Nemnosti session 5

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Session

Session date: March 31, 2024

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Khurar

Prologue

Welcome, acolytes! Here at Nemnosti, we take very seriously the idea of inquiry into areas where other ulajette might discourage the same. More than one strange idea has been offered over the years. Coming, as you do, from lineages and communities where that may not always have been the case, it can be exhilarating to realize the freedom one has here, of course within limits set by the Alabaster Lady. And so, from time to time, someone at the ulajeta gives a great public speech, an Oration, where they speak to the whole community on a matter of interest to them. Of course, not everyone comes to these - in fact, more than one acolyte has used one as an opportunity for foolishness. I trust we will have none of that! Today you are going to have the opportunity to hear Voice Kailas, one of our wisest priests here at the temple, talk to you on a matter of great importance. Although it is Khurar and the weather is likely to be warm, there is always the risk of spring rain and so it will take place in the great Atrium here in Carver's Hall. Come now, acolytes, and let us hear what he has to say.

Voice Kailas is a respected Voice in his middle years, a genealogist and expert on family relationships. He speaks with authority, at much greater length than can be presented here, on matters of national censuses and land rolls and other such matters. But the essence is simple: The Hypothesis of Dwindling, by Kailas Nemni. Afterwards, the audience response is mixed. Some nod wisely, a few seem very perturbed, especially among the Voices, and many, especially the youth, seem completely baffled.

Solos

Jevai visits her mom at the Igriz iftibal, and learns that Pughan’s father is Lijun Ararta, and how his second death came about

[NemnostiGM] Jevai, ever since you talked to your dad, things in your mind have gone from bad to worse. You decide to go talk to your mom to see if you can get some clarity.
[Jevai] (I mean partly I just want to see how she is doing, this isn't all about me you know :x)
* Jevai will try and figure out where she can find her if not at home or in the Nadenigh spaces -_-
[NemnostiGM] You track her down at the Igriz iftibal, which is a place you've been to as a child, but haven't spent much time in it in a long time.
* Fusna smiles when she sees you.
[Jevai] Hi mom...
[Fusna] Jevai, I was just thinking it has been too long.
[Jevai] It's good to see you
* Jevai will give her a hug
* Fusna hugs you warmly.
[Fusna] How are things at Nemnosti?
[Jevai] Well, life goes on, but things are tense.
* Fusna nods.
[Fusna] Naka tells me a little of what's going on.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I've been trying to keep occupied.
[Jevai] How are you?
* Jevai asks with genuine concern/interest
[Fusna] I'm not really sure, dear.
[Fusna] I try to take comfort in the old stories, but the ones I know often end badly.
* Jevai nods
[Fusna] Sometimes our lives are what they are, and there is no moral or tidy ending.
[Jevai] Or we're just small pieces in someone else's story
[Fusna] Yes, exactly.
[Jevai] we can't see the whole thing
[Fusna] You talked to your father.
[Jevai] I did.
[Fusna] That's good.
[Jevai] :/
[Fusna] Ask, then.
[Jevai] He said... thigs that are aheppening are between you and him. If you feel the same, I'll leave it be.
[Fusna] Right now I think that we should be doing what we can to help Pughan.
[Fusna] He is my son, and I will not abandon him.
[Jevai] I don't know what that is.
[Fusna] Neither do I.
[Fusna] But the answer is not to sacrifice him, and our family's dignity, for the sake of the Nadenigh name.
[Jevai] Do you think the Igriz would take him in?
[Fusna] I don't know ... I don't.
* Fusna sits down.
[Fusna] There's more to this, Jevai.
* Fusna looks at the hard-packed earthen floor.
* Jevai sits next to her mother
[Jevai] then tell me.
[Fusna] I'm not sure I can get the words out.
[Fusna] I can't lose you too.
[Jevai] HOw would you lose me?
[Fusna] There's something you don't know. But if you are going to be able to help ... I see that you need to know.
* Fusna pauses, then breathes in.
* Jevai nods and will let her take that space
[Fusna] Pughan is not your father's.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] in what way?
[Jevai] In your heart? In his?
[Fusna] When I was young, I was foolish. Perhaps I still am.
[Fusna] You were small, and I was feeling lonely, and ... well ... there was another man.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] This is an old story
[Jevai] But dad knew? At some point?
* Fusna nods.
* Jevai will put an arm around her mom
[Fusna] You were, what, six, seven?
[Fusna] No ... even younger.
[Fusna] Just little, but always so smart, so helpful.
[Fusna] Let me try to explain.
[Fusna] Pughan's father, his sire, is Lijun Ararta.
[Fusna] When he was young, Lijun was ... wild. And lovely, and kind, but ... very wild.
[Fusna] He was young, younger than me, perhaps only nineteen or twenty, when it happened.
[Fusna] When Pughan was born, Lijun thought that he could ... I don't know, persuade me to leave your father?
[Fusna] And so they killed him. The Nadenigh.
[Fusna] It was seen as an insult to Porfo.
* Jevai nods
[Fusna] But then he came back ... different. When Lijun was reborn, it was as if the lust fell out of his heart, all the wildness and that.
[Fusna] So now I am being punished.
[Fusna] All of Lijun's wildness has come into Pughan.
[Jevai] Oh mom....
[Fusna] I know why the Nadenigh killed him. But I cannot forgive them. And I will not forgive them now, for abandoning Pughan, who they see as not their problem.
[Jevai] Pughan's life is not your life, or Lijun's
[Fusna] But yet I am his mother, and I am trapped.
[Fusna] There is more.
[Fusna] Pughan ... he knows.
[Jevai] Of course he does.
[Jevai] hoe=w did he learn?
* Fusna sighs heavily.
[Fusna] From the vultures.
[Fusna] The men of Lijun's age, they all know.
[Jevai] But why would they tell him?
[Fusna] Tocha of the Gago was the one who told him.
[Fusna] I think he thought it was funny.
[Jevai] ahh... Tocha -_-
[Fusna] Lijun is a different man now - I know you must know that. But I always worried about him having some crisis of conscience. It turns out that was not something to fear.
[Jevai] You've talked to him?
[Jevai] about this, I mean
[Fusna] He still lives here in Akapa Sogo, most of the time. We've talked, if only to agree not to talk further.
[Fusna] We haven't talked about the latest, about the attack.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] but you feel like this all weights over Pughan's fate, thatb if it were not the case, thing would be clearer?
[Fusna] None of this would have come up again at all, if not for Pughan's actions.
* Jevai nods
[Fusna] The Nadenigh have not forgotten. Dijur was involved with the attack on Lijun.
[Jevai] If you are afraid that this will weight against him in some way - you should talk to Bura, and tell her
[Fusna] Bura knows. Of course she knows.
[Jevai] She won't allow it to come into his judgement
[Fusna] Not in the sense that she would hold his parentage against him, no.
[Fusna] But in the sense that her job is to make the community whole, to keep us together. In that sense, she might?
[Jevai] If Dijur was involved in that attack, if they thought wat was justice then, they justice has been passed, and its not on Pughan to bear anything further
[Jevai] if the Nadenigh are willing to sacrifice him purely because they feel like, hmm, like his trouble is not their troublem after they have claimed him, that does not strengthen the community, or tie anyone together
[Jevai] Does it not cause strain with the Igriz?
[Fusna] The whole situation causes strain. And it is not possible to separate out my actions, and Lijun's, from what is going on now. Not entirely.
[Jevai] Maybe, but there are many other things as well
[Fusna] I know, dear. But it doesn't make the past go away. And this is Akapa Sogo. People do not just forget.
[Fusna] Whatever happens, I think that it may be best for Pughan to leave.
[Jevai] Even if it did, it would not be easy or clear.
* Jevai nods
[Fusna] I don't want the Pekai to take vengeance on him, and without his lineage to support him, he will be even more vulnerable.
[Fusna] The only thing holding the Pekai in abeyance is that they themselves are under this cloud of suspicion.
[Fusna] No one believes that Echu had anything to do with it, but still.
[Jevai] Well. I don't think he will want to stay.
* Fusna nods.
[Fusna] Will he be in danger if he leaves?
[Jevai] He will be in danger regardless
* Fusna nods.
[Fusna] I'm sorry to have laid all this upon you, Jevai.
[Jevai] don't be.
* Jevai hugs her again
[Jevai] Do you want t me to talk to anyone? To Father, or Dijur... or Lijun?
[Fusna] I don't know what you could say that would help.
[Fusna] Not that I think you wouldn't try ... I just worry that it could make things worse.
[Jevai] Alll I can think is that they killed one man already for their pride, and to keep Pughan, so what does it say of them to turn away from him for it now? But I know the past is not the only thing that is guiding them. But I wouldn't want them to be upset with you for this, either, if they think I am meddling for anyone's account other than my brother's.
[Fusna] I hear you. But you have not been living with these emotions for twenty years.
[Jevai] No.
[Jevai] I love you, regadless, okay?
[Fusna] I know you do. And I love you.

Kuspir chats with Pomirabe, who complains about being asked to contract Afra’s marriage to Momuzai

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you're out at the Outer Caves, doing your regular stint as the guardian there. It's quiet, mostly you wait for people to come and talk to their ancestors, and no one causes a disturbance.
[NemnostiGM] As you're doing your duty, Pomirabe comes from the West Tower and down the road towards you.
[Pomirabe] Oh good, you are here. They said you might be.
* Kuspir nods in greeting to him
[Pomirabe] Care for some company?
[Kuspir] It's been quiet so far. I would welcome some company.
[Pomirabe] Remember when we were acolytes and we had to stand watch here overnight, and they would ensure that horrible noises came from the caves to see what we would do? And the whole time we were being watched?
[Kuspir] An old classic.
[Pomirabe] I miss those days so much, Medimur.
[Kuspir] I think the acolytes still do that one.
[Pomirabe] Some days I wish I knew so much less than I am compelled to.
[Kuspir] Oh?
[Pomirabe] Do you know our hengi, my uncle Samirgeze?
[Kuspir] (do I?)
[NemnostiGM] (you can roll k:nobility)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 1 ].
[Kuspir] (well clearly not)
[NemnostiGM] (indeed)
* Kuspir shakes his head
* Pomirabe picks up a stone and grunts as he hurls it out across the road, where it goes skittering down the river valley into the water.
[Pomirabe] It's a terrible thing, politics.
[Pomirabe] I wish you a life free of any of it.
[Kuspir] What's the problem?
[Pomirabe] Of course you know I am here to serve the Lady, and to protect Her. That is absolute truth. But I am also here to represent my lineage, and my uncle's interests.
[Pomirabe] He has sent me instructions to aid in contracting a marriage.
* Pomirabe frowns.
[Kuspir] What, for your son?
* Pomirabe shakes his head.
[Pomirabe] I wish it were so easy.
[Pomirabe] Momuzai Nemni, and my cousin Afra.
* Kuspir frowns
[Kuspir] Why??
[Pomirabe] Yes, exactly my question.
[Pomirabe] The simple reason is that Hojon wishes it to happen. So I get the privilege of extracting from him the largest possible bridewealth.
[Kuspir] It seems like it's bound to cause problems.
[Pomirabe] Surely. Many.
[Kuspir] I guess this is why Momuzai broke up with his girlfriend so suddenly.
* Pomirabe nods.
[Pomirabe] Yes, my understanding was that there was a girlfriend in the way, but not a serious one.
[Kuspir] Well... I think she thought it was serious.
[Pomirabe] Ah, I see.
[Pomirabe] I don't know Momuzai well - he was just a boy when we were acolytes - but I have no doubt that the eldest son of the Nemni hengi would be able to marry very well indeed.
[Pomirabe] This is always the challenge with saintly marriages - the normal rules don't apply.
[Kuspir] Surely, but he's also... not a strong-willed type.
[Kuspir] He'll give in to his father's wishes.
* Pomirabe nods.
[Pomirabe] He will. That much is clear.
[Pomirabe] And the thing is ... well, I have reason to think that Afra will also. If what I am imagining to be the situation is correct.
[Kuspir] Does it actually seem like she's in accord with this plan?
[Pomirabe] She doesn't know about it, yet.
[Pomirabe] But ... have you ever wondered why she came here, and more than that, why she stays?
[Kuspir] I assumed she wanted to get away from home, like many young people.
* Pomirabe nods.
[Pomirabe] You know we're broken, right? The Sortusai?
[Kuspir] But I don't know her thoughts, of course.
[Pomirabe] (you do not know that)
[Pomirabe] (although you do have little inklings here and there, perhaps)
[Pomirabe] We're just ... not right.
[Kuspir] How do you mean?
[Pomirabe] When Afra was small, she saw her sister fall under the gaze of a much older man ... my grandfather, Faruzh. Her ... well, some kind of great-uncle.
[Pomirabe] She was not the first, nor the last.
[Kuspir] Hm. So she sought to avoid that?
[Pomirabe] So Afra saw Nemnosti as a place of safety ... from all that.
[Pomirabe] I cannot bear this any longer, and I am sorry to weigh you down with it, my brother.
[Pomirabe] But it is too much for me.
* Pomirabe stands stoically, at guard, as you used to do twenty years ago.
[Kuspir] It's no burden to share your troubles, my friend.
[Pomirabe] I do not claim to know why Afra does everything she does. But I was not surprised when she became attached to Hojon. He provides ... security, against becoming currency in our lineage's transactions.
[Pomirabe] It is why Ghorgimbe came here too - and why she never married. Don't tell her I told you. She frightens me a little.
[Kuspir] I would never do such a thing.
[Pomirabe] But her guardian, you know, is the Lady herself. Ghorgimbe, I mean.
[Kuspir] But doesn't having Afra marry the hengi's son also make her a kind of currency? You seek her bridewealth for your family's benefit.
[Pomirabe] It does. But it keeps her safe.
[Pomirabe] I am not saying she will be happy, exactly.
[Pomirabe] Just that it is a choice that Hojon will be able to present to her that gives her the right to stay. Her children will be Nemni children. She will not be part of some strange transaction with one of the city lineages, or perhaps one from up north.
[Pomirabe] And it will be ... understandable, to other suitors. They will not wonder why my uncle would choose the Nemni over them.
[Kuspir] Well.. if both of the parties involved agree to the match, it isn't our place to raise an objection. If it isn't going to work out, that will surely become clear in time.
[Kuspir] A bad decision is still a decision.
[Pomirabe] I am just angry at all this. Angry at the part I am called to play. To sell my cousin to her lover's son, as a palatable transaction.
[Kuspir] What better choice is there for her?
[Kuspir] Hojon won't marry her, after all.
[Pomirabe] I know. Our hengi is not ... well he is not like my grandfather Faruzh, but he is not a good man. His larynx is empty and his kidneys are weak.
[Pomirabe] I am so ashamed to play this role, that is all. I do it because I do, like you, see the sick logic in it.
[Pomirabe] I am right to fear that any other match he might make for Afra will be worse, perhaps far worse.
[Kuspir] I understand your worries, but I don't think any would judge you for this. Anyone who thinks about it will know that there are greater factors at play, and you are only doing what you must. You could refuse but they'd just have someone else do it instead, who might be less scrupulous.
[Pomirabe] I worry that doing this sort of thing, it hardens me. Turns my organs sour. That whatever ill runs through us, runs through me.
[Kuspir] You wouldn't feel so troubled by it if you were like them.
[Pomirabe] I used to think that if I were hengi, I would be able to end this poison inside us, to be a good leader.
[Pomirabe] But perhaps in time, I will be curdled.
[Kuspir] I don't think you are capable of such ill.
* Kuspir puts a hand on his shoulder
[Pomirabe] I wish to be a good model for my son. To show him that to be a Sortusai can be a thing of pride. I just do not feel pride today.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] You can still be that for your son.
[Kuspir] Have you spoken to him about this? Does he even know what's happening?
[Pomirabe] With Rembes? No.
[Pomirabe] He is doing as he should, learning to love this place, as I do.
[Pomirabe] But it is hard to love Nemnosti on a day like today, where I was standing in the iftibal, with just that lecher Hojon and Hand Ifa.
[Kuspir] Then I don't think he'll think less of you.
[Pomirabe] It is hard to know that this place that I loved as a boy is sometimes no better than my own home.
[Kuspir] People can be weak or selfish anywhere, unfortunately.
[Pomirabe] It is not the first time I have had to know such a thing. But to be ... implicated ... it makes me feel as if I am covered in filth.
[Kuspir] Once I finish my watch, let's go and have a drink, perhaps that will help a bit.
[Pomirabe] That would help.
* Pomirabe smiles.

Alai tells Kuspir what she learned about Hulti temples and Gunuremai’s appearance, and then hits on him with awkward results

* Kuspir is getting some dinner, so you can find him there
* Alai spots Kuspir and will approach. She is wearing a cream coloured Altala for the meeting, flowing with a shallow neckline. She has her bone choker on, her silver headband, and variety of bracelets. Her hair is down, split two tails, contained in a pair of bone rings.
[Kuspir] Ah, good evening.
* Kuspir says politely
[Alai] Ah, Stoneguard. Good luck to run into you. I have some news to discuss.
* Alai gives a quick smile
[Kuspir] Oh? Do you want to ... sit and talk?
* Alai looks around the meal hall, considering.
[Alai] A walk around the grounds afterward? I wouldn't want disturb your meal.
[Kuspir] It's not a problem. But if you wish, I'll join you afterwards for a walk.
[Alai] I'll wait for you outside the north Carver door. Enjoy your meal.
* Kuspir nods
* Alai gives another quick smile and walks away, hands behind her back.
* Kuspir will quickly eat his food, then look for Alai near the door she indicated
* Alai is waiting, leaning against the stone wall.
[Kuspir] Hello. Hope I didn't make you wait too long.
* Alai will move beside Kuspir and direct the walk to the left to the Statue Garden
[Alai] Not long.
[Alai] Everyone learns everything here, eventually, but sometimes I like to at least make it take time.
[Kuspir] What was the news you wanted to share?
[Alai] A pair of items actually
[Alai] I've been investigating Hulti temples... what they are, how they work, and rumors of one in Gil Hargush
[Kuspir] oh?
[Alai] my hope was that we may deny our foe a safe haven.
[Alai] It has not worked out exactly as I had hoped.
[Kuspir] So you think there was a temple at that site?
[Alai] Yes, that is exactly what I think.
[Alai] and there may be more to that site than we took time to realize.
[Kuspir] well, we were a bit distracted at the time, I suppose. do you think we should go back there and make a more thorough investigation?
* Alai nods
[Alai] there may be tunnels or structures underneath. The presence of that serpent lends to that thinking.
[Kuspir] Hm.
* Kuspir considers that for while in silence
* Alai waits for Kuspir's consideration, her bracelets jingling while she walks.
[Kuspir] Do you think it impacts the current investigation? Is it maybe a location where the killer could be hiding?
[Alai] My research indicates a Hulti temple is only empowered when the shaman is present to do so, and empowering a place as a temple has little to do with the location.
[Alai] however, there may be personal ties to the location, which might give clues to thier identity or motivations.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Well, if you think it would be useful, I'll trust your judgment.
[Alai] It's frustrating that I didn't realize what it could have been at the time.
[Kuspir] Don't beat yourself up about it. We're still in the midst of investigating, so we're bound to make some mistakes.
[Alai] The faster pieces put together, the more harm prevented. Divinations gave us a lead in time, which we did not realize.
[Kuspir] All it means is we have to hike back there, but we can do that.
[Alai] I will remember this lesson.
[Kuspir] Was there something else you wanted to talk about too? You said there were two items.
[Alai] Desam
* Kuspir nods, listening
* Alai looks around the garden and will find a bench to sit next to a Ravre statue
* Kuspir will sit as well.
[Alai] Ifa brought him here. I was able to examine him. There was an enchantment on him.
[Kuspir] What sort of enchantment?
[Alai] To conceal the identity of the person who spoke with him. It is likely they also used an enchantment or some other similar means to induce him to provide information on Surgu
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Were you able to learn anything else about them? The person, I mean.
[Alai] I learned their skill with magic is not inappreciable. Removing thier enchantment proved difficult.
[Kuspir] But you were able to do it?
[Alai] I have knowledge of spells of significant power that can remove even those enchantments that affect the mind, even if they are not easily normally dispelled.
[Kuspir] That's impressive.
[Alai] Employing one of those spells, I restored Desam's memory.
* Alai smiles
[Kuspir] Is it dangerous? I mean casting such a strong spell.
[Alai] The risk was me, not Desam. I accept, and it was fully successful.
[Alai] I have the memory of the woman who spoke with him, and her cadence.
[Kuspir] I just know that it can be risky. I know that you are skilled, but it's only natural that I should worry a bit.
[Alai] your concern is touching... there is other costs to such magics, for me, but we can discuss after.
[Kuspir] My daughter wants to start using fos, but it seems so risky.... but that's not your concern, anyhow.
[Alai] You are her father, it is natural to be the shield of risk for your own. Life is risk, and you cannot shield all of it.
[Kuspir] No, I know. I told her if she continues to do well in her studies, then in a few months, she can begin.
[Kuspir] But it's a big step.
[Kuspir] Anyway... tell me what you know about the woman who spoke with him? You can describe her?
[Alai] Feel fortunate that she will have that first opportunity in a safe space with help.
* Kuspir nods
[Alai] I can do more. Do you want Desam's memory?
[Kuspir] All right.
[Alai] I will need you to lean forward and close your eyes... it will be easier for me.
* Kuspir does as instructed, feeling a bit awkward
* Alai will cast Mindlink, forging the link with a kiss on Kuspir's forhead, filling his mind with Desam's memory.
[Alai] !roll 1d20+11
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 22 ].
[Alai] that does not preclude she was in disguise when they met.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Thank you - that's very helpful
* Alai whispers while they are still close
* Kuspir straightens back up
[Alai] How are you managing through this?
[Kuspir] It's a lot to consider.
[Kuspir] I am trying not to let it weigh on me too much but it's difficult.
[Alai] You are stoneguard, trained to be hard under such weight, but I worry.
[Kuspir] You don't have to worry about me. But.. thank you.
[Alai] I worry you keep thing under rock, letting the frustrations and stresses build. Eventually they will burst out... but when?
[Kuspir] Life is full of frustrations. I'm old, I have a lot of practice at handling them.
[Alai] You should find way to release what you are carrying... then you will control, handle it better, instead of coming out when unexpected or unwanted.
[Alai] But what do I know? I am young.
* Alai gives a sly smile and a wink
* Kuspir blinks, looking a bit taken aback.
[Kuspir] You should find someone who can help you with... what you're looking for. There are plenty of young men around who would be quite eager I'm sure.
[Alai] Do you really know what I am looking for?
* Alai muses
[Alai] I am offering to help you. I'm not looking for anything more from you.
[Kuspir] I ... I can't. I just ... I appreciate the offer, even if I don't know *why*, but I can't.
[Alai] I told you why. I want to help you.
* Alai shrugs
[Alai] Alas this is making things worse for you.
[Kuspir] I'll make any necessary arrangements for us to go back to Gil Hargush.
* Kuspir says, standing up
[Kuspir] Thank you for the information. I'll speak with you again soon.
[Alai] yes, I will wait to hear from you.
* Alai stands up
* Kuspir will nod politely and make his escape, by which I mean walk away about as briskly as he can without running.
* Alai watches to see if he looks back, hands behind her back
* Kuspir does not look back but once he gets out of sight will take a few moments to compose himself before continuing at a calmer pace.

Jevai and Alai talk in the sculpture garden, where they encounter Susuva Nemni who talks about Surgu and Ailal

* Jevai is spending some time outside somewhere quiet, maybe by the pool or in the sculpture garden
* Alai is wandering the sculpture garden contemplating the meeting with Kuspir when she spots Jevai
* Alai walks up to her friend, her bracelets jingling, announcing her approach.
[Alai] Jevai?
* Jevai looks up as you approach and gives a small smile
[Jevai] Oh, hi.
[Alai] May I sit?
[Jevai] of course
* Alai will settle down, legs at her side next to her friend
[Alai] Enjoying the quiet, I take. Too bad since I am here.
* Jevai smiles again
[Jevai] I don't mind
[Alai] I don't bring mead. I could magic some, but they always taste like turds.
[Jevai] that's alright
[Jevai] I'm sure we could find some if we wanted
[Alai] if we wanted. I am fine if you are.
[Alai] you doing well?
* Jevai just sighs
[Jevai] I'm still waiing to hear what will happen to Pughan.
[Alai] ugh... brothers are a bane.
[Jevai] :|
[Jevai] It shouldn't be like this
[Alai] Nikata could be rotting in a hayloft for all I know.
[Alai] No...but they are family. We love them.
* Alai takes Jevai's hand
[Alai] and you have friend to help
[NemnostiGM] (all right, can I get you both to make a Perception check please?)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+6
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Jevai] (bitch you gave me tremorsemse)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+10
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Jevai] (also we are very perceptive ladies)
[Jevai] thanks
* Jevai says, giving Alai's hand a squeeze, then looks up
[NemnostiGM] You both hear a soft singing from the other side of the sculpture garden.
[NemnostiGM] Alai, you can recognize it as Susuva Nemni.
[Susuva] ~In the wind, in the wind, my quill and your dander / In the breeze, in the breeze, a love letter gone~
[Alai] It's Susuva Nemni
* Alai informs Jevai
[Jevai] hmm. I don't think I've ever heard her sing.
[Alai] I can't say I have either.
* Alai listens a little more
* Jevai also, if only to figure out if she heard 'dander' correctly, what an odd song
* Susuva is definitely singing to herself as she brushes away the statues of dust. Jevai, you imagine that must be the reference. It's not a song you've heard before.
[Susuva] ~In the wind, in the wind ....~
* Susuva pauses as she sees you, and clams up.
* Jevai gives her a slight smile
[Alai] Hello Susuva.
* Alai waves
* Susuva stares at the two of you as if considering coming closer.
* Susuva comes closer, but sort of awkwardly makes it seem as if she is doing work while doing so.
* Susuva casually brushes the statue near to you.
[Alai] You can sit if you want.
[Alai] We don't mind
* Susuva sits wordlessly.
[Jevai] What song was that? I don't think I've heard it before
[Susuva] Not a song, just some nonsense.
[Alai] Nice to see you in good spirits.
* Jevai nods
[Susuva] You're helping Sister Hush, right?
[Jevai] oh - yes
* Susuva nods.
* Susuva stares at you both uncomfortably, as if trying to process something.
[Susuva] Well. I suppose that is worthwhile.
[Alai] Is there something on your mind?
* Susuva considers the question.
[Susuva] I would imagine that it must have been very bloody, to see the body all eaten by vultures.
[Jevai] It.. hmm.
[Jevai] He'd been dead some time, so not as much as it could have been.
[Susuva] Every death contains lessons to be learned.
[Alai] I've seen bloated and dead bodies wash up on the shore since I was a child.
* Susuva nods.
* Jevai nods also
[Alai] but I do agree with what you say.
[Susuva] Ailal learned a lot when Surgu died the first time.
[Susuva] I wonder what she will learn now.
[Jevai] How do you mena?
[Jevai] (mean)
[Susuva] I was an acolyte then, even though we are the same age, she and I.
[Susuva] I was not yet a Nemni.
* Jevai listens
[Susuva] The plague had taken so many.
[Susuva] But Surgu, that was a powerful lesson. That you cannot protect those closest to you.
* Susuva pauses.
[Jevai] :|
[Susuva] They say that they are coming for all of us. Do you think so? The revenants, I mean.
[Jevai] I think there is more on their agenda, but that you could well still be in danger.
* Susuva nods nonchalantly.
[Jevai] So, take care.
[Alai] These walls are well defended, but be on guard.
[Jevai] I would hop you are safe here
[Jevai] (hope)
* Susuva pauses again.
[Susuva] Ailal tried to be kind to me, afterwards. To understand what was happening with her brother.
[Susuva] But I am not her brother.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] Do you think they were close, before he died?
[Jevai] the first time, I mean
[Susuva] Yes, very close, I think.
[Jevai] hmm.
[Alai] Is sad story
[Susuva] I should get back to my work.
* Susuva stands.
* Jevai nods, but really she's thinking less about Surgu and more about Pughan
[Jevai] yes, of course
* Alai nods
* Susuva returns to her cleaning.
* Alai looks at her friend
[Alai] Is their sad story, not yours.
[Jevai] it's not so different
[Jevai] Pughan is still alive, for now, but we're not so close as we were, before
[Alai] you live very different lives. Some distance is not unexpected.
[Jevai] it's more than that.
[Alai] I'm here, just let out if needed.
[Jevai] Thanks.
[Jevai] There's really not anything I, or anyone, can do, though.
[Alai] There is nothing you would choose to do, which I understand.
* Jevai looks at Alai
[Jevai] What is that supposed to mean?
[Alai] My words may have been poorly chosen, I am sorry.
[Alai] We wield the source each in our own way.
[Alai] There is much we can do, that we choose not to do as that is right thing to do.
[Alai] or the consequences are not worth the choice.
[Jevai] This is not something that can be fixed by the Source.
[Alai] I am not helping.
* Alai looks down away from her Jevai.
[Jevai] It's alright.
[Alai] I will be there, if you need me.
[Jevai] Thanks.