Nemnosti session F

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Session

Session date: September 13, 2026

Negili Reckoning date: IE 731, Dend Aivas

Prologue

[Nemnosti-GM] ...zzzzz...zzzzzzzz...zzz...
* Nemnosti-GM snores loudly.
[Limard] ...zzzzz...zzzzzzz....zzzz....
* Limard seems to be well and truly asleep by the firelight.
[Ghorgimbe] Someone poke him with a stick.
* Eng-Dur eyes Naka
* Zaren reaches for a stick
[Naka] Um...sir?
* Zaren pokes Limard is the shoulder and then quickly tosses the stick at Ingo
[Limard] Wha...? Huh? Oh! What is it?
* Limard awakens with a start.
[Limard] Ahh ... yes, I appear to have faded out there just for a moment, ahh ... now where was I?
[Limard] Isn't it strange how sometimes you wake up, and you don't even know where you are for a moment. But my first thought was not 'Ah, perhaps I have been sleepwalking' but rather 'Perhaps the world shifted around me while I was asleep.'
[Limard] It always takes a while for the fog to clear, to reestablish what is the condition of the world.
[Limard] ... and now you are all staring at me, uncomprehending. I wonder whether it is that you really do not understand, which is possible, I grant.
[Limard] Or perhaps it is simply that, being so young and lacking experience, you do not even think this surprising.
[Limard] Ah well. Oh, and I see young Rupun coming across the way. He must have something for me, to interrupt our fireside chat like this. Or perhaps I am still dreaming, and he is part of the dream?
* Rupun walks across the courtyard, his Voice robes flowing in the cool winds of the Dend Aivas evening.
[Limard] Well, let me go and find out. For now, I bid you part from the ramblings of your elders, and return to your childish and carefree delights.
[Limard] Until next we gather, or until next we awaken, whichever comes first!
* Limard heads off to talk to Voice Rupun.

The team discusses what to do next, and Eng-dur discerns very powerful transmutation and conjuration magic on the ilurushar and on Sprig

[Nemnosti-GM] Three days have passed since the arrival of Avez Vambachas and the delegation from Sharai, to visit the ulajeta and make final arrangements for his wedding to Oldoka. Three long, strange days.
[Nemnosti-GM] Unfortunately, Oldoka remains in the infirmary, which has been made up to be effectively a salon, so that she has met with him in this environment which, to an uninitiate, might seem like just how the elites are treated here at Nemnosti, greeting guests in bed.
[Nemnosti-GM] Avez, for his part, has said little about this unusual arrangement. He has, in turn, been meeting with Nemnu, with Ajemika and the other senior members of the Nemni lineage, with Oldoka's parents Multur and Deghonaina. All seems to be well with the negotiations, even as nothing else is normal.
[Nemnosti-GM] But here, among your little group gathered about as the firelight dims, you know better than to be complacent.
[Nemnosti-GM] After all, you are still processing what happened when you were in the Ghengom - Eng-dur's vision leading to the mysterious ilurusha and the equally mysterious Sprig, the earthquake, and then Naka and Eng-dur's second experience in the forest, leading to whatever that was with those strangers who looked like Naka.
[Nemnosti-GM] And, in turn, as Oldoka's health has remained in peril, you see the looks from Ozel, and others, speaking wordlessly that whatever is happening, it is not simply the progression of whatever was wrong with her before - or at least, not in the same manner and gravity. Her delusions are more frequent and more disturbing.
[Nemnosti-GM] Whatever is special with those ilurushar, and with Sprig, it feels like it is all connected. But maybe that is just like what Master Limard was saying, about worlds shifting. You don't know.
[Nemnosti-GM] You look across the courtyard, as Master Limard speaks with Voice Rupun in what seems like an increasingly agitated state. The pair walks away in vigorous discussion, and the younger acolytes scatter to whatever it is that young acolytes do, leaving the six of you in the shadow of Old Hal against the firelight.
[Zaren] Man, when did everything get so weird?
[Naka] *watches Limard and Rupun walk off, her face looking concerned.*
* Hojon is just lost in his own thoughts, crouching by the tree
[Eng-Dur] Earthquake
[Zaren] Huh.
[Zaren] Yeah, that's about right.
[Eng-Dur] which is weird because we have them all the time?
[Zaren] Maybe that one was... different somehow.
[Zaren] I don't know
[Eng-Dur] yeah. I mean technically I think my vision started just before But. I think its part fo the same strangeness
* Eng-Dur pets Sprig
* Sprig nuzzles your hand.
[Naka] *nods.*
* Ingo goes over to check on Hojon
[Eng-Dur] oh that reminds me I wanted to try something
[Ingo] Don't let 'their' self inflicted strangeness mess with you. I'm here for you if you need me.
[Hojon] huh? oh... thanks
* Hojon says, distracted
* Eng-Dur takes a smooth flat rock out of his pocket, and a piece of charcoal and will start loding, some of thisch is carful marking, some of which is thinking about doing that
[Naka] (to Eng-Dur) What're you doing?
[Eng-Dur] lodging
[Zaren] So you're like... what, storing a spell in the rock?
[Eng-Dur] yup
* Sprig watches you with interest, sniffing at the charcoal but otherwise staying out of your way.
[Zaren] How does that work without fos?
* Eng-Dur says without looking up
[Eng-Dur] source is in the stone
[Eng-Dur] I thought you learned about this?
[Eng-Dur] how do you think it gets in the fos
[Eng-Dur] from the earth
[Zaren] Uh... yeah, I know all that.
* Zaren wonders if you can just eat dirt to cast spells then, but decides not to ask.
[Naka] What are you lodging?
[Eng-Dur] detect magic
[Eng-Dur] I know someone else here could do it faster but *I* want to try it first
[Naka] *manages a small smile at that.*
[Nemnosti-GM] All right Eng-dur, you can make a Brain check to dislodge your spell, whenever finished.
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 22 ]
[Ingo] Hojon, just remember its not hopeless for Oldoka, she may turn around, but even if she does not and passes, its more than likely she can be brought back, without the illness that is plaguing her.
* Eng-Dur looks over his work once its done, smiles in satisfaction, and then pulls out one of the ilurasha and makes Sprig sit before actuakly dislodging the spell
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] Yeah... you're right. She will be okay.
[Naka] *glances over at Ingo and Hojon, her smile disappearing.*
[Eng-Dur] (at elast I'm hoping a 22 is good enough :V)
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur, please make a Stomach check.
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 18 ]
* Hojon forces a smile
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur, there are definitely magical auras on the ilurusha and on Sprig. After a few moments, the auras get brighter and brighter, until they're practically blinding, as if you are standing in full sunlight. You manage, with difficulty, to continue to look at them even as they grow in intensity.
[Nemnosti-GM] You realize, eventually, that you are being immersed in wave after wave of powerful transmutation and conjuration magic, seemingly equal and identical on both the ilurushar and on Sprig themself.
* Eng-Dur squints and grimaces, but looks on
[Naka] Are you all right? What're you seeing?
[Eng-Dur] they are the same.... and so powerful!
* Sprig whimpers a little bit, seeing your distress.
[Zaren] They're the same?
[Eng-Dur] same magic
* Eng-Dur calls Sprig over for pets
[Eng-Dur] what are you? Where are you from?
* Sprig barks at you, as if in response.
[Zaren] If they're that powerful, should you be petting her?
[Eng-Dur] too late
[Naka] I was gonna say...
[Eng-Dur] anyway it doesn’t mean she's dangerous
[Eng-Dur] oh wait maybe I can ask....
[Naka] Well, we also don't know that. Something can be dangerous without meaning harm.
[Ghorgimbe] (mutters) like mushrooms
[Eng-Dur] oh the mushrooms are definitely dangerous if you don't use them right, but Naka knows all about that stuff so its fine
* Zaren narrows his eyes at Ghorgimbe.

Eng-dur casts Speak with Animals on Sprig, and has a strange vision of a black jagged crack

* Eng-Dur will wipe the charcoal off the face of the stone and start the slow process of lodging another spell (speak with animals)
[Eng-Dur] 9im not 100% sure what level spell this counts as though :x)
[Zaren] You can just reuse the stone? The spell didn't use up it's magic?
[Eng-Dur] nope
* Zaren looks very confused now.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, whenever you finish your lodging, you may make another Brain check.
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 10 ]
[Eng-Dur] (oh noes)
[Naka] You can't use up what you *are*.
[Zaren] Trust me, you can.
[Naka] *smirks.*
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, roll for backlash, you will be on Table 2B
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d100 ] getting [ 55 ]
[Eng-Dur] (cool - just takes me longer I guess?)
[Eng-Dur] (oh wait I misread - basically no effect)
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur, you dislodge your spell. And just for a moment, you see a black, jagged crack before your eyes, as if painted in midnight ink on a starless canvas of stone.
[Nemnosti-GM] Make a Pancreas check.
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 22 ]
[Nemnosti-GM] The rest of you see Eng-dur's face twist in incomprehension and horror.
* Sprig licks your hand.
[Sprig] Are you ok?
[Eng-Dur] Ahhh i can see.... it.... _
[Naka] Eng-dur? Are you okay?
[Zaren] See what?
[Nemnosti-GM] (obviously only ED can understand Sprig)
[Eng-Dur] nothing.., the crack... void...ahhhh
[Eng-Dur] nothing, nothing....
* Eng-Dur is breathing hard
[Zaren] That... doesn't sound like nothing.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Eng-dur, you manage to get composed, eventually.
[Nemnosti-GM] The spell seems to have worked, but you don't know how long it will last.
[Eng-Dur] Spring.... what are you?
[Eng-Dur] Where did yu come from?
[Eng-Dur] Who is waign up?
[Eng-Dur] (waking)
* Eng-Dur asks quickly, nt knowing how much time we have
[Naka] *watches ED and Sprig intently.*
[Sprig] Oh, I came from the other place. With the smelly trees and the birds and all that.
[Sprig] My friend Cedar is the one who's awakening. It's Their place.
[Sprig] I think maybe They sent me ahead to sniff out the place, make sure you were ready.
[Eng-Dur] ....are we?
[Eng-Dur] no?
[Sprig] I don't think so. But what do I know, I'm just a dog.
[Eng-Dur] more than me, haha!
[Eng-Dur] Spring said that its their friend Cedar waking up, and the other place is... Their place?
[Eng-Dur] who is Cedar, spring?
[Eng-Dur] what is their place, and why are They sleeping?
[Sprig] Oh ... I don't know about any of that. Their place is a forest full of trees and nice warm smells and cool breezes. Home.
[Zaren] (Would we possibly know that name from history and stuff?)
[Zaren] (I mean, someone who actually pays attention in courses, not me)
[Eng-Dur] It was a nice place
[Eng-Dur] did you know who the ladies are that we met there?
[Nemnosti-GM] (anyone who thinks they paid good attention in the Courses about religion can make a Liver check.
[Sprig] No, I figured they must be friends of yours. They smell like your girlfriend.
[Naka] !roll 1d20+5
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Eng-Dur] my what???
[Naka] What did she say?
[Sprig] Her, I mean.
[Eng-Dur] That’s... naka is just my regular friend!
[Zaren] Wait.. what?!
[Eng-Dur] Sprig says the ladies smelled like Naka, that's all ha ha
[Nemnosti-GM] Naka, you recall that Cedar is one of the other names of Lurusiru Ula.,
[Zaren] -_-
[Naka] Wait, Cedar...that's what they called Lurusiru Ula, isn't it?
[Eng-Dur] who?
[Zaren] A saint?
[Naka] *nods.*
[Eng-Dur] is that who you mean Sprig? this Lurusiru Ula?
[Sprig] Bark!
[Eng-Dur] uhh Lurusiri
[Sprig] Bark bark bark!
[Eng-Dur] Lurusiru.. damn the spell ended before he answered :(
[Eng-Dur] Sorry buddy I don't understand you anymore :(
* Sprig licks your hand, sitting expectantly.
* Eng-Dur pets him
[Eng-Dur] Good dog

The group discusses what Sprig told them about Lurusiru Ula / ‘Cedar’, and the mysterious Hegum Lurusiri who found them while camping

[Zaren] Can you cast it again?
[Eng-Dur] You helped some but I'm still confused!
[Eng-Dur] uuuh...
[Eng-Dur] I mean....
[Naka] They were destroyed back in the Great Purge, I think?
[Naka] Or, at least they're were rendered just an Ancestor.
[Naka] Their remains are here in Nemnosti.
[Zaren] I've never heard of a dead saint waking up before.
[Zaren] That sounds important
[Eng-Dur] well... Spring doesn't think so.... if that's who she means
[Eng-Dur] (Sprig)
[Eng-Dur] wait though
[Naka] Maybe we should ask to speak with Nemnu Ula about it? Or ask someone to speak with Her about it?
* Eng-Dur froens
[Eng-Dur] what abotu That guy?
[Eng-Dur] when we were 'camping'
* Ingo hearing the name Lurusiru, I'll try and think about all I remember about them
[Hojon] did you ever ask your dad about him?
[Zaren] That weird guy? What about him?
[Eng-Dur] wasn't he a Lurusiri?
[Hojon] cause he said he knew him, right?
[Ingo] !roll 1d20+9
[Eng-Dur] thats'....also weird
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ingo: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 10 ].
[Eng-Dur] he showed up right after we found Sprig
[Ingo] (I guess I remember nothing)
[Zaren] Oh yeah
[Nemnosti-GM] Yeah, Ingo, you got nothing.
* Hojon asks that to Naka, to be clear
[Nemnosti-GM] Yes, you remember Hegum Lurusiri, who was the one who found you out in the Ghengom.
[Naka] Well, Lurusiru as a clan name, is kind of ceremonial at this point, I think?
[Hojon] (Zaren, rather)
[Zaren] I should go ask him about it.
[Eng-Dur] we should find that guy
[Eng-Dur] and ask *him* about it
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, your spells and stuff being done, what are you all doing? And are you doing it together, or separately?
[Zaren] Split up, then?
[Eng-Dur] sure
[Naka] *nods.*
[Hojon] (maybe me and Zaren can go talk to Zaren's dad, and other folks can go looking for this guy in the wilderness? if anyone else wants to come with me, they can of course)
[Eng-Dur] ha ha though I don't knwo where I would look for anyone here. if he even lives here?
[Hojon] (I just know I wouldn't want to leave right now)
[Zaren] Naka, you wanna come with us?
[Ingo] (I dont think Ingo would leave Hojon right now)
[Naka] Maybe we should all go ask Zaren's dad to start with, in case he might know more where to find Hegum. Rather than go wandering randomly in the wilderness?
[Hojon] that's smart
[Zaren] That works
[Zaren] Zaren waits until no one else is looking and points two fingers at his own eyes, and then at Eng-Dur.

They go and talk to Songaseli Nemni about Voice Hegum, who it turns out is visiting the temple at the ulajeta

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you can go find Zaren's dad, Songaseli Nemni, on duty at the East Tower.
* Songaseli is a man in his middle years. He's stout and mostly grey-haired, and has a kind of beatific, peaceful look about him.
* Eng-Dur gives Zaren a confused look but will trail along with the group, hanign back because uh, Adults?
[Zaren] Hey dad!
[Songaseli] Hello, son ... and everyone else.
[Songaseli] Is everything all right?
[Zaren] Yeah, everything's fine. Why, what did you hear?
[Songaseli] Nothing - it's just that six of you, in the night, coming out here, well, it's not usual, is it?
[Zaren] What, I can't decide to come visit you at work?
[Songaseli] You absolutely can.
[Songaseli] Is that what this is?
[Zaren] Well, I did kinda have a question for you.
[Songaseli] All right...
[Zaren] When we were camping a few days ago we met this weird old guy called Something Lurusiru he said he knew you from way back. Do you know him?
* Songaseli chuckles.
[Songaseli] Sure, Voice Hegum.
[Songaseli] He was Hegum Nemni when I met him.
[Ghorgimbe] DO you know where we can find him?
* Songaseli looks at you curiously.
[Songaseli] What have you heard?
[Ghorgimbe] what have *you* heard?
[Songaseli] He's at the temple now. He's been meeting with Voice Rupun, some of the others, surely Master Limard.
[Songaseli] I don't really know what it's all about. But he hardly comes back here anymore.
[Zaren] Does he live out there in the middle of nowhere?
[Hojon] he's here right now?
[Songaseli] He lives out by Lurusiru Osti, the old ulajeta.
[Songaseli] But yes, he's here now.
[Hojon] Thanks
[Zaren] Yeah, we just... figured that we would go... visit him if he was out there all alone, but I guess if he's here then we don't have to.
* Songaseli nods.
[Songaseli] I guess I shouldn't ask what this is all about, should I?
[Zaren] I'm gonna level with you. Probably not.
* Songaseli looks you all over, then shakes his head.
[Songaseli] Run along then.
[Zaren] Thanks Dad!
[Songaseli] I expect you at home for breakfast!
* Zaren gives him a quick hug.
[Zaren] Alright!
[Nemnosti-GM] OK, so are you heading to the temple to find Hegum, then?
[Hojon] (yeah)
[Zaren] (yup)
[Ghorgimbe] (yarp)

The team goes over to the temple to find Hegum, but are briefly blocked by Voice Rupun until they convince him that what they have to say is relevant

[Nemnosti-GM] OK, you go over there and upon reaching the temple, find Voice Rupun. Rupun is Ghorgimbe's cousin, and a newer Voice priest, having followed the huthajai path after being adopted into the Nemni lineage.
* Rupun sees you and looks slightly alarmed.
[Ghorgimbe] What, you're not happy to see me, cousin?
[Nemnosti-GM] Make a Heart check, Ghorgimbe.
[Ghorgimbe] !roll 1d20+5
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ghorgimbe: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 15 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (Rupun seems really quite shaken up by something - and after what Rupun has been through in his life, Ghorgimbe, that worries you a lot, as he is pretty unflappable)
[Rupun] Of course I am.
[Rupun] Did Master Limard forget something at the fire?
[Ghorgimbe] Not exactly.
[Rupun] What is it, then?
[Ghorgimbe] We're looking for someone... voice Hegum?
[Rupun] Ah. Voice Hegum is occupied.
[Rupun] But ... I must ask, why are you looking for him?
[Eng-Dur] Found his dog. maybe :x
[Rupun] He ... doesn't have a dog.
[Ghorgimbe] Somethin' going on here? You seem bothered.
[Eng-Dur] he might tho.
* Rupun looks over your group.
[Rupun] He is indisposed. I will let him know you visited.
[Naka] It really is important.
[Zaren] What's indisposing him?
[Ghorgimbe] We can just wait for him here then.
[Nemnosti-GM] Anyone who wishes to try to convince him may make a Lungs check.
[Zaren] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Zaren: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 21 ].
* Eng-Dur starts to open his mouth but lets's Zaren take it, I GUESS
[Nemnosti-GM] (all right, Zaren, make a convincing argument)
[Zaren] Look, Rupun, we have something really important we need to talk to him about. and I think it might involve why he's here... and also the dog. You wouldn't want to be the one who kept important info from him, would you?
[Rupun] ...
[Rupun] Wait here.
[Naka] Why are we being coy about this? The dog is supernatural or magical or something, and it has something to do with Lurusiru Ula somehow, we think, and it may be both important and time-sensitive.
[Rupun] I'll be right back.
[Naka] *nods.*
* Sprig barks.
* Rupun goes through the door leading to the Inner Caves.
[Nemnosti-GM] (Everyone, please make a Spleen check )
[Naka] !roll 1d20+9
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 27 ].
[Ingo] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ingo: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 24 ].
[Zaren] !roll 1d20+4
* lan-werk2 rolls for Zaren: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 12 ].
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 15 ]
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+5
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 23 ].
[Ghorgimbe] !roll 1d20+4
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ghorgimbe: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 15 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, as Rupun enters the door, Naka, you catch a whiff of a very familiar smell - the scent of cedar, almost exactly as you experienced it in ... wherever that place was. And then, you have an image of a familiar woman who looks a lot like you - just for a moment. The moment passes, and the smell fades once Rupun closes the door, but the memory lingers.
[Nemnosti-GM] (Naka you have time to convey anything you wish, before Rupun returns)

They raise the question of whether Lurusiru is awakening with a shocked Rupun and Hegum, and the priests take Sprig with them into the Inner Caves

[Nemnosti-GM] After a while, Voice Rupun reappears, with Voice Hegum with him.
[Hegum] All right, what is this all about?
[Eng-Dur] is your saint waking up or something?
* Hegum seems stunned into silence by your question.
[Rupun] Holy shit.
[Ghorgimbe] Ok so we're being REALLY direct.
* Zaren puts his palm over his face and sighs.
[Eng-Dur] well?
[Eng-Dur] thst's what Naka said...
[Eng-Dur] but Sprig said they belong to Cedar, and came from Their place, and then Cedar is your saint, right?
[Zaren] Yeah, we think the dog might be hers.
[Ingo] chase cut, I guess
[Hegum] ... I ... hmm.
[Naka] I don't know about waking up, but *something* is happening.
[Eng-Dur] sprig is like. Doing recon to see if we're ready or something?
[Eng-Dur] Seemed important
[Naka] *nods.*
[Naka] She was sent, I think you said?
[Eng-Dur] I think so?
[Hegum] All right, let's just pause here.
[Hegum] It is true that something strange is happening with the Ancestor Lurusiru. But while we may talk to Them, they cannot awaken because They are dead. You know that, or at least all of you except the little one should know that.
* Hegum sounds a little uncertain about all this, though.
[Naka] You're more than welcome to talk to the dog yourself.
[Eng-Dur] yeah
[Eng-Dur] right Sprig?
* Sprig barks.
[Rupun] All right, give us the dog.
[Eng-Dur] uhh....
* Eng-Dur hugs Sprig
[Naka] Sprig, are you okay with that?
[Eng-Dur] is that what you want Sprig? you wanna go with them or stay with me. I mean us.
* Sprig is sniffing the floor, and goes over to the door to the Inner Caves, as if they smell something.
[Eng-Dur] okay...
* Eng-Dur sounds a little diappointed but will let the dog do what it wants
[Hegum] We're not going to harm her.
[Hegum] I promise.
[Eng-Dur] I'm sure Sprig cna find me again if he esnts
[Eng-Dur] (wants)
[Hegum] Thank you for bringing this to my attention, children.
[Naka] *still looks dubious at the whole thing.*
* Eng-Dur too
[Naka] Can you tell us what's going on?
[Hegum] We're doing some rituals. But what's actually going on? I don't know.
[Naka] Rituals for what?
[Zaren] To find out what's going on I assume
* Hegum nods.
[Hegum] Now, carry on - it's late, and I'm sure you have duties tomorrow morning.
[Naka] How so, I mean. There's no "what's going on" ritual, that I know of.
[Naka] *frowns.*
[Zaren] They teach you that one in the advanced courses.
[Eng-Dur] there's liek divinations and stuff
[Naka] Is anyone in danger?
[Eng-Dur] that's kind of like a 'whats going on' ritual
[Naka] (that "anyone" is pretty loaded)
[Hegum] If I knew that anyone was in danger, I'd have alerted people.
[Hegum] Now, leave us.
* Hegum and Rupun, along with little Sprig, head through the great door.
[Eng-Dur] bye Sprig.... :(

The team is frustrated at not being taken seriously, so Hojon and Ingo resolve to talk to Ajemika about what is going on

[Ingo] strange and not very reassuring
* Ingo shakes his head
[Naka] Yeah...
[Eng-Dur] no.
[Zaren] Don't worry, they're not gonna hurt her or anything.
[Eng-Dur] well. *I* think we should try and...see the ladies again.
[Nemnosti-GM] Naka you definitely detect that scent again as they open and then close the door.
[Ghorgimbe] What ladies
[Eng-Dur] from the vision!
[Eng-Dur] Oh you weren't here
[Naka] There it is again. Does anyone else smell that?
[Zaren] Smell what?
* Hojon shakes his head
[Ingo] I don't smell anything
[Naka] Cedar.
[Eng-Dur] Naka and I... and I guess Zaren but he puked them up, top ssome of the mushrooms i gor form Cedar's place and wthen we both went there and had the same vision where we were these ladies?
[Naka] Like when we were in that...other place.
[Zaren] All I smell is dog.
* Eng-Dur sniffs the air when naka mentions it but shakes his head
[Naka] Ugh! This is so...frustrating!
[Zaren] Is there anyone who might tell us what's going on?
[Naka] *kicks the door Hegum went through, but without much real force.*
[Ingo] It could be lingering effects from those mushrooms...
[Ghorgimbe] I'm lost
[Naka] I can handle my shit, Ingo.
[Naka] I know when it's weird and when it's *weird*, you know?
[Hojon] I could ask my great-aunt, I guess? but I don't know if she'd tell me anything.
* Hojon suggests warily
[Naka] *sighs.*
[Naka] Worth a shot?
[Zaren] Yeah, I don't have any better ideas
[Eng-Dur] who?
[Hojon] My great-aunt Ajemika. the hengi. I mean I'd imagine if something weird is going on, they'd have to tell her, right?
[Eng-Dur] oh. right.
* Hojon will try to go find his great-aunt if possible
[Zaren] Hey Eng-Dur, you got any spells that could spy on them in there?
* Eng-Dur rhinks abotu that
[Nemnosti-GM] (are you going alone, Hojon, or with others?)
[Hojon] (well, if people want to go with me, I wouldn't stop them)
[Eng-Dur] if I had ever been in there, maybe....
[Hojon] (but if they aren't interested or are going to do other things, I'm not going to demand they go with me either)

Eng-dur, Naka, and Zaren angst about Oldoka’s illness and their inability to get the adults to listen to them

[Eng-Dur] uuuuugh
[Eng-Dur] that was stupid, we still don't know anything
[Naka] *heads out towards the Imp's Pool.*
[Naka] *nods glumly.*
* Eng-Dur grumples, trailing after her
* Zaren jogs to catch up with Naka and put a hand on her shoulder.
[Zaren] Hey, Naka... you ok?
[Naka] *rounds on him.*
[Naka] What did you just say?
[Eng-Dur] who?
[Zaren] Whoa! Uh...
[Zaren] I just... asked if you're ok?
* Zaren removes his hand and puts both up in front of him, palms out
[Naka] Am I *okay*? Okay!? Of course I'm not fucking okay, Zaren!
[Zaren] Ok. And that's totally fair. Do you want to talk about it?
[Naka] My friend is dying, and it's...it's like she's given up! It's not fair and it's not right and I don't want her to go and...
* Eng-Dur shifts back and forth on his feet
[Naka] *rushes forward, wraps her arms around Zaren, and buries her head in his chest to sob.*
* Zaren puts his arms around her and strokes her hair gently, trying to process what she just said.
* Eng-Dur rolls his eyes awkwardly
[Zaren] Hey, heyyy... we don't know that...
[Eng-Dur] [m]okay, fine, I'll just.... go away ].]
[Naka] You don't have to.
[Naka] *says into Zaren's chest.*
[Eng-Dur] mmm.... well.... what do you want, then?
[Naka] *pulls back after a second, trying to compose herself.*
[Naka] I want everything to be okay. I know that...childish or whatever, but...
* Eng-Dur ignores that Zaren is probably glaring daggers at him when naka isn't looking
[Naka] *shrugs.*
[Eng-Dur] why woudln't you want everything to be okay? That sounds liek a normal thing to want
[Eng-Dur] I'm sorrt they aren't tho
* Zaren is surprisingly not glaring at Eng-Dur, just focusing on Naka.
[Zaren] It's not childish. Everyone wants that.
[Naka] I keep thinking we'll find an herb or a spell or...something that will make Oldoka better.
[Naka] But she's not going to get better. That's what she told me.
[Zaren] How does she know that?
[Eng-Dur] how-
[Eng-Dur] yeah
[Naka] *looks both helpless and hopeless as she shrugs tiredly.*
[Naka] I don't know. It's what she said.
[Eng-Dur] did you wanna go see her?
[Naka] I don't know. I don't want to blow up at her, too.
[Naka] Sorry, guys, I shouldn't have yelled.
[Eng-Dur] you thik you got more blow ups in there?
* Eng-Dur sounds dubious
[Zaren] It's ok.
[Naka] Maybe?
[Naka] *just sounds defeated now.*
[Eng-Dur] *if* she's right then you shoudl go see her
[Zaren] Hey, if you need to blow up, I'd rather you do it at me, anyway. I'm not going anywhere.
[Naka] I thought maybe whatever is going on with Sprig might be the miracle she needs, or something...
[Naka] But no one will tell us anything, and/or no one *can* tell us anything.
[Eng-Dur] they probably don't know
[Zaren] If it is, we did what we can. We made sure the right people know.
[Eng-Dur] what about Nemnu?
[Naka] (to Eng-Dur) I know, and that's even scarier.
[Eng-Dur] this is Her place right? maybe *she* knows more
[Eng-Dur] (*She*)
[Naka] I mean, She might know more about the cedar stuff, but if She knew how to fix 'Doka, She would have by now.
[Eng-Dur] but if there is a connection, mayeb She would know when smoene else might not?
[Naka] Wait a sec. I just remembered something.
[Eng-Dur] oh?
[Naka] I took Sprig with me when I went to talk to Oldoka last, and when I tried to let her hold Sprig, Sprig growled and almost snapped at her.
[Zaren] At Oldoka? That's weird.
[Eng-Dur] really?
[Naka] It was really weird.
[Eng-Dur] but Sprig likes everyone!
[Zaren] Maybe... we should have asked her about that.
[Eng-Dur] yeah
[Naka] *nods.*
[Eng-Dur] we still could maybe
[Naka] Yeah.
[Zaren] Once they're done, yeah.
[Eng-Dur] go back and aks if we can just see her for a little bit?
[Zaren] I mean, I guess it couldn't hurt to ask.
[Eng-Dur] well I gotta do the spell first
[Naka] I don't that there's anyone there for us to ask. They're all in the Inner Caves, aren't they?
[Eng-Dur] so gimme a bit, and then we can go see
[Naka] (don't know*)
[Naka] Okay.
[Eng-Dur] well there's gotta be someone or we can just wander in :V

Eng-dur attempts another lodging, and again has that strange vision of the black crack and they decide to seek guidance from Limard

[Naka] *will sit down by the Imp's Pool while ED lodges his spell.*
[Eng-Dur] lemme do this, I just gotta be... more careful
* Eng-Dur sais, with a repressed shudder, thinking about that Crack again
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 10 ]
[Eng-Dur] (WTF AMAZE)
[Naka] (Holy shit!)
[Naka] (Turns out Eng-Dur has the same sight thing as Ifa ;) )
[Nemnosti-GM] Again, Eng-Dur, you have that strange vision of the crack.
[Eng-Dur] ahhhh its There D: D: D:
[Zaren] What? What's where?
[Eng-Dur] the crack, the nothing its looking at me its just ahhhhhh D:
[Naka] *puts her hands on Eng-Dur's arms to steady him.*
[Naka] Hey, hey, you're okay. I'm here.
[Naka] Um, we're here.
[Naka] You saw something bad when you lodged?
[Zaren] Was it the same thing as last time?
[Nemnosti-GM] You do think it was the same as last time, Eng-dur.
[Nemnosti-GM] The moment passes, as it did last time, but it's pretty upsetting nonetheless.
[Eng-Dur] ...yeah.... the same
[Eng-Dur] fuuuuck
[Naka] Was it worse this time?
[Eng-Dur] no just. just as bad
[Eng-Dur] its like. something is broken
[Eng-Dur] but there's nothing.... it sjust nothing
[Eng-Dur] but nothing in a bad way
[Zaren] What's broken?
[Eng-Dur] liek all the power thats supposed to be in stone but its... instead ots nothing
[Zaren] Sooooo... it did run out of magic?
[Eng-Dur] no
[Eng-Dur] itsnnot....not *this* stone
* Eng-Dur looks at the one in his hand
[Naka] So it's not just nothing, but more...the antithesis of something?
[Zaren] Like... how it gets cold when you don't have a heat source?
[Eng-Dur] like that....
[Eng-Dur] yeah. Antithesis of.... everything.
[Zaren] You ok?
[Eng-Dur] yeah.
[Naka] *definitely looks concerned.*
[Eng-Dur] yeah 'm okay
[Naka] You're sure?
[Eng-Dur] I just looked at it, it isn't liek it.... i dunno. 'got' me
[Zaren] 'Got you'? It can get you?
[Eng-Dur] I dunno.
[Eng-Dur] Its fucked
[Eng-Dur] its not suppose to.... be.
[Zaren] Yeah. Yeah, that's the word for it.
[Naka] Maybe something else to try to talk to Nemnu Ula about.
[Zaren] How are we gonna get in to see Her?
[Naka] I don't know.
[Eng-Dur] how would you normally? I mean is there like.... someone you go see to be like 'there's some messed up shit I need to talk to Nemnu about it?'
[Eng-Dur] but you're a Nemni, too so that matters, right?
[Naka] We don't really talk to Her much on a regular basis.
[Zaren] Yeah, she's kinda too important for us.
[Eng-Dur] well.... this is important!
[Naka] *We* know that. It's whether we can convince anyone else.
[Eng-Dur] Who *does* get to talk to Her?
[Zaren] Limard would be the one who decides that.
[Eng-Dur] well.... lets ask him?
[Zaren] Yeah, Limard is a good guy. He might listen.
[Naka] *nods.*

Hojon and Ingo talk to Ajemika, who is more concerned about the Sharaian delegation and Oldoka’s health than strange dogs and magical earthquakes

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Hojon, you head over to the other side of the ulajeta, to the Nemni iftibal (i.e., your home) and can, indeed, find Ajemika there.
[Ingo] (ill go)
[Naka] (I'll let them go, since I did just snap at Ingo.)
[Hojon] Hi auntie...
* Ajemika is dressed in a simple unadorned green dress - the kind of thing she would wear at day's end, when the business of being hengi is at a close.
[Ajemika] ... is she all right?
* Ajemika asks without greeting or anything else.
[Hojon] Your guess is as good as mine.
[Ajemika] You, ah, should make an effort to see her as soon as you can. Keep her spirits up.
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] I wanted to ask about some weird stuff going on...
[Ajemika] All right.
* Hojon will give what he understands of the situation in an executive summary. Went camping, earthquake, weird guy, Eng-dur and Naka saw two ladies, found a dog. Dog says something about Cedar and we think it's about Lurusiru Ula maybe waking up or something? Weird guy is here now and we left the dog with him.
[Hojon] ... but they won't tell us anything about what's going on and it's kind of unsettling
[Ajemika] Why would you be entitled to know anything?
[Ajemika] I'm not accusing, but I am honestly asking.
[Hojon] well we found the dog. or at least, Eng-dur and Naka did. And they were the ones who had the vision and stuff.
[Hojon] so aren't we already involved?
[Ajemika] I do know a little - a very little - about this. Certainly my nephew Limard made me aware that Hegum was here. But I will confess, right now, Hojon, our visitors from Sharai, and your sister's condition, concern me much more. Let Voices speak of that which Voices know.
[Hojon] that isn't what's important though. the people from Sharai, I mean. Obviously Oldoka's important. But she should be allowed to rest and get better, not have to be entertaining some.... guest.
* Hojon picks that last word over whatever he was actually thinking
[Ajemika] All right. I can see that you're upset.
[Ajemika] I would be upset too, if my sister were gravely ill.
[Ajemika] But this other thing - are you sure it isn't just a distraction?
[Hojon] I don't know. I just know it's happening all at the same time and it's weird and creepy. and I would feel stupid if maybe there was some way it was connected and I didn't even try to find out.
[Hojon] wouldn't you try anything you could think of, if there was any kind of possibility...?
[Ingo] It feels strange that this would unfold on our group right now. You can see how that looks.
[Ajemika] All right, what are you asking of me, then?
[Hojon] I don't know... just, if you knew anything about it, or ... that they would have to tell you what was going on, right, even if they won't tell us?
[Ajemika] I will speak to Limard. I agree, if there were something dangerous, or that affected the family, Limard would absolutely tell me. Of course, I expect that he would also tell Her, if he has not already.
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] thank you, auntie
[Ajemika] For now, it is very late. Perhaps you should check in with Oldoka before you retire, but I recommend sleep, and then in the morning, we will see what can be done.
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] I'll try to go talk to her, if she isn't already asleep
[Ajemika] You're a good boy, Hojon.
* Hojon nods glumly
[Hojon] Ingo, you'll go with me?
* Hojon asks hopefully
[Ingo] Of course I will
* Hojon gives a little smile
* Ingo puts a hand on Hojon's shoulder
[Hojon] this fucking sucks

Hojon and Ingo go to see Oldoka in the infirmary, and she speaks strange phrases

* Hojon will go to Oldoka's room and see if he can visit her
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, the two of you can head over to the makeshift infirmary where Oldoka is resting. Ozel is there; she smiles at you and then wordlessly opens the door for you to come in to see her, then leaves you to your privacy.
[Hojon] hey...
* Oldoka looks tired, but not like you woke her up or anything.
[Hojon] how are you doing?
[Oldoka] Oh, well, you know ... they don't know what's wrong with me. But, you know, that's ok.
[Hojon] but how do you feel?
* Oldoka looks at the two of you.
[Oldoka] Empty. Just ... broken and empty.
* Hojon sits down next to her and will hold her hand if she'll let me
* Oldoka takes your hand.
[Hojon] you're not broken... you're going to get better.
* Hojon says with more confidence than is probably reasonable under the circumstances
* Oldoka squeezes your hand; she doesn't say anything, but a tear runs down her cheek.
[Hojon] please don't cry, Doka, it's going to be okay....
[Hojon] please?
[Ingo] Hojon...
* Oldoka looks at you, but not AT you. It is as if she is staring at a place a foot behind you, unfocused, untargeted.
[Oldoka] Who is inside this place?
[Oldoka] What monster lies within these walls?
[Hojon] huh?
[Hojon] it's just us... me and Ingo
[Ingo] There is nobody else here.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon and Ingo, you can both make a Brain or Liver check.
* Ingo looks over their shoulder to make sure, just in case.
[Ingo] !roll 1d20+9
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ingo: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 28 ].
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 12 ].

Alai Awakens and recalls hearing Oldoka’s words spoken identically by Azolte / ‘Ishikande’ in the future (through her retrocognition), and senses the same Unkind wrongness in her

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Alai, you Awaken.
[Nemnosti-GM] You emerge, as if from a slumber, from this vessel Ingo in which you have been.
[Nemnosti-GM] Wherever you are, it is neither home, nor is it Abyss, but some other place.
[Nemnosti-GM] You recall a scene from your past, or your future:
[Nemnosti-GM] https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Nemnosti_session_17#Alai_uses_Retrocognition_in_Azolte.E2.80.99s_chambers_to_hear_her_talking_about_a_monster_within_the_walls.2C_and_her_desperate_cry_.E2.80.98I_am_Ishikande.E2.80.99
* Alai will look around, trying to figure out where she is? Gather information to determine.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are definitely in Nemnosti, in one of the first-floor rooms, though its decorations are unfamiliar. You vaguely sense that this is long-ago in the past. You know enough of Nemnosti's history to get the sense of who all these people are (Ingo, Hojon, Oldoka), and while your memories of Ingo are not clear, you get a sense that you were ... in him? You were him? You are him? That is not so clear.
[Nemnosti-GM] But definitely you recall Azolte / "Ishikande", and what happened to her, and all of the things that future Alai would know/remember - that's all clear in your head.
[Alai] (could this be a construction of the Saint's mind? Me walk/living a role in thier awarness/memory?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (You don't know, but it definitely could be - although frankly, you're not aware of all of / any of Lurusiru's powers. Actually, though, give me a K:arcana roll please)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+19
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 32 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Well, there is a Saint you know who both has powers relating to putting people in other people's bodies, and also weird timey-wimey powers of unknown nature ,but of course it is not Lurusiru, but Nemnu Herself.
[Alai] (can I bring any source to bear for casting magic?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (no, sorry)
[Nemnosti-GM] (you are not physically present in this realm)
[Nemnosti-GM] The scene begins to fade.
[Nemnosti-GM] (you have time for one more pertinent question or skill check, if you need one)
* Alai looks hard at Oldoka for anything that might connect her with Azolte... and distinctions, anything
[Nemnosti-GM] The same sense of emptiness and wrongness that was in Azolte (from your retrocognition, and presumably that Kuspir and Marga saw when they actually killed her) is there in Oldoka. You see it clearly in her, that kind of nothingness, that Unkindness.
[Nemnosti-GM] It's there, right on her face - it's just that these kids don't know what it is, so they don't have a name for it, or an understanding.
[Nemnosti-GM] It fades, and you find yourself back in the body of Ingo.

Ingo snaps out of it, remembering Alai as a vision, and leaves Hojon alone with Oldoka

[Nemnosti-GM] Ingo, you have very strange thoughts running through your head. A small, pale woman you don't recognize, but clearly a mystic or something similar. The thoughts that this woman had, they're hard for you to put together in your own language, but you're bright and knowledgeable - it's not meaningless. You know there's some dark force within her, or really, more of an absence. And you know that this happened to another person, someone named Azolte, who was killed. You can recall it as if you were there, only through two panes of a thick window that has become rippled.
* Ingo shakes his head trying to get thier thoughts straight
[Ingo] (how is Oldoka now? still staring off blankly?)
[Oldoka] Are you ok, Ingo? You look a little pale yourself.
* Oldoka looks, well, not "ok", but as if the moment has passed.
* Hojon glances at Ingo
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon, something awkward just happened, but you're not sure what.
[Oldoka] I guess ... I have something to say to each of you.
[Oldoka] Just, you know, so you know.
* Hojon turns back to his sister
* Ingo nods to Oldoka
[Oldoka] Uh, Ingo ... I just want you to know that I think you would have been an excellent husband for me, if things had been different. That I know that ... well, I know that it's weird. But just that - our life together, I think it would have been a happy one. I hope you can stay here, learn here. You deserve a place like Nemnosti, to call home.
[Oldoka] Promise me that you won't let your family do something stupid like marry you off to some Sharaian princess.
[Ingo] I will do whatever I can to make that not happen.
* Ingo gives a slight smile to Oldoka
[Oldoka] And Hojon ... oh, Jon-jon, you are the best brother. Everything I've ever done that has been joyous, you've been there. I want you to be happy, to be joyous. You have so many people who love you, not just me. It's just ... well, I know how much you feel your duties as well. But duties are not what make this world go. Duties are not a life. Don't let them consume you. You know what
[Oldoka] I mean?
[Hojon] I... I guess so. I think so?
[Oldoka] I guess it's just that ... I feel right now that there's a piece missing from me. And I don't want you ever to feel that way, in the future I mean.
[Oldoka] I'm not explaining it well.
[Ingo] (do I remember exactly when Oldoka started to become unwell?)
[Ingo] You're not wrong Oldoka. Just now I had a sense that something really is missing from you... or taken from you.
[Hojon] I don't know if I can do that...
[Nemnosti-GM] (Oldoka's been sort of sick for months. But definitely - if you listen to Eng-dur - she got a lot sicker right when the earthquake hit)
[Oldoka] I mean, only if you have to.
* Hojon nods uncertainly
[Ingo] Did something happen to when the earthquake happened, do you remember?
[Oldoka] I was asleep, but ... yeah, I mean, I don't know what it was, but ... it was that night, for sure.
[Ingo] asleep...
[Ingo] Hojon, stay with Oldoka. I want to check on something.
* Ingo leaves, visibly shaking.
[Hojon] okay

Ingo goes to find Master Limard at the temple, and runs into Naka, Zaren, and Eng-dur, who have the same goal with a different reason

[Nemnosti-GM] Ingo, you run into the others while you're heading to the temple, which is where you're most likely to find Limard, since he is a Voice, of course.
[Nemnosti-GM] Turns out they are going the same direction as you.
[Eng-Dur] oh hey!
[Zaren] Hey Ingo!
[Eng-Dur] have you seen Master Limard?
[Ingo] I am looking for them.
[Naka] Likewise.
[Eng-Dur] yeah! We wanna tell Nemnu about all the weird stuff... I saw the Nothing again, too _
[Ingo] Something is very wrong... something happened to Oldoka. Its hard to explain.
[Naka] What!? What happened?
[Zaren] What?! Is she...
* Eng-Dur looks at naka, and then back to him
[Ingo] I think it happened when the earthquake happened. That's when things took a turn for the worse for her.
[Ingo] She's not going to survive.
* Ingo has tears in his eyes.
[Naka] *tries to keep her face from crumbling.*
[Naka] No, no...I know she said that, but she might...something might happen...
* Zaren puts his arm around Naka, tears forming in his own eyes.
[Zaren] I... how long does she have?
[Eng-Dur] let go find Limard now, right?
[Zaren] But...
[Eng-Dur] I mean if Nemnu can do anything....
[Zaren] ...yeah. Ok. I just... yeah.
[Eng-Dur] ....or I mean.
[Naka] I...
[Naka] Maybe it's worth a shot.
* Eng-Dur looks at Naka
[Eng-Dur] is you wanna go see her instead....
[Naka] *pauses.*
[Naka] I can say goodbye when it comes to that. Right now, I'm not stopping until its over.
[Eng-Dur] okay
[Zaren] Yeah. We need to help her.
[Zaren] If we can...
[Eng-Dur] come on then

The team (minus Hojon) reconvenes at the temple to talk to Limard; they convince him to get them in to see Nemnu Ula tomorrow morning

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you reach the temple, where you find Master Limard sitting in prayer. Voice Rupun and Voice Hegum are over in one corner, and both of them seem to be weeping, or having some kind of profound experience.
[Eng-Dur] ...
[Ingo] what the?
[Ingo] Mater Limard!
[Ingo] (Master)
[Naka] Has it...has she already?
[Zaren] Oh no...
* Limard looks over at you.
[Limard] Oh, hello, acolytes.
[Eng-Dur] :D
[Eng-Dur] :x
[Limard] What can I do for you?
[Zaren] We... we need to see Nemnu Ula.
[Ingo] There has been a lot of strangness going on.
[Naka] It's really, really important.
[Limard] Oh my! That is an understatement. I did hear from Voice Rupun about your earlier visit.
[Limard] I think I need to understand better what it is you think you know.
[Naka] (to Eng-Dur) Tell him what you saw.
[Eng-Dur] uhh well, tats' whay we ned to talk to nemnu, to figure it out
[Eng-Dur] ...which time?
[Ingo] A part of Oldoka has been taken from her, I think it happened the same time we had the earthquake.
[Eng-Dur] or liek, all of them?
[Eng-Dur] wait did the crack Get her? :o That can really happen????
[Eng-Dur] shit!
* Eng-Dur covers his mouth real quick
[Ingo] The crack?
[Limard] We are in a temple, my young Ravre friend. Please be careful with your language.
[Naka] Eng-Dur, he was lodging a spell, and he saw this...Nothingness.
[Eng-Dur] sorry ;x
[Eng-Dur] yeah
[Eng-Dur] two times
[Ingo] Thats what I think happened to her... part of her is now nothing, and she cannot live that way.
[Eng-Dur] but also we saw Cedar's place? naka was there with me
* Limard frowns.
[Naka] *nods.*
[Eng-Dur] Scary.
[Eng-Dur] not Cedar's place
[Naka] We were *there*.
[Eng-Dur] the Crack though
[Naka] In another place.
[Eng-Dur] Cedar's place was nice
[Eng-Dur] that's where sprig came from, and the Ilurushar...
[Limard] Hold on, hold on.
[Naka] And it has something to do with Oldoka, and with Lurusiru Ula, and I don't know what else.
[Naka] But we need to save her!
[Limard] What does the thing you are saying, about the sainted Ancestor Lurusiru, have to do with Oldoka and this Nothingness.
[Ingo] Oldoka said something and all these strange memories came to me... from a mystic, who had seen what was happening to Oldoka before... It makes no sense... but it happened.
[Eng-Dur] I dunno, except it happened at the same time and...
[Zaren] We don't have time for this! We need to see Nemnu Ula!! She has to do something!
[Eng-Dur] in the first vision, when the earthquake happened, I saw the path but then there was a big.... crack. so I coudln't gp there
* Limard blinks at all of you.
[Eng-Dur] And now Ingo says that's when th crack got Oldoka, maybe?
[Naka] Nemnu can fix this! I'm sure of it!
[Zaren] Please...
[Eng-Dur] oh that's cool.... I mean, weird
* Eng-Dur says when he catched the part about the mystic
[Ingo] Did someone do this to her!?
[Limard] I don't know the answers to any of these things.
[Ingo] But the Lady, she must know something. It's happening here.
[Limard] But I must caution you - I know why you think She can help, but She does not move on the timescale of ordinary people - especially not eager young ones.
[Limard] I will arrange for you to see her in the morning.
[Zaren] That's not good enough!
[Zaren] We have to see her now!
[Ingo] She could be gone by then!
[Ingo] Oldoka!
* Limard cuffs Zaren across the head.
[Limard] Listen, nephew. And the rest of you.
[Eng-Dur] :x
* Ingo falls to the ground in tears.
* Zaren flinches but doesn't back down.
[Limard] Do you see those two wise Voices over there? Some of the greatest and wisest minds in this place. They are overcome.
[Ingo] I won't do nothing.
[Limard] Whatever is going on here, it is not going to be answered by simply telling Nemnu and hoping She can fix it all for us. That is not how things work here.
[Limard] We are here to serve Her, *not* the other way around.
* Eng-Dur looks at the others
[Naka] *steps in front of Zaren, squaring up on Limard.*
[Eng-Dur] we could go back to Cedar's place. And see if there's answers there?
[Naka] That's right. We serve Her. Not you.
[Limard] Now, I agree with you, something very strange is going on.
[Limard] And I will not gainsay you, when you insist that whatever is happening with Lurusiru's situation could be connected to Oldoka. Or perhaps not.
[Limard] But I would not presume that She has some source of wisdom that allows Her to see all, to know all.
[Limard] That is not how it works.
[Zaren] Then what good is She?!
* Ingo steels himself and stands again.
[Zaren] I...
[Zaren] I didn't mean that.
[Limard] I know, child. I know.
[Limard] This is too much for anyone to bear.
* Ingo puts a hand of Zaren's shoulder
[Limard] I will tell you what I know, which is that there is good reason to think that something truly unprecedented is happening with Lurusiru Ula. And your little dog - Their little dog, perhaps I shoudl say, it has very much to do with it.
[Limard] And I also know that you all love Oldoka-who-is-Elujen. And I know that She does too, else She would not have given the name of Her own partner to her.
[Naka] What do you mean? Did you find something out?
[Ingo] We will try to be calm, Master Limard. Please explain.
* Limard goes over and whispers something to Hegum, who nods. Limard returns with two things: Sprig, of Cedar, and a sprig of cedar, one in each hand.
[Limard] I believe you have an attachment to this one, young fellow?
* Limard says, passing Sprig back to Eng-dur.
[Eng-Dur] yeah :3
[Eng-Dur] hey Sprig....
[Limard] As for this ... Hegum and Rupun brought it back with them. From Their place.
[Eng-Dur] yeah! liek the Mushrooms!
* Limard nods.
[Eng-Dur] did they see the ladies?
[Limard] They did not. Which is a point of interest, I think.
[Eng-Dur] (or did they find where jevai did her spell :v)
[Eng-Dur] (yeah we kind of WERE the ladies in our vision)
[Eng-Dur] were they just themselves?
[Limard] But you must understand - whatever is going on here, no one understands. Do you understand: no one. This is not a thing that just happens.
[Limard] As far as I know.
[Eng-Dur] okay
[Zaren] ...ok.
[Limard] I will make Nemnu aware of all of what you have said, all of what you have experienced. But we are not going to solve this problem tonight, simply because you deem it urgent.
[Zaren] But... what about Oldoka?
[Zaren] We can't just...
[Naka] There's *nothing* else we can do?
[Naka] *'s voice breaks.*
[Limard] You are doing more than almost anyone could ask, of anyone, for your friend, for your kinswoman.
[Limard] And tomorrow - *tomorrow*, you will see Her, and She will provide whatever guidance She can.
[Ingo] I'm so glad Hojon is with her.
* Ingo hugs Zaren
* Zaren hugs him back.
* Zaren reaches over to Naka as well to draw her in.
[Eng-Dur] :s
[Limard] And now, young acolytes, get some rest. Until next we gather, not by the firelight, but in the morning light!
[Naka] *hugs back tightly, whoever is within reach, really.*

Hojon and Oldoka talk one last time, before she fades into sleep and then is transformed into an Ancestor

[Oldoka] Is he all right?
* Hojon looks worried but will stay with Oldoka
[Oldoka] He doesn't seem all right.
[Hojon] I don't know.
[Oldoka] You know he loves you, right?
[Hojon] there's so much weird shit going on right now...
[Hojon] uhh... I guess, yeah?
* Hojon looks teenage boy awkward at that
[Oldoka] Probably best I didn't marry him, then, right?
* Oldoka teases.
[Hojon] pft
[Hojon] it would've been okay.... at least then he'd stay here
[Oldoka] Yeah.
[Oldoka] I wouldn't have minded.
[Oldoka] When I'm gone, Hojon ... I mean it. Be normal.
[Oldoka] Be sad, but be normal.
[Hojon] well you're not gonna be gone so it's not .... not gonna be a problem......
* Hojon says, his voice wavering
[Oldoka] I think it'll be tonight.
[Oldoka] You can stay, if you want. Or you can go. I'll understand, either way.
[Hojon] ....
[Hojon] should I get anyone? mom and dad?
* Oldoka shakes her head.
[Hojon] I'm not gonna go anywhere.
[Oldoka] Who knows, maybe I'll come back with blue eyes or something, if I'm lucky.
* Hojon manages to laugh a little at that
[Hojon] you'd look weird
[Oldoka] Not as weird as you, you weirdo.
[Hojon] you're the weirdo, weirdo
[Oldoka] I think it's time to find out who I am, at last.
* Oldoka squeezes your hand.
[Oldoka] Love you, Jon-jon.
* Hojon squeezes back
[Hojon] I love you too, Doka. You're always my sister, okay? whatever else you might... might be, or become, or .... whatever... don't forget that.
* Oldoka closes her eyes, and falls out of awareness, but continues to hold your hand tightly.
* Oldoka opens her eyes one last time after a few minutes, gasps, and then is transformed into an Ancestor.
* Hojon sits with her, holding her hand, tears running down his face.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!