1629, Earth Season, Harmony Week, Probably Fireday
Context
At Tourney Altar, Lord Raven has a question for the Wind Lord. (Associated with Session 6.05, S6P5 – needs editing, followed by Sharing secrets.)
Events
It is evening now, the long day a memory. Kolyey is busy at the Temple. Berra seems to be avoiding the building. She is staring at the little cluster of huts where the blacksmiths – more than one of them! – are housed. It is within the curtain wall, but that is no more than a suggestion, its height lost to history. From the camp, the tops of the sooty tents are visible.
Varanis approaches on Berra’s shield side, or rather, what would be the shield side if the Humakti still used one. “A clack for your thoughts?”
There is an alarmed look, and then Berra digs in her pouch and offers over a square copper coin.
The Vingan blinks. “You don’t have to tell me,” she says, gently pushing Berra’s hand back toward her. “I’d never force you to say what you’re unwilling to share.” The Vingan is sweaty and dusty. It looks as though she’s rolled on the ground more than a few times today. But she also looks relatively relaxed, for Varanis.
“Erhm, you don’t pay silence tax?” Berra looks down at her hand. “I guess that’s just a my-family thing, then. I don’t …uh, yeah. Um, how are you?” It is a change of subject.
“In my family, it’s always been about bargaining,” Varanis replies with a shrug. “I’m well. Sporting some new bruises and I had a cracked rib I needed to heal up, but that’s been done. And it was worth it.”
Berra grins, and then her head tilts as if she is listening to something. She brushes her hand over the hilt of her iron sword and nods. “Yeah, she’s here… sure.” Varanis gest a straight-on look, and then a glance down to Berra’s right. Either Lord Raven has something to say, or Berra is trying to point out a very interesting rock.
Varanis doesn’t hesitate. She offers her hands, palms up, to the priest. It’s a gesture that combines trust, willingness, and respect for both her friend and the Wyter. Before Berra can offer the blade, if that is her intent, Varanis winces. “I need a moment.”
Taking her flask, she pours some water into a cupped hand, then stares at the dusty puddle. With a sigh, she offers the flask to Berra.
Berra is taking a moment to untangle Lord Raven from her harness. “What?” She seems confused by the flask. She might be distracted by something.
“My hands are filthy. Can you please pour some water over them so I can clean them before I accept the sword?”
“Oh, right, yes.” Berra pauses and pulls out a rag to help Varanis clean her hands. It has a little oil on it and is still far cleaner than the Vingan’s hands. She pours a little water, so that Varanis can get as much off as possible before a rinse.
The little Humakti is currently back in one of her old habits and is wearing far too many belt pouches.
Rubbing her hands together vigorously, Varanis manages to get them mostly clean. An extra splash from Berra and she is presentable, if not ritually purified. Lord Raven is likely accustomed to such treatment from them anyway.
Berra has a drier rag to lay over Varanis’ hands for handing over the sword. A little pack-rat Humakti, right there.
Once again, Varanis offers her hands, now cleaner and covered. She gives Berra a wry grin. “We can only do our best for him, right?”
Berra rolls her eyes a bit. “Don’t even ask what we’ve been arguing about today.” But then she bows over the iron sword as she hands it over, sober and calm for that moment.
As the sword’s weight settles across Varanis’ hands, she offers a prayer and some of her spirit to the Wyter that resides within.15 MP When she finishes, she asks silently, Where would you like to go, Lord Raven?
Oh, Glamour, and then on to the Moon in victory, he assures her. But given the difficulties of the journey, somewhere for private conversation is sufficient.Glamour? Varanis asks silently. She offers Berra a bow. “I’ll return with him when he is done with me.” She then starts walking.2V: What do we figure are likely choices? We likely have a tent, but I assume we are all sharing it. Any nice hills nearby? Would it be odd to head out of the settlement space to find a cosy, isolated rock? B: You can head straight out into Prax, but beyond the settlement is said not to be safe. You’re aware you can take an undead walktapus, though. There’s plenty of not-quite-settlement where there are comfy rocks and empty spaces.
It is after all my duty to harry the Lunar Empire. Lord Raven then lets Varanis pick a place.
Our duty, she counters. If something were to happen to Berra, I suppose Lord Eril would be angry if you and I went on a rampage in Glamour by ourselves. Varanis finds a suitably isolated rock to clamber onto, far enough away from others that she should have plenty of notice should anyone come seeking her out. She settles cross-legged with the sword resting across her knees.
He cannot resist a reply. The Hero would certainly be conscious of having missed his chance.
The rock is a spire of something she does not recognise, about ten feet high, with room for her and her knees, and maybe a snack or two. There’s a decent view from up here, she tells him before asking, How may I be of service, Lord Raven?
He begins to form out of the blade, which is going to be tricky, given he has only air on which to stand, and that is not his element.
Varanis considers. This might have been a poor choice of location after all. Um… Lord? Can you sit on air?
His expression as he appears is already slightly alarmed. As he solidifies, he sinks, and there is a mutter of annoyance. Fortunately, the rock is not so tall that he ends up falling at any speed. He simply lands on the ground and takes a moment to gather himself and look dignified. The Vingan scrambles down quickly.3
Easy pass on Climb, so she doesn’t embarrass herself further. “Sorry. Seemed like a good idea at the time. How about there?” She indicates a low boulder with plenty of room for them both to sit on. It’s only 100 strides or so away.
Lord Raven gives her a lofty glance, despite the evidence. “Of course.” His deep voice is soft and calm, polite in agreement.
The new seating is low, but at least not on the ground. She indicates that the Wyter should precede her, so that he has his choice of perch.
He does not sit. “I have a question. Priest Berra gives me to understand that Lord Silor’s son Venlar stole a bride…”
“My cousin, Mellia. Yes, this is true. She’s a healer and they are ridiculously enamoured of each other.”
“May happiness be long for them. This was to prevent my brother being related to Fazzur Wideread, through marriage?” Lord Raven seems only faintly curious, like he is just checking on facts. Most of his attention seems to be on the distant shape of Eiritha under her hills.
“Well… I suppose the part where Silor sort of disowned Venlar was to prevent th…” She trails off. “He and I didn’t really think about that part when we adopted each other…” She chews her lip. “Oh dear.”
“No more questions,” the Wyter murmurs.
Varanis winces. “We were being terribly Orlanthi. Or marvelously Orlanthi, depending on perspective.”
“In fact, Orlanthi.” Lord Raven does not need to breathe, and so sighs are beneath him. He lets one escape anyhow. “I shall in due course let the Hero know.”
“If it helps at all, I am Vareena to him. Kallyr’s cousin, though also cousin to his son’s wife.” She’s picked up a pebble and is worrying at it between her fingers.
Lord Raven finds a very interesting piece of rock to look at, some metres away, and stares at it thoughtfully. “If I know Silor, after all these years, I think he will not do these things by portions.” “Have I done him harm?” she asks quietly. “I didn’t mean to do that. I lost my own father years ago and … I’m sorry. I didn’t think things through.” She draws her knees up to her chest, pinning the sword between her thighs and cuirass. “I can tell him it was a mistake, if that will make things better. That must be why Jengharl was so angry.” She wraps her arms around her legs, with the pebble still clenched tightly in one fist.4
Insight (overly-emotional Vingan): She’s turning into a ball of misery. Given past experience for Berra/Raven, this is the ugly mix of failure, rejection, and insecurity that hasn’t plagued Varanis in a while. In the unlikely chance that you get a special or better, tell me?
“News will not reach Tarsh until he has left it,” Lord Raven says softly. “Still, there may be a tricky balance of kinstrife in next year’s campaigning.”
“If I ask him to undo it, will that make things better for him?”
“He would, I think, consider that a poor act on your part. What is your word worth, Vareena, that you would walk away from your father?” The wyter’s tone is only mildly chiding. “But I’ve made his life harder, not better,” she whispers. “What kind of daughter am I to bring such trouble to him and the clan? I could live with his disappointment if it protected them all.”5Dice roll: Air 99
– fail but not fumble.
“Oh, and do you get to make that decision for him?” Lord Raven turns and walks the short distance between them, leaving wisps of smoke to catch up. “Will you take away what you have given him? Tell him he was wrong?”
She flinches, her shoulders coming up as if to protect herself. She’s about as tightly curled as is possible in armour and with a sword in her lap. In the recesses of her mind, Dezar whimpers. Lord Raven pauses, and then kneels, reaching out a hand for her shoulder. “You did nothing wrong. Going back would be an insult to him.”6Insight, maybe with a -20% for situation and tears: He stopped being superior when he saw her expression and started caring about her instead. V: Hmmm. I have to actually check my sheet. Raven wouldn’t normally get a +20 that is just being cancelled out, would he? B: No. He’s a cipher. He’s made of smoke. V: So very nearly a pass.
His smokey face is unreadable, as always. “I’m an idiot, Lord. Reckless and dangerous. But I won’t add insult to the injury I have caused.” She takes a shuddering breath and tries to pull herself together. “We’ll find a way to make things work.”7If you passed that other insight or think it’s appropriate to do another roll: The first few words sound like learned accusations. They are the words of another.
“He would…” Lord Raven takes a moment to steady himself. “My brother lives his joy as an Orlanthi man should. He is a politician, and a fine warrior. He is also a notable fox, when he needs to be.”8V: Should the first bit be in bold? B: Nope. Note where he stopped being in bold, and where it started again. V: Wondered if that might be significant. I forgot that they shared the experience of being judged harshly by people who should have loved them unconditionally. At least from a modern perspective.
“I’ll do better,” she tells him. “I know I always say that. But I will try to be worthy of the love he shares so generously. And I’ll do my best to look out for him too.” When she tries to wipe away her tears, she leaves a streaky mess. While she’d washed her hands earlier, that was before climbing, and her face was still dusty from sparring. Anyone who sees her will know that the Wind Lord has been crying.
“You are listening to your own oratory. My brother knew all you were and are and accepts you. My duty is to know what the Hero must know, nothing more.”
She unfolds her limbs and gives herself a bit of a shake, then nods at the spirit. “You can tell him that we are Orlanthi in our love, kin in our hearts, and, for me at least, something of an idiot in my recklessness. But I honour his brother as my father and will defend his people as my own. If the Hero, my King, Grandmother Saiciae, or anyone else takes issue with it, they can go suck eggs.” She swallows a bitter laugh. “Maybe don’t say that last part.”
“Tempting as it is to tell the mortal man to do so, duty impels me towards politeness in this case. He will not cause issue.” Lord Raven stands too. The glow of fire scintillates within the scar over his eye, before it settles into its usual bright ember glow. “I had another thing to say, although if you wish we could take it up later. It is a different subject.” Vareena takes a few deep breaths and rolls her shoulders. The Wyter sword is held in her right hand and she raises it to study the Truth rune that makes up the hilt. Finally, she says, “Let’s have it. I’ll only dwell on the possibilities if we wait.”9B: Do me another insight. No penalty this time. V: Pass.
The gem set into the torch glimmers. It came from a vampire’s dagger, and now it represents the light of truth.
“You were right to tell me to take care of the Priest despite my recent anger at myself and the Hero.” Lord Raven’s voice is even but very precise. He does that when he is hiding emotions or wants to say a thing very exactly. This moment matters to him.
“Thank you. I know it can’t have been easy to hear at the time.”
“Please do continue to guard her. I know that the request falls behind your actions, of course.”
Vareena gives him a solemn nod. “To the best of my ability and with honour. She doesn’t always see her worth and some may judge her too harshly, but to me, Berra is the greatest of us. Flawed in ways that make her human, but destined to become a Hero in her own right. It is not just my love for my friend that speaks. I have seen glimpses of the battles she fights and still she holds strong.”
Lord Raven keeps silent a moment, looking away. “I do not suppose you could persuade her to be less Orlanthi?” he enquires.
With a rueful chuckle, she replies, “I have tried taking up all the Orlanthi-ness, but there’s always more for others. Seems to be the nature of Orlanth. Is there anything in particular that would help her?”
“A very large nursemaid, perhaps, or a room made of very bright objects, interesting yet harmless?” He sounds so wistful.
She can’t help herself; her chuckle turns into an outright laugh. “I’m sorry, my Lord. That I can’t make happen. I could try to find a new musical instrument for her? That kept her busy the last time. I’m not entirely sure it counts as harmless.”
Raven smiles politely. “She asks too much, waits and thinks so little. It is likely to draw attention.”
“She has a curious mind and is inclined to ask the things that cross it. I don’t know that I’m much better. My tutors were in despair more than once. I have been improving somewhat. I could try sharing that with her. Maybe she will learn by example?”
“One can hope. Still, I have only a few more minutes today. Would you take my sword back? I should like to enjoy the night, and look on the Cold Sun.” Lord Raven remains politely poised for more conversation, of course.
“Of course, my Lord. And thank you. The Truth can cut, but I needed to hear it.” She offers him a bow before leaping from the rock onto the hard-packed earth. “I’ll go find your Priest.”
Lord Raven steps away, a little further from the camp, and turns his attention to the slowly-wheeling sky.
- 15 MP
- 2V: What do we figure are likely choices? We likely have a tent, but I assume we are all sharing it. Any nice hills nearby? Would it be odd to head out of the settlement space to find a cosy, isolated rock? B: You can head straight out into Prax, but beyond the settlement is said not to be safe. You’re aware you can take an undead walktapus, though. There’s plenty of not-quite-settlement where there are comfy rocks and empty spaces.
- 3
Easy pass on Climb, so she doesn’t embarrass herself further. - 4
Insight (overly-emotional Vingan): She’s turning into a ball of misery. Given past experience for Berra/Raven, this is the ugly mix of failure, rejection, and insecurity that hasn’t plagued Varanis in a while. In the unlikely chance that you get a special or better, tell me? - 5Dice roll: Air 99
– fail but not fumble. - 6Insight, maybe with a -20% for situation and tears: He stopped being superior when he saw her expression and started caring about her instead. V: Hmmm. I have to actually check my sheet. Raven wouldn’t normally get a +20 that is just being cancelled out, would he? B: No. He’s a cipher. He’s made of smoke. V: So very nearly a pass.
- 7If you passed that other insight or think it’s appropriate to do another roll: The first few words sound like learned accusations. They are the words of another.
- 8V: Should the first bit be in bold? B: Nope. Note where he stopped being in bold, and where it started again. V: Wondered if that might be significant. I forgot that they shared the experience of being judged harshly by people who should have loved them unconditionally. At least from a modern perspective.
- 9B: Do me another insight. No penalty this time. V: Pass.
