NationStates Jolt Archive

Pamaltela, as any astronomer will tell you, is a massive world-most planets it's size are gas giants. They will also tell you it has two moons, one of which is large enough to hold a viable atmosphere and maintains plantlife, coloring Pamaltela's night a cool green.
The second moon is an anomaly-smaller with large deposits of iron that color it red, it's orbit and rotation are perfectly in sync with the rotation of the planet, so it shows the same face forever as it hovers over the same region, giving a daily solar eclipse and nightly lunar eclipse that darkens the area south of the Yolp Mountains the trolls call the Lunar Heartland, precisely because the Red Moon hangs forever over it.
The Yellow Springs, capital of the Ordo Drakul, the Foreign Affairs division of the Pamaltelan government, rests directly under the Red Moon. Trolls are nocturnal, and the darkness or dim red light that fills the Lunar Heartland allows the Ordo Drakul to operate around the clock with minimal stress. For similar reasons, the Silentium meets in the legislative capital of Doristor nearby, but no one gives the Silentium much thought.
The city shook as the Witches howled in their towers-the ships were arriving, and the Witches were either welcoming the guests or howling a warning-they would announce which in their own time, but Witches were like that.
The Voivode gazed up at the stars. *That one-I think*he thought, his weak troll vision barely registering the stars as blurs of color. *There is where my Rightful Son lays among the aliens-and now they come here, seeking to know. Let us pray they do not learn to regret this...*

A Cruiser pops into existance from it's hyperspace cover, silent and gleaming. It moved forward on minimum thrust, weary of the gas cloud that covers the planet XX238, or Pamaltela, that has claimed several craft from other species. A single shuttle drops from the hanger and flies down, breaking the atmosphere slowly so as not to cover itself in friction burn and possibly alarm the locals. It set down in Big Rubble, the only city with a public spaceport. The ramp slowly lowers and Vanadict (http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa203%2FTempest_King%2Fkitsune0.jpg&searchTerm=kitsune&pageOffset=10) steps shyly out, looking 8 years younger than she really is and shy and veunerable. The only things that betray this innocent appearence is the black-sheathed katana the is attatched to her hip. She has dark red hair and red fox ears and a red tail, the rarest color in the wide spectrum of tail and ear colors for an Xiscapian. She has a old-fashioned carft behind her, closed up to conceal what's inside. However, a tantalizing smell issues forth from it, designed to make troll's mouths water. She waits to be greeted so she may give her gift and proceed into the city.

a black SCB drops into known space out from a bay a Imperial Peilcan dropship leaves and heads for the planet carrying two woman and one soldier

on landing the soldier gets out and waves all clear to the two woman and waits with them

Vanadict turns to the newly arrived Isans and bows. "Greetings, friends." she says in her soft, beautiful voice.

(OOC:Hate to contradict you so soon, Xiscapia, but Gerrak's report clearly states that Big Rubble is the only public spaceport and that various Orders maintain private ones. Whether or not the spaceport rumored to be in the Clanking City is functional is a matter of debate, much like it's existence.)
The Vanadict was immediately impressed by two things-firstly, the temperature was maybe 32 Celsius and the humidity about 100%, and secondly, the city itself. Vaguely reminiscent of Macchu Picchu on Earth, it was built entirely of stone, so carefully fitted together as not to permit so much as a single scrap of paper between the crevices where stone met stone. It was amazing what a Stone Age culture could accomplish with just muscle and a tad bit of engineering-the trolls even had skyscrapers here, bound up in clinging vines, The landing platforms were basalt and volcanic glass, built to withstand heat and weight of the ships that came-mostly automated transports.
A large troll lumbered up to her, in his foreclaw a stout rod from which depended several knotted cords of woven colors, the end bearing a strap dangling a small stone mask. His other claw felt down the cords, as he jabbered excitedly in his native tongue. The mask contorted oddly and spoke in perfect Xiscapian:"You're from the Rose Academy?"
(OOC:since everyone else sort of beat me to the punch, allow me to add that each of you hears that phrase in your native tongues-including Kai)

Vanadict bowed. "Yes I am, allow me to introduce myself. I am Vanadict, an ambassador to your world."

Vanadict turns to the newly arrived Isans and bows. "Greetings, friends." she says in her soft, beautiful voice.
OOC Ordo Drakul you be talking to my three in common not in my native tongues of Imperial as it has two class normal and one not heard much by others
and SCB = Super Capital Battleship

IC

three bow back to her
"same to you"said the Soldier as he bows then turns to the Toll

"my sister in law is there but not me"

Kai assisted Indigo down the ramp, handling her as if she is made of spun glass, for she gives much the same impression as Vanadict does. Shy and vulnerable. Though like Vanadict she is neither. Her Honor blade (http://www.atddm.com/mystlong.jpg), shaped and weilded much like a katana, sits across her back, as does Kai's.

Indigo is in the traditional robes and veils of a Novan Samurai (http://www.atddm.com/novan2a.jpg) her face veil up hiding all but her eyes, as she was still on her honeymoon. But her robes were of the thinest Shaia -silk, the fabric of choice for the hot Nippon summers. The soft soled boots she wore beneath the robes made no sound and the were no life discs to ring as they hung from the broad belt about her waist, for Indigo had never been in combat. Her fragrance was the very mild clean scent of sandalwood. However beneath the sliky flowing robes of deepest crimson was state of the art armor from the Tanaran Empire. It was billions of nanomatrix crystals, that fit her like an invisible, unfeelable second skin, thinner than air almost, but inpeneratrable to nearly every thing, and adaptable to her will. It was quasi living, and it would register strongly but subtly with those sensitive to what some called the 'force'.

The impression that Indigo gives comes though despite her concealed features and enshrouding robes. Kai's garmets too are traditional but they are not the robes that Indigo wears, though he could have chosen to wear them. No he wears something more openly announcing of his status. The black drgaon hide leather and dark urlmetal bracers and armor (http://www.atddm.com/fadein.jpg) marked his standing to those who knew. The eyes of those even more knowledgeable would see past the outer...and to even the most sensitive noses he had no sent and he made no sounds, not even those of breathing.

The pair nodded politely to the Isan's and turned their attention to the Troll, careful not to stare. Thier bows match that of Vanadict's and Kai speaks in Shadowspeech "As the honored Vanadict says, yes we are from the Rose Academy, however we, the Imperial Princess Aiko, Lady Indigo Blue and I her consort Kai, come as ambassadors from the Clestial Imperia Nova Nippon."

He and Indigo had discussed it at lenght and given the status bestowed up her at her exile decided that they could honorably and safely consider her a diplomat. Nova Nippon had never had ambassadors, but then again the Three Courts had never exiled any one before, much less a direct Daughter of the Divine One.

(OOC:The bolongo-the mask hanging from the portmaster's rod-is a translator that broadcasts a telepathic translation-everyone is hearing it in their native tongues. Technically, it's magic and contains a translator spirit, but for purposes here, we'll assume it's attuned to the quasi-psionic energy Xiscapians call "the Force", which is standard troll tech.)
IC:The portmaster ran his hands on the cord again, then replied. "I have five crates of pain blades bound for a Mister Miyagi from the Rose Academy-you the pickup? We'll get it onboard quick-need the pad for transport in about a half-hour."
--Kaa-this is not for you-- The speaker was a tall figure swathed in robes of midnight blue so dark as to appear black, his vaguely canine face bleached white with blue crescents tattooed on his eyelids, bifurcated only by his beady eyes.--I shall deal with this--
The portmaster growled as he raised his head-a growl that swiftly died as he saw the stranger, when he became most contrite.--Forgive me, Blue Moon. I shall reorder the landing schedule--
--Forgiven--the figure raised a hand in benediction and laid it on the portmaster's head, who moved with the amazing fluid rapidity of a troll to it's offices. The figure then turned to those assembled and lowered it's hood, revealing jet black hair.--I am Muritan of the Ordo Annilla-permit me to welcome you to Pamaltela in the name of the Voivode Bruno--
A small stone mask it wore on it's right breast intoned:"Minister Muritan greets you as emissary of the Voivode."
--If you will accompany me to a setting chamber, I will attend to your needs, offer food and drink-we await one other before we travel--"Refreshments await within, if you will follow me-one more is expected."
(OOC:Void Templar expressed an interest, and I'm waiting for him to post. Since Kai's here, I'm including the shadowspeech so you can see the bolongo is not an exact translation)

OOC telepathic don't work on my three as they not from known space only way they know what is said by someone unseen standing next to the man as it from known space and is all so from the lot who let Nova Nippon ship into the Void and safe guard them through out it's stay

IC

"here don't forget tolls and dwarfs have a thing this side"said the Soldier to the woman before Saluting Kai and Indigo
"ok so just the bring up dwarfs in a talk"said one

The shuttle pilot came out and loaded the 5 crates of pain blades, bound for the Academy. Then he lifted off to make room for the transport, and flew back to the Cruiser to await pick-up orders. Vanadict bowed again and followed Muritan of the Ordo Annilla. Her senses tingled slightly with the sudden influx of Force on this planet, between the mask, Indigo's odd cloak, and the trolls themselves. However, it was pleasent and non-threatening, so she relaxed.

The setting room was laid out with several low cushions, interspersed by tables bearing trays of various foods: cold cuts of meat and fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Muritan gestured to indicate all,--Help yourselves, honored guests. Eat, drink, refresh yourselves-we only ask that when you depart, you leave some of the joy you have brought us.--to which the bolongo intoned:"Eat this instead of me, and while you eat we shall converse."
Using a pair of tongs, he carefully selected choice cuts he placed on a wooden tray with some chopsticks, then handed the tray to the Vanadict and indicated she should sit off to the side.
Idly she noted that while Muritan had apparently grabbed food at random, the cheeses, chocolates, and vegetables on the buffet had been left off her plate, and only a few alien fruits and nuts had been placed alongside numerous morsels of meat. Remembering her troll etiquette, she plucked an appetizing appearing morsel and downed it-it had an acrid, though not unpleasant taste, and was seasoned with some odd marinade that gave an electric tingle to her tongue.
Once she had eaten, Muritan squatted down next to her, between her and the rest of the room. The bolongo hissed:"When Gerrak proposed this little jaunt, we had no idea the Emperor would send you-Otherwise, we might not have agreed. I doubt it, though-Gerrak is very eloquent and the Rightful Heir. That honeyed tongue should serve the Ordo Argan Argari-or even our own order, if he were not Heir. But for the tragedies of that boy's life--but I digress.
"What Gerrak has done is to arrange for his friends to see the real Pamaltela-the one he grew up on. The proposal is simple enough-I will supply you all with bolongo, outfit you properly, and send you to the Yellow Springs without any official escort-allow you to experience troll culture as a tourist would, without Ordo Drakul interdiction. If you survive, you will be feted at the Yellow Springs, then allowed to Gate home from there, and the Muri will know the mettle of their allies.
"However, you are the Vanadict--we would not endanger you due to your standing. If you like, I can Gate you to the Yellow Springs now, to await the others and avoid an interstellar incident. The choice is yours, of course..."

A small cruiser, The Smith, exited hyperspace and a Ghost-class Dropship headed down towards the Big Rubble spaceport. It touched down, and a Void Elite, Rok'atu, stepped off, accompanied by Santiago Quincy. Santiago was dressed in Exile military gear, as ever, but Rok'atu was wearing a more exquisite uniform of an Arbiter. He carried a small sheathed knife in his hand, a Sithian Requiem.
OOC: Sithian Requiem: http://www.morrowind.pl/bron/morrowind/dae_dagger.jpg

The setting room was laid out with several low cushions, interspersed by tables bearing trays of various foods: cold cuts of meat and fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Muritan gestured to indicate all,--Help yourselves, honored guests. Eat, drink, refresh yourselves-we only ask that when you depart, you leave some of the joy you have brought us.--to which the bolongo intoned:"Eat this instead of me, and while you eat we shall converse."
Using a pair of tongs, he carefully selected choice cuts he placed on a wooden tray with some chopsticks, then handed the tray to the Vanadict and indicated she should sit off to the side.
Idly she noted that while Muritan had apparently grabbed food at random, the cheeses, chocolates, and vegetables on the buffet had been left off her plate, and only a few alien fruits and nuts had been placed alongside numerous morsels of meat. Remembering her troll etiquette, she plucked an appetizing appearing morsel and downed it-it had an acrid, though not unpleasant taste, and was seasoned with some odd marinade that gave an electric tingle to her tongue.
Once she had eaten, Muritan squatted down next to her, between her and the rest of the room. The bolongo hissed:"When Gerrak proposed this little jaunt, we had no idea the Emperor would send you-Otherwise, we might not have agreed. I doubt it, though-Gerrak is very eloquent and the Rightful Heir. That honeyed tongue should serve the Ordo Argan Argari-or even our own order, if he were not Heir. But for the tragedies of that boy's life--but I digress.
"What Gerrak has done is to arrange for his friends to see the real Pamaltela-the one he grew up on. The proposal is simple enough-I will supply you all with bolongo, outfit you properly, and send you to the Yellow Springs without any official escort-allow you to experience troll culture as a tourist would, without Ordo Drakul interdiction. If you survive, you will be feted at the Yellow Springs, then allowed to Gate home from there, and the Muri will know the mettle of their allies.
"However, you are the Vanadict--we would not endanger you due to your standing. If you like, I can Gate you to the Yellow Springs now, to await the others and avoid an interstellar incident. The choice is yours, of course..."
Vanadict shook her head. "A thousand thanks for your kind offer, but I am as strong as any male. I feel that I will be able to succesfully make it though to Yellow Springs. If I die, Xiscapia will simply choose a new Vanadict in my place, accepting it as an unfortunate accident. I am not worthy of my title if I cannot make it home from this world. I will take this trial with the others, if only to prove my worth to those who watch." She bowed her head.

Muritan looked oddly at her, then rose and bowed, spreading his claws. The bolongo supplied:"I shall inform the Voivode of your decision, and wish you best of luck on your journey. It appears Gerrak was quite correct in his assessment of you.
"The Necropolitans have arrived, I see-it is time to begin. You will forgive me?" He rose and subvoced a command, willing his bolongo to silence as he did. Porters began wheeling out red-enamelled boxes trimmed in silver, distributing them to those assembled. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you welcome to Pamaltela in the name of the Athling Gerrak Krag, Initiate of the Ordo Zorak Zoran, Rightful Son to Voivode Bruno I, Rightful Heir to the Ordo Drakul-to his welcome I add my humble own."
(OOC:the boxes are gifts, and are as follows:Xiscapia, a headdress and cloak of tzin-tzin feathers, colored purple and black/Nova Nippon, for Indigo, a headress and cloak of tzin-tzin feathers, pure white; for Kai, a choker of spider's fang set with an empathic crystal, the crystal embedded with the feeling of Hope from a young child/Void Templar, a pouch of troll runes chewed into stone discs-the drawstring on the cord is oddly braided-plus a pouch of fifty lead wafers stamped on one side with a troll profile and the other an ornate cave complex. And, Nova Nippon-the Pamaltelan spider is domesticated as a steed and in the wild can take on a rhino-which is why there are no Pamaltelan rhinos. I'm going to allow for reactions before giving the Pamaltela 101 speech and sending you out)

Vanadict opened the box and studied the contents. She carefully lifted the headdress out, examining it in the amber light. She rubbed it against her cheek, a sign of approval. Then she gently set it down beside her and took out the cloak of tinz-tinz feathers. Her eyes widened as she took in the beautiful thing, the black and purple mixing pleasently to the eye. She stood and slipped it on, the folds whispering as the softness of the inside rubbed against bare skin. She bowed low. "I am honored by your gifts, as they are fit for a King. I too have something to present to you." She reached inside the folds of her robes and pulled out a large bone knife, made for a troll in mind. It had four red symbols carved into the blade at precise places, and a small black and white symbol (http://www.aboutmygeneration.com/Portals/0/images/yin%20yang.jpg) carved into the handle. She walked up next to the troll, balancing the knife-sword in one hand, the other pointing to various places. "This first symbol is the rune in Xiscapian for Fire, the next is Water, the third is Sky, and the forth is Earth. The symbol on the handle is what we use to represent Qonn, the god of nature. You press the Qonn," she did so, and it glowed briefly with a soft blue light "and the symbols switch positions." Indeed they had. Now Water was first, followed by Sky, then Earth, then finally Earth. "Each symbol gives the knife a special property. Fire causes it to burn what ever the blade touchs, Water sprouts a tiny stream where ever the knife is struck, Earth enhances the life of all things, so if you touch the blade to a wounded being their wound will heal faster. Be warned, though. It will not save a person from death. Lastly, Sky causes the wind to blow the direction you want it to, or brings up a wind on a still day. A useful tool, especially when hunting. Do not abuse it's power, or the knife shall turn against you, cursing you until the day you die and vanishing forever." She bowed again. "It seems a fitting gift."

I am Muritan of the Ordo Annilla-permit me to welcome you to Pamaltela in the name of the Voivode Bruno--
--If you will accompany me to a setting chamber, I will attend to your needs, offer food and drink-we await one other before we travel--"Refreshments await within, if you will follow me-one more is expected."
Help yourselves, honored guests. Eat, drink, refresh yourselves-we only ask that when you depart, you leave some of the joy you have brought us.-

Vanadict had found the Exact words the the Muri had uttered, not the not- necessarily- precise translation provided by the bolongo Kai had supplied them -directed to her thoughts alone, aware that his sending had to be at it's most subtle to avoid giving offense.

Indigo had, as discretely as possible observed all that was about them, making continuous mental notes.

Once in the setting room, after Muritan had granted permission, Kai had assembled a tray with a tiny portion of every thing offered upon it, which he ceremoniously served to Indigo. Once she had accepted it, he filled a tray for himself and sat beside and slightly before her, a protective postition. They ate tidily, manipulating the chopsticks with ease. Kai discretely made sure that nothing that passed her lips was toxic. He knew there were substances that Muri physiology could handle that Indigo's could not. Those he transmuted in an unnoticible manner. He quite enjoyed the meal, going back for more meat. Raw meat was something he got to enjoy infrequently. He had never much cared for raw fish however.

Indigo looked over the scarlet enameled box, admiring it's silver trim and slowly opened it. She gasped with pleasure when she saw the headress and cloak. "Honoured Minister Muritan, my profoundest thanks." She lifted them out carefully and expamined the pieces carefully. "This is lovely and your artisans are beyond reporach." She asked shyly "Are there special meaning to the pattern of the feathers, or the hue, or the particular feathers used?" Indigo was and ever would be a scholar, a lore keeper for whom knowledge and understanding were sacred. Indigo had noticed that while the feathers on Vanadicts seemed to be from the same bird, they were a dramatic purple and black.

Like Vanadict she stood and slipped it on, reveling in the faint musical rustlings it made, a nearly silent melody.

Kai watched Indigo open hers with a fond smile on his lips, then opened his. His eyelids drooped as he took in the emotion embedded in the stone. It made him feel young again. He studied the fearsome fangs that comprised the choker, fingering them carefully and developing a strong mental image of the beast that had one weilded them.

Nodding he gestured to the cart that he had brought along, as the Vanadict had brought one of her own. Kai spoke in Shadownspeech to Muritan "May you and others have the joy in the eating that I had in the hunting."

It had taken a week of intense stalking to finally bring the Death Cry (http://www.atddm.com/oni.jpg) to bay and slay it. Now it reposed, fresh as it had been moments after it's death, in the very large cart. The Death Cry had weighed in at half a ton and it's primary claws were longer then Gerraks. It's fangs he had left untouched and now he passed along a warning concerning the venom "Careful when you crack the jaw, the poison is still active, but it adds much spice to the eating." No Oni was an easy kill and the greater of the breed - as this one had been- were easily as hard to kill as he was. He'd hunted this one bare clawed.

Muritan looked a bit nonplussed, but responded--The tzin-tzin is a raptor with an eight to twelve foot wingspan, it's feathers hard as tempered steel while still light as, well, feathers. We believe it is not natural, but instead the result of Mostali experimentation, before they lost the Man Rune. As far as the colors, they were specified by the Athling when he ordered the gifts. The purple and black he believed to be the colors of the Xiscapian diplomatic corps, as the Vanadict wore them in the pictures he'd seen of her, and at least would be acceptable to the diplomat-we were not expecting the Vanadict herself. The white he chose to honor You, as white feathers were part of your nation's heraldry--
The bolongo interpreted:"The tzin-tzin is a mysterious species we believe was bred by the dwarves before their-mishap. The cloaks and headdresses are protective, the colors chosen by Gerrak at the time he commissioned them, to honor your respective nations."
He nodded toward the Deathcry carcass.--I shall personally deliver your message to the Voivode, revered one. I only wish Gerrak had gifted you better than a handmade trinket--

after looking at the Bow the Soldier place it back on the table

"i'am sorry but they must stay here as they would decay the sec they enter the Void and i don't have my gear to place a seal on them to stop from happening"he said

--The tzin-tzin is a raptor with an eight to twelve foot wingspan, it's feathers hard as tempered steel while still light as, well, feathers. We believe it is not natural, but instead the result of Mostali experimentation, before they lost the Man Rune. As far as the colors, they were specified by the Athling when he ordered the gifts. The purple and black he believed to be the colors of the Xiscapian diplomatic corps, as the Vanadict wore them in the pictures he'd seen of her, and at least would be acceptable to the diplomat-we were not expecting the Vanadict herself. The white he chose to honor You, as white feathers were part of your nation's heraldry--

Indigo's smile brought her dimples out as she replied gravely "He honors me indeed, I can not think of a finer gift. It is exquisite and I shall wear it proudly." She stroked the almost irridescent white feathers gently, truly delighted with the gift.

.--I shall personally deliver your message to the Voivode, revered one. I only wish Gerrak had gifted you better than a handmade trinket--

Kai replied in Shadowspeech "I hope to count Gerrak as a friend. He is a very worthy Athling and I would fight and hunt at his side. This gift means much to me, and further displays his discernment. I mean no slight to you but Gerrak knowsd me better than I had thought." He did not want to disagree with Muritan, but to him the choker was far more than just a trinket."

Kai settled it about his throat making a few slight adjustments so that it fit perfectly. And how did Gerrak know that I pass along gifts to those that earn or truly need them..and that the gift of Hope to me means much as the Dark days draw near. I just hope I can keep Indigo safe all by my lone...Ha! but of course I can.He thought as he kept, as ever, vigilant.

Muritan looked a bit nonplussed, but responded--The tzin-tzin is a raptor with an eight to twelve foot wingspan, it's feathers hard as tempered steel while still light as, well, feathers. We believe it is not natural, but instead the result of Mostali experimentation, before they lost the Man Rune. As far as the colors, they were specified by the Athling when he ordered the gifts. The purple and black he believed to be the colors of the Xiscapian diplomatic corps, as the Vanadict wore them in the pictures he'd seen of her, and at least would be acceptable to the diplomat-we were not expecting the Vanadict herself. The white he chose to honor You, as white feathers were part of your nation's heraldry--
The bolongo interpreted:"The tzin-tzin is a mysterious species we believe was bred by the dwarves before their-mishap. The cloaks and headdresses are protective, the colors chosen by Gerrak at the time he commissioned them, to honor your respective nations."
He nodded toward the Deathcry carcass.--I shall personally deliver your message to the Voivode, revered one. I only wish Gerrak had gifted you better than a handmade trinket--
Vanadict nodded. "My nations colors are blue and black, but our colors are indeed black and dark purple. It's a great gift."

Rok'atu took the pouches with interest. As he looked at the runes, Dominic handed Muritan the Sithian Requiem.
"This is a Sithian Requiem. It was forged in the Void Pits, and capable of cutting through titanium." The blade vibrated slightly.
"It can also block against lightsabers and most plasma blasts."

Muritan held the weapon, examining it carefully. --A fine weapon-it fair thrums with power. The Athling will doubtless be pleased. I thank you for him--"An excellent weapon. Allow me to thank you on the Athling's behalf."
Muritan rose and viewed all assembled before speaking.--Doubtless, you are curious about Pamaltela and it's peoples, or you would not be here. The Athling has supplied you with letters of credit you may redeem at the Ordo Argan Argari-their temples are well-known, and they operate as merchants throughout the land.
--Once you leave the spaceport proper, you will find that the interactions of the energy cloud and Pamaltela's magnetic field will stop your technology from functioning. Certain Orders contribute to maintaining the spaceport against this effect, but it is too cost-prohibitive to counteract, and the field has certain advantages we do not wish to dispense with. I will supply you with bolongo to translate for you-be advised the bolongo reacts to thought, and may not say what you desire, but what you are thinking.
--You have but to arrange your own travel from Big Rubble to Teddy Bear Junction, a most wretched hive of scum and villainy. From there you will go to Skyfall Lake, where, if you make good time, you will arrive for the Tribute to Mokka. From Skyfall Lake, you will go to Doraddi-This is Gerrak's kingdom, so it would be polite to spend time at his estate there. Since Doraddi is in the Lunar Heartland, conveyance from there to the Yellow Springs will be a simple matter, perhaps a day or two by carriage.
--Since I shall not be accompanying you, now would be the time for questions I shall do my humble best to answer--
The bolongo translated roughly(OOC:but I don't feel like typing it all out)
He bowed and placidly waited.

"nothing in known space stops our technology from functioning only other Void technology can"

Vanadict nodded. "Very well. I have no more technology with me other than a blaster pistol and a homing beacon. I will do fine."

Rok'atu looked up, slightly worried.
"What kind of atmosphere do you have here?" Santiago said, "You see, Rok'atu can only breathe Ozone, an his rebreather is what keeps him alive. Would the field stop it?"

--The bolongo can serve many of the functions of your homing beacon, Vanadict. Permit me to demonstrate--Muritan tapped his bolongo and barked a command--Bring me the nearest Ordo Arkati--
A ball of energy visible only to those with Force senses hurled from the small mask, which froze into the shape it had been chewed into.
"Dis may tak tiyme." Muritan replied in Xiscapian."The Ordo Arkati are sorcerors, mebbe dey fish-me dinks zylph can do zame fur gard az rebreeder.
"Ennyway, blaster no gud heer. Uzelezz az rebreeder. Zug-jest yu get weaponz in town, buy frum warrior order or Ordo Argan Argari so gud-clan gear mebbe not gud, mebbe clan no like yu. Mebbe clan sheets, or mebbe clan just zell orn'mends to outlander, no gud for wild.
"Cloaks made from tzin-tzin only made in Doraddi-mark yu frenz of Doraddi-lord. Doraddi rish land, mean mush to Ordo Argan Argari--not mush to udders. Gerrak in Ordo Zorak Zorani, but not mush regard, and yu outlanderz-he confezzor, Lord Kord, may help-but may not. Kord in Big Rubble now, bring pain-blades for Miyagi-zan. Him stay Zorak Zorani temple.
"Gerrak alzo in Krag clan, but no go dem-Krags all mad. No like Gerrak zinze he eat cousin Greblor, become Lord of Doraddi, join Zorak Zoran. Dey push, Gerrak push back-no Krag wellkomm Doraddi lezz'n dey zee Lord furst-udderwize food. Eshpeck zame frum dem.
"Gerrak huntbrudders may help-Jhor in Ordo Zongi-good scout. Humbaba--HUMBABA ORDO ARKATI!?!"
A young troll, slightly smaller than Gerrak entered, wearing a full green robe and festooned with medallions, accompanied by the small energy-sphere, which popped back into the mask.
"Me komm, zee Gerrak frenz." The troll said quietly. "Bolongo tell-me fish."
The troll studied the guard's outfit, then asked, "Yu onlee need one ding frum air, or lots dingz?"

OOC: I'm thinking your referring to Rok'atu.
"I can only breathe Ozone properly, but I can survive on Oxygen for relatively long periods of time."

Humbaba nodded. "Gud, gud-me fish den." He reached into his pouch and withdrew a small rosewood box he slid open and extracted a small crystal prism from before closing and re-secreting the box. "Wen me nod, yu give bit of air yu need to crystal-not mush, just small bit like wen blow--OK?"
Muritan's bolongo translated:"Exhale on the crystal from your suit's atmosphere when he nods."
Kai's eyebrows went up-the troll began speaking in the First Tongue, and not the clumsy sloppy grammar they showed in outlander languages, but speech as befitting the Celestial Court. He thanked the Elements and Powers for their bounty, complimented them on their wisdom and grace, and spoke of his own lowliness before Them. He then professed love for Rok'atu, and begged Them to give him the air he needed-the "breath of the lightning", as he called it, and nodded.
Rok'atu expelled a bit of his atmosphere onto the crystal, and it flashed with irridescence. Tendrils of energy more felt than seen licked and studied the sample, retained it's memory somehow-there was a transfer of energies from Humbaba to the crystal, which smoked slightly as an obviously weakened Humbaba handed the crystal to Rok'atu.
"Put in helmet." he gasped. "It wurk-mayk air fur yu."
Muritan rushed to the young troll's side, holding him gently.--You should not have given so much for an outsider, young one--
--Do not assume my actions-I did this for Gerrak, and do not presume to tell me the boundaries of love--Humbaba snarled, lashing weakly out to claw Muritan's cheek.
Muritan stepped back and bowed.--I humbly beg your forgiveness.--
--You have my indulgence, for now. We will speak more of this when I have recovered--Gasping and shaking, Humbaba turned to those assembled. "Gerrak frenz-me take tu zity, zhow yu gud merkhant-not dief or sheet. Me feed yu, zend yu on joor-nee."

Cloaks made from tzin-tzin only made in Doraddi-mark yu frenz of Doraddi-lord. Doraddi rish land, mean mush to Ordo Argan Argari--not mush to udders. Gerrak in Ordo Zorak Zorani, but not mush regard, and yu outlanderz-he confezzor, Lord Kord, may help-but may not. Kord in Big Rubble now, bring pain-blades for Miyagi-zan. Him stay Zorak Zorani temple.

Indigo had listened closely to Muritan's explaination of the vagarities of Murian families, Orders and politics. She had started to ask Vanadict her thoughts on Muritan's recommendations, when the Troll suddenly broke off and Indigo looked over to see that another troll had arrived. This must gbe the sorcerer he spoke of she though as she studied him discretely, careful as ever not to stare. She felt enormously reassured when he offered to assist them in obtaining such travel goods as they would need.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Gerrak frenz-me take tu zity, zhow yu gud merkhant-not dief or sheet. Me feed yu, zend yu on joor-nee."

Kai's eye brows had indeed flown up for a brief second then his face becam it's usual mask, though the eyes may have gleamed a bit more brightly. He watched the Ordo Arkati weave his more than slightly impressive spell with great interest.
Though he did worry inwqrdly about how much it seemed to cost the young Muri, though he also honored him for his devotion for to his friend Gerrak.

"Master of Majics, might I honor Gerrak and aid you as I would aid him?" Kai spoke softly in Shadow Speech - and Humbaba somehow knew that only he, of the Muri present, heard Kai.

Humbaba looked oddly at Kai, then rubbed his forehead. "Me no Master, Revered One-just 'prentiz tu tired tu even Mindspeak now. Me rest-be fine. Komm, let me tayk to zity-time enough to rezt wen yu on way."

While Muritan was curious as to what the kami intended, Humbaba's refusal would imply the spirit would not perform it's magic-a pity, since the boy had sacrificed some of himself to aid his huntbrother's friend. Ah well, Muritan had huntbrothers himself, and would do as much for them-though not their friends. He had heard rumors of the Lord of Doraddi, and kept his ears open and mouth shut to obtain verification. The Blue Moon monitored the Invisible Tide, and one never knew when a ripple would become a surging wave...

(OOC:Recent events demonstrating the strength of Muri beliefs were perhaps improper and have been reconfigured. While I do not believe personally that there was an error, I have taken the liberty of correcting it. While Imperial Isa can claim immunity to any and all powers not of it's own making, I will simply concur-and make the same claim, but only with regards to II. Imperial Isa can remember trolls as a remnant of their primitive past, nursery bogies used to frighten children and known to be imaginary, while the trolls themselves will continue to live in total ignorance of Imperial Isa until it becomes tradition, then passes into habit, then simply becomes a conditioned response where any action they take is ignored. In the interests of community, I have removed Gerrak from all Isa's threads, so we may continue to ignore each other without disrupting the story itself. I apologize for my error, and if we can put this behind us, I would still like to take the remaining tourists on a trip through troll culture-with the following caveat:Gerrak's paper is very clear and concise on the points it does cover, and by coming here, I have-improperly, it appears-assumed you would at least give a nod to the cultural peculiarities of the Muri. This is THEIR world, after all, and we are just visitors. Believe it or not, there are very firm reasons WHY the Muri are the way they are, and I was going to make them clearer through this thread, while keeping them still alien. I want the Muri to be mysterious and incomprehensible, and an encounter with them fraught with peril-just the way they see you)

OOC Godmoding only done by you are by killing of other RPer main characters death penalty or not and all that bull you saying right there who are you to say what we forget who exist, if that the case your toll in the class is not there too.

Given their arrogance and hatred, they may even believe they've destroyed the entire sector, leaving it dust and memories
yur right load of bull too

when have fire ever been green i never seen green fire in my life so have can it be fire if you hold you bloody horse you would have seen what he was doing next but noo you kill right out like a nut case high on something

and if the so called master would pick the soldier far more powerful and illusion and mind affecting magicks would not work on him and the would know he playing with magic

so you know it was green chakra he was playing with to make a gift but seeing you kill your guest staff it why waste time given you gifts

(OOC:Now I really don't care-you can wander the sector until your life support runs out or go home, or go do whatever you like--Pamaltela is closed to you forever)

OOC Godmoding again by controlling my people
FIY he had his head cut more times then you ever know and would not have nightmare about

(OOC:Recent events demonstrating the strength of Muri beliefs were perhaps improper and have been reconfigured. While I do not believe personally that there was an error, I have taken the liberty of correcting it. While Imperial Isa can claim immunity to any and all powers not of it's own making, I will simply concur-and make the same claim, but only with regards to II. Imperial Isa can remember trolls as a remnant of their primitive past, nursery bogies used to frighten children and known to be imaginary, while the trolls themselves will continue to live in total ignorance of Imperial Isa until it becomes tradition, then passes into habit, then simply becomes a conditioned response where any action they take is ignored. In the interests of community, I have removed Gerrak from all Isa's threads, so we may continue to ignore each other without disrupting the story itself. I apologize for my error, and if we can put this behind us, I would still like to take the remaining tourists on a trip through troll culture-with the following caveat:Gerrak's paper is very clear and concise on the points it does cover, and by coming here, I have-improperly, it appears-assumed you would at least give a nod to the cultural peculiarities of the Muri. This is THEIR world, after all, and we are just visitors. Believe it or not, there are very firm reasons WHY the Muri are the way they are, and I was going to make them clearer through this thread, while keeping them still alien. I want the Muri to be mysterious and incomprehensible, and an encounter with them fraught with peril-just the way they see you)

who said i was going to ignore you all you had to do was change what you did and wait and see what i was up but no you made up your mind to throw in the towel not me and trolls are not nursery bogies used to frighten children thank you i have Void demons for that

OD - I do not know wether you are recieving my telegrams - I most certainly read the paper and I think I am responding to as one might who took it seriously - please let me know if I am missing anything! If it is stated that certain actions have the death penality. ANd very much YES it is THEIR world and as 'them' you have final say - flat out - It certainly behoves a player not to have their characters do those things unless they are wanting the characters killed. It is tradition / custom NOT a hard and fast rule that characters can not be killed - custom not law - and I hope to continue on in the game and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Now...

IC:

More openly but still in Shadowspeech Kai spoke again "Humbaba you have given generously, I would gift you, freely and without obligation, in return." He paid little attention to the vanishing of the Isan's. If they felt they could not be among the Muri without their technology, that was their concern. His concern was first for Indigo, his charge and whos consort he currently was, and then the Muri, who's guest he was.

Indigo kept her thoughts to herself and unspoken, something as least of the least in the Divine One's Court she had known all most instinctively to do. She busied her self with making a mental list of questions she hoped some day to be able to ask Gerrak or to observe the answert to herself. She had a very strong feeling that at the core the Novan and Muri cultures were much alike

Humbaba chortled, "Me ze why yu Gerrak fren-jen-rus, liyk him. Wen we eight, Gerrak cuzzin Greblor attack-dink me Gerrak, eat legs. Gerrak slit Greblor's troat, ear to ear, liyk sak'fiz to Gods. Jhor want eat-me want eat tu, but Gerrak zey no-he fight Jhor, biyt off arm-den hunt fur tree. Giff Jhor meat, grow arm. Giff me meat, grow legzez. Gerrak kray-zee, liyk all Kragzez-but not kray-zee, liyk Kragzez, kray-zee liyk Garrek.
The bolongo began:"I see why you are Gerrak's friends-you share insanity--"
Muritan passed a hand over the bolongo, silencing it.--It is time you received your own translators-you will need them--"Bolongo time now!"
(OOC:the bolongos you will be given will translate from the subconscious-trolls know this, so don't be afraid of offending anyone in bolongo speech-trolls believe the bolongo is an imp, bent on twisting all words to Chaos. RP tip:run with your first impression, and be blatant-use the words you would use with yourself-and the bolongo will broadcast these terms. Muritan's bolongo is strictly controlled, as is Muritan's mind-it's a Blue Moon thing. It will translate the same, so you'll be recieving the troll's subconscious thoughts and base instincts. Basicallly, it's a game mechanic sparing me the troll dialect, but do have fun with it--possession of one marks you as either having great wealth and power or knowing someone who does, so the trolls make allowances--and as Garrek's paper indicates, this is a GOOD THING.)

OOC: I don't know what happened between Isa and Ordo, seeing that I was away in Miami, but I assume it has been cleared up. Continuing...
IC: Vanadict recieved her bolongo. She turned the stone mask over in her hands, admiring the craftmanship. It was in the shape of a tiny katana, carved down to the tiniest detail. She slipped in over her head, the stone resting between her breasts. Suddenly it spoke! "Strange, I always knew the Isans were odd, but I never expected-" She put a hand over it's mouth, silencing it, though it continued to try and speak though her hand. Her tail twitched erratically, a sign of nervousness or embarrassment. "I apologize...as my mentor once told me, "Diplomacy is all about smiling and being polite when what you really want to do is reach over and rip the other person's head off." She smiled and chuckled slightly. "It seems I will need to be more careful in the future."
OOC2: Ordo Drakul, TG.

(OOC:bolongos are stone, for durability, chewed by the shaman who invests it with it's telepathic matrix. If you like, yours can even be a small stone fox head-trolls have a sense of whimsy)
"Yezz-bolongo speek frum hart, not hed." Humbaba bobbed gently."Troll know diz, though-no be upzet. Komm, me tayk to zity."

Vanadict uncovered the katana. "Yes, anyway...strange, certainly. Isans have always been a bit...erratic, if you will. But I suppose living in a dimension where you're in consent danger will do that to you." The katana laughed from the hilt, where it's "mouth" was. "That will do." said Vanadict, and she tucked it under her loose robes, where it stayed silent.

I see why you are Gerrak's friends-you share insanity--"


"Yes I think we do" Kai said as he sent a broad channel of energy flowing Humbaba's way - it was all the colors of the depths of the earth- dark and cool and embracing, restoring and refreshing the young troll immensely, and giving him back more than he had used, making it a true gift not mere repayment. It had flowed freely from the Realm that is where the truest manifestation of earth, and all that that earth ever had been, was and had yet to be resided. Earth... slow, powerful, fecund, changing yet ever unchanged, the womb and mother, seed and sire, stern, obdurate, giving, enduring through out all the turnings, from the first imaginings of spring to the last snowfall of winter, that which abides...


Indigo coulds sense some of what Kai was doing and she would never question him, her faith in him was absolute, but she looked away, gazing out over Big Rubble to give him at least symbolic priavacy. Kai had not made the offer lightly she knew and indeed expected nothing less of him.

http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

Indigo took her Bolongo and inspected it as carefully as she had the headress and cape. It was a flower but it was not of a sort she ahd ever seen before, though the detailing was incredible. She slid the necklace over her head and it spoke,

"And they do this by chewing! How skilled. I couldn't even carve something like this while looking at it! Just amazing" She blushed and acknowledged that it Speaks from the heart, oh how wonderful. Perhaps we ought o import these by the tonne lot, it certainly would let nothing much be hidden! Oh hush me!" She blushed brightly and looked at Kai, who just crinkled his eyes at her as he dropped his over his head.

His Bolongo spoke "I am glad they are gone, they made me most uneasy and that is no small feat. Truth may not be diplomatic, but it will out. I hope you are feeling better, Humbaba." It then fell silent- Kai's mind ws very disciplined. The Bolongo looked like many things and yet at next glance looked like nothing it had before, or so it seemed.

Humbaba spoke in Shadowspeech, allowing the bolongos to operate.--This will be interesting, then. Pamaltela is alive as well, one of the few survivors of the Godswar that marked the Second Reality.
--Thank You, revered one-that was certainly refreshing and welcome, but You may wish to be more careful once out of the tech field-if You've never been on a living world, that sort of thing can be dangerous--

--Thank You, revered one-that was certainly refreshing and welcome, but You may wish to be more careful once out of the tech field-if You've never been on a living world, that sort of thing can be dangerous--

Kai's very person brightened. I hadn't..oh my the OniKami must be told, it will do the Divine..."He stilled himself and laughed a little under his breath 'I am sure that the Omirkami knows and had known"

"I promise to be careful with what I do. I would not wish to anger Pamaltela, and perhaps she will speak to me, if and when she wishes of course"

--You will forgive me, Revered One, but our planet sees himself as male. Perhaps an explanation of our calender will enlighten. The Pamaltelan year is seven seasons of seven weeks of seven days, with an additional Holy Week to mark year's end. We have arranged it so our calender reflects Creation, as we remember it.
--In the beginning was the Void, formless and shapeless, which Men know as Darkness. Darkness is the First Rune, the First Month, the First Day. The Father of all Darkness is Dehore(Dah-HOAR-ey), the Darkness which has never known Light. When Dehore took up the Form Runes, gods were created. He took up the Plant Rune, and fungus was made; the Beast Rune, and insects came to be; and the Man Rune, and Kyger Litor, Mother of All Trolls, was born. Still, all he made was a reflection of himself, and he wept.
--This made Water, the Second Rune, the Second Month, and Second Day. The first Water was the goddess Styx, who wandered far and wide, though she mated with Dehore first, creating all the waters of Reality. When she came to the Surface, she was with child, and bore Earth, which rose up from Water.
--Earth is the third Rune, the Third Month, and the Third Day. Earth is male, Water female, and as is the way of things, they had a child, who was the daughter Fire.
--Fire is the fourth Rune, the Fourth Month, and the Fourth Day. Fire lay with Earth, and they had a child, who was Air. Fire and Earth were frantic in their coupling, and Air grew jealous.
--Air is the fifth Rune, the Fifth Month, and the Fifth Day. He mated with Fire and created Moon, the Sixth Rune, the Sixth Month, the Sixth Day, and final Element we acknowledge. By interposing himself between Earth and Fire, Air drove Fire into the Sky, where it became Yelm, the sun, and bore the Moon Air had got upon it. Yelm was made Empress of the First Reality, and Air grew jealous, ultimately bringing Death from Dehore's chambers to slay Yelm, which brought Chaos-the Seventh Month and Seventh Day.
--In this way, we remember the Beginning, and the joys of the First Reality--

Muritan rumbled--Oversimplification-Chaos did not enter Reality until the Second Reality, which began when the Storm Gods tested the New Power on Grandfather Mortal, establishing that Death was now a part of the Young Races--
--I doubt very much our guests wish to involve themselves in a theological debate involving the end of the First Reality and beginning of the Second--Humbaba shrugged--We pinpoint it at different events, depending on our Order. For the Blue Moon, the First Reality ended with the introduction of Death, for the Ordo Arkati,with the introduction of Chaos, for the Sacred Motherhood, when Yelm destroys Wonderhome, for the Ordo Zorak Zorani, when Zorak Zoran uses Death to destroy Flamal to starve the Surface dwellers.
--I see the porters have loaded my wagon, and we should see the city--Humbaba lead them to an open-topped wagon drawn by four great stag beetles.--Let me get you aboard, and we'll be on our way. There will doubtless be questions as you see more of our world--
He reached under the carriage of the wagon and pulled down an unfolding step.--Please, let me help you aboard--

"Forgive my ignorant lapse honored Pamaltelan." Kai spoke in all seriousnes, directing the apology specifically to the planet.

Indigo listened closely, commintting everything to memory as best she could. Kai offered her his hand to help her up then she linked arms with him, her hand resting lightly upn the back of his forearm as they proceeded to follow Humbaba to the wagon

"Those beetles are so large. I wonder if they are like if they get angry? I wouldn't want to try and stop one! I'd end up being lunch and that is not how I want to be remembered!" Her bolongo spoke her murmured word more loudly than she had intended and she blushed.


.--Please, let me help you aboard--

"Why thank you, Humbaba.' Indigo allowed the Muri to assist her aboard and once she was settled Kai leapt lightly up after her.

Humbaba issued an eerie, disturbing cackle.--Fear not, Niblet. Jon, Poll, Jorj, and Rhingoh only feed on rotting vegetable matter, and are placid creatures. If upset, they tend to flee, not attack
--If the ladies would sit on the right, and gentlemen on the left-there is some road construction, and the overseers might cause trouble if we are not segregated, and the screen in the center of the wagon must be raised before we leave the spaceport--

Vanadict was helped in by the Muri and sat on the right side of the wagon. She daintly crossed her legs and settled in for the ride.
OOC: Ordo, please check TGs. You should have at least one from me and one from Isa, respectively.

Once all were aboard, Humbaba climbed into the driver's seat and commanded his team forward. They skittered over the stones, making soft clacking noises, and pulled from the spaceport.
As they passed the gates, between the tall spires wherein the Witches howled, there was a tangible change. Their equipment shut down as if affected by an EMP, and the Force danced about them. Not the subtle, pervasive effect it had elsewhere-here, it was a wild, inchoate power that touched all and raged and flowed like a choppy sea.
Road crews they passed bore tattooing on their foreheads-a black dot over a triangle balanced on one point made up of three smaller triangles. The crews were not segregated, and worked nude, though the foreman or overseer wore a leather jerkin and breeches. Work was done rapidly, with none of the chatter that marked workmen the galaxy over.
--An aldryami is watching us--Humbaba nodded to his right.--About where you would place my three o'clock--
Where he indicated, a small androgynous figure stood, about the size of a prepubescent human. It's skin was reddish and it's hair like the leaves of a fern, it's features small and bright, with a pointed chin, large almond eyes, and a pert little upturned nose. As they watched, it melted into the thick foliage. --Young, if full grown. No runners. If the overseer gets wind of it, there'll be a fine dinner for his young--

Vanadict studied the creature before in vanished. "Looks like an undersized elf."

"It looks to me like a Skull Child without a mask." Rok'atu commented.

Indigo had sat on the right with Vanadict without demure. Her bolongo had klaughted at her fears and then made the comment that Humbaba had reassured her considerably. However she shivered strongly as the unbarriered energies whipped about her, but in short order Kai's own protective field had curled about her, keeping her sheltered.

"If it is not incorrect to ask, please what does the tattoo upon their brow signify?" Indigo asked hesitantly. "If I am inquiring into something I should not I apologise most humbly."

Kai minutely flinched at the first feel, then it was if a zone of calm sprang up about him. The energies were rough and chaotic, churning wild waves, but soon he was riding the waves as a skilled surfer would.

--An aldryami is watching --Young, if full grown. No runners. If the overseer gets wind of it, there'll be a fine dinner for his young--

"Yes it looks much like an elf. Would the overseer's children go hungry if he does not snare the Aldryami?" Indigo pronouced the last word carefully

Humbaba snorted--The tattoo marks them as convicts who have been given to the Ordo Gorakikki-violent offenders are absorbed into the Hive of Gorakikki and used to maintain public works. And no, Lady Indigo-the overseer is well-paid for his work, but aldryami is a delicacy here. I am certain his children eat better than he does-and he does not look malnurished--Humbaba cackled again, nodding towards the hugely obese troll in clothing.

I am certain his children eat better than he does-and he does not look malnurished-

"He looks large enough to feed several families" Kai added his laughter to Humbaba's as they rolled past.

"No, he doesn't look malnourished in the least. He looks as if he could stand to exercise more, and indugle less" Indigo chuckled as she looked obliquely at the Overseer, careful not to stare. "Are the Aldryami sentient?" She asked curiously as she looked back at the spot where the small being had been so briefly visible.

Vanadict groaned softly. Her bolongo spoke. "I am taking the toll of Force disturbance. I have mental defenses built up to withstand any attack, but not for sustained periods of time. When will the Force energies dissapate?"

Humbaba put his claw on the Vanadict's head--You have never been on a living world before. The Force, as you call it, is an aspect of Life, generated by all that lives. You know the conditions necessary for Life are rare-a planet must be within a sun's biosphere, and it's orbit cannot waver too near or too far. All worlds capable of bearing Life once had spirits like Pamalt, but most died in the Godswar-Pamalt did not. The Force there is generated by all that lives on the planet, just as here, but it is also generated by Pamalt himself. It should not be assaulting you-all Life is One, and you are part of it all-remember that, child, and flow with the Force, not against it. If this persists, we shall abide a time in my sanctum, and we shall properly shield you. Revered One, Lady Indigo, Lord Rok'atu, if you are experiencing similar difficulties, please let me know. I can appeal to my superiors in the Ordo Arkati once in my sanctum, and together we can contrive a solution. Let me know if it worsens, but perhaps if you should meditate and center yourself, it will pass-it is a transition going from the tech field to Pamalt's skin, but as I am native, I am used to it. I shall endeavor to get us with all haste to the city proper if this persists or worsens.--
He then answered Indigo's question.--The aldryami are sentient, within certain unknown limitations. The one we saw possessed typical primate intelligence, but if there were a larger colony nearby, it would have a sentience to match the colony's size. We are uncertain of the exact parameters, as we tend to clear out aldryami colonies. They are most delectable, and what little we know of them non-culinary comes from our cultivation of mushrooms. The black aldryami are fungal symbiotes, who tend vast mushroom crops for their own needs. Pamaltela is the only world where truffles are cultivated, and this trade enriches our coffers enough we wish not to share it, but it is the black aldryami who do it for us. They derive something from cultivating the mushrooms, and are potent Force manipulators as well as highly intelligent. The one we saw was a red aldryami-a fern symbiote, and most common type here. There are also yellow aldryami, who symbioticly survive on grains and bamboo, and green aldryami, who symbioticly bond with trees, particularly oak and conifers. In the First Reality, they had great cities and ruled vast tracts of land, but the Godswar was unkind to them, and they have never recovered--

Vanadict nodded. "I will meditate now. Soon I hope I shall find the center of balance and stay with it." She closed her eyes and bowed her head, immersing herself in the Force.

Humbaba monitored her anxiously. Though he could invoke Mystic Perception and scry for attacks, he felt that it would be rude to Kai to do so-the power of that one was a tangible thing-his revitalizing of Humbaba showed it. Had an attack been launched, the spirit doubtless would have sensed it. He urged his dray team forward, and resumed his tour guide activity.--If you will look to my left, you will see an aphid farm. The aphids produce a nutrient-rich milk that is truly foul until fermented into the beer we call hroom. You'll want to remember that name-it's one of the few troll potables that isn't poisonous to other species. If we classify it as beer, it probably is weak enough not to kill you. I say this because if you make the Festival of Mokka, there will be much drinking during the competitions at Great Skyfall Lake.
--The Festival itself is to honor Mokka, Father of All Clams, who lives in the Lake. The story goes that Rottakokokurrum was an imp who seized a bag of light when Zorak Zoran unwrapped the forming sun, and plagued us mightily with it-ruining sacred rites, spoiling hunts, and startling us with suddenly flashing his bag of light and fleeing, leaving our ears ringing with his mocking laughter.
--Rottakokokurrum was enjoying himself immensely, spreading Chaos for his amusement, when he saw great Mokka sunning himself on the shores of Skyfall Lake. Swiftly, he conceived a plan to startle the great one, and sneaked up on Mokka, leaping out and opening his bag of light.
--Mokka snapped his shell, drawing Rottakokokurrum in and trapping him. Since that day, the clam fishers of Great Skyfall always check their catch to ensure Mokka isn't in it, and this Festival marks the night Rottakokokurrum ceased to plague us. The Festival reminds us the imp is below, trapped in Mokka's shell.

The notion of eating sentient beings bothered Indigo to no end but she managed though great concentration to keep herself from thinking much less saying anything. This was the Muri's world not hers, and she had some inkling how harsh life was for them.

Sentience was rarer than Life, and should be preserved but this was the Muri's world not hers.

Revered One, Lady Indigo, Lord Rok'atu, if you are experiencing similar difficulties, please let me know. I .--

"Pamalt is certainly active and he made a noticible impact at first, but the effect lessens with each moment we spend getting aquainted" Kai commented, "but the Lady Indigo shelters in my shadow."


"Rottakokokurrum certainly got what he had comming to him. And I'll definitely remember that hrooom is somewhat safe to drink" Indigo replied with a chuckle.

--Pamalt is somewhat leery of offworlders, not that I blame him. The Muri are not truly natives of this world, though this is where our race started. Moorgarki came here as an invader and raided much, aided by the Earth Witch, who took a liking to him. She bargained hard for Moorgarki to stay, and he was not pleased with the arrangement until after the Gbaji Wars, when we finally proved our worth to him--Humbaba paused, contemplatively.--It was a hard time, the crucible in which my order was forged. It was a sad time for Pamalt-his children turned from him to worship Chaos, and sealed their fates thereby. A tragic era indeed...--

.--It was a hard time, the crucible in which my order was forged. It was a sad time for Pamalt-his children turned from him to worship Chaos, and sealed their fates thereby. A tragic era indeed...--

Oh that must have been sad to see one's children turn away. I rever my sire, the Divine One, though I doubt he even knows I exist ..Oh how I wish I knew... Indigo listened to Humbaba and her thoughts were sad behind her serene face. She'd mastered the art of hiding behind that when she was but a smal and lonely child. She had never been loved, until Kai had come, and those who had seen to her care as a child had merely been paid attendants and tutors. Gerrak, Pat, and the others at the Rose Academy had been her first friends.

"Please do not worry Honored Pamalt. I just wish to visit for a short time, I mean you and yours no harm. I only wish to learn as much about you as possible" She hoped that somehow the planet would hear and understand her benign intent and wishes for Pamalt's continued health and well being.

Kai nodded. He was prouder of Indigo than of any of the myriad he had guarded down through the countless centuries.

--The Divine one knows, Niblet--Humbaba told her, using the nickname he'd given when he discovered her fear of being eaten--Dehore knows my name and exact lineage, though we have never spoken. It is the way of the spirits-they know all that derives from them, for we are all extensions of them. Pamalt's children made for themselves a new god-one to lead them to a better way. They were seduced by promises of perfection, and degenerated into the beast-things we call broos. It is a sad thing, but one we can joke about, even today. Humor is the harbinger of hope-it blunts all damage and allows us to face that which cannot be faced. We have a saying:when a troll breaks into your home, the garbage has been eaten and the dog is pregnant, but when a broo breaks into your home, the dog has been eaten and the garbage is pregnant--
(OOC:the bolongos will provide this translation, with the knowledge that a troll "dog" is a fairly intelligent variety of spider, while garbage is-well, trolls eat anything, so garbage to them is matter with no nutritional value. Nova, the bolongo operates off the subconscious, so thoughts ARE heard-perhaps Kai will teach Indigo it's nuances, or since she is kami-born, perhaps she will learn herself. That goes for the rest of you, too-I did state it translated from the subconscious clearly, though a disciplined mind can control it-witness Muritan's ability with one. Oddly, the Vanadict's bolongo isn't doing this-but that's a plot point)

We have a saying:when a troll breaks into your home, the garbage has been eaten and the dog is pregnant, but when a broo breaks into your home, the dog has been eaten and the garbage is pregnant--
Vanadict's bolongo laughed out loud at this. "Strange but humorious ways these people have, oh yes, much a person could learn with enough time spent among them- Presuming they survive the experience." Vanadict was, at the moment, in a state of unconcious relaxation as she bent and warped the Force for her own needs, seeking to dull or cancel out the psychic headache she was experiencing. Her will was like a rock against pounding waves: Able to stand up to any assault, but eventually eroded away. What ever was doing this was slowly but surely breaking though. While she sensed no hostile intent, she did sense a kind of curiousity about her attacker.
OOC: I'm going with the senerio that the Pamalt is seeking a way though her defenses.

Humbaba was relieved that the Vanadict laughed. Perhaps it was just an adjustment to the higher levels of energies here on Pamaltela. He resumed his tour guide facade--We will first travel down the Street of the Gods. We have nineteen major gods, and countless minor ones, ranging from mighty Dehore, our ultimate ancestor, to the household gods of every family. We will first visit the Temple of Argan Argar, God of Surface Darkness. He is also God of Commerce and Communications, and his priesthood have the letters of credit Gerrak has arranged for you. They are an odd bunch, and creators of the concept of money-the idea that a thing has value based on an arbitrary unit of measurement whose parameters are defined and redefined by the priesthood. You will discover most trolls prefer barter, because we understand it. I will clean an innkeeper's still for a night's lodging or ferment his stock before I will try to decipher the arcanology of the Ordo Argan Argari. "Reflected sound of earth elementals", indeed--he snorted disdainfully.

Vanadict suddenly shivered, dispite the heat (ooc: it is hot, right?). She suddenly fell onto the wagon floor, her fists clenching and her teeth grinding together in a grimice of pain as she tried to fight the invader. In her mind she saw him, a dark shadow. Then she blacked out, but her mind was still concious. Her spirit self, looking identical to herself except wearing the warrior armor of ancient Xiscapia, a kind of tan colored armor barely enough to be considered, by human standerds, "modest". Xiscapians have no concept of modesty, indecency, or exposure, so this is perhaps not the best analogy, as it is common on Xiscapia for one to go about ones business wearing nothing at all. But I degress. Vanadict stared hard at the shadow in front of her, her long red hair falling in a silky cascuade down her back. "Who are you?"

(OOC:The stated temperature is thirty degrees Celsius-about 90 Farenheit. Not hot at all, but the 100% humidity makes it seem so to non-Charlestonians)
IC:She felt rather than sensed a smile, and a deep, rich chuckle. A soft caress pressed her cheek then she felt a thick finger tap playfully at her nose. "I did not wish to hurt you-not you-only to know. We will meet later, and then you will know."
The surroundings altered to a parade at Carnival, music playing:
Angels and demons were circling above me
Breaking the hardships and starry ways*
The only one who doesn't know happiness
is the one who couldn't understand its call
I am Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
I am Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
Stand alone... Where was life when it had a meaning...
Stand alone... Nothing's real anymore and... Stand alone... Where was life when it had a meaning...
Stand alone... Nothing's real anymore and...
...Endless run...
While I'm alive, I can try not to fall while flying,
Not to forget how to dream... how to love
...Endless run...
Calling Calling, For the place of knowing
There's more that what can be linked
Calling Calling, Never will I look away
For what life has left for me
Yearning Yearning,
for what's left of loving Calling Calling,
For the place of knowing
There's more that what can be linked
Calling Calling, Never will I look away
For what life has left for me
Yearning Yearning, for what's left of loving
Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
__________________________________________________________________
Humbaba stopped his team, and rushed to the collapsed Vanadict.--Revered One, what is happening?

Indigo adored the nickname that he'd given her but had to protest just a little "Oh I'm not afraid of being eaten, but afraid of not giving a good account of myself before being eaten. I am no where near the warrior my aunt, the Shogun's Heir is."

Indigo found herself chuckling heartily at Humbaba's word picture. It was too perfect for words and her mind uncontrolledly gave forth a visual image of a Novan canine.... Though she had never had one as a pet - only felines were kept as companiona animals by the Divine One's court - she clearly visualized a picture she'd seen of one - a midsized sturdy dog with fluffy golden brown fur, obviously pregnant, running away from a mound of garbage that eerily - but clearly -gave the viewer the knowledge that it too was pregnant and just as scared of the dog as the dog was of it- and high tailing it off in the opposite direction...

Though Kai was buffering her, she had never been exposed to that much energy that so closely matched that of her natal Realm, a Realm she had been blocked from acccessing...but when one is an intrinsic part of something even the best blockages leak one might say.1

"Indigo, you need some refresher lessons" Kai siad sharply but with a laugh that took the sting from his words.

"What?" Indigo asked confusedly. She had been completely unaware that she had created a projected image. "I'm just enjoying..."

"And you're setting it out there for others to get thorougly confused about." He replied with a gentle grin

However their banter stopped when Vanadict fell to the floor of the wagon and Indigo reacted with all the Novan warrior nature that ws as much a part of her soul as her intrinsic compassionate gentleness was.

"Vanadict?" Indigo cried out startled "What is..." and her voice was a growl as she flung herself to her knees next to her Kitsune's unconscious, shivering body...Her mind seeking, searching - as her physical eyes were - for what was causing Vanadict hurt. And it was a mind armed and far more dangerous than it realized.

What in the seven hells...Her inner self snarled (http://www.atddm.com/imental.jgp), looking about but seeing nothig but the outer image of Vanadict laying curled in the wagons bed... She wasn't seeing the inner realm clearly, she could not see Vanadict standing before a shadow - she had never travelled these realms before in conscious mind so she had no idea how to navigate them, differientiate between them...

There was a young power, raw, still growing but thunder cloud dark and rent with lightnings, hovering protectively over Vanadict.

Kai snarled something in an untranslateable language but clearly translated as "Not yet, not time " followed by a string of odd but clearly menat oas profanitites...and he hurled himself into the other Realm, intending to restrain that -which- is- Indigo-yet-to-be.

He had been carefully not prying into what was occuring with in and about the Kitsune, he knew that it was not an attack, not of harmfull intent and thus not his right to intrude upon. OmiKami just don't let it happen to Indigo... I'm not even sure the Omikami could predict what would happen He thought to himself.

OOC: You said subconscious- But if the sub conscious is silent, as one is living in the conscious mind...She as been trained in meditation techniques all her life - it's another Divine One's Court traditions ...but okay you want a stream of consciousness flow...

(OOC:the bolongo's telepathy is not yet attuned to your minds-as it does so, expect the bolongo to begin adapting-as Muritan showed, it is controllable, and you have only just received yours. Kai's an exception due to his [I]kami[I] status-the trolls regard the bolongo as an Imp determined to turn all speech to Chaos-now you know why. It translates all without regard to meaning or intention-now you know why Gerrak doesn't use one)
IC:With that out of the way. I believe we are all concerned with the Vanadict's collapse-and I apologize for the break in flow)

(OOC:The stated temperature is thirty degrees Celsius-about 90 Farenheit. Not hot at all, but the 100% humidity makes it seem so to non-Charlestonians)
IC:She felt rather than sensed a smile, and a deep, rich chuckle. A soft caress pressed her cheek then she felt a thick finger tap playfully at her nose. "I did not wish to hurt you-not you-only to know. We will meet later, and then you will know."
The surroundings altered to a parade at Carnival, music playing:
Angels and demons were circling above me
Breaking the hardships and starry ways
The only one who doesn't know happiness
is the one who couldn't understand its call
I am Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
I am Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
Stand alone... Where was life when it had a meaning...
Stand alone... Nothing's real anymore and... Stand alone... Where was life when it had a meaning...
Stand alone... Nothing's real anymore and...
...Endless run...
While I'm alive, I can try not to fall while flying,
Not to forget how to dream... how to love
...Endless run...
Calling Calling, For the place of knowing
There's more that what can be linked
Calling Calling, Never will I look away
For what life has left for me
Yearning Yearning,
for what's left of loving Calling Calling,
For the place of knowing
There's more that what can be linked
Calling Calling, Never will I look away
For what life has left for me
Yearning Yearning, for what's left of loving
Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling now, Spirits rise and falling
To stay myself longer...
Calling Calling, in the depth of longing
To stay myself longer...
__________________________________________________________________
Humbaba stopped his team, and rushed to the collapsed Vanadict.--Revered One, what is happening?
Vanadict frowned into the carnival. Then her eyes widened. She could hear the Xiscapian National Anthem playing! Whoever that was must have more access than she thought... But he, if her really was male, as suggested, didn't seem to want to hurt her. If he wanted to, he could have destroyed her then. Vanadict felt that there was no more for her here and slowly regained consciousness. As she "rose" upward to the physical world she sensed much tension and there was the strong scent of raw power in the air. She opened her eyes, seeing the faces arrayed around her. "I...I apologize." She sat up, shaking her head, then noticed a weight on her splayed out hand. A deep blue diamond lay there, about the size of a baseball. She frowned. "That definitly wan't there before."

She felt rather than heard an odd vibration as Humbaba moved his large head up and down her. --You seem alright, but I have thought that before--There was a deep regret to Humbaba's tone, and shame.--I do not find anything wrong with you this time, either. Perhaps we should stop at the Ordo Xiola Umbari temple first and let the healers give you an examination--
He seemed to notice the stone as the Vanadict mentioned it.--You have been gifted by the spirits, it seems. Someone loves you--he cackled in that unnerving way of trolls.--Let us continue, then-to the healers first, then the Argan Argari--

Kai just knew that the older power was just laughing as he launched himself into that Realm and picked the nascent power up by the scruff of it's non existent neck and shook it lightly to catch it's attention. "Eternal Light’s Youngest Daughter no need for such fury. Calm yourself, return to rest" He spoke not in word but in the inner concepts of Logos, the core concepts and thus the untrained, still emergent power understood, and responded.

The that -which- is- Indigo-yet-to-be hissed and spit for a moment, for all the universe as a kitten snarling at it's parent and then it stilled calmed and withdrew back into the body that housed it. Indigo blinked, looking about confusedly "Oh I'm sorry I must..."Her voice died away unsure of what to say, and she became aware of a monstrous headache that brought swimming back spots across her vision.

"Oh, maybe it is something in the air" She climbed from her knees back to her seat. Her voice was soft and apologetic "I'm sorry Vanadict. I go to help you and end up being a hindrance."

She too noticed the stone "Oh what lovely gem. It will go with your headdress and cape, giving you not only your diplomatic colors but your national colors as well" She thought it wonderful that someone chose to gift Vanadict such a thoughtful kindness.

Someone loves you--

"Oh how romantic." Indigo said softly

"Let's get down to business
To describe a man
Did they send me millions
When I didn't even dream of one?
They don't have to be a handsome bunch
It's whats inside that counts.
But you can bet
Before we're through
I'll find the man
just for you

Tranquil as a forest
But on fire within
One who’s found his center
and he's sure to win
You've never had a hope,
it's not your lot
And you haven't got a clue
Somehow I'll find a man
just for you

(What a man)
He must be swift as
the coursing river
(What a man)
With all the force
of a great typhoon
(What a man)
With all the strength
of a raging fire
Mysterious as the
dark side of the moon

Life is racing toward us
as one's Fate arrives.
Seek a man of Wisdom,
and you might survive
I am so unsuited for
the rage of war
So find a mate who is, don't run home,
I'm so lost...
Look and find the man
just for you


(Find a man)
He must be as wise as any,
Strong inwardly
(Find a man)
Strong enough
to know compassion.
(Find a man )
With all the strength
of a raging heart
Mysterious as the
dark side of the moon

(Be that man)
Wise
(Be a man)
Honest
(Be that man)
Courageous
(Be that Man)
Compassionate
(Be that Man )
Help me fill our dreams
(Be that Man )
What do I know of love
save that it's as
Mysterious as the
Dark Side of the Moon..."

"Oh What has come over me!...Kai could it be something I ate?" She looked aghast at her outburst.

Kai sighed inwardly and replied, "No Indigo, you're just power drunk. The native forces of Pamalt are rather overwhelming. Here..." He threw a heavier layer of protection over her and began mentally instructing her on moving past just what meditation could do. Even he, self assigned to be her guardian did not know her ultimate fate in that regard, the Omikami kept something’s to herself. He had no idea if she would ever know love, and so he dared not encourage anything in that direction. He refused to be cruel.

She felt rather than heard an odd vibration as Humbaba moved his large head up and down her. --You seem alright, but I have thought that before--There was a deep regret to Humbaba's tone, and shame.--I do not find anything wrong with you this time, either. Perhaps we should stop at the Ordo Xiola Umbari temple first and let the healers give you an examination--
He seemed to notice the stone as the Vanadict mentioned it.--You have been gifted by the spirits, it seems. Someone loves you--he cackled in that unnerving way of trolls.--Let us continue, then-to the healers first, then the Argan Argari--
Vanadict picked up the gem, huge as it was, and admired it. Coming from a world which relied on minerals as it's source of income, Vanadict knew much about stones and earth in general, and, though she was no expert by any means, this diamond was flawless. Deep blue, forged in this planet eons ago, sung into shape by the core fires. She listened to the Muri. "Somebody loves-" She stopped. "Me?" She thought for a moment, then blushed like a schoolgirl. The life of Vanadict, and indeed any Vanadict, was a lonely one. She had no lovers, no intimates, few friends and most of her family was dead. She couldn't afford to let anyone close to her, least they come to harm as a way of an assassin getting to her though them. Vanadict shook her head. "There was a shadow, a man, and then- A, ah, a carnival. And I could hear the Xiscapian National Anthem." She looked catious. "Whoever this is has more access to me than I realized. I suggest we make for the healers, and quickly."

--As you wish, Lady--Humbaba snapped the reins, sending the beetles forward. --This shadow you saw may have been a shade, an elemental of Darkness and favored messenger of certain of our orders. The rock confuses me, though-it must indicate something. What would such a gift mean on your world, and who would bestow it?--

"Somebody loves---Me?"

Indigo looked at her wide eyed. "How could someone not love you? Look at all the wonderful things you are. You are worthy of trust, for does not the Emperor himself trust you to not only represent him but all your people? You are worthy of respect, for do you not put that responsibility before your own wishes and desires- you do, or the Emperor would not have asked you to be Vanadict." Then she blushed at her voluableness and bit her lower lip. Oh wouldn't it be wonderful for her. She is so beautiful and deserves every happiness!..Maybe I could find just the right song for it.. She thought, hoping that the gift meant what they thought it meant.

She couldn't help with Humbaba's last question, she knew nothing of Xiscapian courtship rituals, And she didn't know if the Novan ones gleaned from her historical studies would apply. She didn't think a discussion of census statistics applied as 'romantic' - a word never used in the dealings of the Divine One's Court as far as she knew.

Vanadict smiled at Indigo's words. "You flatter me, but I am not talking about respect, or surface love, but true love, that of intimates. On Xiscapia, this deep shade of blue represents love, and a gift of this color indicates the beginnings of a courtship ritual. The male has exactly 1 month to get the female to, as the Alversians say "Go out with him." If he is successful, the following events proceed in a realitvely normal fashion. If, after 1 month, the female either ignores him or says no, he may not "date" her, and will not make any more advances upon her unless she changes her mind. This can be done by a female to a male, but this is rare."

--But a month? Ah, I forget you are a short-lived race, and doubtless feel the need to hurry.--Humbaba observed, continuing--With us, it's simpler. The female walks up and demands sex. If a child results, she claims the male as husband for the time it takes for the child to reach adulthood. If she likes the male, she demands more, with more children and longer marriage resulting. If she does not, she demands sex from another, and may rank her husbands according to what her preferences are. If a male desires the attention of a female, he leaves his kill at her door-the larger the kill, the better a provider he is, and the more likely it is to scare off potential rivals, but the female controls the entire courtship process. There are quests set to prove worthiness and depth of desire, though these can occur throughout married life.
--The priestess Gemilla is a most desirable mate, but she is Ordo Vaneekara. I'd leave a mukade at her door, still. Fangs like a spider, fine broad hips-she'd bear many fine young if she weren't Vaneekara. Whopping great breasts, so the young would not know want either, until they got to solids. Of course, Jhor would help there-he's a fine hunter and would enjoy being uncle--

Kai had tried starting some mental lessons, but had ceased upon realising how badly Indigo's headache was keeping her from concentrating. He concetrated on keeping Indigo barriered from the greatest tsunami's of power corruscading about them.

She listened intently to Vanadict's explaination. Indigo knew nothing of that sort of love, and she stayed silent, embarassed over her gaffe and utterly unknowing of what to say. Though she found the courtship information very interesting.

Hesitantly she asked "Then if respect and trust are only surface love...what is important in this sort of love? What would the man have to be like to ah..."get you to go out with him?"

--The priestess Gemilla is a most desirable mate, but she is Ordo Vaneekara. I'd leave a mukade at her door, still. Fangs like a spider, fine broad hips-she'd bear many fine young if she weren't Vaneekara. Whopping great breasts, so the young would not know want either, until they got to solids. Of course, Jhor would help there-he's a fine hunter and would enjoy being uncle--

The just demanding sex and a resulting pregnancy being marriage didn't raise Indigo's eye brows any. Even had it been politically possible, the best she could have hoped for was to be given to someone powerful within the Divine One's Court as a concubine. But she was very curious about why Gemilla's being Ordo Vaneekara posted a problem. "Is there a dispute between your orders?" She asked even more hesitantly unsure if it was too close to asking about a Muri's religious beliefs.

Vanadict nodded as she listened to the Muri's explanation, unsurprised. Many races utterly bypassed any formailities and went straight to the bed. "Relatively short lived. The oldest recorded age of an Xiscapian is something like 1,200, but this would seem insignificant to a immortal race such as yourselves. I can probably expect to live to 300, should I not be killed in the course of my job." Her brow furrowed and she said somewhat worriedly "So, this person, would he leave a kill on my doorstep? Will I awaken to find some great beast, slain and dead, near my door?"
"Then if respect and trust are only surface love...what is important in this sort of love? What would the man have to be like to ah..."get you to go out with him?"
"Me personally? Well...he'd have to be intelligent but humble. Kind and loving of nature and life in all it's forms, but able to defend himself if necessary. A sense of humor too." She added as an afterthought. "One must know how to laugh, or you will not know how to live."

Humbaba winked at Indigo.--Hardly a question of religion, Niblet. The Orders have gone to war repeatedly, with married couples trapped on opposite ends of the war. We understand these things, and would ignore it-though all the Orders would denounce any so crass as to abuse the sanctity of marriage for political gain, or the sanctity of Love. The Ordo Vaneekara do not wed, so I would face the prospect of never seeing my daughters and raising my sons alone. All I could share with Gemilla is sex, because her Order does not permit marriage. The Sisters feel that, because a male may only own that which he can carry, marriage would cause others to think they had engaged in sex to obtain their possessions instead of earning them, and they are the Rightful Daughters. Perhaps I could impose on Gemilla to take you in for a night, so she could explain it better-you'll want to rest in town before beginning your journey anyway-and our prohibitions are on personal religious beliefs, not doctrines.--
Humbaba cackled again, then turned to the Vanadict.--The Muri are hardly immortal. We die, though it doesn't come naturally to us, and must be brought. It is the Godswar Compromise-we succumb to Death, but not to Time. But excuse this-I do know that the Progenitor of our species yet lives, so we may seem immortal to others. As far as whether a proper courting will take place, I do not know. You are not a troll, and this initial gift would be mocked by a troll-it cannot be eaten and, while pretty, has no merit to it-it looks unsuitable for drilling. A troll would not offer a prospective mate something to rest in her rock gizzard so long-a husband might, to ease the wife's ability to digest, but husbands often give such concerns to their wives, while suitors go for the more dramatic.
--I digress, forgive it please. I do have one question, Vanadict. Your criteria for a potential mate are matters of the soul, not the flesh. How does one divulge so much of themselves in your culture in but one month? We go by the physical, traits we know our young will inherit, and trust our ability to instill in our children the values needed for proper character-but we are much different, I believe.--
(OOC:Sorry about the awkwardness of this post, but there's a lot here.)

Indigo listened intently to what Humbaba had said about the Order that Gemilla belonged to and felt sorrow that they wouldn't have a life together...and that insight had her blurting out.

"Forgive me for interupting, but I think maybe the question and concern is this...Humbaba what would you do if a female that you did not like, did not have any desire for, what if a female loathesome to you walked up and demanded sex? Are you required to have sex with her?"

"How do you keep from being named 'mate' by some one you'd want to kill after being in their presence for even an hour, much less the years it takes to raise a child? Many cultures have a truism that comes out as 'don't judge a book by it's cover'....or 'Evil makes it'self beautiful knowing the weakness we have for beautiful things" Her words were tumbling over themselves as she sought to find the vast differrences between the cultures.

"When you are going to be with someone for a long time shouldn't their personality and their soul matter more than how good they look?...oh! Wait!"

"Humbaba, is a Muri male closer to his huntbrothers than he is to his mate?"

--Well, Niblet, if a female demands sex, she gets it. We deny our females nothing, as they are the future of our race. Property goes down the female line, as do clan names and titles. Males fight in wars, hunt-they die too soon for stability in our culture, so these things are given to the females for continuance of the troll race. As to your further question, I do know Kiger Lytor has annulled several claims on Gerrak that were made to obtain Doraddi as opposed to his siring. And I also know many males who hunt often and merely drop food at their doorsteps, avoiding their homes until such time as their children are grown and they are no longer obligated to provide for their families, when they move on. In extreme cases, the male takes the children to the Ordo Xiola Umbar and moves on-but the female would have to be truly detestable for this, as the male will not see his children again, nor may he brag of them-they are no longer his once given to the Xiola Umbari.
--As far as the bond between huntbrothers, it is deeper than any bond save that of parents to their children. We hunt together, fight together, protect and feed each other. Often, when a male is claimed as husband, his huntbrothers aid in providing and raising his young. These uncles are the backbone of our society-it is considered somewhat shameful to learn from one's father instead of from an uncle, as it implies the father is unworthy of huntbrothers and is neglecting his role as provider-I believe the human term is "deadbeat dad". Trolls wed for but sixteen years, but huntbrothers are forever.

Indigo beamed, she thought she had a grip on it now! However she bowed humbly to Vanadict and made the disclaminer "I humbly apologise if I have it incorrect for the Kitsune, as I have not made a in depth study of your people, but I have studied human " Novans- while genetically close enough to breed with humans weren't Homo Sapiens Sapiens. " historical thought on this matter."

She continued with the dispassion of a teacher, totally unaware that Kai was holding the breath he didn't really need any way, but was holding none the less.

"Among humans finding one's Soul Mate is something that is of great importance to them. That one's Soul Mate is the perfect companion- Some say that that souls were once united, were once One, but got divided and you have to spend eternity seeking that other half and once you find ti then there is eternal happiness for the two reunited halves"

"Others yet say slightly different - that one's soul mate is not a seperated soud, but simply another soul that is the perfect companion, not just in one in one life but in all the reincarnations through the wheel."

"But one's soul mate is supposed to be the equivallent of the ultimate huntbrother"

And the words came to her something she had heard on a recording of ancient Terran love songs...

"A man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home
And they shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning is now and til the end
Woman draws new life from man and gives it back again.
And there is Love, there is Love.

Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?
And if loving is the answer, then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?
Oh there is Love, there is Love."

And once she'd said the words, and really listened to them, for the first time seeing the deeper meanings..."Children are supposed to be the outcome of love, for them, not just the survival of the race. Men and women stay together, are companions together, throughout life wether children result or not because love is more important to the individual than the survival of the race?."

She intellectually knew that it was much the same for the average Novan but it was much different for one from her background. But now she was groping blindly down an avenue that she'd never been exposed in any depth to.

"And thus physical qualitites matter less than inner ones."

Vanadict smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Too true, my young friend. What Indigo says is true, to a point. The male must court the female for one month to get her to take him in, and then the actual process of learning about each other begins. Males have one month to prove themselves worthy, wether by phyiscal feat or mental task. Then the female may reward him with her company. Of course, she may choose much sooner than a whole month. If she wishs, she could choose on the first day. Then they actually get to know each other. Once at this stage, any number of things could happen. They could split, they could engage, they could marry, or they could stay like this forever. As far a sex goes, we are very lax about who may have sex with who. If he wished it, the Emperor, if he were not already married, could go into the streets and court the first female he saw. Of course, the female would have to accept him. Once married, however, Xiscapians are bound to each other forever, and to break this bond is frowned most darkly upon. It boils down to this: While relationshps and sex may come and go, marriage is forever. Once you commit yourself, you are just that: Commited. You can divorce, but this is uncommon, as mates take a long time in choosing each other. And why not, when they have decades at their disposal? As for myself, the physical appearence of a potential mate does not truely matter. The only thing I would say is that he would need to be Xiscapian. To my knowledge, there was never been a child between a Human and Xiscapian, although I suspect it is only a matter of time."

--Perhaps. Gerrak told me that the kitsune were an offshoot of humanity, and appearances indicate you did not divert far. Besides, humans seem able to breed with anything. My Order, the Sorceror's Guild, was formed by a human, and his descendants still inhabit this world. Of course, he had been made a troll by then, and his children were stated to be of the old, Mistress Race.--Humbaba winked--This did legitimize my Order, and prove that Arkat was a god, but I find it doubtful-which is where Faith comes into play. Ah, we are at Big Rubble proper-enjoy the sights, as you will not find many non-trolls elsewhere--
The city itself was a massive sprawling affair, again of tightly fitted stone, carefully placed to erect vast towers and squat bunkers. The city was very clean, and very still, windows tightly shuttered and stuffed with rags. Those few individuals out were very quiet. A kitsune, hair black as a raven's wing with a blue gloss in the Pamaltelan sun and skin dusky from sunlight, raised a strong hand to his feathered headdress, revealing emerald green eyes. He smiled and waved an arm with many bracelets, then turned and went into a squat stone building.
Humbaba seemed not to notice, and continued--The Avenue of the Gods is not far. We will see the healers, then the Ordo Argan Argari--

Chastened that her words seemed to deepen Vanadict's meloncholy mood Indigo tried to keep as silent as psooible, though when a tear rolled down the Kitsune's cheek she hurriedly brought forth a handkerchief with a apologetic smile.

And the Kitsune's words made her wonder something she had been careful never to let her thoughts go near before. And she wondered what it would be like to have a child...only to find herself wincing under a renewed onslaught of her previously ebbing headache.

Kai's external face was smiling lightly, looking around interestedly at Big Rubble, but inwardly he sorrowed. He couldn't have her thoughts go there, it would only lead to sadness. The more the thought on it the more he wondered if coming to Pamalt was a good idea.

He could feel the tension rising among his brother Wraiths. The Lady Tetsuko, blessed of the Kami and Kami Born, Ruling Lady of Ryu Kinshasha in her own right, and Kinsai, the Shogun's heir, and she who would reunify the Imperia was close to making her stand. And Three times three times three of his fellow Wraiths guarded her, more than had ever stepped from the High Planes of Heaven at one time, for one individual. And he should have been there as their leader...

Gerrak told me that the kitsune were an offshoot of humanity, and appearances indicate you did not divert far.
Vanadict frowned lightly. "I know of your ignorance, and forgive it, but it is very bad manners to compare a human and kitsune, as many would take great offense at that. We respect humans, and were humans once, but that was a long time ago, and not something we like to recall." She noticed the kitsune and watched him carefully until he vanished into a nearby building. It was rare to find kitsune on any planet aside from Xiscapia, Alversia, or one of their colonies, so this one hardly went unnoted. Green was also a rare eye color, as 99.9% of all Xiscapians are born with yellow eyes. Vanadict wondered at his presence, then returned to the task at hand.

--You must forgive me, Vanadict. We remember the humans fondly, before the Gbaji Wars ended them. Of all the races Pamaltela has known, they were closest to us, and we regretted their fall--he sighed and turned his wagon down a vast boulevard lined with dull grey boxlike buildings, topped with domes that were laid with hammered lead--These are temples to the various Orders, and the most important for you will be the Xiola Umbar-the circle is the Rune of Darkness, the three lines the Rune of Harmony. Xiola Umbar is the goddess of mercy and healing. Be wary within, for the Xiola Umbar raise children without parents as well as watch children for fathers at the hunt. We're very protective of our children. Later, we will see the Argan Argari-they have the Harmony Rune and Mastery Rune-very similar, but the Mastery Rune has a line at the base connecting the three vertical lines, as well as Darkness and Movement-three curves connected at a central hub. Wait here while I get a Sister to move the children to safety--
Pulling his team to a halt, he bounced down from the carriage in a single fluid leap and lumbered up to the door of the grey stone temple.

Saying little as the Kitsune and the Muri discussed humans Indigo wondered for a moment why Humans arroused such emotion. It seemed that they were either loved or hated with little inbetween. They's not doen the Imperia any harm, and some of the more civilized portions of Novan civilization came from various Terran cultures. She shrugged but relaxed asz little as the headache abated.

Indigo studied the runes Humbaba indicated carefully, wanting to make sure she remembered properly.

Wait here while I get a Sister to move the children to safety--


She waited quietly looking discretely about, she wouldn't want to endanger any children, but wondered what a Muri child was like.

The kitsune did not go unnoticed by both Indigo and Kai, though at the time Indigo was far more concerned by her headache and Kai merely gave him an observant once over.

Humbaba stormed out of the temple in a dark mood-Indigo could tell from her association with Gerrak. He stomped his way to the wagon and grasped it's sides-Indigo noting he held a leaden collar bearing the feather and sword of Nova Nippon between his two foreclaws, dangling on her side of the wagon.--Pass that as discretely as you can to the Revered One and beg him put it on--he whispered--The Sisters insist we must be segregated if not wed--
Indigo whispered back,"We have a license-"
--A troll marriage requires a child, Niblet. However, as property of a Tribal Mother, he will be permitted to accompany you. Convey my deepest, most abject regrets as you do so-I would not have one like that offended--
He spoke in a louder voice, now--The Sisters will see you, Vanadict, but they have conditions-the children must be removed, and males and females must be segregated, as is meet and proper. You and the Lady Indigo will be examined, your maladies dealt with, but Lord Rok'atu and myself must be separated while you are within the temple.
--If you will but tap your bolongo and call, I will be there immediately, with but a short delay as I will be tending my nephews here. Lord Rok'atu, we will tend to my nephews-a Sister will observe, but please restrain yourself. If you place yourself close enough to the children to do them harm, I will be forced to kill you. I will be swift and merciful, but the Sister will not-she will gralloch you to incapacitate you then feed you to my nephews alive. I could not bear to watch a friend of my huntbrother treated so, so please do not force the issue, for my sake-I know we do not know each other, but this would cause me great consternation, so I ask for myself.
--Revered One, do not act against the Sisters unless they threaten bodily harm-the Ordo Xiola Umbar is greatly respected, and even the Voivode could not ensure your safety were you to harm one-merely hold them, stay their hand-we trolls will regrow any tissue excised, and are ignorant of the limitations of others-and Please, summon me immediately through the bolongo.
--Bear in mind you are guests of the Lord of Doraddi, and parrot that greatly. Be mindless in your offense, and pretend all is within your rights-complain mightily at the lack of amenities-if you justify the prejudices of the Xiola Umbari, they will forget you soon enough-and that is preferable--
Humbaba lowered the steps and held out a hand--Niblet, I have painted you as a Tribal Mother, if you would remove yourself first? Lady Vanadict, you will be next-your status allows you to exit first, but I would rather you have protection than pride. Lord Rok'atu, third-then either your guard, or the Revered One-and, Revered One, it is not my intention to offend, but I shall require the green box the porters have doubtless placed beneath your own luggage. If you could convey it within the Temple, it would reinforce the image you are the Lady Indigo's property-I am sorry, but I do not want the females alone and hope to have you ignored by the Sisters entirely--
He pulled down the steps and offered a claw to Lady Indigo.--I apologize profusely for this, Niblet-
He was cut off by a large, squat female troll in tight leather gear, her hideous countenance like that of a musk-boar's, who roared,--Humbaba Three-Oaks, what is the meaning of THIS?--
Humbaba's expression was one of total innocence--Why, it's either an adjective or a pronoun, depending on it's context--
Her features contorted in a grotesque fashion, then she turned on her heel and raged off to another grey building.
--Well Niblet, I owe you greatly--Humbaba pressed is snout to her knuckles(OOC:to her rings if she wears any) and said,--More than you know-I shall be wed to a Sacred Mother yet, with many young. May I?--
This last was addressed to Kai, who nodded assent. Humbaba placed two of his foreclaws on Indigo's head, and she felt, rather than heard him. The presence of a large predator was in her mind, skulking in shadows she reserved for herself. "It's just raw power, Niblet. Think of yourself as a leaf in the wind-it will buoy you high, but it cannot drop you down. A ripple in the water, it does not matter what is beneath you, for you're only using the top of it. Kai is native to the Spirit Realms-he is used to these levels. You are sucking up too much, used to parceling it out to sustain yourself-think like this(bizarre mathematical formulae drop casually into her mind) then release -- An intense flash of darkness emerged from the kami, summoning night to the city, and her headache was gone.--You do not need to retain so much here, Niblet, though you may wish to inhale deeply before you depart--

--A troll marriage requires a child, Niblet. However, as property of a Tribal Mother, he will be permitted to accompany you. Convey my deepest, most abject regrets as you do so-I would not have one like that offended--

Indigo whipsered back for his ears alone "Don't worry my friend, he won't be. We don't wish the Priestesses or children disturbed, so he will wear it with dignity." She hoped she reassured the Troll, she'd liked him from the moment she met him.

--Revered One, do not act against the Sisters unless they threaten bodily harm-the Ordo Xiola Umbar is greatly respected, and even the Voivode could not ensure your safety were you to harm one-merely hold them, stay their hand-we trolls will regrow any tissue excised, and are ignorant of the limitations of others-and Please, summon me immediately through the bolongo.

Kai hid a wry grin as Indigo quickly slid the collar about his neck. "I won't hurt them any more than is absolutely necessary Humbaba.

--Bear in mind you are guests of the Lord of Doraddi, and parrot that greatly. Be mindless in your offense, and pretend all is within your rights-complain mightily at the lack of amenities-if you justify the prejudices of the Xiola Umbari, they will forget you soon enough-and that is preferable

Both of them nodded just enough so that the Muri would know they understood.

Kai took the designated box and scarmbled down for all the universe as uncutous as a servant, humble and incredibly over- lookable...perhaps more so than one might think him able to. But it was very, very subtle.

Nib..Indigo straightened, and gave Humbaba a raised eyebrow glance that was everything Imperious...until he looked closely and could see the compassion in her eyes.

"Thank you Ser Three- Oaks" She said remotely as he handed her down. Every move was stately and filled with languid grace and her countenance held just the perfect mixture of distain and 'oh if I must...'- copied from the most formal of the Great Ladies of the Divine One's Court.

Indigo was but smallest of predators next to Humbaba, but she was Novan and that made her a predator - and a very firece little predator indeed for all her intrinsic compassion and gentleness. Her mind's reply was crystal clear, if obviously untrained, but with incredible natural shields "Oh! Thank you yes I see now! Her mental blush was bright "I'm sorry to be making such a boggle of it Humbaba. Her headache gone completely.

Her verbal thank you was the exact opposite of her mental one, and she hoped that Humbaba understood.

Two identical troll females in matching gray robes emerged from the temple and watched impassively, arms crossed and nuetral expressions on their faces. They observed quietly and muttered to themselves.
--The female is a Moon spirit, Dingo.--
--I see, Zhuut, and not a lune-is she the one of whom Humbaba spoke?--
--Nay, the other-the one whose screen cannot be penetrated.--
--Curious-she will have to lower it for an examination, but it seems unbreached.-- Sister Dingo shifted slightly, and gazed.--Do you see?--
--He is a warrior, bound as tightly as any servant, while she-
--The Prophesy-one of the sons of Moorgarki, born of pure sons-
--The Red Moon has not crossed the sky, Zhuut--
--Nor has the White Moon risen, Dingo. These things are done with more preparation than a prophesy spoken in the Dawn Age--
They spoke the curse in unison--May we live in interesting times, Amen--

OOC: LOL, I loved "Interesting Times", by Terry Pratchet! Is Gerrak in any way based on the trolls from his books?
IC: Vanadict took Humbaba's hand, somehow managing to look down her nose at him dispite the fact that he was at least two feet taller than she was. She gave a little "hump!" and got away from him as quickly as possible, standing apart from the others, her nose in the air, as though they were not worthy to be graced by her presence. In her mind she silently begged the troll to not take offense. The two females standing aways did not go unnoticed. She briefly glanced at them, then looked away.
OOC: Sorry for the wait, I forgot. Been busy.

OOC: I've never ready any of Pratchet's books, but that blessing has always been my favorite.

Indigo looked about with a distainful air, stepping away so that Vanadict's shadow did not cross her. Careful not to stare she took in everyting with as an observant a gaze as possible.

Kai was careful to seemingly pay attention solely to the box he was ostensibly in charge of, though little escaped his notice.

OOC:Actually, it's from an ancient Chinese curse:"May you live in interesting times." About the only Pratchett I've read is "Good Omens", a collaboration with Neil Gaiman, the greatest folklorist of our time, as a perusal of his "Sandman" series will prove. I'm afraid the trolls are based on Greg Stafford's work, which was a RPG I played throughout the seventies, but lost track of when the eighties hit. Trying to keep up with it gave me the Ordo Arkati, but I don't pretend to know the mechanics of sorcery-sorry)
The sisters bowed deeply, and spoke in unison:--We greet you, Consort of Doraddi-let our humble ministrations ease Your time here--
Each went to their half of the great double doors, and gestured--Come with us, so we may serve you--
Humbaba grasped Rok'atu's hand and drew him through the left portal...

OOC: I know and I consider it a blessing rarther than a curse. But then again I know I'm weird. Didn't Gaiman do American Gods?... yes he did! I thought so...Stafford...oh RuneQuest! I haven't played that in a coons age - I've been RPing since the mid 70's- remember the three little black books in the box and those terrible dice for the original D&D?!

With her head held high and stately pace Indiog proceeded forward. Without so much as even an implied glance back, certain that her servitor would follow and her mind kept under as tight a control as possible. The urge to giggle had clenched her teeth together and pasted the most supercillious smile upon her lips. She just knew she looked for all the world she had constipation.

"Your greeting is acknowledged" She replied carefully and thought that and only that.

Kai concentrated on the box. It was best that way.

(OOC:traditionally, a curse is an enchantment of fate, similar to the Norse doom being an absolute future-among my other failings, I'm a student of sociology and comparative myth)
The Sisters bowed low--Accompany us and we will tend your needs. Revered One, you will need to remove your protection that we may see her closely. We understand you are protective, but would you remove your protection for us to discern the problem exactly. We think we know the source of her weakness, but must be sure.

Vanadict strode haughtly over, her eyes passing over people like they weren't there and focusing only on things. While her shield was still up, inside she thought, and kept very careful control over her bolongo. On Xiscapia such behavior as she and Indigo were exibiting now would get them ignored to the highest extreme. No one except their guide would speak with them, the shopkeepers would refuse to sell them anything, the people at the bathouses refuse to acknowledged their existance, even small children and animals would hurry by without a glance. She stood impatiently behind Indigo, waiting.

The Sister escorted the women and Kai to a private room, cool and still.--Please, be seated, and tell me your troubles. May I summon some aides to assist in treatment? They will need to hear you tell your ails so as to know what will be required of them--

Indigo sat with stately grace and listened intently. In truth though she felt fine now that Humbaba had helped her. She had no idea that Kai had deliberately allowed her to have the headache, nor that as of the instant they entered the inner room he had removed all shielding of his making - leaving only that which was natural to her behind.

To speak truthfully he was distracted and perhaps making assumptions that he should not have, but while he was a deity of sorts he was not perfect. None of the Kami, not even the Omikami, were.

Since she felt as if she did not need the aid she stayed silent but gave Vanadict the slightest of glances. She was still very concerned about her friend - to her understanding, collapsing as the Kitsune had was not normal, even though she had seemingly recovered.

Vanadict stared straight ahead, but Indigo might have thought she saw a quick wink. However, Vanadict was still worried. Her mental defenses had never been challenged before, and she had been confident she could protect against all attackers. Hopefully these Sisters would be able to help.

Sister Dingo nodded, and two female trolls entered.--Winston, Piglet, on either side of the patient.--As they moved to either side, Dingo calmly reported--The patient has never been on Pamaltela before, nor any living world. As you can see, she is well shielded, and should suffer nothing, yet she has collapsed for no apparent reason and reported visions of a shadow or shade, followed by a carnival. Are there other symptoms?--She looked concernedly at the Vanadict, and waited for a response.

"None. When I woke I was fine. A little shaken, perhaps, but fine."
OOC: Embassy Thread Here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=542952) Would someone please TG this to DR?

Dingo looked her over carefully. --Very well, Winston, Piglet, weave a shield around the Vanadict and I, and maintain it. Vanadict, if you'd be good enough to lower your shields, we can begin. Do not worry, for Winston and Piglet have us both protected--
The Vanadict could feel the arcane energies of the healers' minds flowing around her, separating her from all but Dingo, and, isolated as she was, she could sense one other, nestled close to her skin, but nothing else, just a third presence close about her.
(OOC:sent the telegram, so he should be posting soon.)

Indigo watched with seemingly disinterested eyes. However that was just a facade as she still felt extremely protective of Vanadict. She could feel energies weaving about Vanadict and knew they were meant as protection and aid to the Kitsune, but she couldn't see them yet. Just a trace of cool wind on her skin.

Kai was just as indifferent, seemingly, but he discretely watched everything that was done. He was alert for any problems, but didn't believe any would be encountered.

With a slight sigh Vanadict dropped her mental defenses, feeling naked and exposed. She sensed, almost beyond reach of physical perception, power in the room.

--Relax, child, and lower your defenses--Dingo calmly cooed.--I cannot see what is afflicting you if you don't drop your shields. Winston and Piglet have us safe and sound here--

Vanadict finally dropped her inner defenses and closed her Force ability, so now so much as a Force-sensative tree would be able to penetrate her mind. She kept perfectly still, aware that movement could disrupt whatever the Sisters were planning.

Dingo looked puzzled.--You have to drop that-ah, it is not coming from you. You are screened from some outside source, and powerful, too.--she held up an obsidian blade, it's edges and point sharp as any razor.--In the old days, we'd have believed it caused by demonic possession. However, in this modern age of reason, we know it is caused by a newt or toad living in your lower intestine--
Lunging forward, Dingo drove the knife into the Vanadict's stomach-the hard stone shattered to dust before it reached that target.
--That,--she stated,--is the physical aspect of the shields you enjoy. I could try to break it, but might harm you in the process, possibly irreparably. It is for you to decide--

The Sister had not tensed visably, so the knife was entirely unexpected. However, even as Vanadict went to twist away the knife shattered into so many tiny atoms before contacting with her skin. She stared in disbelief at the knife, then at her stomach. She drew up her robes and stared at the exposed skin. Nothing out of the ordinary. "I see no reason to try and break the shield, so long as it does not incapitate or hinder me." She glanced back to where Indigo, Kai, Humbaba, and the others were waiting. "What do you suggest?" She finally dropped all sense of arrogance, too stunned to keep it up.

Kai had suspected something along the resulting lines when Dingo had drawn the dagger. It had been confirmed with the line

However, in this modern age of reason, we know it is caused by a newt or toad living in your lower intestine--

And while he could have interposed himself, he knew it was not needed, but catching and stopping Indigo most certainly did. Though she surprized him, and he barely, just barely, got ahold of her with a decisive enough grasp that she couldn't do what she had been- not intentionally, but that didn't matter- about to do. He was too shocked for words- for she had been on the verge of an aportation, the instantaneous move that he had used to get between Gerrak and the laster blasts back at the Academy. And she shouldn't have been able to do that yet.

Indigo gave a cry of outrage as Kai's grasp stopped her from doing something, she wasn't sure what, just knew that it would have...would have what? She knew yet she didn't know, that she could have gotten there before the knife but had been stopped. Her head was spinning and the monsterous headache, for one moment, returned full force, like a spike driven into her skull. So forciblely so that she swayed for a moment before righting her self, as shaken as Vanadict was - but for far different and definitely uncertain reasons.

"What do you suggest?"

Kai recovered first, and replied "Keep it Vanadic, indeed, someone cares greatly" He found the proper phrse "They have covered you with their Darkness"

It took a few seconds longer for Indigo to respond, and her voice sounded strained and no little bewhildered "Yes, I concour, that is probably the best idea."

Sister Dingo looked at Indigo oddly.--Development pangs, they will subside when the White Moon rises and your godhood has blossomed. Perhaps I can supply you with a talisman to curb the flow of mana until your system can compensate, Revered One--

Vanadict sat down on the floor. Indigo's movement had not went unseen. Her head in her hands, she spoke, her words a little muffled. "I think I'll need to be alone for a while."

--Certainly. Spirit Obsession can be difficult to cope with. This pullcord will summon aid when you require such--she gestured, and Winston and Piglet bowed and left. Dingo turned to Kai and Indigo.--We shall repair to another chamber, Revered Ones. It is fortunate you came here, as we have records of other apotheosises, and may ease your pain by consulting them...

Indigo rose to her feet with only a portion of her natural grace, her mind whirling and she didn't like the feeling one bit. She was so focused on it that at first missed ...

.--Development pangs, they will subside when the White Moon rises and your godhood has blossomed. Perhaps I can supply you with a talisman to curb the flow of mana until your system can compensate, Revered One--

She thought at initially that Sister Dingo was speaking to Kai, she had not paid attention to the first part of the Muri's words - he was the Revered One, not she. She was just the unwanted daughter, and if her mothers pregnancy had not been publicly known she knew she might have been drowned very soon after her birth.

I think I'll need to be alone for a while."

She felt like she too needed to be alone for awhile, to try ans sort all of this out, but Indigo doubted she would have that wish granted, so she didn't speak of it.

.--We shall repair to another chamber, Revered Ones. It is fortunate you came here, as we have records of other apotheosises, and may ease your pain by consulting them...

Other what? Her mind still wasn't makeing sense of the words. She wasn't any sort of god, not even a little bitty one. But then why is Kai here, protecting and guiding me? I'm no one important. Male gods are big and powerful. Female gods are beautiful and powerful. I'm none of those. They must be mistaken. She thought as she followed the Muri out, without observing her surroundings, lost in her mishmash of thoughts.

Sister Dingo lead them to an open archway set with odd green-gray stones shaped like five-pointed stars, the centers bearing carvings of a stylized eye with a flame emerging from it's center. They felt a strange vibration as they passed, but no other effect, other than Sister Dingo began speaking again.--Several times, we have found Cosmic Eggs from the Godswar. Only two have ever hatched, one birthing the accursed D'Wargon and the other the Red Horror. Both claimed to be gods, and had power enough to back it, but both were revealed to be creatures of Chaos and had to be destroyed. They did attract worshippers-D'Wargon corrupted all but the trolls, issuing a curse before his destruction that ended the dark trolls. The Red Horror thought she claimed the Blue Moon, but was removed from the skin of the earth through their actions, and her Empire was laid low.
--Still, gods have arisen in our records-great Arkat, who brought us the secrets of sorcery, rose to divinity and we have recorded his apotheosis. Here, we keep the records, warded by the Elder Sign, which Chaos cannot cross. We have talismans and amulets that will aid you, shield your budding divinity from the mana-rich environment here, until you can control this power yourself. I shall give you these, in the hopes that the White Moon will rise on schedule and bring it's own era--

To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline — training — is about.

The words sounded softly but firmly in Indigo's mind, and she started to come to herself and to pay attention to her surroundings and what Sister Dingo was saying.

We have talismans and amulets that will aid you, shield your budding divinity from the mana-rich environment here, until you can control this power yourself. I shall give you these, in the hopes that the White Moon will rise on schedule and bring it's own era--

"Oh Kai, Sister Dingo, I know nothing about being a god. I don't know what is required of one, how to be one...and most of all how to be a good god." She half wailed in worry and frustration. "Nothing in all I've learned could prepare me for this..."

She stopped for a moment as a new thought struck her. "Ahm, Sister Dingo, I only..Novans.,..we mature slower than humans, and I've only been mature for a few months. Could this have some effect that you might be mistaking? The medical litterature says that our hormonal surges might be extreme." She had been trained and initiated as a Hetaira, a concubine when she had turned sixteen as was tradition in the Divine One's Court for those of bloodline not proper to be a wife. But she had just a few months ago, shortly before going to the Academy, turned twenty five, the earliest age at which a female Novan began her menses.

--Men!--Sister Dingo snorted disdainfully.--They attribute all female problems to hormones. You really can't take medical advice from them, Revered One. You are a Lunar goddess, just as he is a god of War. There are no manuals or guides for these things, not really. Gods are just as foolish as mortals in their own way-Zorak Zoran burned himself trying to eat the developing sun, and learned precious little from the experience. However, your problems-the headaches, perhaps nausea if unchecked-these stem from your divine nature. You are drawing from the planet, and our world is rich in mana-not so much as the Spirit Plane, but more than most worlds. You hold so much-then keep drawing, because you are not used to the abundance. It could be-well, like starting a fire in an oxygen rich environment. Your inner fires have great influence and here, greater effect-had not your servant stopped you, you would have moved through Winston and Piglet's shield to protect your friend.
--The pair are on their third century of training, but could not have stopped you. Your power, and his, are apparent to us-we can see your spirit selves quite easily. Take this talisman-see if your pains do not subside. It is something you will learn to do yourself, by study and meditation. Right now, you could easily lay waste to all around you in a fit of wrath, as the power unbalances you and your emotions go into play, then the power responds to your emotions rather than your thoughts. It is fortunate you have great self-control, but even so, there is leakage. It will increase as you grow more powerful without restraints, until your whims are acted upon by the power here, your subconscious thoughts and petty impulses made reality. A fit of pique or frustration over a merchant's stubbornness could easily result in most dire consequences. Look at the image of D'Wargon, there--Dingo indicated a serene golden-skinned man in a cross-legged position, his face smiling to reveal fangs.--He destroyed the entire dark troll species while but an infant. The Curse took centuries to come to complete fruition, but the dark trolls are still no more, their only crime their refusal to worship him. Power has no conscience, Revered One-you must provide that--

Take this talisman-see if your pains do not subside. It is something you will learn to do yourself, by study and meditation. Right now, you could easily lay waste to all around you in a fit of wrath, as the power unbalances you and your emotions go into play, then the power responds to your emotions rather than your thoughts

Sister Dingo's comment about her nascent power getting out of control had her all but snatching the amulte fromt he Muir'shands and she quicklly slid it about her throat. "Thank you Sister Ding, I certainly don't want to inadvertantly destroy any one or anything. And delibverately destroying" She shivered not willing, at this time to contemplate that. "Your advise and wisdom are very welocme Sister, I will certainly heed it!"

The Curse took centuries to come to complete fruition, but the dark trolls are still no more, their only crime their refusal to worship him. Power has no conscience, Revered One-you must provide

"I guess it isn't something I can just lock away and pretend doesn't exist...Save that pretending that something doesn't exist is lieing at least to oneself and not only wrong but dangerous to others" She answered her own question and sighed heavily. Part of her wanted to round on Kai and upbraid him for hiding this from her, but she was wise enough to know that since he hadn't prepared her for this that he must have had a powerful reason to so so.

A small quiet voice still crried out that she didn't want this, but another voice, fainter still but audible in her soul said that maybe, just maybe, she could do some good with it. Ifshe was careful, considerate, and prepared to take responsibility for her actions. But I will always need to remember that if one gives a man a fish he but eats for a day. If you teach him to fish he can not only feed himself in days to come but possibly others. The One and the Whole. Not ruling over but playing along side, taking joy in and honoring their accomplishments, and being honestly humble about mine. You must let them stumble and fall and rise on their own, aiding only enough they must not be dependant on you. She ordered herself sternly.

And there will be times you will hurt for them, cry for them and you must accept that as you accept the times of Joy. It is part of the pirce of Power I think...I must always strive to be wise, to be just..but can I do it? There is so much of the universe I don't know, have never expereinced...oh this isn't going to be easy, is it She clenched her teeth and took a slow deep breath. She still wasn't fully believing this, but if it were real she wouldn't run from it either. As scarey as it was, and it was utterly terrifying!

Dingo spoke, quietly.--When Moorgarki came to the Surface, he raided freely and ate much, until Pamalt and his warband cornered him, and they fought. Fierce was Moorgarki, and sharp his claws and teeth, but still he fell to Lodril's Burning Spear, taking a grievous wound to the side before breaking free and fleeing to the caverns of Asrelia, the Earth Witch.
She treated his wounds, but the damage of the Burning Spear would not heal, so she used dangerous herbs known to her, and Moorgarki began to prophesy. He spoke of the moon, Annilla, claiming it would fall to Earth, and pull the Green Moon into her orbit, but the Green Moon would not wander as Annilla, but walk the same path night after night. He then spoke of other moons, the moons to come, and how the trolls would rise up then cast low the Red Moon, making it their slave, and how the Red Moon would guard and serve forevermore, then he spoke of the Last Moon, the White Moon that is yet to come.
--The prophesy is lost in it's exact wording. Moorgarki was delerious and Asrelia claims not to remember. He spoke of a spider, small and gray, that should whisper to the First Mother, and then he spoke of Korasting and Wonderhome. We believe that the White Moon will reunite us with Korasting, the Mother of Many, and show us the way to Wonderhome, ushering in a Golden Age of peace and prosperity. The White Moon is not yet-it is clearly stated that the Red Moon shall roll across the sky, rising and setting, before the White Moon rises, and the trolls shall feast mightily then--she shrugged. --Moorgarki spake thus, and his words would have been taken as delerium, but Annilla did plummet from the heavens, and pull the Green Moon into her place, so Asrelia wrote down what she could remember, and gave it to the Muri.
--A great war is brewing, the young brothers shall fight, and Annilla shall aid them. Zorak Zoran shall return the Sun as Empress, and demons from the Void shall mock and gibber all the while. The Forgotten One shall stretch his hand over the stars, and a clamoring throng shall call out his name. Ranga shall dance for him, and turn families against each other for his amusement. Only after all this is resolved shall a pure son of Moorgarki bring the White Moon to the skies of Pamaltela. There is more, but most has transpired already--

--A great war is brewing, the young brothers shall fight, and Annilla shall aid them. Zorak Zoran shall return the Sun as Empress, and demons from the Void shall mock and gibber all the while. The Forgotten One shall stretch his hand over the stars, and a clamoring throng shall call out his name. Ranga shall dance for him, and turn families against each other for his amusement. Only after all this is resolved shall a pure son of Moorgarki bring the White Moon to the skies of Pamaltela. There is more, but most has transpired already--

Kai, a half step behind Indigo nodded at the comment about a great war brewing, for it was, just not here on Pamaltela. And he knew that Chaos sensed it too and was stirring.

Indigo turned her thoughts to what Sister Dingo was saying, listening intently, wondering how she fit into all of that.She was more truly a creature of the night than the day. She felt far more alive and alert during the hours of darkness and before her exile, once she had been old enought to get her way she had rearranged her schooling and activities to take place at night whenever possible.[i]Isn't that a flight of purest fancy, me Empress...more like the humble grey spider, but again what words of wisdom do I have...Though didn't Gerrak say that the sun was dead? Our sun, my homestar isn't, every one knows that it is Amasaratu's beacon and gateway. Poor Muri, they hurt under the light of this sun, while I can think of other stars that wouldn't..but change the sun...no, change how...no thats not right either...[i] She forced her thought back to what Sister Dingo was saying, not interupting the Muri priestess.

--The Slumbering One has turned and tossed in his tomb, sent forth dreams to the young ones, and they clamor to his mad banner, all too eager to delight him with the slaughter of themselves.--Dingo shook her head sadly--These conflicts are his doing, to thin out the ranks of his prey to ease his hunting when the Stars are right, and he strides forth once more. Of course, tell any of the young races they are being lead like a donkey with a carrot by slumbering demon-gods from before Time, and they regard you as mad. These conflicts will play out, and we must interfere before they threaten us-sadly, we have no idea which activity is the sendings of the Sleeper from Vhoorl, designed to return Chaos to Komor, and which are the lusts and hatreds we carry in our hearts. We have rested far too long, stayed home and lead our lives, when we should have gone forth and learned of the young ones, to know what thoughts were theirs and which they were given. We are ready for the Enemy, here, but not it's machinations among the young races...--

"I would not believe you mad, Sister Dingo." Indigo said softly."But I fear most others would. Most have lost sight of the fact that Evil and Good, Law and Chaos all exist, all exert their forces upon us....or at least that's what I believe."

"Before...before I was 'kicked out',..." Suddenly there was a lump in her throat and she missed her small apartment in the Divine One's Court as never before and it was hard for her to speak "...exiled, from my home, that was part of my daily obligation, to interceed, and with my prayers help hold the Door of Heaven open. Though mine was only the smallest of parts"

Sister Dingo pressed two claws against Indigo's sternum.--Good and Evil are within our hearts, and part of us-we make our world with the good and evil we perform. Law? A false construct designed to placate us into thinking Chaos has it's own enemies. There are no small parts in a war fought one soul at a time, for who now holds the Gate? This one--she nodded towards Kai--would not waste time on "the smallest of parts", I do not think. You must lose this sense of worthlessness, child. Modesty is all well and good, but it is the tasks we set ourselves that prove our worth. You have set yourself a harsh task-to become a proper goddess, and have not shirked. You brave the wilderness of Pamaltela, the crucible in which troll warriors are forged-do you think it will not temper the steel within you?
--The Lord of Doraddi has great faith in you, or he would not have arranged things as he has.--she winked conspiratorially, and leered--He has done his best to keep it secret, and Humbaba is certainly clever enough, but we all have ways of knowing and the Athling is not yet come to power, though, as his title suggests, he is a waxing power with time to develop. That the Voivode sent him out to the young races confused us all, but he is not like us, and the wisdom of this action has become apparent-he has sent back requests for troops, and asked us to involve ourselves in much that we should have always been involved in. He has raised Doraddi as a rich land, claiming it when it was but a ruin, filled with ravenous tzin-tzin and rogue Mostali. His cousin did nothing for the land, but under him it has blossomed and flourished.--
She carefully draped a massive arm, hard as steel, over Indigo's shoulders.--You should probably visit Gerrak's viceroy-Lord Korth initiated Gerrak into the Ordo Zorak Zorani, and has ruled Doraddi in his stead most faithfully. He has been guardian and protector, more an uncle than confessor. He is very wise under all that bluster, and a staunch opponent of Chaos.--

Indigo listened with shining eyes to Sister Dingo's mentions of Gerrak's accomplishments as Lord Of Doraddi. Though they were no less than she would have expected of him. The young Muri had earned her respect and trust many times over. She knew that he would make an excellent Voivode one day. Her heart wished him every happiness and she found herself with another profound revelation. It momentairly brought a soft smile to her lips.

She also listened to what the good sister had said about law and chaos, good and evil. "Oh yes I know it will do it's best to temper me. I will do my best to take the tempering and not shatter in the quenching." She spoke resolutely. The talisman Sister Dingo had given her was working, though she was not exactly sure what it was doing. Her thoughts felt clearer, more certain though.

She did not see Kai catch Sister Dingo's eye over top her head and his small grave nod, But Moved comfortably closer to Sister Dingo, not bothered by the weight of the Muri's arm. No Muri had ever hurt her and as she trusted Gerrak so she now trusted Sister Dingo. "I think that meeting him would be a wonderful idea... And Sister Dingo - I am honored that you will allow me to study your Orders records."

--It will be difficult-trolls have poor vision(OOC: the average Muri has 20/40 vision , while the other species average perhaps 20/200 and are colorblind), so we do not scrawl on paper, but bind knots we may read in the Darkness we love. The rising up of the gods is not something we have close records on-our gods rose up before we had the knots, so their tales are verbal, and no two people tell the same story alike-treacherous Orlanth curses us still. However, three gods have arisen since the knots-dread D'Wargon, glorious Arkat, and the hideous Red Horror.
--Arkat was born human, and rose to godhood to meet the threat of D'Wargon-his story will have little you can use, as he traveled much to the God Plane for his power, then underwent the Ritual of the Skins to become a troll before his ascension. The others were born gods, and came into their power naturally as you.
--D'Wargon was a Cosmic Egg, found by the Empire of Wyrm Friends-an early alliance involving all the races of Pamaltela-the alliance's hatching of this Egg caused us to withdraw, and become the Empire's enemies. The Wars were dreadful-the humans degenerated into broos, the dragonewts were rendered extinct, the aldryami were reduced to their current state, and even the Mostali were weakened. We lost our base lineage-the dark trolls, though it took centuries after the Wars to finally come to pass. The best records are those of the Ordo Arkati-Arkat kept very careful notes on his greatest foe, and these records are theirs, now.
--We have the records of the Red Horror, however. This woman hatched from a Cosmic Egg, and formed an Empire of Unity-each race was seen as an aspect of her-the trolls were her digestive system, the aldryami her hair, the Mostali her bones-the Blue Moon has the best records, as they joined her Empire to destroy it from within, and eventually raised up the Red Moon, destroying her evil save that they bound to the Crimson Bat.
--I have five staves of knot-cords involving D'Wargon, eight involving the Red Horror, and seventeen of Arkat. Our Order has little, but we know who has the full stories. D'Wargon's tale is fully told in the Clanking City, and thus to remain unknown, the Blue Moon holds all of the Red Horror, and they keep their secrets dear, but Humbaba can tell you all of Arkat from rote. I will gift you my staves, and hope they serve you well--
(OOC:She's going to give copies, but they will contain everything)

Indigo shudderd at the horror's Sister Dingo related concerning the Wars fought against D'Wargon, and the Red Horror saddened for the evil done. She found it interesting that a human had given up...No not given up, merely changed his form, for as alien as the Muri are, they are still sentient people, with a connection to the Elements, and the Planes of Heaven. They are not human, not Xiscapian kitusne, but while not Novan either, I can feel a kinship She thought

"Then I shall learn to read and tie knots" Indigo had found that languages came naturally to her and was always willing to learn another, particularly one belonging to the Muri. "And ask Humbaba if he will share what he knows."

She looked up at the Muri and said solemnly "I thank you for the gift of knowledge, and pledge never to misuse it"

Back in the room Vanadict gave a soft groan and fell into slumber. She was in her dreamworld again, except this time it was the darkness of space, rather than total blackness, that she met here. Warrior once again she stared into space, searching for answers. Feeling somewhat foolish she called into the void. "What do you want? Why do you plauge me so?"

"So many questions, child." the voice was deep and rich, with a light accent. "You came here to know me, and I wish to reciprocate--your sun is not visible here, most times-it rests there--"a section of space came into view, the scene lurching oddly to focus on it."--behind that red giant, from my perspective. You don't mind my using my view of the universe, do you?"

OOC: Blue giant, actually.
IC: Vanadict stepped back in space. "You're...you're the god? Of the world?" She felt, strangly, no fear, only astonishment.

OOC:Xiscapia may orbit a blue giant, but the view from Pamalt's perspective is blocked by a red giant.
IC:"God?" A deep, full-throated laugh sounded in the Vanadict's ears. "No, I am no god. The god of this world, to use your terms, dwells in the Spoorwood, in the Castle of Lead." The scene lurched again, shifting inward-the Vanadict felt as if she were staring at her navel, but the view she beheld was a vast fungal forest, in the center a squat vast complex of lead, reminiscent of the Haggia Sophia. "She and I have shared losses and victories, but our only true connection is that her son was adopted by my grandmother-as you would understand the relationship.
"I am this world, one of few survivors of the Godswar-just a different species from your perspective, one with it's own advantages, and disadvantages, just as your species has it's advantages and disadvantages."

"So you are the world...but you are not a god in the traditional sense." Vanadict nodded to herself. "Still...you said, correctly, that I came here to know you. Then why have you not touched the others? Why is it only me?"

"The kami? We were allies in the Godswar, though those two are not old enough to remember. Or do you refer to the ozone breather, who remains by the grace of the trolls?" The question was gentle, and did not require a response. His next words were filled with a deep sadness and longing. "He could not dwell here, nor is he like my children, who are no more. Your people are very like them, and I thought one had survived-but it has been too long since they flocked to Osentalka's banner. So very long ago, only the trolls and I remember, but we remember them differently-only I was their father."

Vanadict bowed her head. "I am sorry." She looked around once more, admiring the lonely beauty of the emptiness around her, the background of stars and planets.

"There is enough sorrow in this life without adding to it." the voice softly murmured. "Perhaps we should speak of other things. You are the chief diplomat of your people--might I inquire as to why You came here, to this primitive backwater, instead of a lesser member of the Xiscapian Diplomatic Corps?"

"We, and the Emperor in particular, feel that the Muri could be powerful allies, despite their relative primitiveness. I volunteered for this mission, frankly because I was bored. Not very diplomatic of me to say, but it's true. My stay here so far has been...interesting. Oh, and I never got to thank you for the jewel. It's lovely." Vanadict spoke of the diamond she had found upon waking back in the wagon.

"I wished to make amends for the harm I caused you. Be wary-the trolls are savages, but hardly primitive. They turned their backs on technology to avoid being weakened by it. It was long ago, but given the fate of the Mostali..."
He left the rest unsaid. "Be wary among them, for they watch and evaluate, and the smallest things do not escape their notice. They poke and prod and study, all to determine if the Enemy is behind it, for they have seen the sweet face It shows to others, and know it will strive to show them the same.
"Be wary in Teddy Bear Junction-take not the path through Prax, for you will see the Enemy there, or at least It's Work."
She felt a brief embrace, then her meditative darkness resumed as one by one, the stars blinked out, the red giant blocking her sun last to fade...

Vanadict felt herself abruptly fall back into reality. She shook her head to clear out the afterimage of the red giant and muttered to herself. "take not the path through Prax, for you will see the Enemy there, or at least It's Work..." She didn't know where Prax was, or who this "Enemy" was, but she was wise enough to take heed of her mysterious guardian's warning. She stood and paced the hall, thinking hard.

(OOC: Given the Vanadict's recent experience, some overlook is understandable, but she's currently locked in until she pulls a bellcord, and given the Holidays upon us, I offer the following:)
Sister Dingo's head jerked suddenly, and she addressed Indigo and Kai, --She has adjusted-high time we returned--

Indigo and Kai followed Sister Dingo, Indigo's thoughts preoccupied as she tried to integrate new information into old. I will have to have a long talk with Kai as soon as possible. I have the strongest feeling he can answer a lot of questions that I never thought to ask. She set that aside for the moment, and wondered what Vanadict had experienced.

As they made their way, Sister Dingo suddenly stopped and spread her arms wide, blocking their path. Voices down the corridor sang, as translated by bolongo:
Kyger Litor loves us all
Xiola Umbar helps the small
Argan Argar helps to talk
Zong was first to learn to stalk
Korasting births all of us
Bozkatang kills chaos pus
Karrg is his mom’s good son
Xentha chases off the sun
Vaneekara hurls upon a bet
Orani Mor sits within her net
Hombobobom beats on his drum
Jakaboom dances spirits to come
Jeset glides on water Styx
Gorakiki’s brood have legs of six
Gadblad makes for other’s work
Nose-twister is a jerk
Only Zorak Zoran is off alone
no one loves him or his home.
Only when danger is near
does he come to bring foes fear.

A procession of small Muri, about the size of adult chimpanzees, trooped by, guided by an unknown Xiola Umbari sister.--Please do not stare or even look at our young, Revered Ones.--Sister Dingo instructed.--We are very concerned with their welfare and overzealous in their protection. I doubt you would like the penalty we would exact for coming near them--
Once they had passed, Dingo lowered her arms.--Swiftly, now. I should not like to keep Her Ladyship waiting--

I doubt you would like the penalty we would exact for coming near them--

Both Kai and Indigo, quickly turned to face Sister Dingo, so that their backs were fully to the children, and their eyes obviously upon her.


"We would never wish any harm upon the children...but then again Sister we would never allow harm to come to a child either. And if we earn punishment by keeping harm from befalling a child, so be it - for it will speak badly of the Muri not us." Indigo said with calm gentleness as they moved apace with the Muri.

--It is a sad fact of our existence that every enemy who wishes to destroy us has attempted harm to our children first, Revered Ones. The young are too tempting to our foes, especially those who cannot handle an adult--Sister Dingo opened the Vanadict's chamber.--I trust you are recovered, Madame Vanadict?--

Vanadict smiled gratefully at the troll. "Yes, thank you Sister. I suggest that we may need to move on by this point, as my ailment seems to have been cleared up." Right. she thought to herself. Not exactly cleared up, but at least I'm not in danger.

Humbaba soon arrived and took them to the Temple of Argan Argar, where they received their letters of credit. Their banker, an officious troll in a black silk frockcoat and knee-breeches, tugged at the cords on his rod nervously as he spoke to them.
--The Athling has provided a generous amount. Apparently, he expects you to have great expenses. The Ordo Argan Argari are experienced merchants-perhaps we can be of assistance? I have many contacts in the marketplace, and may help you with any purchases you require.--

Vanadict suddenly felt the planet below her roll, almost an earthquake but nowhere near as alarming. It was as though the place had just gone over a big BUMP.

OOC:Isn't that the way with the Young Races? Start a relationship and they think the World's supposed to move, while you think they are.

OOC: Well, that's true, but that post was really my way of humoriously "bumping" a post. :p I read you're little thing about how Gerrak would have treated the Emperor had he been a troll, I think Gerrak wrestling him would in all likelyhood kill him, and a drinking contest...well, Xiscapians don't hold their liquior well. One or two glasses and they're drunk.

OOC:In all fairness, I said darts and drinking, ending up with wrestling after they'd made nice-please don't think Gerrak would twist up the Emperor-he's very in-control, and the rock stomach ensures he wouldn't get drunk enough for an accident

I didn't and don't think Gerrak would intentionaly hurt the Emperor, I'm just saying that, hypothetically, he could. (But what if there are no hypothetical situations? XD) As to the drinking, the Emperor would probably pass out before Gerrak was even affected at all.

"Perhaps a good map would be our best starting point. Vanadict, are we walking the distance to Yellow Springs, or would a cart and driver be a better idea?" Indigo inquired as she looked about he establishment. She wasn't worried about food, Kai could provide that. But hadn't Muritan said he would outfit them properly? I wonder...

"Perhas Muritan sent a list ahead, that you should be expecting us. The Lord of Doraddi, who's consort I am, would want us properly supplied" She looked shrewdly at the banker and noted he seemed nervous and wondered why...

The troll bore an expression of shock and horror as Indigo spoke(OOC:trolls are matriarchal, and consorts are male-fortunately, Gerrak is Zorak Zorani, and they break tradition as a rule)--He-he-he keeps a female consort? I-I-I-well, it is none of my business. Yes, Minister Muritan did send us a letter, saying you were travelling extensively, and stating you should require a carriage with a hidden oven and fire tent, with a lengthy train of storage wagons-might I suggest a mukade? They're slower, of course, but can haul greater baggage-several carts can be drawn. The Ordo Gorakikki has them waiting, but the Athling insisted you go over the preparations, then adjust to your desires-he had no idea what your requirements would be, and Minister Muritan's additions complicated matters. We have thus put them on hold, pending a confirmation from you or the Athling--

)--He-he-he keeps a female consort? I-I-I-well, it is none of my business. Yes,

Indigo bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing and her eyes flashed - fortuantely it looked like anger not merriment.

"You are correct it is none of your concern." Her voice took on the faintest of lilts "He proved his worth most admirably." And it was of Gerrak arrayed as he was when they went to see the Xiscapian Emperor that she was thinking. She smiled a secret little smile as she stroked the tzin-tzin feathers of her cloak.

Then her tone turned firm "A hidden oven? No, we are not some weakling humans. But a sturdy wagon is most necessary and perhaps a second to carry gifts and supplies but a train? I think not." She looked at Vanadict.

Kai's mental voice apologized for intruding on Vanadict But I wish you to know Madame, if heat or fire is needed I can produce it, and cooked food so no fire is needed. But I think a store of Kitsune and Novan compatable foods might be in order. I already know the problem with Muri beverages.

OOC: Yes I did it deliberately

--Of course, Milady. The Ordo Gorakikki will have your wagons ready as required, and the Ordo Zongi shall supply you with a guide, should you so desire. Any supplies or such are readily available in our markets-I apologize for not having your requirements at hand, but the vagaries of the Athling's-well, it does explain his generosity. Any request you should have we shall strive to fulfill...--

OOC:I recently expanded on the Muri factbook (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=537021),and it may be informative for those wandering-as always, any input is welcome.

OOC: Cool, I'll check it out.
IC: Vanadict responded mentally, her face not showing the slightest sign that she was communicating telepathically. There is very little I cannot eat or drink, as extensive changes with the Force and a little bio-engineering have made my stomach and immune system much stronger than your average kistune's. I thank you for your concearn, though.
The Ambassador spoke aloud now. "Is there a bathouse or suitable lake or river nearby that can be used for bathing? My mandate requires I bath at least once a day, and I have not." Vanadict doubted that the Muri would have a bathhouse, but she did hope there was a lake or river which she could use- Provided that it wasn't filled with lethal organisms or violated one of the taboos, both of which seemed common here. It's like Xiscapia on steroids. She thought to herself.

Bowing with relief, the banker supplied--We have facilities here Your Ladyship is welcome to make use of, though there are bathhouses in most communities as well as public and private facilities throughout the city, though here our Sisters are perhaps better equipped to advise you on soaps and oils for your use, as well as supply you with an adequate amount for your stay here.--He snapped his foreclaws, and a dark-clad female appeared.--Kurga, here, can accomodate you in that request--
Kurga waved the Vanadict towards her--This way, and we'll soon have you sorted out properly. I would suggest a long shower and scrub, then a soothing rest in warm waters saturated with oils for your skin. We have an acute sense of smell, so you'll want to avoid smelling like food...--

Vanadict nodded, smiling now. "While in troll lands, be clean, least you smell bad- or worst, declicious." Vanadict bowed first to the banker and than to the Sister. "Lead on, Mrs."

--Mrs.? Oh, that quaint offworld custom of defining a female by her relationship to a male.--Kurga inclined her head slightly. --I am a Gore, descended from the founders of Dagori Inkarth, our first settlement on this world. The Gore clan still controls Spoorwood, and the Castle of Lead-my husbands will define themselves by their relationship to me. At least, if they know what's good for them...--
She drew aside a bead curtain. --Here are our bathing facilities. You were wise to ask here-the Argan Argari have been merchants and traders since before Time, so we know the importance of cleanliness and appearances very well, as well as tending ourselves well enough to appear of the upper classes. Would you like a mud bath first? They're good for your skin, and wonderful for your mood...--

Vanadict smiled softly and nodded. "That would be a good start." It was surprising how many nations and peoples out there who would consider themselves more "advanced" than the Muri did not understand the merits of cleanliness, while these trolls, who are unfortunatly displayed in common culture as brutish, dirty beings have fine baths and oils. Vanadict just shook her head as she thought to herself. How strange, the way the Universe works. Vanadict turned to Kurga. "I ment no offense when stating your status, it is a custom on many worlds." She appraised the mud before her. "Anything I should know before I begin?"

--A foolish custom--Kurga sniffed disdainfully.--The man who fathers my children shall take me in personal combat, and even then he shall know he faced a Daughter of Gore. Any less would dishonor us both, and I have the finger bones of twelve suitors who were unworthy.
--As far as the mud bath, you will be buried in the nutrient-rich mud, which is kept at body temperature. If you feel you are falling asleep, summon the attendant to be removed-the mud will largely immobilize you, and if you should fall asleep it may bake you alive. Otherwise, relax for an hour or so, then repair to the sauna for a thorough scrub and defoliation, then a hot shower and oil massage-would you care for a pedicure and manicure after? Just inform the attendant of your needs, and do not hesitate to ask for me if anything else is required.--

Indigo stared after Vanadict in utter shock, barely able to keep her upset off her face. She had seldom, of late at least, been so totaly ignored.

And as for being left to try and figure out their needs for the coming journey by herself! And Vanadict goes off to take a bath! She's not going to be any help obviously! Indigo fumed for a moment then turned her thoughts to making a mental list of what they might need.Drawing constantly on on Kai is not a good thing so...

Her mind whirled furiously, she fumbled with questions of a sort she had never had to try and answer before. She had never been camping or out in any sort of unregulated wilderness. Nothning about the Divine One's Court was 'wilderness' or anything but safe. Though she had read about such.

And she found herself frightened and hiding behind the heaviest shields she could throw up as she considered and reconsidered what they would need.How much food will we need? Do we need to take the raw materials with us? Water? It's not like there are water fountains or taps every mile or so I'd guess. How wiill the things that need to be kept cold be kept fresh? How long will this journey take? Where will we sleep at night, is it even safe to sleep at night? I've never travelled by cart any distance before...This isn't like walking in my little park She thought of the manicured little park that her rooms had opened on to. The ten acres that had been her whole world for the first ten years of her life. The peace she had always felt there - she refused to acknowledge the loneliness that also resided there- brought her back to herself.

Whenh the banker looked back at her from watching Vanadict leave she put her firmest foot forward. "I will need to inspect the carts and a guide yes we will need a guide. I will choose supplies in the market place so that I ma judge their quality for myself."

And then damnit I'll have a bath! but this needs to get done first, and I think Vanadict would have more experience than I in handling this. She would have words later with the Xiscapian Ambassador.

--Certainly, Milady--the banker bowed.--We shall head out to the Temple of Gorakikki immediately--
Humbaba extended a foreclaw to Indigo--Allow me to escort you, Niblet. It wouldn't do to have my huntbrother's consort--the giggle that accompanied this was unvoiced save by the bolongo--accosted by some unsavory type--
He solemnly lead her to his carriage, and helped her aboard.
The Temple of Gorakikki was a massive structure, housing a vast insect stable. Humbaba casually played the tour guide again, pointing out the advantages of stag beetles over the great mantises that Indigo noted were much higher priced.--The mantis is a steed for a noble, but they're carnivorous and need an experienced handler. The beetles are much better for you, I think, as they're easy to manage and feed on mulch. Endurance-wise, they're about the same--
--Actually, if the young lady is going by carriage, the beetles are a much better buy for the bolg--the speaker was a young kitsune with jet-black hair and brilliant green eyes.--She can let them forage by day, while she rests--
--Do I know you?--Humbaba's voice took on a dangerous edge as he turned to the newcomer.
--Kyroto, Adept Three Oaks--the kitsune bowed low--I have travelled the length and breadth of Pamaltela, and saw kindred spirits here. I have been among the Muri for a very long time, and hunger for non-troll company. Forgive me if I intrude, but I hope to advise, and by my advice, earn a bit of information from beyond Pamaltela--

Kai had stayed silent. Indigo needed the experience yes, but Vanadict should have at least acknowledged her question and concerns. However he was willing to forgive Vanadict in light of her recent... unwellness. Though from the expression Indigo hid well enough to fool those who didn't know her, Indigo did not. He trailed behind but kept a close watch as he followed Humbaba and Indigo out to the carriage.

Allow me to escort you, Niblet. It wouldn't do to have my huntbrother's consort accosted by some unsavory type--

"Thank you Humbaba" Indigo repled "Are there many unsavory types about?" She asked with wide eyed innocence that probably didn't fool him for a moment. But her natural good humor had reasserted itself. Indigo found herself liking Humbaba even more, asnd very glad of his presence.

The massive stone structurfe she found very impressive and Indigo looked the various insects over intently, listening carefully to his explanations of their pros and cons. She was about to agree with him that the stag beetles were beter suited when a stranger, a kitsune- though she though he was the one they had glimpsed earlier- interupted

Do I know you

Kyroto, Adept Three Oaks. I have travelled the length and breadth of Pamaltela, and saw kindred spirits here. I have been among the Muri for a very long time, and hunger for non-troll company. Forgive me if I intrude, but I hope to advise, and by my advice, earn a bit of information from beyond Pamaltela

Indigo studied him carefully - but also keep the corner of her eye on Humbaba as she intended to let his response guide her own. She was concerned that her perhaps too open welcoming of strangers might well get her into trouble. She could feel Kai's presence at her back, moving up just a shade protectively.

Vanadict's mind was clear and untroubled as she climbed into the mud bath. She had left things up to Indigo and Kai, and had never even considered the girls feelings, assuming that because Indigo's attention had turned elsewhere after speaking to her, her presence and answers were no longer needed. Indeed, The Vanadict was unused to traveling with anyone other than the silent, coldly efficent Black Guards from world to world. She put her trust totally in her companions to take care of things, forgetting or ignoring the fact that they were not kitsune and did not understand such treatment was not rudeness, merely an attempt to be more polite. If you are speaking to someone and suddenly turn your voice to another, it indicates that you are no longer interested in talking to the person you were previously engaged with. If Indigo had been anyone else Vanadict would have taken offense, but knowing she knew not of kitsue ways, Vanadict had left well enough to be. Or so she thought. Human customs were hardly unknown to her, but she had unconciously slipped into kitsune customs. Thus Vanadict did not know of the hurt Indigo suffered in her absence. At peace, she allowed herself to relax, settling back up to her neck, the thick brown mud forming around her. She sighed softly. Always on the move.

--Your advice mirrors and compliments my own, so you have some sense, if not enough to mind your own business. Now be off before I decide I hunger for non-troll company, as well--Something in Humbaba's low growl sent the young kitsune scurrying off, his feathered headdress the last part of him visible.
--We haven't interacted with the kitsune enough for one to have gone native--Humbaba observed--Either a shipwreck survivor or some dilettante poseur. The intense magnetics of our world brings down ships that travel too close, and once here, no technology functions, so they wander the wilderness, the fortunate few being adopted into a clan or Order. I believe that one may have sought entry into the Ordo Zongi. His skirts seem similar to theirs, but I am not Ordo Zongi.
--Ah well, let me look over your carts for you, Niblet-the shocks should be better than mine-I rarely leave Big Rubble-and I think I can improve upon them for your comfort--
Humbaba grabbed and shook the carriage heartily before lowering himself on his back to study the undercarriage.--These seem serviceable enough, but if you'd care to climb aboard and jump up and down?--

.--These seem serviceable enough, but if you'd care to climb aboard and jump up and down?--

Indigo had hidden a grin as the young Kitsune took to his heels. "Carefull Humbaba or one of these days you are going to hunger for something and it will end up giving you indigestion" She teased gently as Kai helped her up into the carriage.

Though she felt a little silly she never the less gave the carriage a few hard jumps, though she wasn't certain how much good it did, as she didn't weigh all that much. Not even a quarter of what Humbaba did...

"Kai Please come up here. I think your jumps may well be more forceful than mine."

He oblidged and put a litle extra weight on just in case.

--These seem to be the newest arrangement from the Ordo Gadbladi--Humbaba observed casually--Perhaps a bit rougher than you are used to on harsh terrain, but perfectly serviceable. I'd say a good five years' wear in Big Rubble before serious replacement parts are warranted. It should serve you well, so long as you stick to the main roads.--
He slid out and stood, dusting himself lightly.--The carriage is acceptable, so now it falls to select your team. I'd not worry overmuch on the health of the animals, as the Ordo Gorakikki has a reputation to maintain. It's largely selecting one with a personality congruous with your own, so let us to the pens so you may observe them.--He helped Indigo step down, and let Kai step down himself, saying--If you were more familiar with our animals, I'd suggest that one select a mantis. If he rode alongside on one, it would convince many you were a traveling noble, and bandits avoid attacking nobles-the network of revenge seekers dissuades them.
--However, that's a moot point, and a mantis has a tremendous appetite. We'll pick out some nice fat beetles and have you ready for market soon.--

After a time Vanadict called for an aide, though she was perfectly capable of getting out herself using the Force. Once removed she retired to a sauna to wash the mud away and generally clean herself. Scrubbing vigorously she poundered what she had seen, heard, and felt so far. The world of the Muri seemed pleasent enough, but they were still inside the city. This stranger, the spirit of the world...dispite his assurance of friendliness, and Vanadict believed him, it was still...surreal. Vanadict stepped out of the shower and, not finding a towel and ready to move on to the next stage, signaled for an aide.

The masseur was massive and amazingly careful as he sniffed the Vanadict thoroughly before blending a mix of oils and beginning a slow massage.--Will you be here long?--he asked as he worked, claws delicately kneading the oils into the Vanadict's skin.--I only ask because with your odd body chemistry, the essential oils for proper hygiene are best mixed as used, and it would be a simple matter to arrange delivery to your quarters--
He was a master of acupressure, his deft claws aligning her body for maximum comfort and relaxation.--Do let me know if you experience any discomfort. I haven't used these techniques since the Agrimori, well, you know--

No, I don't think my friends and I- Mmmm..." Vanadict started to answer and broke off in a sign of pleasure as the troll worked on a particularly hard knot of muscles that had formed in her upper back. "No," she continued, "I think we'll be moving on soon. Arrangments are being made-" Her yellow eyes, which had been lazily half closed, popped open. "Oh! I left Indigo and Kai to make the arrangements! They must be so angry!" She rose up, the towel which had beed folded across her buttocks falling to the floor. She got off the table, bumping the troll accidentally and nearly falling, but not even swaying him. However, she hardly seemed to notice. She went over to a nearby bench and began pulling on her clothes. She was dressed in less than twenty seconds and finished by attatching her katana to her belt. She gave a quick bow to her masseur. "I apologize, I must get back to my companions. I hope to visit here again soon." And then she was gone, after tossing the appropriate bag of money to the troll. Out on the streets she jogged forward a few steps, then stopped. It occured to her she didn't remember where she had left Indigo and Kai. Slightly worried now, she looked around and spied a fellow kitsune. He had raven black hair and bright green eyes, casually leaning against a wall. Eye color other than orange or yellow were extremely rare among the Xiscapians, although not unheard of. Vanadict locked her intense yellow eyes with his laughing green ones and gave a little bow.

"The streets of Big Rubble are hardly the place for a lovely woman as yourself." he sighed slowly. "Not many aliens here-are you part of the Athling's party? They're at the Temple of Gorakikki, right now."

Kai laughed as he jumped lightly down from the carriage. "If it has a mind thats controlable, I can ride it. But if their appetite is that big it might not be worth it cost wise" Kai mused as he followed them to where the beetles were stabled.

"Perhaps we can find a beetle or two that thinks it's a mantis, and is protective" Indigo joked as she looked the shiney carapaced stag beetles. Then she saw one that looked as if it had been dipped in a mirror that was reflecting all sorts of greens, blues and purples (http://www.wettropics.gov.au/st/rainforest_explorer/Resources/Images/animals/invertebrates/MuellersStagBeetle.jpg). "Why that looks just like a Muellers Stag Bettle, but about a hundred times larger."

"The streets of Big Rubble are hardly the place for a lovely woman as yourself." he sighed slowly. "Not many aliens here-are you part of the Athling's party? They're at the Temple of Gorakikki, right now."
"I'm afraid I do not know where that is located. Will you, kind sir, be able to lead me there?" She gave him a coy smile. "Come from Xiscapia, do you?" This last sentence was spoken not in Common, but in Xiscapian, which is a fairly hard language to learn if you grew up speaking a different one. Xiscapian's spoke Common around offworlders, and kits were taught it at home and in class, but if Xiscapian speakers are alone or weary of easedroppers they will slip back into the seemingly random Xiscapian language, which sounds like Japanese, but is based off a now dead language. If this kitsune was indeed from Xiscapia (and it was relatively rare for kitsune to be found elsewhere) he would understand her and respond in kind.

"Long, long ago." the young kitsune replied, his Xiscapian rusty from disuse. "Our ship crashed here when I was young, and I've been Greystoking since. The trolls are very accepting of outsiders, provided you can live here-and feed yourself. I was very fortunate to wind up near Delecti's Marsh, and the ducks helped me quite a bit, until I outgrew their homes."
He extended an elbow. "Here, let me escort you-though as a breeding female, it's more your escorting me to them. The temple is this way..."
Meanwhile, back at the Temple of Gorakikki...
(OOC:Is that the cameraman I see in the corner of it's wing?)
Humbaba leaned over, letting his shadow fall over the placid insects, who continued munching away contentedly.--They certainly aren't skittish. Perhaps you should see how they handle.--he remarked,--If it can't take direction, it's only good for food.--
--They're fine beasts--the handler protested--Trained to accept all the basic commands, plus return home after a night's foraging. I have their whistle, here--he blew it, and the beetles scurried towards him.--Very well trained, excellent beasts.--

OOC: LOL I think so. Pretty isn't it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yes they seem quite healthy, and responsive to the whistle. But I'd like your best, enough to pull a carriage and a large wagon without strain." Then she looked at the handler with assessing eyes. "How do you train them?"

She knew enough to know that animals trained with kindness were better than those trained with fear and punishment.

Kai had dropped back to look at the Mantises, but did not -as ever- lose track of Indigo and Humbaba.

--Beetles are fairly docile, and not terribly bright--the handler replied,--We of the Ordo Gorakikki know how to speak to them so they understand, and when they obey, we feed them-little treats we know they enjoy. Soon, they equate proper behavior with food and perform without encouragement--
The beetle nuzzled the trainer, who palmed a mushroom to it.--Of course, they also begin to equate us with food and come begging when they think they can get away with it. You will want to lay in a supply of mushrooms to reward them with when they answer the whistle-here, we use a special variety grown only in the Spoorwood. You'll want to watch how much you feed them-they won't monitor their own diet, and will eat until they burst if allowed--
He handed a length of braided cord to Indigo--This holds their nutritional requirements and dietary needs. They'll forage readily enough, but you should supplement them with a few odds and ends-an occasional bit of fruit or mushroom tidbit.--
Kai was admiring the mantises when a troll came up behind him.--Talon, there, is a fine steed. Bloodline goes all the way back to Kropa. His parents are both in the Voivode's personal guard, and he's on the list, soon as a rider comes available. Fully acclimated to a war zone-doesn't spook or flee explosions, and no fear of fire whatsoever. Took him through the Firelands of Vorga myself for his test-run, and he brought down a tarantula on his own.--
Kai's attention was drawn to the entry of the Vanadict and Kyroto from the street...

Vanadict followed the young kitsune. "I never got your name, young one. From what crashed ship did you come from?"

"I am Kyroto." he answered softly. "My parents referred to the ship as 'The Brat', but I doubt that was it's real name. It was a merchant transport, and crashed in Delecti's Marsh-it sank like a stone, and may still be there, though it has been a long time."

Vanadict concealed a frown. Kyroto was the Emperor's alias when he fought in the Final Battle of the Korr war. Strange that this stranded Xiscapian should have the same name. "And what of your parents? Are they still alive?"

"No-they didn't survive the crash." he became sullen for a moment. "I dragged myself out of the swamp, where I was raised by the Ducks of Delecti's Marsh until I grew too large to fit in their huts anymore. I've sort of cast about, eked out a small savings, but passage offworld is so expensive, and my skills are too common here to be marketable. I am a Journeyman Hunter of the Ordo Zongi, but without Clan matronage, that means precious little. The clans are jealous of their hunting lands, and regard poachers as additional food."

"How have you managed to survive? Forgive me, but here you seem to either need incredible amounts of luck or skill to not be killed, whether by trolls or humans or the planet itself." Vanadict kept very calm, but inside she was still bursting with questions. Kitsune were resourceful adaptors, though perhaps not as good at it as humans. How had this Kyroto managed to survive for so long?

"I was very fortunate to have crashed in Delecti's Marsh. Since Delecti doesn't care for large predators, his marsh is one of the safest regions on Pamaltela. The Ducks there taught me to boat and fish, and as I grew, I branched out into the nearby jungles, where I learned how to hunt from Gorkoko of the Bee Clan. The Bee Clan is huge, and shared their hunting grounds until I joined the Ordo Zongi. Apparently, as a neighbor, they didn't have an issue, but as a professional hunter, they considered my using their lands as poaching, and I became an object in the Zong battles of the region.
"This became intolerable in short order, so I used the Order to transfer here, where I rent out as a guide and scout. Unfortunately, for all their size and bulk, trolls are silent masters of stealth, with the ears of a bat and the nose of a bloodhound, so the plum assignments tend to pass to them. I may soon acquire responsibility for a territory through the Ordo Drakul, but it will be a strange place and I shall have to spend years studying the flora and fauna to properly stock it. With luck, I shall have the results of the prior caretaker's studies, as the trolls think nothing of taking a century or two to study the environment before acting."

Vanadict nodded. "Do you seek to travel with us? We could use a secondary guide, no matter of race or expertise." She began to recognize the streets around them. They were nearing their destination.

Kai kept one ear on Talons handler and one on Vanadict and the young Kitsune that Humbaba had chased out- enterp[rizing wretch he had come back in her trains so now he had some degree of safety. Kai swallowed a grin as he looked at the Muri and requested to see him handle Talon

"Let me see how he moved and I may buy him I can see his quality bbut I'd like to see him ridden first."

This holds their nutritional requirements and dietary needs. They'll forage readily enough, but you should supplement them with a few odds and ends-an occasional bit of fruit or mushroom tidbit.--

Indigo listened happily to the handler, not hiding her smile. "You are most wise and I am pleased by your training methods. How many would I need. I would prefer enough so that none have to strain or over work. And yes I will definitely lay in a store of those mushrooms and some fruit. Question though - will they self regulate when they forage during the day or must that be watched as well?"

He smiled, a full, disarming display. "That would be my pleasure, Ma'am, as Doraddi is where I'm headed as well." He read her expression, and answered:"The Doraddi Sultanate is seeking all manner of servant, including huntsmen, and as the Athling has no clan of his own, if I prove of use to you, it will give me a leg up on the competition, and I may be grandfathered into his clan when he joins one or forms his own.
"You see, the Orders do supply some structure to troll society and most of it's controls, but the clans are where the real power lies. Clan membership can make or break you, here. The Sultan's current war with his clan, the Krags, provides quite an opportunity for otherwise clanless types like myself. One can only hope he rewards those loyal when this matter is done."

Vanadict smiled and nodded once more. "Loyalty cannot be bought, it can only be deserved." She had reached the stables of the beetles. Giving a solem, sorrow-filled, apologetic bow to Kai, she knealt beside Indigo, facing her, head head down, staring at the ground, an act of utter submission. "This foolish women wishs to be granted permission to speak."

The trainer clapped Kai on the shoulder.--Certainly, certainly. I'll saddle him up and let you fly him around, then a romp on the training grounds so you can see how he handles on the ground.--he shouted a few commands, and the great mantis was put in his tack. Kai noted that Talon accepted the saddle, but had an odd expression as he watched Kai approach, as if debating Rider or Meal?
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--They usually won't turn up enough in their foraging for it to matter, especially if they've been hauling all night. They sleep, too, just not as much as you or I. If they seem a bit sluggish when you start out, they probably had too much, but they'll liven up as they burn it off. If they remain sluggish, keep them tied to the cart for the day. If they're still sluggish, they didn't get enough and you should toss them some mulch before setting out--the trainer winked--Just be wary. They know how to charm when it suits them, and will spoil themselves given half a chance--
As if it understood him, the beetle nuzzled the trainer again, and cooed softly

Indigo spun about her face a study in surprize and her eyes huge with shock as Vanidict knelt.

"This foolish women wishs to be granted permission to speak."


Then Indigo was by her friend's side tugging her to her feet."Nonsense don't you dare kneel to me. You'll get your clothes and tail all dirty. There's no need for this. And you are not foolish." She mock scolded gently " Friends are past such formal silliness. Now whats the matter?" Her concern was real, she kjnew Vanadict would have not been so formal with out some strong reason behind it.

Kai watched from the corner of his eye for a moment. He had known that Indigo's intrinsic good nature and warmth wouldn't let her stay angry. She would throw her energy into coping with the task instead.

He looked Talon in the eye, and reached out...*Partner*

The mantis cocked it's head curiously, and settled slowly, allowing Kai to get into the saddle--then it leaped high and spread it's wings, wafting into the air. Startled momentarily, Kai held on as the mantis twisted and spun through the air, diving to frighten a flock of large ducks, who scattered, one quacking out obscenities as it shook a wing ending in a clenched fist.
The scathing curses translated by his bolongo would have brought a blush to many a soldier, but Kai instead took firm hold of Talon's reins and brought the great beast under control.
He discovered that given his head, Talon was quite the aerial daredevil, but took direction if given in confidence. The mantis seemed to relish opportunities to swoop down over large crowds, buzzing overhead in an attempt to make them run or startle them, and had an amazing propensity for flying upside down or diving under low hanging branches or signs, leaving just enough room for Kai's head. It seemed to be a test of some sort, as the mantis settled more and allowed Kai to direct it after some test swoops and attempts to dislodge him.
The skies of Big Rubble had some other insect riders, but they gave the pair wide berth, especially after Talon reached out with his forepincer to smack them off-balance, something Kai found he could prevent if he cared to by twisting the reins a certain way.
Talon regarded himself as King of the Sky, and acted it in the air. He was cocky and confident, and contemptuous of other fliers. Kai got the impression his presence was all that kept the mantis from tearing apart certain of the other insects and feeding on them while airborne, particularly the great wasps some trolls seemed to favor, but Talon would divert from course to intercept if not redirected.
Despite his headstrong nature, Talon would take direction if given in complete confidence and surety, though he would also improvise if allowed, and proved quite adept at dodging the various missiles that came his way as a result of his actions. Kai noted that the mantis would compensate for him as well, at least after his initial recklessness.

Back at the Stables
Humbaba watched the scene between the Vanadict and Indigo, somewhat disgruntled that the annoying kitsune had attached himself to the Vanadict. He watched Kyroto in annoyance, but decided to wait until the females had resolved their differences until driving Kyroto off again.

Indigo spun about her face a study in surprize and her eyes huge with shock as Vanidict knelt.

"This foolish women wishs to be granted permission to speak."


Then Indigo was by her friend's side tugging her to her feet."Nonsense don't you dare kneel to me. You'll get your clothes and tail all dirty. There's no need for this. And you are not foolish." She mock scolded gently " Friends are past such formal silliness. Now whats the matter?" Her concern was real, she kjnew Vanadict would have not been so formal with out some strong reason behind it.

Kai watched from the corner of his eye for a moment. He had known that Indigo's intrinsic good nature and warmth wouldn't let her stay angry. She would throw her energy into coping with the task instead.

He looked Talon in the eye, and reached out...*Partner*
Vanadict rose grudgingly, still staring at the ground. "I have insulted you. Unknowingly, unwittingly, I left you. To do what? Soak in a bloody bath!" She spat these last few words. "I abandoned you when I should have stayed, and for that there can be no forgivness." It was as if Vanadict had abandoned Indigo in the heat of battle, leaving her to die. Her feelings were that powerful, her shame ran that deep.

Kai was pleased with Talon's personality - strong and confident but ameniable to taking direction and most willing to take risks. He laughed "You are impressive my new friend." As he urged the great insect to even more acrobatics, but careful never to push Talon beyond his comfort zone. He didn't want to see him injured. Though he suspected that the Mantis, used to eight hundred pound Muri, found his own two thirty of solid muscle almost no weight at all. He reached out sharing Talon's pleasure, and letting the Mantis know that Kai found him most worthy, an exceptional partner.

Eventually he directed Talon to land and gave him a mental carress.

~~~~~~

Indigo thought quickly and replied with similar severity, hopeing she understood correctly.. "Yes you did rather abandon me, but I know that neither of us are much used to travelling with others. And you did me the honor of believing that I could handle the necessary arrangements on my own. I do not hold you guilty- with no offense, there can be no guilt -however obviously you do. I want things to be right between us, we're friends, so what would make you feel better about this, what would set it right for you?"

The Vanadict stood now. She wordlessly drew her katana and with the other hand drew a tiny crystal flask. She sliced the katana in a very shallow nick along her neck, letting out a single drop of blood fall into the flask. Instantly the cut vanished and she put the cap on the flask, which was now red instead of clear due to the reflections of the blood. "To forgiveness is to smash the flask. While one had the flask unbroken in their possesion they have not forgiven the offender. In other times Emperors had rooms filled with these, baring the blood of the unforgiven." It was an ancient ritual, but the only sealing pact in the spirit world.

Indigo took the flask and studied it for a moment, then ask, carefully choosing her words, then deciding to be even more precise went to mental communication her hands touching Vanadicts to make it clear and private. You, They you beyond the name and concept Vanadict are my friend, And I forgive you without reservation or hesitation. I hope that by this you will forgive youself, as that is more important for harmony than my forgiveness of you. I know that is very hard to do, but I wish you would. And as you have shed blood for me, so in my cultire I must in turn shed blood for you

She took the tiny crystal dagger (http://www.atddm.com/indigod1.jpg), that was her mothers, and had never left her throat and nicked her wrist, drawing a bead of blood that was instantly absorbed into the crystal daggers tip. She then touched it to the crystal that held Vanadict's blood, and the redness of the blood filed crystal flask dimmed, as half was absorbed by the claw curved daggers tip. Speaking aloud "Bare is sisterless back. As my blade bears your blood, so shall it protect your blood."

And with a single liquidly flowing move she tossed Vanadict's crystal flask into the air and her own Honor blade was in her hand ,slashing out like lightening to to cleave the the flask in twain. The two halves disappeared in a flash of purest white light.

Humbaba released the breath he'd drawn in when the Vanadict cut herself. He could hear the fluttering of leathern wimgs and clattering of bone that meant a Grey Fury had heeded the call issued by the ancient rite, and was awaiting Indigo's decision. These creatures-no, these friends, alien as they were, were strong spiritually, and did not yet realize how near and eager the spirits were, here. Had Indigo not forgiven the Vanadict--Humbaba shuddered at the thought.
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--Ho! I see you've finally brought one back!--Kai was greeted by the trainer, who he soon realized was speaking to Talon.--You're either a good rider or he likes you. Would you like a trial combat on the ground, now? I have padded weaponry, and it won't take long to set my boys up.--

Vanadict bowed most solemnly to Indigo, her eyes shining a moment with tears which vanished in the next instant. "Thank you." She sheathed her sword with the decisive click of metal on metal. "It is done now. I am at peace." Her whole body relaxed visibly. "Now we may turn our attention to the matters at hand. How are our travel preperations going?"

--Your carriages are adequate to the task, and the Lady Indigo has been interviewing the trainer before selecting a team. I believe she fancies the shiny ones, over there.--Humbaba nodded toward the brilliantly reflective beetles, still nuzzling their trainer for treats, cooing ecstatically.

Vanadict walked over to the beetles. "These creatures are calm in the Force. They will prove worthy steeds." She ran a hand over one beetle's glossy shell. "Beautiful and effective." she murmered.

--I doubt you'd want to use one as a steed--the trainer observed--If you were on it's back and it spooked, those wing shields would give you quite an unpleasant experience. Best you use them as dray, but it's your legs...--

"Hmm." Vanadict made a slight noise in her throat. "I thought you rode these, like we did in the ancient times..." She shook her head slightly, remembering the Old World. "Did you say dray? We are going to use them for nesting?"

--I suppose, if you have to eat one and use it's shell for shelter--the trainer spoke--However, for steeds, we prefer either spiders, or hornets, bees, locusts, and of course, the mantises of the knights for aerial mounts. The beetle's hard carapace that protects its wings opens in such a way as to make seating unpleasant-I meant that they will draw your carriages as opposed to being ridden--

"Ah." Vanadict nodded wisely. "I understand." She turned to Humbaba. "How long will it take us to reach our destination?" She seemed quite cheerful now that she had been forgiven and the abandonment forgotten.

--Well, after a day outfitting in the market-I know Muritan send rather specific instructions, but you must understand that trolls often fail to realize the shortcomings of other races. A troll would eat off the land all the way there, so you may wish to ascertain proper food and water for your needs. Teddy Bear Junction is perhaps two nights' journey, then Big Skyfall Lake another five nights from that, with another week or so to Doraddi, then the Yellow Springs a mere carriage ride from there. All this presupposes nothing untoward shall occur.--Humbaba answered her simply.--Sadly, untoward occurrences are a fact of life here, and I cannot say beyond that.--

Vanadict chuckled. "Oh, Xiscapians are good at living off the land, although here it may be that the land would try to live off us instead." She smiled. "Uncertainty is the only certainty, after all, and I welcome the spice of the unknown adventure."

"Humbaba, would you suggest a pair of bettles, or a full hand of four?" Indigo asked as she watched and took the measure of the beetles. She didn't want ones too overly pushy, or too reluctant, but ones of middle temprament.

She chuckled at Vanadicts comment that living off the land might invite it to try and live off them. "I think we do need to visit the market place, Vanadict, if for nothing but to lay in a store of forage and dietary supplements for our beetles. And I think I might feel more comefcortable if we had a store of foods safe for us, for sadly I lack some of the augumentaions you have. I'd be very likely to pick a fruit off a tree and have the tree assault me for my impertnence" She laughed good naturedly.

--I shouldn't worry-most of the trees that attack are flowering, not fruit-bearing, and lure prey closer by attractive scents. Though you will want to stay clear of anything resembling an eight-foot tall pinapple--Humbaba informed her.--As far as your transport, I'd suggest two carriages and four beetles altogether. That way you can make certain to carry all you may need.--

Vanadict smiled good naturedly. "We should go to the market after our transport has been arranged. Food, water, perhaps weapons and charms, too. If only, information is alway useful."

--The marketplace IS rife with gossip, but I expect now that most of it revolves around the unconventional sexual practices of the Sultan of Doraddi. I must collect up the juiciest to send to your homeworld on Imp's Night--Humbaba laughed, this time a great rocking roar from the belly instead of the odd cackle he usually emitted.--Oh, how I would love to tell him personally-the expression on his face--he laughed hard, again, this time wiping tears from his eyes.
--Well, let's pick your beetles and get to the market-I really must get to work collecting...--

Chuckling along with Humbaba - his deep belly laugh was most infectious. Indigo's eyes twinkled over her veil and her voice was litleing with represted laughter. "I will neither confirm or deny anything. He would be sooo disappointed if I kissed ...and more...and told. All I will say is that " And here she sighed wistfully "I miss him so dreadfully. There isn't a Muri living that can match him"

The she turned and chose, with decisiveness, four of the beetles she felt would be best. "Send the bill to the Sultan of Doraddi. Kai, are you satisfied with that Mantis.

Kai and Talon had just returned from practising on the ground. Kai looked over to where the others stood and nodded. "He's excellent. We'll work well together."

"Add the price of the Mantis to the bill. However I will warn you that if I inspect the bill and find it outrageous I'll be the one coming to discuss it with you" Indigo declared, not unkindly but Very firmly.

The Vanadict grinned also. Poor Gerrak. He is such a noble being...
She turned to Kyroto, who had been left entirely out of this conversation. "This...is Kyroto, a hunter. He lead me back, as I was somewhat lost in attempting to get back from thr bathouse. He wishs to travel with us and perhaps seek employment. Does anyone have an objections?" She looked around. While Kyroto's shape was familiar, he was still strange, having been raised here on this world. He came with no traditions, customs, or expectations that most every Xiscapian is saddled with. It would be an interesting comparison, Chief Diplomat of Xiscapia and a lowly hunter of the Muri. Assuming, of course, he would be allowed to stay, and that steely glint in Humbaba's eyes wasn't anything more than, perhaps, gas?

--I shouldn't worry overmuch, Niblet. Sometime back, the Ordo Argan Argari passed a standardized fee bill-they used it to artificially jack up prices until recent major wars saw a noble corner the market on certain foodstuffs and literally rape the Order as they had to supply everything for the cost listed while the market rose much above the standard fee, They've been recouping their losses ever since, and tend to rake the poor collectors over the coals when they can.--Humbaba told her, smiling over her choices.--Now, as you travel, let me tell you, you will be staying at freeholds if not sleeping under Xentha's care. To stay at a freehold, it is tradition to give the Clan Mother a gift, which means a luxury item, and these are luxuries to us:
There are many items that can traded to trolls that have little practical value, but which trolls find appealing-just like humans, after all.
--Trinkets-Trolls, even trolls of great power and sophistication, will buy stupid trinkets. Pinwheels, oddly textured fabrics, glass beads and similar garbage can readily sell to trolls who find them appealing. There is a lack of repeat business once the novelty wears off, but as gifts, they're good for the time you'll be there.
--Silk-The only supply of silk is from the Orani Mur cult, which can produce it in only limited quanties, though embroidered silk is particularly valued, since the embroidery shows up well against the silky fabric to darksense.
--Jewelry and Gems-Trolls like jewelry just as much as humans, but not necessarily the same items. Trolls favor oddly faceted gems, red gemstones (rubies, jaspar, topaz, garnet or sphalerite), black gemstones (like onyx, carnilian, tourmaline or black tigereye), slick or metallic stones (like hemitite, obsidian and malichite) and items where several metals are used (especially lead, silver and aluminum). Enameled items are also highly popular.
--You should have an eye to these items, as a pleasing gift may well be the difference between a night in the freehold and a night outdoors.

"This...is Kyroto, a hunter. He lead me back, as I was somewhat lost in attempting to get back from thr bathouse. He wishs to travel with us and perhaps seek employment. Does anyone have an objections?"

Indigo looked at him long and consideringly "Do you know how to drive a carriage? We are going to hire a guide but some one to drive the second carriage would be most useful."

And her look became a flat out and out stare. Her voice was coldness with an almost subsonic growl to it. It was Voice, nascent yes, but with the beginnings of Command in it.

"And just so you know -I am Novan. I may look 'human' but I am not and I come from a culture that does not hesitate to slay if the reason is grave enough." She was testing him to see if he had the fortitute to stand up to her, as he had not to Humbaba.

Kai was glad he was still some distance away, as his eyes widened in shock. She should have not had that ability with her voice...yet.

OOC: Think of the Bene Gesserit ability of Voice.

OOC:I haven't read the Dune series since God Emperor of Dune came out, but I remember well enough. Never took enough drugs to understand the movies, though. I did do a mental flashback to Forever Knight where they'd make an actor speak into an echo chamber to reflect that same ability, so I'm not too far off.
IC:Kyroto smiled easily, a disarming easy grin that seemed infectious in it's good nature. "Beetles are easy enough to handle, ma'am. Given what exists outside the walls, you'll need that willingness to slay. Between what the trolls call insects and the therapods, it's amazing mammals even got off the ground floor here. Add the strange ways of the Clan Mothers to the mix, and you may well find yourself in a duel to the death for a wrong word, or a gift that insults their standing."

"Good. You can be our native advisor.`" Indigo replied with a warm smile that still held some reserve. "Youy can start b y assissting us in the market place. Humbaba has generously given me much advice and I know it is sound, but what I consider unusual gens and such might not be so to local eyes..or..

She looked over at Vanadict and altered her plans saying "Two groups of us looking might do better than one. Vanadict why don't you and Kyroto look aobu together and Humbab and I will be the other team. Then we could meet where ever we are swtaying the night for dinner."

She looked up at Humbaba and asked "There are hotels in the city are there not? One's that might cater to outlanders? Or have other arrangements been made, or need to be made?"

--Today, I shall house the males at the Ordo Arkati chapter house, while the females shall reside with the priestess Gemilla of the Ordo Vaneekara, Niblet-though we can get you a hotel room if you wish--Humbaba replied.--I can take you there now, but I thought it would be better to hit the marketplace while it's active. We tend to sleep when Yelm's eye is on the land, but I understand your people are not nocturnal--

tend to sleep when Yelm's eye is on the land, but I understand your people are not nocturnal

Indigo chucdkles "Not specifically no, but if I can get in four hours of sleep at some point I'm good to go any time. We Novans have very good low light vision, we see as well in the dark as a cat does all but. We also see a few colors humans can't and into the IR if we get a chance to meditate and 'turn on'the connections.Shopping when the market is active would be the best, so yes let us rest now why not?"

She looked over at Vanadict to guage her reaction to this suggestion.

Vanadict shurgged and nodded. "During the daylight hours or at night, I am fine with either. Like Indigo, I only need a few hours of rest at a time, although I do enjoy my sleep." She smiled. "I am curious about your currency system. I hear you barter much." She directed this at Humbaba. "It may be interesting to see what certain things are worth to a troll vendor."
OOC: As far as jewlry goes, the Vanadict wears a small neck collar thing, it's cortosis with gold as the first few layers, ingraved with symbols marking the wearer as The Vanadict. She also wears a silver ring with a little emerald in the middle on her left ring finger.

--We prefer barter, but according to the Argan Argari and their "reflected sound of earth elementals", the bolg is worth 1.30 standard units (OOC:NS reckoning, based for some reason on the US dollar, which I replaced with "standard units" for RP puposes), not that anyone understands that outside of the Argan Argari--Humbaba shrugged-- The odd ceramic is unknown here, so it might pull a pretty penny were it not combined with gold-it's seen as the metal of the Butcher Sun here, and little esteemed but much prejudiced against for that-the ring might fetch a nice price, however. Silver shows up well to darksense and is highly valued as a result,

"I am not particularly partial to this ring, and I will sell it if what it buys is or can be useful. We have large silver mines on Xiscapia, so silver is fantastically cheap, this ring's silver would only be worth a few hundred credits. The stone, however, is another matter. It is not common, and would fetch many tens of thousands of credits."

--How odd--Humbaba observed--One would think it's uses as a conductor and relative tensile strength would make it more valuable to spacefarers, despite supply.
--Well, we will see how it goes-let's meet up at Gimpy's in the Hour of Scampering for a meal before retiring, hmm?--

"I was speaking merely in terms of jewelry. It is a good wire conductor and a few even make whole starships out of silver, although these are usually close-planet luxery transports, as silver is not the most durable metals. Moving on, I am somewhat confused at your terminology. What and where is Gimpy's and when is the Hour of Scampering?"

--Gimpy's is an inn that caters to non-trolls-you know where it is, kitsune?--Humbaba looked archly at Kyroto.
"Yes, Sir-I know exactly where it is." Kyroto bowed low, then turned to the Vanadict, whispering, "The Hour of Scampering is between four and five in the morning (OOC:as anyone who's ever lived with multiple cats can tell you). Trolls are nocturnal and somewhat lax on actual time-they divide up the night with common activities during that Hour-the Hour of Scampering ends with the Hour of Lamentation, when Xentha leaves and cursed Yelm rises to fill the sky, and the trolls go to sleep until the Hour of Insect Song, when Xentha returns and the trolls begin their night."
He added, "Trolls like to eat throughout the night, so the market will be filled with food stalls-don't touch anything, but indicate through description which morsel you desire, hand over your payment, and wait for the merchant to give you the food. Pointing or touching will get your hand removed for shoplifting, so avoid either. Trolls don't use fire, either, except for Gadblad smiths and Zorak Zoran berserks, so bear in mind any flames you see will indicate either of those Orders. The market will be dark-light is the Bane of Dehore, who the trolls revere above all save the First Mother herself. Here in Big Rubble, enough non-trolls frequent the market that some merchants have set up 'dark tents' where merchandise may be examined under a light globe, but not all will have these.
"Non-food items may be picked up and examined, with permission. I know a merchant here who deals in Art, and she's very informative-if we give her our route, she'll give us the names of friends she trusts and even pointers for who to avoid."

OOC: I do live with multiple cats, and that I know of. :p
IC: Vanadict nodded as she digested this information. "The dark will not be of any trouble, I can naturally see well enough even in pitch darkness. We should stop at your Art friend's tent for that information. Other than that, I think we are ready to go." She looked to Kyroto. "Shall we?"

OCC: What time of the day ( approximately of course ) is it right now, OD?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indigo looked over at Kai who just nodded. Luckily they had brought along a modest selection of two of the Imperia's most prized exports. Silk and Adamantine. Though technically it was illegal for a private citizen to sell or even take the rare metal outside the Imperia, both Kai and Indigo had decided since no one in the Imperia cared about the doings of one long Exile, no onewould end up knowing.

She listened carefully to Kyroto's explaination of Muri time keeping and shopping proceedures. He might be a valuable asset afterall, and besides Vanadict seemed to like him. Her friends happiness was very important to Indigo, moreso than her own.

OOC:Assuming you made planetfall at 6 or 7, it's probably around midnight, maybe 1am. I'm allowing another four hours for shopping, mainly to ensure everyone has everything they need, then a night with the various Orders for a little more background material before shipping you out to Teddy Bear Junction, that most wretched hive of scum and villainy.
IC:--Well, then, if we all know our agenda, may I suggest we go to the Gadbladi Sector?--Humbaba eyed Kai.--If you're going to be riding a mantis, I'll have to take you to a redsmith so you look the part-there's one my Order uses, and our accoutrement are superior to most Orders--

OOC: Giggles madly at the name of that most wretched hive of scum and villany - you name things like I do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're going to be riding a mantis, I'll have to take you to a redsmith so you look the part-there's one my Order uses, and our accoutrement are superior to most Orders--

"I don't know" Kai mused aloud. Then with a sudden intensity he looked at Humbaba "Does he know generosity as Gerrak does?" A decission seemed to hang on the Muri's answer.

In Novan guise Kai was only six foot four or so, but then he suddenly shifted, manifesting into his shadow fighting form (http://www.atddm.com/bsw1.jpg), which stood nearly ten foot tall -and the only Muri who had ever seen him in that form had been Gerrak.

He will need to be able to make armor that can shift with me, for usualy if I shift into this form I am too...busy to think about bringing the armor with me. And I can give him a gift to make him able to do so, but he must be worthy of it." His basso growl advised as claws of razor sharpness gleamed a slick black in what lighting there was.

OOC: The "wretched hive of scum and villany" so obviously stolen from SW. *Waggles finger* For shame, child. For shame.
BTW NN, your link failed.
IC: Vanadict stared up at Kai's fearsome new shape- She had never seen it before, and shapeshifters were exceedingly rare anywhere in Xiscapia. She often wondered, with so many different levels of existance, how it all managed to co-exist more or less peacefully. She supposed it was because many other "dimensions" were essentially a different way of seeing things then in the reality they inhabited. Still, this Darksense form of Kai frightened her, and she was a tough women. It was comforting to know that he was on her side.

OOC: grrr, . instead of /...bah! fixed now - thanks for the heads up!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do not worry my friend " Kai sought to reassure Vanadict "I would never harm you. You could never act so as to deserve such." And Kai was never wrong about his judgement of people, he'd been among them for too long. She had chosen a hard, yet rewarding in its own way, life and he respected that greatly.

"I am always me, no matter what I appear as. My Heart, my Essence, does not change. The OmiKami is my direct progenitor, even as Ama-Terasu was"

OOC:Why not? Star Wars lifted lines from Star Trek, and characters from Westerns and samurai films.
IC: Humbaba assured Kai--I can attune the armor to your needs, either adapting it to your battle form or shunting it into the Spirit Plane when you shift. It is a simple enough matter. Perhaps a gnome can be incorporated into it's matrix, allowing it to shift and flow with you. I shall ask, as the Ordo Zorak Zorani uses shape-shifting quite a bit, and the Ordo Gadbladi have ancient ties to them--

OOC: Hmm? I am aware of the two ladder, but I would be interested to know what lines from Star Trek were in Star Wars. In my opinion, SW was the better of the two, but that was probably because I was born in the middle of the two trilogies and by that time the ST craze was largly over. I was in no way comdeming your use of the line, it's one of the best in the series, followed by "Woud someone get this walking carpet out of my way?" (Leia) and
HAN: How we doing?
LUKE: Same as usual.
HAN: That bad, huh?
Great pic of Kai's shadow form BTW, NN. Where do you find those pics? I usually use either photobuckets, Deviantart, or just Google Images.
IC:
Vanadict gave a tiny bow to Kai.
"You are a good judge of character, Kai-sama. It is your form which intimidates, of course. I know, as sure as I know anything, that you would not let harm come to me if it was in your power to help it." She nodded, backing her words. "However," she said teasingly, "that looks just a little uncomfortable. Does it hurt, or pull in the wrong places when you do such form switching?"

OOC:There's an episode where some giant stone ice cream cone levels a Vulcan ship, and Spock utters the line:"As if a multitude of voices called out and were suddenly stilled", which Obi-wan lifts when the Death Star destroys Aldebaraan. I'm paraphrasing, but it is word for word the same line, with only the number and the word "Vulcans" replaced with "voices" being the only changes. I was raised on Star Trek and Dark Shadows, neither of which was terribly good by today's standards, but neither of which were remade to live up to the standard they set. Things like that are best judged by their contemporaries, rather than their many imitators.
IC: Humbaba was surprised that the Vanadict was curious on shape-shifting, as he'd heard the kitsune were shape-shifters themselves, becoming foxes or men as they desired. Ah, well-some of the stories he'd heard other races told about trolls were just as inaccurate.

OOC: I think ST got a bit repetitive at points, although it really depends on which of the many series you watched. I usually thought of "Next Generation" (which I like) and 'Deep Space 9" (which I don't like nearly as much) whenever I heard the words "Star Trek." My dad was a Trekkie, but he liked Star Wars too, and I just hooked onto that better than ST.

OOC: Xis - I've never used photo bucket - Deviant is good if All over the place. That one for Kai, is one though that I have no idea of its origins- it came from a friend of a, of a, of a, and into infinity.

Kai 's form wavered and he returned to his most currently familiar appearance. He shook his head with a small laugh at Vanadicts question. "We come into existance,...are birthed, without specific form."

His tone became serious, reverent. "ALL of us, you, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCSPYm7DVZo) I, Indigo, Kyroto, Pat, the Divine One, every one - we all come from the ALL That IS, we chose to seperate from the ALL, the better to experience all that there is, so that when we return to the ALL we bring the ALL our experiences and understandings, the better to know Joy, to know Wholeness, Love, Everything. We chose to don the rainments of mortality - in whatever guise - we visit Time and in the wholeness of our time we return to the ALL and rest, are refreshed, and if we choose- come back again."

He paused a second "The rainment I chose long, long ago is flexible, mallieable, and so I alter what I look like to fulfill the role, the Mask if you will, that I have set for myself. It does not hurt or feel unnatural to me, though I will say it might to one who is firmly set in one shape. I chose long ago to be 'male', I could have easily chosen to be 'female'. I am told that the differences are enchanting."

He smiled once again and looked at Humbaba. "Only if the gnome agrees"

"Now shall we be off" He bowed deeply to the two ladies, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OOC: Just had to add thhis:

"Wash daily from nose-tip to tail-tip; drink deeply, but never too deep;
And remember the night is for hunting, and forget not the day is for sleep."
~Rudyard Kipling

OOC:I liked Star Wars, at least before Lucas ruined it with his add-ons. Favorite scene? Watching Peter Cushing upstage Darth Vader. "You would prefer another target, Princess? A military target?" He does such a great job, most people don't even remember Vader's in that scene. However, my favorite American SF series was Space Rangers which ran some seven episodes. Unlike Space:1999, it's actually held up well. Another classic is Blake's 7, far too little known, but if you can get past the seventies future clothes and hair, much better than anything running today.

The group broke up into two parties, and made their way through the marketplace. Humbaba stopped at a pushcart filled with odd lumpy fruit shaped vaguely like eggplant with varicolored bumps over it's largely olive surface. He passed the merchant a few coins, then selected two of the fruits, which he tossed to Kai and Indigo. They were soft and pulpy, and emitted clear bell-like tones in an odd harmony.--They say it sings for joy of being eaten--he explained--It's taste is not displeasing-something like melon, but soft and fleshy--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyroto lead the Vanadict to a vast Emporium, filled with all manner of bricabrac and sundries. "Greblor!" he called out. "Greblor, we're going to Doraddi, and want a few items for safe passage."
Greblor was a large female troll, dressed in black linen hemmed with delicate ornate swirls in places. --Ah, found a female whatever-the-hell you are, I see.--She leered, revealing large tusks.--Well, you can't go wrong with a fine piece of art, and I carry most of Gooba Gan's lot--

An Art Lecture
You wanna know about muri art?
Too many times, Humans come to me and yak-yak-yak, they want to buy art. I say, listen, you aren't going to like this, and they say, yes, we will. I say, listen, you can't understand it. They say, yak-yak-yak, shared cultural experience. So I sell 'em art. They not understand. They get mad, they want money back, I have to smack them in head to calm them down. Big trouble all around.

So, I give quick introduction to muri art for you. Then, maybe, you buy. But maybe not.

Sculpture
Almost all our art is stone or metal sculpture. First off, it look nice. Second, it last. With thieving hoomans around, fragile stuff don't last that long unless you really careful.

You got to remember, though, that we look at things with inner eye Kyger Litor gave us, what you call dark-seeing. So our sculpture look very differently to you. Take famous statue by Gooba Gon, number one artist, that sit in my shop (you come see, if you want. Maybe buy something). This really big with all smart trolls, you bet, and everyone want Gooba to make them one just like it. But humans never understand all the fuss. Hey, they say, that just big block of stone. Ah, that because you can't understand, without the sight Kyger Litor gave us. When we look, we not see just a block; we see textures, see pleasing interplay of different densities of stone she use, we see cunningly hollowed-out bits. It all flow together to make unique shape to our inner eye. When I sense it, it make me think about ironies of life. Good stuff. I sell you copy, but Humans just can't understand.

Oh, there two big schools to this, too. Traditionalists say good artist only shape stone and metal by chewing on it with own teeth, or maybe let apprentices help you. Modernists say it okay to use tools to help shape stone. Lots of rivalry between groups. Big fights when they come together.

Touch Sculpture
Now this, you maybe understand. Gooba Gon -- she number one artist in Big Rubble, maybe better than jokers in Dakori Inkarth, too -- she do what we call touch sculpture, too. Here you run hand over the sculpture to see it. Big advantage is that you do this with small sheet of lead, say, or carve on wall, and it not take up space. Cheap, too. If you read Shadowspeech, you know what I mean -- Humans read shadowspeech by running hand over it, feeling how letters shaped, because you not have inner eye.

Because it thin, you not use as many materials or put in hollow parts, so artists can't do as much, though. This good for trolls who not have a lot of money. I sell many of these to trolls; most popular item is good copy of frieze from Redstone Caverns of Kyger Litor -- best selling item I got last year. Mostly modernists do this, though, since it take too long to chew copies.

Food Sculpture
This nice, too. When trolls have big feast, you maybe shape the food in interesting ways. Say, maybe mush vegetables together to look like elf, put in center of table. Or maybe pose roast mostali, so it look like it running. But I not think you interested in this.

Statuary
We make statues, sometimes, but not as much as some of you humans. I on caravan, once, go to Glamour. Got statues everywhere. If Unity guy ate his breakfast right, emperor made statue for him. Yelm guys just as bad. Not know how they had room for people up there, so many statues.

We build statues for important leaders we honor, or for gods. Sometimes rich muri have statuettes made of them so their great-grandchildren can see what they look like. Or make special statues to commemorate honored foe. Also hear about stories of special statues that spirits can live in, move around, but never see one.

More common to make little statues, maybe size of my hand. This good to keep in house, when you pray to gods. Sometimes famous heroes get statues made, too. And many young trolls want statues of famous trollball athletes. I collect when I young, too. Good fun. Apprentice artists make many of these, good money.

Problem with statues is that it hard to show what the person really like. Easy to show face, body, hands, but hard to show what really inside that person, which is what is important. Sometimes really good artist manage that -- Gooba Gon make good statue of Death Lord Zakadar Yelmkicker last year, that so much like him the young hide, and I start to do Johnny's Song without thinking!

Gorakiki Artists
The bug guys, you know, they like to use their bugs for everything. I mean, sure, you use them to carry, and to eat, but I think the Gorakiki guys have bugs on the brain. Anyway, some of them like to use their bugs to make statues, even stone ones. What they do is they put a special paste on the stone block or the log. Then they let their bugs in, usually rock-mouth beetles or maybe gobble-worms. Now, the bugs like the paste very much. So they mostly only eat the parts that are covered in paste. When they eat what you want them to, you shoo them away and put on next layer of paste. Nearly all statues to buggy gods made this way, I think. Hear that spider folk do the same thing, with their spiders.

Not look bad, but not my cuppa' leadbrick.

Emotive
You see lots of this in temple. When you see story about god, good artist make use of textures to make you feel what god was feeling. When you see on frieze that komosha [Yelm Painbringer] come to Wonderhome, good artist make you feel the fear all have at that time. This hard, and even good artist need help of gods and special rituals to make it right. You become lay members, I take you to Argan Argar temple and show you. Wish I could tell you more, but if I knew how to do this, I be big-name artist, you bet, not merchant!

Molded
Hear about this style, but no artists do it in Big Rubble. You take thing you want to make copy of, and you stick it in clay. Then you break open clay into halves, and take object out. Put clay back together, and pour in lead. (If you cheap, you put in core of wood or rock. Save on lead). Then, you break open clay again and take out statue.

See statue of Arkat made this way in Holy Country, once. Okay, but too much bother for statue, I think.

Pottery
Some artists make special pottery. Have several different kinds.

First, stuff to use. This is stuff for all trolls, you know, like mugs and plates. Artists maybe bake nice texture on it, or decorate it with bas relief. This sometimes nice. I have set of drinking mugs, feel good to hold when you drink. Second, stuff for show. This for rich trolls. Lead plates that look nice but not for using. Third, have magical pots, sometimes. I hear shamans sometimes like to trap spirits in pots, so artists make special magical pots to do this. Or make special pots to hold sacrifice to Kyger Litor, maybe, or to other gods.
Artists in Big Rubble make many nice pots. I do good business helping to get them clay from river, or bring special clay from other places.

Painting
We not so big on painting. Some hooman guy to explain to me this thing about all these colors, once, but I not understand it. I admit it -- us got weak eyes. We use inner eye Kyger Litor gave us to see, so our art mostly use that. I think we learn painting from humans, maybe.

Sometimes put special paintings in temple, or make picture. But this stuff not really move, so I not keep any myself. Not recommend it, anyway. Really basic. Sometimes I get human stuff from ruins, though, if you want that stuff.

Architecture
Sometimes build special buildings, mostly for gods. Sometimes for very powerful rulers. One thing to do is to make the outside look nice for the sight Kyger Litor gave us; put on pleasing textures, or maybe show runes for god in different texture. Sometimes build special temple statues or sculptures, and put outside.

Mostly it inside of building that matter more. Like to make inside of rooms a pleasing texture for our dark sight. Keep out light with nice curtains, maybe. You come to my shop, I show you what I do. Looks very nice. I use lots of lead for trim on doors -- look good.

I hear Zorak Zoran temple looks very nice, but not think you wanna see inside it. Ha!

So, anyway, now you know something about art, and why I tell you to be careful what you buy.

It's taste is not displeasing-something like melon, but soft and fleshy--

Indigo promptly used a fingernail to slit open the rind and then a small belt knife to carve out a bit. She tasted it eagerly and gasped in pleasure. "Oh that is delicious, a peach melon, I would call it. We should buy some for the journey. How do you tell which are best Humbaba?" She asked looking the fruit over interestedly but making sure her hands were no where near them.

Kai too found the fruit excellent but he kept a weather eye on any getting too close to Indigo, though most seemed to give Humbaba and his guests a considerable girth.

OOC: Replaced
IC: Vanadict listened closely to the trolls explination of Muri Art. At the point when Greblor spoke about food sculptures her bolongo, which had stayed silent under careful control and hidden in her robes, began laughing madly. Now it had fallen out to rest at the base of her neck on the outside of her clothing, swinging slightly. She blushed red and turned away for a moment, stuffing the little stone katana down her robes and wedged it inbetween her breats, muffling it. The arrangment was uncomfortable, but it worked. She turned back around and apologized, blushing deeper when she saw Kyroto staring at her. By the end though her face had returned to it's normal pale white color. She nodded to herself and stared thoughtfully up at the sky for several moments. "I am thinking," she said softly, "of a statue. Small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, detailed but unpainted. Of Pamaltela, please. If you could do this for me, with high quality, I can pay you well." She glanced quickly at Kyroto for his reaction.

(OOC:Oh, I yust go nuts at Christmas-with inadequate apologies to Jorgi Jorgeson :P)
--The singing fruit's nodes tell it's ripeness-observe the colors for brightness and stability-they change when the fruit is not ripe, shifting and shimmering, and dull as the fruit grows overripe. The song is also telling, but is some sort of defense against predators, and the fruit must be touched for it to make it's noises. I do not know you'd have the ear to tell, however. It's not a natural plant, having been bred by the elves as a warning system. They have discovered we can't really resist them, so the sound tells them an intruder is plucking the fruit, and the sound ending tells them it has been eaten.--Humbaba looked over the heads of a group of ducks, one of whom was glaring at Kai darkly, muttering dire imprecations.--Ah, the redsmith Torg is in. Excellent, as he's a Master Smith and Shaman of Gadblad. TORG!--
The troll who answered Humbaba's call was huge, perhaps ten feet in height and seven feet broad at the shoulders. Kai tensed instinctively, as the massive troll was surrounded by a multitude of spirits who swum the ether about the muscular form. --Humbaba! I see the gods walk with the Arkati today! Slumming?--This last was directed at Kai.--Come in, come in. It has been too long, and my still needs cleaning, and perhaps fermenting some Powzie! for me if you want a Demonbane blade again--
--My friend here needs a suit, fit for the Mantis Cavalry. I was thinking of those delightful Dragon Empire servitor panoplies.--Humbaba kicked the ducks out of the way, and clasped Torg in a brief shared hug.
Torg eyed Kai.--Hhmph. Never just a wheel repair or a few springs with you, is it? I'll need the cleaning, fermenting, and a case of that fine mushroom wine your family hogs during festivals. Get over here, godling, so you can be measured--

Slumming?

In Shadowspeech Kai replied, with the tiniests of head nods towards Indigo who was listening with raised eyebrows to the duck that was impugneing Kai's character. "Mentoring"

Get over here, godling, so you can be measured

Kai's eyes swept the area again and judged no active threats to Indigo close by. - besides which she was wearing Paladin armor, the billions of nanocrystals invisibly alight with energy as they seamlessly covered the young Novan from crown to sole.

With a nod he moved into the forge, truly eager to see Torgs work. It'd been a long time since he'd frequented a master smith that had such a 'support system' at his beck and call. This would be interesting.

Rolling her eyes at the irate duck, Indigo moved back over to the fruit seller, looking the push carts selection over carefully. She had watched what Humbaba had paid the merchant carefully and was sure she had enough in her belt pouch for a good dozen or so. And she was almost certain that she remembered the lovely harmony the fruit had made - she was a highly trained musician and vocalist after all.

"Good sir, how long do these last once ripe?" She asked as mentally she began to make her choices, though of course she was careful not to touch anything.

Torg took Kai into the backroom, and bade him stand in a square inlaid with lead on the floor there.--Stand there-I'll have a damnfine number one suit in no time-Humbaba wants a full o-yoroi-that ok? Sorcerors are an odd lot, but once you get to know Humbaba, he's almost endurable--the troll squatted cross-legged and began playing a set of drums that hung from his waist. (OOC:Now is a good time to put in Beatbox, by the Art of Noise.) Wild, inchoate force flowed up, tickling as it stroked his skin.
--You're a shape-shifter.--Torg observed--Want this on all the time, or to go spirit when you shift?--
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The troll merchant shrugged.--Week, maybe two. Don't last long enough to go bad. People gobble them up like aldryami at a Zorak Zorani festival. If you're traveling, just put them in a shade box. That's how we ship them.--He lifted a small box from a compartment under his cart, and opened it, releasing a puff of frost and revealing several quivering jewel like balls.--Perhaps you'd like to try some royal amber? I get it from the Vale of Flowers with the songfruit-it goes bad pretty fast, and demand would swamp me--
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Greblor lead the Vanadict through her emporium, which held numerous blocks of wood and stone, as well as small fetishes, directing her attention to several small figurines.--There we go-Pamalt, and the Tribe of Earth. His grandmother, Asrelia--she held up a clay bowl, the interior marked with three concentric circles.
--his daughters, the grain goddesses--she waved casually at a string of tall, thin women.
--his sister-in-law, Gorgorma--she indicated a hag, her hands in gestures of curse-throwing--and these would be Pamalt, himself.--
The figure she held up was a tall, massively muscled human, clad in a short kilt with a feathered headress and holding a spear.--We don't get much call for these-mostly Ordo Moorgarki, since he was adopted to the Tribe of Earth after the Gbaji War. Most just have a figurine of Moorgarki and Lodril, but I keep them in private rooms-they're very traditional. These haven't even been blessed, yet-not much demand, and sometimes blessing ruins the sale--

Want this on all the time, or to go spirit when you shift?--


Kai stood where requested. "I'm tempted to say all the time, but I'm used to without when shifted. Whichever fulfills your interest. Would you care for some Adamantine in exchange for your skills, Master Smith?..or I can give you the gens, the secret, for singing metal. I can pass it along but once, as you will be able to." He did not need to mention that it shouldf be passed on to only a worthy sucessor. He could knew that Torg would chose only the right one to pass it on should he chose to revieve the gift.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I get it from the Vale of Flowers with the songfruit-it goes bad pretty fast, and demand would swamp me--

"Yes I would like to try some, and a shade box sounds like a most excellent notion." Indigo replied politely and added. "If possible I would like two dozen of properly ripe ones and suffecient shade boxes to hold them delivered to priestess Gemilla of the Ordo Vaneekara. I will be staying with her during the sleeptime come Yelm's rising. Would you prefer cash, or would a letter of credit do?"

Greblor lead the Vanadict through her emporium, which held numerous blocks of wood and stone, as well as small fetishes, directing her attention to several small figurines.--There we go-Pamalt, and the Tribe of Earth. His grandmother, Asrelia--she held up a clay bowl, the interior marked with three concentric circles.
--his daughters, the grain goddesses--she waved casually at a string of tall, thin women.
--his sister-in-law, Gorgorma--she indicated a hag, her hands in gestures of curse-throwing--and these would be Pamalt, himself.--
The figure she held up was a tall, massively muscled human, clad in a short kilt with a feathered headress and holding a spear.--We don't get much call for these-mostly Ordo Moorgarki, since he was adopted to the Tribe of Earth after the Gbaji War. Most just have a figurine of Moorgarki and Lodril, but I keep them in private rooms-they're very traditional. These haven't even been blessed, yet-not much demand, and sometimes blessing ruins the sale--
Vanadict indicated the statue Greblor was holding with a nod of her head. "I'll take it, please. How much? Or would you perfer a trade? I have some items of potential value on my person." Indeed she did. Aside from the ring previously mentioned, she also had a small supply of the crystal flask's, generally used in ceremonies but good for casual use as well. A couple of knives, made of cortosis, special for their durability, undulling edge, and the fact that they had been forged in the fires of a volcano by a very skilled blacksmith. She wasn't sure weather something forged was tabboo, she didn't think so, but she would procure them if the troll asked for a trade. Aside from these she had various trinkits. A few copper beads of a string, useful for nothing more than looking pretty. Four shurikens, weapons but art at the same time, with sharp curves on the blades and a hole in the middle to be hung on a belt: Simple, deadly, beautiful. Lastly she held in a pouch around her neck a tiny fingernail full of what seemed to be dust. This was actually Darkening powder, which cast a unseeable black mist-like barrier over whoever had thrown it. Vanadict had had use for it before, but she had several vials full concealed and felt that she could spare some if needed.

--Adamantine? The secret of forging that was lost with the Minoans. I will consider your offer, but may well raise my price to Humbaba for five cases of mushroom wine--the smith altered his beat, and sang again.
Torg sang, and again Kai was struck by the fact the trolls used the First Tongue, albeit an antique and courtly dialect. Torg sang to the Earth, denouncing the Air as a thief and liar, and called upon the Lord Amastan and the very living Earth. Particulate matter extracted itself from the air and formed around him, flowing like a living thing, shaping itself into plates and woven cables, driven by some odd sentience Kai could sense with his spirit senses. The armor that formed on him was alive, in some strange manner, and was monitoring him.
--Shift, now-I want to test the fit, and see it doesn't hinder movement--Torg instructed, before returning to his song. As he sang, five shadows coalesced, wielding gleaming blades, and advanced on Kai.--Do not leave the square until I've locked the gnome into the armor, but do defend yourself. I want to be sure this doesn't hinder. Anything in particular on the kabuto? I was thinking rabbit ears for longevity.--
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--A delivery to the priestess Gemilla? I'd heard rumors about the Ordo Vaneekara...--the merchant leered--I can have two dozen in a shade box-let's say a hundred bolgs, and I'll include six of the royal amber in memory of Korasting, for you--he used a pair of lead tongs to place six of the quivering lumps into a smaller container, which he closed and passed to Indigo. The small box was a little larger than the troll's foreclaw, and cold to the touch-when she accepted it, she could feel the odd sentience of the shade in the box, a squirming serpentine entity that wrapped itself tightly about the material.

Greblor sniffed the blades.--Very nice, don't recognize the material, though. I'll take one for the statuette-two if you want it blessed. How durable are those flasks? I have some fine oils straight from Big Skyfall and perfumes from the Vale of Flowers-Bee Tribe gives me lots, make you smell good, people like. Oil good too, preserve lots stuff, keep wood shiny, metal honed, food fresh 'til you wash off. Maybe give map, but hoomans don't get troll map-read with inner eye.--

"The blades are made of cortosis, it's a common metal where I come from, but stil very valuable for it's extreme durability and cutting edge. My sword blade is made out of it. About the oils: I think the crystal is strong enough to hold, even for an extended period of time. I'm interested in the wood shine too. The oils, I was told, not to smell bad, or worse, tasty. So will tey make me smell good, but not like something one would like to eat?" She looked inquiringly at the troll. "Also, do you have a sort of cream or the like which can clean the body as thoughly as a bath? I feel I may need it. Last of all, what is the advantage to having the statue blessed?" She had already handed over one blade, but still kept a hand lightly on the other, waiting for Greblor's words.

--Dunno-got acid-spitter venom, troll mix with cactus oil, make skin peel, but troll hide tougher than hooman hide-maybe need more cactus oil so don't burn. Good for wilds, but troll take bath in waterfall or pool-hooman bathe in pool, meet big fish--Greblor cackled the eerie laugh of trolls contemplating unfortunate events befalling others--Got lots fish oil preservative, give for flasks-always need more flasks. Maybe astringent cleanser, if can get mix right. Not something you want to experiment with, I think--more cackling
--Perfume depend on you-me think maybe patchoullie-make you smell clean, not food. Bee Tribe perfume many pheromones, make people like. Maybe try lots, get right one.
--Bless statue forms bond with Pamalt, so you talk statue, Pamalt hear. Waterfall too cold, ask Pamalt make warm. Troll use for prophecy. (OOC:See my post in the Embassy thread for an example, where Gerrak does this) Don't know you'd like-lots trolls no really want Pamalt's attention or advice. Big fight over Gbaji War, when we kill his children. Had to, turned into broos.
--So, flasks for oil, maybe cleanser if get mix right, second knife if bless statue?--Greblor eyed the Vanadict warily.

I want to be sure this doesn't hinder. Anything in particular on the kabuto? I was thinking rabbit ears for longevity.--

In the blink of an eye Kai's Shadowform filled the space where his Novan form had been, and he calmly went on the deefensive, though such was not the usualy when he was in this form.

"No Longevity I have, what traditioon says it must be is a Tori, and he clearly pictured it for Torg's edification. And I like the way it feels. It has been long, long since I have felt that sort of companionship.

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Indigo giggled at his leer, choosing to make light of it, though she knew that many Novan's would have killed over the merchants misimpression. "I am merely guesting with her. I and my companions are heading to Doraddi tomorrow to see my Consort's lands and we need supplies."

Almost absently she reached out to the entity she sensed about the small box and sought to calm it, reasure it that all was well.

"Mas you be granted many, many children" She said gently, thankful for his generosity as she fished out her store of coins and set about gather enough to total a hungred blogs. As she looked among them she realized that the banker, when she had requested local coinage, had given her rather more than she had first thought. She paid the merchant happily and tucked the small box under her arm.

--Dunno-got acid-spitter venom, troll mix with cactus oil, make skin peel, but troll hide tougher than hooman hide-maybe need more cactus oil so don't burn. Good for wilds, but troll take bath in waterfall or pool-hooman bathe in pool, meet big fish--Greblor cackled the eerie laugh of trolls contemplating unfortunate events befalling others--Got lots fish oil preservative, give for flasks-always need more flasks. Maybe astringent cleanser, if can get mix right. Not something you want to experiment with, I think--more cackling
--Perfume depend on you-me think maybe patchoullie-make you smell clean, not food. Bee Tribe perfume many pheromones, make people like. Maybe try lots, get right one.
--Bless statue forms bond with Pamalt, so you talk statue, Pamalt hear. Waterfall too cold, ask Pamalt make warm. Troll use for prophecy. (OOC:See my post in the Embassy thread for an example, where Gerrak does this) Don't know you'd like-lots trolls no really want Pamalt's attention or advice. Big fight over Gbaji War, when we kill his children. Had to, turned into broos.
--So, flasks for oil, maybe cleanser if get mix right, second knife if bless statue?--Greblor eyed the Vanadict warily.
Vanadict frowned as she thought for a moment. "Alright." She had nothing with her, save her katana and her Vanadict brooch, both of which were deeply personalized, that could not be replaced. She handed over the second knife and the flasks. One could hear the bolongo speaking muffled again but she stilled for a moment of concentration and the sound abated.