Ashnabis session 52

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Session

Session date: May 9, 2021
Fair Cycle date:

Introduction

<AshnabisGM> In all the stories, the rain clouds always part just before the hero of the tale is to be wed. But this is Khurar in Ashnabis, and even heroism is insufficient to stave off the heavy downpours on this, the day of Katenzhi's wedding to Gefraz of the Argolda.
<AshnabisGM> But the venue could not be more ideal. The Argolda are an important Choradani family, after all, and although Gefraz is not its most prestigious representative, the General has made available the halls of Fort Kaskind in honor of the noble guests.
<AshnabisGM> The wedding will be officiated by none other than the high priestess of the colony, Dezmali Jesha of the Hand. Marrying into nobility has its privileges, you suppose.
<AshnabisGM> In the absence of an Argolda lineage house, the General has opened several halls for the family, and graciously allowed some space for you too, Kat, so that you're not trying to change into your wedding dress on the boat.

Katenzhi prepares for her wedding, with help from her mother

<AshnabisGM> Katenzhi, you are getting ready, with your family nearby either helping you with your dress, jewelry, and makeup (your mother), or fretting anxiously about how everything will go today (your father).
<Shiklazh> You look beautiful, my sweet. How are you feeling? Not too nervous?
<Katenzhi> I just need to remember that I've called lightning down on swamp monsters. I can handle this. Probably.
<Shiklazh> No lightning today!
* Shiklazh says firmly.
* Romoga laughs.
<Romoga> The ceremony is indoors, fortunately.
<Katenzhi> Well, none from me at least. It's petty nasty out.
* Romoga looks out the window.
<Romoga> I still think maybe we should have had the ceremony in Choradan - only a few of his family will make such a trip.
<Katenzhi> It was best all aound, I think.
<Shiklazh> Well, it's too late for that now. They already arrived - his parents, his brother, sister, and the sister's husband - and we need to put on a good display for them, so they'll see how well Gefraz is marrying.
<Katenzhi> Right. That's exactly the reason my wedding should be nice.
<Romoga> I suppose so. As long as it all goes well.
<Shiklazh> Yes, so they know their money is well spent :)
* Katenzhi sighs.
<Shiklazh> Don't be worried, though - I'm sure everything will be fine and afterwards, you can relax and have a good time.
* Shiklazh gives you a gentle hug, careful not to disarrange your hair or dress.
<Katenzhi> ight. Looking forwad to it.
<Romoga> He's a good man, your Gefraz.
<Katenzhi> Yeah... he actually is.
<Shiklazh> We're very proud of you, my dear.
<Katenzhi> I just never thought this day would come.
<Katenzhi> Hoped... actually.
<Katenzhi> But he is a good man. I could do a lot worse.
<Katenzhi> And thank you both for... all of this. Everything.
<Katenzhi> I know you only want what's best for me.
<Romoga> All we did is give you a gentle nudge.
<Shiklazh> After this, we will be out of your hair! until grandchildren begin to arrive, that is :D
<Katenzhi> yaaaaaaay...
<Katenzhi> Is everyone where they're supposed to be?
<Shiklazh> I think it's just about time... we should get into place.
<Romoga> Yes, I think so.
* Katenzhi hugs her mother and gives her father a kiss on the cheek.
<Katenzhi> Wish me luck, I guess.
<Shiklazh> The very best.
<Romoga> Full fortune to you, my beloved daughter.
* Katenzhi smiles, genuinely.
<Katenzhi> Thank you.

The wedding of Katenzhi and Gefraz takes place!

<AshnabisGM> Most of you haven't spent much time in the interior of the Fort - nor have you had much reason to want to. But the place definitely has its appeal. You knew there was a lot of construction last summer on the outbuildings, but the Fort itself has had lots of recent interior construction, mostly decorative.
<AshnabisGM> Spring greens bedeck the walls and the Argolda banner has been erected here and there near the suite of halls where the event will take place.
<AshnabisGM> The great hall itself, an oblong chamber with high round windows above you, lit by oil lamps along the long walls, is one of the least local-looking parts of Ashnabis any of you have ever been to.
<AshnabisGM> Even the Omban elites like Galdai normally make accommodations to local architectural practice and the climate of the Sestapor. Here, there is none of that - it is humid and sparse.
<AshnabisGM> None of you have ever been to a Choradani wedding, and the most recent wedding you were at, Lllillilli's traditional Aummesh ceremony, was very different.
<AshnabisGM> Like hers, this one features a procession of the bride, but instead of various lineage members, Katenzhi is escorted by a cadre of armed sentinels from the Fort in full dress armor, as if they were guarding a precious treasure. The journey is just down the hall, rather than through the whole town.
<AshnabisGM> A great bass horn signals your arrival in the great hall for the gathered guests, who rise and stand at attention. A young girl, perhaps a sentinel in training, sprinkles heavily scented water from a chain in front of you, moistening your path.
<AshnabisGM> One thing that is the same is the presentation of the bridewealth - that coin, previously agreed upon, that compensates Katenzhi's father for the loss of her labor to the family.
<AshnabisGM> Gefraz is led out by his father Kertu, along with other members of the Argolda clan who surround him, holding great spikes upon which vines spiral down to the floor. The groom himself is wearing a long, elegant coat trimmed with gold braid, and his mustache is neatly curled.
<AshnabisGM> Daifan, your attention was mostly on Katenzhi at first, naturally, but as she heads down to her new husband's family, you see a familiar face among them.
<AshnabisGM> A tall dark man stands among the shorter, olive-toned Argoldas. After a moment, you recognize it as Khesh. You have absolutely no idea what he is doing here. He does not appear to see you or notice you - if indeed he would recognize you anymore. But you are certain that it is him.
* Daifan unconsiously grips Junan's hand more tightly
<AshnabisGM> The high priestess Dezmali extends her hands towards the bride and groom, drawing you towards her.
* Dezmali is wearing resplendent long black robes, with a gold-lined belt around her waist. Her presence fills the room and all eyes are upon her as she begins to speak.
<Dezmali> Before the eyes of the ancestors and living members of the Argolda and Lovresi lineages, we come to join these their descendants Gefraz and Katenzhi in marriage.
<Dezmali> Once, all Kinds were one Kind, and all Clans were one Clan. But the Unfolding is unpredictable, and Coherence is fleeting. The cosmic egg is forever cracked.
<Dezmali> Yet a marriage is our way, as men and women, of claiming back Coherence against the sorrows of life. The joining of these two Clans, Argolda and Lovresi, serves to please the ancestors whose lives and deeds bring us to this moment of choice.
<Dezmali> Our ancestors beseech us: create life! Our ancestors command us: have hope!
* Dezmali takes an ornate silver bowl full of water and offers you each a sip from it.
<Dezmali> Without water there is no life - may you be blessed with a long and satisfying life together.
* Katenzhi takes a sip from it.
* Gefraz does as well.
* Dezmali then follows this with a second bowl full of newly-sprouted grains, presenting you each with a few to eat.
<Dezmali> Each seed has within it the potential to bring forth new life - may you be blessed with a fruitful and productive life together.
* Dezmali takes a third bowl, this one full of a mix of spices, and offers you a taste.
<Dezmali> Spices give seasoning to life - may you be blessed with a prosperous and delightful life together.
* Dezmali mixes the substances together - spices, grains, and water - and places them aside for your later post-ceremony meal.
* Dezmali then brings forth a long black cloth. She wraps one end around your right forearm, then brings it over to wrap around Gefraz's left forearm.
<Dezmali> Let this show that you are now bound to one another, with a tie that you have chosen and accepted willingly. You are now husband and wife.
* Gefraz gives you a kiss that's long enough to convince the relatives but short enough not to be too much of an imposition.
<Katenzhi> (Awww, he's so thoughtful :3)
<AshnabisGM> A great cheer goes up throughout the hall!
<AshnabisGM> The new couple leads the procession westwards down a long hallway, then north through an enclosed courtyard where a quartet of players of long Choradani stringed instruments serenades you onward.
* Katenzhi smiles at the crowd
<AshnabisGM> You head finally into a great round banquet hall, laid out already for the guests. The scent of smoked meats and spices fills the air. You honestly don't know who's paying for this, the Argolda or the Fort. As long as it's not you, you're not sure you care.
<AshnabisGM> There is a great dais at the center of the room for you and Gefraz, with all the other tables around the walls, looking inward towards the new married couple.
<AshnabisGM> And now, the great wedding feast!
* Katenzhi will smile at Gefraz and walk with him up to the dais

Daifan and Junan talk about Khesh, and Junan goes to speak with him in disguise

* Daifan tries to figure out why Khesh is here based o where he winds up sitting.... make he married into the family somehow?
<AshnabisGM> Daifan, you are still shocked and confused to see Khesh here with the groom's family. However, observing him during the ceremony, you see he stands next to a shorter, brown-haired woman in a fine copper-coloured silk gown, who leans on his arm for support and gazes up at him affectionately.
<AshnabisGM> She must be one of the groom's close family members, perhaps a sister, and thus - maybe? - Khesh's betrothed or even his wife?
<AshnabisGM> You don't really know what to make of it - did he somehow escape any serious punishment for his crimes? Does his new partner know about his past? What would she think of you, if she did know?
<AshnabisGM> You had almost expected never to see him again, and yet here he stands, mingling with the rich and important guests at the wedding of your friend.
<AshnabisGM> Surely he would not expect to see you here either - in all probability he doesn't know where you went after you left Kindalto, nor would he be likely to immediately recognize you the way you look now.
<Daifan> . o O (poor woman - his family must have sent him away, and she probably has no idea)
* Daifan will just try and avoid him if possible
<Junan> <w> somethings got you rattled
<Daifan> mmm... I know that man, from home. He is not someone I thought I would ever have to see again, and I would rather not.
* Daifan says with a subtle nod towards him
* Junan looks... anyone recoginizable?
* Daifan speaks quietly
<Daifan> he's the whole reason I left.
<Junan> I'm sure he can be easily avoided, if that is what you want.
<Junan> Or you could fuck with him
<Junan> up to you
* Daifan considers
<Daifan> No, I don't think its worth it.
<Daifan> You can do what you want though ;)
<Junan> I may do some subtle prodding... at least find out how he ended up here.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> Find out when he's leaving >.>
<Junan> just in case its something that we need to know.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> thanks. I thk he's... married, maybe, or betrothed to one of Gefraz's sisters
* Daifan will nod to the shorter woman he's with
<Junan> a Daligashi entwined with a Choridani family is always worth a few questions
<Daifan> mmhmm
<Junan> (do I have time just to go up to the family and start chatting?)
<AshnabisGM> Sure, you can do that.
<AshnabisNarrator> Yeah, people are generally mingling, you can probably do so without seeming out of place.
* Shiklazh is now known as Khesh
* Junan will mingle up and perform masterful small talk to get into a conversation with the family
<Junan> such dreadful weather for a long trip. I do hope you managed to arrive before the rain!
<Khesh> Oh, we teleported, so it wasn't much trouble. I did expect it to be warmer, though.
<Junan> A yes the bounty of fos does make such journeys so much shorter.
<Junan> I always find it makes me so dizzy
<Junan> So you teleport in from where in Daligash?
<Khesh> Ah, I live in Kindi Nalto, with my wife's family, although I did grow up in Daligash.
<Khesh> I see I must still have something of an accent :)
<Junan> Oh there I go again, blundering into assumptions again.
<Khesh> Are you a friend of the bride, or her family?
<Junan> I hear lots of accents, part of being a good trader and all, you see
* Khesh nods
<Junan> Friend of the bride's side, but I couldnt miss such a big show in the Fort
<Khesh> It's quite impressive - I wasn't sure what to expect from the colony but it's quite something. I hope we'll have a chance to see more than just the fort, over the time we're here.
<Junan> Planning to endure the humidity for a time longer and not whisk away back home?
<Junan> If you are, I might be able to introduce you to a few people. Always people looking for investors.
<Khesh> Ah, it isn't entirely up to me, but I imagine the expense of the trip, it would make sense to spend a few days at least, perhaps a week, to see their son settled properly, further ties with any business dealings in the area, and so on.
<Khesh> What sort of business are you in, that seeks investors?
<Junan> Ah too bad... I need to head out of town for a week or so... was hoping maybe when I get back... oh well, cant knock a fellow for trying.
<Khesh> Well, what is your name, or where we can contact you, should it prove possible?
<Junan> What business is almost everyone out here in? Do you really have to ask?
<Khesh> Fos trade?
* Khesh guesses
<Junan> Names Gasu Zergigh... if you're still in town leave a message for me at the Red Stump... sure you can find the place.
<Khesh> Very well, I'll keep that in mind. Good to meet you.
<Junan> And you
* Junan has a deep gut chuckle
<Junan> Time to enjoy more of the General's wine!
<Khesh> An excellent idea!
* Junan will slip away
<Junan> Oh what was your name again?
* Junan calls back?
<Khesh> Oh, my name is Khesh, of the Zhurunaika lineage.
* Junan nods
<Junan> Got it!

Katenzhi is surprised by the presence of her uncle Gasku

* Gefraz will bring you a cup of wine, Katenzhi.
<Gefraz> Here you are... it's so crowded, I almost lost you :)
<Katenzhi> Oh, you're a lifesaver!
<Gefraz> I guess that's why they tie us together.
* Katenzhi will smile and accept it gratefully.
* Katenzhi laughs.
<Katenzhi> How are you doing?
<Gefraz> I'm fine - the most stressful part is over. How about you?
* Katenzhi shrugs. "I'm ok, I think. It's weird to think about, you know? But at least the party is good."
<Katenzhi> How's your family doing?
<Gefraz> Fine, they're happy to be here. I know they're planning on staying for a short visit, but I don't think it will be too long, fortunately.
<Katenzhi> Good, good. I hope everyone is finally happy on both sides, at least.
* Gefraz nods
<Katenzhi> At least until we start getting the children questions...
<Gefraz> Heh, well, they can have some patience on that.
* Katenzhi laughs.
<Katenzhi> Let's hope so.
<Gefraz> You know I don't want to rush you into anything.
<Katenzhi> I know. And I appreciate that.
<Katenzhi> We'll see what happens.
* Gefraz nods
<Katenzhi> Thank you. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me.
<Katenzhi> I'm really lucky, and I know that.
<Gefraz> Well, I appreciate and respect you as well. Thank you for doing me the honour of marrying me.
* Katenzhi smiles.
* Katenzhi will lean in and kiss him again quickly, probably eliciting some cheers from the crowd nearby.
<Katenzhi> Any time.
<AshnabisGM> Katenzhi, at last the ceremony is over with, and you can breathe more easily, since it all went smoothly.
<AshnabisGM> Your father and, to a more subdued extent, your mother, are greeting guests with hearty handshakes and claps on the shoulder, as they celebrate their good fortune.
<AshnabisGM> As you stand next to your mother, a man approaches who you don't recognize. He's tall, maybe in his 50s or so, with curly grey hair and a scattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose, and wears a Choradani coat with blue and white embroidery.
<AshnabisGM> He looks a bit uncertain as he comes up to you, or rather to your mother.
* Shiklazh turns to look at him and you see her face go pale and slack.
<Shiklazh> ...Gasku?
<Katenzhi> Mother? Are you ok?
* Dezmali is now known as Gasku
<Gasku> Sister, I know it's been too many years. I hope my presence is not unwelcome.
<Shiklazh> Oh, ancestors, it's really you. I had no idea... I didn't think I would ever see you again...
* Shiklazh looks like she's torn between yelling at him and hugging him, and settles for bursting into tears and ruining her makeup.
<Katenzhi> Sis... what...
* Gasku steps back, unsure how to respond.
<Gasku> I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
<Shiklazh> Why are you here?
<Shiklazh> Where have you been all this time?
* Gasku pauses.
<Gasku> I've been living in Balul, working as a trader there, and I came to Kindi Nasku on business when I heard about the wedding of Katenzhi Lovresi to one of the Argolda. Well, I knew it had to be your daughter.
<Katenzhi> Mother...
* Shiklazh wipes at her face, trying to clean up the tears.
<Gasku> I'm sorry I didn't send word, but I... I admit I didn't want to be turned away before having a few moments to see you. Of course, if you want me to leave now, I will, but I'll do so knowing I made this much effort to see my niece's wedding.
* Shiklazh takes a deep breath, making an effort to compose herself.
<Katenzhi> U... uncle...?
<Shiklazh> Yes. This is your niece, my daughter Katenzhi. Katenzhi, this is your uncle Gasku - you wouldn't remember him, you were just small when last you saw him.
<Katenzhi> I remember. I... we all thought you were dead.
<Gasku> For a long time, I might as well have been.
<Gasku> It took me time to rebuild... to feel as though there was any point in living. Eventually, though, I found a reason to keep going. I married again, to my wife Kilta, and we have three children, a son and two daughters.
<Katenzhi> You...
<Gasku> My eldest, Nanegh, is here with me. He helps with the business and wanted to come.
<Katenzhi> Oh ancestors...
<Shiklazh> Your eldest...
<Katenzhi> You... you don't know?
* Shiklazh gives you a Look
<Shiklazh> <w> Daughter, maybe this is not the time...
* Katenzhi nods dumbly.
<Katenzhi> Of course... I'm sorry, I'm just... startled.
<Gasku> Know what?
<Katenzhi> Nothing. It's not important.
<Katenzhi> I'm just... I can't believe you're here.
<Shiklazh> We have a lot to catch up on.
<Gasku> I don't mean to have intruded on your day.
<Gasku> It's been a long time.
<Katenzhi> No, of course. You're welcome here.
* Shiklazh nods, still looking rather dazed.
* Gasku smiles.
<Gasku> Thank you.
<Gasku> I'll give you some space. You have many guests to greet.
<Katenzhi> Of course. But... how long are you staying in town?
<Katenzhi> My mother is right, we have a lot to catch up on.
<Gasku> A few days, at least.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Shiklazh> Your son, is he here with you as well? Or .. where are you staying?
<Gasku> Yes, he's here. We have a room at an inn.
* Katenzhi nods again.
<Katenzhi> If you two will excuse me for just a moment... I have to... do things...
<Gasku> Of course.
* Katenzhi will rush off to find Jimba and/or Llillilli.