Ashnabis session 65
Summary
Session
Session date: December 5, 2021
Fair Cycle date:
Introduction
<AshnabisGM> Say what you will about the sentinels, but they certainly do give off an air of efficiency. In the wake of the Duel-at-Masts at Kaskind harbor, the sentinels clear the crowd and manage to get onto the Fortune to retrieve Yeggun, even as Jimba's friends hauled him off to treat his injuries.
<AshnabisGM> The reports of Yeggun's demise spread quickly, even as the sentinels and the Fort remain tight-lipped about the whole thing. Yeggun was not much loved by most, but the Cormorant Fleet still has a following among the common folk of the Bay. Jimba, they haven't erected a statue in your honor yet, but neither have you been hauled up on charges. So there's that.
<AshnabisGM> The Fortune has been cared for by Sizhif and the staff at the harbor who ensured her a berth, although she could probably use a good mopping in places. As for the remnants of the Cormorant Fleet, not much has been heard as yet.
<AshnabisGM> In unrelated news, absolutely nothing happened to a baby and no earth-shattering magic whatsoever happened to anyone, living, dead, or ... other. Nope, absolutely everything is perfectly normal in Banei and at the estate of the Princess Ziftu, just the way you all like it.
<AshnabisGM> Now, a week later, just at the start of Dezhiri, as the rains lessen, you are gathered as a group on the Menagerie where Jimba has been recuperating, to take stock of your situation, to talk to one another about what has happened, and what has yet to come.
The group talk with Jimba as he recuperates
* Daifan has been stopping by regularly to check in on Jimba anway
<Junan> How's the recovery going Jimba?
<Junan> Your family bringing you enough wine?
<Daifan> he's still very bad at resting
<Llillilli> Mm.
* Jimba chuckles, then winces.
<Jimba> I'm doing fine.
<Daifan> better than I heard of Yeggun, anyway
<Jimba> Besides, rest is overrated.
* Jimba frowns at that.
<Daifan> YOu just never learned how to do it right ;)
<Junan> that just means you're not doing it right
* Junan smiles at Daifan
* Jimba smiles at that.
<Jimba> Cute, but, I promise you, I'm fine.
<Jimba> Besides, I think there are bigger things to worry about.
<Daifan> a few less, at least
<Junan> but having you bright eyed and bushy tailed sooner is better for everyone
<Jimba> Any news on Brother Bones and his botanical, uh...babe? That doesn't seem right, but I was going for alliteration.
<Daifan> mmmhmm
<Daifan> Mmm, the lat I saw him, he was looking forward to the change still. And he had resolved his unfinished business
<Daifan> I don't know if they have gone ahead with it yet though
<Junan> would he change his mind?
<Daifan> I don't think so
* Junan nods
<Junan> So I'm trying to plan a little trip to Charadip in the near future, and I was hoping you would be well enough to help out, Jimba.
<Jimba> I'm sure I can manage. What's going on?
<Junan> you remember Zefa?
<Llillilli> Barely.
<Daifan> ugh, yes
<Jimba> Yeah...
<Daifan> I blame her for the Bogwiggles on top of everything else
<Junan> She's the one responsible for that prospectors death, our very first outing for the land registry
<Daifan> and there is a lot
* Daifan nods
<Junan> she's been removed from the order of Envoys for doing some murdering and is on the run, hiding in Charadip
<Llillilli> Ah, her.
<Veznara> And you're going there to... what? To bring her in?
<Junan> for sure if she'll come
* Llillilli frowns.
<Jimba> And if not?
<Junan> we bring her back anyway, and if we cant do that, we dont let her escape.
<Veznara> Offhand, it doesn't seem likely that she'll just come with you...
<Junan> She admitted to trying to raise tensions between the fort and charadip to start a war. She murdered to keep it a secret.
<Junan> this is not a nice person we're talking about.
* Jimba nods.
<Veznara> She did?
<Jimba> Considering what I just went through, i can't really argue.
<Veznara> Is Charadip aware of what she's done?
<Junan> yep, conflict brings opportunity for profit... just at the expense of peoples lives
<Junan> as for Charadip...some might know, and were helping, some might not know or even care
<Junan> they're not exactly a unified group... which is the best way for them to be
<Junan> she did have mystics in her employ
<Junan> I'm still working on the details and I am asking for your help if willing.
<Daifan> you know I will
<Jimba> Of course.
<Jimba> Whatever, whenever.
<Llillilli> ... I don't know. I'm not a bounty hunter.
<Llillilli> Or a sentinel.
<Jimba> Neither are we.
<Jimba> But she's hurting people.
<Junan> there is definitly no sentinels in Charadip.
<Daifan> With Zefa - I wold liek o see her caught. BUt I'm also worried about whatever other plots she's mixed up in
<Daifan> it isn't like with Galdai, where she was the one responsible for everything
<Daifan> but it is still personal
<Llillilli> How?
<Daifan> So.... I wasn to se her stopped, and also whatever else is happening.
<Junan> You've got a good head if things get dangerous, and I would appreciate you being there.
<Daifan> Zefa used us to start this whole thing.
<Llillilli> You know how I feel about doing the fort's dirty work.
<Daifan> to cover the murder and let her take that land
<Daifan> Mmhmm. I do.
<Daifan> For me this is beyond the fort.
<Veznara> I take it that it's the Envoys who are most interested in this, though?
<Llillilli> It's just more of the *same thing
* that started this. People moving us around like game pieces to achieve their own ends.
* Llillilli thins her lips.
<Daifan> I don't think that just becaue the General wants something done t is the wrong thing.
<Daifan> we can make our own judgements here.
<Daifan> that is the difference - We know more.
<Jimba> I trust Daifan and Junan on this.
<Junan> The Envoys expelled her. They'll ask for her to be brought in but they wont do anything beyond that... its hard for them as a group to take action and maintain thier role.
<Daifan> she killed another envoy, as well as that farmer.... that we know of
<Veznara> So they aren't actually authorizing, ah, lethal force?
<Daifan> I don't think they can? Thy're envoys, not reckoners
<Llillilli> So why not send reckoners
<Llillilli> This is exactly the kind of thing I did not want to be doing.
<Daifan> reckoners aren't enforcers either
<Jimba> You don't have to go, Llillilli.
<Daifan> I know you don't want to be a tool of the fort, but I dn't think this is that
<Jimba> It's one person. I'm sure we can handle her.
<Daifan> and yes - you don't have to go
<Daifan> that's okay
<Daifan> I don't think we are explaining her very well, though :/
<Junan> I am just asking for help. I'd do it on my own if I have to.
* Daifan looks at Junan
<Jimba> Hey, I'm here for you, buddy.
<Junan> I have to do something about her, since she blames me for her downfall, and is gonna come after me sooner or later.
<Jimba> Also, my ship. Either of them. I have two now. ;)
<Junan> of at least thats what she cursed at me when she finally admitted her crimes
<Veznara> Well, we're not about to let that happen. :/
* Daifan smiles at Jimba
<Junan> thanks
<Veznara> What about Yeggun's followers? They aren't going to come after you, are they Jimba?
<Jimba> There's a good chance, yeah, but they've got things to sort out among themselves, first.
<Jimba> I hope...
* Veznara frowns
<Veznara> I was hoping they'd split into factions, or at least not bother you again.
<Daifan> >.>
<Daifan> I don't think the one follows the other there
<Llillilli> Mm.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> At least I don't think they'll be a unified front to deal with going forward.
<Jimba> And I have plenty of allies. :)
* Daifan smiles as well
* Veznara smiles
<Veznara> There is that.
Jimba and Llillilli talk with Gasku and Nanegh before they leave
<AshnabisNarrator> Jimba and Lllillilli, you are on the Menagerie an hour or so after the others leave, when you hear footsteps and voices approaching the ship.
<AshnabisNarrator> You emerge and see two men standing on the docks, one of whom, the elder, you need a moment to recognize, and the younger of whom is a stranger, yet familiar.
* Gasku has grown a thick grey beard since you last saw him. Your father looks relieved to see you, Jimba.
* Nanegh is a youth, perhaps fourteen or fifteen, slender and fairer than his father, with just a dusting of scruff on his chin. He's wearing too-heavy Choradani-style robes and looking generally uncomfortable. You think he's staring at you oddly.
* Llillilli stares right back.
<Gasku> Good day... Are you recovering well?
* Gasku asks you, cautiously.
<Jimba> Well enough.
<Jimba> Who's your friend here?
<Gasku> My son, Nanegh.
<Gasku> I came to speak with you, if I may be permitted to do so.
<Llillilli> What do you want?
<Jimba> It's...nice to meet you.
<Jimba> (to Gasku) Go ahead.
<Nanegh> Ahh ... you too.
<Gasku> Soon I will be returning to my home. I wanted to let you know of this, and to have a few moments to speak before I leave.
<Jimba> All right.
<Gasku> I know that it's possible I will never see you again. Although if you ever venture in my direction, know that you would be welcome. But if that does not come to pass, I wanted to tell you I'm sorry. I understand I can't make up for the lost time or the difficulties you endured. But I should have taken responsibility for your care.
* Jimba nods, not entirely sure what to say.
<Gasku> Please know that, as much as I still grieve for these losses, I am gladdened to know that you both are well and have prospered. I can hold that knowledge in my heart even if you cannot forgive me.
* Llillilli is sizing up the kid
* Nanegh is really staring at you, you think, Llillilli. Like he has something to say but doesn't know how to say it maybe?
<Llillilli> Do you have something to say?
* Llillilli lifts her chin in his direction
* Jimba glances at the kid and Llillilli.
<Nanegh> Ah, ... well, uhh. Where do you get those?
* Nanegh seems to be talking about your pfethes maybe?
* Llillilli draws them
<Llillilli> These?
* Nanegh nods, gulping.
<Llillilli> I earned them.
<Nanegh> ... how?
* Jimba smirks.
<Llillilli> They are pfethe... Not really a weapon, but more an extension of the warrior.
<Llillilli> They were given to me by friends.
<Llillilli> Among the People. The hith, you would say.
* Nanegh nods.
* Llillilli softens a little.
<Nanegh> You lived among them?
* Llillilli smiles.
<Llillilli> I have lived with them... They were here long before humans.
* Nanegh nods.
<Nanegh> Father says ... you are my sister.
* Nanegh says, sounding a little more confident, perhaps.
<Llillilli> Mm.
* Llillilli nods.
<Nanegh> I am Nanegh of the Ghughife. Pleased to meet you.
<Llillilli> I am Llillilli. It is... nice to meet you as well.
* Llillilli smiles awkwardly
<Nanegh> How do you learn to be ... ahh, friends with the hith?
<Gasku> My son has had many questions about the way of the people here. Not all that I've been able to answer, I'm afraid.
<Llillilli> Well, mostly the same way you learn to be friends with others.
<Llillilli> If you are ever here again... I could introduce you to some of my friends.
* Nanegh glances over at his dad momentarily.
<Nanegh> Yeah, that would be ... great.
* Llillilli smiles slightly less awkwardly :)
<Gasku> Perhaps when you're a little older, you might return to this place, if you choose.
* Gasku says to his younger son
<Jimba> Seems like it could be a good idea. I mean, you do have family in the area. ;)
* Nanegh smiles.
<Nanegh> Yeah. I'd like that.
<Gasku> Stay well, Llillilli and Jimba. Good fortune be with you.
<Llillilli> ... Farewell
<Jimba> And you.
Veznara speaks with Ziftu about children
<AshnabisGM> Veznara, it's strange, this little thing, owned by at least three different people even in the short time you've had it, and now, so important to so many things, and yet a secret shared by so few.
<AshnabisGM> To think of what is stored in there, the mind boggles. You have decided it's not blasphemous, what you did, or arranged - after all, Galdai's spirit is still in the baby. But these memories, all that knowledge and power, it all lies dormant here, unless and until.
<AshnabisGM> No, no time for thinking that way. You returned it to Ziftu as you promised - to do otherwise would have been suspicious. But now, to your duties to the young princess and her husband, your brother, is added one more, deeply secret obligation.
<AshnabisGM> You have enough confidence in your own ability to keep a secret, and keep a straight face, that you don't actually think anyone suspects you of anything, or that there is anything to suspect. Not even Ghegis, who is suspicious by nature. But you can't help the irrational feeling that somehow, in all of this, She Knows.
<AshnabisGM> You do think it wise to at least have some sort of conversation with the young princess as she prepares to adopt this ... baby .. into the household, and perhaps buying a new locked case for precious jewelry.
<AshnabisGM> Ziftu can be found at the manor house, as usual. She seems pensive.
* Veznara enters and curtseys as usual.
<Veznara> Your Imperial Highness.
<Ziftu> Hello, Hand Veznara.
* Ziftu smiles softly.
<Ziftu> How is your friend?
* Veznara smiles back
<Veznara> Jimba? He seems to be on the mend.
<Veznara> Thank you for asking.
<Veznara> And how are you, my lady?
<Ziftu> Oh, I'm well, thank you. Sumurt and I are still getting to know one another.
<Ziftu> He's very gentlemanly, of course.
* Ziftu hastens to add.
<Veznara> Of course.
* Veznara pauses
<Veznara> Is anything wrong?
<Ziftu> It's just all been a lot. These past months.
* Veznara nods
<Ziftu> It's not that Grandmother prepared me poorly. I know how to manage an estate. And Ghegis and Endu are wonderfully helpful.
<Ziftu> It's just a lot of change, very fast.
<Ziftu> And then, in the future.
<Veznara> In the future?
<Ziftu> You know that it was Grandmother's intention that Sumurt and I should adopt a peasant child into our family.
<Veznara> I remember that you mentioned it, my lady. I wasn't aware of that before.
<Ziftu> Why would she want that?
<Veznara> As I remember, you indicated before that she said something about an act to earn the affection of the people in general?
<Ziftu> Yes, that's what she said.
* Ziftu pauses.
<Ziftu> I never knew my grandmother to be concerned about other people's affection.
<Veznara> Ah.... no. I suppose not.
<Veznara> Not for her own sake.
<Veznara> Perhaps she was concerned with making you popular, however?
<Ziftu> Is that something I should be concerned with?
<Veznara> Well... it's not a *bad
* thing, to be popular, I suppose. Though I don't think it should be an overriding concern, no.
<Ziftu> Do you think I should adopt the child?
<Veznara> From what you say, it was a provision of your grandmother's will. I imagine you could get around it if you truly wish to... does this bother you so much, my lady?
<Ziftu> Well, you see, Sumurt and I, we're only fourteen.
<Ziftu> It just ... I don't want to seem ungrateful for all that Grandmother has given me. But still ... you know?
<Veznara> No, of course. As you say, you're still adjusting to tremendous changes. And motherhood on top of that.. a daunting prospect.
<Veznara> Though I'm sure it's one you can live up to.
<Veznara> How long until the adoption is to take place?
<Ziftu> There's still a little while. But months, not years.
<Ziftu> We are meant to take the child before it has strong memories of the family, which I understand.
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> That's understandable, I suppose, for the child's sake.
<Ziftu> I do think that I want to be a mother someday. But ... well, not now.
<Ziftu> And I know it scares Sumurt a lot too.
<Veznara> I know, it is a daunting prospect. But you will have all of us here to help you.
<Veznara> I'm sure your grandmother had a reason for this provision, unusual though it may seem.
* Ziftu nods.
<Ziftu> I know it is my duty to family and Empire, to sometimes set aside my own desires.
<Veznara> Parenthood is always scary, I think, no matter when it comes.
* Ziftu says, a bit dejectedly.
<Veznara> Perhaps you will find that it brings unexpected joys, though.
<Veznara> If it pleases you, I would be happy to help take care of the child.
<Ziftu> I know you will, Veznara. I know I'll always have you with me. That is probably the only thing that is keeping me from running off to Taizi right now.
* Veznara smiles
<Veznara> You have my duty, and my affection, Ziftu. As my princess, and as my dear sister.
<Veznara> I will always do whatever I can to help you, in whatever troubles you may face; and I will always take joys in your joys.
<Ziftu> Thank you, Veznara.
* Ziftu says, a small tear running down her cheek.
<Ziftu> And someday, when Sumurt and I have our own, may your nieces and nephews give you joy also.
* Veznara smiles, and reaches up to brush Ziftu's tear away gently
<Veznara> I am sure they will.
* Veznara 's eyes are also full, but she manages not to cry
Ughiva talks to Daifan about how some of her people no longer remember Galdai
<AshnabisNarrator> Daifan, this past week you have not interfered in a single duel to the death, nor stolen a single baby, nor had a friend come back from death, nor participated in any arcane rituals of unimaginable power and dubious morality. It's been refreshingly quiet, to be honest.
<AshnabisNarrator> Sure, your baby has a strange connection to a forbidden saint who lives down the street, and your friend almost died, and also an evil cult might be out to get you, but that's just the spice of life. No wait, that's fos.
<AshnabisNarrator> But it has been nice to be able to just take care of things domestically around the house. You've just finished hanging the laundry out to dry - now that the rainy season is over you can finally do that outdoors - when you see Ughiva approaching.
<Ughiva> I need a word with you.
* Daifan will finish hanging out whatever they were hanging, then and wait for her
<Daifan> oh?
<Daifan> should we go for a walk or did you want to come in? I should finish thins first though
* Daifan gestures to the few remaining bits of wet laundry
<Ughiva> We can take a walk when you're finished.
* Ughiva will give you a hand to hang up the last few things.
<Daifan> Thanks
* Daifan will join her after we're done
<Ughiva> Well, you know some of my people have been settling in the village - building houses, finding work. Now that Galdai's dead, they seem to feel more safe - more comfortable settling down.
* Daifan nods
<Daifan> she's been dealth with as best we can, I think
<Ughiva> Some of them are *really* comfortable. Some of them, in fact, don't even remember her at all. If I say her name, they just look at me blankly and ask who I'm talking about.
<Daifan> yes....
<Daifan> they probably are not alone.
<Ughiva> Do you want to tell me what happened?
<Daifan> we put an enchantment on her, to cause her spirit to forget herself
<Daifan> but there was a radius
* Ughiva frowns
<Ughiva> Her spirit forgot... herself? What does that mean?
<Daifan> its a very powerful spell, I guess.
<Ughiva> Hm. Not one I'm familiar with, but intriguing...
<Ughiva> And Nezha is... well? back to life?
<Daifan> yes, she's well.... but, you know... she was dead, and that's a little hard to exlain to herself let alone everyone else
* Ughiva nods
<Ughiva> But she remembers what happened?
<Daifan> I told her everything, when she was ready, and we can tell others that - she ws not quite dead, maybe
<Daifan> mostly.
<Daifan> Until Galdai trapped her
<Ughiva> well it would be a bit difficult to explain if she'd forgotten who Galdai even was.
<Daifan> no, she helped with the casting
<Daifan> so she wasn't affected
<Ughiva> I see.
<Ughiva> So... you think this is finally settled? Galdai is no more a threat?
<Daifan> I think so.
<Ughiva> Because when a number of people seemed to forget who she was, you have to understand, that was worrying to me. If they no longer even remember she existed, let alone posed a danger to them, that would be an advantage for her, surely.
<Ughiva> I wondered if it was something she herself had engineered, for some unknown purpose.
<Daifan> I understand. I meant to come and tell you, but.... I think my mind just needed to feel some relief first
<Daifan> I would have come to you, if there had been time
* Ughiva nods
<Ughiva> It's a relief to hear that it was part of the spell you performed.
<Daifan> I'm glad
<Daifan> I hope you can relax some too
<Ughiva> Maybe someday I won't be furious about the way we were treated. But not today.
* Ughiva smiles though
* Daifan as well
<Ughiva> But it's good to hear that she won't be able to hurt anyone else.
<Daifan> it is righteous fury, too
<Ughiva> And, of all the places we could have ended up, this is not a bad one. Those of us who want to can make a new start here. Others might leave, and that's their right, but for the ones who remain, I'll be here to look after them.
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> They're lucky to have you. YOu know I will help how I can, too
<Ughiva> I'm glad.
<Daifan> I think you make our community stronger
<Ughiva> That's how webs work.
* Daifan grins
<Daifan> exactly
Jimba talks with Kayibir about the future of the Cormorant Fleet
<AshnabisGM> Jimba, it's been a week and you still feel like crap. But then again, you should have seen the other guy.
<AshnabisGM> You can walk around for a while if you need to, and take care of the basic stuff, but you reckon it'll be a while before that big gut wound heals well enough to allow you to exercise vigorously.
<AshnabisGM> But you have folks looking after you. Liraula, Aptan, Katenzhi and Llillilli of course, all of them in their time. Dekhesh came over once, which was nice.
<AshnabisGM> And today it's Kayibir's turn - she's bringing stuff over from the warehouse, some papers and just ordinary stuff, so you can feel like a partway responsible normal adult for once.
* Kayibir has been letting her hair grow out a bit. She's wearing a grey-green dashi cinched at the waist, more in the style of local Aummesh than her pirate kin and friends.
* Jimba smiles to see her.
<Kayibir> Captain Jimba, permission to come aboard.
* Kayibir says, having already done so.
* Jimba chuckles.
<Kayibir> How you feeling today?
<Jimba> I'll go with...well enough.
<Jimba> Pretty good?
<Kayibir> That's good. Here are those papers.
* Kayibir hands them over.
* Jimba takes them and looks them over.
<Jimba> How are *you* feeling today?
<Kayibir> A strange man came up to me today, asking questions as if to wonder whether I was going to take command of the fleet. So, I don't know.
<Kayibir> I mean, the answer is no, but the fact that someone - maybe a spy from the Fort - thinks that I'm important enough to be asked - that's funny.
<Jimba> You sure they were from the fort?
<Kayibir> No, but I don't think they were from the Cormorant either.
<Kayibir> The fort was just my best guess.
<Jimba> Shame.
<Jimba> I mean, if they were from the Cormorant...why not you?
<Kayibir> I know sometimes they style captains as kings, but you know it's not hereditary, right?
<Kayibir> I have no entitlement by birth to anything of the Fleet.
<Kayibir> I'm a little young, in any case. And there would be some who would never trust me, because they think I've taken up with you.
* Jimba laughs at that.
<Jimba> Sorry. Just a funny thought.
<Kayibir> Yeah. Well. Probably Ishmaar is in charge for now. He's the one Yeggun would have left on the Cormorant in his absence.
<Jimba> What do you think of him?
<Kayibir> He'll be fine. But he doesn't command them, not really, not like he did.
<Kayibir> My guess is that things will be fragmented, at least for a while. Remember, the fleet isn't nearly at full strength, after last year at Pashas.
<Jimba> Yeah...
<Jimba> So, what are you going to do now?
<Kayibir> I don't know. What are you going to do now?
<Jimba> About the same as I have been, I think.
<Jimba> I just mean, you have a bit more freedom now.
<Jimba> I'm going to continue trading, maybe growing a fleet, but you...you can go and do whatever you want now, more or less, right?
<Kayibir> I guess.
* Kayibir shrugs.
<Kayibir> I was thinking maybe you could use some help.
* Jimba smiles.
<Jimba> I'd be happy to have it.
<Kayibir> Do you think Liraula would be all right with that?
<Jimba> I don't think so.
<Jimba> And, if she isn't, I think I've got some pull.
* Kayibir smiles.
<Kayibir> All right.
<Jimba> (Sorry, I meant she would be all right.)
<Kayibir> Ahh, there was one other thing I wanted to ask you.
<AshnabisGM> (yeah i figured what you must have meant)
<Jimba> Shoot.
<Kayibir> Should I ask to see the body?
<Jimba> Do you want to?
<Kayibir> I just had this weird thought, last night. What if he isn't really dead? We all saw them haul him away, I mean, you maybe didn't see that, you were off getting patched up, but ...
<Kayibir> I mean, the Fort wouldn't keep him alive, would they?
<Jimba> You know, I'm not sure.
<Jimba> Maybe you should ask.
<Jimba> Do you want someone to go with you?
<Kayibir> I ... don't know. I don't even know if I want to go.
<Kayibir> But I figure, the Voice can't deny me, a kinswoman of his lineage, the right to see him. Can they?
<Jimba> I wouldn't think so.
<Kayibir> What do you think I should do?
<Jimba> Well, now you've put it in my head, I think you should do it, just to make sure.
<Jimba> I just assumed, but, if they're keeping him, that can't be good either.
<Kayibir> I don't think they are, necessarily. I mean, what else would they do with him? But still.
<Kayibir> So you'll come with me, if I do it?
<Jimba> Of course.
* Kayibir smiles.
<Kayibir> You're the best, Captain.
<Jimba> Feel free to spread the word. ;)
