Nemnosti session 35

Nemnosti session logs Previous Session 35 Next

Session

Session date: November 9, 2025

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Jinush

Prologue

[Nemnosti-GM] Hello, wee ones! I know it's been a very exciting time since we learned about the new saint being born right here in Zhustir. And it's been wonderful having Hand Ifa here to help too, and we're all grateful for the work she's been doing at the temple. We know that Awakening is an amazing time for a person. They died, which of course is sad, but then, fulfilling Zunuga's promise from her Epiphany, come back in a new form, an eternal form. And so Sanar is now Sanar Ula, and we esteem Her even as She has shed Her mortal self. And so I have a wonderful surprise for you, which is that we are going to go tomorrow and see Her. I know that most of you knew Her before her Awakening, and it will be very different this time. But this is an experience that many people never have in their whole lives, to see a saint, unless they seek one out. We're all going to be respectful and kind and keep our distance and be on our best behaviour, now aren't we? That's what it means to follow the Corps, to remember all Six Kinds have their place within Coherence. And if you're good, I bet we can get Hand Ifa to read more stories to us tomorrow night!

Recent events in Zhustir

[Nemnosti-GM] You are all settled in in Zhustir by this point. All of you have space at the Vabaseli iftibal for your caravans and goods; Alai, you are staying at the Last Good Well where you can keep an eye on things, and Ifa and especially Izu are spending a lot of time at their respective temples, assisting with religious matters.
[Nemnosti-GM] With new pilgrims coming every day, the need to serve those of faith is great. Some visitors are folk from across the border in nearby Ghilopon province; others are from elsewhere in Naftusa province, but have some tie to the Gargimnai or just to Zhustir.
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai and Marga, so far you've just been relaxing, but town life, especially as it gets more crowded every day, does not suit you. Kuspir, you're enjoying this time at home, but it's definitely strange with your dad here, and your mom and sister over with Sanar Ula.
[Nemnosti-GM] And then there are the dignitaries. So far, the Borgegi have sent just Voice Pospor to help make arrangements, with a larger contingent expected. The Fedifri are expected later today, to come en masse. And Conduit Ingo, Eluli Ula's representative for this province, will be arriving today as well.
[Nemnosti-GM] Various other provincial dignitaries, noble children of no great standing other than their lineage name, and an increasing array of peddlers looking to profit from the crowd are finding their way here. And amidst the gawkers, any number who would concede, if you pushed them, that they aim to become Sanari.
[Nemnosti-GM] A substantial encampment of tents has assembled just to the south of the town, along the Buhaz river, thankfully downstream. Perhaps five hundred in total have crowded in so far, with more arriving hourly.
[Nemnosti-GM] As for the saint Herself, access to Her has been very limited, but the Gargimnai are allowing limited visits from a distance, and of course, for a suitable donation meant to support the new saint as She develops her ulajeta.
[Nemnosti-GM] For now, you are gathering information, and, more often than not, being greeted as distinguished guests by various dignitaries. You have certainly eaten better since your arrival than you possibly could have imagined.
[Nemnosti-GM] Of particular popularity are a new delicacy, a round puffy pastry that the locals are calling a sanarfini, a Sanar- bubble.

Ifa talks to Pospor Borgegi about the intentions of their saintly contingents with respect to Sanar’s protection, and its implications

[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you have been spending most of your time assisting Hand Sejin since arriving. As none of the other saintly delegations have arrived in any numbers yet, that leaves the two of you the various duties of hospitality.
[Nemnosti-GM] Certainly the nobility has come to expect that the bubunne of the temple, or if not them, those you brought with you, should be made available to them for various menial tasks. When you can, you oblige them, keenly aware that the financial fortunes of this small temple, Ususam, depend on the largesse that accompanies Sanar's awakening.
[Nemnosti-GM] Fortunately, since it is winter, there is little need for bubunne in the fields, leaving you free to use them to carry goods, assist with putting up tents and shelters, and other labour.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hand Sejin may seem meek, sure, but you have come to appreciate that she is tough inside, if a little more tolerant of underfoot children than you are accustomed to.
[Nemnosti-GM] You're just finishing up brushing off three bubunne who have returned from unloading some lowland noblewoman's cart when a man in Voice robes enter. At first, not really looking up, you wonder what Izu is doing here.
[Nemnosti-GM] Then you look up and see that it is Pospor Borgegi.
[Pospor] It's been a long time, Ifa.
* Ifa grins widely.
[Ifa] Pospor!
[Pospor] I heard you were running things here. Thought I'd come and see for myself.
* Ifa will go give him a hug.
* Pospor looks older, naturally, than when you last saw him, when you were probably no more than nineteen. Since leaving your wardship to Borgegus Ula, you haven't really returned to Onighus. His mustache has grown in well, and he's grown thick in the shoulders, but still has that look about him.
[Ifa] Hardly. I'm just trying to help.
* Pospor embraces you warmly.
[Pospor] You seem to have things in good order.
[Ifa] Well enough.
[Ifa] How are you? It's been ages.
[Pospor] I'm well enough. Onighus is always a chaotic place, and the Maze, in particular, has a variety of challenges.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Clearly you're doing well enough they sent you to meet the new saint.
[Pospor] Well, the Old Novice needs someone here with a good head for figures and people. Presumably also why you're here.
[Ifa] As well as a few others. My brother is over at the Voice temple, so I imagine you'll run into him if you haven't already.
* Pospor nods.
[Pospor] Can I buy you a drink, if you have some time to talk?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I think I can spare a moment. :)
* Pospor walks with you down the road to the Last Good Well. It's chilly, even down here in the lowlands, but at least it isn't about to snow.
[Pospor] Beer? Or have you moved up to wine these days?
[Pospor] Both are very drinkable here. It's not fancy but it is very serviceable.
[Ifa] I'm not fancy. I'm happy with whatever.
* Pospor grabs a couple of beers and comes and sits down.
[Pospor] So, what's new with you?
[Ifa] With me specifically? Not much, in truth. More broadly, we have a new hengi, and have been dealing with the violence against revenants...it's been a busy few months.
[Ifa] Yourself?
* Pospor shrugs.
[Pospor] Honestly? Sometimes I miss just being a glorified slumlord. These days it's all contracts and negotiations and managing the whims of the Conduits who seem to think their title entitles them to His good grace.
[Pospor] You know the new guy, right, Ingo? He's one of yours?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] He and my father are old friends.
[Pospor] Oh, that's interesting.
* Pospor files that away for future use.
[Ifa] Oh? How so? ;)
[Pospor] Well, being able to make a personal connection can be useful.
[Ifa] Fair enough. Why were you asking, though?
[Pospor] Well, anything you need to do with Prime has to go through a Conduit. And many of them are very embedded in old ways. Ingo's new, even if he is from one of the old Imperial families. An open door in the usually-closed Mausoleum.
[Pospor] Even a saint cannot simply demand an audience with Him.
[Pospor] And Eluli is in a closed-off period, in general.
* Ifa nods.
[Pospor] You know how it is, these things wax and wane.
[Ifa] Is there someone who needs an audience?
* Pospor laughs.
[Pospor] Well, Borgegus has earned himself an eternity of audiences, over the centuries. But Eluli's account-book of favours does not always work that way.
[Ifa] Ah, I see.
* Ifa chuckles.
[Pospor] And so I am here, doing the Duke's work and making sure this new saint is well-settled. As, I'm sure, you are for your Lady.
[Pospor] I've heard a little rumour.
[Ifa] Oh?
[Pospor] I've heard that you and your delegation are hoping to take Sanar back to Nemnosti with you.
[Ifa] And where might you have heard a rumor like that?
[Pospor] People talk. And I listen.
[Ifa] A truth I once found charming. ;)
[Pospor] No longer?
[Ifa] Only because it might prove inconvenient in the moment. :)
* Pospor shrugs.
[Pospor] So, is it true?
[Ifa] I'm not sure how much I should say, really, but the Grey Lady is offering Sanar Ula temporary refuge, given the current troubles.
[Pospor] Mmm.
* Pospor sounds noncommital.
[Ifa] (Can I roll Sense Motive?)
[Pospor] (sure)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 32 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Definitely you get the sense that Pospor both expected that answer but is not really happy with it, and has more to say.
* Ifa gives him a pleasantly expectant look.
[Pospor] I understand you've had a lot of trouble up at Nemnosti. Revenants being killed, Hulti, that kind of thing.
[Pospor] You think that's safe, bringing a new saint there?
[Ifa] I don't think their activity is limited solely to Nemnosti, so I don't think *here* is safe. That's more the issue.
[Pospor] All right. But you can imagine that will not sit well with the others.
[Ifa] How "not well", would you say?
[Pospor] Well, Borgegus probably doesn't care so much for Himself, given our centuries of good relations between our two ulajette.
[Pospor] But Fedifre Ula would be very upset. And as for Prime Himself ... well, that is always complicated, to try to discern His will.
[Pospor] Not to mention any of the other saints.
[Pospor] The perception will be that taking a new saint under Her wing is not merely in the interest of the young Sanar, but rather, a matter of self-interest.
[Pospor] I know She does not always think so politically, Nemnu being who She is, but at this juncture, that is why we must help Them think in the right ways.
[Ifa] Do you have an alternate solution in mind?
[Pospor] For now, I'm trying to figure out what these Gargimnai want. They are radicals, and they themselves may not want their new saint under the control of Nemnu.
[Pospor] But as a nobleman from the city, not to mention the representative of another saint, I can hardly just walk in there unannounced and expect a gracious welcome.
[Pospor] I'd love to know what they want out of this. Which may not be a trip up the Pardopasu to the high hills, quite frankly. Even couched as 'protection'.
[Ifa] I am merely the Hand of my patron in this. :)
* Pospor laughs.
[Ifa] Though perhaps you should speak to my brother-in-law, Kuspir. He can probably help smooth over an introduction.
[Pospor] Oh? How so?
[Ifa] His mother is a Gargimnai, and deeply involved in this new saint business.
* Pospor looks very interested.
[Pospor] Wait ... not Heru Gargimnai, the Black Kidney?
[Ifa] Yyyyyyes?
* Pospor laughs heartily.
[Pospor] You fucking bastards.
* Ifa smiles innocently.
[Pospor] Got your hands in the pie already.
[Ifa] I'm sure I don't know what you mean. :D
[Pospor] Well, if you can convince her, and that weird dude who hangs around her, who's to say what is possible, then?
[Pospor] The Borgegi will not stand in your way, if you manage to get the new Sanari-to-be to agree to Nemnu's protection.
[Ifa] Well, we'll all see, I suppose. They seem a bit...unpredictable.
* Pospor nods.
[Pospor] This has been good, to catch up.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I'm sure we'll have more chances to talk.
[Pospor] I'm here for the next while, at least. The caravans are on their way, I'm just here as an advance scout.
[Ifa] I had assumed. :)
[Pospor] You know, the room I have here is very spacious. If you're done your beer, I'd be happy to show you around upstairs.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] That's a lovely offer, but I do have duties to attend to.
[Pospor] Well ... whenever your duties are done, just let me know.
[Ifa] I'll be sure to keep it in mind.
[Pospor] It gets cold at night, after all.
* Ifa chuckles.
[Ifa] It's good to see you, Pospor.
[Pospor] You too.

Alai reacquaints herself with her ex-boyfriend, now Tozamu Fedifri, toothless follower of the Token-Maid

[Nemnosti-GM] Alai, the Last Good Well is taking good care of you. Jalte, the innkeeper, is clearly under instructions from her Vabaseli kinsmen to treat you as an honoured guest, even though the whole place is packed well past capacity.
[Nemnosti-GM] You haven't seen too much more of your brother, you're guessing because he's not really interested in quarrelling with you in case he decides to get drunk, which is often.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are sitting in the tavern, drinking some weak beer and reading a book of verse, when three men enter through the front door. At first, you pay no notice.
[Nemnosti-GM] Then, one of them sees you and is startled.
* A_Man is tall, in his twenties, and might otherwise be handsome, but his cheeks are sunken in. Across his neck, a thin line of brownish scar tissue bears evidence to his having been slashed across the throat. As he speaks, you realize that he has no teeth.
[A_Man] Hello, Alai.
[Nemnosti-GM] It really takes you a moment, because he looks so different than the last time you saw him, which was only a year or so ago.
[Alai] (who is he?)
[Nemnosti-GM] But something in the voice gives it away, that this is Zoso Ultaspi.
[Nemnosti-GM] You haven't seen him in a year or so, since you returned from your sabbatical in Ardukh. But then, he had all his teeth and no scar - no wonder it took you a moment to place him.
* Alai lower her book
[Alai] Hello Zoso. Is strange seeing you here. What has happened to you?
[A_Man] It's Tozamu now. Tozamu Fedifri.
[Tozamu] These are my brothers in service to the Oleander Queen. Esundi and Kuvus.
[Tozamu] What has happened to me is that I serve Her.
[Alai] (Remind me who/what is the Oleander Queen... another saint I assume?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Oleander is one of the nicknames of the saint Fedifre Ula. Apparently Zoso entered Her service recently. You would know that Fedifre Ula, very unusually, requires a sacrifice of one's life to become a member of Her lineage, which is her 'token', hence her other nickname, the Token-maid.
[Nemnosti-GM] Fedifre's ulajeta is a great plantation in south-central Khutu, where she manages massive agricultural landholdings.
[Alai] So that is why you look such? The price of her favour? Or is it a personal choice now?
[Tozamu] We do not choose our tokens, but once gifted to us, they are a mark of pride.
[Alai] Is so sad. I did enjoy how you used to look.
[Tozamu] I do not feel sad at all. I am liberated.
[Tozamu] As Zoso, I was a second son, a middling mystic, and destined surely for an ill-conceived marriage and running a shipping concern.
[Alai] And now?
[Tozamu] It was a shock, certainly, for my teeth to fall away, upon my revival. But it is my token, and I wear it with pride. We all do.
[Tozamu] Now I am Her trusted servant, and I use my skills in Her greater interest. As you do with your own Lady.
[Alai] But of course. You are a clever man, I'm sure you could have chosen a means of wearing it with pride that also does not require you to look half starved. Regardless, you are one of many that have arrived here for this new saint. You are here to lend your form of aid I suppose?
[Tozamu] I am. And I do not need your approval to do so.
* Tozamu seems quite hurt.
[Tozamu] I had hoped this would go differently. I serve a saint, you serve a saint, each in our own way.
[Tozamu] Friends, give me a moment here?
* Tozamu says to his compatriots, who head upstairs, presumably to a room.
[Alai] I would be lying if I had not imagined a much different meeting as well.
* Tozamu sits.
[Tozamu] We do not get to choose what gift we are given, upon death, Alai. We choose death as a sacrifice, not knowing if we will ever awaken, or what form we will take upon doing so.
[Tozamu] I simply ... I needed to change my life from what it was. Surely you understand that.
[Alai] I understand the desire for change, and I truely understand recognizing when you are spiraling down, I just did not expect this as the means for YOU to change.
* Tozamu shrugs.
[Alai] Part of me half hoped you would chase me now down... maybe see me under better circumstances... fantasies.
[Tozamu] How have you been? You seem ... tired.
[Alai] I walk on the edge of a cliff, the waves of the great ocean threatening to wash me away. It is tiring yes, but also exhilarating.
* Alai smiles
[Tozamu] I feel the same way sometimes. People think that the Fedifri do not value life, since we require death. But far from it. It makes us value life all the more, having been dead. I feel more alive than before.
[Tozamu] Like I have found a secret key. I thought I would find it through Source, but instead it is this path of enlightenment.
[Alai] So you remain a middling mystic, eh?
* Alai teases
* Tozamu laughs.
[Tozamu] I did have to learn to pronounce words differently.
[Tozamu] I have had to learn to come to terms with the fact that we do not choose our own tokens. When it happened, it was a shock.
[Alai] Is a little shock for me as well.
* Tozamu smiles toothlessly.
* Alai leans closer to him
[Tozamu] I have missed you.
[Alai] Since you are so ugly now, are you more or less likely to choke me until I gasp?
* Tozamu looks at you with curiosity.
[Tozamu] I don't know; we'd have to figure that out.
* Alai pulls back
[Alai] Still so timid. Is like I never broke your heart at all. I retire to my room, now.
* Alai snaps her book closed
[Tozamu] You will find that since my transformation I have become very good at following the orders of powerful women, Alai,
* Alai ignores the comment and will stand to leave.
[Alai] Second door on the right, if you care to keep an eye on it.
* Alai will leave him sitting there
* Tozamu sits there for a moment, wondering what the hell just happened, and then follows behind you with some haste.
* Alai stops in front of her door and turns to Tozamu
[Alai] I didn't ask you to follow me. What are you doing here?
[Tozamu] I thought ...
[Tozamu] I can't get you out of my head. Token or no token, Alai. It is as if you wormed your way in and there is no escape.
[Alai] Thought what? That if you took me into this room you could hold me down and make me do all the things that is running through your mind and other parts of you?
[Tozamu] Those parts are unaltered.
* Alai runs a hand down the front of his chest.
[Alai] I mean, don't I owe you something for all the pain and hurt I've caused you? Dont you agree?
[Tozamu] Debts must be repaid.
* Alai will open the door
[Alai] well, what are you waiting for?
* Tozamu goes in, this having gone much better than he expected!

Kuspir meets with his hengi Ganu who wants him and his team to visit the Izmoghir estate outside town

[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, today your hengi Ganu calls you into a meeting in his small but well-apportioned private office.
* Kuspir will attend, of course
* Ganu has definitely purchased some new clothes recently, and is looking well-dressed in modish new fashions.
[Ganu] Cousin, thank you for coming.
[Ganu] How are things over with the new saint?
[Kuspir] I have nothing to compare them to, really, but I think it is going as well as can be expected.
[Kuspir] It is a time of many uncertainties and changes, and knowing how it will end is beyond my powers, but for the moment things seem fine.
[Ganu] I have received a request, and so I come to ask a favour of you.
[Kuspir] oh?
[Ganu] Husulte Izmoghir has requested that the Nemni make their presence known to her at her iftibal.
[Ganu] I don't suppose it needs to be all ten of you or anything, but the request is for a delegation.
[Kuspir] Do you know for what reason?
[Ganu] Well, the simplest reason is that they are the nobility here, and they would want the respect of your group. But more than that, well, they are somewhat blocked out of everything going on, and are seeking the assistance of the Vabaseli to find a way in.
* Kuspir nods
[Ganu] I do not need to tell you that the Gargimnai have no love for the nobility. And so the new saint's adherents are trying to separate Her from any undue influence, as they see it.
[Kuspir] So you also want me to do this, not just the Izmoghir?
[Ganu] Frankly, the Izmoghir and Vabaseli have come to an agreement
[Kuspir] What is the agreement?
[Ganu] I know it is your intention to secrete Sanar Ula in Nemnosti for a time. I worry about that, but I do understand it. You believe the new saint to be vulnerable, which She is.
[Ganu] But we, the Vabaseli, have every reason to hope that She will set up her ulajeta here. Specifically, using Gil Pirtu and the old clan lands.
[Kuspir] It is an option, though not the only one. I think it would be the most prudent course but I know it carries its own risks, not least of making other people believe we have control over Her.
* Ganu nods.
[Ganu] Everyone wants that control. I am not immune to that desire myself.
* Kuspir nods
[Ganu] Providing the lands and the buildings from which a new ulajeta can be built ... with the support of our noble neighbours in the country, that will serve us well.
[Ganu] We have always been fine, financially. Healthy, even. But this is a promise of something else for us. For you and your kin, inasmuch as I know you have divided loyalties now.
[Kuspir] So you need me to go and demonstrate to the Izmoghir that we are willing to cooperate in the best interests of the new Saint.
[Ganu] You and whatever of your group you can spare.
[Ganu] I know some may be otherwise occupied.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] You understand that I can't make my mother do anything.
* Ganu laughs.
[Ganu] If I wanted your mother to do something, I would have asked your father. But he would have told me the same thing.
[Ganu] All I ask is that you go to the Izmoghir, be polite, be hosted by them, as a saintly delegation.
[Kuspir] All right. I can see who is able to accompany me.
[Ganu] Would you take the children too? Your daughter and the Sortusai boy?
[Kuspir] I could, if you think it wise. But they could also stay here and help out around the place.
[Ganu] Husulte has a daughter, maybe 13 or so. Lorone. If the boy is looking for a wife, or rather, if his family is, then you could bring him along.
[Kuspir] Oh, hm. Well, I suppose it cannot hurt to introduce them.
[Ganu] At your discretion.
[Kuspir] It's not my call of course.
[Ganu] Well, no.
[Ganu] Well, that is all I had to ask, unless there is anything else.
[Kuspir] Not on my part. I appreciate your hospitality for my group.
[Ganu] Very well. We'll talk more upon your return.
* Kuspir nods and will go see who wants to go on a walk with the promise of free food ;p

Kuspir assembles the team and they go out to the Izmoghir iftibal

[Kuspir] (I'll check with any of the group, I'm not going to pick and choose, they can self-select ;)
* Jevai basicaly has had nothing to do *but* go for walks, and might like to get away from the immediate bustle, but is not really your girl for Proper Socilaization
[Kuspir] (you're allowed to just make up the numbers and look important ;)
[Jevai] (I can do that!)
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu will definitely stay here; he's basically stuck taking care of Suftudal, the Voice temple, because Voice Nalazh is off with his kin the Gargimnai taking care of the new saint.
[Alai] (I can be dragged away if the timing is good)
[Nemnosti-GM] Irdomila will come if Alai is coming, and Rembes is coming if Irdomila is coming.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, are you coming or going? It doesn't particularly matter for game things, you've had your scene and this is just for today's remaining scenes. Just up to you whether you'd be staying in town or going out to the country estate.
[Ifa] I'll go out
[Ifa] If they can spare me
[Nemnosti-GM] Well, Hand Sejin is very agreeable in general. It's not like it's a long way away. And you do worry a bit about taking a delegation with no one who is a great speaker / good with social niceties.
[Nemnosti-GM] You gather a small caravan together and head up the road nestled against the Chivenanga river, moving west out of Zhustir
[Nemnosti-GM] It's a nice easy trip through the lowlands, along the fields of the Vabaseli, Sighandi, and Ghaglizote, before reaching the expansive Izmoghir lands, which of course are now barren in the winter.

Marga spies an albino vulture, Achoreza, who takes her to the Bone Eyrie atop Gil Pirtu, and gives her a decanter of endless water as Ushukuna’s gift to Sanar Ula

[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, since your arrival you've basically been making yourself useful where you can. There are lots of jobs that you would not give to a bubun but where you can manage to help out.
[Nemnosti-GM] But mostly you've been just hanging around town, buying food from the back of carts that seem to line almost every street, and enjoying yourself.
[Nemnosti-GM] So when Kuspir gave you the chance to get out and see the countryside, you didn't hesitate.
[Nemnosti-GM] Even if it is to go see some nobleman's house, it is better than doing nothing.
[Marga] (DIFFERENT food)
[Nemnosti-GM] As you are travelling along the road, you see something off in the distance, flying in the air. At first it's too far, even for you. But then you smell it, and it comes into view.
[Nemnosti-GM] You see ahead of you, upwind and uphill to the northwest, a white vulture who you don't recognize. It's circling around, as if looking to be noticed, or as if about to descend.
[Marga] (WHITE vulture? how common are those)
[Nemnosti-GM] (very very rare)
[Marga] (so not knowing about one in the area would be surprising?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Yes, it would be pretty unusual to not know one.
* Marga watches it carefully as we move, trying to keep it in sight
[Nemnosti-GM] It circles by a little closer each time, almost as if it is keeping an eye on you.
[Marga] does anyone mind if I go check something out?
[Kuspir] Go ahead. Do you need any help?
[Marga] Just keep an eye on that bird, for now...
* Marga points it out
* Marga will turn into a vulture and fly up to meet it.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you come close to the other vulture, you notice that its left leg and talon are withered. And the white covers not only its feathers, but its beak and legs as well.
[Nemnosti-GM] You definitely have never met this vulture before.
[Marga] (is it albino or leucistic)
[Nemnosti-GM] (I mean, what does Marga know, but it's albino)
[Marga] [i] hello cousin
[Achoreza] Hello! You are Marga?
[Marga] [i] you've heard of me?
[Achoreza] I have. I am Achoreza. Can you come with me?
[Marga] to where?
[Achoreza] To the ruins. Or, to our place in the ruins.
[Marga] I've had a lot of people trying to get me to go places lately... what's in the ruins?
[Achoreza] Mother has a gift for the baby saint.
[Marga] Oh! Well then of course.
[Achoreza] Follow me, then.
[Nemnosti-GM] You move west and north swiftly and soon come to the ruins of Gil Pirtu. The great hillside fort sits embedded against a great hill. Once, a true fortress looked out from the hilltop, but that structure has long since been reduced to mere foundations.
[Nemnosti-GM] Along the hillside, though, there are numerous small buildings and fortifications, some of which are nearly inaccessible except through flight. These are in various states of repair, but some of them seem completely usable despite the centuries since their abandonment.
[Nemnosti-GM] https://rocksfall.org/wiki/File:Gil_Pirtu-1.jpg
* Achoreza circles around and lands atop the flat roof of one of the higher-up buildings, sheltered by a large rocky outcropping.
* Marga landsnext to them.
* Achoreza changes into human form.
* Achoreza is, in human form, an elderly but exceptionally beautiful woman. Like her vulture form, her left leg is withered away to the point of uselessness, and she is an albino with long white curls down below her shoulders.
* Marga will also change then.
[Nemnosti-GM] You look around you and see that here, hidden from view from any ordinary line of sight, is a vulture nest of great antiquity. The nest is built of local sticks and straw, intermixed with bone, wood, leather, and an impressive array of ceramics, both intact and fractured.
* Marga takes it all in. awed. :o
[Achoreza] Impressive, isn't it?
[Marga] Yeah... wow :o
[Marga] Do you live here?
[Achoreza] Oh, no.
[Achoreza] This is the Bone Eyrie.
[Marga] Bone Eyrie?
[Achoreza] There is hardly enough here any longer to support vultures. Not since the humans left.
* Achoreza nods.
[Achoreza] We used to bring offerings here.
[Achoreza] We of the east.
[Marga] Ohh...
[Achoreza] You didn't suppose that all the vultures lived in the high hills, did you?
[Marga] No, of course not... It's just so cool to see something new...
[Achoreza] Mother is, of course, up with you, at Momichas. But here we still bring offerings to Her, just as we always have.
* Marga nods.
[Achoreza] There are many treasures here.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are no expert but looking around, some of this stuff is very, very old. Right at your feet is a leather shoe that looks to have survived many, many winters up here.
[Marga] There sure are...
[Marga] What is the thing I'm supposed to bring to the new Saint?
* Achoreza looks uneasy.
[Achoreza] It is a small thing, but an enormous thing.
[Marga] What does that mean?
* Achoreza picks up something from amidst the cluttered nest; she hands you a broad-rimmed ceramic pitcher, red and brown, covered in strange designs that are unfamiliar to you.
* Marga takes it carefully
[Achoreza] Now, carefully, speak the word: "Lutana".
* Marga repeats carefully, "Lutana?"
[Nemnosti-GM] As you do so, water begins to pour in a great stream out of the pitcher, gallons of water.
[Marga] whoah whoah whoah how do I stop it??
* Achoreza smiles.
[Achoreza] Just say it again.
[Marga] Lutana!!
[Nemnosti-GM] The water stops.
[Marga] Alright, I see what you mean...
* Marga looks down at her soggy leggings
[Achoreza] This place was once alive, sustained by springs from the Turtu, now all dried.
[Marga] So this.. would be an important thing.
[Achoreza] When there was no water, they tried, for a time, to bring it from the river down yonder. But this place, Gil Pirtu, is much too high for that to work.
[Achoreza] These waters do not come from nothing. They come from the same source that feeds the lake in Momichas itself.
[Marga] Wow :o
[Achoreza] And Mother has asked me to give it to the new saint, should She choose to use it.
[Marga] It is a fine gift.
[Achoreza] I do not know what will happen to the Eyrie, should people return.
[Achoreza] I will admit, I feel ambivalent about this.
[Achoreza] But I will not gainsay Mother Ushukuna.
[Marga] I will make sure the Saint knows the importance of the gift... maybe if people did return, She would offer it back?
[Achoreza] I don't know. It's not my place to say.
[Marga] Mine neither I guess.
* Achoreza shakes her head.
[Achoreza] I am old and weak, Marga. I have had my time. But whatever purpose Mother has in this for you, it is a great one.
[Marga] Well... I just hope I make Her proud.
[Achoreza] Your name begins to be spoken in the beaks of strangers.
[Achoreza] I am sure that can be both terrifying and gratifying.
[Marga] *gulp*
[Marga] It sure is. :x
[Achoreza] One other thing, before I let you go.
[Achoreza] You may not tell others about this place. It is for vultures only.
[Marga] Of course.
* Marga nods solemnly.
[Marga] I understand.
* Achoreza smiles.
[Achoreza] It has been an honour to finally meet you.
[Marga] Same to you!
[Marga] I bet you could teach me a lot..
[Achoreza] Perhaps someday I will.

The team arrives at the Izmoghir estate and is greeted by the hengi, Husulte, and her husband and children

[Nemnosti-GM] The Izmoghir estates are expansive and well-kept, although of course the harvest season is done and so there is little activity out in the fields this late into winter.
[Nemnosti-GM] The iftibal is a three-storey stone tower located a couple of miles out of town. Whereas you are used to the low longhouses of most lineages, the Izmoghir have built up, despite having plenty of land to build on.
[Nemnosti-GM] Unlike the buildings in Zhustir itself, this tower appears to be of some antiquity - if not Imperial, then perhaps no more than a century after. But it is not a singular construction - rather, it is clearly a mosaic of different ancient buildings assembled into a new edifice.
[Nemnosti-GM] You arrive, and are greeted warmly by the staff, who have clearly been told to expect you.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are escorted into a long sitting room, to await the arrival of your hosts.
[Nemnosti-GM] Shortly, four people enter, a woman wearing a hengi's iftijasi, a slightly older man, and two children, a boy a few years older than your kids and a girl a little younger.
* Husulte is a woman perhaps just shy of forty, with long deep-brown hair extending past her shoulders in loose curls, with a loose shawl with gold and red braided fringes, a loose white tunic, and red-brown khobesku leather pants. Her iftijasi is large and held around her neck by a long heavy chain.
[Husulte] Greetings, I am Husulte of the Izmoghir.
[Husulte] I present to you my husband, Musmund Ninderulai, and our children, Khuron and Lorone.
* Musmund is a tall but gawky-looking man in his forties, sporting a well-trimmed black beard with just a hint of grey. Around his collar is a necklace of rare vumuri shells imported from the coast, and his clothing is suggestive of highbrow tastes, though perhaps a season or two out of date.
* Khuron is a youth of perhaps sixteen or seventeen, with an effort at a first beard still not yet bearing full fruit. His nazam pants and pacha turban are decorated in a series of green-blue curves. On his wide belt is a sword that sits uncomfortably at his hip.
* Lorone is a dark-skinned tall young woman, whose age is hard to place because of her height. She is wearing a purple altala bedecked in vumuri shells, as she stands uncomfortably as if she has been placed on display.
[Kuspir] Greetings, hengi, and thank you for your welcome. I am Kuspir of the Vabaseli, from Nemnosti.
[Husulte] I see. And these are your Irdomila and Rugu?
[Kuspir] Ah, Irdomila is my daughter, yes, but this is Rembes Sortusai, an acolyte at Nemnosti.
[Husulte] Ah, I see. I thought he looked a little too old. Well, welcome to you, Rembes of the Sortusai, and of course to you, Irdomila.
[Husulte] Perhaps at your next visit you will bring Rugu.
[Kuspir] Perhaps, yes.
[Husulte] And please, I did not mean to interrupt. The rest of your delegation?
* Husulte waves in your general direction across the rest of you.
* Kuspir can introduce the others.
* Jevai will do her best to be polite
[Musmund] Welcome to the Motley Tower. Can we provide you refreshment?
[Ifa] You are very kind to welcome us into your home.
[Musmund] It is our honour to welcome the Nemni.
[Kuspir] Some drink would be appreciated, if it's no trouble.
* Jevai nods her agreement
* Musmund rings a small bell. A moment later, an elderly gentleman appears through a small side door.
[Musmund] Dalbi, water and wine for the guests.
[Dalbi] Yes, sire.
[Husulte] So, tell me, Kuspir, how has your visit been so far? You have not been home in some time, yes?
[Kuspir] It has been a little while, yes. My duties have kept me busy. It is a pleasure to see my family and friends here again.
[Husulte] And at such an exalted time. Have you all seen the new saint yet?
[Kuspir] (have we? or have I been the only one so far?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (just you I think; probably Izu now has too, but of course he's not here)
[Kuspir] Only I have had the honour so far.
[Husulte] Your mother's kin have kept a close watch over Her.
* Husulte tries, but fails, to not sound miffed.
[Kuspir] Yes, it's true.
[Kuspir] It is a challenging time, as the new Saint is still growing accustomed to Her new state. She is young and needs protectors.
[Husulte] I couldn't agree more.
[Husulte] But of course, that raises the question of how best to protect Her.
* Kuspir nods
[Husulte] It is said that you are interested in taking Her back with you.
[Kuspir] It is an offer that the Lady has issued, though of course it would not be permanent. Perhaps merely until the new Saint has a more suitable place to set up an ulajeta of Her own.
[Husulte] Mmm, I see.
[Kuspir] Her safety and well-being is my main concern.
[Husulte] As it should be.
[Husulte] Have you developed a plan as to how you will convince your mother's kin of this?
[Kuspir] As I'm sure you know, convincing my mother of anything against her own judgment is a mighty task. I can only present my offer of shelter and aid and hope that she sees the wisdom in this proposal.
* Husulte nods.
* Dalbi returns, bearing pitchers, with bubunne carrying trays of fine goblets.
* Dalbi pours drinks for all of you, as you desire.
[Kuspir] Thank you.
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, could you please make a SM?
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+11
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, you definitely get the sense that this servant, Dalbi, is looking at you strangely.
[Jevai] (me specifically?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yup)
* Jevai eyes him back curiously
[Jevai] Thank you
[Husulte_] Do you speak on behalf of your delegation, Kuspir? Is there some other who I should be speaking with?
[Kuspir] I can speak on behalf, but Hand Ifa would also be more than capable.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] We all work on the Lady's behalf.
[Husulte_] Then, let me welcome you all, and to have Dalbi escort you to your rooms. And then I will speak to the two of you privately, before you leave tomorrow.
[Ifa] As you wish. :)
[Kuspir] That's very generous of you, thank you.
* Husulte_ will engage you in various pleasantries as you are escorted off to your various rooms for the evening.

Jevai talks to the servant Dalbi Gaigen, who recognized her as a sigillant because his father trained as one, and shows her the Hearty Hedge, a sigillant glyph embedded in the iftibal

[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, after the meeting breaks up, the old man comes up to you.
[Dalbi] You are a jasinam, are you not?
[Jevai] Yes, I am
[Dalbi] If I might ask, what is a jasinam doing here to greet the saint?
[Jevai] I am an acolyte at Nemnosti - I was asked to accompany the delegation, more because I am close with the other, and work well with them, than for any other reason.
[Dalbi] Ah, I see.
[Jevai] but how could I turn down such a unique opportunity?
[Dalbi] Of course. It is very exciting!
[Dalbi] I simply did not expect it, and was curious.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] are there other jasinamme in this region?
[Dalbi] Here? Not any longer, no.
[Dalbi] I am Dalbi Gaigen. For over thirty years I have served the hengge here as groundskeeper and warden of the estate.
[Dalbi] But I was born Dalbi of the Green Suzni. Originally, we were from Vocha Sogo; after that, we were lost. Later still, when we had become civilized folk, some of us joined the Gaigen, when the ifti formed, when Eluli Ula last visited.
[Nemnosti-GM] (you can make a K:local and a K:history, please)
[Jevai] (local then history)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+13
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+13
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 23 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right. You've heard of Vocha Sogo; it was the Ravre community out in this region, but it was abandoned generations ago, when the terrain dried up in large parts of the Turtu. But you don't know the lineages there. You don't know the Gaigen, but from what he is describing, Eluli Ula's visit probably refers to the Itineration of Eluli in 734.
[Nemnosti-GM] You've never ever heard of the Suzni and whatever the 'Green' Suzni are.
[Jevai] I'm sorry - I have not heard of the Green Suzni, though I understand, vaguely, what happened to our people in these lands
[Dalbi] The Green Suzni and Black Suzni were two ... halves of the same lineage, I suppose you'd say. They broke apart, I would describe it, in an effort to keep the community alive. This was many many years ago, before I was born, before the village was abandoned.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I see
[Dalbi] The Gaigen ... we are country folk, not really Ravre, not civilized either, a mix of different groups brought together by circumstance.
[Dalbi] The masters have been very kind to me here over the years. I have risen to a place of some esteem.
[Dalbi] My father, Jaral of the Green Suzni, he was once a Pebble.
[Dalbi] There are no Ravre around here any longer - or at least, not in the lowlands. It has been a long time since I have met one of your craft.
[Jevai] There are few enough of us anywhere, these days, I fear
[Dalbi] If you have a moment, I would show you something.
[Jevai] of course
[Dalbi] Follow me.
* Jevai willl do so
* Dalbi takes you out of the tower and across the yard, to a vantage point around the back of the iftibal, on a slight rise away from the river.
[Nemnosti-GM] Here, you can really see why it is called the Motley Tower. It is cobbled together out of bits and parts of generations of architectural styles. It's hard to take it all in.
[Dalbi] Lo, see there - just to the right of that window.
* Dalbi points.
* Jevai will try and see what he is indicating
[Nemnosti-GM] You see nothing at first, but then it comes into focus. It is a sigillant mark of some sort, on a long column of stone, a set of long curves crosshatched at an angle with straight lines. You can tell that once, they were carved deep into the stone, but it has worn away with the centuries.
[Jevai] oh...
[Dalbi] Those who know it - few enough, we are - call it the Hearty Hedge. It surely has some other name. Decades ago, the hengi's great-uncle, a man named Tendodum, wrote a book on it. He's long dead now, of course.
[Dalbi] I never learned letters myself, but he and I used to talk about it. I assume it must still be up there somewhere, in the lady's library.
[Jevai] (is it anythig I've heard of?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (make a K:arcana)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 21 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (no, you never have)
[Jevai] the library here?
* Dalbi nods.
[Dalbi] I imagine so.
[Jevai] Might I be permitted to see it?
[Jevai] The book, but also the stone...
[Dalbi] I can't imagine why not.
[Dalbi] It is not my place to say, of course.
[Jevai] who should I ask, then?
[Dalbi] Her ladyship Husulte would presumably be able to grant you permission
[Jevai] Thank you, Dalbi, for sharing this with me
[Dalbi] You are most welcome, jasinam. It is my privilege to serve you.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, wee ones, time for bed!

Solos

Alai talks more to Tozamu after they get reacquainted in her room at the inn, about the intentions of their saintly masters

[Nemnosti-GM] Alai, you've had a great time with Tozamu, and are hanging about at your room at the Last Good Well afterwards.
* Alai is idly playing with one of her bracelets...
[Alai] So why did your Lady send you here? Feels like throwing coal on fire, with all the Hulti activity?
[Tozamu] Maybe the Nemni are afraid of a few Hulti up in the high hills, but the Fedifri aren't going to be scared off.
[Tozamu] Besides, how many Hulti can there really be? And would they dare come here?
[Alai] that is like saying you are unafraid of sharks when you live in the plains... while there are likely few, they are natural decievers and would not hesitate to take the opportunity to make a mess here.
* Tozamu looks at you strangely.
[Tozamu] You're serious.
* Tozamu seems unsettled.
[Alai] Why would I not be? But what do I care if you go and get yourself killed.
[Tozamu] I've never met a Hulti. I mean, there are none in Ardukh. Or Onighus. And certainly none around our ulajeta.
[Tozamu] You may have had your troubles up at Nemnosti, but the lowlands are free of any trouble.
[Alai] Have you truly not even considered it a risk? Is not secret my Lady seeks to offer the new Saint safe harbour. It is driven out of good reason. The water is murky here and threats are hard to spot.
* Tozamu looks at you skeptically.
[Tozamu] Perhaps She tells you that is why She is doing it. But we are not fooled by the Carver's pretense. This is not about protection; it is about control.
[Tozamu] Under the guise of shielding Sanar Ula from danger ... you take Her away, fill Her mind with nonsenses.
[Alai] As if you being here is any different? What 'shelter' are you planning on offering?
[Tozamu] It seems to me that you are wanting to take Her to the only place that has a real Hulti problem. To take Her into danger.
[Tozamu] We know that there have been infiltrators within your ulajeta, within the walls of Nemnosti.
[Alai] Oh yes, risen like yourself, slain, and replaced. Feels like you being here could be just as risky.
[Alai] Hence my first statement.
[Tozamu] I don't ask that you understand our rites and our tokens. I really don't, Alai. No one among the Fedifri asks you to understand our sacrifice.
[Tozamu] But don't pretend that Nemnu is above politics. So you ask why we are here? We are here because we knew you would be here.
[Tozamu] And Borgegus, and others. And soon enough, Eluli Himself will be nosing around.
[Tozamu] Would you have us simply leave Sanar Ula to others?
[Tozamu] You've staked your claim, so we should all go home?
[Alai] I doubt asking would make a difference. Such things are not for me to decide. I am just feeling things out and trying to judge the chaos that is swirling.
* Tozamu relaxes, smiling warmly.
[Tozamu] I've missed this so much. You have so much jovra. Do you still duel?
[Alai] Is not like Arduhk here. There is little desire for it, and the one chance I had... I may have been aggressive. I mean he lived.
* Alai shrugs
[Tozamu] Life is wonderful. But so is what comes after it. That is what I have learned from the gift I was given. I know it is ... a lot. I am not the same person I was, before.
* Tozamu relaxes.
[Tozamu] Alai, do you truly believe that Nemnu has Sanar's best interests at heart?
[Alai] I believe, after long enough as a Saint, politics always plays a part. That said, I also believe My Lady's goal is to ensure Sanar has the opportunity to have her own best interests.
* Tozamu seems skeptical.
[Tozamu] I believe that you believe that.
[Tozamu] But can you see that up in the high hills may actually riskier than somewhere more civilized?
[Alai] It is at least close. Close enough that the Sanar lineage is easly represented in number.
[Alai] But I am not here to convince people.
* Tozamu nods.
[Tozamu] The Gargimnai, Sanar's people, they are not easy. They still revere the name of Ekrakosh. Neither my Lady nor yours is the sort of figure they will revere, or even respect.
[Tozamu] I'd love to know how you've managed to get in to see Her so easily.
[Alai] Three days walk. It's not like we came from across the corner of the Empire.
[Tozamu] That's not what I mean. The walk is the easy part. Getting through their door is much harder.
[Tozamu] That damnable priest, and the womenfolk of the lineage.
[Alai] Is not like I convinced anyone.
* Alai shrugs
[Tozamu] Not you. But you are not the leader of your expedition.
[Alai] I ran into my brother here. Even my adopted lineages has taken interest here. What a fine storm is brewing.
[Alai] A Tozamu... its been good talking to you. I hope we have the opportunity to do so again before you part Zhustir.
[Tozamu] And maybe more than talk?
[Alai] I have my eyes on someone else. This I owed you... and have paid back. While it is good fun, is likely not best for either of us. You have changed and I would not want to tempt you back into old ways. but talk, yes... be satisfied with that.
[Tozamu] Then I concede the victory to you, Alai. It has been worth it, being conquered once again.
[Alai] Of course it was, but go, a girl needs here privacy.
* Tozamu smiles.
[Tozamu] All right.
* Tozamu leaves.

Izu talks to Voice Nalazh who shows up at the temple just in time to prepare for the arrival of Conduit Ingo from Onighus

[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, you'd be lying if you said this was how you thought you'd be spending your time here in Zhustir.
[Nemnosti-GM] Since your arrival, mostly what you've been doing is acting as caretaker of Suftudal, the Voice Temple here, where you are aided by the excellent but frazzled young Voice Pamanai, in the pastoral care for the huge number of pilgrims and visitors now coming to town to see the new saint.
[Nemnosti-GM] The one person you haven't seen so far at all is Voice Nalazh, who, along with his kin the Gargimnai, is largely greeting visitors over at his lineage's landholdings in town, which is where the new Saint Herself is being kept.
[Nemnosti-GM] Today, though, should be different than the last couple of days, because you have been notified - well really, the whole town is on notice - for the arrival of Conduit Ingo and his retinue all the way from Onighus.
[Nemnosti-GM] You figure that the locals may be able to ignore you, but they surely cannot ignore him.
* Izu will check on last minute preparations and ensure that he is there to greet Ingo when he arrives.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are definitely there bright and early - actually you've surely set yourself up in one of the chambers of the temple reserved for visiting priests.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you come out to begin your preparations you see Voice Nalazh - at last - already out there preparing the temple. You've met Nalazh once or twice over the years, never having had much of an impression of him, but over the last couple of days you've been more and more annoyed at having had to do his job while he's off with Sanar Ula.
* Nalazh is an older man, thin but with a protruding belly, who wears a simple black Voice cassock without adornment. He has a heavy beard which appears to conceal some scarring on his face.
[Nalazh] Ah, Voice Izu! I heard that you had been assisting over here.
* Nalazh is laying out some special colored candles on a table.
[Izu] Voice Nalazh. Yes, you could say that. It would have been unfortunate if the Conduit arrived and had nowhere to stay. I took it on myself to rectify that.
[Nalazh] Of course, of course.
[Nalazh] Good to have you here then, in preparation for the Conduit's arrival. But then, you know him well, don't you?
[Izu] Yes, he's been something of a second father to me since I began my courses. I have been privileged to work with him for many years.
* Nalazh nods.
[Izu] I hope your own preparations have been proceeding apace.
[Nalazh] Well, naturally it is all a lot, for the family, and for the community. There is not really a handbook for how to handle some of these things.
[Izu] Indeed. It is amazing how many people have come to show their respects to the new saint.
[Nalazh] Part of my role has had to be to keep most of those at bay. A new saint is very fragile, in so many ways. Especially one so young at death.
[Nalazh] Of course, you are welcome to come over at your convenience.
[Izu] I would appreciate that. Voice Pamanai has been helping me with preparations. Once the conduit is settled, the three of us will visit Her as soon as possible.
* Nalazh nods.
[Nalazh] An excellent plan.
[Izu] Tell me, have you conversed much with Her since her awakening?
[Nalazh] I have. She is adjusting, but slowly.
[Izu] Has she made any requests or announcements?
[Nalazh] Requests? Yes, many, but more of an ordinary sort. To see Her friends, for instance.
[Izu] Of course. But nothing out of the ordinary?
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me a SM)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+18
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Izu] -_-
[Izu] (Destiny)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+18
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Izu] (Ugh)
[Nalazh] I would say that part of my role is to translate those requests into what is practical and sensible.
[Nalazh] And to manage the expectations of everyone, who will have many demands of Her.
[Nemnosti-GM] (You do, of course, recognize that that's a cagey answer, Izu. But more than that, you can't say)
[Izu] Mm. This is a responsibility she has asked of you?
[Nalazh] The family, more than Sanar Herself. But I do believe She is very grateful for someone to fend off the various interests.
[Izu] I'm sure. It would be quite improper for any to attempt to exert any undue influence over such a vulnerable power. I'm sure she is appreciative of your... translations.
[Nalazh] I hope so.
[Nalazh] And I am very appreciative of all the work you have been doing here. Pamanai is a good lad but hardly capable of managing Suftudal on his own.
[Izu] On the contrary, I'm sure he would do a fine job if he ever found himself in charge of the temple. He has been very capable in assisting me. I will certainly make both his and your efforts clear to the conduit.
[Nemnosti-GM] From outside the temple, you hear the cry of bugles alerting you to the presence of some esteemed arrival to town.
[Nalazh] Speaking of which, that must be him now!
[Izu] Indeed. If you'll excuse me, I must go meet him.
[Nalazh] Of course, feel free to join me.
* Izu wioll give him an odd look but nod and let him lead the way.

Izu and Ingo are reunited, and Ingo reveals that the Emperor is deeply concerned about Sanar Ula and her growing cult based on her family’s history of rebellion

[Nemnosti-GM] You head out where you see Ingo, in his full and distinguished regalia as Conduit. He is wearing a black robe of fine silk, into which beads of ivory, gold, and jade are sewn in a detailed pattern, and wearing a coronet of jade and gold. He is attended by various assistants, including heralds, a Hand with several bubunne, some young Voices of various ranks, and others, whose function is not identified.
* Ingo smiles broadly as he sees you.
[Izu] Conduit Ingo. It is truly wonderful to see you.
[Izu] Especially on such an auspicious ocassion.
[Ingo] Izu, I am warmed at your presence here. And Nalazh, it is good to see you again.
[Izu] Accomodations have been prepared for you if you wish to rest from your journey.
[Nalazh] Conduit Ingo ... yes, I am glad to welcome you to Suftudal, and to Zhustir.
* Nalazh tries but fails to not seem peeved.
[Ingo] Excellent! Junu has taken a room at the inn here, but I suppose niceties must be observed and it would be unseemly for me to do the same.
[Ingo] Come, I will inspect the preparations that have been made, and we can speak more in here. And then, of course, to go see the saint Herself.
[Nalazh] Yes, of course, Conduit.
[Izu] Of course. Please come with me. One of the local clans has graciously loaned rooms for you. I know it is not customary, but as you can see there is somewhat of a shortage of space at this time.
[Ingo] Yes, such is to be expected. The day when the awakening of a saint does not produce a crowd is the day we should all be concerned that we are not doing our jobs well enough!
[Izu] Indeed!
* Izu will lead him to the prepared house and help him get settled while making sure his luggage is seen to.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you and Nalazh can passive-aggressively take Ingo around the temple, which is, after all, in good order, due to your hard work. But it is not too long before you are able to get a moment to speak to Ingo alone.
* Ingo sits down on a chair, seemingly exhausted, as he removes his coronet.
[Ingo] Who knew it would be so exhausting to be treated with such honour?
* Izu laughs.
[Izu] It is truly good to see you again.
[Izu] Would you like some wine or something stronger, perhaps? I can see what is available?
[Ingo] Wine, certainly. Nothing stronger - I need my wits about me with all these vipers about.
* Izu laughs mirthlessly.
[Ingo] Has Nalazh been annoying you?
[Izu] Not that I cannot handle. He is a viper, but one with a loud rattle. I am a bit worried about what he has been telling Sanar, though. I have yet to be able to see Her.
* Ingo nods.
[Ingo] That will be easily remedied. I'm sure if asked he would say that he has an obligation to be fair to all the saintly delegations. Now that the Borgegi and the Fedifri are here, and more to come tomorrow.
[Ingo] There is a perception that the Nemni get special treatment, which is of course not helped by my arrival.
* Izu will pour two glasses of wine for them both
[Ingo] I am still seen as Hers, as much as I am a servant of Eluli Himself now.
[Ingo] Not that that's wrong to think that way, of course.
[Ingo] It is just what must be managed.
[Izu] It's unfortunate, but inevitable. We will need to be careful to manage appearances.
[Izu] Although I doubt we could be worse at it than our host voice.
* Ingo chuckles.
[Ingo] He is who he is. His obsequiousness and scheming are annoying, to be fair, but manageable.
* Izu smiles.
[Ingo] I am more worried about him falling under the increasing influence of his lineage. The Gargimnai are notorious.
[Izu] Mm. Luckily there are other, more reasonable voices here. I do hope that Sanar Ula decides to trust in Our Lady for guidance and protection. We've been tasked to offer as much, of course.
[Ingo] Of course. As have the other saints, and of course as have I.
* Izu nods.
[Ingo] It is not so simple, though, is it?
[Ingo] Gifts come with obligations. Protection comes with power.
[Izu] Indeed. Whoever She chooses to trust will no doubt gain a powerful ally. We can only hope that Her years belie her wisdom.
[Ingo] I am going to need to share some information with you now, Izu.
* Izu raises an eyebrow but stays silent.
[Ingo] What you do with it, I cannot tell you. But to not share it would put you at risk.
[Ingo] Eluli has grave concerns about this new saint and Her family. The Gargimnai were at the heart of the rebellion of Ekrakosh, which may seem like old grievances long forgotten to you, but the Prime does not forget.
[Ingo] While we do not get to choose our new saints, we certainly do get to choose who will receive Imperial support.
[Izu] I see. Hopefully He will wait to see the new saint's intentions before making any decisions. But I suppose that is why you are here.
* Ingo nods.
[Izu] What are your own feelings on the matter?
[Ingo] My own feelings ought not matter much. I cannot let them matter much.
* Izu nods
[Ingo] But ... I would want to see the new saint succeed.
[Izu] Then let us hope that she is not her ancestor. We will know more when we are able to speak with her.
[Ingo] If Nemnu were to offer too much protection, and if that were granted, then She might be seen as a threat, insofar as Sanar is also seen as a threat.
* Izu considers this.
[Izu] He is already predisposed to see her as such, is he not?
[Ingo] He is.
[Izu] I thought as much.
[Izu] I've been learning things. Old things. Things which only a saint would remember. Their relationship has been... complicated.
* Ingo nods.
[Ingo] It has.
[Ingo] I will ask you now to think, hypothetically.
[Ingo] If a saint were to be .. ornery ... objectionable ... otherwise deemed risky ... what would be some strategies to deal with that situation?
* Izu considers.
[Izu] Obviously violence would be a last resort. She is too well known now. Persuasion would be best, but failing that there are many ways that He could make his influence known. Bribery, threat... or perhaps she would simply... fall asleep.
* Ingo nods.
[Ingo] So fortunately, we are still at the bribery and threats stage.
[Izu] Let us hope we stay there.
* Izu takes a long drink of his wine.
[Izu] I can see now why you are so fond of this stuff.
[Ingo] The wine, or the politics?
* Izu smirks.
[Izu] Yes.
[Ingo] I am fond of the wine. I am good at the politics, and fond of being good at things. Which is not quite the same.
[Izu] Ingo... if she were to fall asleep... Nemnu would not be happy. You know that.
[Izu] I worry what might happen in that situation.
[Ingo] There has been open discussion of ... letting our mutual enemies take care of this situation for us.
* Izu pauses for a moment reflecting.
[Izu] Ingo... I love you like a father. I will not lie to you, whatever it might cost me.
[Ingo] I feel the same way.
[Izu] That would not happen if it were in my power to stop it.
[Ingo] I would not be sharing this with you if I were not trying to work to stop it myself.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] I know.
[Ingo] So far I have been ... very gentle with Eluli. And will continue to be, if I can, at all.
[Izu] I thank you for that.
[Ingo] My hope is that we can get the Gargimnai to a reasonable position. Where they do not immediately see this as an excuse to start a new revolution.
[Ingo] But that may need to fall to someone like you, rather than someone like me - an old nobleman from the city.
[Izu] I will do what is in my power to do. For you, and for Her.
[Ingo] I know you will. I am so thankful that you are here.
* Izu sighs and takes another drink.
[Izu] Enough of that for now. I have not talked to you in far too long. Tell me how city life has been.
* Ingo can regale you with tales about life in Onighus.