Thirteen 2 session 26
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Summary
he characters occupy themselves for the rest of the week: Hildie spends some more time with local soldiders, Pierre and Kaarina return to the printers to try and sus out their polotical leanings (sympathetic), and Lucas, Chemames and Svals make contact with Elzahia, who offers to help them escape the city if needed. Finally. Skalla, Welumque and Hildie attend the meal at the Emira's residence, where she insists that they should all stay longer and that Skalla should help her negotiate access to the Stormsvallvag iron refineries. Following the meeting, Welumque and Hildie reassure a concerned Skalla that they are not rapped and should make plans to leave in the next day or so.
Session
- Session date: 2022-11-20
- In Game date: Following a week on from the previous session
Preliminary planning
<Narrator> All right. You all have three days until the meal with the Emira. What are folks doing until then?
<Lucas> I assume I'm still recovering?
<Narrator> What level of consequence did you have to take?
<Pierre> I think Kaarina and I had talked about approaching Mme Bousaid to discuss what we'd found on the printing press...
<Skalla> behaving and being a good guest :p
* Skalla was going to see if someone could deliver that letter for mr though
<Hildie> Keeping an ear out for gossip and enjoying the local food.
<Welumque> I guess we should make sure our trade deal is all taken care of before the meeting. In case we have to, uhh, flee suddenly.
<Narrator> I believe Kaarina said she could deliver that letter for you, if you wanted.
<Narrator> Tuck, when you say keeping an ear out for gossip, are you meaning leaving the manor?
<Pierre> Yeah, she volunteered us for danger.
<Pierre> But it's okay, because we're in LURVE! :D
<Skalla> (That woudl be great! I may make a quick note of my own to go wth it, just like 'sorry I couldn't deliver this in person, I'm stayin here')
<Hildie> Yeah, maybe going to the market or the taverns.
<Hildie> Just getting a feel for the place
<Narrator> Okie doke
<Hildie> Unless Skalla wants me to stay back
<Skalla> just don't get in any trouble
<Hildie> >.>
<Hildie> <.<
<Hildie> Me?
<Skalla> oh wait. *someone* shoudl go check out that place we heard about
<Narrator> Okay, who's going to go do that?
<Pierre> Was that what Kaarina volunteered us for?
<Skalla> someone who isn't going to get a lot of notice... I'm not sure who that woudl be form ths group at this time
<Skalla> maybe, yeah
<Narrator> No, she volunteered to deliver the letter.
<Narrator> Which is different and separate from the suq lead.
<Hildie> Yeah, not sure I'm the one for that job.
<Skalla> yeah
<Skalla> me either :V
<Skalla> Maybe Lucas and chemames and Svald if she's up for it?
<Lucas> (I can do it, sure)
<Narrator> Okie doke
<Narrator> I'll start with Hildie, which I don't think requires a specific scene. Tuck, can I get you to roll an Investigate check and a Notice check, please?
<Hildie> !roll 43d-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 43d-6 ] getting [ 5 4 4 2 2 2 2 6 2 3 2 3 6 5 5 5 4 6 3 2 2 5 2 3 1 3 3 5 1 4 5 6 3 5 3 5 4 2 2 3 2 3 3 ] for a total of [ 148 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 142 ].
<Narrator> (hee)
<Hildie> (Oops)
<Pierre> (Wow!)
<Hildie> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Hildie> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 3 1 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Pierre> (Eh, just 140 off...)
<Narrator> (Adding anything?)
<Hildie> (Nope, I'll stay at 2)
<Narrator> Okay. You're not going to get much more than you already had, but you do know that troops have been arriving in the city from more outlying areas. You don't see as much of them as you would think, though. Perhaps they're remaining within the fort itself?
* Hildie will relay this to Skalla but otherwise mostly try to enjoy the town.
Pierre and Kaarina return to the printers to sus out their politics
<Narrator> Pierre, you are Kaarina were going to go back to Bousaid & Daughters, I believe?
<Narrator> you *and*
<Narrator> You are not Kaarina. This is not like a Fight Club scenario. :P
* NPC1 is now known as Kaarina
<Pierre> Right!
<Pierre> Though we do share the same soul... because we're in LURVE! :D
* Kaarina will head back to the shop with you after the discussion with everybody.
* NPC3 is now known as Ruba
<Narrator> The printers' seems much as you left it yesterday.
* Ruba notices you and, while looking a bit surprised, waves you over and smiles.
<Ruba> Hello again.
* Pierre smiles back, and moves to join her.
<Pierre> Hello, Mme Ruba! How are you today?
* Kaarina returns Ruba's smile.
<Ruba> I'm well. What can I do for you? Was there a problem with the presses or something?
<Pierre> No, no! We did want to discuss something we found on them though.
* Pierre looks around to be sure they're alone
* Ruba raises an eyebrow, then nods.
<Ruba> Why don't you come back to the office?
* Ruba will lead you both that direction.
* Pierre follows
<Narrator> (Pierre, roll me Notice)
<Kaarina> Thank you. We're sorry to take up more of your time.
<Pierre> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Pierre: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 1 3 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 0 ].
<Ruba> Don't be. I'm always happy to see to customers.
<Narrator> (So far as you know, it's just the three of you, and Ruba's family working the presses.)
<Pierre> (Is she the head of the family?)
<Ruba> Now, what was so interesting on my presses that it required a return visit?
<Narrator> (She is, yes)
<Pierre> (And is she basically the one who prints everything?)
<Narrator> (You have no way of knowing that.)
<Pierre> Oh... well, I'm not sure it's so important. We were wondering who used them just before we came to claim them.
<Narrator> (It's a decent-sized operation, but does seem to be a family business.)
<Pierre> (So it could be one of her daughters, or something? Don't want to out that person to Ma if she didn't know already.)
<Ruba> I'm not sure I understand the question. They're our presses. No one is using them but us.
<Narrator> (Theoretically, yes)
<Pierre> Well, for example, what was the last job that they were used for?
<Pierre> Who set the type for it?
* Ruba frowns in thought.
<Ruba> I'm not sure. My daughter Wardah, I believe. We don't keep track of that, but I could check the ledger and make a guess.
<Ruba> What is this about?
* Ruba goes to retrieve a large ledger book from a shelf nearby.
<Pierre> I'm sorry - I don't mean to make it seem like a big deal! I'm still learning about the business, and I guess I just had some questions that she may be able to answer.
* Ruba gives Kaarina an inquiring look, glancing at Pierre, then back.
* Kaarina gives a reassuring smile.
<Kaarina> The last piece printed was...intriguing, and Pierre was curious as to its provenance.
<Ruba> Oh? What was it?
* Kaarina glances at Pierre to gauge response.
* Pierre shrugs
<Pierre> I'm not familiar with your language, unfortunately, but it was interesting for me.
<Ruba> Well, now I'm doubly confused. You couldn't read it, but it was interesting?
<Pierre> There seem to be settings I haven't seen on our own presses. Was that job something significant? Or just a local notice, or something?
* Ruba frowns, then walks to the doorway.
* Ruba waves Wardah over.
* NPC4 is now known as Wardah
<Pierre> (Does she seem nervous?)
* Wardah walks over and follows her mother inside the office.
<Narrator> (Which?)
<Pierre> (Wardah!)
<Narrator> (Not particularly)
<Ruba> Wardah, do you happen to remember what the last thing printed on the press we sold Mme. Jokela was?
* Wardah glances at Pierre and Kaarina, then at her mother.
* Wardah says something in Ilhatani.
* Ruba responds and nods.
* Kaarina glances at Pierre.
<Wardah> I think the very last thing was the test print I did with you, yes?
<Pierre> Yes. I was just wondering what that was, though - a job from someone?
<Pierre> (What sort of vibes am I getting here?)
<Pierre> (Can I make an Empathy roll?)
<Narrator> (Sure)
<Pierre> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Pierre: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 1 3 3 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 5 ].
<Narrator> (Mostly she just seems confused by the questioning)
<Pierre> (Who? Wardah?)
<Wardah> It was a treatise by a local religious leader, I believe. Muealim al-Afra, if you've heard of her.
<Pierre> No, I don't believe we have. Is she an important figure in the community?
<Wardah> Yes.
<Ruba> No.
* Pierre glances at Kaarina
<Narrator> The two trade frustrated glances.
* Kaarina looks at Pierre and shrugs.
<Pierre> Ah. Right.
<Ruba> It's complicated.
<Ruba> She has little official standing anymore, and, well, she is not well-liked by the emira.
<Pierre> I see. As I say, I don't understand your language myself; but I showed it to someone in our group who does, and it seemed... potentially inflammatory.
<Pierre> Not that it's any of our business!
* Pierre adds hastily
<Ruba> Then what was your interest?
<Pierre> We're on friendly terms, so we just wanted to be sure first of all that you *knew
* this was printed here.
<Pierre> A printer in our own town got in some trouble for something similar not too long ago, and she didn't know anything about it.
<Ruba> Oh. Well. I appreciate your concern, but I assure you nothing in this shop happens without my knowledge.
* Wardah smirks behind her mother's back.
<Ruba> I saw that.
<Ruba> In any case, we've had no trouble just yet, though I'm sure the emira would like Muealim al-Afra's thoughts not be put to print, she hadn't attempted to stop us just yet.
* Pierre nods
<Pierre> I suppose you are taking on a bit of a risk in printing it, even so.
<Ruba> No more than any free woman takes in speaking her mind, as is her right.
* Kaarina smiles at that.
<Pierre> Would it be fair to say you're sympathetic to her cause? If I may ask...
<Pierre> There are people with similar sympathies in, ah, other colonies.
* Ruba nods.
<Ruba> I'm well aware. Your backer, for one.
* Kaarina nods.
* Pierre smiles
<Pierre> Well, great. I'm glad we're doing business with you, then, Mme Ruba - Wardah.
<Kaarina> And I think we can look forward to a promising relationship.
<Ruba> Likewise, to the both of you.
<Pierre> Thank you again for your time. And again for helping me learn how to work the presses, Wardah!
* Wardah nods.
<Wardah> Good luck, and make good use of them.
<Pierre> Thank you. We will!
===Lucas, Chemames and Svald go check out the Suq Layli and speak with Elzahia===
<Narrator> (Okay, Lucas and Chemames were going to check out the Suq Layli, yes? Is Svald going with them?)
<Lucas> (up to Svald?)
<Svald> (ok)
<Svald> (by which I mean yes)
<Narrator> The Suq Layli is one of the markets in town, which seems to specialize in more local goods. You notice a fair number of native traders, mostly Waunohàmsèpu halflings.
<Narrator> (Can I get y'all to roll Notice for me?)
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 3 2 1 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Svald> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 2 2 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 4 ].
<Narrator> Svald, you are positive you are being followed by at least one person, and possibly more.
<Svald> [q] we are being watched.
* Kaarina is now known as Chemames
<Svald> (can I get any kind of look at any of them?)
<Narrator> (The one you definitely clock is a nondescript orcish man: grey skin, black hair, nothing particularly noticeable about him.)
<Lucas> [w] should we try to split up and lose them?
<Svald> [w] I don't know where I'm going :o
<Chemames> I could try to distract them.
<Chemames> (Also whsipered, rather)
<Svald> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 3 3 1 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Narrator> In the midst of your wandering the market, you do spot a sign for Elzahia, Coopers.
<Svald> (are we able to shake the tail?)
<Lucas> (yeah, maybe we can try to have Chemames cause his distraction while we go into the coopers' shop?)
* Chemames can head somewhat towards your tail, then make a big show of accidentally knocking over some merchandise, and, in helping to right it, knock over more, etc.
<Narrator> (You two roll me Stealth checks, with a +2 bonus)
<Svald> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 3 1 1 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
<Lucas> (can I apply my Keeps a low profile to it also?)
<Narrator> (Yes)
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-2
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-2 ] getting [ 2 3 3 1 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -2 ] totals [ 7 ].
<Narrator> The two of you can duck into the coopers, you're pretty sure unnoticed.
<Narrator> The shop/workshop seems about what you would think. Several orcs and a couple of halflings are busy working on barrels in various stages.
<Lucas> Um... hello, we're looking for Elzahia?
* Ruba is now known as Elzahia
<Elzahia> That would be most of the people in here, but I'm assuming you mean me, as it's my shop.
<Elzahia> How can I help you?
<Lucas> I'm not quite sure.
* Elzahia is an orcish woman in her mid-thirties, tall and broad.
* Elzahia gives you a confused look.
<Svald> We uh..
<Elzahia> Did you need a barrel, maybe?
<Svald> I think we met some of your friends, on the docks yesterday
<Elzahia> On the docks yesterday?
* Elzahia looks you over again, and nods after a moment.
<Elzahia> You're the foreigner who helped Ihsan and Mehdi.
<Elzahia> You have my thanks.
<Svald> I couldn't leave them there.
<Svald> (literally)
<Elzahia> You have my thanks nonetheless.
<Elzahia> What brings you here?
<Svald> We were hoping to get a better idea of just what *is
* happening around here...
<Lucas> We - our people - wanted to make contact with the local, uh, people who felt similarly to them.
* Elzahia nods.
<Elzahia> Come in, then. Would you like some tea or coffee?
<Lucas> Tea would be nice.
* Elzahia leads you to an office area and will begin preparing tea.
<Elzahia> So, who are you?
<Svald> I am Svald, and this is Lucas... We came with Skalla Stormsvallag.
<Svald> Skalla is the one who was with me yesterday.
<Elzahia> The dwarven woman? Ihsan mentioned her.
<Lucas> We come here from Fastning Irena
<Elzahia> Oh, sorry, I'm Samiya, by the way.
<Elzahia> What brings you here? It's a dangerous time to be travelling, I think.
<Svald> More or less just that... There isn't a lot of information coming out of here.
<Elzahia> No, I wouldn't think there would be. The emira has shut down a lot of traffic into and out of the city.
<Elzahia> Getting ready for her campaign.
<Lucas> well, Welumque and Skalla wanted to go, so we just sort of came along. I think the governor asked for information.
<Lucas> about how things were here and what was happening... it seems like it's been bad, though.
* Elzahia frowns.
<Elzahia> That's an understatement.
<Elzahia> So you work for...the Stordam governor?
<Lucas> well... no, not really. I mean, I don't. But Welumque is my ... guardian. and she tries to help people who need help.
<Lucas> so I try to help her.
<Elzahia> Welumque? That's a...Lèxkweyok name, right?
* Lucas nods
<Elzahia> I think I've heard of her.
<Elzahia> Helps folks who fled the war, stuff like that?
<Lucas> yes...
* Elzahia nods.
<Lucas> we are sort of stuck here now, though, I think. the Emira invited Skalla to some kind of dinner and it seems like it would be bad to leave - but also bad to stay.
* Elzahia frowns again.
<Elzahia> So she knows you're in town, and that sounds like she might know what you're about.
<Lucas> someone followed us here, but I think we managed to not be noticed going in here
<Elzahia> Wouldn't be the first time we've been watched.
<Elzahia> I try to stay out of direct trouble, but my political leanings aren't really a secret.
<Elzahia> So, you're gathering information, for your employers, who are gathering information for the Stordam governor? Do I have that right?
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> and depending on how things go, we might need help getting out of town. but if there's anything we can do to help you in return, we'd be willing to try.
* Svald nods affirmation
<Lucas> if you need to get someone out of town for instance, we could take them with us, or get word to someone elsewhere.
* Elzahia nods.
<Elzahia> Well, I do know people who can help someone get out of town, as you might have guessed.
<Elzahia> Let me ask you: how are things on Sisawinak, with the fort and everything?
<Elzahia> There are people here on the Black Guard's side, but we don't know much.
<Lucas> Some of the people are fleeing.
<Elzahia> The soldiers?
<Lucas> The slaves
<Svald> Nervous... Some people think the fort should side with the black guard, some think they should stay out of it, or help their ostensible ally... but everyone is nervous.
* Elzahia nods.
<Elzahia> Is there any sense which way the governor is leaning?
<Lucas> I know a lot of people were taken prisoner after the uprising - the docks are being watched to try and prevent escapes, but some still get through.
<Elzahia> May the goddess protect them.
<Elzahia> The fleeing slaves, at least.
<Svald> I don't know about the governor per se but.. Skalla's family is sympathetic.
<Lucas> for the governor, I think she wants to see which way the wind is blowing - there is unrest and sympathy for the rebels, and to act against them would be bad for her, I think, but she also can't go against her ally too obviously.
<Svald> To the slaves, I mean.
<Lucas> but I don't really know, that's just what Welumque seems to believe...
<Elzahia> So, if the Black Guard seems like a legitimate alternative to the Emira, the governor might not step in?
<Lucas> I don't know.
<Elzahia> Right.
<Lucas> I think she will do what seems best for herself. If they gain enough support, maybe she would not intervene, if it seemed imprudent?
<Elzahia> So, what information would help you right now?
<Lucas> is there a way we can get in touch with you if we do need to escape undetected?
<Elzahia> Hmm. Where are you staying right now?
<Lucas> at Shaykha Naouar's home
<Lucas> we were at an inn but it got too dangerous
<Elzahia> All right. Let me think.
<Elzahia> Do you trust Shaykha Naouar?
<Svald> I don't.. really know her.
<Svald> Skalla seems to? I think?
<Lucas> I think she's a contact of Skalla's family here. She has been decent to us but I don't know her well enough to say if she's trustworthy.
<Elzahia> Okay.
<Elzahia> All right. I can have someone check on the house at sundown and sunrise. If you need help, be outside, walk once around the house, and back in, and I'll get in touch with you.
<Elzahia> Does that seem doable?
<Lucas> Yes. Thank you.
<Lucas> Is there anything we can do in turn for you?
<Elzahia> Can you get a message to some friends at the Alhusan Alaswad on Sisawinak?
* Lucas nods
<Elzahia> That would be repayment enough, I think.
<Elzahia> Especially after what you've already done.
<Lucas> Very well.
<Lucas> how do you want us to leave here? what would be best to not attract attention?
<Elzahia> There is a back exit, which will go through the shop next door. It's less noticeable, I think.
<Lucas> We'll use that. Thank you again.
* Lucas will go out the back and try to make a surreptitious exit
<Svald> Thank you
* Svald echoes on their way out
* Elzahia nods reassuringly.
* Welumque talks to Lucas upon the group's return from Elzahia's.
<Lucas> (did we meet back with Chemames, or did he make it back on his own?)
<Narrator> (I'm figuring he made it back on his own.
<Lucas> (ok)
<Narrator> (I think he was having fun occupying their attention)
The trio return and report back
<Lucas> We talked to Elzahia - someone followed us on the way there, an orc man, but I think we managed to avoid being seen going into her shop.
<Welumque> That's good. Also alarming that they are devoting so many resources to following people who aren't really doing anything.
<Lucas> She had heard of you, I think.
* Welumque nods.
<Welumque> Do you believe her to be truly sympathetic to our interests?
<Lucas> I think she's sympathetic to helping her people. She has ways to get them out of here if they're in danger.
<Welumque> That's enough.
<Lucas> I made a plan with her to help us escape if we have to. I hope that wasn't too presumptuous of me, but I thought we might need it.
<Welumque> Did she have any insights into this dinner I'm going to?
<Lucas> she thought it means the Emira knows of your presence here and perhaps also of your purpose. or Skalla's, I'm not sure which.
<Lucas> maybe both.
<Welumque> Hmm. Well, that is not so bad.
<Welumque> If she thinks we may have powerful allies, we are unlikely to be bothered.
<Lucas> or made an example of?
* Welumque laughs.
<Welumque> Ah, the pessimist, Lucas.
<Welumque> I think she has enough trouble with her own people without bothering with mine.
<Lucas> well - if we need to escape, Elzahia has a person to watch this house each day at sunrise and sunset. if I go out and walk around the house at that time, they'll see me and know we need help.
<Lucas> In return I agreed to get word to some of her friends at the Alhusan Alaswad on Sisawinak
<Welumque> That's good to know, although I hope we don't need to do that.
<Welumque> How much risk is Elzahia in? Clearly she has been doing this for a while and they are watching her.
<Lucas> she didn't seem very worried for herself
<Lucas> she wanted to know how things were at Sisawinak, and which way the governor was leaning
<Welumque> What we report back will have a lot to do with how she leans, ultimately.
<Lucas> that was what I said. I thought that she would go whatever way is best for herself - she wanted to know more so she can know which way to decide.
<Lucas> I hope that wasn't too forthright.
<Welumque> Only if she aims to betray us.
<Welumque> You're not trying to convince me not to go, I note.
<Lucas> well... you are an elder, it's not my place to tell you what to do.
* Welumque laughs.
<Welumque> And if you were also an elder, what would you tell me?
<Lucas> mmm... just to be careful.
<Welumque> I'll do that.
<Welumque> But you know that I am going regardless.
<Lucas> Yes.
<Welumque> All right then. Thank you, Lucas.
* Lucas nods
Skalla, Welumque and Hildie attend the meal at the emira's residence
<Narrator> Skalla, Welumque, and Hildie, the night of the dinner with the emira arrives. Any sort of prep I should know about?
<Skalla> (I can't think of anything in particular)
<Welumque> (I don't think so)
<Skalla> I probably *shouldn't
* have a drink before this thing, should I >.>
<Narrator> (Well, you're not going to get to drink there, so... ;) )
<Skalla> (Maybe just one or fortitude :p)
<Skalla> (for)
<Skalla> Let's get this mess rolling I guess
<Narrator> The emira's residence is palatial, a distinguished wooden building in the Khalijani style that uses Callidoran materials with old world patterns. The gardens, where much of this event seems set to take place, are lit with extensive lamps.
* Skalla will say, coming downstairs in the best clothes she brought with her
* Chemames is now known as Ghada
* Welumque will have whatever formal Lexkweyok garb she has brought - probably not the fanciest thing she owns, but something that clearly marks her as being an elder of her people
<Narrator> The event is already underway as you arrive, seemingly carried over from the worship services previous.
* Ghada will greet you when you arrive.
<Ghada> Ah, Welumque, Skalla, good to see you. And this must be your cousin. Please, be welcome.
<Skalla> thank you.
<Welumque> Ghada, we are honoured.
<Ghada> As are we by your presence.
* Ghada will lead you further into the garden.
<Ghada> My mother is meeting with some people inside at the moment, but she should be joining us shortly.
<Ghada> I hope your stay in our city has been pleasant.
<Welumque> It has. Talat Kabira is exceedingly beautiful.
<Ghada> It has its charms.
<Ghada> Were you able to conclude your business to your satisfaction?
<Welumque> (I presume we were? it's been several days now)
<Skalla> Yes, the extension was very helpful to load and unload everything with proper care.
<Narrator> (Yeah, between Tonuac and Shaykha Nouar, you did fine)
<Ghada> I'm glad. I know it's been something of a hassle.
<Welumque> With your kindness and the Emira's, we have had more than enough time.
* Skalla nods
<Ghada> I'm glad we've managed to make a good impression. Perhaps we can expand upon such.
<Ghada> Ah, I believe I see my mother just now.
* Elzahia is now known as Emira
* Emira is an older, severe-looking woman in understated Ilhatani finery, descending steps from the house into the garden.
<Ghada> Shall I introduce you?
* Ghada will lead you in that direction.
* Welumque follows.
<Skalla> Of course.
<Ghada> Mother, may I present to you Welumque of the Lèxkweyok, and Skalla Beritsdottir Stormsvallvag. (to you two) The Emira Shahira Sudais al-Amwad.
* Skalla can give an appropriate (probably) curtsey
* Welumque bows respectfully
* Emira nods graciously.
<Welumque> I am honoured to be your guest, Emira.
<Emira> I am please to make your acquaintance. My daughter speaks very highly of you.
<Skalla> We are grateful for your hospipitality
<Emira> I'm told you're here on a trade mission?
<Welumque> Yes, Emira.
<Emira> What sort of goods do you trade?
* Skalla nods as well
<Welumque> On this journey, tobacco and spices from the south.
<Skalla> and some raw goods from my family's ironworks.
<Emira> Ah, yes, I've heard your family deals in iron. Perhaps we can provide a steady market for you in the future.
<Emira> Are you empowered to speak for them on a longer term basis?
<Skalla> Not for matters of this scale, I'm afraid
<Skalla> But I can certainly bring this to my mother and aunts
<Emira> Hmm. Perhaps you can meet with my daughter to negotiate a proposal?
<Skalla> I'd be honoured
<Emira> Excellent.
<Emira> (to Welumque) You said tobacco and spices were your cargo on this journey. Is that your usual stock?
<Welumque> It's not uncommon, Emira. But not exclusively, by any means. I'm a broker between my people and whoever might be interested in buying.
<Emira> We would welcome closer ties with your people. Perhaps you could help us negotiate such?
<Welumque> You mean trade ties, Emira? Or something else?
<Emira> Mutual trade, mutual cooperation. I'm told this is a land of opportunity.
<Welumque> It is, both opportunity and risk. One rarely without the other.
* Skalla nods
<Emira> Just so. And allies help mitigate risk, don't you think?
<Welumque> I would be happy, upon my return, to see if there are such possibilities for our two peoples.
* Emira nods.
<Emira> We would appreciate such consideration. When are you planning to return to Sisawinak?
<Welumque> Tomorrow or the day after.
<Emira> So soon?
<Welumque> Ah, it was our understanding that visitors' trips were to be as brief as possible. We were originally given, what, Skalla, three days to conduct our business? We've been here at least a week now.
* Skalla nods.
<Skalla> Yes, we are grateful to have been given extra time, but we had finished our intended trading
<Emira> Ah, but you are guests, and those rules were put in place to limit the ability of troublesome actors to disrupt our operations. Certainly honest friends such as yourself can take their leisure in enjoying our hospitality.
<Welumque> And we appreciate your hospitality. But now that our business is concluded, we should be back to Sisawinak as promptly as we can, for our clients and colleagues there will worry otherwise.
* Skalla nods
<Emira> Well, if we cannot tempt you to stay, alas. But I believe my daughter will have further business with Ms. Beritsdottir, at the least.
<Skalla> Of course
* Emira nods.
<Emira> I will look forward to the outcome of your negotiations, then. Please, enjoy the meal. I should see to the rest of my guests.
<Skalla> of course, thank you
<Welumque> Thank you, Emira.
<Ghada> I believe that went well, hmm?
<Ghada> I should follow my mother's example, though, and take my leave for the time being. You're well here?
<Welumque> Yes, I would say so. I appreciate you inviting us. Thank you, Ghada. Let us hope this is the first of many such meetings.
<Skalla> of course, thank you - Let em know whe youll be able to discuss that proposal :)
<Ghada> I'll be sure to send word.
* Skalla nods to her and then gives Welumque a desperate 'help' look after she's gone
Solos
Welumque and Hildie reassure Skalla that everything is fine :)
* Skalla waits until they are gone, then turns to the other two, looking alarmed
<Hildie> That seemed like it went well. :)
<Welumque> Those are exactly the right words, Hildie.
<Skalla> hah.
<Skalla> now what?
<Welumque> what do you mean?
<Skalla> Do you think they'll keep the rest of you here?
<Welumque> Do you think they'll keep you here?
* Hildie looks a bit confused.
<Hildie> Aren't we heading back soon?
<Skalla> maybe?
<Skalla> They don't want us to go, Hildie
<Welumque> I don't think it is about us, though, Skalla.
<Skalla> I thknk if we do they'll... well. tihkthey already think we're spies but it would lend some weight to th story if we just hurry out, and I'm not sure how thay will work out for fasting Irena
<Welumque> Hmmm.
<Hildie> Huh
<Welumque> I think you may be personalizing this too much, Skalla. The Emira has many concerns, and we are among the least of them.
<Skalla> Maybe. I don't want to help her write a proposal to get supplied by my families foundries here. I don't want to be kept here, either, like a hstage, while they try and squeeze out whatever they want for this war she seems to want.
<Skalla> This invitation and meeting feels pretty personal
<Skalla> if we weren't a concern, why bother?
<Welumque> It's not like we are the only people here.
<Hildie> Can you play hardball in the negotiations? Ask for more than they can possibly pay?
<Welumque> She wants to know who we are. I don't blame her. She wants to know who is going to cause her problems, among the many she already has.
<Skalla> Then why set up this meeting with her daughter?
* Skalla takes a deep breath
<Skalla> You realy think I'm over reacting?
<Welumque> I think you are over-interpreting.
<Welumque> Look, I have known, in my years, all sorts of leaders, strong ones, weak ones, the paranoid and the just.
<Welumque> What do they all want? To stay in power.
* Skalla nods and listens
<Welumque> Your family's iron may be useful for the material it provides ... but then, there are many sources of iron. It's not exactly a rare commodity.
<Welumque> But what a trade deal would provide her is the appearance of normalcy. That she is a normal leader who interacts normally with her allies to the south.
<Welumque> That we, foreign traders, are still welcome here in Talat Kabira.
<Welumque> To keep us against our will would ensure that no more traders come.
<Skalla> Processed iron is not a common commdity
<Hildie> It would certainly be a bad look to hold traders against their will
<Welumque> I'll take you at your word for that, Skalla. But still, my point holds.
<Skalla> Shes holding us with courtesy.
<Welumque> I also have the sense that while the Emira may be as her detractors characterize her, her daughter Ghada is someone who can be dealt with.
<Hildie> So then we should wait until your meeting to panic. Maybe her daughter can help.
<Skalla> She seems to like you, at least
<Skalla> but I think waiting is the issue, Hildie
<Skalla> how long do we wait?
<Welumque> I wouldn't delay in getting an offer from Ghada that you then have to take to your family.
<Welumque> If you feel it's necessary at all.
<Hildie> I'm staying as long as you are.
* Skalla nods
<Skalla> I'll try and see her tomorrow.
<Skalla> I don't want everyne else to be hung up with it if it isn't necessary
<Welumque> Well, exactly. Use us as an excuse if you need to. I already laid the foundation for that.
<Skalla> I don't think its wise for Svald to stay here - its too risky
* Skalla nods, seeming a bit calmer
<Skalla> I'll try. Thank you for that.
<Hildie> If we need to we can send Svald and Lucas back. I doubt the Emira will kick up any fuss for that.
<Skalla> and Kaarina and Pierre. and you.
* Skalla says to Welumque.
<Hildie> I'm not going if you're here.
<Hildie> That's not negotiable.
<Skalla> I know, I know.
* Skalla rolls her eyes
<Hildie> (Sorry, I missed that that was to Welumque)
<Skalla> (no worries;)
<Skalla> if the other will agree to get out, I'll be happy.
<Skalla> but... hopwfully Welumque is right.
<Skalla> I'll try to draft something.... maybe that will help
<Hildie> Try and get that meeting tomorow and we can regroup then.
* Skalla nods
<Skalla> okay.
<Skalla> And I guess for now we just.... try and enjoy this lovely meal.
<Welumque> Exactly. She wants a display of friendship, so we let her have that.
<Hildie> That part isn't hard. I could get used to this.
<Hildie> Did you try the cheese thing with the crispy stuff on top? Amazing.
<Skalla> no, but i will now!
<Welumque> That's the attitude!
