Nemnosti session 42
Summary
Session
- Session date: March 15, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 769, Khurar
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] Greetings, acolytes! I know we have all had a lot of excitement these past months. It is too much to ask of anyone, but especially of you, Her acolytes, to deal with it all. After all, the ulajeta is meant to be a cloister, a space safe from all the trials of the outside world, a place of learning, reflection, and growth. But how can we nurture our roots when warm winds blow constantly across the soil? So tonight I thought we would do something a little different. To tell stories of the little things, the joys in our lives, the things that matter, perhaps even more than the matters of the world and of the Kinds. I'll start. After all, they do call me Fables. Have I ever told you why that is? When I was around sixteen, that was the Daghuri Plague. It was a sad time for a lot of us, and we all went a little bit wild, in different ways. My way was that I would make up stories. Stories about a dog born with two heads. Stories about white vultures landing on top of Hul Hai. Stories about my friends - sometimes stories that made them not so friendly. I don't know why I did it at the time. Now, I think I was just trying to get some control. They weren't important ... but they mattered to me. Now I look back on that time and think that my lungs were chafing at my heart. How silly I must have appeared. You too, will look silly to yourself someday, when your own course has taken you downriver. The good news is, there are always more stories to write.
Alai talks to Irdomila about Luetka, her Aathuvansi family, and the ring she is crafting for Izu
[Nemnosti-GM] Alai, between your work on your special ring, your ongoing research into the sword Fracture, and your Abyssal research, well, let's just say that the acolytes who work in the libraries putting away books are pretty tired of you by this point. You hear they call you names, which is oddly satisfying.
[Nemnosti-GM] You have tried to do some work into the elusive Vashmala smiths, the quintet of bladesmiths who were apparently responsible for Fracture. You are hardly an expert on blacksmithing, though, and so much of what you are learning has to do with the operation of bellows and the colour of steel at various temperatures.
[Nemnosti-GM] Who could have guessed that an elusive coterie of smiths would not have recorded all their details for public consumption?
[Alai] (so very inconsiderate of them)
[Nemnosti-GM] On top of all those responsibilities, you have one more: your role and care as Serene to your apprentice Irdomila. You had good intentions, during your trip to Zhustir to see Sanar Ula, to spend some of that time working with her, but it was too noisy, with too many intrusive voices and bodies, and besides, without the appropriate library to do any real work.
[Nemnosti-GM] So today, in the library, you've sent the other acolytes away, and Irdomila is alone in the library with you, assisting.
* Irdomila brings back another stack of books and lays them on the table with a grunt, with one of them sliding off the top onto your notes.
[Alai] Take care, less you want to be retracing these references.
* Alai tosses the book aside, and verifies the writing intact
[Irdomila] Oh! Yes, Serene.
[Irdomila] Master Alai, I have a question.
* Alai picks up the next book on the stack and examines it for its subject
[Alai] Yes?
[Irdomila] What is Luetka like? What was your life like there?
[Alai] What brings this line of inquiry?
[Irdomila] Going to Zhustir reminded me how little I know of the world, aside from books.
[Irdomila] The world is large, and I have spent almost all of it in Nemnosti.
[Alai] And what have your books said about Luetka?
[Irdomila] That it's cold, wet, and dreary, like its people.
[Alai] So I am dreary now, eh.
* Alai giggles
[Irdomila] Well, you are not, so maybe the books are wrong. So many books are full of error, as you have taught me.
[Alai] Luetka is life on the sea. It is true both cold and wet, and can be very hard. Fighting the sea is not for the weak.
[Irdomila] So you were a sailor?
[Alai] We learn crafts with our hands. See this ring (she pulls out the one she has been working on). My mother taught me the basics of crafting such things.
[Irdomila] Is your mother still alive?
[Alai] Sailing is a man's role... some women too... but women make what is needed for the men.
* Irdomila looks at the ring with admiration.
* Alai hands the ring to her. It is crafted of silver with blue and black stones set into it.
* Irdomila takes it and smiles.
[Irdomila] My mother is a bookbinder by trade, but I don't think I'll ever get the chance to learn from her.
[Alai] I have imbued the ring with an enchantment. Figure out what I have done before we leave here today. As to your question, my mother still lives, yes.
[Irdomila] I know that here, you are a Vegru. But that is not a real lineage, is it?
[Alai] I do think of her, from time to time, and my father too, but neither read so it is just envoys that can carry the rare message to or from them.
[Alai] It is not. Are you asking or do you already know the real answer.
* Alai smiles
[Irdomila] Well, I know about the Vegrus. And a little bit about the Blue Storm.
[Irdomila] But again, just from books. Other than you, the only Vegru I actually know is Dodemozh, and he's an idiot.
[Alai] He is young and a boy, so is safe assumption.
* Irdomila chuckles.
[Irdomila] Rembes is not too bad. But yes.
[Alai] Is not real secret that yes, I am Aathuvansi. That Aathuvansi of the Blue Storm.
* Irdomila smiles.
[Irdomila] I knew it!
[Irdomila] I told Rembes, and he thought I was making it up.
[Irdomila] Thank you, Master. Now I have won a bet and can extract my reward.
* Alai chuckles
[Alai] I do hope you make him pay an excrutiating price for doubting you. He must learn better.
* Irdomila nods solemnly, then emits a stray giggle.
[Irdomila] Do you ever long for home?
* Irdomila says, returning to the subject at hand.
* Alai pauses thinking back to the last time she saw her father.
[Alai] I am not Alai that left that place. I do think of it, yes, but I do not long for it.
* Irdomila nods.
[Alai] If it was my desire to see home, I can be there in an instant.
[Irdomila] So in a way, it's not your home anymore.
[Alai] Knowing that, longing is foolish.
[Alai] It will always be a home, but you are correct in saying it no longer feels as my home.
* Irdomila twirls the ring around on her finger gently.
[Irdomila] This ring - it is protective in some way? The blue and black stones, they are ... orderly. Like towers around the ulajeta.
[Alai] What if I told you the stones represent the black of my hair and the blue of the water that I care about? What say you about your assessment now?
[Irdomila] I would say that it is not for you - it is too large for your fingers. But it is personal to you.
[Alai] I do not make something unless I am putting some of myself into it. I craft with meaning. Use your skills and determine what I have enchanted it with. No guessing. Tell me.
[Irdomila] Anything I would say would be a guess.
[Alai] It need not be. I will show you.
* Irdomila hands it back.
* Alai will give Irdomila some fos and guide her through the weaves of an Identify spell.
[Irdomila] !roll 1d20+4
* lan-werk2 rolls for Irdomila: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 21 ].
[Irdomila] (woo!)
[Irdomila] It is to protect the wearer ... so it is for someone you wish to be protected well. Do I get to know its recipient?
[Alai] You managed the spell very well. How does that feel?
[Irdomila] It feels ... powerful.
[Alai] (is that enough to Strain her, even a first level spell?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (actually, yes, since she doesn't have a BMB)
[Alai] and alas, the recipient of this ring will not be revealed to you. A girl must always have a few secrets.
* Irdomila nods.
[Irdomila] I will remember that.
[Alai] Now take a few moments and rest. Is good you managed that much fos, but it is taxing on you until you practice more. I'll get you a cup.
* Irdomila exhales loudly in relief.
Marga talks to Ailal Takovenga who is remembering her brother Surgu at Istu Levunu, and about assisting her as Warden at the ulajeta
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, it's been a few days since you went and pulled Rechegoko out of whatever harebrained plan he was going to enact up in the Ghengom, possibly getting killed in the process.
[Nemnosti-GM] Things are still a bit raw between the two of you, but you seem to have come to a kind of agreement that both of your families suck. Which is true.
[Nemnosti-GM] And of course, your duties call, with patrols more frequent now that the spring rains are starting to let up a little bit. The river valley is full of waterfalls and rivulets coursing down to the Pasu still.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are on patrol one day, flying overhead, when you travel by Istu Levunu, and see a figure sitting down by the ancient stone atop the Pardopasu.
[Marga] (OwO what's this)
* Marga circles to get a better look at who it might be.
[Nemnosti-GM] You circle around, and see that it is Ailal Takovenga, Sister Hush.
[Marga] (oh well, that's fine right?)
* Marga cra-craas just to say hello
[Nemnosti-GM] She's definitely allowed to be there, of course. And she's Ravre, and skilled in navigating the Ghengom, so not a danger or anything. It is a bit weird, but not alarming.
* Ailal doesn't really respond.
[Marga] (well *that*'s a bit weird)
* Marga circles lower to investigate more closely.
* Ailal seems to be ... touching the stone?
* Marga lands and watches her for a moment, puzzled...
[Marga] (she's just touching it? just standing there?)
* Ailal seems sad and reflective. She turns to see you, finally, as you land.
[Ailal] Marga, is that you?
* Marga will transform back to talk.
[Marga] Yeah! Hi!
[Marga] Just checking you're ok out here :)
[Ailal] Oh. Well, yes. Well ... yes.
[Marga] You sure?
[Ailal] I come out here sometimes, after I have been talking to Surgu.
[Marga] Ah... yeah.
[Marga] Well, I don't wanna intrude, then.
[Ailal] No, it's fine.
[Ailal] It's been a dark year, and I feel like everyone has forgotten about him already.
[Ailal] With one great thing after another ... sometimes I just want my brother to be remembered.
[Marga] a lot's happened... but I don't think people forgot him
[Ailal] Well - not really. But he's not important to anyone else.
[Ailal] When I'm gone, my children are not going to visit his tomb.
[Marga] You don't think so?
[Ailal] They never knew him when he was around.
[Ailal] He was different, you know. Heard voices, saw things.
[Marga] What about his kids?
[Ailal] Well Bazuz is up with your father's crew. He loved Surgu, but not in a way that would bring him down here.
[Ailal] And the other one, the lost one, is corpseborn.
[Marga] SO... is he not allowed?
[Ailal] Not normally. He's not really his kin, you understand.
[Marga] That stinks, I'm sorry.
* Ailal pauses, as if about to raise an awkward point.
[Ailal] ...
[Ailal] Your lover, he must worry about those things too? Or perhaps he is not reflective in those ways. Or perhaps you are planning on having a great litter of chicks?
* Ailal smiles despite herself.
[Marga] ... about people visiting him when he's dead?
[Ailal] I guess not. It's not his custom.
[Marga] Yeah... I dunno that he's really thought about it.
[Marga] Sometimes I wonder if it'd be so bad to be left alone though. When it's over I mean.
[Marga] Just to rest.
* Ailal chuckles.
[Ailal] I can empathize. Being Warden at Nemnosti is exhausting these days.
[Ailal] The grounds cannot handle all this disruption without care and attention.
[Ailal] I don't enjoy it as I used to.
[Marga] Are all the extra people making it harder?
[Ailal] It's not just the numbers. It's that they don't know anything. Where not to walk, how to be respectful of our daily cycles, all of it.
[Marga] Yeah... I wonder how long they'll be here.
[Ailal] The ulajeta can handle the number of people - we could handle a hundred more. But it is just a disruption.
[Marga] You need someone to yell at them?
[Ailal] I used to be good at yelling. Now I just feel tired.
[Marga] You need a break. :/
* Ailal nods.
[Ailal] I think we all do.
[Marga] ... Yeah.
[Ailal] But yes, if you wouldn't mind yelling at people, I could use some help with that.
[Marga] Sure!
[Marga] I can do that!
* Ailal smiles.
[Ailal] You would have liked Surgu. At least before his first death ... maybe even after that.
[Ailal] He loved to be out in the hills.
[Marga] I'd like to hear about him!
* Ailal will tell you stories about Surgu until you both feel better.
[Marga] (yay!)
Jevai talks to Giri about possibly taking a Pebble from Zhustir, and they talk about the memorial seal he is making for his wife’s tomb to allow others to speak Sweeping
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, you were a bit surprised when Giri invited you to come to meet with him in his office. He's normally the sort who needs to be sought out, but yesterday he seemed quite insistent that he wanted to speak to you.
* Jevai will certainly drop by, then
[Jevai] hello upward
* Jevai says, knocking
[Nemnosti-GM] The office is just as cluttered as ever, of course. But it seems like things have moved around quite a bit since last time, not exactly in the direction of organizing, but ... redecorating with detritus?
[Giri] Hello, Jevai, come in!
* Jevai will do so, looking around to see if there is someplace she can sit, or an easy place to ceal to do so, at least
[Jevai] It looks like you have been busy in here
[Giri] Well, I have been trying.
[Giri] How have you been? We've hardly talked since you came back from Zhustir.
[Jevai] even before that, perhaps. I've been very busy.
* Jevai will sit down, and tell him about the glyph that the servant showed her, and what she learned about it
* Giri makes some notes on a corner of a piece of paper eagerly, then, when done, tosses it on top of a pile.
[Giri] Fascinating!
* Jevai smiles
[Giri] You say he was the son of an old sigillant?
[Jevai] yes. he would like to see someone from their community trained again
[Giri] Hmm. How do you feel about that?
[Jevai] how do I feel about it?
[Giri] Yes ... about the prospect of a sigillant from a community that is no longer really Ravre.
[Jevai] I feel better about that, i think, than about someone who has no connections to out poeple at all seeking training
[Jevai] if there is one who wanted to learn
[Giri] Would you take that on, then? If it were the right person?
[Jevai] If it were the right person.... I would ike to. I worry that I don't have the time for a pebble right now. But I have been thinking abou it
[Jevai] It feels like there are not enough of us now, liek omething will have to give, somewhere, or lose the art.
[Giri] I used to feel the same way about you. There is always so much to do. Projects left half-finished. But you are right, we have to take on the work, or else the craft will fall away.
[Jevai] I would need to find somoene to teach with
[Giri] I would like to think I would do it, if needed. But perhaps best to find another.
[Giri] If they came as an acolyte, it would make the training more feasible.
[Jevai] hmm, maybe, yes
[Jevai] I will see. Obvioulsy, that is not up to me. But
* Giri nods.
[Jevai] She may see the value, as she did with me.
[Giri] In the meantime ... I have something to talk to you about.
[Jevai] oh?
* Giri pulls through some papers, and finds some that are near the top of the heap, and hands it over.
* Jevai looks it over
[Nemnosti-GM] You recognize one of them - it's a sketch you've seen before in his office, of a set of glyphs for a tomb. The others are newer.
[Jevai] oh, have you been working on your designs?
[Giri] Off and on, yes.
[Giri] There's always so much work to do.
[Jevai] this is true
* Jevai looks them over
[Nemnosti-GM] (make a K:arcana check)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 23 ]
[Nemnosti-GM] Whatever this is going to be, it has a divination component. You see that the elements depicted on the glyph include fingers and hands in strange configurations.
[Jevai] is this.... to do with her hand talking language?
* Giri nods.
[Giri] Sweeping.
* Jevai nods
[Giri] Vimne Zakha has been working with those of us from the older generation who still know it.
[Giri] A word-list will be useful. But still, no one is going to learn it from a book.
[Jevai] it woudl be a shame for it to be forgotten
[Giri] This here, is to give future Voices a way to talk to her.
[Giri] Imagine how sad it would be, to have an ancestor with no way to communicate properly with anyone.
[Jevai] is it necessary still?
[Jevai] I would have thought that as an ancestor, the Voice could speak with her more directly
[Giri] Voices still need a common language to speak to an Ancestor. Of course ,the living can learn from them - that's how we know so much about Helombesh. But how are they to learn without a starting point?
[Jevai] hmm, I see
[Jevai] who will the glyphs work?
[Jevai] (how)
[Giri] It's really just a tongues spell, despite the complexity. But ultimately? I would hope to be able to make it permanent, which is what some of the rest of this is. It's not within my capacity, though.
[Jevai] hmm
[Giri] And I can hardly ask your Downward for her assistance.
[Jevai] who else is there?
[Giri] None in the province, as far as I know, since Eng-dur.
[Jevai] hmm.
[Giri] I wanted to show you because ... well, to be honest, I know my limitations.
[Giri] And if, one day, you were to achieve the skill ... I would want you to do this, for me, after I am gone.
[Jevai] I will, if I can.
* Giri smiles.
[Giri] I know you didn't ever know her well. She was a remarkable woman. You know your friend Alai has her name, yes?
[Jevai] I did, yes.
[Jevai] a mark of Nemnu Ula's high regard for them both
[Giri] It was controversial. She had only just died.
[Jevai] I recall
[Giri] But one does not argue with Her decisions.
[Jevai] how did you feel about that?
[Giri] Conflicted.
* Jevai nods
[Giri] But ultimately, it is a name. Names are not things, or people.
[Jevai] true enough
[Giri] Alai has never used it much, at least. I hope she is all right with it.
[Jevai] I think she is. She's never been concerned abotu not being her own person, at least.
* Jevai holds up the plans
[Jevai] Do you want me to hold to these, or are hyou still workign on them?
[Giri] I'm still working, for now. I will try to keep them somewhere obvious, though. Just in case.
* Jevai smiles
[Jevai] if I can't find them in the future, I'll have Alai divine for them.
* Giri laughs.
Ifa talks to Lona Tinef about Ifa’s time in Zhustir, the new saint, and Lona’s husband Zomorde
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you've been busy assisting Ajemika in the day-to-day affairs of the iftibal. It's definitely feeling very different than when Hojon was in charge.
[Nemnosti-GM] But of course, before all of that, you are a Hand, and so you have duties every day at the temple, assisting Keruna, taking care of all the pastoral duties, and attending to the intricate rituals of the place.
[Nemnosti-GM] The rites of the Hand are not nearly so complex as those of your Voice brothers, but then, you were always of a much more pragmatic bent, as an Order.
[Nemnosti-GM] Today you arrive at the temple, to find old Lona Tinef already there, polishing oil lamps.
[Nemnosti-GM] It's been a long while since you talked to her other than a friendly hello.
[Ifa] Oh, hello Lona. :)
[Lona] Hand Ifa, I wondered if I'd see you here today.
[Ifa] Oh? Was there something you needed?
[Lona] Well, no, not so much. I just hadn't seen you at all since you got back from Zhustir.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] It's been quite a busy time. How are you?
[Lona] Oh, well enough. Zomorde and I mostly keep to ourselves, you know, over in Hertu.
[Lona] I do talk to your grandmother now and again.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Lona] She wishes you'd come over more, but also wishes I wouldn't tell you that.
* Ifa laughs.
[Ifa] I really *should* make an effort to go see her. As I said, it's been busy, but family is family.
[Lona] Well, I don't want to be a scold.
* Lona finishes off one lamp, and picks up the next one.
[Lona] But come, tell me about Zhustir. Was it as wild as they say? Thousands crowding the streets?
[Ifa] Reminding is not scolding.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] It was as if they were trying to cram a city into a village.
[Ifa] I mean, I understand, it was a once in a lifetime event.
[Ifa] But still.
[Lona] I suppose no one expects to become a saint. How is the girl doing? Is She all right?
[Ifa] About as well as could be expected, I think. She has a good heart, but this is such a massive adjustment.
* Lona nods.
[Lona] And in Zhustir, did the other saints send delegations too?
* Ifa nods.
[Lona] Even the Emperor?
[Ifa] (Sorry, looking up a thing to get nomenclature correct)
[Ifa] He sent Conduit Ingo with a delegation.
[Lona] I suppose that makes sense. He's a good man, and he knows the area.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I'm sure my brother was particularly happy to get a chance to see him.
[Lona] Ingo was very good to my husband and me when we arrived here in the Pardopasu. Good man, good man.
[Lona] Do you think that they are going to also send delegations up here to Nemnosti, now that Sanar Ula is here?
[Ifa] Hmm. Not immediately, I don't think, but I imagine eventually She'll be recieving plenty of visitors.
* Lona nods.
[Nemnosti-GM] (make me a Sense Motive)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Ifa] (*sigh*)
[Lona] Well, hopefully they don't cause too much difficulty.
[Ifa] How is Zomorde, by the way?
[Lona] Oh, well enough, you know. He prefers to keep to himself. Doesn't come up the road to Nemnosti except maybe at Romokh time.
* Ifa nods.
[Lona] He didn't like me coming up here so much, when all the revenants were being killed, but thankfully that's over now.
[Ifa] Well, I think it still behooves everyone to be careful.
[Lona] I've always said that man loves crabs more than he loves people.
[Lona] I'm just glad I'm crabby enough for him!
* Ifa laughs.
[Ifa] Nothing wrong with preferring the quiet life.
[Lona] That's what he says.
* Lona finishes off another lamp.
[Lona] You need another acolyte in here to become a new Hand.
[Ifa] Well, you know what they say. We could always use another helping Hand. :)
* Lona laughs.
[Lona] Well, let's hope one of them finds her way to your door.
[Ifa] You don't happen to know of anyone interested?
[Lona] I'll ask around.
[Lona] It's been good chatting, Ifa. I'll try to remember to come more often.
Izu talks to Voice Imas about his plans for Gil Pirtu just prior to his departure for his upcoming task, and they talk about their jealousies over others’ paths
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, since your strange encounter with Lurusiru Ula in the Inner Caves, you've had a lot on your mind.
[Nemnosti-GM] Even moreso because for now, Nemnu is insisting that you and Rupun not say anything to anyone. Add one more to your list of closely-held Voice secrets, although if Their glorious reawakening is indeed in progress, you can hardly have to keep that any longer.
[Nemnosti-GM] And besides, there are other things to keep people distracted around the temple. Sanar Ula, of course, is foremost among those. For now, Voice Nalazh has set up a very small temple in Limping Hall, but it hardly makes sense to use that for the whole of the Sanari, so you are sharing the temple space for the time being.
[Nemnosti-GM] And then, on top of everything else, Voice Imas is making his preparations to depart for Zhustir and Gil Pirtu, for the work that lies ahead of him.
[Nemnosti-GM] This afternoon, Imas comes by your little office in the temple.
* Imas knocks on the door
* Izu will open it and smile to see Imas.
[Izu] Please, come in, Voice Imas.
* Imas comes in, standing awkwardly.
[Izu] How are your preparations?
[Imas] Well enough. It's all a bit tricky. All the books, the plans, the resources are here. But I won't know what I'm working with until I go.
[Imas] I'm sure that will mean I'll need to be back and forth over the next years.
[Izu] I have every faith in your ability, Trowel. Whatever you choose to do, it will be fitting of the task. I hope perhaps I may be able to contribute in some small way if my carving skills are needed.
[Imas] I expect to be leaving in the next week. And before I go, I have some things to say to you.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Then please. I am listening.
[Imas] For a long time, I assumed that whenever Ingo was called to serve the Prime, that I would be the next to be in charge here.
[Imas] That would make a lot of sense, and not just to me.
[Imas] I'm sure Kailas feels differently, but he's an idiot. You know that.
[Imas] Watch after him, when I'm away. Someone needs to.
[Izu] I will. As I will try to watch over all here. I imagine it is not an easy thing to leave.
[Imas] Yes, well.
[Imas] I don't know what arrangement you have with Her, but I know that Faifir was not chosen because of his leadership abilities. No one is confused as to who will be in charge now.
[Izu] You speak of arrangements as though they were nefarious. I have never asked Her for power or rank. I will serve my part here at Her pleasure, as do we all.
[Imas] No, and I do not accuse you of nefariousness. I want to let you know that I have become ... happily settled, to the future of the ulajeta, under your future leadership.
[Imas] You will not have any difficulty from me.
[Imas] I have come to see my path anew. This new task, the building of a new ulajeta out of a wondrous ruin ... this is the greatest gift I could have asked for.
[Imas] And so I see that that which I thought I wanted, to lead this place, was not the only path available to me. And is that not what we have been taught since we were acolytes, about the Courses, and anyone's path downriver? That we do not know.
[Izu] Thank you. I appreciate your support. And yes, this will be your finest project, I am sure. Just be careful. Those ruins hold many depths about which we are not yet certain.
[Imas] I read your notes carefully. Truly, I did.
* Izu nods.
[Imas] The dancing lift, though, that is truly unique. And it seemed secure, to you?
[Izu] As much as anything there could be. You have designs for it already?
[Imas] I have sketches, notes, thoughts. All of them contingent on what we find there.
[Izu] Please, if there is anything I can do to help, if you need anything... let me know. I will do what I can.
[Imas] This task, I now see, is perhaps the greatest I could have been given. I am determined to prove myself worthy of it, for both ulale, Nemnu and Sanar.
* Imas pauses.
[Imas] Do you know why I am called Imas?
[Izu] I do not. Nor have I never heard your birth name spoken. I assumed there was a reason you did not wish to discuss.
[Imas] That is so. And I will not discuss it now.
[Imas] But there are so many names I could have chosen, but I chose to keep the name that the Carver chose for me, the name of two hengge, and many other honoured Nemni.
[Imas] I was determined to be ... if not a Nemni, then the best I could be, to be as good as a Nemni.
[Imas] It was prideful, to be sure. But I was ... I am so proud, to be an acolyte, to serve Her and none other.
[Imas] This change - to serve Sanar Ula, even at Nemnu's request - it is a change.
[Imas] I have always been, and I suppose I have to admit this, jealous of you Nemni, for your closeness with Her.
[Imas] Jealous of you, jealous of Kailas, jealous of old Limard.
[Imas] It is not becoming, to be so.
* Izu smiles.
[Imas] And if I have ever mistreated you because of it, I would like to reconcile that with you before I go.
[Izu] I understand. It's funny. I spent much of my career here jealous of another, until I spoke to them and realized that the unfolding has its reasons for placing us where it does. No matter what we have, there is always one who has what we think we want. You have nothing to apologize for, Imas.
[Imas] Very well then.
[Izu] You are my brother, Imas, in this Ulajeta, in our faith. You are every bit the Nemni you wish to be.
* Imas smiles just a little at that.
[Imas] Thank you, brother.
* Izu smiles and puts a hand on his shoulder.
Kuspir talks to his sister Shosti about her fears about her changed marriage prospects and the expectations the Sanari have for her
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you have been quite busy for the last days, planning out any refitting of Limping Hall and the security arrangements it will entail. Fortunately there have been no other incidents, and any ill-will after the episode of Sanar Ula's Bliss appears to have been mitigated.
[Kuspir] (Yay)
[Nemnosti-GM] Within your family, the discussion among the wise heads of the Nemni is whether to admit Rugu as an acolyte in this cycle - you worry about him, though you know that you would worry regardless - or wait a year. No decision has been made quite yet. He's still quite young, but not too young for someone raised here.
[Nemnosti-GM] But for now, with Irdomila ensconced in training, he'd be on his own a lot, and while often you've had him stay at the Nemni iftibal, over the past few weeks you've been leaving him with the Sanari, well, more specifically with your mother and sister.
[Nemnosti-GM] So after your shift, you come home just past sunset and then head over to Limping Hall to pick him up. You arrive, and find him playing a game of ompai with your sister Shosti, both of them sitting cross-legged near a corner.
[Kuspir] hello - having fun?
[Rugu] Hi Dad!
[Rugu] I'm winning!
[Shosti] For now.
[Shosti] You've been lucky.
[Kuspir] ah well, do you want to finish up your game before we go?
* Rugu grins.
[Rugu] It won't be long now.
[Nemnosti-GM] Sure enough, Rugu is already near a winning position, and makes the victory within five more throws.
[Kuspir] well done :)
[Shosti] All right, all right, the day is yours, you wild little imp!
[Shosti] Quiet here today; I think She's been better since She talked to Nemnu.
[Kuspir] I'm glad to hear it.
[Shosti] I, ahh, well. Been meaning to talk to you.
[Shosti] When you have a minute.
[Kuspir] Of course. Rugu, go ahead and get your things, and say goodbye to your grandmother, I need to talk to your aunt for a minute.
[Rugu] Yes, Dad.
* Rugu scurries off.
[Shosti] Good kid. Keeping him out of trouble is not too hard.
* Kuspir smiles at that
[Kuspir] He's less trouble than his sister, anyway :)
[Kuspir] Is something the matter?
[Shosti] Mila takes after mother, doesn't she?
* Kuspir nods
[Shosti] Good luck with that.
* Shosti pauses.
[Shosti] Look, no, there's nothing wrong exactly, just ... I need some help.
[Kuspir] All right.... what sort of help?
[Shosti] So ... what has mother said to you about me? Like, what comes next for me.
[Kuspir] well, marriage prospects, I suppose
* Shosti nods.
[Kuspir] but nothing specific
[Shosti] Right. And like, bigger ones. Like when this happened, the thing with Retelumus, it basically just vanished. "Circumstances."
[Kuspir] how do you feel about that?
[Shosti] Well ... I just turned thirty, I'm kind of plain, and my skills are that I'm a pig farmer, who pretends to know how to use fos, but usually screws that up too. Sanari or no Sanari, I don't know the first thing about nobility or any of that.
[Shosti] Like, I guess I should be excited, right? No one likes hauling pigs around.
[Kuspir] But you aren't?
[Shosti] Scared, mostly. Like, they're going to figure out pretty quickly that I'm not fancy, not educated.
[Shosti] But it's also now like, the Future of the Great New Saintly Lineage rests in my cranny.
* Kuspir makes a slight 'ew' face at that
[Kuspir] look, if there are various people competing for your hand, you should have your choice of which one is the least of an asshole. someone who will actually like you for who you are.
[Shosti] Yeah, but ... I'm not sure any of this is my choice.
[Shosti] I think it will be Mother and Molar. And really, Molar.
[Kuspir] you think?
* Kuspir sounds a bit dubious of that
[Shosti] He's got all these connections in Onighus, even in Omba.
[Kuspir] he might have connections, but you and I both know he isn't the one actually making final decisions
[Shosti] Yeah...
[Shosti] But where do you think the first three engagements came from? Not Father, that's for sure.
[Shosti] Now here I am, on number four, except now the stakes just got huge.
[Kuspir] and has anyone forced you to go through with any of the earlier ones? you had the option to say no.
[Shosti] Feels different this time.
[Kuspir] what do you want me to do?
[Shosti] I don't know.
[Shosti] Help?
[Kuspir] go beat up some of the guys, let them know I won't stand for anyone being a jerk to my little sister?
* Shosti laughs.
[Shosti] At least stand behind me, make it clear that you would beat them up?
[Kuspir] I can do that.
[Kuspir] Have any of the candidates actually shown up here yet?
[Shosti] Not yet. This is apparently the letter-writing phase. Which would be great if I could read properly.
[Kuspir] you want me to look them over?
[Shosti] I guess. Honestly I don't think you're the best person to make those judgements, but at least I know you've got a pancreas the size of an ox.
[Kuspir] thanks, I suppose
[Shosti] So I trust you, even if you are an idiot.
[Kuspir] Ifa could do it, she's good at these things.
[Shosti] I know they're worried about Nemni interference.
[Kuspir] can't someone read the letters to you? are they not letting you do that?
[Shosti] Well, I mean, I'm not totally unlettered. They do give them to me. Just that I can't figure out all the fancy words and things.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I do think Ifa would help if you wanted. Not to try and influence you, just to make sure you know what your options are.
* Shosti nods.
[Shosti] Even if I told her not to tell anyone about her help?
[Kuspir] I think so.
* Shosti nods.
[Shosti] All right. Makes sense.
[Shosti] Uhh, you don't know any eligible noblemen, do you?
[Kuspir] Not as such, no. I guess I could ask Pomirabe if he knows anyone, but he himself is definitely quite married.
[Shosti] Figures that Irdomila would catch the only eligible nobleman around here. He's a bit young for me though. I do get to hear all about him.
* Kuspir chuckles
[Kuspir] He's a nice boy but he needs a bit more spine if he's going to stand up to her.
[Shosti] I mean, worked out well enough for Father.
[Kuspir] true enough
[Shosti] Thanks, bro.
[Kuspir] I don't know that I did anything, but you're welcome
* Shosti smiles.
[Shosti] Bring Rugu by here anytime. He's a good kid.
[Kuspir] He seems like he's having fun with you too.
* Shosti nods.
[Shosti] If only my ompai skills could keep pace.
[Kuspir] like you said, it's partly luck anyway :)
[Shosti] That's what I tell myself.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
Solos
Kuspir and Ifa talk about his parenting strategies, and they talk about their expectations for their relationship
* Kuspir will talk to Ifa sometime when she's at his house.
[Kuspir] (perhaps after dinner or something?)
[Ifa] (Works for me)
[Kuspir] Ifa... I have been thinking about something. But I wanted to ask your thoughts.
[Ifa] All right...
[Ifa] Everything okay?
[Kuspir] Oh, yes, I didn't mean to worry you.
* Ifa smiles.
[Kuspir] I have been considering what, if anything, would be prudent to say to my children. about... about us.
* Ifa gives a considering look at that.
* Ifa sighs.
[Ifa] I'm...honestly not sure.
[Kuspir] Perhaps the answer is nothing, of course.
* Ifa nods.
[Kuspir] I would guess that Irdomila suspects, however, and Rugu ... well, it is less likely that he would guess on his own, at his age, but he might see something at some point that makes him confused.
[Ifa] In general, I do think it's probably better to be honest. :/
[Kuspir] I don't enjoy the thought of lying to them, if either of them asked directly, but I wanted to see what you thought.
[Ifa] Given their ages, it might require different approaches for them? It may be worth sitting Irdomila down to talk about it specifically, but possibly we might should still wait with Rugu?
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] that would make sense
[Kuspir] It's possible it would be upsetting for them, I don't know. They are children still, even if Irdomila is almost grown. It might be hard for them to understand.
[Ifa] I imagine Irdomila will understand, at least eventually, but I imagine it might take some time.
* Kuspir nods
[Ifa] I think she has some inkling how complicated love can be.
[Kuspir] I suppose that is true.
[Kuspir] as much as I might wish that she did not know such things, or didn't have to learn them :p
* Ifa chuckles.
[Ifa] Most of us learn eventually, and Irdomila has always been a fast learner.
* Kuspir smiles slightly at that
[Kuspir] Well, I will see about having that talk with her, I suppose.
[Ifa] Let me know when, then.
[Ifa] I know things are busy for all of us.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Ifa... are you happy this way? Has this been what you've hoped for, or ...
* Kuspir hesitates for a second
[Ifa] What is it?
[Kuspir] I know that sometimes, getting a thing is less interesting, perhaps, than wanting it.
* Ifa gives him an amused look.
[Ifa] Am I not what you were hoping for? ;)
[Kuspir] no! I mean. yes. you have been amazing to me.
* Ifa chuckles.
[Kuspir] I only hope I'm not disappointing to you.
[Ifa] And likewise. Kuspir, I...I'm not sure if I'm saying this the way I should like, but...I *wasn't* hoping for anything.
[Ifa] Considering, yes. Yearning, eventually, but hoping seemed...dishonest?
[Ifa] Or, hmm...
[Ifa] I love you. I have loved you, differently in times past, and differently now. I never would have imagined...
* Ifa gestures between the two of them.
[Ifa] ...this. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, even though I genuinely enjoy the very real, small moments, like this.
* Kuspir takes your hand as he listens.
[Ifa] Another part of me, though, still loves you and Zurusha, and will probably always remain a little sad that you must be apart.
* Kuspir nods
[Ifa] But another part of me is happy to have whatever time we have.
[Kuspir] I can understand that. I would say the same. It's a happiness that is always going to be coloured slightly by ... a sadness that things are as they are, but that doesn't mean I would want to change it.
* Ifa nods and squeezes Kuspir's hand.
[Kuspir] If you ever do decide that you are unhappy, though, you would tell me?
[Ifa] I don't really foresee that happening, but I promise I will discuss it with you should unhappiness arise. And I hope you would do the same.
* Kuspir nods
[Ifa] After all we've been through, especially recently, I would hope we could talk to each other about anything.
[Kuspir] Of course.
[Ifa] Then I think we'll be all right, come what may. :)
* Kuspir nods, looking a little relieved
[Kuspir] Thank you
[Ifa] Has this truly be worrying you so much?
[Kuspir] I feel .... I don't know. Grateful seems like the wrong word, but my doubts tell me sometimes that perhaps I am imposing on you, in a way. Being selfish.
[Kuspir] So to know that you do feel happy, and that you would tell me if that changed, is comforting.
[Ifa] I do, and would hope you are content as well. I would be pleased to show you how happy you've made me, if you like. ;)
* Kuspir smiles more broadly at that
[Kuspir] If you like :) And I'll do my best to prove that I'm not being selfish.
Izu and Alai hang out, and she gives him the ring of protection she made for him, and they talk about what they want out of their relationship
* Izu will knock on the door to Alai's chambers.
* Alai opens the door after a brief pause
[Alai] Oh hello
[Izu] Hello. I... had some rare downtime. Are you busy?
* Alai has her hair up in bone pins, wearing a light tight top and pants, a leather apron on.
* Alai unusually has no rings or bracelets on.
[Alai] Oh, pleasent surprise. Come in.
* Alai secures the door behind him
* Izu is wearing his usual robes, but has his best sandals on and his hair combed back and out of his face.
[Izu] Were you working on something?
[Alai] Just finishing up.
[Alai] Can you untie me?
* Alai turns revealing the tie for the apron around her waist
* Izu will dutifully undo the strap holding on the apron, pausing to let his hand rest on her back for a moment.
* Alai looks back over her shoulder.
[Alai] My thanks
* Izu will move his hands around her waist and holds her from behind for a moment, kissing the side of her neck.
[Izu] As you command, my lady.
* Alai leans into him for a moment.
[Alai] Is hard to lift apron off with your lips in the way
* Izu laughs and backs away so she can finish up removing it.
[Izu] Sorry. I couldn't resist.
* Alai will gently lift the apron off over her head, fold it one and set it aside.
[Alai] Is fine. As you see I have been working, so not dressed in my best.
[Alai] Sit, let me straighten up
[Alai] There is watered wine in caraf, if you want a drink.
* Izu will obey, sitting nearby in a chair as she works.
* Izu will pour them both a cup of wine but will not drink it for the moment.
* Alai guestures and moves to clean up the tools she had layed out on her crafting bench, placing them carefully back in thier leather cases.
[Izu] What have you been making?
[Alai] A ring. Is done now.
* Alai picks it up from where it was resting and hands it to Izu
* Izu rolls it in his fingers, examining the stones and the metalwork.
[Alai] (it is silver filigrie with black and blue stones)
[Izu] It's beautiful. It matches your hair.
[Alai] It does? I hadn't noticed. Examine it carefully, makes sure I did not miss any details.
* Alai will slip behind a screen next to her wardrobe while Izu is distracted to change.
[Izu] I'm no jeweller, but it seems perfect. I knew you had many talents but I did not know this was one of them.
[Alai] Is skill my mother taught me, is her family craft. I have mastered it here, with new materails. Silver is rare in Luetka.
[Alai] You like ring?
[Izu] It's beautiful. And it feels... powerful. Is it magic?
* Alai steps out wearing a light blue dress draped loosly over her, her hair down, freed from the pins.
* Izu looks up and stares.
[Izu] Oh.
[Alai] Like many things about me, it is magical, yes.
* Izu nods
* Alai holds a hand out for the ring
* Izu will place it in her hand obediently.
[Alai] The ring is enchanted to protect the wearer from physical harm. To keep wearer safe. Is not as good as suite of armor, but much easier to wear about, no?
[Izu] Yes, that would be much more convenient. Especially for a magic user like you.
* Alai takes Izu's left hand and slides the ring on his pinky finger.
[Izu] I... is it...
[Alai] Especially someone so careless
* Izu grins and holds up his hand to look at the gems on his finger.
[Izu] For me?
[Alai] Is my gift to you, yes.
[Izu] I... don't know what to say.
[Izu] Thank you.
[Alai] Is good start
* Alai will sit on his lap
[Alai] Is that cup for me?
* Izu wraps an arm around her waist to hold her and hands her the cup of wine.
[Izu] Yes, Ma'am.
[Alai] Is good you are thoughtful. Makes me feel even better about gift.
[Izu] It's almost as beautiful as you are.
[Alai] Reitterating what is already know will not impress me.
[Alai] What shall I ever do with you?
[Izu] I could suggest some things.
[Alai] Oh, have you been reading? I appreciate the initiative.
[Izu] The library has many books that are not strictly in the curriculum.
[Alai] Oh we will have some fun, I have no doubt. But what am I do with you? I do think of you a little too much.
[Izu] Of me? I find that amazing. You are the most unique woman I have ever met. So confident. So capable in so many ways. I think of you constantly. But I'm just an ordinary servant. What would you have to think about?
[Alai] I wonder what you want. Where you want to be. How you want to be. Do you think about things like a family? I think on how I can help you be whatever you want to be.
[Izu] Those are complicated questions. I want many things. Safety. Family. Peace. Structure. But right now I cannot think of anything I want more than to be here holding you.
[Izu] I do think of family. A lot. It is hard not to here.
[Izu] Is that what you want? A family?
[Alai] I have thought about it, yes. Is one thing to have achieve so much for yourself, but also know someone follows, even if they do not take same path, although I may push, if it is my daughter.
[Izu] I... cannot give you that.
[Izu] I am not worthy of your gift.
[Alai] So serious. Did I say I want that right now? No. I gift where I choose.
[Izu] But some day you will.
[Alai] You are Voice. It is what you want to be. I would never ask you not to be what you are.
[Izu] I know. And I would never ask you to give up what you want.
[Alai] Is good you remember since I can make you toad if you cross me.
* Izu laughs and pulls her closer.
[Izu] Trust me, I have not forgotten that.
[Alai] Even better, I give you two more arms so that you can hold me that much better.
[Izu] Perhaps another mouth to better kiss you.
[Izu] And for... other things.
* Alai grinds into him.
[Alai] I guess talking is done
