Nemnosti session E
Summary
Session
- Session date: August 16, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 731, Dend Aivas
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] Oh, good evening, acolytes.
[Nemnosti-GM] I apologize if I don't seem myself today. I, ahh, had a very bad nightmare last night. One of those where you are just about to die horribly, and it feels so real when you wake up.
[Limard] It would not be so bad, except that, well, it is one I've had before. In it, I am in the body of my dimirabas, Sima. She was a revenant, and was herself beset by the most terrible nightmares. Well, in my nightmares, I experience Sima's death. Not so pretty.
[Limard] Now, I am no revenant, but I think She chose very wisely, very knowingly, in choosing my name for me. At the time, I definitely did not understand it, and I know some of you, those who just passed your Nameways, feel the same way.
[Limard] Some Lady's Names are an acquired taste, to say the least. But we place our trust in Her, because She gives us so much. Who are we to take her gifts for granted?
[Limard] So, when that happens, I make a trip down to the Outer Caves, to speak to Sima, who has laid at rest now for over a century. I listen to her, not because she was especially wise or clever, but because she was chosen for me.
[Limard] If you ever get a chance, ask your dimirabas how they feel about the choice She made for you. You might just be surprised what you learn.
[Limard] ... yawn ... all right, run along. Some of us need to be up in the morning!
Zaren and Hojon talk to Ramarima and Ajemika about Oldoka’s condition
[Nemnosti-GM] Having utterly failed to obey Master Limard's injunction to get enough sleep, and having been interrupted by Bura's visit to tell you that Oldoka's health has taken a turn for the worse, you must all look awful, especially Zaren.
[Nemnosti-GM] You manage to get yourselves cleaned up and presentable, as today you have the official visit of the Sharaian delegation and Avez Vambachas, to whom Oldoka is betrothed.
[Nemnosti-GM] Meanwhile, Eng-dur and Naka are still processing the strange vision that happened to them, though maybe it was all the ilurusha. Strange that you would have a shared vision, though.
[Nemnosti-GM] And of course, checking in on Oldoka will be of high priority for many of you; Bura is not normally given to melodrama so her early-morning trip to your campsite is not to be taken lightly.
[Nemnosti-GM] So, what are any of your plans and intentions for today?
[Naka] (Visiting Oldoka as soon as they'll allow, then talking to Eng-dur, then checking on Zaren to see if he's still not feeling well by that point)
[Hojon] (I assume I'd want to see Oldoka if they'll let me)
* Zaren will definitely go visit Oldoka ASAP and try to be there for Hojon)
* Zaren is still running on adrenaline from hearing about Oldoka, but looks a bit worse for wear.
[Nemnosti-GM] Oldoka is sleeping when you get back, but those in charge do say they'll let you know when she's up so you can talk to her. She's being kept in a room near the infirmary.
[Hojon] (well I guess if I can't see her, I'd want to talk to whoever is in charge about what is happening with her, or to my parents if they know, something like that)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Hojon, you can definitely get in to see the hengi, your great-aunt Ajemika, whenever you wish.
[Nemnosti-GM] Anyone else with immediate plans? Eng-dur and Naka, you can talk to one another whenever.
[Nemnosti-GM] Zaren, if you wish to join Hojon to support him, you can.
[Naka] (kk)
[Zaren] (Yeah, I'll be sticking with Hojon until we get to see Oldoka at least)
[Nemnosti-GM] Ghorgimbe, you don't know anything about any of this, although you would have heard that Oldoka is sick, likely.
[Hojon] (I'd be fine with Zaren and Ingo going with me if they want, although I know Terry isn't here so maybe Ingo just needs to go nap or something ;)
[Nemnosti-GM] While clearly Zaren is the one of you who most needs to nap, Ingo will be very tired today and unavailable.
[Nemnosti-GM] (All right, I'll take Zaren and Hojon here in main, while ED and Naka can go to 2)
[Nemnosti-GM] Zaren and Hojon, you head over to the iftibal and quickly find yourself in an audience with Ajemika, Osper of the Nemni, and her daughter Ramarima.
* Ramarima is an elderly woman with dark skin. Her hair and head are covered with an immaculately well-ordered mebel, so that not a lock of hair escapes. She is holding a heavy notebook, as is typical for her.
* Hojon is upset and stressed
* Ajemika is an even more ancient woman, but her eyes immediately reveal that she has lost none of her faculties. Her garb is decades old and well worn but opulent nonetheless, as befitting her rank. She looks you up and down as she twists her iftijasi around its cord about her neck, the slate spinning with the tension.
[Hojon] What's going on with Oldoka?
* Ramarima looks over the two of you.
* Hojon demands with none of the usual polite preamble
[Ajemika] I knew letting you go out was a terrible idea. Look at the two of you.
* Ajemika shakes her head in disappointment.
[Zaren] We're fine. How's Oldoka?
* Hojon rolls his eyes
[Hojon] what does it matter what we look like? we hurried to get back here, so sorry if we're not perfect
[Ramarima] Last night, an hour or so before midnight, she was found, delirious, staggering through the halls of the iftibal.
[Ramarima] She didn't know where she was, could hardly get a word out.
[Hojon] why hadn't someone been watching over her?
[Ajemika] Why would we do that?
[Ajemika] Do you have someone watching over you at all times?
[Hojon] she's sick!
* Zaren puts a hand on Hojon's arm, hoping to calm him down.
[Ramarima] She's always been coherent and capable of telling us how she is, before.
[Zaren] Is she speaking now?
[Ramarima] She's asleep now; Ozel has given her something to that end.
[Ramarima] She's lucky - we found her shortly after she must have left her room, since several of us were awakened by the earthquake.
[Ramarima] Who knows what she could have gotten herself into otherwise?
[Hojon] where was she?
[Ramarima] Just in the halls, maybe ten or twenty feet from her rooms here in the iftibal.
[Zaren] So it was right after the earthquake? Maybe that's what disturbed her?
[Hojon] what do you mean she was delirious? like she hit her head maybe?
[Ramarima] Talking nonsense.
[Ramarima] Ozel was not able to find any physical injury.
* Hojon frowns
[Zaren] What did she say?
[Ramarima] I wasn't there; I don't know. Rupun found her.
[Hojon] what are we gonna do? I mean with ... with the delegation showing up and all that?
[Ajemika] Finally we get to a pertinent question.
* Hojon clenches his fists but doesn't say anything at that
[Ramarima] The Vambachas delegation will be arriving within the hour. And the two of you - your job is to get to know Avez. He's around your age, and will be your sister's husband, after all.
[Hojon] but what am I supposed to say to him? sorry you can't meet her, she's sick?
[Ramarima] Keep him entertained, show him the place. And I am sure I don't need to tell you that your job is to not make her illness a grave matter.
[Ramarima] We're hoping she'll be well enough to see him.
[Ramarima] We've arranged a room for that purpose.
[Zaren] And if she can't?
[Ajemika] I'll be speaking with the Lady after this. We'll just have to see.
[Hojon] Fine.
* Hojon says shortly.
[Hojon] I guess we should go get cleaned up and dressed for this... stupid thing.
[Zaren] Hey, it's ok, man. I'm sure she'll be fine.
[Ajemika] And some perfume would be recommended.
* Zaren sighs
[Zaren] C'mon. I'll be there with you, ok?
[Hojon] [m] like some fancy rich boy is gonna smell a lot better after he has to climb all the way up here
[Ramarima] I trust if that is the case, you will refrain from commenting on his odour.
* Hojon turns around and stomps out
[Nemnosti-GM] (All right, Zaren, are you following him?)
* Zaren looks at Ajemika
[Zaren] He's just... worried. I'll keep an eye on him.
[Ajemika] Go, then. Make sure that you do.
* Zaren nods and turns to catch up with Hojon
Eng-dur talks to Naka about their vision, and he decides to go visit his Upward for some answers
[Naka] *will find some quiet, out of the way place to talk to Eng-dur (and worry about Oldoka).
[Eng-Dur] Sorry your friend is sick :/
[Eng-Dur] more sick?
[Eng-Dur] :/
[Naka] Yeah.
[Naka] Thanks.
[Naka] I was really hoping she was getting better.
[Naka] How are you doing? After all that with the ilurusha, I mean.
[Eng-Dur] I'm okay. Tired, and maybe la headache?
[Eng-Dur] that might be the booze though haha
[Eng-Dur] you?
[Naka] I'm...I don't know.
[Naka] I feel like trying to process both things means I'm not managing it with either of them.
[Eng-Dur] Maybe a nap or something will help?
[Naka] I'm not really sure I could sleep right now.
[Naka] What do you think that was back there? At camp?
[Eng-Dur] the vision you mean?
[Eng-Dur] I don't know, I've never had anyone had the *same* vision as me before!
[Eng-Dur] or usually not the same vsion myself, or not like that
* Eng-Dur thinks
[Eng-Dur] I wonder if we took the ilurusha again, we would see the same place?
[Naka] What do you mean not the same vision yourself?
[Eng-Dur] And Sprig
[Eng-Dur] I mean when I had the vision with the earthquake, it was the same place
[Eng-Dur] and that's when we found Sprig
[Naka] Right. Hmm.
[Eng-Dur] now I *know* she came form there
[Eng-Dur] like, she even knows her name!
[Naka] So you think that other place was real?
[Eng-Dur] right Sprig? Are you a good vision dog?
[Naka] *smiles at that despite herself.*
[Nemnosti-GM] (Sprig licks your face energetically)
[Eng-Dur] Pfft see?
* Eng-Dur pulls away form the aggresive licking and scratches her ears
[Eng-Dur] (or his ears?)
[Naka] I mean, he *seems* friendly enough.
[Naka] But what are you, huh, Sprig?
[Naka] *scritches the pup.*
[Eng-Dur] yeah...
[Eng-Dur] do you know who was waking up?
[Naka] *shakes her head.*
[Eng-Dur] haha, I meant Sprig :x
[Naka] Oh.
[Naka] *manages to laugh a little.*
[Naka] Maybe we should try to talk to someone? But I don't know who, and I'm sure everyone is busy today.
[Eng-Dur] ayeha and say what? They won't believe us anyway
[Naka] *frowns.*
[Naka] Maybe. Maybe not.
[Naka] It might mean something to someone else.
[Eng-Dur] well, they won't beleiev *me*
[Naka] You weren't the only one there.
[Eng-Dur] yeah!
[Eng-Dur] Oh, maybe Upward?
[Eng-Dur] (idk where she even is, in Akapa Sogo?)
[Eng-Dur] maybe I can find her
[Eng-Dur] do you wanna come?
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, she's likely at home in Akapa Sogo, at the Igriz iftibal)
[Eng-Dur] maybe the ladies look like someone else there?
[Eng-Dur] I mean if thy looked like you but not you?
[Naka] I...I *would* like to go, but I also don't want to leave if Oldoka is doing so poorly.
[Eng-Dur] will they let you see her?
[Naka] At some point, I'm sure.
[Eng-Dur] ....do you want me to stay too?
[Naka] ...No, you don't have to.
[Naka] It's nice you asked, though. :)
[Eng-Dur] okay!
[Eng-Dur] should I take Sprig?
[Eng-Dur] or maybe you cna show him to Oldoka!
[Naka] Oh, that might cheer her up. Sure, if you're okay with it.
[Eng-Dur] what do you think Sprig? You wanna cheer up a sick girl?
[Naka] (Are we good there, then?)
[Naka] (Just to clarify.)
[Eng-Dur] (I thikn so, yeah)
[Eng-Dur] (unless Sprig indicates that no, visiting a sick girl is not desired :V)
[Naka] (heh)
[Eng-Dur] (oh wait, one more thing)
[Eng-Dur] Oh here!
* Eng-Dur will give her one of the ilurushas from the dream
[Eng-Dur] just, i dunno, in case its important
[Eng-Dur] I'll see you later!
Ghorgimbe travels back to Nemnosti and talks with Oldoka’s betrothed, Avez Vambachas, about Nemnosti, Oldoka, and Hojon
[Nemnosti-GM] Ghorgimbe, it stinks that you missed out on the camping trip. And for such pointless family nonsense, always.
[Ghorgimbe] (booo)\
[Nemnosti-GM] You've spent the last three days in Naftusa, at the Sortusai iftibal.
[Nemnosti-GM] Your great-uncle Faruzh got it into his head that with the visit of the Vambachas delegation (Oldoka's betrothed), that he would host them at the great iftibal in town. And to do that, of course he wanted his eligible great-niece around. Because "there's got to be another one looking for a ripe young lass.", in his words.
[Nemnosti-GM] And he never misses an opportunity to bring you home for a visit ...
[Nemnosti-GM] You have beome very good at processing whatever happens on these all-too-frequent trips. "At least", these days, it's mostly about getting you married off. Though never entirely about that. -_-
[Ghorgimbe] (I should bite it off)
[Nemnosti-GM] So you are the first one among your friends to get a chance to meet Oldoka's betrothed, Avez Vambachas. Even Oldoka hasn't met him yet, really.
[Nemnosti-GM] The Vambachas lineage is an old Omban family, who traditionally have held a seat in the Senate. And now, they are on the victorious, Sharaian side in the Bone War, so they have a new king, a new country, and their own politics to navigate. But some families, like the Vambachas, have become very rich off the war, so that the bridewealth for a saintly daughter is well within their reach.
* Avez is tall and rail-thin; you've been told that this is not so odd among Sharaians, who have just been through a long and tiring war. But he is dressed in elegant woven finery with broad tisli braids along the sleeves and across the midsection, strung with fefri that not only indicate his noble rank, but show his family's wealth.
[Ghorgimbe] . o O (well whoop-dee-shit)
* Avez is sitting next to you on the carriage ride from Naftusa to Nemnosti, though chaperoned, of course.
[Ghorgimbe] (who's the chaperone)
[Nemnosti-GM] (some kind of auntie, you don't even get her name, or at least, don't care to remember it. There is also a guard here, a commoner.)
* Ghorgimbe gives Avez a good looking-over.
[Nemnosti-GM] I mean, he's not disgusting. At least he's an appropriate age and seems well-put-together. But you can't help thinking that if he is what the Vambachas offer up to Nemnu's own kin, that a "mere" noble Sortusai girl like you would get something far worse.
[Ghorgimbe] (can't be worse than Uncle Creepo)
[Ghorgimbe] You enjoying your trip?
* Ghorgimbe asks, hoping to get a look at his teeth
[Avez] Ahh, yes? It's cold up here, even though it's almost summer. I suppose that's inevitable, with the elevation.
* Avez seems to have all his teeth, and they aren't horribly crooked.
[Ghorgimbe] Colder in Nemnosti.
[Ghorgimbe] (doesn't have a weird voice? ;)
[Avez] Your family's estate is lovely. Good to see strong Imperial decorum and morality preserved out here in the country.
[Ghorgimbe] Oh y ou know. We do try.
[Avez] The Lady Oldoka, what can you tell me about Her, so that I don't make a mess of this?
[Ghorgimbe] Well, what have you heard?
* Avez uses the ancient formal address used for members of saintly lineages, now reserved for saints and high elites.
[Avez] I have heard that she's very beautiful, graceful, elegant, and of impeccable character. But then, they would say that to me, wouldn't they? Both her family and mine.
[Ghorgimbe] She is.
[Ghorgimbe] She's also smart, funny, kind, and she likes dogs.
[Avez] Does she dance?
[Ghorgimbe] (I'm gonna assume yes)
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure, I mean, it's part of the Courses)
[Ghorgimbe] It's part of the Courses.
[Avez] So all of you, commoners, nobles, everyone, learns the same thing?
[Ghorgimbe] All the acolytes.
[Avez] So strange.
[Ghorgimbe] Being chosen as an acolyte is already a great honour. It evens us out in a lot of ways.
[Avez] Why do they value that? Evening out, I mean.
[Ghorgimbe] Nemnu does.
[Ghorgimbe] (dumbass)
[Avez] I suppose that's enough of an answer.
[Avez] Still, it must be difficult for everyone who comes from away, to adjust.
[Ghorgimbe] It can be.
[Avez] Are you expected to marry a Nemni man?
[Ghorgimbe] I suppose so.
[Avez] Her brother Hojon, what's he like?
[Ghorgimbe] . o O (not that it's any of your business)
* Ghorgimbe snorts involuntarily.
[Ghorgimbe] He's fine.
[Avez] Is he also beautiful, graceful, elegant, and of impeccable character?
* Ghorgimbe struggles to keep a straight face.
[Ghorgimbe] He's fine.
* Avez nods, apparently satisfied.
[Avez] I'm sorry, I know this is all awkward. I have spent the last year thinking about this day, and I am not at my best.
[Ghorgimbe] Have you corresponded with Oldoka or anything?
[Avez] Yes, but letters are not really the same.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] (how is Oldoka feeling about this meeting, as far as I know?)
[Avez] And with all of the fos dedicated to the war, there hasn't been any left for any magical communication. Hopefully that will change now.
[Nemnosti-GM] (to your knowledge, she is pretty stressed about it, not least because she hasn't been well. But not opposed to marriage - this is kind of part of the expectation for Nemni of a certain age)
[Ghorgimbe] (stressed about it being this guy?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yeah - mostly because unlike Ingo, who everyone presumed would be her match, she doesn't know him, he's not an acolyte, he's not even from Khutu at all. Not because of anything about Avez individually though.)
[Ghorgimbe] Yeah.
* Ghorgimbe looks him up and down again.
[Ghorgimbe] You nervous?
[Avez] ... Utterly terrified.
[Ghorgimbe] Heh.
[Avez] Last night was lovely, with dinner and entertainment at your iftibal. But Nemnosti - it's such a mysterious and different place. I've been told I may even have to meet with Nemnu Herself.
[Ghorgimbe] Oh really?
* Ghorgimbe looks a little impressed/
[Avez] Well ... I don't understand what this means, but I am led to understand that She assigns you all special names, and that Oldoka's special name is that of Nemnu's own wife, Elujen.
[Avez] (all true - Oldoka is only the third person to ever have Elujen as her Lady's Name)
[Ghorgimbe] The Lady's name. She likes to associate people close to Her with someone She knew in life. So yes... Oldoka is special to Her.
[Ghorgimbe] To a lot of us.
[Ghorgimbe] No pressure.
* Avez laughs uneasily.
* Ghorgimbe smiles :D
[Avez] I would very much like to be friends with my wife's friends, and family. It is easier, I think, with those like you, since we come from the same rank.
[Avez] It is all the other stuff, the commoners, and the saintly folk, that make me most anxious.
[Ghorgimbe] Just treat them like... normal people. Talk to them like you're talking to me.
[Avez] Yes ... I mean, I have been told this, by my family and counselors.
[Avez] It's quite different on a day like today, though.
[Avez] Easy to say, not so easy to do when you are on display for everyone.
[Ghorgimbe] It would be, I guess.
[Ghorgimbe] Just try to breathe. And blink.
* Avez laughs.
[Avez] This valley is amazing. Look how high we are! The river down below, and ... oh, is that it up ahead?
* Avez sticks his head out of the carriage to see, as his chaperone frowns.
[Ghorgimbe] There she is...
[Avez] Absolutely beautiful.
* Avez says, and you can tell he means it earnestly.
* Ghorgimbe smiles, gratified that he is properly impressed.
[Ghorgimbe] Welcome to Nemnosti.
Eng-dur visits his Upward Helula Igriz about the vision he and Naka had, the ilurusha fungi and the little dog Sprig they found
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur, you whip up and around the hills to the village of Akapa Sogo. It's only a short walk, but the Ravre village feels so much more comfortable to you than Nemnosti does, even if back in your hometown of Vija Sogo, even Akapa Sogo is regarded as 'civilized' and not really Ravre anymore.
[Nemnosti-GM] This is where your Upward Helula Igriz lives, and where you have spent many happy hours learning the craft of the tekrur.
[Nemnosti-GM] You find Helula out working in her herb garden next to the Igriz iftibal.
[Eng-Dur] Hello Upward!
* Eng-Dur scurries over towards her
* Helula is a stout and strong middle-aged woman; those who didn't know better would think her indistinguishable from a farmer or fisher from any of the villages. Not given to any pretentions, few would understand just how esteemed she is within the ranks of sigillants, and she would be easy to underestimate, not that you ever would.
* Eng-Dur does look kind a tired and begraggled at this point probaly, and yawns as he greets her
[Helula] Oh! I wasn't expecting to see you, Pebble! I thought you would be with your friends at Nemnosti.
[Eng-Dur] I was, up with Naka and her friends, but then there were some weird things?
[Helula] Did you feel the earthquake last night?
[Eng-Dur] it was kind of a weird night! Cna I ask you about it because some things happened that i don't understand
[Eng-Dur] but the earthquake is part of it
[Helula] Sure, you can tell me about it while you pick rocks out from the garden.
* Helula hands you her bucket and sits on the ground to listen to your story.
[Eng-Dur] uhhg okay!
* Eng-Dur is familiar with this chore, and will find a rocky place to get picking
[Eng-Dur] So we we went 'camping' last night? Which is just like. being outside overnight but the nobles have to make a big deal about it
* Helula laughs.
[Helula] They do like to make a big deal about sleeping somewhere there isn't a roof.
[Eng-Dur] yeah! Naka and I went to get some firewood, and it was really foggy, so we got a bit separated, and then I had a vision.
[Helula] Oh?
[Eng-Dur] yeah! There was a path that was lined with ilurusha leading up to this forest? Not like the forests areund here, the trees were all really big evergreens, not the scrubbly little opnes we get around here mostly.
[Eng-Dur] Naka and I had been talking about mushrooms, so I picked some
[Eng-Dur] and then wthere was, I guess. the earthquake!? because there was a big crack in the path after that and I couldn't go any further
[Eng-Dur] and then naka found me btu!
[Eng-Dur] there was an old foundation, and there was a puppy trapped in it
[Eng-Dur] so we helped it, and then her other friends came and we all went back to the camp site
* Helula is listening intently.
[Eng-Dur] so then we had the puppy but ALSO the mushrooms?
[Eng-Dur] Liek I had the mushrooms still - look
* Eng-Dur will pass her one
[Helula] So this is ... from a vision?
[Eng-Dur] and no one knew where the puppy came from either... not then
[Eng-Dur] yeah!
[Eng-Dur] there weren't any really around
[Eng-Dur] and i didn't pick ALL the ones in my dream so if they were real there should have been some but there weren't
[Eng-Dur] but that's not all.
[Helula] All right...
[Eng-Dur] So Naka's friends wanted to drink? So we we haze some bottle of something that one of the nobles brought
* Eng-Dur makes a face
[Eng-Dur] it was okay
[Eng-Dur] but then if they wanted to get. well, you know, I said we shoudl try some of the ilurusha!
[Eng-Dur] but it was just three of us, me and Naka and Zaren
[Helula] Had the others tried them before?
[Eng-Dur] I don't thikn so
[Helula] Is everyone okay?
[Eng-Dur] Zaren got real sick ].]
[Eng-Dur] I mean, he's fine, he just puked a bunch
* Helula chuckles.
[Eng-Dur] but naka and i - we had the *same* vision and it iwas the same place?
[Eng-Dur] or like not eactly the same but like. we met in the forest?
[Eng-Dur] Only we were like, not us, there were these ladies that kind of looked like her, nbut neither of them was her
[Eng-Dur] I don't rmemeber everythign
[Eng-Dur] they were loookign for someone? Who was wakign up or something?
[Eng-Dur] but we both followd pasrts of the mushroom oath and it brought us to a big tree?
[Eng-Dur] but ALSO
[Eng-Dur] In the vision? Dream? I knew aboru the Puppy. And someone ... I think... told me? the the puppy's name is Sprig
[Eng-Dur] and then when i woke up - that really is its name! It knows the name and gets all happy and excited
[Helula] All right ... I don't want to gainsay you, Pebble, but puppies are notoriously happy and excited at anything, and you did just rescue it.
* Helula is definitely alert and looking closely at you, though.
* Helula pulls out her slate and casts something over the ilurusha you handed her.
[Eng-Dur] well yeah it was all wiggly but that was different.
[Eng-Dur] we were calling it Ilurusha before and it didn't react the same to that
[Eng-Dur] but there was no one else around and nowhere it could have come from
[Eng-Dur] so I think.... I think it was in the forest, like the mushrooms
[Eng-Dur] and maybe it got stuck, or dragged out somehow, because of thre earthquake? I dunno
* Helula nods.
[Eng-Dur] maybe its just having a vision of us :V
* Helula laughs at that.
[Helula] We are all the crazed invention of an otherworldly puppy, perhaps.
[Eng-Dur] ha ha, maybe :D
[Eng-Dur] oh, except, naka's friend, Oldoka, is real sick now, someone came to get us because of it
[Eng-Dur] oh and there was this other weird old guy who showed up or a bit too
[Helula] Well, you certainly have had an eventful time.
[Eng-Dur] yeah
[Eng-Dur] its probably because of the mushrooms right That I had the same vision, and that naka had it?
[Eng-Dur] Like if we took them again maybe we could go back there again?
[Helula] I don't recommend it.
[Helula] I suppose the question I would put to you is: why would you hope to go back there?
* Eng-Dur thinks
[Eng-Dur] well
[Eng-Dur] i think we had a lot of questions! Like, in the vision I don't remember it
[Eng-Dur] but also it was neat to have someone else there?
[Eng-Dur] And I wanna know who the ladies were!
[Eng-Dur] and what about Sprig?
[Helula] Well, while I agree it is odd to find a dog out in the Ghengom all alone, it's not impossible.
[Eng-Dur] what if she... it? idk I can't tell if its a boy or a girl dog and that's weird too right? Its not liek the dog is so fuffy... but its liek my brain can't decide! Any way, what if Sprig needs to go back there or something?
* Helula nods.
[Helula] This ilurusha, it's not ordinary. It has magical residue.
[Helula] So, whatever you experienced, it was not merely a hallucination.
[Eng-Dur] that makes sense
[Helula] Sorting out what parts are real and what parts are not, is very tricky, though.
[Eng-Dur] maybe if Sprig has magical residue too that would mean something?
[Helula] I would imagine so!
[Eng-Dur] do you think I could tell?
[Eng-Dur] (idk how good I am at sigillant stuff at 12 :V)
[Helula] Perhaps so! It's within your capacity. But if you couldn't, there would be many at Nemnosti who could, surely.
[Eng-Dur] I left Sprig with naka to try and cheer up her friend, but I could bring her? here
[Eng-Dur] okay
[Eng-Dur] I'll try it :D
[Eng-Dur] thanks upward!
* Helula smiles.
[Helula] You're welcome, Pebble.
[Eng-Dur] but what if spring *is* the same kind of magic?
[Helula] I don't know the answers. But I agree that would be very interesting.
[Eng-Dur] ....we probably shouldn't give Ilurusha to a dog, should we? Even a magic one?
[Helula] You should absolutely not do that.
[Helula] I can't believe I have to answer that for you.
[Helula] But let me know what you learn, if you think I can be of more help.
[Eng-Dur] okay, I will.
[Eng-Dur] do you want me to keep picking rock?
* Eng-Dur yawns
[Helula] No, you can just leave the bucket there.
* Eng-Dur will go nap a bit before gonig nback to the Ulajeta
===Hojon and Zaren eventually get in to see Oldoka
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon and Zaren, you manage to get all tidied up. Eventually you get notified that Oldoka has awakened, and the first person she asked to see is you, Hojon. The dignitaries are reported to be at or near the gates of the ulajeta.
* Hojon will go see her as soon as he's allowed to, of course
* Zaren will also head to see her with him.
[Zaren] (Unless he wants to be alone)
[Hojon] (no it's ok)
[Nemnosti-GM] Oldoka has been set up in a private room down the hall from the ulajeta's infirmary. You can see readily that the furnishings here, though not so different from any fairly nice room, have been hastily assembled from spare or old things from elsewhere. Certainly no one else has rooms around here.
[Hojon] (is she lying down? how does she look?)
[Nemnosti-GM] You enter the room and Ozel Rarduzu is there, attending to her needs. You know Ozel well - she's a few years older than the two of you but is well-known as she's the only deaf acolyte here, and was Nemnu's own apprentice, in fact.
* Ozel is tall and fair, with the unnaturally freckled skin sometimes known among the Rarduzu and other fishers of Lake Dandura. She has her long curls knotted into a complex bun, and is wearing simple pants and shirt to maximize her mobility.
* Oldoka looks as though she's lost ten pounds overnight, though you know that can't possibly be true. She sits up, leaning against a cushion as she does so. She's wearing a complex dress that must surely be uncomfortable lying on this couch.
* Oldoka smiles as she sees the two of you.
* Zaren will lick his finger and brush back one of Hojon's stray wisps of hair as they enter.
* Hojon distractedly bats Zaren away
[Hojon] Oldoka? are you okay? we got back as fast as we could.
* Zaren has large bags under his eyes but seems to be holding together ok. He's young after all.
[Oldoka] Ahh ... well, I'm sure I'll be fine. Ozel has been taking such good care of me. And everyone has got everything set up for Avez.
[Oldoka] (give me a Heart check, both of you)
[Hojon] how are you feeling, though? don't lie and say you're fine.
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+2
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+2 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 2 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Zaren] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Zaren: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 12 ].
[Oldoka] Well, I don't really remember too much. They found me wandering the halls. A fever, I guess? I don't remember being feverish. But I don't remember too much.
[Oldoka] I think a walk in the garden or a formal dinner is out of the question. But they've got me set up for Avez to visit me here.
[Oldoka] Ramarima says that being from Sharai, the delegation won't have any notion of our customs.
[Oldoka] So nothing will seem too odd to them, if we are careful.
[Hojon] what do you want me to say to this guy? we're supposed to hang out with him and be friendly, but I won't say anything you don't want.
[Oldoka] Just be nice. I think they're going to say that I'm tired, or mildly ill, or something, just because, well, I don't look great.
[Hojon] what about that dress? it looks uncomfortable.
[Hojon] did they make you wear it?
[Oldoka] Yes ... it was quite an effort to get into it, so now I'm stuck until the end of the day.
[Zaren] I'm sorry. If it helps, it looks great on you.
* Hojon frowns
[Hojon] what you look like is more important than how you feel to them :p
* Oldoka laughs, and then swoons a little with the effort.
[Oldoka] Laughing in this dress is hard.
[Hojon] :/
[Hojon] don't stress yourself out over this.
[Zaren] Well, hopefully he'll be boring then.
[Oldoka] I hope not too boring. I do have to live the rest of my life with this man.
Hojon and Zaren talk to Ozel about Oldoka’s health
* Hojon looks over to Ozel
[Hojon] were you the one who found my sister last night?
* Ozel shakes her head.
[Ozel] Voice Rupun.
[Hojon] thank you
[Hojon] (can I talk to Ozel in the hallway or somewhere slightly more private?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure)
[Hojon] what do you think is wrong with her, really? is it going to get better?
* Hojon asks once we're out of the main room
[Ozel] Hard to say. She's tough.
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me another Heart check)
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+2
* lan-werk2 rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+2 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 2 ] totals [ 4 ].
[Ozel] Last night was strange.
[Hojon] how do you mean?
[Ozel] Before now - only that she was weak. Not delirious.
[Ozel] So this is new.
[Hojon] she seems okay now. I mean not delirious anyway. just tired.
* Ozel nods.
[Ozel] For now.
* Hojon looks worried
[Hojon] are you giving her medicine?
* Ozel nods.
[Ozel] Yes, for strength, and for sleep.
[Hojon] okay
[Hojon] thank you, Ozel
* Hojon will go back in to sit with Oldoka again
Hojon and Zaren finish talking with Oldoka, and then go to meet Avez and the Sharaian delegation with Ghorgimbe
[Oldoka] How was camping?
[Zaren] Eh, it was kinda weird.
[Hojon] Zaren puked a lot.
* Zaren punches him in the arm.
[Zaren] Would have been more fun with you there. Naka brought Eng-Dur along.
[Oldoka] Oh! He's a funny little kid.
[Zaren] Funny is a word for it.
[Zaren] Strange kid.
[Hojon] he's not so bad
[Oldoka] Well, he's from the high hills. They're all strange up there, I've been told.
[Zaren] Yeah
[Hojon] they found a puppy, too
[Zaren] Oh yeah, you should see it. It's actually pretty cute.
[Oldoka] A puppy! Oh my goodness!
[Nemnosti-GM] You are interrupted by a knock at the door. It's an acolyte, coming to tell you that the delegation has arrived and is ready for the two of you to go greet Avez.
[Hojon] We gotta go I guess. Rest up and don't worry about any of this - you'll have lots of other chances to get to know this Avez guy.
[Oldoka] Thanks, Jon-jon.
[Oldoka] Be nice to him. It's not his fault.
[Hojon] I'll try
* Hojon will give her a hug, carefully
[Zaren] I'll make sure Naka knows to bring the puppy by when you're up for it and out of that dress :)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, the two of you go down to the great hall where you are greeted by the Sharaian delegation.
* Hojon will try to take what Oldoka said to heart and think about being nice to this guy and not automatically hating him but it's a challenge :p
* Avez is skinny, tall, and dressed in what you guess must be high fashion, though you can see he's made some effort to accommodate to Khutuan styles like you might see in ONighus.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ghorgimbe is here too, trying to not seem too grumpy.
[Avez] Good day to you, sirs. I am Avez of the Vambachas.
[Hojon] Welcome to Nemnosti. I'm Hojon of the Nemni.
* Hojon will bow politely or whatever
[Zaren] I am Zaren, also of the Nemni. I hope the trip was ok.
[Avez] Thank you. The views are amazing. It's so beautiful up here.
[Hojon] Have they shown you around yet or anything?
[Ghorgimbe] He's straight off the carriage.
[Hojon] well, then, do you want to see some of the place? maybe stretch your legs a bit?
[Avez] Sure, that would be great.
* Hojon will set off on a tour of the best sights of the ulajeta then
[Avez] So, tell me about the big statue that you see when you come through the gates.
[Avez] Very intimidating.
[Hojon] oh yeah, that's the Captain.
[Hojon] Old Stoneguard guy.
* Hojon can, I assume, relate some of his famous deeds etc.
[Avez] Very impressive.
[Avez] You must think me strange, to be so interested in things that you see every day.
[Hojon] he married a Nemni
* Avez nods.
[Zaren] Nah, I bet this place is super weird if you're not from here.
* Ghorgimbe follows along trying not to look too cranky but also wondering where Odolka is
[Avez] Everyone is related to everyone, and not even like the nobility back home. It's like you're all a quirky family of scholars and peasants and priests and, oh yes, one of the most esteemed saints.
[Zaren] We're not ALL related. Like we're not marrying our sisters or anything.
* Avez laughs.
[Avez] I should hope not!
[Zaren] I know you city folks sometimes have some weird ideas about us.
[Avez] Do you ever find yourself wishing to get away, be somewhere where no one knows who you are?
[Ghorgimbe] You have no idea.
[Zaren] I dunno. That sounds kinda... lonely, I guess.
[Avez] I don't mean lonely forever. Just ... where you can be someone different than what everyone wants of you.
[Zaren] Oh, yeah. I get that.
[Hojon] You could stay here. I mean... like if you marry Oldoka. People do that sometimes.
* Avez considers that.
[Zaren] Yeah, I mean if you're looking to start over.
[Avez] I'm afraid, Hojon, that what I would wish and what I may do are quite different things.
[Zaren] It's a good place for that.
[Avez] Sharai needs a lot of work, now that the war is over.
[Zaren] What was it like? Living in the war?
* Avez shrugs.
[Avez] I lost two uncles. That was hard. But I was fairly protected. I was in training to serve, when the treaty was signed.
[Zaren] Damn. I'm sorry.
[Zaren] Do you know a bunch of sick fighting moves, then?
[Avez] I learned the nineteen ancient formations and seven stances. Mostly I think they were teaching us that to distract us from the prospect of death.
* Ghorgimbe rolls her eyes behinf Avez's back.
[Zaren] That sounds cool.
[Zaren] I mean... not the death part.
[Avez] I'm no soldier, not really.
[Hojon] what sort of stuff do you like to do?
* Hojon asks, kind of grasping for anything interesting to talk about
* Hojon also wants to move the conversation off of death ].]
[Avez] Ahh, well ... I like to dance ... music ... ahh, that kind of thing.
[Hojon] that's cool
[Ghorgimbe] Do you play any instruments?
[Avez] Ah, well ... it's embarrassing. I do play the zither.
[Hojon] what's embarrassing about it?
[Avez] Well, I just mean that it is sort of old-fashioned.
[Zaren] ...it is?
[Avez] Huh. Maybe here, it is not.
[Hojon] oh, well, I guess in Sharai? it's pretty normal here.
[Avez] Huh, what's that big tree over there?
* Avez points over across the courtyard.
[Ghorgimbe] Old Hal?
[Avez] Old ... Hal?
[Ghorgimbe] Yeah that's just what we call it.
[Avez] I see.
[Zaren] I mean it's basically just a big tree. Oh, you should see some of the tombs. They're pretty impressive.
[Avez] I would love to do so. You know, that was what the war was about, really. Access to the tombs, to our Ancestors.
[Hojon] sure, we can go look at the tombs and stuff
[Zaren] Some of them go waaaaay back to before the Ulajeta.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you take Avez down to the temple and can show him around the parts that he can have access to. He manages to be generally respectful and not offend either of you too much, although he's clearly not good enough for Oldoka. Who could be?
Hojon talks to Ghorgimbe about Oldoka’s illness and delirium
* Hojon will trail back with Ghorgimbe for a while, letting Zaren show Avez some cool carvings or whatever
* Ghorgimbe pulls Hojon aside then.
[Hojon] hm?
[Ghorgimbe] (w) Where's Oldoka?? He's not marrying *you*
[Hojon] (w) she's sick. I mean more than she has been.
[Hojon] (w) she had some kind of... I don't know. 'episode' last night. she's resting up, they're gonna try to get her to see him later.
[Ghorgimbe] (w) What? What happened? She was fine when I left. Well, not fine...
[Hojon] (w) they said they found her wandering around in the hallway outside her room, delirious. like talking nonsense and stuff, I don't know what exactly happened, but I saw her a little while ago and she looks bad.
* Hojon is clearly really worried
[Ghorgimbe] (w) Ffffuuuck, man.
[Ghorgimbe] (w) I need to see her. :(
[Hojon] (w) she's back to herself again, like talking normal again, but I don't know. She just looks really skinny and tired.
[Ghorgimbe] (w) She was so thin already...
[Ghorgimbe] (w) this shit isn't fair.
* Hojon nods
[Hojon] (w) it sucks. I wish they'd just drop all this wedding crap and let her rest and get better. she doesn't need this stress on top of everything.
[Hojon] (w) she should only be concentrating on recovering, not worrying about what her dress and her hair look like to impress some stupid beanpole from Sharai.
[Ghorgimbe] (w) Yeah. HE doesn't suck as much as he could but he's not good enough for her.
* Hojon nods in firm agreement with that
[Hojon] (w) I know she's supposed to be resting, but I'm sure she'd like to see you if you can get a chance to visit.
[Ghorgimbe] (w) I'll go as soon as they'll let me :/
[Hojon] (w) ok... thanks.
* Hojon rubs at his face a bit to try and compose himself before we have to go back to entertaining this dork
Naka comes to visit Oldoka, who tells her that she is dying but not to tell Hojon, and Oldoka speaks strangely about her delusional trance
[Nemnosti-GM] OK, Naka, it's the middle of the afternoon before you can get access to go in and see Oldoka. They're trying to keep her energy levels up for her big day. But eventually you hear that she asked specifically to see you, so you can get access to her makeshift chambers near the infirmary.
[Naka] *will knock and then enter.*
[Oldoka] Naka!
* Oldoka smiles as you come in; she's lying on the couch and looks very pale and thin, but truly happy to see you.
[Naka] Hey 'Doka! How're you feeling?
[Oldoka] Oh ... well ... not so great, you know.
* Oldoka gets Ozel's attention.
[Naka] *tries her best not to look too worried.*
[Oldoka] Ozel, could I have a few minutes with Naka please?
* Ozel nods.
[Naka] *gives Oldoka a curious look.*
[Ozel] Anything feels wrong, you get me, ok?
* Ozel says, to both of you.
[Naka] *nods.*
[Naka] Absolutely.
[Naka] *will sign the affirmative as well.*
* Ozel heads out.
[Oldoka] I hear you guys had fun out in the Ghengom.
[Naka] Some more than others, I think.
[Naka] Some of it was a little weird.
[Naka] Ilurusha may not have been the best idea, all told.
[Oldoka] Well, no weirder than my night, I imagine.
[Naka] :/
[Naka] What happened?
[Naka] They said you were wandering around?
[Oldoka] Yeah, I don't remember any of it. Voice Rupun found me crawling around in the corridor, talking about the walls and my Lady's name and I don't know what else.
[Naka] Crawling?
[Oldoka] Staggering, crawling, I don't know. Like I say, I don't remember it.
[Naka] That's really weird. Were you able to rest at all?
[Oldoka] Yeah. Ozel has been helping me today, giving me some foul-tasting stuff that helps with my energy.
[Naka] That's good. I'm sorry this happened at all, but even moreso now of all times.
[Oldoka] They're bringing Avez up here to meet me. Making up some story about secluding the bride, or something. I don't care to know. It ... well ...
* Oldoka pauses, composing herself.
[Naka] Hmm?
[Oldoka] It's not like it matters.
[Naka] What do you mean?
[Oldoka] Well ... I'm dying, Naka.
[Naka] No.
[Oldoka] I mean ... yes.
[Naka] *shakes her head vehemently.*
[Naka] No, hey, just no. Okay?
[Naka] You're sick, sure, but you don't know what's going to happen.
[Oldoka] It's all right. I mean, I've known for a while.
[Naka] *scowls, but it's definitely more out of sadness than anger.*
[Naka] You can't die.
[Oldoka] Well, you can tell that to Ozel. She and her man Giri talk about it all the time. They think I don't know. But I have learned enough Sweeping.
[Oldoka] Especially with him, not so much her. His signs are big and clumsy, easy to see.
[Naka] ...Will it hurt you if I hug you?
* Oldoka laughs.
[Oldoka] No more than anything else.
[Naka] *still frowns, but will give her a hug, sniffling.*
[Nemnosti-GM] As you hug her, Sprig barks loudly from the corner.
[Naka] You don't know, 'Doka. Something could still happen to make it bet--
[Naka] Oh, right, Sprig.
[Oldoka] Oh, whose puppy is that?
[Naka] *will turn and beckon him over.*
[Naka] I guess he's Eng-dur's?
[Naka] We found him last night.
* Sprig barks again, and then growls.
[Naka] Are you okay, pup?
[Naka] You can come over, it's okay.
* Oldoka appears to be quite frightened/wary, unlike he's been anywhere else.
[Oldoka] (ww)
* Sprig appears to be quite frightened/wary, unlike he's been anywhere else.
[Naka] Huh. I wonder what's bothering him.
[Oldoka] Can I hold him?
[Naka] *will reluctantly let go of Oldoka and walk over to the puppy.*
[Naka] Of course.
[Naka] *will pick Sprig up if able.*
[Nemnosti-GM] Make a Larynx check.
[Naka] !roll 1d20+5
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 14 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] The dog really resists being picked up / brought over to Oldoka. It's like her personality has changed in an instant.
[Naka] (Oh, derp, assume I've been using the correct pronouns for the dog :P )
[Naka] Sprig, seriously, what is your deal? No one's gonna hurt you. You're perfectly safe.
[Oldoka] It's ok, it doesn't matter. There are weird smells over here. Perfumes, medicines, that kind of thing.
[Oldoka] Tell Eng-dur his puppy is very naughty. :)
[Naka] *frowns.*
[Naka] I'm sorry.
[Oldoka] But look, Naka, seriously, the thing I said before. Don't say anything to Hojon. I'm trying to keep strong for him.
[Oldoka] Like ... he's not hard enough to deal with it.
[Oldoka] He needs hope.
[Naka] I'm not even going to make a joke about that. That's how upset I am.
* Oldoka nods.
[Naka] Oldoka, I don't want *you* to lose hope, either.
[Oldoka] I'm not asking you to joke about it. Just ... I needed to tell someone, for someone to know that - it's ok that I'm going to die. I don't *want* to, but it's not the worst thing.
[Naka] *is definitely tearing up, but trying not to.*
[Naka] (quietly) It's not okay. It's not fair. You're the best of us.
[Naka] ...You can't leave us with just Jon-jon.
[Oldoka] Aww ... you've got Eng-dur, you've got Zaren, you've got Ghorgimbe, you've got Ingo.
[Naka] Don't make this okay. It's not, and it shouldn't be. I mean, I don't want you to worry, and I want you to be at peace and everything if it is...inevitable.
[Oldoka] You'll be a great healer someday, Naka. You know why? You'll never give up on someone you care about.
[Naka] But it's not *actually* okay. Maybe *you're* okay with it, and that's probably for the best but...'Doka, don't ask *me* to be okay with it.
* Oldoka nods.
[Oldoka] I won't ask you to.
[Naka] *is just fully crying openly now.*
[Naka] I won't tell anyone, I promise.
[Oldoka] Just - promise you'll take care of the big dummy for me.
[Naka] I'll do my best.
[Naka] And everyone else will, too.
[Oldoka] It just feels like ... I don't know who's inside this place? What kind of monster lives within these walls. Time to find out who I really am. Elujen ... Oldoka ... I don't know.
* Oldoka taps her skull as she says that.
[Naka] *looks a little confused at that.*
[Nemnosti-GM] Make a Brain check please.
[Naka] !roll 1d20+10
* lan-werk2 rolls for Naka: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Naka, you have the strange feeling that you know those words, that you've heard that before. But then the moment passes, and it's gone.
[Nemnosti-GM] Just a strange sense of deja vu.
[Naka] Are you feeling okay? Should I get Ozel?
[Oldoka] I'm ... yeah.
[Oldoka] I guess I should rest.
[Naka] All right, I'll...just let you do that.
* Oldoka gives you a hug, and Sprig barks loudly once again.
[Oldoka] Strange little pup. Say hi to Eng-dur for me.
[Naka] ...I love you, Oldoka. Just wanted to make sure I said it, you know...in case. And I'm not entirely prepared to accept that case, but better safe than sorry.
[Naka] *nods.*
[Naka] Will do.
[Oldoka] I love you too.
[Naka] Okay, you rest, I'll get this little bugger out of your hair.
* Oldoka smiles.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
