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Holmes: Fahd's voice still echoes in Chimrea's mind as she approaches the flop house run by Uhran the Short, "Akalatan was accepted as a member of the Stallion's own because he once gave blood to save the Stallion's life... but it was a bad bargain. The lesson of Akalatan is that sometimes death is better than a bad deal. We must accept those who worship Akalatan. But we should also be wary."
Holmes: The establishment seems to just be coming to life. Uhran throws a bucket of waste out into the middle of the street.
Chimrea blinks wearily as she dodges the splash; between dancing with Alquas last night and asking Fahd her questions, she barely got any sleep. "Excuse me," she says to Uhran, "do you have a fellow named Kerem staying here?"
Holmes: Uhran squints at Chimrea. One of the original settlers, Uhran wasn't young then. His age has made him slow, though not dull. "Yes, there is one."
Holmes: He points towards a door on the second floor.
Chimrea: "Thank you!" she says, and heads inside. She wants to share her misgivings about Tez' quest with Kerem, and so she'll knock on his door even knowing it might wake him--it's not too early, after all.
Kerem opens the door after a couple of knocks, shirtless and rubbing his eyes. "mmm...good morning? Oh...Chimrea, uh,...hey."
Chimrea: "Morning, at least, but I have to talk to you about... uh." Chimrea verbally slithers to a halt as she takes in his appearance, and tilts her head to peek in around him. "Did I, um, interrupt something?"
Tez blinks sleepily up at Chimrea, shielding her eyes from the light. The covers are pulled up around her, but her shoulders are clearly bare.
Kerem: "No, not...exactly."
Tez: (except for the leather thong of the necklace she always wears.)
Kerem: "Uh, give me a second to put on a shirt. We can get...what time is it?"
Chimrea: "Almost two hours past dawn. Um, take your time." Chimrea quickly steps back from the door, embarrassed.
Kerem: "Breakfast. We can get breakfast." Kerem grabs his shirt, shakes it thoughtfully, and wriggles into it.
Kerem glances at Tez. "Uh, I'll be back, okay? Go ahead and sleep in. You can pay me back later."
Tez smiles thinly as Chimrea retreats. "I don't get breakfast?"
Kerem: "You can come and meet us. We'll be in the Market."
Chimrea: Politeness wars with caution--Chimrea knows she should invite Tez along, but it'll be rather hard to talk about her if she's there, after all. She bites her lip and says nothing, in the end.
Kerem: "I'll see you in a bit." Kerem glances up, then gives Tez a peck on the lips. "Get some sleep. You were tossing and turning all night."
Kerem heads to the door.
Chimrea's hand starts to move in a warding sign, but she stops herself.
Chimrea: "So, I know this great fruit stall..."
Tez eyes Kerem, feeling mildly upset that he's leaving to talk to chimrea, but says nothing. She turns and faces the wall, not returning his kiss."
Kerem hesitates, then heads out. "Oh yeah? I like fruit."
Chimrea: *
Chimrea: *
Chimrea carefully made small talk on the way to the market, deciding to hold off on the heavy stuff until Kerem is getting some food in his stomach. Finishing her first bite of melon, she says, "How did Tez seem to you last night?"
Chimrea: "Uh, in conversation, that is." Chimrea blushes.
Kerem: "Um." Kerem carefully studies the apple in his hand.
Tez waits until they are gone before slipping out of bed and, with a reassuring touch of her necklace, pulls on yesterday's clothes. She finger-combs her hair and ties it severely back into its braid, and then departs for the market.
Kerem: "Well. She seems like she's, uh...been through a lot."
Kerem: "She used to be some kind of noble. In Ardania, I think."
Chimrea: "Did she talk any more about Akalatan?"
Kerem: "And then she was a thief for a while, and now she's a...High Priestess? Which is probably pretty stressful."
Tez falls back into her old ways, from on the street as soon as she leaves the inn, automatically staying to the shadows, stepping softly, evaluating each person as she passes. She is not entirely sure why she is doing this, but it seems right. When she comes within earshot of them, she stops.
Kerem: "Not really. It didn't really, uh, come up."
Kerem: "She said that she had to pass some kind of test before she could go back to her birthright."
Chimrea: "The thing is, Akalatan is bad news--one of those 'some favors come with too high a price' story figures. I'm starting to get the impression that Agnes doesn't care what she's getting into, but you ought to know."
Kerem looks up to meet Chimrea's eyes. "You think this is a bad idea?"
Chimrea: "No, I'm *sure* it's a bad idea. That's why I said I'd go along--I figure if I'm right, someone had better be there to see what's happening." She makes a face and takes another bite of melon, mumbling around it, "Now that I've had a night to think about it, I'm feeling really queasy about the whole thing."
Kerem: "Well, uh." Kerem looks uncomfortable for some reason.
Kerem: "I mean, I'd hate to just...leave her hanging, after we already agreed to help."
Tez loiters within hearing range, and picks up something to eat while she's at it.
Kerem turns to throw the core of his apple into the gutter, and spots a familiar figure negotiating with a fruit-seller.
Chimrea: "I'm not saying that, it's just..." now it's Chimrea's turn to trail off, searching for words.
Kerem: "Uh, hey, good morning, Tez!" Kerem waves her over broadly.
Chimrea finds a way to finish her sentence just in time to bite her tongue at Kerem's greeting.
Kerem turns his back to pull out a chair for Tez, raising his eyebrows expressively at Chim while Tez can't see.
Tez cringes, and looks up at Kerem. She takes her orange from the cart and wanders over looking vaguely put-out.
Kerem: "We were just talking about...uh, I mean. We were just...eating."
Kerem: "Excuse me. Can I get a peach over here, or do you only serve people on that side of the Market?"
Kerem accepts his fruit and irritatedly flips a worn coin with a picture of a wolf at the merchant.
Tez: "Breakfast." she pulls her legs up on the chair and wraps her arms around them, holding the orange and a small dagger but not using the one on the other yet.
Chimrea: "I recommend the melons, but the oranges are good too," Chimrea says to Tez, retreating into her normal persona.
Tez: "Thanks," she says quietly, staring off over chim's shoulder.
Chimrea: "So how much did you hear?" Chimrea asks Tez, deciding to come out with it.
Kerem chokes slightly on his peach.
Tez smiles wistfully. "Nothing I did not guess."
Kerem: "Well, that's not vague at all."
Kerem: "Look."
Kerem: "Chimrea thinks that your god is basically evil and dangerous, and we should stay away from it."
Tez: "I didn't ask for this." she stabs her orange, dragging the blade through it roughly. "None of it."
Kerem: "I don't know anything about it, myself. I'm not the religious type."
Kerem: "You didn't--"
Kerem: "Nobody asks for what they get."
Kerem: "They just GET it."
Kerem reaches into his pocket absently, then remembers and removes his hand with a slightly disgruntled expression.
Chimrea: "What did you ask for?" Chimrea asks, tilting her head curiously. She doesn't seem to mean it mockingly.
Kerem: "Then you learn to deal with it, or you die."
Tez sucks on her thumb, where she nicked herself while maiming the orange. The juice stings. "I just wanted to know what happened."
Kerem: "What happened when?"
Tez 's eyes skitter across Chimrea's face before settling on Kerem's "I told you. They died."
Chimrea holds her peace, hoping Kerem knows where to go next.
Kerem: "...oh."
Kerem: "And when you tried to find out..."
Kerem: "...you found out?"
Tez: "No. I don't know. I found something else."
Kerem fidgets with the pit of his peach, bouncing it along his knuckles.
Kerem: "So."
Kerem: "What are you going to do about it?"
Tez: "Go forward? There is no back."
Tez: "...is there?"
Chimrea: "That depends on how far you've gone."
Kerem gives Chimrea an odd look, then glances at Tez for her response.
Tez: "I don't know." she struggles to think. "I am foretold. It is my destiny." Her voice holds the clarity of truth, and the meter of rote knowledge repeated.
Kerem: "What were you before you were the High Priestess, Tez?"
Kerem speaks quietly, slowly reaching out to touch her hand, with the knife in it.
Tez: "I was..." her voice falters. "When? Before or after they died?"
Chimrea: In order to keep from rolling her eyes at Kerem, Chimrea buries her attention in nibbling the last shreds of melon from the rind in her hands.
Tez does not resist, seeming mostly confused.
Kerem: "Uh...after."
Tez: "I was nothing."
Kerem: "...well..."
Kerem looks helplessly at Chimrea.
Chimrea: "How did you come to be High Priestess?"
Tez: "I went to Ruin House. Teodric and Lana came with me, to help me. I thought it was dangerous" she looks down at the orange. "I met my Uncle..." her voice gains strength and certainty as the tale continues. "I falsely accused him of murdering my parents, and discovered that he was my mother's friend. He was not the reason for their downfall. Then he showed me my True Power beneath, in the catacombs."
Tez crushes the poor fruit in her hand as she remembers the feeling. "The Power." her eyes roll back in her head for a moment. "It was intoxicating. It is who I am. Who I am meant to be. I am His child."
Chimrea shoots an "I told you so" look at Kerem while Tez' eyes are up.
Kerem tries to send back a "how did you expect me to know, I don't usually run into that many blood priestesses" look, but he's not sure he nailed it.
Tez whispers, opening her hand, stinging with juice. "who I am?"
Kerem: "The question isn't who you are. It's which who you want to be."
Kerem frowns and thinks for a second.
Kerem: "No, I'm not sure I can phrase that any better."
Tez: "I... I don't want to be nothing. But I can't..." she stutters,
Kerem: "You're not nothing, Tez. I promise. I..."
Kerem glances at Chimrea, catches his breath, and lets go of Tez's hand, brushing at his hair.
Chimrea narrows her eyes at him a bit, but says for Tez' benefit, "He's saying that we'll help."
Tez: "You hate me. Why would you help?"
Kerem: "I don't hate you. You know I...uh...well, you know I don't hate you."
Chimrea: "I think she meant me," Chimrea says sweetly to Kerem. To Tez, she says, "Because if you're really destined as you say, important things are going to come of it."
Tez shakes her head a little. "Important. Yes, I am Important now."
Chimrea is starting to get a sense of how Tez drifts in and out of normalcy, and figures that her answer--true, if not the whole truth--will satisfy crazy-Tez. She asks, "So, when does all this business start?"
Kerem: "And how many people are we going to need?"
Tez: "Under the Blood Moon, it starts. I am to gather as many as I can." a flash of fear crosses her face. "I cannot fail."
Chimrea: "What happens if we fail?"
Kerem: "What happens if we SUCCEED?"
Tez: "I..don't know." she answers both.
Kerem: "You couldn't have worshipped the god of clarity and straightforwardness, huh."
Tez: "I want to go back, I don't know what to do here." she stares at them. "He did not finish teaching me. Teodric took me away. I'll do it wrong.."
Tez clutches her necklace, looking a bit like a cornered animal
Chimrea: "But you're needed here for this thing," Chimrea says. "Couldn't you send for him?"
Chimrea isn't sure who "he" is, but keeps fishing for clues with Tez.
Tez: "I... send for my Uncle? He would come?"
Chimrea: "You're the High Priestess, aren't you? Who is he that he could disobey?"
Chimrea shoots a quick look sideways at Kerem, hoping she's not taking them from bad to worse with this route.
Kerem responds with another in a series of helpless glances and tiny shrugs.
Tez: "I have not ascended yet. I am still learning." She looks uncertain. "I do not want to make him angry."
Kerem: "Listen. If this is...who you're meant to be, then you'll know what to do when it happens."
Kerem: "And if he needs to be here, then he will be, and if he doesn't, then he won't."
Kerem: "I'm pretty sure everything is going to work out fine with a minimal amount of worry and effort."
Tez lauhgs
Tez: "I'm hungry."
Chimrea struggles to find a contortion of the truth that will let her agree with Kerem, and settles for saying to Tez, "Like I said, try the melons."
Tez wanders off to find a melon.
Kerem leans a little closer to Chimrea and speaks quieter, keeping Tez in eyeshot. "So, uh. I think that went about as well as we could have expected."
Chimrea: "Yeah. If I didn't believe you about your coin before, I would now."
Kerem: "What? Why?"
Chimrea: "I mean, could you possibly have found a crazier woman within city limits to sleep with?" Chimrea hisses, keeping her voice low.
Kerem: "Wha--how was I supposed to know? She doesn't LOOK crazy!"
Kerem: "Besides, she's better once you...well, she's just not always that crazy, okay? Sometimes she seems pretty normal."
Kerem: "Better than that guy you were DANCING with, at least."
Chimrea: "What's THAT supposed to mean?"
Kerem: "Well, I mean, do you make time with every foreigner you meet?"
Chimrea's mouth drops open. "Alquas was a perfect gentleman, and surprisingly sweet for a bloodthirsty barbarian. And if he *had* started rambling about blood moons and his destiny, I *wouldn't* have hopped into bed with him first thing!"
Kerem: "Well, I mean. Not that you couldn't have. If you wanted to, that would be YOUR business, just like who I...spend the night with is MY business. And not really anybody else's."
Kerem: "I kind of question your notion of perfect gentleman, but let that pass. I mean..."
Kerem: "...what do you expect me to do?"
Chimrea fumes for a second, twisting her melon rind back and forth in her hands. Finally, she says, "I'm sorry, okay? I came to warn you about her this morning, so I was just a little... surprised."
Chimrea: Looking down, she adds, "I guess I sort of abandoned you last night. Sorry about that, too."
Kerem: "I mean...okay. It's okay. I meant to get up early. I didn't mean to...surprise you. People get up earlier out here, apparently."
Kerem: "And whatever I'm doing wrong in this situation, I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I'm sorry for that too."
Kerem: "I didn't mean to get upset about that guy, I just meant..."
Kerem: "...well, I thought, maybe...you liked more about me than my funny accent."
Kerem: "Do you...do you know what I mean?"
Kerem: "...do I need to apologize again?"
Tez has by now retrieved a melon from someone and returns with it, ruining their very special moment.
Chimrea's face lights up in a smile, but whatever she was about to say turns into a shrug as Tez returns.
Kerem leans back away from Chimrea and becomes intensely interested in some nearby object of furniture, looking up as Tez sits back down.
Tez looks between the two, and frowns, very carefully cutting the melon in two. She gives half to each of them and stands again, "I'm going to go back to the inn. I'm sorry."
Tez walks off, staring at the road beneath her feet.
Kerem looks after her, then at his melon.
Chimrea lets out a breath, watching her go. "I'm not sure whether to feel sorry for her or scared of her."
Kerem: "I try to alternate."
Kerem: "I'm pretty sure she does too."

Holmes: As Tez leans out the balcony (a rarity on these mud construction buildings), she sees a figure coming down the street who is noticing that she's been crying.
Tez sniffles, wiping her nose, and retreats back towards the room.
Markos: A slim man wearing stylish grey robes clacks his way along the road. His uses a cane of polished wood but doesn't need it for support. Rather is frames his height and manner. Businesslike but curious. His ears perk up and that quiet scruched face turns to the tears above. He hides his hair beneath his hood but those stark brown eyes and washed out brown skin stand out in the daily gloom. He is a flash of black and white in a murkey sea of c
Tez does not quite leave the balcony, as she finds herself sort of fascinated by the sound of his cane. She is tall and would be pretty if her face didn't look sort of blotchy and bedraggled, her hair framing her face in wisps that escaped the long black braid that is currently over her shoulder, being clutched in one hand.
Markos: With a sharp clack the man brings the cane to rest next to him. He calmly studies the lady with a measured pause and desideds to speak. "Oh what dear lady has brought you to such a sad state?" He raises his voice to that it is clear and precise.
Tez starts a bit at the clack, and ventures back out. She stares at him, not sure how to answer. "He likes her." is all that comes out, followed by another sniffle.
Markos: He raises his eyebrow. "He likes whom? Am I to infer this is your beloved?"
Tez hangs a bit over the railing, the man reminding her of someone she knew long ago, back when she was someone else. The way he talks, so proper. "I..I think so. He said he'd help me. He said it would be okay."
Markos clears his throat and smiles in a calculated way. "Ah. Love. Such a fickle thing. So sweet when first picked it withers in the hand as time presses on. Perhaps...but no. You don't desire my help madam. Even though I might offer it."
Tez: "Help? I need more help."
Markos: "Ahh. I see. I can offer it. The will is such an interesting thing. I can strenthen it or make it wane as the years pass by. Or perhaps just a consultant with an objective view of your romantic entanglements. Anything you desire is what I offer...for the right price."
Tez looks confused.
Markos reigns himself in. Too eager, too quick.
Tez: "I have money. Will you come with me?"
Markos: "Ah. But never mind that madam. Perhaps a cup of tea. Someone to listen to your woes. That is what you truely need? That much is free as the air we breath."
Markos: "Oh yes. If you wish it."
Tez: "Talk, tea, yes. I am hungry."
Tez disappears back into her room, and emerges a few minutes later into the street. She still looks rather disheveled, but it seems to suit her.
Markos offers a gloved hand. He had a distinct lack of smell about him. As if he spends hours scrubing away his own body odors and cleaning his clothing. What is creepy is the small trail of dead plantlife behind him. Insects, vermin..a errant leaf. All dead.
Holmes: As they touch, Markos feels something momentarily, but it's probably just his imagination.
Markos smiles again slightly unnerved for a reason he can't quite place.
Tez straightens, smiling and brushes her clothes straight(er). She delicately places her hand in his with the unconscious grace of one raised to nobility. She is not bothered by the death that follows him, if she even notices it.
Markos: "Shall we go then. Lead away my lady. As of now I am your man."
Tez: "You are my man." she echoes with a smile.
Tez leads him blithely down the street with no idea at all where they're headed.
Markos: "Shall we find a bistro perhaps? A nice cafe where we can talk?"
Tez: "Yes, I think that would be nice."
Tez feels her confidence return as they walk, and somehow the trail he leaves, his presence, crystallizes in her mind. Clarity is within her grasp and the love of Akalatan resides in her heart. He is not like her, but surely he has a tie to blood in his own way.
Markos darts his way through the crowds, leading her on a meaningful search for a good vendor. His manner and gaze quell any thoughts of touching the duo. He is with a client and the world better damn well know to get well enough away.
Tez recalls a cafe and smiles, taking the lead.

Holmes: Alquas leads his father and the rest to Thrakelust's estate. Teodric sees the party coming up the walkway from the road, between the low hedges. As they approach, the great man says to his son Jaffar, "I need you to do something important today. I need you to look about this city, and find out what their beliefs are like. They defy Z'taar, and we must know what it is that they have faith in."
Alquas fumes quietly, as his father Jarya lectures.
Teodric: Teodric sweeps into a bow "Welcome to Green Lake! I am Teodric, may I help you?"
Holmes: Jarya looks to his son to translate.
Alquas reagrds the man and rattles off a translation in Vajaar. "He says he is Teodric. He wishes to know how he can help us."
Alquas: He adds, "Why I have to be here to translate your prattle. Any number of your scholars could have done the same."
Alquas: This last he mutters darkly, his thoughts elsewhere.
Teodric: Teodric quickly regrets that he wasn't better informed of this visit. "It's always best to have someone on your side who understands the language." he thinks
Agnes: The sizable entourage blocks sight of the entry path. Suddenly, Agnes appears among the dignitaries with a smile and a wink to Teodric and checks out the finery worn by the head foreigner.
Teodric: Teodric's hair rises on the back of his neck as he notices Agnes. Hopefully she's here to help, and won't cause trouble.
Alquas arches an eyebrow at the sudden intruder. Continuing wearily with the script he recounts, "Teodric, this is the great Seyjii of Ajaarya, Ajaar Jarya ei Qeddim. He seeks parley with your leader, whomsoever he may be."
Alquas thrusts some papers in your Teodric's vague direction.
Agnes: Agnes considers saying something. Teodric can see it on her face and then she shuts up.
Teodric: Teodric takes the proffered papers and peruses them. "Well your papers are in order. You'll have to settle for talking with me."
Alquas: Vajarr again. "He says we must speak only to him, father. Perhaps the leader considers you insufficiently important?"
Agnes invades the personal space of the great Shagy Jar of Qeddim, but subtly.
Holmes: There is a ruckus out on the road. A rider approaches, the horse careening crazily down the dusty trail. As she arrives, she falls off of her mount, but before she does, Alquas recognizes his life-long friend, Salya.
Alquas: There is some consternation among the retinue. "Salya?"
Holmes: Salya's form lies unmoving as the dust settles.
Alquas: In broken, frantic Rhiani "Sirrah Teodric, this is one of my... countrymen. She needs aid! I apologise.."
Agnes stops monkeying around and goes to check on the fallen figure.
Alquas hurries over to Salya.
Teodric: Teodric yells into the house "Someone get a healer. NOW!"
Holmes: Agnes notes Rahkleth coming up the road, and moving forward to see who the figure is as well.
Holmes: A servant, on Teodric's command, runs off toward the center of North Town.
Agnes: Recalling her early training at Egani's knee, Agnes checks the fallen figure for vital signs.
Alquas: "Out of the way, Sujak woman!" Alquas gesticulates wildly at Agnes. "This is Vajaari business! You will unhand the lady Salya!"
Teodric: Teodric steps forward "Can you help her Agnes?"
Alquas rounds on Teodric.
Alquas: "This is not to be borne! You shall not interfere!"
Teodric: Teodric towers over Alquas "Do you want her to be well?"
Alquas: "I want her unmolested by foreigners, Zhanjiir! Who is this woman!"
Teodric: Teodric looks past Alquas again "Agnes, can you help her? If not please step back, you are making our guest very agitated."
Alquas: In Vajarr this time: "Father, they are not to touch her! Have we no-one with us who can give her aid?"
Holmes: Salya shakes a bit and groans. "Alq...Alquas?"
Alquas: "Yes, Salya, it is me. How have you come to be among us?"
Holmes: She seems to regain a little of her senses, "I had to warn..."
Holmes: She looks around, and seems to clam up suddenly.
Holmes: Agnes can see that there's a small puncture wound. Not enough by itself to cause the sort of problem that Salya is having... either she's infected, or poisoned. The latter seems more likely, as there don't seem to be obvious signs of infection about the wound.
Agnes: As Agnes pulls a black leather bundle from a belt strap and begins untying the clasp, she turns to Teodric. "She's been poisoned. Puncture wound here. She may die. Send for hot water and cotton."
Teodric: Teodric nods, turns back to the house, and yells "We need hot water and cotton out here."
Alquas: "We will administer the treatment ourselves, Zhanjiiri. Thank you for your aid and advice, but this is a private matter." Alquas looks at his father. In Vajaari, "They must not be allowed to take her, Father. She knows something."
Agnes is mixing the dry ingredients for a poultice that will draw the poison out. "What? Who are you? Why are you interfering?"
Alquas draws himself up.
Teodric: Teodric places a calming hand on Alquas's shoulder "I think you should let her help your friend. I understand it is not acceptable in your culture, but I would rather not see her die."
Alquas: "She... I..."
Alquas: "We would see her installed in neutral territory then. We will... allow the presence of your healer woman for the duration."
Holmes: Jarya nods to his son, telling him that he should take control in his father's name here, and make the right things happen.
Holmes: Alquas can see that his father doesn't really trust him to do this right by his expression, however.
Agnes: Absent physical interruption, Agnes begins treating the wound as Teo's hot water arrives with a servant.
Teodric: Teodric waves a hand gesturing to the surrounding area "Where will you find neutral territory? Will you reach it before the poison kills her?"
Alquas: Vaajar, again. "Father, we must let them heal her, but... she knows something of value, and we must see her protected."
Alquas: To Teodric: "Then declare some, O diplomat. We have guards and may establish a perimeter."
Teodric: Teodric sighs "Fine. I declare this woman to be protected in my name. Any who harm her will answer to me."
Alquas: "We will not let her out of our sight, Zhanjiir Teodric. And when she is well we will seek an investiagtion in how she came to harm here."
Alquas motions to the guards. "Let the healers work, but watch them as hawks do!"
Teodric: Teodric nods "I understand."
Alquas scurries back to the fallen girl.
Alquas: "Zhanjiir Ag-nez? I am no healer, but I know a little of chemicals and potions. May I... aid you?"
Agnes grunts approval at his changed tune.
Alquas: "The lady is a... friend of mine. Her name is Salya."
Agnes: Watching as the poultice discolors, Agnes nods in satisfaction. "It's looking good."
Alquas: "She should not be lying here upon this road."
Agnes: "She's fine...let her be." Agnes is speaking softly now.
Alquas: "It is undignified."
Teodric: "Let her work. She apparently knows what she is doing."
Alquas: "At the camp we would have a bed for her." Alquas casts looks from Teodric to Agnes, to his impassive father and back to poor Salya.
Agnes stands in such a way as to shade Salya's face from the sun with her body. She takes this moment of calm to rifle through the injured woman's mind to figure out what happened.
Agnes: In her current state, Salya's mind is obscured. Agnes gets only the notion that the fallen woman likes Alquas, the translator and trusts him to see to her well-being.
Alquas fumes impotently, staring at the horizon.
Agnes recalls the purpose of her visit. Ignoring the foreign presense she addresses Teodric. "So, I need to talk to you about the forge."
Teodric: Teodric raises an eyebrow "Do we need to talk about it right now?"
Alquas whips round in irritation. "Agh-nez! Is our lady fit to move? Do not see fit to ignore us now."
Agnes: "Oh!" Agnes is taken aback by the foreigner's instability. "If you have more to say, go for it. I thought you were done since you were just standing around."
Alquas: "We are here on state business, and much as we appreciate your help, it is indecorous of you to interrupt in this fashion!"
Agnes nods and smiles. "Thank you."
Alquas: "Now, is our lady able to move, healer?"
Agnes: "When she's ready to move, she'll get up."
Alquas barks at the guards.
Alquas: "We will carry her then. Zhanjiir Teodric? We would requisition a bed for our Lady ei-Kardish."
Alquas: "We will require privacy and the use of our own guard. I trust this will be acceptable, in the interest of preserving our diplomatic mission?"
Agnes: "You could give her Tez' room." Agnes is speaking at no one in particular.
Teodric: "I'll have a room prepared." Teodric motions to a servant "Make up a room for our guests"
Teodric: Teodric ignores the comment from Agnes.
Alquas: "That will be unnecessary. We have servants of our own, that will make the room suitable for an Ajaari of noble birth."
Alquas claps twice.
Agnes looks concerned. "Oh, but the rooms don't face north or have circular doorways."
Alquas: "Show them to the room, they will make preparations." Turning to his father, and in Vajaar: "By your leave, of course, father."
Teodric: Teodric nods at the servant's questioning glance "Do as he says"
Agnes: Interrupting again, "Well Teo, it looks like sparring with Dr. Friendly is going to take a while. I'll be at the forge." Agnes hikes off.
Alquas: "Guards! Follow the servants. See the Lady ei-Kardish installed. I will be in to inspect your work shortly."
Alquas: "Zhanjiir Teodric, is there a room in which you may recieve the rest of my father and his retinue. There is stil" and here he pauses to glower at his father, "the diplomatic mission to consider".
Teodric: Teodric glances after Agnes "Perhaps considering all that has occurred we should wait until tomorrow. That will allow you time to attend to your friend."
Alquas: "Have you room to accomdate us all until tomorrow, Zhanjiir?"
Teodric: Teodric smiles "It shouldn't be an issue. I would prefer if you weren't distracted with worry about your friend."
Alquas: "Perhaps you misunderstand me, Zhanjiir. We are Ajaari. We are accustomed to a certain quality of accomodation, and we did not when we came here today" and he surveys his surrounding with naked distatse, "intend to stay the nght. We have established a camp for a reason."
Teodric: Teodric glances back at the large house behind him "If the accommodations are not up to your standards, then by all means stay somewhere else, but I feel that we should not hold our meeting until tommorrow."
Alquas: "Father? The Zhanjiir whishes to delay our parley til tomorrow. Pehraps you should return to camp. I will remain with the Lady ei-Kardish and some of the guards and servants."
Holmes: Jarya nods, somewhat tired by all the excitement obviously, "I shall retire. But be sure that they are ready on the morrow!"
Holmes: He leaves with a frown.
Alquas visibly relaxes.
Alquas: "I shall inspect the lady's quarters now, and remain with you till my father returns on the morrow. Zhanjiir Teodric." He bows slightly, curtly.

Holmes: Agnes is about to enter the Forge compound when Teodric and Rahkleth catch up with her. Rahkleth was just telling Teodric about how Rot-Rot and Kitten have gotten into a tussle in the stables... which has caused the stables to cease to exist as a working structure.
Agnes: "Oh, hi guys. Wow, you must have gotten rid of them quickly."
Teodric: Teodric nods "I did my best. Thank you for your help with the young woman. You wanted to talk to me about this place?"
Agnes: "Uh yeah, see, I need to stop sneaking in and out. I want legal access to the forge grounds as some kind of priest or administrator or whatever."
Teodric: "Why are you sneaking in and out?"
Agnes: "Oh, this is the most relaxing place in Green Lake. There's a huge complex of rooms and corridors under the forge that you people haven't discovered in 20 years here. It actually stretches out from the forge under other parts of the city. More notably, there are ancient intelligences stationed here to protect Tethior's ways and I've made contact."
Agnes: "Unless you're asking why I have to sneak, in which case, it's just because I haven't gotten with the program yet -- that's what I'm doing now."
Teodric: Teodric looks understandably surprised "What are the tunnels for? Tethior's ways?"
Agnes: "I haven't explored all of them. And they're dusty with four thousand years of disuse, so it's hard to tell. Storage in some cases, probably living quarters in others."
Agnes: Anyway, I'm actually qualified to operate the forge. I've worked around Tethium before coming the Green Lake."
Teodric: Teodric smiles "You are full of surprises aren't you. Are these tunnels... these intelligences a danger to Green Lake?"
Agnes: "Oh. No. They're protective."
Kerem saunters up, glancing with vague awe at the crumbled ruins that used to be a stables. He glances at Teodric, then Agnes, then stops, waiting awkwardly.
Agnes: "I think they're one of the big players who should be brought into the great compromise that I have in mind to save the city." Agnes looks at Kerem. "Hi!"
Kerem: "Hey there." Kerem smiles. "Nice to see you again."
Kerem: "Uh, are you Teodric?"
Teodric: Teodric sighs "I don't suppose that if I grant you unfettered access to the tunnels, that you would report to me with your progress."
Teodric: Teodric turns to Kerem clearly irritated at the interruption "Yes. I am Teodric. Can I help you?"
Agnes: "Sure. I'd be happy to show them to you if you want."
Kerem: "Uh...I mean, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt, if you're busy."
Kerem: "Your sister said I should talk to you, about, uh,...Tez."
Agnes: "Teo, this is Kerem, Kerem, Teo....His sister?"
Kerem: "Chimrea? You met her in the Market with me yesterday?"
Agnes: "They're no relation, that I know of...?" Agnes looks to Teodric inquisitively.
Teodric: Teodric shakes his head in irritation "Chimrea is not my sister. At most you might call her my charge, but that is probably stretching it. I was friends with her parents and I've promised to keep her safe."
Teodric: Teodric can't figure out why he's explaining so much.
Kerem: "Oh. I guess I got confused. Um, sorry."
Teodric: "Agnes, I would like to meet them, and to know what you know."
Kerem brushes his hair uncomfortably, glancing around.
Agnes: "Kerem, you know that quest we were talking about? You should see this, common."
Teodric: Teodric peers at Kerem "so you want to talk about Tez."
Agnes leads the way through the front gate of the forge complex -- with the city's regent, this should be a safe approach.
Kerem: "See what?" Kerem lights up again, following Agnes, and immediately dims to half, glancing at Teo. "Well, she mentioned you a couple of times, and Chimrea said you might know more about her. We might be doing some business together.
Teodric: "What sort of business?"
Kerem: "That's actually kind of a good question. Agnes might know a little bit more about it."
Agnes reveals a ventilation tunnel that is probably tighter for the men than it is for her that leads between the walls and into an entire labyrinth of full-size tunnels and stairways and chambers and the like.
Agnes: "Um, her creepy blood god wants her to prove that she's able. We don't really know the details. It sounds interesting."
Teodric: Teodric sighs "I don't suppose I could dissuade you from helping her."
Agnes assumes that Teodric is addressing Kerem and doesn't even look back.
Kerem: "Man, if I had a copper for every time somebody's said that today..."
Teodric: "You've been talking to wise people."
Kerem: "Why do you want to keep me from helping her? I mean, she doesn't seem dangerous. At least, about three-fourths of the time she doesn't seem dangerous."
Teodric: "The dangerous part is the part that has her following this blood god. I'm trying to save Tez, the Tez that I know from what she's become and becoming."
Kerem stops, and looks at Teodric more appraisingly.
Kerem: "Do you think you can?"
Teodric: Teodric shakes his head sadly "I don't know. Lately, I'm being pulled in so many directions, and I don't know where to start with her."
Kerem: "If you think you can save her from this thing, then I'lll help you."
Agnes: "It's hard to both govern a city in turmoil and care for your friends and loved ones..." Agnes continues to lead the way to the room, two levels under the actual forges where she makes the strongest contact with the guardians."
Kerem: "But I've already promised to help her on her quest."
Kerem: "So, whatever we do, we'll have to kind of work it in."
Teodric: Teodric appraises Kerem "It might be dangerous to do so. Are you willing to take that risk?"
Kerem: "Uh..."
Kerem: "I mean, not really, but my job IS...I mean, uh, well, I'll figure something out."
Teodric: Teodric looks to Agnes "And yes it is difficult. Sometimes I wish I could be free enough to do what I want, but Green Lake needs me, and I can not abandon it."
Agnes: "So here we are, guys. Can you feel the power?"
Agnes: "I see that Rahkleth can fell it -- he's gone pale."
Kerem: "Yeah, not really, but I'm not really good at that kind of thing. If you feel it, I believe you."
Agnes: "OK, here. Sit down around this well. And take hold of your neighbor's hands. We're making a ring of contact around the well.
Kerem takes Agnes's hand, and, with a certain hesitation, Teodric's.
Teodric: Teodric takes Rahkleth's hand
Agnes: Setting a slight incense to burn, Agnes takes Rahkleth's hand and tries to initiate contact between the humans and the guardians.
Holmes: Rahkleth says, "Did I mention that Agnes' pets have destroyed the stables?"
Agnes: "What?"
Holmes: Rahkleth nods. "We'll talk about it after..."

Holmes: Hours later, Salya seems to have recovered quite a bit, and wakes from her fitful unconsciousness. Her surroundings unfamiliar, she shouts, "Alquas!"
Alquas puts a hand to her shoulder.
Alquas: "I am here, Salya."
Alquas snaps his fingers toward a servant who is holding a water jug.
Holmes: The servant comes forth with the water.
Alquas: "Here, you will need water."
Holmes: Salya looks around, her head obviously clearing somewhat, a paranoid look coming over her visage.
Alquas: "It is safe. You are among friends. Vajaar."
Alquas: "It is just me and the servants. The guards on the door are ours."
Holmes: She tries to take the water from Alquas, and spills it, her hand still somewhat shakey - and she's simply not paying attention. "Send the servants away, we must talk."
Alquas barks at them and waves toward the door.
Holmes: As the servants retreat, she doesn't wait for them to be gone entirely before she grabs his collar and says desperately, "Is the Prealector here? Has he arrived?"
Alquas holds her arms and tries to push her gently back to the bed.
Alquas: "There is no Prealector. You must be calm. You must reserve your strength, Salya."
Alquas: "You should drink water." He pulls a vial from beneath his robe, spill a few drops on the spilled patch on the floor, and waves a hand.
Alquas: The water reforms back into the jug as Alquas picks it back up.
Holmes: Salya watches momentarily spellbound, but then takes a drink.
Alquas: "That is better, meyjji."
Holmes: "It was a Praelector - a powerful one - that injured me. He's not far behind. How long have I been out... he should be here by now," she goes on.
Alquas: "You have been asleep a few hours. A... Zhanjiir woman treated you. Now, be calm, and tell me of this Praelector."
Alquas leans in a little closer.
Holmes: "There is a plot to take your life, and that of your father and brother as well," she relates. "But different plots..."
Holmes: She seems delirious still.
Alquas: "Meyjji..."
Alquas reaches for a cloth, dampens it with water from the jug, and dabs at her forehead.
Alquas: "I... think I know of the plot on my life. And have it thwarted, Z'tarr willing."
Alquas shifts uncomfortably at the use of the god's name. He is not usually given to religious pronouncement.
Alquas: "Are you cold? Hot? I could send for the healer again.."
Holmes: She shakes her head, "No, the Praelector... he won't let you live. Can't. Unless your brother and father survive. You see, they want your family entirely out of the way, but the others, they only want you to rule in place of your father. These others are against the Wahaiya, and do not want to see them rule. They do not want a power vacuum if your family is gone. But they agree that your father must die..."
Alquas recieves this rant in silence, and pauses.
Alquas: "This is the sense of it? They woul send my father on this pointless diplomatic escapade merely to see to it that he can be offed more easily by their agents?"
Alquas: "I knew the Council was mocking us from the beginning."
Holmes: She nods.
Alquas: "My father's obsession with martical glory endears him to much to the Walhabbi. Of course the other Seyjji would become jealous."
Holmes: She continues to nod her agreement. "That's it exactly. And now they know that I know, and they're after me as well."
Holmes: She points vaguely to the injury in her side.
Alquas: "The other Seyjii see me as weak. A foil, easy to manipulate, lacking the stomach for war."
Holmes: Salya is about to nod, but restrains herself. She shrugs instead.
Alquas: "And House Waharr would have done with us entirely, add our lands to his own."
Alquas: "And this Praelector, he is Waharr's agent?
Alquas contemplates for a moment.
Alquas: "You rode here alone, to tell me all this. Your father was complicit?"
Holmes: "Yes, the Praelector is well supported by the other priests - many sacrifices have been made in his name. He's not to be trifled with," she relates, trying to ignore Alquas' question.
Alquas: "Your father WAS complicit. And yet, you come to me... no easy journey, for a woman of your standing, unaccompanied. And pursued.."
Alquas stands.
Alquas: "Meyjji, you have done me great service. I shall not disappoint you. Now rest."
Alquas leans over to kiss her forehead.
Alquas: "Meyjji Salya. We played as children, once. A deadlier game we play now."

Shadow World

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