Nemnosti session G
Summary
Session
- Session date: September 27, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 731, Dend Aivas
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] An ember exhales in the silent crepuscule
[Nemnosti-GM] Nestled in a hoary soot-bed
[Nemnosti-GM] Against the curve of too-oft-heated brick.
[Nemnosti-GM] Its dull vermillion wanes;
[Nemnosti-GM] Near-cold, it flickers, falters -
[Nemnosti-GM] Becoming yesternight's cinders.
[Nemnosti-GM] A residue of simple tunes that together, once we echoed
[Nemnosti-GM] Across the now-too-silent courtyard
[Nemnosti-GM] And the empty stumps where children once sat.
[Nemnosti-GM] As if to spite the coal and hearth,
[Nemnosti-GM] A single spark alights -
[Nemnosti-GM] To join its night-sky-bound clan-mothers.
[Nemnosti-GM] Elujen! Elujen!
[Nemnosti-GM] You are upcast, beyond our reach
[Nemnosti-GM] And still.
[Nemnosti-GM] Your lungs no more impel, your larynx shivers, closes
[Nemnosti-GM] And sunrise ends our sight of you -
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight.
[Nemnosti-GM] --- Limard Nemni
The group mourns in the wake of Oldoka’s death
[Nemnosti-GM] The dawn breaks, and the morning fog breaks in turn across the Pardopasu, first in fragments, then the sun burns off the last of it.
[Nemnosti-GM] Some of you had made your arrangements with Master Limard last night, in the wake of everything that had happened, to implore him to let you speak to Her.
[Nemnosti-GM] He demurred, but eventually you got him to agree to arrange for this morning's meeting.
[Nemnosti-GM] And then you heard the news.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon, you spent as long as you care to next to your dear sister's ibu, holding her hand even as it began to chill.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ozel has been nearby the whole time, silent, but watching closely now and again, mostly out of your perception.
[Nemnosti-GM] But you know she's there. And you can tell, somehow, just from the air, that word has gotten out.
[Nemnosti-GM] The rest of you would have been asleep, surely, on any ordinary day, and would have found out as the sun rose.
[Nemnosti-GM] But there was little sleep to be had.
[Nemnosti-GM] And so in turn, one, then the other, then the five of you, gather in the makeshift infirmary in Carver's Hall, to be with the twins.
[Nemnosti-GM] No one seems inclined to stop you.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ozel closes the door and goes across the hall, leaving you in the room together.
* Hojon is unusually quiet for him, just sitting there staring at nothing
* Zaren seems to want to say something to his friend but cannot think of anything to say.
[Naka] *sits crying silently.*
* Ingo puts a hand on Hojon's shoulder and gives him a squeeze
* Zaren sees Naka crying and puts an arm around her hesitantly.
* Eng-Dur hovers away from the others, mostly ere for Naka's moral support but worried about imposing and also head full of Other stuff and trying not to Ruin The Momemt
* Naka leans into Zaren, somewhat unconsciously.
* Hojon rubs his face with his hands, as if trying to wake himself up
* Ghorgimbe just sits on a bench, staring dully at nothing
[Zaren] Hojon... I'm so sorry.
* Zaren breaks the silence eventually
* Hojon looks up, surprised to hear someone speak
[Hojon] oh... yeah. me too.
* Hojon says almost absently
[Hojon] what do we... do now?
[Zaren] I... I guess we wait for the voices to... try to...
* Zaren trails off.
[Hojon] what if it doesn't work?
[Zaren] I... I don't know.
[Hojon] I can't think about that. about getting my hopes up and then it not...
* Hojon shakes his head
* Eng-Dur fidgets but manages to stay quiet
[Hojon] it's not right
[Ingo] We are going to talk to our Lady. She must know what happened to her.
[Zaren] What's the point now?
[Eng-Dur] ...
[Eng-Dur] what if it gets someone else?
[Naka] It might make a difference for trying to...bring her back.
* Naka 's voice is a bit raw.
* Ingo nods in agreement with both of them
[Zaren] ...ok.
[Zaren] Yeah.
[Nemnosti-GM] There is a gentle knock at the door.
* Limard opens the door a crack and looks in on you.
[Limard] May I come in?
* Eng-Dur lets others answer this one too
* Zaren turns to look at Limard briefly but doesn't say anything.
[Hojon] ...yes...
* Limard enters and closes the door behind him.
[Limard] Voice Rupun and the others will take care of her. Take her to the temple, for preparation.
[Limard] Your parents are in discussions with Ajemika.
[Limard] ... have any of you slept? Eaten?
[Hojon] not hungry
[Ghorgimbe] Meh.
* Limard nods.
[Zaren] No.
[Ingo] I dont feel that either of those things matters to anyone here.
[Limard] I understand.
* Naka nods at Ingo's comment.
[Limard] Is it still your wish to meet with the Lady this morning? Despite ... ?
* Ingo nods
* Eng-Dur nods vigorously also
[Limard] All right. Under one condition.
[Limard] Which is that I will have food laid out for you there, and you WILL eat it.
[Limard] Even if you are not hungry.
[Zaren] You feel like you have the right to put conditions on us?
* Zaren says without looking at him.
[Naka] If that's what it takes to speak to Her.
[Limard] It is for your own good.
* Naka just sounds tired.
[Zaren] Whatever.
* Hojon nods mechanically
* Ingo helps Hojon up
[Limard] Come along, then.
* Zaren helps Naka up.
* Naka will follow Limard.
The group meets with Nemnu to present their evidence to Her about what is going on
[Nemnosti-GM] Limard takes you upstairs to the third floor of the Carver's Hall, which most of you never visit.
* Eng-Dur has certainly never een here before
[Nemnosti-GM] The layout is familiar enough, but all the halls feel strange. A few bubun head this way or that, attending to Her needed tasks, but other than that, you don't see anyone else, not at this hour, at least.
[Nemnosti-GM] You enter a large chamber against which there are two great alabaster windows, translucent and golden, east-facing to allow the light to pass through. And seated in a great wooden chair on wheels, Nemnu sits. Despite her impassive gaze, you sense that She shares in your grief.
* Eng-Dur has never seen Her before either and will try not to gawk
* Nemnu has been laid out in a grey-green altala with a wide silver belt, and her hair is garlanded with spring flowers from the gardens.
[Nemnu] My children, my acolytes ...
* Nemnu begins to speak to you wordlessly in your minds - Eng-dur, especially for you, this is startling, but no one is ever truly used to it.
[Eng-Dur] !
[Eng-Dur] .o O (woah!)
[Nemnu] This is a difficult day for all of us.
* Ingo bows low
[Ingo] Thank you for meeting with us
[Nemnu] I know it is not what brought you to seek my counsel, but still, it seems improper not to acknowledge it.
[Nemnu] There are many decisions to be made - not mine, I should add.
[Nemnu] But Limard-who-is-my-Sima has told me a little of what brings you here. But I would hear it from you directly.
* Limard speaks up quietly.
* Ingo takes a deep breath, building up courage
[Limard] I will confess, in the tumult last night, I fear I do not understand well at all myself. I listen also.
[Ingo] I was with Oldoka before she passed, and I saw a strange vision... I will not go into all the details but in it, a mystic was observing someone else with a similar condition to Oldoka and had knowledge of some sort of darkness that had infected that person.
* Eng-Dur looks at the others, then at Naka, then an Ingo since he seems to get why this is still important
[Ghorgimbe] ... me neither (muttered)
[Ingo] I, we think, Oldoka was infected by something... a crack, the same time that the recent earthquake happened, and that is why she worsened and passed.
[Eng-Dur] yeh... Darkness, like the Crack I keep seeing and, liek the earthquake, in my *first* vision. well the first one about any of this stuff
[Nemnu] This began with you, did it not, young stranger?
[Eng-Dur] uhhh, I didn't *do* anything.
* Eng-Dur tries to clarify
[Zaren] It wasn't his fault.
[Eng-Dur] but yeah I had a vision, I guwss it was Lirisiru's forest or something?
[Naka] It just happened to start with him, my lady.
* Naka nods.
[Eng-Dur] but I couldn't get there because of the crack from the earthquake. but there *were* mushrooms
[Eng-Dur] later some of us took them and we went back there....
* Eng-Dur explains the second vision too
[Eng-Dur] Oh wait I forgot about Sprig! I found sprig in a hole after the FIRST vision, but Sprig came form the forest
[Eng-Dur] well out of a cellar hole but ORIGINALLy from the forest
[Nemnu] The dog?
[Eng-Dur] yeah.
[Eng-Dur] Sprig went with the voices for a bit too, so they know
[Nemnu] Yes, I certainly heard about that.
[Naka] We're not sure she's a dog.
[Naka] Or not just a dog.
[Ingo] Do you understand all of this, my Lady, and what happened to Oldoka?
[Eng-Dur] [q] oh I'm sure...
[Nemnu] I am beginning to understand.
[Zaren] Forgive me My Lady, I have to ask... was there anything you could have done to... prevent this?
[Nemnu] My beloved Zaren-who-is-Ronu, I have asked myself that many times.
[Nemnu] But if your question is whether I know something that I could have done, and chose not to - of course not.
* Zaren nods.
[Zaren] I'm... sorry.
[Nemnu] You are grieving - we all are.
[Nemnu] But I have no special power over life and death. And even over time and souls, areas where I have gifts ... they are not these gifts.
* Sprig jumps up from Eng-dur and goes over to Nemnu's chair and starts sniffing her leg.
[Zaren] ...was there anything we could have done?
[Nemnu] If there is, I do not know of ... oh! Hello there, little one.
* Sprig sniffs excitedly at Her sainted body.
[Eng-Dur] oh, sorry!
[Ingo] (is that appropriate?)
[Eng-Dur] Sprig! I don't think you're allowed...
[Nemnu] It's all right. We know one another.
[Naka] You do?
[Nemnu] From long ago.
[Eng-Dur] oh!
[Eng-Dur] because if, uh, Lirsiru?
[Ingo] I appologize, I am confused.
[Ingo] How do you know this puppy?
[Nemnu] I do not know how, exactly, but this is Haga - Sprig is a close-enough word. Beloved of my Lurusiru-who-is-Forgotten.
[Naka] If she's from long ago, how is she still a puppy?
[Nemnu] The last time I saw them was ... the last time I saw Them. Almost two hundred years ago.
[Naka] This dog is two hundred years old?
Nemnu calls Naka by Ifa’s name, prompting inquiry into the crack in time created by the earthquake
[Nemnu] I don't know, Ifa.
* Nemnu pauses.
[Nemnu] Huh.
[Naka] My lady?
[Zaren] ...Ifa?
[Nemnosti-GM] Everyone please make a Brain check.
[Ingo] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ingo: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 27 ].
[Ghorgimbe] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ghorgimbe: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 11 ].
[Naka] !roll 1d20+10
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Zaren] !roll 1d20+6
* lan-werk2 rolls for Zaren: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 22 ].
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 15 ]
[Eng-Dur] who is Ifa?
[Nemnosti-GM] Ingo, you have a powerful sense of familiarity coupled with an almost impossible unfamiliarity. You feel a strange sensation in your spine, or your brainstem, or ... somewhere. It passes but leaves you unsettled, as if you are being changed from within.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, that name jolts you directly into recognition. It was the name that the other woman, one of the one who looks like you, called you, in Lurusiru's place. Ifa and ... Jevai. Naka and Eng-dur.
[Nemnosti-GM] (the rest of you definitely know something weird just happened, but not what or how)
[Hojon] what was that?
[Naka] (to Eng-dur) Ifa...that's what you called me, when we were the other people.
[Ghorgimbe] uhhhh
[Eng-Dur] the ladies?
[Nemnu] Naka-is-Ovakh-is-Ifa-is-Ramarima-is-Ocha.
[Eng-Dur] ... huh
[Eng-Dur] ?
* Ingo shivers, not understanding what is happening
[Eng-Dur] but you know the ladies?
[Naka] Lady Nemnu? Are You all right?
[Nemnu] I know all of you.
[Zaren] My Lady... are You okay?
[Nemnu] There must have been a crack, a ... breaking-down.
[Naka] What does that mean? A crack in what?
[Nemnu] A crack in the Coherence of time. It is one of my gifts that I can see and understand them. Past, present, future, they are not ... straightforward.
[Zaren] A crack in time? That sounds... not great.
[Nemnu] They are more as ... a web, a lattice, a river flowing from one source into multiple branches.
[Nemnu] It is as if the river has jumped its bed, and deposited you here.
[Hojon] I'm sorry, I'm sure this is all really important somehow and smarter people can figure it out, but what does this have to do with my sister?
[Nemnu] As I understand it, my Elujen turned for the worse at or around the time of the earthquake, is that so?
[Eng-Dur] ...yeah
* Ingo nods slowly
* Naka nods.
[Nemnu] And that is when Haga appeared to you, out in the wilds?
[Nemnu] Sprig, I mean.
[Zaren] Yeah
* Sprig barks twice.
* Eng-Dur nods
[Nemnu] Limard, put her on my lap.
[Limard] The ... dog? Ahh, yes, Lady.
[Eng-Dur] so that's when.... things went wrong?
* Limard complies, with some unease, though this is hardly the strangest part of this conversation.
[Nemnu] Yes, except for the word "when".
* Eng-Dur tries to make that make sense
[Eng-Dur] ....how things went wrong?
[Nemnu] Better.
[Nemnu] We do not have the right words, in Ombesh.
[Nemnu] They come together, these events, these people.
[Eng-Dur] is it like... happening some...tim...else, too?
[Naka] It's when our *perception* of the wrongness occurred, but it sounds as if it's a...ripple, rather than the cast stone?
[Eng-Dur] where the ladies are...when?
[Nemnu] Yes, exactly, exactly!
* Nemnu says, although you're not sure what She really is agreeing with.
[Zaren] ...what? I am so lost...
* Sprig licks Nemnu's hand gently, nuzzling in Her dress.
[Nemnu] Perhaps literally, Zaren.
[Nemnu] But fortunately, when one is lost, there can be a map.
[Naka] Do You know what the 'stone' was? Is? Will be?
[Nemnu] How do you mean, "the stone". Say more.
* Eng-Dur alsolooks curious at that
[Nemnu] The ... event that precipitated things?
* Naka nods.
[Nemnu] It is like asking, what causes the rain. Precipitation is both cause and effect.
[Nemnu] And yet it makes the river flow.
[Nemnu] It is all right, children. I realize this is all ... enormous.
[Eng-Dur] but wait though
[Eng-Dur] are you saying that somethin that happened... in the when of Ifa... is what killed Oldoka?
[Eng-Dur] it rippled here and got her somehow?
[Eng-Dur] this crack?
[Nemnu] I am saying that whatever killed Oldoka was not a simple disease, here, in this time and place.
[Nemnu] Yes, exactly!!!
[Zaren] Ok but WHO is Ifa?
* Nemnu sounds excited, if a Saint can be excited.
[Nemnu] Ifa is your daughter.
[Zaren] ....
[Zaren] wut.
[Eng-Dur] Ummm....
[Nemnu] That is not the most pertinent fact. I apologize. That must be confusing.
[Zaren] I mean... but I haven't... oh right. Time.
[Zaren] Are you saying I'm gonna have a daughter?
[Eng-Dur] but...
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur, give me a ... Brain or Spleen check.
[Nemnosti-GM] Actually, Naka you can as well.
* Eng-Dur rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 18 ]
[Naka] !roll 1d20+10
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 30 ].
Ifa Awakens and converses with Nemnu, filling Her in on what is going on in 769
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you Awaken. You are in Nemnu's hall, surrounded by ... well, I don't need to tell you who these people are, though you don't recognize them all instantly. Of course you recognize Nemnu, and probably it isn't too hard to recognize your mom and dad.
[Ifa] (Still in Naka's body?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Both and neither. It does feel similar to when you were in Lurusiru's forest.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are definitely here in some sort of separate way to Naka herself.
[Ifa] Nemnu Ula?
[Nemnu] Ifa!
[Nemnu] My dear Ramarima.
[Eng-Dur] ...huh?
[Nemnosti-GM] The rest of you - don't see or hear this, exactly.
[Ifa] How did we get here?
[Nemnosti-GM] The five of you are ... seeing as if through alabaster, a rippled and translucent figure. The sound is muffled, as if there is a song being played just outside earshot.
[Nemnosti-GM] Naka/Ifa/whoever you are - you are fully conscious and aware.
[Nemnu] My beloved Ifa, I was about to ask you the same thing.
[Nemnu] How did you get here?
* Zaren just stares at Naka/Ifa
[Ifa] I'm not sure.
[Nemnu] What were you doing, just before you were here?
[Ifa] We were in the Inner Caves, bringing Sanar Ula to see if She could awaken Lurusiru Ula.
[Nemnu] Ah!!!
[Nemnu] It makes sense! Well ... some sense.
[Ifa] It does?
[Nemnu] Sanar Ula, who is that?
[Ifa] The saint from Zhustir.
[Nemnu] A new saint?
[Ifa] Yes...?
[Ifa] (can I see the others?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Yes, you can see and hear fine. It's only them who can't really see or hear you (excepting Nemnu).
[Nemnu] I am starting to see more clearly.
[Nemnu] Levununde.
[Nemnu] The cataract.
[Ifa] Are they all...who I *think* they are?
* Ifa gestures at the rest of the group.*
[Nemnu] I imagine so.
[Eng-Dur] what?
[Ifa] So I'm in a different time? That's why you don't remember Sanar Ula?
[Ifa] (You*)
[Eng-Dur] what's she saying?
[Zaren] I don't know... I can't hear what they're saying...
[Nemnu] This is a point of disjuncture, an inflection, a branching. Why this one, as opposed to any other, I do not know.
[Nemnu] I have many powers over time, but branching them is not one of them. Not normally, at least.
[Ifa] Does that mean this is a point in time that is changeable?
[Ifa] Can we pick the branch?
[Nemnu] Normally, I can see the river, or take a sip, study its eddies.
[Nemnu] And yes, things are changeable - but not infinitely so.
[Eng-Dur] ...what about Oldoka?
[Nemnu] I do not know what can be changed. My book, Anchors, Eddies, and Lodestones - this is what it is about.
[Nemnu] There are things that swirl, things that attract ... and things that hold firm.
[Nemnu] I am sorry, Ifa, I must not be making much sense.
[Ifa] And this is the stable rock at which the river splits?
[Nemnu] And the earthquake has brought about the crack. Yes, exactly!
[Nemnu] You do understand!
[Ifa] Only imperfectly, my lady.
[Ifa] What do we do now?
[Nemnu] That makes two of us (or should I say, three)
[Nemnu] Oldoka is clearly the key to this. If Lurusiru had some role in this - in the choice of the rock, so to speak - then They must know something.
[Nemnu] It cannot be coincidence - except in the sense that it is co - incident.
[Ifa] Can we speak to Them? Now or in the future?
* Nemnu laughs, in a way you have never heard Her laugh before.
[Nemnu] We could always speak to Them. But you are asking if they can speak back.
[Nemnu] Such is always the way, with Ancestors, and indeed, with sleeping saints.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] They have slept for 292 years, or 330, depending on who you ask. Their Awakening has never been under my control.
[Ifa] I'm sorry; I should have asked if we could speak *with* Them.
[Eng-Dur] ...lurusiru? Didn't the ladies talk to Them?
[Ifa] That's why we brought Sanar Ula to Them. To try to reach Them, which I think worked...in some manner.
[Nemnu] I am looking forward to meeting Her, then. At the time.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] In the meantime, I will ensure you have whatever access your ... well ... these children ... need, to Them.
[Ifa] Thank You, my lady.
[Nemnu] But - and this is key - this is not what happened the ... ahhh ... last time.
[Nemnu] With Oldoka, I mean.
[Nemnu] This is not a recurrence - it is a new current.
[Eng-Dur] ...is that bad?
[Eng-Dur] wai though something happened to her in the... old? Other current?
[Ifa] (somewhat to herself) We really have no way of knowing...
[Ifa] So what we do now may be carving a new channel for the river, as it were?
[Nemnu] We figure out what this means, for Oldoka, and for Lurusiru, and for you. And how to get you ... back?
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, the scene starts to fade away.
[Ifa] (back to Naka then?)
[Nemnu] Even if Naka does not remember, I believe I will.
[Nemnu] I love you, my Ramarima.
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, now back to Naka)
Naka returns to awareness and Nemnu tries vainly to explain to them what it all means
[Naka] What was that? Was that her again?
[Nemnosti-GM] You all have a strange sense that something important has happened. Naka, definitely you remember quite a bit of what Nemnu said to this woman Ifa, who really does seem so familiar to you.
[Zaren] Naka! Are you ok?
[Nemnosti-GM] But all the details are muddled up, like a dream from which you were pulled too suddenly.
[Naka] I'm fine...I think. At least I'm *me* again.
[Nemnu] All right, I have the answers we need.
[Naka] You do?
[Eng-Dur] weiiird...
[Ghorgimbe] I don't even know the f-- the questions
[Zaren] What happened?
[Nemnu] It is, as you have surmised, about Lurusiru Ula. How could it not be? And indeed, it is about Oldoka.
* Hojon nods in agreement with Ghorgimbe
* Naka nods.
[Nemnu] Eng-dur. Tell me about the crack.
* Eng-Dur tries not to show too much of an impatient 'well OBVIOUSLY' look
[Eng-Dur] yeah! it was.... wrong.
[Eng-Dur] Wlel the first oen in thevision was just like a big crevase that cut me off fromgonig down the path ut the one I've been seeing when i was trying to lodge some wtuff what... just... it was lioke Notihg but also thing?
[Eng-Dur] liek Nothing that was tryig to get on...into... everyThing else
[Eng-Dur] but it wasn't just... thinkg or no-thig, it had almost like... intent?
[Eng-Dur] but that was like. just to be no-thing and for everythign to be nothing? I dunno. I didn't like it!
[Nemnu] Asleep until the crack begins.
[Nemnu] What folly.
[Ghorgimbe] ...what?
[Eng-Dur] ...what?
[Eng-Dur] wait you mean Lurusiru was asleep and the crack woke them up?
[Nemnu] All right, let me compose myself and ... yes, exactly, Eng-dur!
* Nemnu stares at you, as if it's possible that the gaze of an unmoving body can stare.
[Eng-Dur] and because.... the crack.... ripled back here they are waking up here.... ai mean... in the now-when.... to? instead? As well?
[Nemnu] Yes! Yes!!!
* Eng-Dur scratches his head
[Eng-Dur] okay
[Nemnu] All right.
[Nemnu] I do not know what can be done for Oldoka, to Oldoka. That vision is never given to me.
[Nemnu] But I will tell you this - things may change, or they may stay the same. But their *meaning*. Their *value*. That has already changed.
* Eng-Dur looks around at everyone eho has been grieving
[Eng-Dur] .... has it?
[Nemnu] It has - though not for you, or not for you *yet*.
[Zaren] ...I am so confused.
[Nemnu] It is all right, Zaren. So was I, until a few moments ago.
[Nemnu] I know this will not make sense, but I see it all now. You are both yourselves, and someone else.
[Nemnu] To me, this is always how I see you.
[Nemnu] All of you.
* Eng-Dur does the 'me?' point
[Nemnu] But the six of you, in particular .... because of some things that are yet to pass, are divided. Fractured.
* Zaren looks around at everyone
[Nemnu] Oh ... ohhhh ....
[Naka] From each other, or ourselves, or our...counterparts?
* Nemnu wails, as if she has come to some realization.
[Ghorgimbe] ???
Rupun arrives from the temple to let them know that Oldoka cannot be reached as an Ancestor
* Rupun enters the room, his face grim.
[Hojon] what???
[Rupun] Master Limard, we have a problem.
[Limard] Yes?
[Naka] Nemnu Ula?!
[Rupun] ... Perhaps better shared in private?
[Nemnu] No.
* Nemnu speaks with firmness you have never heard from Her. Even Limard is taken aback.
[Nemnu] Out with it, Rupun-who-is-my-Besura.
[Rupun] We are unable to speak with the Ancestor Oldoka. It's like she's ... not there.
[Hojon] ...
[Ingo] how is that possible?
[Hojon] where is she?
[Eng-Dur] [mutters] in the crack....
[Limard] It shouldn't be possible.
[Hojon] are you sure you just aren't doing it wrong?
[Rupun] We have tried, several times.
* Nemnu composes Herself.
[Nemnu] Hojon.
[Nemnu] I am about to give you an instruction. And I command you to listen to it. Unerringly.
[Hojon] uh... okay.
[Nemnu] You are to go to your sister, where her body lies in rest. And then, you are to listen. Listen, and learn, and ... the course of action will be made clear to you.
[Hojon] listen to.. who?
* Nemnu chuckles to herself.
[Nemnu] Smarter than they give you credit for.
[Nemnu] If I knew the who, or the what, I would have shared it with you. I am not being cryptic. I promise.
[Hojon] all right, I'll do it.
[Zaren] ...so this is the straightforward version then???
[Nemnu] That is my brave Taishukh.
[Hojon] Before she died, Oldoka kept talking about becoming... something. seeing what she was becoming, or stuff like that. so if she's not an Ancestor, is she something else? a Saint maybe??????
* Hojon asks, getting just a little hopeful
[Nemnu] Something, yes. What it is, I really, truly do not know.
[Ingo] I'll go with you
[Nemnu] She is becoming. I hope that is enough.
* Hojon nods
* Ingo says to Hojon
[Hojon] I want everyone to go. I don't want to do it alone.
[Zaren] I'm with you, Hojon. All the way.
[Nemnu] Could I stop them if I tried?
[Hojon] probably not...
* Naka gives Hojon a painfully hopeful nod.
[Nemnu] Master Limard, you will arrange it immediately. But just these six. Oh ... and little Haga here.
[Eng-Dur] uhhh, aren't You a really powerful mystic?
* Nemnu laughs.
[Nemnu] I am just an old lady they wheel out for special occasions.
* Eng-Dur looks dubious
[Eng-Dur] but we'll go. and Spr...Haga
[Limard] Let's go then, children.
The group goes down with Limard and Rupun to the temple and they briefly talk to Hojon’s parents
* Limard will lead the way.
* Hojon follows, in a bit of a dazed state
* Naka does likewise.
* Eng-Dur brings the doggo :3
[Nemnosti-GM] You travel down and across to the temple, using routes you don't think you knew existed. Limard leads you across to the temple, and then to a private area before you get to the Inner Caves entrance, where they prepare bodies and, in time, perform the hemeshor ritual.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon, your parents are here, with Oldoka. The place smells like some kind of astringent substance.
[Deghonaina] Oh, Jon-jon!
* Deghonaina has been weeping, and comes over to embrace you.
* Hojon hugs her back
[Multur] I'm glad you were with her, son.
[Multur] I know that's what's for the best.
* Hojon tries very hard not to cry
[Hojon] Mom, Dad... I'm sorry, I need you to go. Just for a little bit. I need to just ... sit with her for a while.
* Rupun seems grumpy about this whole situation, but nods.
[Rupun] Come with me.
[Rupun] We'll go and pray.
[Hojon] I love you, and Oldoka loves you, and this is... it's just something we have to get through. it'll be okay in the end.
* Hojon says even though he's not really sure of that
* Multur nods.
[Multur] You're a brave man. We'll be right nearby.
* Multur and Deghonaina leave with Rupun.
[Zaren] Hojon... if you need anything....
[Zaren] Anything.
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] I guess I just.... sit here and listen.
[Limard] All right, here you are. I will confess, I do not understand much of Her will in this. But there is of course no reason why you can't be here with her.
* Hojon sits down and tries to do as he was told.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, the six of you settle in as best as you can. Oldoka's body lies there, on a great marble slab. She looks peaceful, and empty, and alone.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon, please make a Brain check and a Stomach check. (both, separate)
[Hojon] (they're the same score for me, so I'll do Brain first)
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 10 ].
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 22 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] You feel a strange shifting, as if your organs are moving around in your body. You feel as if you are being split in two.
* Hojon looks uncomfortable but tries to keep still and listen, as Nemnu told him
[Nemnosti-GM] It's not painful, exactly, but it is uncomfortable. But as a twin, you've felt something similar before. As if there are two halves of you, and you are just one of them.
Kuspir Awakens before Oldoka’s body with (disguised) Fracture at hand and Lurusiru nearby; they talk, and Kuspir lays Oldoka to rest
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you Awaken.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are standing in a familiar room, one of the preparatory rooms in the temple. The place smells of death mixed with something astringent, under which is ... a forest?
[Nemnosti-GM] You look down, and in your hand is a long branch of cedar, perhaps a foot shorter than you are. It feels cold, yet familiar.
[Nemnosti-GM] You look to your left and there is a person, ageless yet ancient. They are probably thirty or so, but with a sort of youthful face, but with eyes betray their powerful liver and pancreas. Or rather, you realize, Theirs.
[Kuspir] Hello?
* Lurusiru is wearing a simple brown buru, as if to proclaim 'I am not a person - at least not now, or not yet'.
* Lurusiru smiles.
[Lurusiru] Hello.
[Lurusiru] Remind me - who are you?
[Kuspir] I apologize, this is a confusing situation. I am Kuspir of the Vabaseli. I think.
* Lurusiru nods.
[Lurusiru] Right, right - and Hojon.
[Lurusiru] None of this is normal.
[Kuspir] Very true.
[Lurusiru] Look at her. What do you see?
* Kuspir looks
[Nemnosti-GM] (you may make a Perception check)
[Kuspir] I'm supposed to listen.
* Kuspir says with a tone of mild admonishment
[Lurusiru] You are listening. But listen with your eyes, first.
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+18
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 28 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] With the fractions of Hojon's memory shared with you, you see it with great clarity. You have seen this before, or rather, you will have seen this hereafter.
[Nemnosti-GM] Oldoka's ibu is an empty shell.
[Nemnosti-GM] Her lemu is ... elsewhile.
[Kuspir] Is there a way to fix this?
[Lurusiru] How did you fix it in the future?
[Kuspir] I don't know that I did. I can make it so no one tries to bring her back, because I think that would be.... not good.
[Lurusiru] If you do that, will you be able to forgive yourself?
[Lurusiru] To bring me back - would you give her up?
* Kuspir thinks about that for a bit
[Lurusiru] I think She brought us here for a reason.
[Lurusiru] Even if She did not know what She was doing.
[Kuspir] Can I do that here? Lay her to rest? or would we have to put her in a red shroud and wait until .... I'm back in myself, later on?
* Kuspir examines the cedar staff in his hand, pondering it
[Kuspir] it's a weapon, I suppose....
[Lurusiru] I don't know.
[Fracture] I agree, I am.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you look at it, it blackens, hardens, cured into a familiar shape. It is Fracture.
[Lurusiru] I don't know what has happened to Oldoka's lemu. But it's not here. But there is something in its place, can you see it?
* Kuspir tries looking
[Nemnosti-GM] You see it, clearly now. A piece of Fracture ... of Unkindness ... a fragment of a fragment, where a soul should be. Not in the Brain, but perhaps in the hindbrain, the spine?
[Kuspir] I see Unkindness there, in her spine...
[Nemnosti-GM] You are no theologian, nor scholar, nor mystic, Kuspir. But you understand this, now, as well as any person, perhaps even as well as Her. That Oldoka has been fractured, and that has brought you here.
* Lurusiru nods.
* Kuspir thinks further about Lurusiru's earlier question.
[Kuspir] If this causes pain to Hojon, I regret it, but on the other hand, in my now, Hojon was a bitter, angry man who caused pain to those around him, and then died in a terrible way that hurt even the ones who were his closest friends. So if this lances a wound, maybe that pain is better than the infection.
[Lurusiru] Can you forgive Hojon, do you think?
[Lurusiru] Or I suppose, more importantly, do you think he can forgive himself?
[Kuspir] Of course I can. I know what was in his heart.
[Kuspir] Others, that is their choice.
[Lurusiru] I do not have Oldoka's lemu, nor do I know where it is. But you are right, if she is resurrected, you know exactly what will happen. You have seen it happen, haven't you, in the future?
[Kuspir] Yes.
[Lurusiru] That river's course is clear. There is no forgiveness in that tributary.
[Kuspir] What about You? can we help You as well?
* Lurusiru pauses, and chuckles, as if having come to a realization.
[Lurusiru] Why do you suppose I am asleep?
[Kuspir] Unkindness? it seems to be at the source of this long disjunction.
[Lurusiru] That would be too easy.
[Lurusiru] It is my own obstinacy.
[Lurusiru] Two hundred years ... two hundred years.
[Kuspir] Ah, well, that may be beyond our power to fix.
[Lurusiru] I sought refuge in my realm, not as escape, but to avoid confrontation, to avoid the question of forgiveness.
[Kuspir] I can barely make my own children listen to me, let alone a Saint.
* Lurusiru laughs.
[Lurusiru] You're doing fine.
[Lurusiru] All this time, I have been unwilling to forgive Her.
* Kuspir nods
[Lurusiru] But in cutting myself off, I have denied myself the opportunity. Forgiveness does not simply come with time.
[Lurusiru] I think you know that - I think you have perhaps blamed yourself for much, over the years.
[Kuspir] I know it's easier to forgive other people than yourself.
[Lurusiru] Forgiveness is a gift, after all. It's right there in the name.
[Lurusiru] But forgiving yourself - yes, like you say. It is a lot to ask.
[Kuspir] Then, wake up when You can. There are those who would like to see You. Maybe there is a chance for a fresh start.
[Lurusiru] I think we have a choice. To jump the path, to drink from a different stream. Perhaps that is why we are here and now ,and not there and then.
[Kuspir] If I can do something to change the course, then let me try it now. If it fails, all I'll have done is drop a stick into the water, and let it be carried away.
[Lurusiru] I concur.
[Lurusiru] You have everything you need.
* Kuspir raises Fracture and will touch it to Oldoka's body, at the spot where he seems to see the Unkindness most strongly, at the spine.
* Kuspir will attempt to Lay her To Rest
[Nemnosti-GM] As you do so, it is as if you understand that what you are touching is not her Brain, nor her Marrow, nor any other organ known and understood to anyone. You wonder, though, whether Alai, or Jevai, or perhaps even Nemnu has some sense of it.
[Nemnosti-GM] Oldoka is ... re-organ-ized.
[Nemnosti-GM] The Unkindness rejoins its partner in Fracture, drawing forth from her body, leaving it soulless, but at rest.
[Lurusiru] Death is a gift as well. And in this case, I think, well given.
* Kuspir nods
[Lurusiru] I know this is not goodbye, Kuspir of the Vabaseli. We will meet again, elsewhile.
[Lurusiru] Oh, I almost forgot! Tell the boy to keep Sprig safe.
[Kuspir] oh... all right.
[Lurusiru] He'll need it, for what lies ahead for him.
[Kuspir] Whenever You can bring yourself to wake, I look forward to meeting You more properly.
[Lurusiru] Until next we gather by the firelight, then, my stoneguard friend.
[Nemnosti-GM] The scene fades, and you are restored to Hojon - if that is the right word for it.
Hojon returns to awareness and tries to explain what just happened; they mourn Oldoka’s loss
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon, you certainly don't understand everything that has just happened.
* Hojon looks at his hand as if expecting to see something there
[Nemnosti-GM] You can say, though, two things, with certainty. One is that whatever happened just now, it is Important. It is Meaningful. It is, despite appearances, very Real. Something has unfolded here.
[Naka] Did you hear something?
[Hojon] Yes. I think it was something like... a person, but not someone I knew.
[Nemnosti-GM] The second is that Oldoka is gone. There will be no hemeshor.
* Hojon starts crying and rests his face against his sister's body.
[Naka] What is it? What did they say?
[Hojon] she's gone... really gone. she can't come back.
[Zaren] Hojon...
[Naka] Oh...oh no...'Doka
[Naka] I'm so sorry, Hojon
* Zaren will hug his friend.
[Zaren] I'm sorry...
[Hojon] it's not fair.... why did it have to happen to her?
[Hojon] it should have been me instead
* Ingo turns away tears in his eyes
* Naka cries and also hugs Hojon.
[Nemnosti-GM] Naka, you see something new, next to Oldoka's body. A pile of black powder, that looks like soot or ash, only darker, if that is possible.
[Hojon] it's wrong, it feels like she's just empty.... I don't know where she is, but not here.
[Nemnosti-GM] You have a powerful intuition that whatever this is is both dangerous and essential.
* Hojon says between gasping sobs
[Naka] What's that? Was it there before?
* Naka points.
[Naka] (I imagine we don't have any sort of container with us or immediately to hand, do we?)
[Hojon] oh uh... it's the stuff. like. I don't know what it is, but it was in her I think. the person... kind of got it out, I guess?
* Hojon seems a bit hazy on the details
[Hojon] don't touch it
[Naka] It was in Oldoka?
[Hojon] yeah like here.
[Naka] No, no, we shouldn't, but I think...I think we'll need it.
* Hojon touches the back of his neck
* Ingo will turn and look
[Nemnosti-GM] (Sure, you can have a pouch or jar or whatever - or if not, you're basically in a morgue, there's going to be supplies)
* Naka will go get a jar to put it in, and something to get it into said jar.
[Hojon] oh and uh. Eng-dur. You need to keep the dog. I don't really know why but you're gonna need it.
* Hojon says, feeling a bit foolish, wiping at his face
[Naka] The other person told you that?
[Limard] I will not claim to understand any of this, but I will not underestimate its importance, acolytes.
[Limard] Are you saying that the hemeshor will not work, because of ... something that happened just now?
* Hojon nods
[Limard] All right. Your parents may still want me to try, if that is ... acceptable. I'm not sure I can explain any of this to them.
[Hojon] me neither
[Limard] It is not the first time I have been asked to keep a secret, nor shall it be the last.
[Zaren] What about us? What do we do now?
[Nemnosti-GM] Zaren, as you speak, there is an interruption.
A second earthquake brings about a new waterfall in the Pasu Valley
[Nemnosti-GM] Later, none of you could say whether it was the noise or the tremor that you detected first.
[Nemnosti-GM] Not as large as some - probably smaller than the one you felt while out in the Ghengom that night, the efficient cause of so much grief, though you didn't know it at the time.
[Nemnosti-GM] Stone against stone, and the alabaster windows of the ulajeta tremble in resonance, as if attempting a response to a deep call from within the Pardopasu. A low voice, that makes your organs tremble.
[Nemnosti-GM] And then a second noise follows, from outside the ulajeta, familiar yet strange, out-of-place. This one is lighter, rushing, full of overtones. It cries out as if bearing new life, then settles into softness.
[Nemnosti-GM] And a third, mysterious voice - full of joy but also deep bitterness, regret, forgiveness, and compassion, all mixed in one.
[Nemnosti-GM] The earthquake passes, but you sense that something has changed.
[Nemnosti-GM] One of the younger acolytes comes in and calls out to Limard.
[Acolyte] Master Limard, Master Limard, you have to come see!
* Limard allows himself to be pulled along, and you can choose to come with him if you want.
* Zaren follows, reaching down to take Naka's hand.
* Naka squeezes Zaren's hand.
* Hojon will take Ingo's hand, if Ingo allows
* Ingo allows and will follow
[Nemnosti-GM] You emerge and look across to the northeast, to the far side of the valley. There you see a newborn waterfall, having just impelled itself outward, cascading down into the Pasu. In this, its first minutes, the noise is clearly audible even from the ulajeta, rushing outwards.
[Nemnosti-GM] Those of you well-travelled in the region can see that the new waterform lies directly in a sightline across the valley, towards the ruins of Lurusiru and its dead ulajeta, Lurusiru Osti.
* Limard looks upon the new waterfall with a baffling mixture of emotions.
[Zaren] It's... beautiful....
[Limard] Levununde.
[Hojon] what happened?
* Naka looks at it with tired awe
[Limard] The earthquake has brought about a change in the water's course. One of the underground sources of the Pasu has shifted and broken through in the valley.
[Limard] That is ... a description of what has happened.
[Limard] I do not think it is all that has happened, and the six of you know that.
[Ingo] I hope nobody was washed away in the change
[Limard] Only one person.
* Limard says sadly.
* Zaren looks at Limard.
* Zaren puts a hand on his shoulder.
[Limard] We should go speak to Her. She will be expecting us.
[Zaren] Yeah.
They return to Nemnu and explain to Her what happened; She gives Eng-dur a gift of Her Lady’s Name
[Nemnosti-GM] You head back to the Carver's Hall and up to Nemnu's chambers, where She awaits you.
[Nemnu] My acolytes ... my children. Tell me.
* Hojon is still kind of sniffly
* Eng-Dur clutches the dog
[Hojon] I listened and... there was a person. Another person, and a Saint.... I think? They did something to Oldoka. Took something out of her.
* Hojon is explaining this as best as he can (which is still rather poorly)
[Zaren] The river... it changed its course.
[Nemnu] I see, I think.
[Hojon] they talked a lot about forgiveness and changing courses and stuff.
[Hojon] I didn't really understand it all, except that I know Oldoka can't come back now. She's gone.
[Nemnu] Did They smell like a forest?
[Naka] (q, to herself) Did we change the course...
* Zaren squeezes her hand and nods, almost imperceptibly.
[Hojon] Yeah. Like cedar?
[Zaren] (q) I think... Hojon did...
[Nemnu] I am sorry that your sister has departed, Hojon. We all have grief in our paths, but this one is hard.
[Nemnu] I will say this.
[Nemnu] Sometimes we cannot change what happens. But we can change what it means to us ... and to others.
[Nemnu] And if your sister's death has a new meaning, that is not nothing.
[Nemnu] In fact, it may be the most important thing.
* Hojon tries to understand that, still wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand
[Nemnu] There is one more thing, though, that I do not understand.
[Nemnu] You. Young sigillant.
[Eng-Dur] ...me?
* Nemnu can't point, but if She could, she would be pointing at Eng-Dur with Her mind.
[Nemnu] Why are you here?
* Eng-Dur hugs Sprig
[Eng-Dur] uh.... because I had... the visions...?
[Eng-Dur] and I found Sprig.....
[Nemnu] All right, and why did those things happen?
[Eng-Dur] uhhh... 'cause..
* Eng-Dur squrism a bit
[Nemnu] All right, that is more metaphysical than I intended it.
[Eng-Dur] 'cause I wanted to hang out with naka. And her friends. And maybe be an Acolyte!
[Nemnu] Why did you stay? Why did you help?
[Eng-Dur] because naka is my friend. and it was... interesting?
[Nemnu] You have served me without oath or contract, without expectation of reward. Did you know my Oldoka-who-was-Elujen well?
[Eng-Dur] uhh.... a bit....
[Nemnu] There is a certain kind of tension between the stomach and the gallbladder, the first giving you confidence, the latter arrogance. It is often the case that when one speaks so forcefully, these are the governing organs. It can be an unflattering pairing.
[Nemnu] And you have been ... quite forceful, as I understand it. Bringing your friends around to action.
[Nemnu] Yet I see neither in you; it is as if your service comes from another place. What is it that takes you so far from home, into such strange situations?
[Eng-Dur] uhhh. I mean. why not?
* Nemnu laughs, and you practically sense that she could be laughing aloud.
[Nemnu] Why not indeed?
[Eng-Dur] doesn't very want to try and do and learn new thiings?
[Eng-Dur] (doesn't everyone want)
[Nemnu] All this time I have been looking for my Cedar, and all it took was the spleen of a curious young lad.
[Nemnu] In that case, I have a gift, to do with as you please.
[Eng-Dur] oh!
[Nemnu] In addition to your new friend, who is Cedar's gift, not mine.
[Eng-Dur] yeah :3
[Nemnu] If you wish, keep it to yourself, and tell no one. Or, if it is your will, make it your own, sing it with as much stomach as you can muster, for the remainder of your life.
* Nemnu whispers into Eng-dur's mind a single word ... a single name. It is Her name - Her gift.
[Eng-Dur] :o
[Eng-Dur] wow. thank you :o
[Nemnu] You are very welcome, my young acolyte.
[Nemnu] There will be much here for you, if you choose to take it.
[Nemnu] All of you, indeed, I have much to thank you all.
[Hojon] Um.. Lady, can I say something?
* Eng-Dur tries not to look TOO pleased sonece. People are still sad. Somoene died, etc.
[Nemnu] Of course.
[Hojon] I think that waterfall, or whatever it is exactly, should get her name. Oldoka's name. if she's gone forever then maybe it's something that we can remember her with.
[Nemnu] Hmmm. A good suggestion.
[Nemnu] Very well. Although it will be dependent on you to make sure it sticks! As it turns out, I do not actually control the naming of things as much as I sometimes flatter myself to think.
* Zaren puts a hand on Hojon's shoulder.
[Hojon] well.. I'll try.
[Zaren] We'll make sure everyone knows.
[Nemnosti-GM] There is a ripple, just a hint of an aftershock really, but you can feel the world shifting under your feet.
[Nemnu] I do not know what happens next - but I know that we are better for having you all to guide us.
[Nemnu] Thank you, my acolytes.
[Nemnosti-GM] And with that, you all Awaken.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
