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.

Daifan and Junan, in disguise, flirt with Jimba

* Junan lets Daifan know what he learned and then point out Jimba
<Junan> If he does stick around or is despirate to get his feet into something, we'll probably know
<Daifan> mmmm, yes, lets pay atention to someone more worthy ;)
* Daifan nods
<Junan> lets have some fun :)
* Daifan will grab an extra glass of wine and go to encircle our target ^-^
* Jimba will be making the rounds, chatting with folks.
<Junan> I told you, look at those shoulders and that tan... he's knows how to work a mast, I'm sure of it.
<Jimba> (Chatting is kind of his default)
<Daifan> Oh, yes!
<Daifan> Hey sailor - offer you a drink? ;)
* Daifan says, proferring the wine
<Jimba> (Okay, so, do I roll Perception?)
<Jimba> (Also, what're y'all's disguises like?)
<Daifan> (yeah perception, I guess we shudl actaully make rolls ;)
<Junan> (ok)
* Daifan is a nicely dressed lady
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+15
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 30 ].
* Junan is a well dressed merchant with a fine trimmed beard
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+13
* Daifan rolls [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 26 ]
<Jimba> I certainly wouldn't say no. ;)
<Junan> !roll 1d20+17
* Daifan rolls for Junan: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 27 ].
<Daifan> (we can probably each boost the other with an assist, and I have a disguise kit. i.e. fancy makeup too that I didn't include in the roll)
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> You're part of the bride's family?
<Jimba> Cousin, on her mother's side. Jimba of the Ghughife.
<Jimba> And you?
<Junan> (yeah those bonuses would make them +4 higher)
<Daifan> (yeah)
* Daifan smiles at Junan
<Daifan> Or, we have good buiness with the fort so.. technicaly we're party crashers, but who could resist such a lovely shindig? ;)
<Jimba> Indeed. I'm...not even really sure who's paying for all this.
<Jimba> But, hey, it's not me, so drink up. ;)
* Daifan grins
<Daifan> Its all good for business - and nice to get out of the rain, whew!
<Junan> So did we guess right? You are a sailor?
<Jimba> Hmm? Oh, yes. Sailor, trader, surveyor...jack of all trades, really.
<Daifan> you cetainly have the shoulders >:D
* Jimba smirks at that.
<Daifan> very versitile - sounds fun ^-^
<Junan> How do you endure those lonely days at sea? It would drive me crazy?
<Jimba> Well, I think every sailor finds ways to pass the time.
<Daifan> I'm sure - and even better when you come back to land, right?
<Junan> Maybe you make up for it while you're back in port. Like on nights like this?
* Jimba chuckles.
<Jimba> Those stories are exaggerated. Mostly. ;)
<Jimba> What sort of business do you do with the fort?
<Daifan> Maybe, - but this is a party - a joyous occasion, to celebrat a happying...comig together ;)
<Jimba> And, I'm sorry, I completely forgot to get your names.
<Daifan> of a new couple :D
<Junan> I'm not sure we even mentioned them
* Junan gives a sly smile
<Jimba> I was trying to ask...
<Daifan> no but wed be happy to get more acquainted ^-^
<Daifan> I'm Afra
<Junan> Gasu
<Jimba> A pleasure to...make your acquaintance.
<Daifan> well we certainly hope so ^-^
* Daifan says, resting their hand on Jimba's arm for a moment ;)
<Junan> Afra likes strong hands
<Junan> I'm inclined to agree we her
<Jimba> I'm fairly partial to them myself, though I've got...wide-ranging interests.

Katenzhi interrupts to tell Jimba his father is there

* Katenzhi will come jogging up as fast as possible in her dress.
<Katenzhi> Jimba!
<Jimba> Kat!
* Daifan looks over
<Daifan> Oh, the bride herself!
<Jimba> Hey, congratulations.
* Katenzhi looks at the two people with him.
<Jimba> I haven't had a chance to say that yet.
<Katenzhi> Jimba I need to talk to you... now.
<Daifan> yes, what lovely earrings those are
<Daifan> chose in excellent taste ;)
<Junan> You must be excited for such a wonderful event
<Daifan> (Assuming Daifan picked them out ;)
<Jimba> Sure. Kat, have you met Afra and Gasu?
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+15
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 27 ].
<Junan> I styled my beard just to match this wonderful occsaison
<Katenzhi> (Perception)
<Jimba> (Has Kat not seen Daifan in disguise earlier?)
<Daifan> (not... quite, but probably D looks... strangely fmailiar? ;)
<Daifan> (Oh yeah, she might know)
<Katenzhi> (You had a 26, didn't you?)
<Junan> (I dont think we would keep that a secret from Kat since she would want you to be here)
<Jimba> (Well, there were possible modifiers, but, yeah, I think Kat would know?)
<Daifan> (yeah)
<Katenzhi> Daifan... I really need to talk to my cousin right now...
<Daifan> (she can know that's fine)
<Daifan> ...is everything okay?
<Jimba> I knew it!
<Katenzhi> No.
* Daifan says, ther demeanor changin for overtly flirty to concerned
* Katenzhi will grab Jimba's arm and tug him away to a corner.
* Jimba snaps his fingers and turns to point at Daifan accusatorily.
<Junan> What's happened?
<Daifan> ...they can tel us later
* Jimba lets himself be dragged away.
<Jimba> Kat, what's going on?
<Daifan> We can go fid Llillilli though and let her know something is happening
<Jimba> You look like someone died.
<Katenzhi> Ok listen... I need to tell you something and it may be the most important thing I've ever told you and... here, have a drink first.
* Katenzhi catches a glass of something off a table and hands it to him.
<Jimba> I've had a couple. I'm fine.
<Jimba> What's going on.
* Jimba is now serious.
<Katenzhi> Please don't freak out...
<Jimba> Maybe not the best lead-in.
<Katenzhi> ...your father is here.
<Jimba> ...
<Jimba> What?
<Katenzhi> He... he just came up to me and mother. He said... he heard about the wedding.
<Katenzhi> He's... he's really here.
<Jimba> Huh.
* Jimba looks stunned.
<Jimba> Wow. That's...
<Katenzhi> Are you ok?
<Jimba> Uh, wow.
<Jimba> Yeah, no, I'm all right.
<Katenzhi> I'm sorry I... didn't know how else to tell you.
<Jimba> Kat, this is your big day. You should be out mingling and enjoying it.
<Katenzhi> Jimba, this is so much more important than my stupid fake wedding.
* Katenzhi glances around quickly to make sure no one heard that.
<Jimba> Hey. It's completely real.
<Katenzhi> I mean, it's a real wedding, yeah, but.... whatever, that's not the issue right now.
* Jimba smirks.
<Katenzhi> Do you... do you want to see him?
<Jimba> ...I think so?
<Jimba> Can you point him out?
* Katenzhi will look around the room and try to surreptitiously point out the grey haired man in the blue and white coat.
<Jimba> Huh. Okay.
<Jimba> You talked to him?
<Katenzhi> Briefly. He said he'd be in town a few days. He's staying at the inn.
<Katenzhi> With his... son.
<Jimba> His son?
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> Jimba... whatever you need me to do...
<Katenzhi> Just tell me.
<Katenzhi> Wedding be damned.

Daifan lets Llillilli know of the family drama

* Daifan will spy their friend and hurry over towards her at the buffet
* Llillilli stands awkwardly off to one side
* Daifan drags Junan along
<Daifan> Hey Sunshine - it's me
* Llillilli blinks
<Llillilli> Oh. Hello.
<Daifan> I think there's something going on with Kat - she just came and grabbed Jimba off to the corner over there. She seemed upset.
* Llillilli frowns.
<Llillilli> Jimba is better at these things...
* Daifan gives a guiding look over in the direction
* Llillilli looks over to where Kat and Jimba are.
<Daifan> yes - but is anythig happens I just wanted you to be aware
<Llillilli> !roll 1d20+8
* Daifan rolls for Llillilli: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 15 ].
<Llillilli> (lol nope)
<Llillilli> Okay...
* Llillilli looks doubtful.
<Daifan> She didn't want to talk to us so... maybe it is some trouble for just him? or something from the family?
<Llillilli> Probably her parents.
<Daifan> that would make sense...
<Junan> The look on Kat's face has me worried
* Llillilli sighs.
<Llillilli> Fine. I will go,
* Llillilli does that

Llillilli joins Jimba and Katenzhi and they discuss what to do about Gasku

* Llillilli approaches the two of you
<Llillilli> Is something wrong?
<Jimba> Sister, I was just going to come find you.
<Katenzhi> Oh! Llillilli!
<Jimba> There's some, uh, some news. For us.
<Katenzhi> Jimba... do you need me to... tell her?
* Llillilli frowns.
<Jimba> No.
<Llillilli> What is it?
<Jimba> Llillilli...our father is here.
* Jimba knows his sister prefers blunt honesty.
* Llillilli stares at you blankly for a moment,
<Llillilli> We have no father.
<Jimba> Well, we sort of have two.
<Llillilli> What are you talking about.
<Jimba> But, I mean, the man who is our paternal relative by blood.
<Jimba> He's here, at the wedding.
<Jimba> Kat spoke to him.
<Katenzhi> He came up to me after the wedding...
<Katenzhi> My mother recognized him...
<Llillilli> ...
<Katenzhi> Do you need a drink?
<Llillilli> No.
* Llillilli scowls while also looking confused.
<Llillilli> Why is he here?
<Jimba> His niece got married.
<Katenzhi> He said he heard about the wedding. He wanted to see me.
<Llillilli> ... Jimba, will he cause you a problem?
<Jimba> What? No, I'm okay.
<Jimba> Is it going to be a problem for you?
<Llillilli> Does he know... what happened to our mother, I mean.
* Jimba nods.
<Katenzhi> I don't know. He... doesn't know about either of you.
<Llillilli> He left us... for those priests to take.
* Jimba nods.
<Katenzhi> He had just seen his wife murdered in front of him.
<Jimba> To the best of my knowledge, as far as he knows, we were raised by the Hand, yes.
<Katenzhi> Do you want it to stay that way?
* Katenzhi asks both of you.
<Jimba> You don't have to make excuses for him, Kat. I don't blame him. I don't think it was right, but...who am I to judge.
<Jimba> It was a long time ago.
<Jimba> (to Llillilli) I think I'd like to talk to him, but, if you'd prefer I didn't, that'd be all right as well.
<Llillilli> It is up to you.
<Jimba> I'm not sure I'd even want to tell him who I am.
<Jimba> That's...very complicated and delicate.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Jimba> But meeting him...might be nice.
<Katenzhi> What if... what if my parents tell him?
* Jimba frowns, thinking on that.
<Llillilli> I would be surprised,
<Jimba> Maybe...maybe Auntie Shiklazh should talk to him.
<Jimba> It's as much her story as ours or his.
<Katenzhi> Maybe you two should talk to her tonight.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Later, though.
<Jimba> I'm serious about you enjoying your day, Kat.
<Katenzhi> Jimba...
* Jimba puts on his best smile.
<Jimba> I'm fine.
<Jimba> Eat. Drink. Be merry. All of that.
* Katenzhi looks at Llillilli to gauge how she's doing.
* Jimba will be looking at her as well.
* Llillilli 's expression is hard to read.
<Katenzhi> Llillilli... are you ok?
<Llillilli> Which one is he?
* Katenzhi will point him out again.
* Llillilli stares
<Llillilli> Hm.
<Jimba> Kat, seriously, get back to your guests. We'll be okay.
<Jimba> We stand warned, we're fine.
<Katenzhi> Are you sure?
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Yeah.
<Jimba> You look really beautiful, by the way.
* Llillilli folds her arms over her chest, still staring at the guy.
<Jimba> Not sure if I'd mentioned.
<Katenzhi> Ok. If you need me at all...
* Katenzhi smiles.
<Katenzhi> Thanks...
* Jimba smiles.
<Jimba> (to Llillilli) Want to take a walk?
<Llillilli> I am fine
* Katenzhi will go back to check on her mother and make sure she's alright.
<Jimba> All right. Would you mind walking with me?
<Llillilli> If you want.
* Jimba will take advantage of the size of the fort to get some privacy from the festivities.
* Llillilli is quiet.
<Jimba> Are you upset I want to talk to him?
<Llillilli> No.
<Jimba> All right.
<Llillilli> Though I don't understand why.
<Jimba> Morbid curiosity?
<Llillilli> Hm.
<Jimba> You're right. He's not our father, in any way that matters.
<Llillilli> He's a coward.
<Jimba> But he also didn't know he *could
* have been.
<Jimba> We don't know that.
<Jimba> People aren't defined by one moment in their lives.
<Llillilli> Sometimes they are.
* Jimba half-smiles.
<Llillilli> Like Yeggun turned the corner when he killed those children.
* Jimba 's face hardens at that.
<Jimba> This is not the same.
<Llillilli> Not in scale.
<Jimba> I'm not saying he was right in what he did.
<Jimba> But I'm also not willing to say it's not worth knowing him because he did this one wrong thing.
<Llillilli> You are a generous man.
* Jimba sighs and chuckles.
<Jimba> So everyone tells me.
<Llillilli> Will you tell him?
<Llillilli> Who you are? Who we are?
<Jimba> I don't know.
<Jimba> Who I am...I can deal with. Who *we
* are...that's more complicated.
<Jimba> I don't want to make anything difficult for you.
* Llillilli snorts
<Jimba> Or for auntie and uncle, or Kat.
<Llillilli> I'm not worried about myself.
<Jimba> I know you don't particularly care for it...well, most anywhere, but you *do
* live here, and who and what we are being public could cause problems.
<Jimba> For Thelef, for instance.
* Llillilli scowls.
<Llillilli> Thelef...
<Jimba> His family can be...well, you know how they are.
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> I should probably just leave well enough alone.
<Llillilli> It is up to you, brother.
<Llillilli> He came to see his sister's daughter married... maybe he would put her interests above... "revealing" us
<Llillilli> (air quotes)
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> One would hope.
* Jimba sighs again.
<Jimba> I never hated it until I got here. The...secret.
<Llillilli> Mm.
<Jimba> Back home, it only mattered to Uncle Romoga, obviously, but here...
* Llillilli nods.
<Jimba> The whole business is so stupid.
<Llillilli> Ghoulish.
* Llillilli says bitterly.
<Jimba> Ancestors be damned. We are people. Daifan is a person. Same as anyone else.
* Llillilli nods.
* Jimba chuckles bitterly.
<Llillilli> I know my worth. I hope you do as well.
* Llillilli offers a small smile
* Jimba gives a small smile back.
<Jimba> I don't know if I've mentioned this to you, but there's this guy I like. He's a friend of Daifan's, but if I was public with him, I couldn't help them, and if I'm not willing to be public, he doesn't want to be with me...
<Jimba> Ugh!
<Jimba> I know that's just a little thing, but it's this whole shitty situation.
<Llillilli> A man from Banei?
* Jimba nods.
* Llillilli frowns.
<Llillilli> I am sorry... That is a terrible situation. :(
<Llillilli> ALl of it... so stupid. Like you said.
<Jimba> Yeah.
<Llillilli> HOw can anyone decide who is a person, based on what time their mother died? Ridiculous. Barbaric.
* Jimba shrugs.
<Jimba> Who decides any of it? The people who came before.
<Llillilli> They should stay dead where they belong.