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<Holmes> As Thomas and his retainers return to their pavillion outside of the city, they see the many tribes gathering on the plain that surrounds the city.
<Holmes> As he knows, every year at this time, they tribes assemble to discuss matters important to them all.
<Holmes> Though he's been here for years, however, he still does not understand a good deal of their culture.
Thomas goes into his pavillion to shed his armor while his squires scrub down his horses. Once armor, horse, and gear are taken care of Thomas walks out to get a better look at the tribes -- seeing if any of those he used to ride with are present and to try and figure out what is going on.
<Holmes> It's only as Thomas stops and looks about that he feels the combination of the heat and the earlier exertion get to him. Not enough to make him sit, but he feels it deep inside of him. This steppe of the Rhiani takes its toll on a soul, especially one not born to it like the Rhiani are.
<Holmes> One passes closely, and he notes the man's second eylids up as some dust is stirred by the wind.
<Holmes> IT's an eerie sight. Makes them seem as though they're not human.
Thomas calls for water, and tells his squires to drink as well -- keeping the moisture inside is the best way to keep the heat stroke down. He sips the water out of a skin while he watches the strange people pass.
<Holmes> Dinan comes running up having tied the horses behind the pavillion. "Sir, there's a Shay man who's looking at the pavillion."
<Holmes> "There, " he points.
<Thomas> Thomas comes around fast at that. "A Shay man?"
<Holmes> Thomas sees the man in the distance. He's a sorcerer, no doubt about that. The sort that stalked the old country regularly. This can't be a coincidence. With him are two assistants looking like men wanting desperately to be like their mentor.
<Thomas> Thomas says very softly to Dinan, "Get Orna. Now" With that he starts a slow, deliberate walk towards the sorcerer.
<Holmes> Dinan runs and gets the sheathed sword when Thomas is about half way there. The man stands stock still as Thomas approaches.
<Thomas> Thomas neither speeds up or slows down once the sword is in his hands. He girds up the belt and sheath and puts his hand on the hilt so the blade can be easily drawn. "Sorcerer" he calls as he gets close, "declare your purpouse here."
<Holmes> As Thomas gets to the Sorcerer, he remembers a moment too late that there's a law of peace on the plain during the assembly. His dramatic actions are gaining the attention of lots of people. Not good attention. Still, they aren't doing anything yet.
<Holmes> Thomas notes Regina approaching from town.
<Thomas> Thomas is lucky he didn't actually draw the sword -- still, a sorcerer is something he can't take lightly despite his normal respect for the customs of others. He doesn't draw, but he doesn't stop walking either.
<Holmes> Thomas also notes that another of the observers is some sort of priestess. He might not have noticed her amongst the throng and her acolytes, but she's not somebody any red blooded man would miss.
Aquamite is now known as Lhan
Thomas gets to nearly arms reach of the sorcerer before he notices the priestess. It's just a glance, really, out of the corner of his eye. But as soon as he lays eyes upon her he stops dead, 4 feet from a hated enemy, and blinks slowly. He turns his back to the sorcerer, watching this captivating vision with a look on his face that makes both of his squires groan. They know their master, and they know trouble when they see it....
Aysha steps forward and lays a hand on Thomas' arm, gazing at him with smoldering eyes.
<Holmes> The sorcerer finally speaks, "Are you Thomas of Stroane?"
Aysha glares at the sorcerer.
Thomas lets his hand fall from Orna, looking at Aysha with a combination of heat and adoration. "My lady, I am Thomas, Knight of the Swan, and I am yours to command." He makes an irritated face as the sorcerer speaks, and says to Aysha "Just let me kill this sorcerer, and I shall attend upon you."
<Aysha> "Wait your turn, foreigner!" she snaps.
Aysha 's fingers creep up Thomas' arm. "Ah, a dangerous man. You appeal to me. The bones have told me our... fates are entertwined. Perhaps I can attend you after your - business - is finished."
<Holmes> "Would you meet me in the city later this evening? I'm staying at the Caravanserai," says the Sorcerer. "You dare not kill me here - there's a peace upon this plain."
Aysha whispers in Thomas' ear.
<Aysha> "He speaks truth. And yet his evil is powerful. Perhaps together we can cause him to serve us."
<Holmes> The sorcerer despite his bravado grasps a crytal sphere tightly looking ready to unleash some spell if assoulted.
<Aysha> "Slay him if that is your wish... but if you choose to stay your bloodlust, perhaps he could be... bound to serve."
<Thomas> Thomas's teeth grind as the sorcerer speaks to him, and his hand tightens on Orna's hilt. But when Aysha speaks he nods to her, "As my lady commands." He lets go of the sword. "I will speak to you later, sorcerer."
<Lhan> A tall, Pochanti man stands behind
<Lhan> Thomas. next to him is a young girl, gaunt and pale.
<Holmes> The sorcerer bows perfunctorily and leads his men back down the sloping plain back to the city.
<Lhan> She looks to be about 15.
<Lhan> He looks middle-aged and ragged.
<Lhan> Like his life has already been too long.
<Lhan> "Excuse me, sir," he says to Thomas.
<Lhan> "um, Excuse me," the Pochanti says sheepishly.
Thomas watches the sorcerer leave with a look that speaks of rage about to explode. Only repeated glances at Aysha's beauty keep him calm. So when the Pochanti speak to him his answer is slightly snappish "What, good sir, what could you want?"
<Lhan> "Oh," the Pochanti jumps rather nervously.
<Lhan> "My name is Lhan. And this is my daughter Serama."
<Lhan> "She was wondering if you would be attending tonight's celebration."
<Lhan> The Pochanti gives Thomas a smile.
<Lhan> The daughter rolls her eyes. Paying Thomas no mind at all.
Aysha looks at Serama approvingly, as if to say "this man is mine. You'd better ignore him!"
Regina is flying around, looking for her knightman to see if she can sell him some useless items at a high price...
Regina spots him and lands nearby, heading over.
<Lhan> Serama stares at Aysha coldly in the eyes
<Lhan> Her eyes do not waver.
<Regina> "hey!! sir thomas knight type person!"
<Thomas> Thomas looks over the girl, then at the father with a mild look of disdain. "I may, but not with your daughter, I already have a lady." He gestures to Aysha as though she was really a lady of great stature. He then turns his attention to the sky and Regina's call, staying close to Aysha as he does so.
Aysha takes a step toward Serama, staring right back at her with a stony gaze - her eyes are like the eyes of snakes.
<Lhan> "Oh, yes," the man says. "I apologize."
Regina walks over and stands next to him " you, yes, where *did&* you get to? and whos this 2bit?"
<Lhan> "May I help you?" the man says to Aysha.
<Regina> 'meh its no matter - i need to tlak with you. i have a proposition.."
<Regina> " thomas..? you payign attention?"
Thomas blinks when Regina calls his Lady Aysha a 2 bit, and opens his mouth to answer in anger. When she changes the subject, however, he lets it drop -- a telling thing as he normally would have drawn steel over such a slight. "Yes, Regina, I am. It is just..." he looks sidelong at Aysha, "things are a bit hectic, and I'm still tired from the fight."
<Regina> " good good.. come.. lets go into that tent and we can rest whoile we discuss it
<Thomas> Just as soon as my lady is ready, we shall.
Regina kinda twitches.
<Regina> "..your.. what?"
<Thomas> "My lady." He looks at Regina neurtally, his grey eyes a bit abashed but still stern.
<Regina> "..that would be me.."
<Lhan> Lhan steps slightly in front of his daughter, whose gaze is locked with Aysha
<Lhan> Serama's eyes quiver but she does not relinquish her stare.
<Lhan> Suddenly, Aysha's attention is distracted by a dreamlike trance invading her intentions.
<Lhan> She looks down quickly to see an ash-colored pendant around the man's neck.
<Lhan> Something about it does not look quite right.
<Lhan> Lhan moves to take his daughter away from the scene. He reaches for her hands.
<Lhan> She jerks them away from him and gazes at him sullenly. They both turn to walk away.
Aysha turns back to Thomas only to find Regina hanging on him. A black scowl drops over her face.
<Thomas> Thomas was starting to crumble as he looked at Regina's beuatiful face, knowing deep down that he owes her better than this, but just as he starts to crack Aysha turns back to him. He smiles at Regina and shakes his head, "You are my companion -- not my lady. We fought together, that is all."
Regina kinda growls, looking quite hurt.
<Thomas> Thomas seems very certain of his decision, returning to fawn on Aysha. It's odd, though, that he can't seem to meet Regina's eyes.
<Regina> " ...*fine* go for some two bit whore! SHE'LL JUST ROB YOU AND TAKE YOUR MONEY AND YOUR KIDNEY! AND WHEN SHE DOES I'LL JUST LAUGH!"
Aysha smiles sweetly at Regina.
<Aysha> "We will speak later, my brave Thomas. I must return to my tent to consult the bones."
Regina glares at her iceily.
Thomas bows to Aysha, "As you say, my lady, so my will follows." He keeps the bow as he backs away, conveniently making sure he doesn't have to face Regina, and then retires to his tent.
Regina stalks off mutteirng dark swaers under her breath. she mentaly goes over her stock of items to see if she has any to curse bastard men. she then goes back ot the inn shes stayong at it rest and poder how to get her revenge.."

<Holmes> Later that evening the dancers of the plain have wended their way through the adobe lined streets of Shezrarak to the Caravanserai. The party rages wildly.
Aysha joins the dancers, capering with wild energy in a salacious tribute to Alakatan and Charon
Regina walks down the shop area browsing overwares. still fuming about the days earlyer events. she will have her vengence, they cna be sure.. but how..
Aysha keeps her eyes open for both Thomas and the Sorcerer.
<Holmes> The dancers give the long table arrayed with food some berth not wanting to spoil the feast. Orhan and Charon both are full, and their light mixes to make the whole scene an oddly surreal pink color.
Thomas enters in high style. He's in his full courtly ensamble, baldric gleaming with pearls, plumed helmet under one arm, and black boots shined until they could blind in reflection
<Holmes> The gentle wind causes the gauzy tarps to flutter in the wind, and brings the smell of Jasmine into the place (which fortunately covers the smell of camel dung).
Regina scans aroudn the shops, lookign for items of the magical persuesion..
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<Holmes> Aysha sees that the sorcerer has set up some seats in a corner of the compound where he sits with his apprentices.
Aysha goes to the Sorcerer and kneels down beside him, speaking softly into his ear.
<Holmes> Regina notes Aysha dancing as she peruses the wares of the few merchants still selling at this point.
Aysha gestures to where the well-bedecked Thomas is making his entrance.
<Aysha> "He looks an ostentatious buffoon, does he not? Do not be decieved... he is skilled and deadly, and he has been sent to kill you. I have some small hold over him; your doom may yet be averted. I ask in return only that you aide me with some small matters of sorcery. Please... I... beg you."
Regina snarls at her and sends a subtle signal with her hands to him no to trust her...
<Aysha> "Join me! I will bring him to you with his mind clouded by spirits and lust. Together we can overthrow him. Together we are strong!"
Aysha rattles her bones with excited energy.
<Lhan> Lhan stumbles out from the outer edges of the crowd where he had been standing with his daughter who has refused to dance with anyone all evening.
<Lhan> He looks dazed. Almost drunk.
<Lhan> Like he's trying to catch up to a memory.
Regina sidesteps to let him stumble past her. she looks annoyed.
<Lhan> "Ali!" he says desperately into the thin air.
Thomas nearly runs into Lhan as he makes his way through the crowd, catching the other man by the elbow at the last moment. "Careful, neighbor." He blinks at the word, "What said you?"
<Lhan> Lhan shakes his head. "Uh?"
<Lhan> "Oh, I don't remember."
<Lhan> Lhan looks over Thomas' shoulder as if trying to catch a glimpse of someone in the crowd of dancers behind him.
Regina glowers at mr pompus before her. shes really not in the mood for him now..
<Lhan> "My daughter," Lhan mumbles confusedly.
<Lhan> "Have you seen my daughter..."
<Thomas> Thomas flushes and keeps a hold of Lhan's elbow, "One minute, neighbor, and we will find your daughter." He holds up a hand towards Regina, "Regina, I ... early, I think you misunderstood. When I said you were a companion I meant you were a valued friend, someone I would gladly stand by in battle."
<Regina> ".. unfortuantly, that wasn;t what *i* meant. but thats not even the point - that wench your hanging with, shes currently consortign with soem elderly sorcerer in the corner."
<Regina> " shes trying to get you killed"
<Holmes> The sorcerer looks with Aysha in a way that many men do. "How do you propose we deal with him? I need him alive."
<Thomas> Thomas shakes his head at Regina, "You misunderstand. She is using the sorcerer, it is part of her plan." He keeps a hold on Lhan's elbow, "Lets help this fool find his duaghter, and then I'll explain."
<Holmes> The Sorcerer's greasy black hair shimmers in the moonlight in a sinister way. He clutches his crystal sphere tightly still expecting trouble.
<Regina> " shes a dark priestess you dorlk. those people would gut you for your nuts so they cna use them in your rituals and do it by faking love
Aysha replies to the sorcerer: "But do you need him in his right mind? I have skill with herbs and poisons. The flower of the lotus can take a man's thoughts as easily as it can kill."
<Thomas> Thomas's face clouds up, his eyes growing dark, "Be careful what you say woman. If you were not a friend and companion I would already have called you out for the words you have spoken. You go too far now, do not insult my lady further."
<Lhan> "Excuse me," Lhan whimpers. "My arm. You're hurting..."
Thomas lets go of Lhan's arm very suddenly.
<Lhan> "Please, I must find my daughter. I've lost her..."
Regina looks him right in the eyes " i;m just telling the truth as i see and last i checked birds don'tl lie
<Thomas> Thomas, in the process of turning to help Lhan find his daughter, stops and looks back at Regina. "No... they don't." He pauses a moment, then shakes his head "But I do not think she means me harm. Lets find this man's daughter, and then we will speak more."
<Lhan> Lhan turns and leads them back through the crowd from the direction that he came.
<Holmes> Just then, a man grabs Lhan, and starts to try to wrest something from his chest.
<Regina> "alright, but keep it in mind. a preety face isnlt worth it to lose your life
<Lhan> "Ah!" screams Lhan. "Help! I'm being attacked!"
<Thomas> Thomas doesn't think, he leaps in to help the man.
Regina goes to assist.
<Holmes> The man looks to be a lowlife, but burly and quick.
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<Holmes> Regina tries to befuddle him with her wings, and Thomas used his arrayed skills to help, and Lhan himself fights with desperate strength. But in the confusiion, the man manages to wriggle free with the amulet. He stands alone for a moment, and a ghostly image flickers on his face. He stands transfixed as Lhan grabs the amulet back from him. The man awakes from his reverie, and flees with a look of
<Holmes> abject terror on his face.
<Holmes> He is away before anyone can follow him into the crowd of dancers.
<Lhan> Lhan doubles down over the amulet. It seems he is looking it over.
<Lhan> To ensure that it was not harmed.
<Lhan> He has tears in his eyes.
Regina blinks> 'huh that was easier than expextec
Thomas starts to follow, but loses him before he can make serious chase. "Gods and demons..." he shakes his head and comes back to Regina, "Are you alright?" He gives Lhan a moment, pretending not to see him while his dignity is in tatters.
<Lhan> After a moment gazing into the pendant, Lhan looks up dreamily.
<Lhan> "Serama?" He croaks weakly.
<Lhan> "Where is my daughter?"
<Regina> " yeah i'm fine. no wrose for the waer since he didnlt ruffle them.
<Holmes> Serama comes up, "Father! What are you doing? Making fools of us?"
<Holmes> A light seems to flicker in her dark eyes.
<Lhan> Lhan straightens himself, assuming the role of father again.
Thomas puts a hand on Regina's shoulder, a gesture that ends up being comradly -- but may have started out as something else. He says to the daughter, slightly sharp in voice and face, "He is not. He was attacked, and is not at fault."
<Lhan> "Quickly girl, we must go talk to Mubek. He showed interest in you."

<Lhan> "You cannot be such a wallflower."
<Lhan> "I am fine."
<Lhan> "This good man-at-arms saved me. I am fine."
<Holmes> The sorcerer looks at Aysha, "As long as we can revive him long enough for someone to have their revenge on him, do what you will to him. How may I help?"
<Regina> " yeah, don;t worry about it dear" she smiles softly
<Lhan> Serama smiles subtly.
<Lhan> As Lhan begins to usher her off to a less than attractive Rhiani man, you notice that she is holding no flowers.
<Lhan> Other young women who are being presented carry bouquets of desert flowers.
<Lhan> She does not.
<Regina> " shes.. not gunna be making any suitors tonight"
Aysha smiles at the Sorcerer. "Tonight, after the festivities cease, I will bring him with me to the inn, docile and bidable. Await us in the enclosed courtyard and you shall have your revenge."
<Aysha> "As for me, my clan is in need of your sorcerous skills. There are certain... advantages that a civilized man has over the clansfolk."
<Holmes> Regina notes that Lhan has some horsebones wrapped in hair. This is obviously a Fetish of some ancestor worship tradition.
Regina blinks at those. interesting.....
Thomas watches Lhan and his daughter move off, shaking his head in disaproval. Much as he has seen many traditions in his travels, he does not really understand nor accept them -- and to him Lhan's insistance seems slightly vulgar.
<Lhan> Lhan approaches the pock-faced Rhiani tribesman and introduces his daughter. She shows no interest in the man.
<Holmes> "I'll take him prisoner then. The revenge is not mine," says the Sorcerer. "It is a deal."
<Lhan> But looks back to Thomas and smiles.
<Regina> " hmm he had some interesting items though... i'll rmeebr that face for a later time..."
Aysha laughs aloud. "Excellent! I bid you a pleasant evening. Until later."
<Thomas> He's a haunted man, and desperate. Deal with him gently.
<Regina> " of corse. i always try to be fair unless the mans a bastard
<Thomas> "Like me?
<Regina> " meh, your getitng on my better graces but not quite out of the woods yet"
<Thomas> "Fair enough. Though really, I think you are to hard on Lady Aysha -- she is just of a different tradition. I do not believe she means me harm.
<Regina> " just try to watch it with her. she just reeks of bad news"
Thomas gives Regina a short bow, "As you say."
Aysha cuts her way through the crowd and comes swaying up to Thomas
Regina grows and puts a wing up to block her image form toms eyes.
<Aysha> "There you are! I have been searching for you. I have talked to your Sorcerer freind."
<Holmes> Thomas straightens up for a moment, and looks about. He notes Aysha talking to the sorcerer in the corner. Apparently they are done, and they part. The sorcerer seems to be trying to sneak out of the compound.
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<Aysha> *Strike Aysha narration
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<Thomas> "Lady, no sorcerer ever born was a friend of mine." He bows and kisses Aysha's hand when she comes close, polite and still interested -- but it is obvious in a second that the raging lust that had overtaken him earlier has dimmed to an ember.
Aysha eyes him carefully
Regina glares coldly at aysha
<Aysha> "It was but a turn of phrase... my lord. In fact, this man is your mortal enemy. He awaits your pleasure in the courtyard of the inn. I have convinced him not to break the peace of the gathering, but he is hot for your blood. I know his weakness now, though. Come with me to my tent, I will prepare you."
<Regina> "why don;t we all go together*she smirks*
Aysha gives Regina a wicked grin.
<Aysha> "You are welcome to join us, pretty one. I'm sure you would find it... too your taste."
Aysha looks Regina up and down.
Thomas nods to Aysha, and then half smiles at Regina's words. "My companion is eager. Let us all go, for sorcerers are dangerous even when you know their weakness. Strength in numbers."
<Aysha> "And most likely a new experience as well."
<Regina> "alright..."

<Holmes> The smell of thousands of horses is upon the plain as the three pass into Aysha's tent. Once inside, a heavy incense smell permeates everything.
Regina frowns, looking around with heavey suspicion.
<Aysha> The lighting in Aysha's tent is subdued, but not dark. A golden brown light washes over everything from the lamps. Well-tanned skins of desert animals line the floor, and there are many costly pillows of silk and otehr clothes strewn here and there.
<Holmes> Two of Aysha's attendants come and take her soft heavy cloak from her, leaving her with only a gossamer gown on. The braziers, though dim, provide plenty of warmth.
Regina looks arounf the room worriedly, discoforted by the stuffed bird wings she occasionally sees.
<Thomas> For his part Thomas seems back in control of himself. Certainly his eyes follow the sway of Aysha's hips now and then (or the movement of Regina's...) but he seems back in his element -- right up to the point where Aysha is standing with just gossamer on. That makes his face flush in a way that has nothing to do with the heat of the braziers.
<Aysha> In the center of the back wall stands a leather-covered chest, finely tooled. A strange shrine rests atop it, a small statue of red stone, reptilian in nature, rests atop a simple white cloth. Scattered on the cloth are many bleached bones, their polished surfaces etched with strange carvings.
Regina elbows him and hisses 'stay foucues'quietly
Aysha moves to a small table holding a bottle and some food - dried fruits, nuts, cold meat, a cheese. She draws a leather pouch from between her breasts and rests on her knees before the table.
<Holmes> Aysha notes that the girl who'd followed them from the city is now peeking through the tent flaps, trying to get a glimpse of what's going on inside.
Regina is still watching the scene very closely/
Aysha smiles at the girl
<Aysha> "Yes my dear? How may I aide you?"
Aysha claps her hands.
<Aysha> "Mastaff! We have another guest!"
<Thomas> Its Regina's hiss that snaps Thomas out of the lust-spell he was going into. He pulls his eyes off of Aysha hard, and they end up right on the shrine. That sight makes his brows draw down slightly, his eyes darken.
<Holmes> The servant at the tent flap grabs Serama and pulls her through the opening.
<Regina> "..creepy.isn;t it..
<Lhan> Serama wriggles in the servant's grasp, making motions as if not to touch him.
<Holmes> As she does, there's a hissing sound, and the servant gives out a screech of pain.
<Lhan> Serama looks from side to side. Her face drains of its color, what little there was.
Aysha scowls at the servent.
Regina blinks and looks in that direction* whatsa going on.
<Lhan> She is obviously embarrassed.
<Holmes> She holds her hand gingerly looking at Serama as though she were a scorpion who'd just stung her.
<Aysha> "Release her. A guest I said!"
Thomas says softly, "Charon..." the hissing and screech pulls him back to attention, and he turns his face to Serama and the squeeling servant.
<Holmes> "But, she's made of flame, mistress!" says the injured servant,
<Lhan> Serama lowers her head. Peeking glances from time to time at the opulence of the tent.
<Aysha> "Fool. Return to Mohannad and beg for punishment!"
<Lhan> She holds her hands tensely by her sides.
<Aysha> Still, Aysha gives Serama a curious look.
<Regina> ".. thats the girl form the market...
<Regina> :
Regina looks concerned.
<Holmes> "Yes, mistress," says Mastaff, and slinks off to anothe partition of the tent.
<Lhan> Serama shakes uncomfortably in the tent.
<Thomas> Smiling softly Thomas steps forward, putting himself betweeen Serama and the rest of the tent. "Child, why did you follow us? We're getting ready for darkness, and you should be safe with your father."
<Aysha> "Ah well, we forget ourselves. The hour grows late, and our enemy awaits. He plans to ensnare you with a cunning spell, lord Thomas. To sap your strength and kill you in your childlike weakness. But I shall prevent it! With the aide of my god, and the powders of the mother, I shall creat a protection for you!"
<Lhan> Serama answers: "My father is sleeping. I saw you go to this tent. I've never seen a tent like...
<Lhan> She moves her eyes around the decorations... "like this before"
<Lhan> "It is beautiful."
<Lhan> "I did not know people could live so."
<Thomas> "It is" He then turns his attention back to Aysha, "Thank you lady, but my own goddess already protects me from that spell." He taps the swan on his chest, "They have tried it before, and failed, and lost heads because of their foolishness."
Regina looks at aysha again, warning looks
<Lhan> Serama smiles a girlish smile.
<Lhan> She seems more comfortable now.
<Regina> " coem sit down dear.."
<Lhan> Serama sits near the winged woman
<Lhan> and stares innocently up towards Aysha's altar.
Aysha looks slightly taken aback.
Regina smir,s at her*
<Aysha> "Oh my lord, how sweet it must be to yet remain naive. This Sorcerer is cunning. Surely you do not believe that he reveals his true strength at the first encounter? He has a powerful talisman of evil!"
<Lhan> Serama straigtens herself. You notice her tattered dress. It is too small for her.
Regina frowns a bit.
<Lhan> It also looks as if it is very old.
Aysha calls one of her handmaidens.
<Lhan> Serama smiles back at the winged woman. She pulls her hair back. It is as if she's unconsciously trying to make herself prettier in Aysha and Regina's presence.
<Thomas> "A powerful talisman of evil? I have one of those as well. I shall bring it, and we will see if Orna will howl." He smiles, and there is nothing of humor in the expression.
<Holmes> Aysha carefully considers the girl, Serama. Other than her obvious poverty, she can discern nothing of this foreigner.
Regina walsk voer to tom and whispers 'remebr keep your head on straight, she can turn at any minute.
<Aysha> "This girl comes to us. Take her to the other tent. Feed her, clothe her if she desires it. Return here in an hour."
<Holmes> The servants move to usher Serama out of the tent.
<Lhan> Serama avoids contact with the servants but goes where they lead.
<Aysha> "Very well. You are ceratin of this, then? You do not desire my aide?"
<Lhan> She is intrigued by this strange new place. And this dark and beautiful woman.
<Regina> susur
<Regina> go after the evil one
<Regina> don;t emulate the profittering one
<Thomas> Thomas lets his eyes drift to Aysha's altar. "I desire your help -- but not the help of your gods." He lets his eyes return to Aysha, "The question is why do you do this? The lords of Charon normally fight with sorcerers, not against them."
Aysha gives Thomas a long look.
<Regina> " gee, then its unorthodox..." she gives aysha another long distrusting look./
<Aysha> "You are shrewd I see. There is no hiding from you. It is true, what you say, that Charon often looks with favor upon sorcerers. But this sorcerer is... not unknown to me. By his hand a heavy doom rests upon my clan, and I will aide all who stand against him - even in the face of Charon's order! Akalatan rewards those who serve their own! If you desire, my herbs and potions can strengthen you for the battle. I swear I will not call upon the gods, nor read the signs or seasons."
<Regina> ".. you know iv;e seen thomas in action
<Regina> "he doens;t exactly need any..performance enhancing herbs.. just a good cheer squad.."
<Regina> "
<Aysha> gods, nor read the signs or seasons."
<Holmes> Aysha pours some wine, and infuses it with poisinous herbs via the magic of the Dune Venom. She turns and offers it to the other two. Regina doesn't even take it at all. Thomas goes to sip it, just as Regine starts to object, and suddenly Lhan comes flying in through the tent flap.
<Thomas> Thomas drops the wine as he draws his sword, whirling to face the sudden commotion.
<Lhan> Lhan is sweating profusely. He is disoriented.
Regina stands immedietly, her wing smacking the glass of wine from toms hand quite on accedent. shes surprised...
<Lhan> "What's happening?" he asks.
<Regina> "..you made the best entrence all night"
Aysha leaps up, horror striken, anger and despaire fighting to control her face.
<Holmes> Shortly thereafter, just as Lhan shakes off the stun, the sorcerer steps into the tent.
<Aysha> "No! Not now!"
Regina looks at ay; "oh? your little plan go arwy...?"
<Holmes> "Ah, I see you are all together," he says enigmatically.
<Aysha> "Fool! FOOL! You're too soon! You've come too soon!"
<Aysha> "We... I...."
Aysha looks around.
<Thomas> "Get away from the entrance!" He moves quickly, going to pull Lhan away from what he suspects is about to become the line of fire.
Regina looks to tom " see! i told you she double crossed us..."
<Aysha> "Our purpose goes amiss! Without the aide of the potion we cannot defeat him!"
<Lhan> Lhan is pulled to the side and rolls into some nice plushy, yet sinister pillows.
Regina just gives her a "ok that was just *l;ame* excuse; look.
<Thomas> Thomas's eyes narrow as he goes into a fighting stance and Orna Blood Howler comes out of its scabbard.
<Holmes> Serama appears in the flap behind the sorcerer, "What's going on"
<Thomas> Thomas leaps forward, his lips drawing back from his teeth as Orna cuts through the tent and strikes hard into something on the other side, just before it could get through the door. The sword turns from grey to red in that instant, and begins to howl with unholy anger.
<Holmes> Dancing in a whirling vortex of sand, Aysha comes forth he dagger spitting out at Regina. The Hirazi girl leaps to the air only to be buffetted by the sands into one of the sturdy poles of the tent. She collapses in a heap at the foot of it, stunned.
<Holmes> The sorcerer thusts his hand forth uttering a word in the dreaded tongue of his profession. The word becomes a black form that travels along his arm and gains form, lurching then across the interveneing space and into Thomas who suddenly stumbles and can't seem to move his leg. His face shows that he's stuggling now against agonizing pain - but moving just the same.
<Lhan> Lhan looks to the sorcerous horrors that stand between him and his daughter. Rushing over to the beautiful winged creature that lay curled on the floor.
<Lhan> He gazes sadly towards his daughter and pulls up the carpets to help buffer this helpless Hirazi from the sorcerous death storm.
<Holmes> Aysha calls on her god Akalatan to drain the very life from Thomas. A red glow slithers out from her hand, and reaches Thomas. At that point it encounters the white glow from the knight, and suddenly snaps back into Aysha. Moments later she feels Akalatan taking the lie he was promised from her instead.
<Holmes> The sorcerer thusts another spell at Thomas, confident from his previous performance. Thomas' aura holds yet again, however, and the sorcerer's spell causes an explosive backlash that forces him to stumble back.
<Lhan> From behind the wall of carpet and sinister, velvety pillows, Lhan yells forcefully to his daughter.
<Lhan> "Run, Serama! Run! It is not safe for you."
<Lhan> Tears well up in Serama's eyes. She hesitates, looks down at her hands, and over towards those who threaten the life of her father.
<Lhan> "Run!" Lhan yells.
<Lhan> "Go now!"
<Regina> "ow.w....pain....tom.. i told you this beats was bad news so just finish her off already...
<Lhan> Tears running down her face, Serama turns and flees out of the tent into the desert.
<Lhan> She does not know if she will see her father again.
<Thomas> Thomas surges forward suddenly, driving the sorcerer back with a series of heavy overhanded blows. Each one the sorcerer manages to turn back, but his eyes grow desperate as Orna pounds his magic to bits. Just at the crucial moment Regina moves, thrusting a pillow under the sorcerer's foot. His spell frizzles about his fingertips, and Orna tastes his blood, sinking deep into his gut.
Regina me watches in horror as aysha moves in for the kll, but wait! a perfectly plated sinister velvet leather trimmed cushion is slid under her foot, sneding her though the tent canvas. the resulting dross wind generated by this new hole blows the sandspell into her minions, who scream and cuss , etc.
<Regina> that lovel,y heroic hors,e taking advantage of that new opening, he runs right in, making good use on aysha as a doormat, and promptly galavantign around, trampling the res tof the minions...
<Regina> all the while Regina takes advanatge to scuttle udne rthe rest of the pillowware to tom*
<Thomas> As the tent starts to fall and the minions wail, Thomas closes in on the sorcerer, ready for the kill. As Orna comes up, howling and pulsing red, he watches Lhan run out of the tent after his daughter. Cursing and struggling with his sword he pulls back, leaving the bloodied sorcerer alive. "Regina! We have to get out of here, that girl will die in the desert alone!" He runs out of the tent, sheathing Orna and giving one last bow to the
Regina then stnad up, grbas her bag, and flys off after tom*
<Thomas> "Regina! We have to get out of here, that girl will die in the desert alone!" He runs out of the tent, sheathing Orna and giving one last bow to the fallen Aysha before vanishing into the desert night.
<Holmes> On the way out of the tent, Regina spots a note fallen from the sorcerer's pocket. It has the same emblem on it as is on Thomas' shield.
Regina stoops dopwn and grbas it on the way out*
Aysha groans and shifts, reaching out a hand.
<Aysha> "Help me... help... please... my clan..."
Regina turns and looks at her"everything falls sometime dea.r cope."
Regina then leaves to follow tomas.

<Holmes> Later that evening, aftern Lhan and his daughter are safely back at their tent, Regina reads the letter while waiting for Thomas to come back to the inn. In it she learns that Thomas' Brother is on his way to get him, and the Sorcerer was being paid well to detain him if possible. The note also mentions one more interesting thing. It says that the brother has discovered Thomas' lover in Sarnak, and has captured her.
<Holmes> She'll be with him when he arrives in Uj.
Regina hmmm and furrows it away.. if hes been gone that long, then love is fading. a few of the right moves and she should have a secure place.
Regina also notes that she needs to get a minion...

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