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Post by xerxez on Nov 4, 2023 17:50:42 GMT -6
A warm rain blankets the city of Ja'kalla as the evening falls, and you sit all sit in an upper tower of a three story house known as the House of Amiyala hiVirdame, enjoying the view of the city settling down, though you mostly the Foreigner's Quarters through the wide tower window.
A tribe sister tends a great kettle of warm spiced butter milk, and its aroma fills the room where Balesh, Mi'kimu Fi'ru and Be'van sit. You are all content after a meal of dried fish and steamed vegetables.
It is considerably nicer and more spacious than the Inn of the Restful Traveller.
It was arranged by Karunaz. The Liv'yanu set it up for you with Amiyala, an Ari'dani woman who, along with her servants and slaves, seems friendly, if business minded.
It is two weeks since your adventure in the tomb.
Your tribe not only came into 1,500 Kaitar from the venture, but Be'van gave each of the heroes 100 Kaitar.
Also with Karunaz's help, many of your tribe have secured menial but honest and decently paying jobs in Jakalla to further aid you all.
Karunaz then took leave to return to his homeland, saying he will return as soon as possible.
Be'van smokes his pipe and looks out the window.
"So, heroes...you are rested and mended. Where shall you go tommorrow?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 5, 2023 19:21:17 GMT -6
Mi'kímu howls with happy laughter, tears streaming down his face. "I know whereto Fi'ru journeys next!"
He leans into the boy's ear and whispers, in a hoarse voice, so none other can hear, "Ta'anna who cleans the steps of the Temple of Avanthe!" The young man blushes, and giggles.
Still laughing, Mi'kímu turns to Amiyala and asks, "Wise Sister, I have a few small chores of my own to attend to when the sun blesses us again — but tell me, what of your House? Surely there is some small task I can assist with, out in the streets of the Foreigner's Quarters?"
[OOC: I think you slipped in "Makofan" for "Mi'kímu" in the second paragraph.]
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Post by xerxez on Nov 6, 2023 15:55:54 GMT -6
[OOC: I think you slipped in "Makofan" for "Mi'kímu" in the second paragraph.][/quote]
(Thanks!)
Amiyala is a tall, big woman still attractive in her late mid-age.
At Mi'kimu's query she looks at him and smiles.
"Karunaz is an old friend and seems to highly regard you all.
I think I can trust you with an errand I need done.
I bought a Renyu youngling in the Lower Market here in the Quarters a couple weeks ago- I've finally got its lodging prepared.
If you go to Chegarro in the market and assure him I've sent you, he will send the creature here with you.
I'd be most grateful as my day is busy. Show him this..."
She hands you a piece of paper which details the sale and bears her signature.
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Post by makofan on Nov 7, 2023 7:08:53 GMT -6
Do we know what a Renyu is?
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Post by xerxez on Nov 7, 2023 8:16:55 GMT -6
Do we know what a Renyu is? Balesh and Mi'kimu would most definitely have heard of, if not seen, the Ren'yu. Ren'yu is a Tsolyani word for "the loyal follower" and describes a humanoid species who stand some three to four feet tall, having a fury body with a tail and a canine head which is somewhat fox-like. They have a society in the wilds that is pack like in nature but if captured young can be domesticated, for lack of a better word. Some keep and breed them to sell. They can become quite attached to their trainer and a human or group of humans and are sometimes kept as servants, pets and even guardians as they are intelligent and agile, able to wield weapons as well as use natural defenses and attacks. Of course, they have all the alertness, sense of hearing, smell and sight one finds in a canine, and some are trained well as trackers. There can be no real exchange of language with a Ren'yu but their keen intelligence permits them to understand a very large array of phrases and commands which comes very near to presenting the appearance of their understanding speech. For themselves, they have but limited words and mostly canine vocalizations. Very rich folk keep them as spoiled, novel pets, while the less well to do employ then for their practical abilities.
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Post by soundchaser on Nov 7, 2023 14:13:15 GMT -6
Interesting! (Ian Anderson avatar, or no?)
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Post by xerxez on Nov 7, 2023 14:35:53 GMT -6
Interesting! (Ian Anderson avatar, or no?) Yes. a young Ian! I adopted his image to portray a character in another game here. Welcome and there is some room in the game here if you would like to join.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 8, 2023 21:35:47 GMT -6
"Wise Sister," says Mi'kimu as he accepts the receipts and tucks them into his fine over-cloak, "I shall escort your ren'yu here without distraction. Perhaps one other can accompany me, to show me the way? If not, I shall find my own path to this Chegarro.
"In any case I would prefer to not travel alone with this most interesting creature, should my unfamiliarity with its behavior prompt a mishap — perhaps Bálesh, or Fi'ru, or some trusted one of your household might accompany me?"
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Post by makofan on Nov 9, 2023 7:00:08 GMT -6
Interesting! (Ian Anderson avatar, or no?) Gotta love a user called soundchaser with a picture pf Fragile as their avatar!
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Post by makofan on Nov 9, 2023 7:01:46 GMT -6
"Wise Sister," says Mi'kimu as he accepts the receipts and tucks them into his fine over-cloak, "I shall escort your ren'yu here without distraction. Perhaps one other can accompany me, to show me the way? If not, I shall find my own path to this Chegarro. "In any case I would prefer to not travel alone with this most interesting creature, should my unfamiliarity with its behavior prompt a mishap — perhaps Bálesh, or Fi'ru, or some trusted one of your household might accompany me?" "I would be delighted to accompany you" says Bálesh
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Post by xerxez on Nov 9, 2023 14:57:10 GMT -6
"Wise Sister," says Mi'kimu as he accepts the receipts and tucks them into his fine over-cloak, "I shall escort your ren'yu here without distraction. Perhaps one other can accompany me, to show me the way? If not, I shall find my own path to this Chegarro. "In any case I would prefer to not travel alone with this most interesting creature, should my unfamiliarity with its behavior prompt a mishap — perhaps Bálesh, or Fi'ru, or some trusted one of your household might accompany me?" "Of course," Amiyala replies. "I shall send my boy servant, Ruqu with you. He knows the way quite well and delights in the Lower Market- foreigners of all the Five Empires and beyond are to be found there spending money as if they were drunken noblemen. But you needn't worry- Chegerro has a deep affinity and skill with the ren'yu...the being will understand quite well it is to accompany you at his request. I have a party of traveling guests due to arrive in Jakalla tonight from the North and must see to preparations or I would go. And in appreciation, three bottles of fine wine shall be delivered to your quarters tonite." She calls for Ruqu and a young, serious eyed boy with a sheaf of dark hair who looks perhaps twelve years old appears. "Ruqu, these esteemed men have need of a guide to the Lower Market, Chegerro's house--take them there." A look of excitement sparks in his eyes but he politely nods at his mistress. And you are off! Ere long you stand amid the maze of stalls, humans and "friendly" races...though Shen never look especially happy. There are graceful Pe Choi, gleaming black in the sunlight, delicately walking along, as well as noisy (and smelly) Aho'ggya stumping about babbling strangely. Music, laughter, occasional arguments and haggling and all manner of bazaar goods, as well as smokes and incense, fill your senses. Ruqu leads you down a side street and up a flight of steps, obviously enchanted by the bazaar and its denizens. You pass into a house/office where you see two ren'yu unloading earthenware items from crates and setting them on shelves. At a writing table, surrounded by inkpots and scrolls of paper, sits a middle aged Tsol'yani of rugged mien, engrossed in some sort of records. You can see beyond him that an open archway leads outside to some outter court- one of the ren'yu gives a half whine, half bark and the man looks up. "Greetings...may I be of some service to you all?" GM Note: Having been in the Quarters for a couple of weeks now you have some familiarity with them.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 9, 2023 21:29:18 GMT -6
Mi'kimu had already removed the papers from his cloak as the party ascended the steps. He bows before the man he assumes to be Chegarro.
"Greetings! We arrive on an errand from Wise Sister Amiyala. We seek Learned Chegarro, from whom Wise Sister has purchased a fine ren'yu such as these here. These are the papers. We should like to return with the creature as soon as may be."
Mi'kimu again bows.
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Post by makofan on Nov 10, 2023 6:53:34 GMT -6
Balesh lets the smoother-tongued Mi'kimu do the talking
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Post by xerxez on Nov 14, 2023 6:38:12 GMT -6
Chegerro takes the paper and examines it, looks at you all and nods, smiling
"Worthy Foreigners, your Wise Lady is an old friend of this trainer.
Give us a moment to summon the creature."
He speaks in kindly tones to one of the ren'yu at work at the shelves.
"Uru, please summon Do'shi."
The ren'yu gives a half bow, leaves the shelves, and disappears through the outter court archway
Chegerro makes polite conversation as you wait.
"So my Southerners -- for such I see you are...have you encountered ren'yu before? I've worked with them since my early twenties. I view them as valued friends instead of slaves or pets.
They are brave creatures and I envy their senses.
Perhaps you would be interested in companioning one at some point?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 14, 2023 22:40:04 GMT -6
"We shall see! I had not laid eyes on one until just now, as I observed these two diligently attending to their tasks. I am impressed!
"You clearly command their loyalty and attention. I only worry that, unaccustomed as I am to handling such creatures, and lacking your experience, our ren'yu will do us a mischief on our return to the House of Wise Sister, la! — perhaps you have some advice to give?
"Your respect and admiration for these creatures does give me comfort. However ... might this ren'yu become restless or panicked as we take it from the premises, and make our way through the streets of the Foreign Quarter? I would seek to avoid spectacle, if only for the reputation of Wise Sister."
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Post by makofan on Nov 17, 2023 7:21:00 GMT -6
OOC: Is it just Balesh and Mikumu adventuring?
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Post by xerxez on Nov 17, 2023 14:15:24 GMT -6
OOC: Is it just Balesh and Mikumu adventuring? For the moment- I have not heard from the others yet. I may post a flyer in the classifieds again.
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Post by xerxez on Nov 17, 2023 14:35:50 GMT -6
"We shall see! I had not laid eyes on one until just now, as I observed these two diligently attending to their tasks. I am impressed! "You clearly command their loyalty and attention. I only worry that, unaccustomed as I am to handling such creatures, and lacking your experience, our ren'yu will do us a mischief on our return to the House of Wise Sister, la! — perhaps you have some advice to give? "Your respect and admiration for these creatures does give me comfort. However ... might this ren'yu become restless or panicked as we take it from the premises, and make our way through the streets of the Foreign Quarter? I would seek to avoid spectacle, if only for the reputation of Wise Sister." "You are most wise, and your Tsolyani is quite good. It is fitting to hold the Lady in high regard. I am quite comfortable sending them with you--I know young Ruqu well as I have been a guest of Amiyala, both at her guest-house and the house of her clan. The ren'yu I am sending to her is a very unique copper colored specimen of very calm demeanor and I have quite a bond with him. He understands me well and will follow my command for him to follow you. I send some of these on errands in the Lower Market, in fact. I have a special way with ren'yu, having learned a secret art closely guarded by my clan. The usual way to gain one as a companion is to fight it in the wild, bringing it as near death as you can without killing it. Thus conquered, you must spare its life and help it to mend, and by some strange facet of their nature this renders ren'yu to become your ally and companion. But what are your names, honorable travelers?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 18, 2023 2:06:23 GMT -6
"La! I have forgotten my manners! You already know the boy Ruqu, who accompanies us at the behest of Wise Sister. And I am Mi'kímu, and this is Bálesh. As you have surmised, we are Southerners — from Nuroab, should such a far-flung name have reached your ears. Our clan has relocated to this glorious city, and we endeavor to find our place here.
"These ren'yu seem fine creatures — I am a seasoned warrior, but I should despair to harm one in the wild! It is good you have tamed them."
Mi'kímu turns to the boy.
"Ruqu, I imagine you have some experience with these creatures — I charge you, Wise Child, with guiding this ren'yu Do'shi back to the House of Amiyala. Bálesh and I will be at your side should trouble arise. And should we deliver the ren'yu happily and without incident, I will ask Wise Sister if you may accompany Bálesh and I on a trip to the Lower Market."
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Post by xerxez on Nov 18, 2023 15:13:19 GMT -6
"La! I have forgotten my manners! You already know the boy Ruqu, who accompanies us at the behest of Wise Sister. And I am Mi'kímu, and this is Bálesh. As you have surmised, we are Southerners — from Nuroab, should such a far-flung name have reached your ears. Our clan has relocated to this glorious city, and we endeavor to find our place here. "These ren'yu seem fine creatures — I am a seasoned warrior, but I should despair to harm one in the wild! It is good you have tamed them." Mi'kímu turns to the boy. "Ruqu, I imagine you have some experience with these creatures — I charge you, Wise Child, with guiding this ren'yu Do'shi back to the House of Amiyala. Bálesh and I will be at your side should trouble arise. And should we deliver the ren'yu happily and without incident, I will ask Wise Sister if you may accompany Bálesh and I on a trip to the Lower Market." As Ruqu half bows at Mi'kimu's command, Chegerro thinks for a moment, then nods. "Actually, I have heard of your homeland. My father was a ship's captain and I would often question him about distant lands. Liv'yanu has many colonies there. Some trickle of rumors have traveled the sea with sailors saying that sea ravagers trouble those realms greatly. May your houses find firm foundations here in the Empire of the Petal Throne. Ah, here is Doshi." A ren'yu with the colors Chegerro described appears through the outter arch and enters with its companion. Doshi's eyes glitter brightly with keen intelligence as he regards you all. A bright golden ring hangs in one of his fox like ears. Chegerro walks to him and kneels, placing his hands gently upon the creature's shoulders. "Doshi, hear, heed. Here, home no more. To house of the Lady now go, following--" (he points to you three) "--serve well, serve true. Go, go." A soft whine comes from the ren-yu, one of reluctance. The ren'yu keeper strokes the creature's head. "Remember the Lady? The Lady calls for Doshi. Go now." "Go," Doshi repeats in a vocalization. The ren'yu walks over to you. "The gold ring is marked with the seal of Lady Amiyala," Chegerreo says. "From time to time, I send ren'yu to other parts. Once, an albino was born here and it was taken to Bey Su, the Imperial City. I have my own trusted caravanners but often hire good sword arms to accompany them. Perhaps when such an expedition is mounted next, you, Balesh and and Mi'kimu, would be interested in a bit of gold and adventure?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 18, 2023 20:55:24 GMT -6
"My weapon, I wield for my tribesmen — I would myself welcome such a task, if only to travel this land of marvels, and earn pay besides. Please keep us in mind should such an opportunity arise — but I must confer with my elders before undertaking any such endeavor. I thank you for the offer." Mi'kímu again bows to Chegerro.
Turning to Ruqu and Do'shi, Mi'kímu asks, "Are we prepared to depart? Ruqu here will guide us to your new home, Do'shi. Your next adventure begins ... now!"
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Post by makofan on Nov 19, 2023 11:43:28 GMT -6
Balesh is eager to partake in the next expedition, after the ren'yu is delivered. of course
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Post by xerxez on Nov 19, 2023 20:53:14 GMT -6
Your party departs the the business place of Chegerro and is soon back in the market.
Doshi walks alongside you, head erect.
Ruqu seems smitten with the beast and stares at it wonderingly.
All seems well until you pass an old woman sitting against a wall with a cup in front of her, holding copper and silver coins.
She is a toothless and bedraggled old beggar bedecked in filthy blue robes nearly black from unwashed use, and you almost pass her without any real notice, until she calls after you...
"Mighty warriors," says she, in a cracked and rasping voice- " ..."Great are you sinews and strong your eyes. If only might of arms could defeat Hu'ru's servants, long would be your lives!"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 19, 2023 21:36:04 GMT -6
We take leave of Chegerro, with Ruqu leading the ren'yu through the streets of the Foreign Quarter, and Bálesh and Mi'kímu following close behind on either side.
Mi'kímu aside to Bálesh, out of the hearing of the others:
"Let us observe Ruqu and Do'shi as we return to the House of Amiyala, and also in the following days. I expect no problems, for both seem clever and obedient; but we shall learn.
"I would see them both aligned with our clan, should they prove loyal and trustworthy.
"Ruqu seems too young now; I only test him to guide his future, as I have Fi'ru, who has proved the bravest lad I have known. Should Chegerro provision a caravan and hire us to accompany it, I expect a creature such as Do'shi would be a boon companion, and I think Chegerro would agree, should Wise Sister acquiesce. So let us keep the creature close, as we may.
"Bálesh, I fear our clan shall wither here, in this new and strange land, lest we win friends of every stripe, earn accolades where we may, marry our youth to advantage, and risk our lives once more and again for our patrons, to our greater gain. This is my plan; I perceive no other path!"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 19, 2023 21:41:57 GMT -6
[OOC — argh, I posted without reloading, as I often do, so the narrative looks weird. Let's say all of my post happened before we meet the old woman, if that's ok.]
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Post by xerxez on Nov 19, 2023 21:42:21 GMT -6
Your party departs the the business place of Chegerro and is soon back in the market. Doshi walks alongside you, head erect. Ruqu seems smitten with the beast and stares at it wonderingly. All seems well until you pass an old woman sitting against a wall with a cup in front of her, holding copper and silver coins. She is a toothless and bedraggled old beggar bedecked in filthy blue robes nearly black from unwashed use, and you almost pass her without any real notice, until she calls after you... "Mighty warriors," says she, in a cracked and rasping voice- " ..."Great are you sinews and strong your eyes. If only might of arms could defeat Hu'ru's servants, long would be your lives!"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Nov 19, 2023 21:55:37 GMT -6
Mi'kímu, in a frankly elevated mood, takes the old woman's comments lightly at first. He halts the party and looks about the stalls, finally spotting one selling many different kinds of fruits exotic to him. He purchases an amount sufficient to satisfy the group (a few kaitars?), including the ren'yu and the old woman, and uses someone's knife to prepare her a portion fit for her to eat.
He kneels before her and hands her the fresh fruit. "And who would be these servants of Hu'ru, Wise Mother, and why should we find ourselves arrayed against them? And, most curious, why should you warn us?"
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Post by makofan on Nov 20, 2023 6:55:44 GMT -6
Balesh keeps an eye on his charges while Mi'kumu talks to the woman. He is interested in anything that might give him an edge in this strange land
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Post by xerxez on Nov 21, 2023 22:37:15 GMT -6
Mi'kímu, in a frankly elevated mood, takes the old woman's comments lightly at first. He halts the party and looks about the stalls, finally spotting one selling many different kinds of fruits exotic to him. He purchases an amount sufficient to satisfy the group (a few kaitars?), including the ren'yu and the old woman, and uses someone's knife to prepare her a portion fit for her to eat. He kneels before her and hands her the fresh fruit. "And who would be these servants of Hu'ru, Wise Mother, and why should we find ourselves arrayed against them? And, most curious, why should you warn us?" (A Kaitar is sufficient for the fruit)At the proffered fruit, the old woman regards Mi'kimu with a wide smile. She takes a plum in her hand and bites down with her gums, sucking the sweet juices, and it is evident she is delighted. "The blessings of Avan'the' upon you, kindly son of the south. You honor an old mother, na'kome though I be, like you. Still, I have sight beyond sight." She eats a bite as best she can manage--fortunately the plum is soft. After swallowing it, she says: "The servants of Hu'ru you know well-- a black priest and his kin...children of a dark flame. You cheated them in a way...you weren't meant to continue your Skeins of Destiny, not by their reckonings. But other wills are at work, eh?' She laughs again, her blue eyes glittering in their wrinkled caves. "Listen... they are angry. Secrets you possess now. Things you have seen...dreams in the night. And that one..." She raises a crooked finger towards Balesh..."He carries within him knowledge of the Ancients now. The black priests do not like a na'kome wanderer roving about with such a treasure. They will try to silence you all. But do not fear- the man of Liv'yanu is more than a mercenary and has friends. They will not move against you soon, nor openly. Only beware the servants of the Dark Flame and trust them never again."
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Post by xerxez on Nov 21, 2023 22:49:23 GMT -6
Mi'kímu, in a frankly elevated mood, takes the old woman's comments lightly at first. He halts the party and looks about the stalls, finally spotting one selling many different kinds of fruits exotic to him. He purchases an amount sufficient to satisfy the group (a few kaitars?), including the ren'yu and the old woman, and uses someone's knife to prepare her a portion fit for her to eat. He kneels before her and hands her the fresh fruit. "And who would be these servants of Hu'ru, Wise Mother, and why should we find ourselves arrayed against them? And, most curious, why should you warn us?" (A Kaitar is sufficient for the fruit)At the proffered fruit, the old woman regards Mi'kimu with a wide smile. She takes a plum in her hand and bites down with her gums, sucking the sweet juices, and it is evident she is delighted. "The blessings of Avan'the' upon you, kindly son of the south. You honor an old mother, na'kome though I be, like you. Still, I have sight beyond sight." She eats a bite as best she can manage--fortunately the plum is soft. After swallowing it, she says: "The servants of Hu'ru you know well-- a black priest and his kin...children of a dark flame. You cheated them in a way...you weren't meant to continue your Skeins of Destiny, not by their reckonings. But other wills are at work, eh?' She laughs again, her blue eyes glittering in their wrinkled caves. "Listen... they are angry. Secrets you possess now. Things you have seen...dreams in the night. And that one..." She raises a crooked finger towards Balesh..."He carries within him knowledge of the Ancients now. The black priests do not like a na'kome wanderer roving about with such a treasure. They will try to silence you all. But do not fear- the man of Liv'yanu is more than a mercenary and has friends. They will not move against you soon, nor openly. Only beware the servants of the Dark Flame and trust them never again. As for why I would warn you...why, Avan'the cares for na'kome' too. Make an offering to her Temple...she will bless you."
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