1629, Earth Season, Fertility Week, Freezeday? Waterday?
Context
Maalira is riding through Prax with her friends, and they are enjoying the hospitality of Duke Raus. Daine wants to know more about Berra and Eril. Session Prax 6.7
Events
Dawn arrives, and sees Berra doing early morning spear drills with Daine’s command. The soft rosy glow touches the roof of the house and creeps down the walls. Varanis salutes the rising sun. Breakfast is brought for Maalira, by a servant who has the door held for him by a Sword of Humakt.
Maalira accepts the breakfast, and smiles at the Sword. “You wished to talk to me?”
“Indeed.” He waits for the man who brought the tray to leave. “I have a few questions about what your friend is asking. Do you mind eating and talking?”
“Not at all. Please, join me.” Maalira indicates a neighbouring bit of floor.
He sits without much effort, favouring his left side a little. “First, tell me about this supposed Hero, if you would.” He is more used to giving orders than politeness, but he seems to mean it.
“Supposed Hero?” Maalira enquires.
“Lord Eril. I have been asked to bind myself to him permanently.”
“Ah.” Maalira nods. “I have met him a few times, and heard a great deal of his deeds. He is worthy of the title.”
“And is he worthy of life? Would you trust him, not with your life, but to make the right decisions about it.” Daine keeps politely curious.
Maalira considers. “Berra trusts him that way, and I trust Berra that way, so yes, I believe I do.”1Pass Insight Human
He hides his reaction to that, but there is a touch of it. He is unsure about Berra’s judgement. “Tell me more about her, then. She has little history here.”
Maalira considers the question. “Berra is a very skilled warrior. She is loyal, and fierce about keeping her people safe. She is committed to Humakt and does not stray from the requirements of that commitment, even when tempted.”
“This is the answer of a politician, and not a friend. Or, perhaps, a friend at a distance. Now, let me close this circle. What do you think she said you would tell me?”
Maalira gives him a wide-eyed glance. “I don’t know. But if you want a friend’s answer – Berra is dear to me. She makes me feel safe even when we are at odds over something. I could say many things in praise of her but they would all lead back to that.”
“Oh, close enough.” He gives her a brief smile. “She said you would be protective of her, and would believe in her, and if I took advantage of that, she would fight me.”
Maalira bursts out laughing. “Yes, that is close enough indeed.”
“So, you see I have to decide if I will take the word, advice, and understanding of someone who would offer to fight a Sword of Humakt over an insult to a friend. She understands war, but that is simple enough.” He looks almost ready to go, but he does not try to leave on a good line. He does not even start to get up.
“Berra understands that connection to others – to one’s companions and to those you are bonded to – is the only thing worth fighting for,” Maalira says firmly. “That is not a trivial threat, but a sign of knowing what truly matters.”
That stops him, and he relaxes. “Ah, I see. Good intentions can kill, of course. But she is competent. That is indeed helpful.”
Maalira smiles, also relaxing a little. “She has seen us safe through a great many things.”
- 1Pass Insight Human
