.
<Laelaesi> The second, hands grasping.
* Laelaesi grasps you between the legs and presses firmly.
<Laelaesi> The third, eggs laying.
<Laelaesi> Now the sun strikes at you, a reminder of its power.
* Laelaesi extends a hand to your chest.
<Laelaesi> !roll 2d6+4
* Lan-werk rolls for Laelaesi: [ 2d6+4 ] getting [ 3 3 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 10 ].
<Laelaesi> (you take 10 points of nonlethal damage)
* Llillilli tries to keep a stoic face.
<Laelaesi> (and are sickened for one round - it passes quickly)
<Laelaesi> And now draw back your own strength from the sun.
* Laelaesi withdraws their hand, signalling that you should touch their chest with your own hand and use your withering touch.
* Llillilli lays her palm against the solar's chest.
<Llillilli> (and away we go)
<Laelaesi> (ok, make your damage roll - you don't need to hit)
<Llillilli> !roll 2d6+4
* Lan-werk rolls for Llillilli: [ 2d6+4 ] getting [ 6 4 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 14 ].
<Ashnabis_GM> As you touch the elder and draw on your power, you see others stare in surprise. You see the cause after a moment - there is an aura of yellowish light around you, and a low hum around the circle. This is not what happened before.
* Laelaesi is clearly taken aback, and takes a moment to construct the words that come next.
* Llillilli blinks and looks around nervously.
<Laelaesi> Ahh ...
<Llillilli> <w> Did I do it wrong?
* Laelaesi shakes their head imperceptibly, but not definitively.
<Laelaesi> Llillilli, you have drawn the sun back into you, its divine touch within you.
* Laelaesi resumes with the appropriate verbiage.
<Laelaesi> These marks you bear attest to your adulthood. You are now whesef, adult, and bear the responsibilities of that rank. To participate in social life, to take a partner, and to bear children, these are now yours to take on.
<Laelaesi> We here gathered acknowledge your new burdens.
<Ashnabis_GM> The ceremony ends, but the faces of those in the crowd range from mystified to bemused to awestruck. You still aren't sure what is going on.
<Llillilli> <w> What... what happened
<Laelaesi> Ahh ... it is, that is to say ... hmm.
<Laelaesi> It is a selleluf - a sunfinger. It only happens ... well, it does not happen. Not to humans.
<Llillilli> What does it mean?
<Laelaesi> It means. Well. Well. Hmm.
* Shulilae comes over to your side.
<Shulilae> It happens to hith who are singled out as solars - or particularly 'blessed' I suppose.
<Llillilli> Uhhhh
<Laelaesi> It is very rare.
* Shulilae eyes Laelaesi with a somewhat wary but dubious look
<Laelaesi> It can happen at any pfullaes.
<Laelaesi> But it does not happen to humans. Ever.
<Shulilae> Let us say it has never happened to humans before.
<Llillilli> So...
<Laelaesi> So.
<Shulilae> It must be a trick. Someone here trying to make a gesture, perhaps.
<Llillilli> Certain of the people will probably... not be happy if they hear about it
<Laelaesi> I agree, it may be a trick. Still ... hmm.
* Laelaesi seems even more pensive than usual.
* Thelef also approaches you
<Laelaesi> May I ask, are you with eggs? I know of course that humans are not bound by our age-grades in such matters.
<Llillilli> N-no. :o
<Laelaesi> Hmm. Well, this is a curious intervention.
<Thelef> This is a great sign, surely.
<Laelaesi> It is ... a curious sign.
<Thelef> The king will want to know of this.
<Laelaesi> And I am sure they will.
* Shulilae still looks dubious, but clearly doesn't want to ruin your day by causing more of a disruption.
* Llillilli looka back and forth between Thelef and Laelaesi...
<Llillilli> (sense motive, what is oing on here that I am missing)
<Ashnabis_GM> (Ok give me a roll)
<Llillilli> !roll 1d20+6
* Lan-werk rolls for Llillilli: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 12 ].
<Llillilli> (lol)
<Ashnabis_GM> (noooope)
* Thelef seems pleased and proud
<Laelaesi> Well, it is past midday. Let us celebrate.
* Laelaesi says, but perhaps without as much enthusiasm as you would expect?
<Llillilli> Okay...
* Thelef will give you a celebratory hug

Jimba talks to Llillilli after the ritual


* Jimba will go up to give Llillilli a congratulatory hug once there's an opportunity.
<Jimba> Congratulations! :D
<Llillilli> Thanks!
* Llillilli smiles but is still a little off balance from the whole sun finger thing
<Jimba> That was a bit...shinier than I thought it would be. Very impressive.
<Llillilli> Yeah... I hadn't seen that before
<Llillilli> I don't really understand what it means.
* Llillilli frowns a little.
<Llillilli> Laelaesi didn't seem thrilled though
<Jimba> Oh. Is it not a typical part of this?
<Llillilli> No... It's not supposed to happen to humans
<Llillilli> I guess.
<Llillilli> If I was a hith everyone would be happy. But now they're trying to decide if it's someone playing a trick.
<Jimba> Like, with magic or something?
<Jimba> Also, it's not supposed to happen to humans, or it just hasn't happened before?
<Llillilli> ... Both? I guess?
* Llillilli shrugs.
<Llillilli> I guess it could be a trick. It's certainly going to make some people very angry.
<Llillilli> At least Thelef is happy.
<Jimba> Well, I trust his judgement.
<Jimba> What would it mean if you were born hith?
<Jimba> You said they'd be happy.
<Llillilli> That I'm ... special. Blessed.
<Jimba> Well, that sounds like a good thing.
<Llillilli> If it's not fake.
<Llillilli> And if it doesn't start a whole.. thing
<Jimba> Okay, well, people's reaction is a different thing.
<Jimba> It doesn't mean being blessed or special is bad.
<Llillilli> Mmm.
* Llillilli is unconvinced.
* Jimba tries to smile encouragingly.
<Jimba> So, what happens now?
<Llillilli> I dunno. I guess I should lay some eggs or something.
* Jimba chuckles a little.
<Jimba> Well, I guess metaphorically, you and Thelef can get on that?
<Jimba> How does that jibe? Like, you're supposed to produce more hith, so, like, do raising your kids as hithkindred count?
<Llillilli> I mean... maybe?
<Llillilli> I haven't really thought... I mean, I don't think I'd be a very good mother
<Jimba> Well, that's up to the two of you, of course, and especially you if you want to go through all that, but you wouldn't be the only ones around to take care of a child.
<Llillilli> That's... nice to know. Thanks.

Katenzhi brings Bivizmi to meet her parents


<Ashnabis_Narrator> Katenzhi, you have made arrangements for your parents to meet Bivizmi. You have no idea how this will actually go, but maybe it's worth a try?
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Your parents have invited the two of you to have dinner on their boat, the Western Star, the place where you spent a great deal of your childhood.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> It's a good, sturdy boat, mainly made for travelling through the shallower water of rivers and along the coast. It isn't fancy, but is well-maintained and equipped, and currently freshly painted a cheerful shade of blue.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Your father has set up the table on the deck, which perhaps hasn't seen much use since you and Jimba and Llillilli left.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> The smell of fish cooking with your mother's particular spices and seasonings brings back memories of childhood.
* Katenzhi will try to smile reassuringly at Bivizmi.
* Bivizmi wears a red and black striped dress and has her hair neatly braided and a small cap on her head. She is clearly a bit nervous.
<Bivizmi> Any last-minute instructions?
* Katenzhi has her best clothes on... which still aren't great probably.
<Katenzhi> Just... be yourself. I want them to see how amazing you are.
* Bivizmi smiles
<Bivizmi> I'll try...
* Katenzhi laughs and kisses her lightly on the forehead.
<Bivizmi> Well, let's go - the food smells good, anyway.
* Katenzhi will lead her on to the boat up the plank.
<Katenzhi> Mom, Dad, this is Bivizmi, of the Pindevuzi family.
<Bivizmi> Good evening - it's nice to meet you both.
<Romoga> Bivizmi of the Pindevuzi, you are welcomed upon the Western Star.
<Shiklazh> Good evening, welcome.
<Bivizmi> Thank you. It's a lovely boat.
<Romoga> Thank you! Do you come from a sailing family?
<Bivizmi> No, not really, although we travelled here by ship.
<Shiklazh> Come, please sit.
* Bivizmi does as instructed and has a seat on the bench.
* Katenzhi will sit next to Bivizmi and squeeze her hand lightly.
<Romoga> The Western Star has been our flagship for a long while now. Years. The children practically grew up here. Of course it's a much larger enterprise now.
* Bivizmi nods
<Katenzhi> It's funny, I remember this ship being a lot bigger.
* Katenzhi says with a smile.
<Katenzhi> But I was a lot smaller.
<Shiklazh> Katenzhi was always running about in those days, getting into mischief.
<Bivizmi> I can imagine :)
* Katenzhi laughs nervously at that.
<Shiklazh> Tell us a little bit about your family, Bivizmi.
* Shiklazh sets down a platter of freshly poached white fish seasoned with sage and garlic, along with some carrots drizzled with honey, and a plentiful amount of wild rice garnished with fresh herbs.
<Bivizmi> Ah, of course. This looks delicious, thank you.
* Shiklazh has gone to some effort with this meal, making a point of presenting it nicely for your guest.
* Katenzhi smiles at her mother.
<Bivizmi> Well, my family came here from Kintezra, a little more than two years ago. We - well, mostly my older sisters - wanted to set up a fos refinery, and our father was able to help with the initial funds to get things started, which was fortunate.
<Bivizmi> A cousin of ours had moved here some years before, and we heard from her that it was a land with many opportunities, especially around the fos trade, so we decided to come.
<Romoga> We have certainly heard of your family and your fine work.
* Bivizmi smiles proudly at that
<Bivizmi> I have four sisters and a brother who all came here. My sister Selt is the oldest, she's in charge of the refinery, and the rest of us, except my brother Elus, work there.
<Bivizmi> He's a Voice of the Dead. He says the skill for alchemy is all in the women's side of our family :)
<Katenzhi> They're the best refiners around. And Bivizmi is the best of her family.
<Romoga> Fos, it's a good business to be in, that's for sure.
<Romoga> You and your family have done very well.
* Bivizmi looks a little embarrassed, but smiles, reaching for the bottle of wine on the table. Her hand slips, perhaps out of nerves, and she knocks it over onto the deck, splashing your mother's dashi with wine.
<Bivizmi> oh! I'm so sorry :o
* Katenzhi bolts up and grabs a towel to start cleaning it up.
<Shiklazh> Oh, don't worry about it, it's no concern.
<Katenzhi> It's ok! Everything's ok!
<Bivizmi> I will have another bottle sent to replace it as soon as I get home. It was my fault.
<Romoga> You are very gracious, thank you.
* Romoga says, although he seems pretty annoyed, you think.
* Katenzhi will awkwardly dab at her mother with the towel.
<Shiklazh> It's fine, dear.
<Shiklazh> Sit down.
* Katenzhi awkwardly sits back down and tries to smile.
* Bivizmi settles back down as well, looking uncomfortable
<Shiklazh> Ahh, Katenzhi was telling us that you two are partners, in a new business concern I mean?
<Katenzhi> Ummm... we uhhh... we have some business ventures going, yes.
<Shiklazh> Fos is a good business to be in these days. It's something we've been trying to expand into, but it's an expensive market to get started in as traders.
* Bivizmi nods, trying to resume the normal conversation
<Bivizmi> There's definitely a lot of value in processing - we buy it more cheaply from the farmers and then can sell it at a higher price because it's refined, preserved for long transportation.
<Bivizmi> But the raw fos has value as well. It can be very competitive to get the best crop at the best price.
<Katenzhi> And with Bivizmi's knowledge and our contacts... we could make a lot of money.
* Romoga nods.
<Romoga> You have some new breed of fos, I hear. Tell me about that.
<Bivizmi> Katenzhi tells me you have a lot of trading contacts up and down the coast, and all over the territory?
<Romoga> Oh yes, we even trade with Duedarcia sometimes, and up the coast northwards as well.
<Bivizmi> oh, ah, yes, of course. Well, it's still early stages, but we think it could have a particular benefit for divination magics. If our tests are correct, it would be very valuable.
<Katenzhi> We hope to be the first ones to bring it to market.
* Romoga nods.
<Bivizmi> It's still a secret, while we work on refining it and growing more of the particular variety, so that we have a good quantity to sell.
* Romoga nods.
<Romoga> Of course, makes good sense.
<Katenzhi> How has business been back home?
<Shiklazh> Well enough, dear. It's all about relationships with the lineages, of course, down the coast. Not like here in Kaskind at all.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> It's definitely different here.
<Romoga> I am regularly reminded of that fact.
* Bivizmi nods
<Bivizmi> We do a lot of trading with back home, but it would be a great advantage to be able to have more contacts here as well.
<Shiklazh> Yes, I would imagine that would be very beneficial.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Okay - dinner continues on more or less uneventfully, and eventually Bivizmi will thank your parents for their generosity and take her leave, giving you a smile as she departs.
* Katenzhi will walk her down the plank and give her a reassuring smile.
<Katenzhi> I'll... talk to you later?
<Bivizmi> Yes - let me know what they say, I guess? I hope I didn't ruin things.
* Bivizmi gives you a hug and will depart.
<Katenzhi> You didn't.
* Katenzhi will hug her back and return to the boat.
* Shiklazh smiles.
<Katenzhi> Mom... I can fix your Dashi easily. I just need to get my fos bag from the Menagerie.
<Shiklazh> Oh, don't worry about it, dear. Or we have fos here, if you need.
<Katenzhi> It's no problem at all.
* Katenzhi will get a small amount then and cast prestidigitation to erase any stains.
<Romoga> Well, we can do business with them, that would be fine.
* Shiklazh nods.
<Shiklazh> She seems like a nice girl. And her family are successful in business, which is important. They would be a good connection for us to have.
* Shiklazh pauses as if collecting herself.
* Katenzhi waits for the other shoe to drop
<Shiklazh> What if... she was to marry Jimba?
<Katenzhi> WHAT?
<Shiklazh> It would be a good match, if her family are amenable to it.
<Katenzhi> You can't be serious!
<Shiklazh> Why not?
<Katenzhi> Because... we... they...
<Katenzhi> Just no!
<Romoga> Your mother makes a lot of sense, Kat. Think of it, that's a union we could never make on our own.
<Katenzhi> It's a union I could make with her!
<Romoga> You know it's not.
<Shiklazh> I know it's a lot to take in, dear. Take some time, we don't need to make any decisions hastily.
<Katenzhi> Why? Because of kids? Is that all you care about?
<Romoga> Because if we don't strike now, the Pindevuzis will make a match for her anyway. Think about that.
<Katenzhi> No! I am not gonna let you do that! And neither is she! Or Jimba for that matter!
<Shiklazh> Let's take some time, think about all this, consider our options, okay?
<Shiklazh> We don't need to do anything today.
<Katenzhi> *WE* aren't doing anything at all!
* Katenzhi turns and storms off the boat.

Katenzhi vents to Jimba after dinner


* Katenzhi will stomp her way back to the Menagerie and slam open the door to the below quarters.
<Katenzhi> I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL THEM!
* Katenzhi will make a beeline past Jimba to the booze cabinet.
* Jimba will follow her.
<Jimba> I take it dinner didn't go so well?
<Katenzhi> Lighnitng bolts are too good for them. I'll fucking cantrip them to death!
* Katenzhi rips the top off a bottle and takes a swig
<Jimba> That's...extreme. Want to talk about it?
* Katenzhi hands the bottle to Jimba.
<Katenzhi> You're gonna need this.
* Jimba raises an eyebrow but takes a drink anyway.
<Katenzhi> They want you to marry Bivizmi.
<Jimba> ...Come again?
<Jimba> How bad did this dinner go?
<Katenzhi> Oh it went fine... mostly. They like her. They just don'[t like her for me. They want a marriage connection to her, and kids to cement it.
<Katenzhi> They're not thinking about anyone but themselves!
<Jimba> Do you really not get how this works?
* Jimba tilts his head to the side.
<Katenzhi> Of course I do! I'm not stupid! Why the fuck do you think I wanted to come out here? I wanted to get away from them and their plans for the three of us! I thought out here I'd have a chance to be myself!
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> Kat, have you ever...
<Jimba> Ugh, let me start simpler.
<Jimba> Have you ever been with someone before?
<Katenzhi> What... what does that have to do with anything?
<Jimba> It's relevant, I promise.
<Jimba> Though we can make it simpler.
<Jimba> Have you ever thought about marriage before?
<Katenzhi> I mean...
<Katenzhi> Sure... Of course I have... like.. in the abstract...
<Jimba> Okay, and, when you did, what sort of partner were you imagining?
<Katenzhi> I don't know... someone smart and fun and... I guess someone who liked me for me.
<Jimba> I don't know another way to ask this. Were you imagining a man or a woman?
* Katenzhi sighs.
<Katenzhi> I guess... I never really thought about it that much.
<Jimba> Okay, that's good enough to make my point.
<Jimba> I have.
<Jimba> I've had partners now and then, and, Kat, I've *never
* gotten to consider marriage.
<Jimba> I knew I was never going to get to marry for love.
<Jimba> But marriage is just...a contract.
<Katenzhi> Maybe if we left... went further away...
<Jimba> And, believe me, there is a lot of wiggle room in that contract.
<Jimba> That would just be running away, Kat, and that's not what I was doing coming here.
<Katenzhi> So you're ok with this?
<Jimba> Every marriage is different, and *if
* Bivizmi and I were to marry, it doesn't mean we have to be intimate. Or even love each other. But it *would
* bring her into our family.
<Jimba> I'm not saying I want to do it. I'm just saying it's not the end of the world.
* Jimba shrugs.
<Katenzhi> I've... I've never been with anyone before. I've never wanted to.
<Jimba> Then put some real thought into this. I mean, if I marry her for you two to be together, and then something happens between you, I'm the one stuck with her. ;)
<Jimba> Plus I'd have to work some things out for my own love life.
<Katenzhi> I'm so sorry for dragging you into this...
<Jimba> You didn't, but, I mean, you're family. I was involved to an extent anyway.
<Jimba> Out of curiosity, does her family know about you two?
<Katenzhi> I mean... they saw me kiss her at the ceremony, but... I don't think so beyond that.
<Jimba> So you don't really know what they think of you being together?
<Katenzhi> Not really, no...
<Jimba> Maybe they'll be fine with a business partnership without a marriage. Might be something you should talk to Bivizmi and her family about.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> But then... mom and dad are gonna want me to marry someone else. Someone I probably don't even know.
<Jimba> Again, that's not the end of the world. Maybe we can find someone tolerable, who understands the situation.
<Katenzhi> What if they're like... an asshole?
<Jimba> Find someone else?
<Jimba> You don't have to get married right away, despite what your father might think. Or at all, if you don't want to. They can't really enforce it.
<Jimba> Especially because you can lightning bolt anyone who disagrees.
* Katenzhi laughs ironically and takes another drink.
<Katenzhi> Is it that wrong to just want people to leave me the fuck alone?
<Katenzhi> Present company excluded of course...
<Jimba> Nah. I mean, I think that's how Llillilli feels most of the time.
<Jimba> And, if you really want, you can tell them to fuck off.
<Katenzhi> Llillilli has the right idea. Maybe I should run off and join the hith too.
<Katenzhi> Or just get on a raft and keep sailing to the edge of the world.
<Jimba> I don't think she'd appreciate you taking that flippantly.
<Jimba> And I wouldn't appreciate the second.
* Katenzhi sighs.
<Jimba> But I guess, if you left, I'd just have to go with you. Maybe there's something neat on the edge of the world.
* Katenzhi laughs.
<Katenzhi> Or maybe it's just time for me to grow up.
* Jimba gives a mock scandalized look.
<Jimba> Grow up? Well, I never...
<Katenzhi> Pssshhh... you were born old.
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> Hey, sometimes I want to tell everyone to shove it, too.
<Katenzhi> So why don't you? They don't have any real authority over you.
<Jimba> Oh, I didn't mean them.
<Jimba> I just meant, like, in general.
<Jimba> Like, I hate seeing Daifan and her people get treated badly. And the Ombesh/Aummesh feuds. And, just...all of it.
<Katenzhi> Yeah.
<Katenzhi> I know.
<Katenzhi> Me too.
* Jimba shrugs.
<Jimba> But this is the world we live in. I'm just going to try not to make it worse.
<Katenzhi> I... I'll need to talk to Bivizmi.
<Jimba> Yeah, it sounds like it.
<Jimba> Just...try to actually talk.
<Jimba> Not just rail against your parents.
* Katenzhi sighs again.
<Katenzhi> I make no promises.
* Jimba smiles.
<Jimba> Despite what you can do, I don't expect miracles.
* Katenzhi laughs.

Veznara makes her first bubun


<Ashnabis_GM> Veznara, today is a great milestone in the life of any Hand. Many has been the servant of the living who has not come as far as you have, and certainly not in such a short time.
<Ashnabis_GM> Today you shall participate actively, for the first time, in a sagasolt, the ritual by which the husk of an ancestor is rendered bubun. You have witnessed this sacred rite several times back home, during your training, but now Dezmali has decided you are ready.
<Ashnabis_GM> The temple is decked out in imported white draperies with a thin gold hem, probably Omban. At the far west end of the temple, several priestesses of the Hand, including you, stand awaiting the procession.
<Ashnabis_GM> Dezmali is among them, watching over the rite, but today her role is merely to watch as you celebrate this day. Two acolytes, Izrund and Hesfen, will assist you, but take no part except as you direct them.
* Shiklazh is now known as Dezmali
* Dezmali smiles warmly, standing next to you.
<Dezmali> How are you feeling?
* Veznara smiles faintly
<Veznara> A bit nervous!
<Veznara> I've been looking forward to this, but all of a sudden I'm thinking most about the responsibility.
<Dezmali> It is a heavy responsibility, your first bubun. Which is why it is our custom that this bubun should be attached to you - that you should not forget what a serious thing is that we do here.
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> Do we know... who this person was?
<Dezmali> I do not, but Voice Gili would know. You must decide for yourself whether you want to know.
* Veznara nods
<Dezmali> It is a husk now, not a person. It is not what it was in life. Its loves, its cares, its sins, are not yours to bear.
<Veznara> No. But it may still matter to the family that still loves the spirit that was housed in it.
* Dezmali nods.
<Dezmali> Yes, quite right. So it is yours to say. The family will not be here, of course. Their time with the body is done, for the next seven years.
<Veznara> I think... that I will want to know. But do I need to decide now?
<Dezmali> It's up to you.
* Veznara considers for a moment
<Veznara> Perhaps afterward.
<Dezmali> Well, it looks like the participants are all here at last. Shall we begin?
* Veznara takes a deep breath, and releases it slowly.
<Veznara> I am ready.
<Ashnabis_GM> The formal part of the ceremony begins.
<Ashnabis_GM> You are the renderer, the sagaspi, who will be responsible for the act itself, of turning flesh into Coherence, fashioning another bend in the Unfolding of this being's existence. You will apply the oils to the body, which is symbolically important but not effective.
<Ashnabis_GM> You will also conduct the rite in which you draw upon holy power, and in doing so your Hands will become the instrument of the continuation of the world.
<Ashnabis_GM> Yena will be playing the role of golomi, whose responsibility is to guide four of the temple bubun as they bring in the husk to be rendered. She stands at the east gate of the temple, the Life door, accompanied by a member of the Voice.
<Ashnabis_GM> You see that it is Voice Gili. Gili is the telpi, the keeper who guards the body symbolically until it is turned over, and then takes the sacred bustul back to the family.
* Yena beams broadly and you think even winks at you from across the temple.
<Ashnabis_GM> Voice Gili stands next to Yena, who directs the bubun who are carrying the bier. The bier is covered in white cloth, beneath which the husk lies.
* Veznara is trying her best to be calm, whatever happens - even if she recognizes the husk when it is revealed...
* Gili wears his black robes and stands somberly to one side, watching but not an active participant in this aspect of the ceremony.
<Ashnabis_GM> They traverse the path towards the rendering altar at the west, and finally arrive where you are standing. Yena directs them and they lay the body upon the altar.
<Ashnabis_GM> You remove the cloth and see a man, perhaps around thirty, completely naked, as expected. A grey robe sits at his feet. You inspect the body and see no mark of any injury, nor any visible disease. He was a strong man in life, and his husk will serve well.
* Veznara steps forward. After a slight pause, she begins the ritual.
<Veznara> We come today to the rendering of this husk. This form, without instinct, without passion, is taken into our custody so that its flesh may be rendered into a new state of being.
<Veznara> And in so doing, may it render faithful service over its seven-year span. May this shell serve its purpose through its many labours, until such time as it has earned its rest.
<Veznara> And at last, in turn, we render our thanks to the ancestor who has left us this gift. We bear this heavy obligation until it is returned to its eternal owner.
<Ashnabis_GM> The ritual itself is as old as the Corps, or nearly so. They say that Zunuga herself began the practice, although you know of course that in the first centuries, even before the Empire, many things now taken for granted were novelties.
<Ashnabis_GM> The oils that you lay on the body, and the rendering tools that the acolytes bring you, are mere symbols of the spiritual work you are doing. The folding of the arms over the chest, right to left, symbolizes the movement from life to death, and then back from right to left, to a new life.
<Ashnabis_GM> A bubun is not truly alive, but it is one of the Six Kinds, and as such, deserving of its own kind of respect. The work of the Hand in bringing it to life is not in the words you spoke, but in the very touch of your still-living hand to its still form.
<Ashnabis_GM> You know that the sagasolt is lengthy - usually an hour or more - but the time passes quickly, such is your excitement. And so it is almost a shock when the bubun stirs. Now you will take it under your command.
* Veznara tries not to react, though her impulse is to breathe in sharply when it moves
<Veznara> I, Veznara of the Hand of the Dead, hereby take this husk into my safekeeping, to protect and preserve it until such time as it has concluded its duties here. I swear to honor this trust that has been given to me, and treat this vessel with respect and care.
* Veznara gestures to the newly-created bubun
<Veznara> Rise.
* Bubun rises to its feet.
<AshnabisGM> The acolytes place the grey robe over the bubun.
* Yena orders her bubun who take the bier away, and the ceremony comes to a close.
<AshnabisGM> At the close of the ceremony, the gathered priest and priestesses congregate to celebrate your first sagasolt.
* Veznara watches as the regalia are put away, and eventually lets out a small sigh of relief
<Yena> Congratulations! You were so beautiful and graceful, Veznara.
* Veznara smiles
<Yena> My heart sings for you today, my sister.
<Veznara> Oh, thank you, Yena. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. But I am glad.
<Yena> You never forget your first sagasolt.
* Gili will also come over to deliver his congratulations.
<Veznara> No - I'm sure I won't. I've been thinking about this moment for the longest time, but it was still so much more than I expected...
<Gili> A beautiful ceremony, Hand Veznara.
<Veznara> Voice Gili, thank you. I'm glad you were the one chosen to attend.
<Gili> I was glad to be here as well.
<Veznara> Hand Dezmali said that you would know who the subject was in life, and that I could ask you or not as I chose...
* Gili nods
<Gili> Yes. It is your decision whether or not you wish to know that information.
<Veznara> I think that I would like to know. I realize that these honoured remains are not the person, of course. And of course I will treat the bubun with respect no matter who it was, as I have sworn.
<Veznara> But in my work for the Land Registry, I must often travel. And I may encounter the family.
* Gili nods
<Gili> Let us speak privately, then, when you have a moment, and I will relate what knowledge I have of his former life.
<Veznara> Thank you.
<Yena> Oh of course, I'll give you your privacy. Congratulations again, Veznara! And then I'll see you in a couple of weeks at the wedding!  :)
* Veznara smiles and nods. She spends some more time accepting the congratulations of her sister Hands, then speaks with Gili privately.
* Gili will step aside with you, then.
<Gili> His name was Nakesh of the Hekomordi. A common lineage of Omba, but a good one. He had only arrived here a few weeks ago. His widow, Fuvas of the Khundoki, brought him to us.
<Gili> His death was unexplained, but perhaps not unexpected. It is sadly the case that new arrivals sometimes find adjusting to the climate to be difficult. He has no family here, and no funds to transport him home to Omba, so his wife made the difficult decision.
* Veznara nods slowly
<Veznara> I see.
<Veznara> Does she reside within Kaskind?
<Gili> Yes, she does.
<Gili> She had been here for some while, and her husband more recently came to join her. A very sad situation, that they were so newly reunited, only to be separated by death.
<Veznara> Yes, indeed.
<Veznara> I would not want to cause her further distress.
<Gili> That is thoughtful of you.
* Veznara frowns slightly
<Gili> Is something troubling you?
<Veznara> I suppose it is likely that she may see me with the bubun at some point.
<Gili> It's possible. She knows of the situation, of course, as she was the one who made the arrangement.
<Gili> But it may still be upsetting for her to see him like this.
<Veznara> Yes, of course.
<Veznara> Well, thank you for telling me, Voice Gili.
<Gili> Of course. I know that you will be a good caretaker for these remains, until such time as his service is ended.
* Veznara smiles
<Veznara> I will do my best.
* Gili returns your smile

Daifan and Balinteze go spy at the Silver Waves


<Ashnabis_Narrator> Daifan, you leave work early in order to meet Balinteze at their room and prepare for your secret mission.
<Daifan> :3
* Balinteze is dressed in a pair of loose-fitting dark blue trousers and a white shirt decorated with some brass buttons. Their hair is tied up in a neat topknot, and they've got a faint five o'clock shadow.
* Balinteze offers you some clothes as well - a knee-length tunic with a purple and red floral pattern, and a pair of slim-fitting pants to wear under it, and a silky scarlet scarf for a headwrap.
* Balinteze also has some supplies ready - basic travelling gear, a couple of packs with some cooking equipment, waterskins, bedrolls, etc. It all looks suitably worn, perhaps purchased off some actual new arrivals.
<Balinteze> Here you go :)
<Daifan> You look good :)
<Balinteze> Thanks.
<Balinteze> I got Kikhash to promise we get to keep the clothes and supplies after we're done. Sort of payment, I guess.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> They could be handy :x
<Balinteze> Or you can re-sell it, whatever you prefer :) but I thought you might like the outfit at least.
<Daifan> it's nice.... I shoud become Isha then
<Balinteze> Do you want some privacy for your transformation? :)
<Daifan> Mmm... I think Il be okay...
<Daifan> Since we're married and all ;)
* Balinteze grins
* Daifan will get changed then :x
* Daifan can do some makeup to change the shape of their face a bit too
* AshnabisGM is now known as Bivizmi
<Balinteze> Looking good :)
<Daifan> thanks, I've been practicing...
<Daifan> and I guess that makes me ready if you are
* Balinteze picks up their pack, and offers the other one to you.
<Balinteze> Let's get going, then.
* Daifan weill take it , and get ready to head off then
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You can circle around the long way, so you are approaching the inn from the east rather than from the direction of the town. It's a walk of several hours, so you're realistically rather dusty and worn out by the time you get there.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> The Silver Waves is certainly a good-quality inn, although there are still some signs of its rapid construction as some sections are not completely finished yet. But there are plenty of guests, travelers on their way to or from the town who clearly have found it a convenient place to rest.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> The proximity to the river makes it a desirable spot, as many passengers taking boats on their journeys have moored their vessels at the newly-built wharf.
* Daifan tries not to thik about bogwiggles, as there are very definitely none here now :x
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Any local wildlife has certainly moved elsewhere, with all this human traffic.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You enter the inn's main room, which has a number of tables and benches for guests to dine or enjoy a drink at, and which has perhaps a dozen people already seated or standing at the bar to get their orders.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> The man at the bar is massive, very tall and heavyset, and he gives you a friendly nod in greeting as you enter.
* Daifan smiles tiredly back at him
<Bartender> Good afternoon, travelers! Can I get you something to drink, after your journey?
* Daifan turns to Balinteze
<Balinteze> That sounds great. A couple of ales?
<Daifan> Oh good
<Daifan> please.
* Daifan says to the bartender
* Balinteze gets a Daligashi coin out of their bag.
<Balinteze> I hope you can accept this? We haven't got any local coins yet.
<Bartender> Money's money, we can take whatever you have :)
<Bartender> Where are you folks from?
<Balinteze> Gareluzo
* Balinteze says, naming a small town in Daligash
* Daifan nods
<Bartender> Ah, a long way from home, then. Welcome to the Silver Waves, I'm Mozemas.
* Bartender is now known as Mozemas
<Daifan> Thank you - it's been a long haul.
<Balinteze> Yes. I'm Uvas, and this is my wife Isha. It's good to have a place to rest for a little bit, out of the heat.
<Mozemas> You'll get used to that soon enough.
<Mozemas> Will you be wanting a room for tonight, or just stopping for a drink?
* Daifan looks dubious
<Daifan> (About the heat comment)
* Balinteze glances over at you, as if seeking your opinion.
<Daifan> I think a room would be good...
<Daifan> I'm beat, and this looks like a civilized place for a break.
<Mozemas> You're in luck, as we have a few left. A private room, I'm guessing you'd prefer?
* Daifan smiles slyly at Balinteze
<Daifan> Please... ^-^
<Balinteze> Definitely.
<Mozemas> All right. I'll get you those drinks, and then when you're ready, Kezosia can show you upstairs.
* Mozemas nods to a young woman who is currently (rather lazily) sweeping the floor near the back door.
<Daifan> That sounds great, thanks.
* Mozemas will pour your drinks, and bring them over to you.
* Balinteze takes a seat at one of the tables.
* Daifan will sit with them, looking around with open curiousity at the other travellers
* Daifan then gives them a curious look
<Balinteze> [q] Let's get the layout of the place as well as we can, for now, and we can talk further once we get up to our room.
* Daifan nods and will drink their beer and try and get a sense of how people are moving around in here, where the kitches and common areas are, etc
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (okay you can make a Perception check)
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 15 ].
<Daifan> (pft)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Well, you can tell that there must be a storeroom off the back of the building, as the bartender goes out there periodically and comes back with wine or other supplies. There is a stairway leading up to presumably the bedrooms. Outside, there's a stable and an outhouse. No basement, obviously, since it's too wet.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> As for staff, you see the bartender and the maid, and occasionally another guy who seems like maybe a porter or groom or something - he's more outside, only occasionally coming into the main building.
* Daifan will make idle chitchat about the trip as we finish our drinks as well
<Ashnabis_Narrator> If Zefa herself is here, you haven't seen her yet.
* Balinteze can make idle conversation as well, while they look around.
* Balinteze eventually finishes up their drink and will approach the bartender again.
<Balinteze> We're ready to go to our room now, if that's all right?
* Daifan will start gathering up both their stuff in preparation :x
* Mozemas waves the maid over, and tells her to take you up to the third room on the right.
* Kezosia will take you upstairs, smiling politely but clearly without much real enthusiasm. She mostly looks tired.
<Kezosia> Here you go - this will be your room.
<Daifan> thanks... long shift?
<Ashnabis_Narrator> The upstairs hallway looks to have five rooms on either side of the hall, and another door at the end of the corridor that could be a room or could maybe be a staircase up to an attic area?
<Kezosia> Oh... it's just one thing after another, you know?
* Kezosia says with a shrug
* Daifan gives her a sympathetic look
<Daifan> This place looks pretty new, there's gotta be some stuff getting worked out still
* Kezosia nods
<Kezosia> The kitchen is still only half finished - so I hope you like soup, and roasted meats, because that's mostly what we can make for now. If we want bread we have to get it brought out from town, since the oven isn't ready.
<Balinteze> Is it very far to the town from here?
<Kezosia> By boat it isn't too bad. Walking, it takes a few hours.
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> Soup and roasted meat sounds good to me. After being on the road, anything we didn't have to catch and cook ourselves sounds good :)
* Daifan smiles, but sighs
<Daifan> I'm getting better...
<Balinteze> You are, sweetheart :)
<Daifan> but I'm not complaining about someone else's cooking :x
<Kezosia> Well... is there anything else you need? There's fresh water and a couple of towels in the room, if you want to clean up, and the bed will be made.
<Daifan> I think we're set?
* Daifan answers, looking to Balinteze
<Balinteze> Yes, thanks - if we do need anything, can we just come down and ask for it?
<Kezosia> Sure, that's fine. Dinner will be in an hour or so.
<Balinteze> Thank you.
<Daifan> perfect, thanks :)
* Kezosia will leave you to it, then.
* Balinteze closes the door and latches it once we're inside.
<Balinteze> (it's just a little sort of hook latch, not a key)
<Daifan> well?
* Daifan will unload their pack and such, then sit on the bed
* Balinteze sets down their things as well, looking around.
<Balinteze> Okay. It sounds like we have an hour or so to look around, before we'd be expected at dinner. The staff will probably be busiest before and after the meal, preparing and then cleaning up afterwards.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> what are we even looking for?
<Balinteze> I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. Is Zefa living out here? If so, which rooms are hers? Is there any indication of where the money to build this place came from? Anything else that looks ... out of the ordinary?
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> and how do we do this?
<Daifan> sneak around and try and stay out of sight, or just wander around liek we are supposed to be here?
<Balinteze> I'm going to pretend to go out to the bathroom and then come back and forget which room is mine and try to open a few of the other doors, see what I can see. Meanwhile, how about you keep an eye out for any comings and goings from the other rooms, and see who is staying here?
<Daifan> sure :)
<Balinteze> Does that sound good for now? Then we can see what else we might be able to investigate once it's darker out.
* Daifan nods
<Balinteze> okay :) you know I hate leaving my lovely wife, even for a little while, but nature calls ;p
* Balinteze gives you a kiss and will head out, then.
<Daifan> ^-^
<Ashnabis_Narrator> okay - you can make another perception check as you listen and keep alert.
* Daifan will stay near the door to listen for anyone else coming along
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 13 ].
<Daifan> (*ffs)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> There's a fair amount of noise from downstairs that makes it hard to hear much of note.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You do hear some other people coming and going from their rooms but you don't know for sure how many or which rooms.
* Daifan will poke their head out of the door when they hear someone up there, at leaast
<Daifan> (in the hall I mean)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You see a woman coming out from the doorway at the end of the hall - you are able to recognize Zefa, and see that she locks the door behind her (that one certainly seems to have a real lock).
* Daifan makes a disappointed and slightly concerned face, sighs quietly, and closes the door
* Balinteze comes back about a quarter hour later.
<Daifan> There you are!
<Balinteze> I return :)
* Daifan says loudly when they come back in, and closes the door
<Daifan> I was starting to get worried :x
* Daifan says but winks ;)
<Balinteze> Most people seem to latch their doors :p There's one at the end of the hall that's unoccupied - looks quite similar to ours.
<Daifan> I saw Zefa coming out of the room at the end of the hall
<Daifan> the one with the real lock
<Balinteze> hmm. I guess we could ask to switch to the empty room, since it seems like it's next to hers. Maybe we'd overhear something?
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> Would they just switch us?
<Balinteze> I don't know. If it's empty, I guess why not? We could say that this one is too noisy or something, since it's closer to the stairs and the bar.
* Daifan nods
<Balinteze> it's not like we messed up the bed... yet ;)
<Daifan> it is pretty loud, I coudln't hear much and was lucky I caught her in the hall
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> okay
<Balinteze> we should also try to have a look in the stables and the storeroom if we can. That might be a job for later tonight.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> should we go down together?
<Balinteze> Sure.
<Balinteze> We could head down early, and have another drink before dinner, maybe?
<Daifan> I like how you think ^-^
<Daifan> and see about getting the room switched
* Balinteze nods
* Balinteze will head downstairs with you, then, and you can make arrangements to switch rooms, which is no problem, and have another drink before dinner.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Dinner, as mentioned, is a bowl of cabbage soup with some little meatballs in it, and some grilled fish.
* Daifan will nort complain :x
<Daifan> It is nice to have someomen else do the cooking :x
<Ashnabis_Narrator> There are about a dozen other guests here, not counting yourselves - single travelers, mostly, although there is also a family with a toddler, and a pair who might be brothers or cousins, judging by their resemblance.
<Daifan> (Any other staff in appearance, ort is Zeba around anywhere?)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Zefa does not dine with the guests, but she does get a meal and take it back upstairs. The other staff are all there, doing their jobs - serving food, getting drinks, cleaning up after the meal, etc.
<Balinteze> [q] This might be a good chance for one of us to look at the storeroom. If you can slip back there, I can try to keep the staff distracted.
<Daifan> I can give it a shot
* Balinteze nods
* Daifan will excuse themself form the table then, ostensibly to go to the bathroom, but then slip around to see what they can see >.>
* Balinteze will wait until you're in position, then spill their mug of beer, drawing attention as the maid comes over to clean up the mess and the bartender has to pour a new one.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Okay, you can make a Stealth check as you sneak around.
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 19 ].
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Okay - you slip into the storeroom without anyone noticing, you think.
* Daifan will have a look and see what's in here :x
<Ashnabis_Narrator> It contains, as might be expected, things like barrels of ale and casks of wine, sacks of flour and rice and dried beans, things like some kitchenware and pots that might not be in use yet.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You can make a Perception check to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 14 ].
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 30 ].
<Daifan> (THATS BETTER)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Okay - you do notice one thing that you're not quite sure what it means. All the casks of wine are marked with a particular symbol - it looks like an eight-pointed star with a couple of scrolls or curly lines on either side. You don't recognize it, but it's all over the place once you notice it.
<Daifan> (cool)
* Daifan will slip back out
<Ashnabis_Narrator> you make it back to the table unnoticed (as far as you know).
* Balinteze smiles
<Balinteze> They replaced my drink for free, wasn't that nice of them? :)
<Daifan> what?
<Balinteze> I'm so clumsy, it was my own fault for spilling it.
* Daifan sighs
<Daifan> again?
<Daifan> Maybe I shoudl cut you off at one ;p
* Balinteze smiles
<Balinteze> don't worry, honey, I'll still be able to perform later ;)
* Balinteze says with a wink
<Daifan> you'd better, since we have a nice private room and all >:D
<Daifan> and I will not be giving you anything if you're gonna be clumsy about it ^-^]
* Balinteze chuckles.
<Balinteze> Yes, dear.
* Daifan gives them an admonishing look at their tone
* Balinteze looks sheepish and goes back to their meal
<Daifan> well, finish your dinner and drink and we'll see how things go
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Once you finish your meal and drinks, you can head back up to your (new) room, moving your things over.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> It is indeed a bit quieter here.
<Daifan> that is better...
* Daifan says, sitting on the new bed
<Daifan> Now, do we kill time until its darker or do you want to head what I saw? :x
<Balinteze> Oh, I want to hear :)
<Daifan> not too much - it was mostly just a normal looking store room
<Daifan> but everything was marked with the same symbol... I'm guessing a merchant house or something?
* Balinteze nods, listening
<Balinteze> What was the symbol?
* Daifan will lower their voice a bit for this conversation
<Daifan> An eight pointed start, with like.. squiggles? or scrolls? on either side
<Daifan> like this
* Daifan will trace the squiggle shape in the air
* Balinteze frowns slightly
<Daifan> what?
<Balinteze> That's the sigil of the Fand lineage. They are... or started out as... spice merchants, but now they mainly deal in fos. A major Ruby lineage from Zhuru.
* Daifan nods
<Balinteze> They're certainly rich enough to fund this place's construction. I'm just not entirely sure why they would. And...
* Balinteze hesitates for a moment, mulling things over.
<Daifan> I remember you said something abotu them when we were sent out here the first time...
<Balinteze> Kikhash's wife is their head of security. I'm not sure what that means for him - his loyalty has to be to the General, and theirs... is not.
<Daifan> that was it, right...
<Daifan> and he sent you out here, hmm
<Balinteze> Right.
<Daifan> awkward
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> Okay... maybe we can rest for a few hours, see if we hear anything interesting, and then once it's dark and people have settled down, if we want to go poke around elsewhere we can. I'll think about what this might mean.
<Daifan> Mmhmm. Sure, we can rest...
<Balinteze> or at least, lie down? :)
<Daifan> mmhmm :3
* Daifan will do that, then :x
* Balinteze might have packed some supplies to help with ... resting...

Liraula asks Jimba to store some totally legitimately acquired goods for her


<AshnabisGM> Jimba, to say that there has been a lot of action in your family lately would be an understatement. You've got a lot to process, from wedding plans to ... maybe more wedding plans? It's a hard life sometimes for a man just looking to make a few horns and be out on the sea.
<AshnabisGM> You're at port today, looking over things at your newly obtained dock, when you see a familiar face walking toward you. It's Liraula.
* Jimba smiles and waves.
<Liraula> Hello! I was hoping I'd find you here. Looking good, I'd say. This all yours, the dock and the outbuildings?
* Liraula is wearing a green and grey dashi with a black belt with a silver clasp, and a small black cap.
<Jimba> Mine and Katenzhi's yeah.
<Jimba> To what do I owe the honor?
<Liraula> You've been doing well for yourself.
* Jimba shrugs.
<Jimba> We do all right.
<Liraula> I've come by actually to talk about this place.
<Jimba> Oh?
<Jimba> What about it?
<Liraula> I figure you might have some space free to store some things for a friend.
<Jimba> I'm sure that can be arranged.
<Jimba> Am I going to need to worry about security? More than normal, I mean.
<Liraula> Well, that's something we can talk about. I don't think so though - the point would be not to tell too many folks it's here.
<Jimba> Of course.
<Liraula> Turns out I've come into possession of a full shipload of Imbis Blue ware from Basai. You know the stuff?
<Jimba> (Do I?)
<AshnabisGM> (uhhh, give me idk, an Appraise check?)
<AshnabisGM> (I don't even know what that would be, Knowledge: ceramics?)
<Jimba> (Hold on, I do have Appraise)
<Jimba> (And when else am I going to get to roll it? ;) )
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 11 ].
<Jimba> (Ugh, seriously?)
<Jimba> (boo)
<AshnabisGM> (you have no idea)
<Jimba> Can't say I do. Expensive?
<Liraula> Here, I brought one for you to see.
* Jimba will take a look.
* Liraula pulls out a satchel and removes a small, very fine blue-gloss ceramic bowl with relief decoration on the outside.
<Liraula> Imbis is an island, I guess, in Basai, where they get this clay.
<Jimba> (Would it be a separate check to appraise it, as opposed to knowing about it?)
<Jimba> Looks pretty, at least.
<Liraula> It is, and it wouldn't be hard to sell ordinarily, in Charadip or anywhere where Basaians congregate.
<Liraula> Trouble is that the load was originally bound for Charadip, so I can't just go up there and sell it.
<Jimba> Ah, right.
<Liraula> But maybe we can sell it a little more slowly, through middlemen like you, or just taking our time.
<Jimba> Well, I can manage that, if you like.
<Liraula> I figure, anything you sell, we can split half and half. And otherwise, just hold it here till Black Stork ships can take parts of the shipment off to other places.
<Jimba> Can do.
<Jimba> Seems like this investment is already paying off.
<Liraula> Well, I hope so. You definitely are starting to look like a respectable businessman, to anyone who doesn't know better.
* Liraula smiles broadly.
* Jimba grins.
<Jimba> That's the hope.
<Jimba> Makes the rest of it easier.
<Liraula> Oh I should tell you, your man Jenam is carrying himself respectably enough. Handled himself very well in the fight where we ended up with these pots, actually.
<Jimba> That's good to hear. I was a little worried about him.
<Jimba> He's a good guy, but I wasn't completely sure he was cut out for that life. Glad to hear he's managing.
<Liraula> Well, he's a hard worker, which counts for a lot. Not afraid to do dirty things. You get a lot of respect that way, even if you don't know your way around the rigging.
* Jimba nods.
<Liraula> How are things with you?
<Jimba> Well, you really helped him out, giving him a chance. I'd bet he really appreciates it. I know I do.
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> Good, as you can see, at least financially, but...
* Jimba shrugs.
<Jimba> Family drama.
<Liraula> Oh? I know a few things about that.
<Jimba> Oh?
<Liraula> Sure, the whole armada looks to me to solve their personal problems, on top of Bohin and all his lineage's problems. It's not all just skewering hapless merchants at sea. Uhh, sorry, no offense.
<Jimba> None taken, though I'd like to think I've got a little hap.
<Liraula> You got any problems I can help with, you just let me know.
<Liraula> Part of the Black Stork service.
* Jimba chuckles.
<Jimba> I don't think I need to bother you with it, really. Just, my aunt and uncle, the one's that raised me, are in town.
<Jimba> And I'm unmarried, my cousin's unmarried, Llillilli is *getting* married.
<Jimba> It's a whole thing.
<Liraula> Oh everyone knows about your sister's wedding. Thelef Aanilaus, now there's a piece of a man. All the girls in Timiil are going to hate her, that's for sure.
<Liraula> But you know what they say about him, anyway.
<Jimba> What do they say?
<Liraula> You know, that he enjoys the company of scalier things. I don't know about any of that. But it is widely believed.
<Jimba> Oh, right.
<Jimba> Yeah, I don't *think* that's the case.
<Jimba> He seems like a good guy.
<Jimba> Incredible attractiveness notwithstanding.
<Liraula> Sure, and that's gotta be a good match for your business here too. An audience at the court at Sulise in your future, perhaps.
<Jimba> Well, I didn't make the match, but, yeah, I think it will be really good for us. Financially and, for my sister, personally.
* Liraula nods.
<Liraula> Well let me know if you have any business that needs a local hand.
<Liraula> As for my wares, I'll have my men bring those over tonight, or tomorrow night. I need not tell you to keep it discreet.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Of course.
<Jimba> Likewise, let me know if there's anything else I can help with.
<Liraula> Always.

Solos

Katenzhi talks to Bivizmi about the idea of marrying Jimba


* Katenzhi will head to Bivizmi's place the next morning.
* Bivizmi smiles when she sees you.
* Katenzhi smiles, but not the most cheerful of smiles.
<Katenzhi> Hey
<Bivizmi> Hi ... is something wrong?
<Katenzhi> It's... not great. But I don't know what I was expecting, really.
<Bivizmi> I'm really sorry about the wine. I don't know what happened. I'm so clumsy.
<Katenzhi> No, no... it's not you at all.
<Katenzhi> You were fine.
<Katenzhi> They want to have a connection to your family.
<Bivizmi> All right ...
<Katenzhi> But they want it through marriage... with kids.
<Katenzhi> They want to arrange for you to marry my cousin, Jimba.
<Bivizmi> ... Jimba?
* Katenzhi nods.
* Bivizmi laughs.
* Katenzhi quirks an eyebrow.
<Bivizmi> I mean ... I don't really ... no, really, Jimba?
<Katenzhi> I'm so sorry... I don't know how I thought this would end up.
<Bivizmi> What do you mean?
<Katenzhi> I just wanted to be with you.
<Bivizmi> I mean, who's talking about anyone getting married, though?
<Katenzhi> My parents are.
<Bivizmi> But not for you.
<Katenzhi> Not yet. But they will.
<Bivizmi> I don't have any marriageable brothers though. Just one and he's a priest.
* Katenzhi laughs.
<Katenzhi> Yeah....
<Katenzhi> I just feel like I botched everything up, like I always do.
<Bivizmi> Hey, no, you didn't do that.
<Bivizmi> I know your parents must want what's best for you. They just don't understand.
<Katenzhi> Yeah. They never really did.
<Katenzhi> Though I guess that's true for most people to some extent.
<Bivizmi> You know, when we came here from Kintezra, me and the other kids, my father was opposed initially. But he's become a very rich man due to what we've been able to do here.
<Katenzhi> Yeah, thanks to you and your sisters.
<Bivizmi> I know I told your parents that it was with his money. And that's true. But it wasn't his idea to send us here. It was ours.
<Katenzhi> He didn't want you to?
<Bivizmi> Would you want all your kids to leave you at home and come to some faraway land? Eventually he was convinced and now he's thrilled. But I do worry that he's going to find marriage partners for those of us who aren't married, back home in Choradan.
<Katenzhi> ...oh...
<Katenzhi> But... if you were to marry Jimba...
<Bivizmi> I mean ... now that I think about it, it isn't the craziest idea.
<Katenzhi> You would... be ok with that?
<Bivizmi> Would he agree to it? I mean, he must be pretty marriageable here, with Llillilli getting married to Thelef Aanilaus now, especially.
<Katenzhi> He seems... open to the idea. As much as could be expected anyway.
<Bivizmi> Uh ... well.
<Katenzhi> Like you said... maybe it's not the craziest idea.
<Katenzhi> But... I don't want you do have to do anything you don't want to.
<Katenzhi> Or Jimba either.
<Bivizmi> I mean ... we should probably meet and talk about it.
<Katenzhi> Yeah, of course.
<Katenzhi> It effects all of us.
<Bivizmi> What kind of man is Jimba?
<Bivizmi> What's he like?
<Katenzhi> He's a good guy. Smart. Good with people. And he loves animals. Like... a lot.
<Katenzhi> I mean... in a good way.
* Bivizmi laughs.
<Bivizmi> If he likes to fuck hippos, count me out!
* Katenzhi laughs.
<Katenzhi> I'm not sure that's even geometrically possible.
<Bivizmi> I'm sure I don't want to know.
<Katenzhi> I can bring him by sometime. We can all... talk.
<Bivizmi> All right. Well ... I'll try not to spill wine on him too.
<Katenzhi> Eh... I do it all the time.
* Bivizmi laughs.
<Bivizmi> I just haven't slept well, since ... you know ... and I can't escape the feeling that the world is conspiring against me sometimes.
* Katenzhi puts a hand on Bivizmi's arm.
<Katenzhi> I'm sorry. This must all be an awful lot for you all in a short time.
<Bivizmi> It is. But I'm glad you're here for it with me.
<Katenzhi> Have there been any other... issues? Since it happened...
<Bivizmi> Oh ... you know ...
<Bivizmi> (you can make a sense motive)
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+1
* Lan-werk rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 9 ].
<Katenzhi> (hah, no)
<Bivizmi> I'm fine.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> You know you can always talk to me, right?
<Bivizmi> Of course, sure.
<Katenzhi> I can't imagine what it must be like to go through what you went through.
<Bivizmi> It's ... I don't know, I hardly even remember it happening, anymore.
<Bivizmi> It's just like, before, and then after.
<Katenzhi> If only I'd been there with you...
<Bivizmi> Then there might have been two bodies instead of one.
<Katenzhi> Yeah. Their's.
* Bivizmi laughs.
<Bivizmi> I like you. You're stupid in all the best kind of ways.
* Katenzhi grins.


Daifan and Balinteze continue their snooping


<Balinteze> (picking up after... resting? ;)
<Daifan> (Okay :3)
<Balinteze> (probably you did a very bad job of listening for anything out of the ordinary for a while ;)
<Daifan> mmm... time to put clothes on and go back to work?
<Balinteze> mm, maybe.
* Daifan asks without making any moves to do that just yet
* Balinteze sighs reluctantly.
* Balinteze holds you closer instead
<Daifan> mmm
* Daifan snuggles
<Balinteze> it's very nice like this, though.
<Daifan> mmhmmm...
<Daifan> very nice
<Daifan> Lucky Uvas and Isha...
<Balinteze> a very happy couple :3
* Balinteze strokes your hair gently.
* Daifan nods
<Balinteze> we don't have to go just yet.
* Balinteze suggests.
<Daifan> we have all night...
<Balinteze> mmhm.
<Balinteze> but maybe we should get our work done with so we can... get some more rest later? ^-^
<Daifan> that could be nice too
* Balinteze stretches lazily
<Daifan> and not hve to worry about getting up again :3
* Balinteze nods
* Daifan will roll over to give them space to get up if they want
* Balinteze sits up and will retrieve their shirt from ... wherever it got tossed.
<Balinteze> I'm feeling worried about this.
<Daifan> what about it?
<Daifan> I mean
<Balinteze> Not.. this-this. This was great. I mean this situation. I don't know what Kikhash was expecting to hear - that his wife's employers are behind the inn, or whatever else is going on here?
<Balinteze> Or is that going to make things complicated for him? for me?
<Daifan> these people killed someone for his land and then pinned iut on his neighbor so they could take his too
<Daifan> it's already pretty complicated
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> Envoys are supposed to be neutral... in theory. This whole place feels anything but neutral.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> He sent you here because he knows somethig isn't right
<Daifan> he already knows its complicated
<Balinteze> Yeah. I just think... maybe he was hoping I'd come back and say something different, not "The Fands are behind it."
<Daifan> he knows the Fand are involved, if Zefa is... right?
<Daifan> :/
<Daifan> whatever he hoped, I think he won't be surprised
<Daifan> the question is what, if anything, he'll do, whern it isn't just some poor farmer's life on the line :p
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> I think he is loyal to the General. It might mean ruining his marriage, though. I don't know how that'll go. He and Zesel are close. It's not a business marriage kind of thing, they really care for one another.
<Daifan> is he loyal to the general, or to Daligash? he's *their
* envoy, isn't he?
<Daifan> and the fort is still Choradani...
<Balinteze> As far as I know, to the General. He thinks that's the way to keep peace around here.
<Daifan> mm. Well, either way you slice it... that's not neutral either.
* Daifan sighs
<Balinteze> No. I mean... they never are, not entirely. This whole area is supposed to be some kind of neutral meeting point for envoys and yet it's clearly not that - it has some other purpose.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> Well here is another option, maybe...
<Daifan> We don't have to bring this to your boss
<Daifan> I can take it to Junan. he's close with the envoy who set up the whole meeting
* Balinteze considers that.
<Daifan> it woudl still probably have reprecussions for Kikash though
<Daifan> but it wouldn't be the same, I think
<Balinteze> It might be worth at least raising it with him first - see what he makes of it. But I can't just not tell Kikhash.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> It might entail some... explaining of things. But you cne see what he thinks
* Balinteze nods
<Daifan> I don't know what you told him about who Kemai was taking with him on this adventure :x
<Balinteze> I didn't mention >.>
* Daifan smiles
<Balinteze> I mean... he knows I was bringing a friend. but I didn't bring your name into it or anything. I didn't figure you would want that.
<Daifan> I think it would be more complcated for you than anything else.
* Daifan says but not entirely with conviction
* Balinteze leans over and gives you a kiss.
<Daifan> mmm:x
<Balinteze> I can keep you out of it - if your friend wants to talk to Kikhash, I can probably find a way to make that happen without it having to involve you.
<Daifan> okay
<Daifan> shoudl I tell him anything then?
<Daifan> Or should we worry about it later and see what else we can learn, maybe, for now?
<Balinteze> We can figure that out later, yeah. But it's worth thinking about - he might have more insight into how this place came to be, or what else it might be for.
* Daifan nods
<Balinteze> I also brought some fos. I'm not an expert at it, but I can try seeing what I can see with that, too. It might let me look inside Zefa's room, which I doubt we can get into by normal means, at least without attracting attention.
<Daifan> okay
<Daifan> Did you want to try the fos first? YOu wouldn't need to get dressed ^_^
<Balinteze> Hmm, you make a compelling point...
<Balinteze> But if I blow us all up, we wouldn't find out anything else.
<Balinteze> so maybe we'll save that for last?
<Daifan> okay
<Daifan> because... you dont have to be wearing any clothes :3
* Balinteze smiles at that
* Daifan smiles back
<Balinteze> I will make sure to get naked before any fos experiments :)
* Balinteze will finish up getting dressed
* Daifan will follow suite
<Daifan> stables, then?
<Balinteze> Yes, and a general look around the grounds I think.
<Balinteze> That meeting hall for the envoys is a stone's throw away, although it's far from finished. we could look around there a bit too.
* Daifan nods
* Balinteze pulls a cloak of a dark fabric out of their pack, so they aren't just going around with a bright white shirt in the dark.
* Daifan 's clothes are mostly darker I think
<Balinteze> (yeah you should be okay, I think yours are like purple and dark shades, I just remembered that their shirt was light colored :)
<Daifan> (purple and red :)
<Balinteze> (right :)
<Daifan> (I checked ;)
<Balinteze> (heh)
* Daifan will wrap their hair a bit more securely, at least
* Balinteze draws the cloak on and will quietly open the door to take a look around and make sure nobody's in the hallway. Once it's clear, they will head out.
* Daifan will follow, trying to be quiet and unobtrusive
<Balinteze> (okay, Stealth check I suppose. I should roll for B too ;)
<Balinteze> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Balinteze: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 4 ].
<Balinteze> (not super awesome B ;p)
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 15 ].
<Daifan> (we're terrrrible ;p )
<Balinteze> (why did they send us ;p)
<Daifan> (You are probably doing fine with that 4 ;p)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You make it downstairs with maybe a bit more noise than is ideal, but nobody comes out of their rooms to look at what's going on - maybe they just figure, if they heard anything at all, that it was someone going out to the outhouse or whatever.
* Daifan huffs in quiet annoyance at their poor performance
* Balinteze opens the door, trying to be quiet, and fortunately it only creaks slightly, so you can step outside. The night is quiet at this point, only a few insects and birds to be heard, and the sky is overcast so the moon is not too bright.
* Daifan will take a moment for their eyes to adjust
* Daifan will take a general look around, also
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Several boats are moored at the wharf nearby, and you can hear the water lapping at their hulls as the river flows along. The stable and a shed are nearby, also the outhouse, and what is probably eventually going to be the kitchen/baking oven area, which is still unfinished.
* Daifan cocks their head towards the stable
* Balinteze nods and will head that way.
* Daifan also
* Daifan will try and be more careful :x
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You can enter the stables - there are a couple horses and pack mules that presumably belong to travellers, who sniff softly as you enter, and there's a loft up above. You can make Perception checks.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Ashnabis_Narrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 11 ].
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 27 ].
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (nice :)
<Daifan> (yes but alsi Balinteze does not need me ;)
<Daifan> (lucky I'm cute :3)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (think of it as job shadowing ;)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You hear a plank creak up above like someone moving slightly while trying to be quiet. Someone or someones is up in the loft, but trying to be stealthy about it.
* Balinteze glances up and takes a step to one side to be hidden more in the shadows.
* Daifan follows suite
<Daifan> (Maybe not into the same shadows, but trying to stay out of sight, anyway)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Another Stealth check to see how successful you are at hiding
<Ashnabis_Narrator> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Ashnabis_Narrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 16 ].
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 22 ].
<Daifan> (better, anyway)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (yeah, decent :)
<Daifan> (That's not including cb bonuses)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (yarr)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Okay, you hide yourselves in the shadows, managing to avoid detection. After a few minutes, you hear a man's voice up in the loft say "I think they're gone" and a woman whisper something in return. Then some distinct sounds of ... close interpersonal contact going on.
* Daifan will glance over at Balinteze
* Balinteze gives a sort of arched eyebrow look at that, and will move quietly towards the door and slip outside.
* Daifan will also, taking advantage of the distraction :x
<Balinteze> well, they probably didn't notice us leaving >.>
* Balinteze says quietly once we're outside.
<Balinteze> I wonder if it's a guest - guests? - or if that's why the maid is so tired :p
<Balinteze> sneaking out for late night trysts
* Daifan shrugs
<Daifan> She didn't seem too enthusiastic about whatever was tiring her out...
<Daifan> but that doens't mean anything >.>
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> I suppose it could be Zefa but I sort of feel like stables would be ... below her standards. She has her own room, she can bring people there if she really wants :p
<Daifan> shoudl we look round the grounds and then come back?
* Balinteze nods
* Daifan nods
* Balinteze will walk around the building site and grounds, taking a look at what is able to be seen on a fairly dimly-lit night.
* Daifan goes with, but will spread out a bit to cover more ground
<Daifan> (Prception again?)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (sure)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Ashnabis_Narrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 17 ].
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 20 ].
* Daifan is curious about the boats, but will approach with caution as there could be people
<Ashnabis_Narrator> There are piles of quarried stone among the building materials, which have to have been imported from somewhere, as stone isn't really a big thing around here. In general, materials seem to be high quality and costly, in your opinion.
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You can peek at the boats - they seem mainly like they are either passenger vessels, like the type that make a regular route back and forth along the river bringing travellers to and from Kaskind and now apparently have a new place to stop at, or a few cargo vessels.
<Daifan> (DO they look as thought they are still loaded with anythig?)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> Some do - they are probably traveling towards Kaskind, bringing goods that are imported from more 'civilized areas'... Probably at least a couple are empty or near-empty here, though, having unloaded their supplies for the building efforts and then mooring before heading out again tomorrow, you'd imagine.
* Daifan knows that some epoepl keep records of cargos and stuff but wouldn't know what they were looking at
* Daifan will see if they can catch balinteze's attention though
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You do think some of them probably have watchmen on board, especially the ones still stocked with goods. They might be dozing though.
* Balinteze rejoins you near the boats.
<Balinteze> mm? did you see anything interesting?
<Daifan> well... not. But They mght have records about thingthat were shipped and from who, or letters... maybe?
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> ship manifests?
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> I wouldn;t know what I was looking at...
<Balinteze> I can see if I can see anything. I don't want to attract too much attention but I'll see what I can manage...
* Balinteze will give you a smile and slip off quietly to look more closely at the boats.
* Daifan will keep a lookout :3
* Balinteze returns a short while later.
* Daifan looks up from where they were imaginign an elaborate cover story for Isha if anyone came along :V
<Daifan> anything?
<Balinteze> I got the names of some of the ships - I should be able to find out more about their owners and cargo once we're back in Kaskind.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> now what?
<Balinteze> now back inside and I'll try that fos.
<Daifan> okay
<Daifan> Wait - did you want to chedk out the envoy hall
<Balinteze> I don't think there's much to see there yet - it's only half built. and I don't really want to fall into a pit in the dark or something >.> Maybe we can look tomorrow before we leave.
<Daifan> okay
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> I think those people in the stable were just giving you ideas ;)
* Balinteze smiles at that
<Balinteze> I think our bed is more comfortable than the stable.
<Daifan> mmhmmm :)
<Daifan> let's go, then
* Balinteze will head back inside with you, moving through the inn and back towards your room. One more Stealth check to get back inside :)
<Balinteze> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Balinteze: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 7 ].
* Daifan will hed back
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 25 ].
<Ashnabis_Narrator> You make it back to your room undetected (you believe).
* Balinteze goes to their pack and will get out a small bag of fos. They will, as promised, take off their clothes before settling on the bed to try and cast their spell to snoop on Zefa.
<Balinteze> see, I kept my promise ;)
<Daifan> mmm :3
<Daifan> well... i'm no witch so I can't do much to help except make sure you don't set yourself on fire or anything...
<Daifan> Maybe I shoudl take of my clothes too, just in case
<Balinteze> mmm, just in case
* Balinteze will ingest the fos and (reluctantly) close their eyes to concetrate on the spell.
<Balinteze> !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Balinteze: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 8 ].
* Daifan can oblige a bit teasingly.... but just a bit
<Daifan> (oh baby)
<Balinteze> (it's not tooo bad. they still cast it, I think they just have to roll on the minor bad effects table)
<Balinteze> !roll 1d100
* Lan-werk rolls for Balinteze: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 99 ].
<Balinteze> (hah or... the moderate one? ;p)
<Balinteze> !roll 1d100
* Lan-werk rolls for Balinteze: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 59 ].
<Balinteze> (ah that's fine. no problem then ;)
<Balinteze> (they got "next time the caster expends fos, twice the normal dosage is needed" oh no. for all the times they cast spells ;)
<Daifan> (Oh yeah ;p)
* Balinteze spends about 10 minutes concentrating on the spell and then a while longer doing... whatever they're doing. looking in Zefa's room, presumably.
* Balinteze finally opens their eyes, taking a deep breath and shaking their head to clear it.
<Balinteze> Phew, that felt weird. It worked, though. I did get a look around her room. She was in there asleep, so it doesn't look like she was the one having a midnight rendezvous in the stables.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> That's... good?
<Balinteze> She has a lot of papers and books in there. I could only look at whatever was on the top of the piles, of course.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> anything useful?
<Balinteze> I saw one that looked to be a half-finished letter she was writing to Usuf Rorifiti, that said his daughter was doing well, and was asking about some other 'work' of some kind - it was pretty vague.
<Balinteze> Another was some sort of notes about the Pindevuzi refinery - not like a letter, more like... notes about their business dealings, who they trade with, their prices, specialty products, that sort of thing.
<Balinteze> Is she trying to get into the fos business? Checking up on the competition?
<Daifan> mmmm....
<Daifan> (Do I know about Kat's thing with Bivizmi at all?)
<Daifan> (in this case business thing)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (heh)
<Ashnabis_Narrator> (I don't know about that, but I think you probably know Kat knows her at least? It was talked about a fair bit around the time Bivizmi died/was resurrected, I think)
<Daifan> What kinds of things?
<Daifan> Katenzhi is...close with one of them.
<Balinteze> oh?
<Daifan> I don't know details...
<Balinteze> It didn't seem like anything terribly bad - just detailed notes about the traders they deal with to transport their goods and who their fos suppliers are, that kind of thing. It did say something about 'specialty' products but I don't really know what that means. Fos is what they deal in, so I don't know what kind of 'special' fos products there are, unless they sell things processed
<Balinteze> differently, maybe?
<Daifan> Well.
<Balinteze> I admit I don't know a huge amount about fos processing, so maybe they have some special secret recipe or something.
<Daifan> I can maybe guess...
<Daifan> we found some... strange fos on one of our assignments
<Balinteze> oh?
<Daifan> It had a weird effect on the animals that were eating it, and was white. Kat was interested but I don't knot if anything came of it
<Balinteze> hm, interesting.
<Daifan> .... but also her friend was killed
* Balinteze frowns at that
<Daifan> They brought her back... but she was murdered.
<Balinteze> related to the weird fos, or ... unrelated murder, I wonder?
<Daifan> I don't know.
<Daifan> I think Kat was trying to look into it
* Balinteze nods
<Balinteze> That might be worth looking into, then, if Zefa or her backers are interested in it.
<Daifan> hmmm... okay.
<Daifan> Kat is.... not a subtle person
* Balinteze smiles slightly at that
<Balinteze> we're the ones sitting here naked, I mean, we don't have much room to talk. :)
<Daifan> yes but you havent set anything on fire yet :x
<Balinteze> that's true
<Balinteze> I suppose I'll have to try harder next time.
* Balinteze leans over and gives you a kiss.
* Daifan kisses back

Junan has dinner with Ghendalt


* Ghendalt will invite you over for dinner one evening
* Junan gladly accepts the invite, looking for a nice relaxing evening with good food, drink, and conversation
<Ghendalt> Junan, it's been too long!
* Ghendalt says as he beckons you to sit down.
<Junan> It really has. My life has been busier than I could have anticipated of late
<Ghendalt> Hopefully with enjoyable pastimes?
<Junan> not all the time, alas
<Junan> Jaigadu was keeping me busy with other things
<Ghendalt> Well, then let tonight serve as a tonic to wash away some of the stresses.
* Ghendalt pours you some wine.
* Junan will happily accept some
<Ghendalt> What sort of things have been keeping you so busy?
<Junan> oh mostly the nambimoshe as of late, but thats done now
* Ghendalt nods
<Ghendalt> Did it accomplish what it was intended for?
<Junan> time will be the judge of that I think.
<Junan> I dont think stability is a bad goal
<Ghendalt> No, indeed. In these days, perhaps a difficult one to achieve, but not beyond reach.
<Junan> I hope it works in the end.
* Ghendalt sips his drink with a nod.
<Junan> my dad, who I don't think I've really thought about for quite some time, was always one to say that instability brings opportunity
* Ghendalt taps his fingers, considering that.
<Junan> but then he sold trade goods, and knew how to stockpile when markets were slow... so?
* Junan shrugs
<Ghendalt> To a certain point, I would agree. But beyond that - if matters descend into deep chaos - people become interested only in saving themselves, or their families, or their goods. No one shops for jewelry when their barn is on fire.
<Junan> so stability is definitely your focus
<Junan> honestly if we just avoid having boat loads of Choradani sentinels wandering around, its probably for the bes
<Junan> (best)
<Ghendalt> Well, I deal in matters of luxury. And that requires people to have the time and money and security to partake of luxuries. Not to mention, stable trade routes back home. Perhaps with staples, it's different. Even in a war, one needs to buy bread.
* Junan nods in agreement
<Junan> I hope never to see a war, or be even close to one
<Ghendalt> I cannot say I recommend it.
<Junan> I do owe you an appology... you asked me to find out more about why Veznara Kezondo was here... and I kinda tried... but I didn't get much out of it.
<Junan> I... well, she is so serious in her role as a Hand, and tries so hard to do the right thing, that I just struggle to relate to her
<Ghendalt> Ah... well, that's quite understandable.
<Ghendalt> Those who are called to the priesthood, if they are sincere at least, are often quite different from you or I.
<Ghendalt> Especially different from I ;)
<Junan> I'm glad you understand... it's not like I didn't try.
* Ghendalt nods sympathetically
<Junan> I have to work with her, and if I faked it to get her trust... well I would have to always be like that... so... devoted...
<Ghendalt> Perhaps with more time, she'll become more of an open book. But no, by all means, don't feel you have to go to great lengths.
* Junan swirls his wine
<Junan> I will keep you up on anything I do manage to learn
<Ghendalt> I appreciate that.
<Junan> so how is Kirikha doing?
<Ghendalt> Ah... she is making preparations for her wedding. I imagine it's keeping her very busy - she has not been around much.
* Ghendalt watches you attentively, perhaps trying to gauge your feelings on the matter
<Junan> thats unfortunate... she likes working here
* Junan is playing it cool for now
<Ghendalt> She does. But once she's married, her life will no doubt be very different.
<Junan> Last time I talked to her... she was not in the best of moods, despite my efforts.
<Ghendalt> That's unfortunate. I also have the sense that perhaps she is not overjoyed at the prospect.
<Junan> I sense that as well
<Ghendalt> She is young, so it's possible that with time she would come to see the benefits of this match... but perhaps not.
<Ghendalt> I admit I have sympathy for her... perhaps it's the romantic in me that would rather see her with someone she genuinely cares for, and who would treat her well.
<Junan> I just don't like her being forced into a situation that's not her choosing
* Ghendalt nods
<Ghendalt> The situation is an unfortunate one. Her father is set on the match, but perhaps there might yet be ways to convince him otherwise...
<Junan> I mean, I like her, she's smart, cute, and has a spark in her eyes... she's better here where she can explore that.
* Junan rolls his eyes
<Junan> Ilfos... I'm sorry, I try... but we rub eachother the wrong way
<Ghendalt> There are certainly ways to have this match called off, but unfortunately most of those I can think of would either render her prospects of any future match much more difficult, or cause serious strain with her father. I suppose there's always the prospect that I could marry her, ha ha!
* Ghendalt says with a laugh and a wink.
* Junan chuckles
<Junan> like that wouldn't cause strain... it would almost be funny 'cause his face would go so red with fury, but he wouldnt dare risk his reputation
<Ghendalt> Ah, surely a Senator is a better catch than some young brat, no matter how wealthy his parents might be. And, I'm old enough to ensure that in all likelihood I would leave her a very wealthy young widow with excellent prospects ;)
<Junan> I mean I get he's angry with her mother, but is it just money?
<Ghendalt> No, it's not just that.
* Ghendalt says, growing more serious again.
<Ghendalt> Judging by things he's said, I think that he worries she takes after her mother in other ways as well. That if she's left to her own devices too much, she'll wind up being seduced, or some such foolishness.
<Ghendalt> I would think if that's the case, marrying her to a fellow more her own age would be more sensible, but in the colonies, you know, pickings can be slim.
* Junan shakes his head
<Junan> she has a better head than that
* Junan takes a drink
<Ghendalt> Perhaps so.
<Junan> I feel like something should be done to help her
* Ghendalt considers
<Junan> but I'm at a loss as to what
<Ghendalt> Well, let me ponder the matter. She's a good girl, and it would be a shame for her to be unhappy.
<Junan> I... I really did not want to get you into the middle of this.
* Ghendalt waves a hand lightly
<Junan> Kirikha wanted me to ask you for help... and I've mulled it over for a while
<Ghendalt> My boy, I've married off three daughters and two sons, I have some sense of how things should be done, and ... this is a recipe for trouble.
<Ghendalt> She'll wind up being unfaithful, or unhappy, or both. In a worst case scenario, her husband will meet with an early and unfortunate end.
<Ghendalt> Of course one can't always be madly in love with the person you marry, but you need to have at least some common grounds - a shared interest, mutual respect, even just some attraction - to make things work, or it will end badly for all concerned.
<Junan> its expectations... which I struggle to understand
<Junan> my sister was groomed to help with the business... be involved and active.
* Ghendalt nods
* Junan shakes his head and takes another drink
<Junan> could we buy him off?
<Junan> I mean, its the Daligashi way
<Ghendalt> It's rather crude, but ... maybe?
<Junan> its better than a bunch of Ombesh dropping him off a pier.
* Ghendalt chuckles at that
<Ghendalt> Better for who, though ;)
<Junan> not my horn horde but a little more civilized
<Ghendalt> Well - let me see what I can do.
<Junan> just to be clear, I was joking about the pier
* Ghendalt smiles at that
<Ghendalt> Thank you for the reassurance. Anyway, piers are too close to civilization. Now drop him in the swamp and no one would ever find him... :)
<Ghendalt> but for now, shall we have some dinner?
<Junan> that sounds great
* Ghendalt will bring the wine as we head into the dining room.

Junan confesses his feelings to Daifan


* Daifan is puttng some things away in the map room, then
* Junan wanders in and smiles to see Daifan
<Junan> hello
* Daifan smiles back, seeming to be in a good mood
<Daifan> Hello Junan
* Junan closes the door behind him
* Daifan will stop what they are doing and lean against one of the tables
* Daifan raises an eyebrow
<Daifan> . o O (!)
<Junan> you're in a good mood. Any exciting news?
<Daifan> Mmmm... I had a nice day off.
<Junan> glad to hear it. for a good day off, it needs to be a little cooler for me
<Junan> what were you up to?
<Daifan> oh, well... it was very hot >:)
<Daifan> mmm... I dont know, do you really want to know?
<Junan> I'm not so sure anymore. I guess I do.
<Junan> if you want to tell?
<Daifan> Well... there's lots to tell
<Junan> you just have to say it once, ill remember
<Daifan> Mmhmm, I know
* Junan taps the side of his head
<Daifan> Well then.
<Daifan> I went out check out the Inn that was built with a friend...
<Junan> which Inn?
<Daifan> Zefa's
<Junan> ah
* Junan sighs knowingly
<Junan> Ive been there
<Junan> what did you learn
<Daifan> oh?
<Daifan> Well
<Daifan> I noticed somehing interesting when I passed by the storeroom there...
<Daifan> everything in it was marked with the same symbol
<Junan> what symbol?
<Daifan> and eight pointed star, a squiggly scroll on either side?
* Daifan traces the scoll bit in the air
<Junan> (do I know it?)
<Daifan> does hat mean anything to you?
<Ghendalt> (do you have... idk, I guess k: nobility makes the most sense although it's not quite right.)
<Junan> (I do...)
<Junan> !roll 1d20+8
* Lan-werk rolls for Junan: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 14 ].
<Ghendalt> (you know that's the symbol of the Fand family. wealthy Daligashi spice merchants.)
<Junan> (with my moment of precience)
<Junan> its a Fand family symbol... they are spice merchants
<Ghendalt> (they are Ruby faction, if that helps at all too ;)
* Daifan nods
<Junan> (that was obvious with who we are talking about)
<Daifan> I just thought it was, hmmm... well its supposed to be a neutral space isnt it? Maybe it's nothing.
<Junan> its simple but complicated
<Junan> that doesnt make much sense
* Daifan shrugs
<Daifan> Lots of things are that way.
<Daifan> arent they?
<Junan> Zefa is in it for the money... so she's been positioned to make lots of it
* Daifan nods
<Junan> but the inn being there is for more than that
<Daifan> Mmhmm
<Junan> I barely have a grasp of all thats involved
<Daifan> I still think they had that man killed
<Daifan> and took the land where your hall sits
<Junan> I'm not in disagreement with what you are thinking
<Junan> and I am not the only one
<Daifan> oh?
<Junan> I ran in to Kikhash
<Daifan> oh?
<Junan> he too is a little suspicious of the whole thing
* Daifan shrugs
<Junan> which just means I was a little on target at the start
<Daifan> He didn't seem to want to consider it when we first broght it up.... but maybe something changed.
<Daifan> They're both Ruby though, arent; they?
* Junan shakes his head
<Junan> This is Kaskind... I am tired of the Ruby and Bronze
<Daifan> Some things are hard to leave behind.
* Junan nods
<Daifan> What do you want, then?
<Junan> I dont hate Zefa cause she's Ruby, she is also a pretentious bitch
<Daifan> oh, yes, very much so.
<Junan> what do I want?
<Daifan> Mmmhmm
<Junan> the simple answer would be drunk and singing songs with a lovely girl in my lap
<Junan> which I do wish for in the end
<Junan> but now...
<Junan> how do I sit by
* Junan rubs his head
<Daifan> You don't have to do anything
<Junan> so what brought you to the inn in the first place?
<Daifan> there's lots of pretty girls in kaskind
<Daifan> I went with a friend...
<Junan> there is quite a pretty girl in front of me
<Daifan> mmmmm....
* Daifan considers
<Junan> dont disuade, we've been through enough together
<Daifan> have we?
* Junan looks down
<Junan> you are right to call me out
<Junan> I've never made the hard choice
* Daifan listens, crossing their arms
<Junan> I want to be more than just friends
<Junan> I want to be with you
<Daifan> That's one of those....simple but complicated things, Junan
<Daifan> I like you too...
<Junan> I'm stepping forward with eyes open, knowing that this is may not end well for either of us
<Junan> but I WILL not push you towards that
<Junan> If its not what you want, just say so, and I will let things be
* Daifan looks down.
* Junan looks away
<Daifan> I.... don't know that I am really what you want me to be, Junan.
<Junan> Who I am is a mess of things... if we can make a mess of things that makes senes why are we fighting to try
<Junan> if you want to try then lets try... if you don't lets just walk away knowing we will alway have eachothers back
* Daifan smiles a little at that
<Daifan> If we are being honest... It scares me a little
<Daifan> The last time I tried to be with someone who wasn't corpseborn..... it didn't go so well
<Daifan> YOu remind me of him a little.
<Junan> I'm no saint I never claimed to be. This is a new land and I'm willing to step across the threshold because its you, because you are worth it, I feel it.
<Junan> I have no idea how this will turn out
<Daifan> mmm.....
<Junan> I shit on people acting on faith, but here I am
* Daifan still seems nervous
<Daifan> What if...I'm not....a girl.
<Junan> what?
<Daifan> well.
<Daifan> That must change things...
<Junan> are you a man? pretending to be a girl?
<Daifan> ...... :|
<Daifan> Its not liek that.
<Junan> what are you trying to say?
<Daifan> I'm not.... it'a a corpseborn thing.
<Daifan> I'm not really....either of those things.
* Daifan tightens their self-hug
<Junan> I've been with guys and girls... the music in my heart sings for you... let me be with you. If that is not what you want stop me, and I will go.
<Daifan> I haven't said that...
<Daifan> But.... the music in heart has a few different tunes.... is that something that you can handel?
<Daifan> I think.... for my sake, right now.... I can't be with *just* you.
<Junan> Yes. I will play the tune that comes. Can I handle it... I want to say yes, but all I can say is I will be my best.
<Junan> If all I can have is part of you, then so be it.
<Junan> Although you cant expect me to not be jealous
<Daifan> Mmm....
<Daifan> I can't control your feelings. That's up to you.
* Daifan frowns
<Daifan> I don't want to be...controlled.
<Junan> Why would I want that... if your not you, you would not be the girl I want.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> okay...
<Daifan> I.... want to try this.
<Daifan> But.... you'll have to be patient with me.
<Junan> I'll be patient as long as your honest
<Junan> and I'll be the same
<Daifan> I'll try.
* Daifan nods
* Junan will move in close to Daifan
* Daifan looks up
* Junan will take her hand
* Junan will lean in and kiss her on the lips
* Daifan will kiss back, nervous at first but warming up to it

Daifan tells Idovo about their relationship issues


* Daifan can just be suspiciously quiet ;)
* Idovo will wait until Chimi is lying down with the baby having a nap.
<Idovo> I didn't manage to catch anything good today - I was thinking I'd go back out and check the traps I set at least. Do you want to come? Give them a chance to sleep?
<Daifan> oh.... okay.
* Daifan says without a huge amount of enthusiasm and a mild amount of suspicion
<Idovo> I could use a hand :)
* Daifan will get up and stretch though
* Idovo says, waving his stump at you
* Daifan rolls their eyes
<Daifan> yes yes
<Daifan> come on then
* Idovo will walk with you out towards the area where he usually fishes.
<Idovo> ...Is something wrong? you've just been quiet today.
* Daifan sighs
<Daifan> not.... maybe?
<Idovo> maybe?
<Daifan> well.
<Daifan> Do you ever do something because.... well. For any reason. Even if you know it isn't a good idea, even if you wish it were?
<Idovo> You're asking me, the sheep thief, if I ever do something that wasn't a good idea?
* Idovo asks with a smile
* Daifan sighs
<Daifan> you'll jsut think I'm an idiot.
<Daifan> I...might be.
<Idovo> why don't you tell me, and I'll decide if I think you're an idiot.
<Daifan> Mmhmm....
<Daifan> You remember me saying about Junan, right?
<Idovo> The envoy you work with? The attractive one?
<Daifan> mmhmm...
<Daifan> He's completely...infatuated with me.
<Daifan> I didn't think he was serious...
* Idovo listens
<Daifan> he wants to be with me. Despite everything.
<Idovo> What did you say?
<Daifan> I said.... we could try... and see. If he was patient with me.
<Daifan> He's very passionate.
<Idovo> mmhm...
<Idovo> Are you going to break things off with Moss?
<Daifan> I don't want to.
* Idovo nods
<Daifan> Moss knows I'm seeing other people...
<Daifan> They all do.
<Daifan> well
<Daifan> I know... its different, if one of them is hedal :/
<Daifan> maybe that's not fair
<Daifan> I just.... I feel *safe* right now
<Daifan> does that make any sense?
* Daifan glances over, expecting him to be giving them a loo like they have seven heads
<Idovo> Well... look. You don't need me to tell you that this is a risky idea. You already know that. You could get caught, you could lose your job at the land registry, who knows what else. And you want to do it anyway.
* Idovo says with a slight sigh.
<Idovo> So... I might think you're making a bad decision, but ultimately it's your decision to make. And even sometimes bad decisions turn out okay in the end.
* Daifan slumps a bit
<Daifan> What if I get caught and they decide its too risky to ever hire more budal?
<Idovo> I don't know what they would think. Moss might have a better idea of that, I guess.
<Idovo> Does this Junan know you're haren? Does.... he even know what that is?
<Daifan> He doesn't really understand.
<Daifan> He said he doens't care but.... he doens't really know.
<Idovo> :/
<Daifan> "Oh, I've been with men and women, the song in my heart doesn't care..."
<Daifan> but its not the same thing
<Idovo> but you did tell him...right? I mean, maybe not everything, but he isn't going to get angry if he gets his hand down your dashi and finds a surprise? I mean... sorry to be crude about it, but you know what some guys can be like.
<Daifan> yes, I told him.
<Idovo> all right.
<Daifan> well
<Daifan> I wasn't ~explicit~
* Idovo nods
<Idovo> no, well, gotta save a few surprises ;)
* Daifan smiles a little
<Idovo> You know that no matter what, I care about you, and I'll be here for you, okay? Even if your pretty hedal turns out to be a cad, or things go wrong. Chimi too.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> Thanks... you're both too kind to me.
<Idovo> I have to admit, I'm glad to see you getting the romantic attention you deserve - and being open to it. I worried that after everything, maybe you wouldn't be interested in that sort of thing.
<Daifan> I think.... maybe if it was just one... it woudl be too overwhelming.
<Daifan> Does that make sense?
<Daifan> I had a ....really great time with Pinkberry
* Idovo nods
<Daifan> They've been so...careful with me. Its helped so much
<Idovo> I'm glad.
<Idovo> I just want you to be happy.
<Daifan> I'm trying.... there's so much going on, though.
<Daifan> I don't feel ready to handle any of it
<Daifan> ....Did I tell you about Brother Bones?
* Idovo shakes his head.
<Daifan> He's a budal, botherig the mystics up in Charadip by...existing and daring to live where they want to farm fos
<Daifan> he's a mystic too
<Daifan> so someone must have taught him
<Daifan> but...
<Daifan> he's a revenant, too
<Idovo> how does that even happen? :o
<Daifan> I dont know
<Daifan> it can happen naturally, right?
<Idovo> I ... guess so? I'm not a priest.
<Idovo> Obviously. I'd be so bad at it.
<Daifan> maybe they killied him for learning what he was taught, and they dumped the body and he came back
<Daifan> and its a good thing you're a man, because you could cleary never be a hand :V
* Idovo laughs at that
* Daifan waggles thir eyebrows
<Daifan> but still...
<Daifan> with this, and the.... stupid saint thing :|
<Daifan> and the witches...
<Idovo> it's a lot going on.
<Daifan> it feels like... all these things are threads of fate that are getting pulled together and I keep walking into them :p
* Idovo nods
<Idovo> Have you considered walking away from any of them? ;p
<Daifan> Well, I walked away form Brother Bones - he just wants to be left alone.... so don't go spreading what I told you >.>
<Idovo> Fair enough.
<Daifan> and I'd like to keep clear of the whole saint business... but that's not going to happen
<Idovo> I suppose if nothing else, he's proved he's hard to kill :p
<Daifan> and the rest...
* Daifan waves their hands
<Daifan> I'm all ready in pretty deep
<Idovo> that's what he said.
* Daifan rolls their eyes
<Daifan> it isn't actually. Not yet :p
* Idovo smiles
* Daifan sighs
<Idovo> here... there's a couple of traps here. Help me pull them up and check?
<Daifan> okay
* Daifan can give you an actual hand :3
* Idovo has apparently had somewhat better luck this time, as there are some crawfish in the trap.
<Idovo> Okay, good - we can boil these up and have some late dinner at least :)