NationStates Jolt Archive

The armor Torg sang for Kai fit like a second skin, and Kai could feel the sentience of the gnome adjusting to his every movement, shunting extra material to and from the elemental planes to accommodate his changes in form. It shifted and flowed with him, allowing him greater agility than he'd thought possible armored.
--You'll want to avoid electricity, but otherwise it'll deflect or absorb anything that's hurled at you--Torg informed him.--If you like, I'll rig you up an arrow-catcher with a little something extra to handle that flaw. Take a while-need a specialist to summon and bind a sylph. You got a mon you want on it so people know who's kicking the crap out of them?--

Greblor had an enviable chemical-well, alchemical, as trolls never abandoned the spiritual side of Science-laboratory. Taking a skin scraping, she analyzed it and produced a container the size of the Vanadict's head of a yellow oil she swore would act as the Vanadict required.--Just a handful at a time-maybe less if you react bad--she warned--now, it will make you smell a bit-but we'll tailor a perfume to your requirements and mask that well enough. I'm going to toss in a skin creme, just in case-happy customers come back, make Greblor rich troll. Now, give sweat sample, and we make you smell nice, but not edible.--

Kai was beyond pleased and said so, praising the exquisite craftmanship of the armor and skill of the mastsmith.

Take a while-need a specialist to summon and bind a sylph. You got a mon you want on it so people know who's kicking the crap out of them?--

"I'll definitely need the sylph. Brother Raiden and I tangle too often for me not to need it. And as far as a mon, never felt the need for one."

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

Indigo could hear Torg's deep rumble and Kai's voice as she wandered along looking interestedly at the other kiosks, and knew she wasn't too far distant from them, but other than that she was too caught up in the wonders of the Muri market place to pay much attention as to how far she had wandered.

Then she felt herself being drawn by a sensastion she had never experienced before, but some how from deep within she knew she could trust. Little looking at where she went, she sought to follow that faint, but growing ever stonger pull.

--No mon? Well, your option-hold still a minute--A small spirit struggled briefly in Torg's hands as he stretched it and hurled it like a wisp of smoke into the armor. There was a surge, and a tingle-then Kai felt the presence of the gnome only, saturating his armor and feeling him to know the shape to which it must conform.--Gnomes are pretty stable, and single-minded, so that sensation you're getting will abate once it knows you better. Hope you don't mind white-it's the color of Death, here, and will strike terror into your enemies. I would have picked black, myself, as it's traditional, or red, color of War, but Zorak Zorani get uppity about non-Order guys in red, and you're not a troll, so black's kind of a challenge and who needs that trouble?
--It's going to take me some time to get that arrow-catcher. Sylphs are air elementals, and we don't cotton to air much. I'll get to work on finding a guy or the Binding ritual, so check in before you leave town. If I haven't got it ready by then, I'll have Humbaba Gate it to Doraddi for you. Now, there's the matter of price...--
Torg raised up.--The Sultan is looking for loyal troops, and Doraddi's a rich land, with many soldiers. I'm going to get five cases of mushroom wine and some work out of that layabout Humbaba, but that's for the armor. For the arrow-catcher, I want you to trumpet my name in Doraddi-great trolls have a rep for being big and dumb, but I'm the best referee in Big Rubble and number one damnfine smith to boot-no pun intended. I want a nice gig like Doraddi offers, and don't mind working for nutjobs like the Zorak Zorani. Hell, I'm kinda anxious to ref a Zorak Zorani trollball game, even if they use a broo. You let the Sultan know who made that armor, and the arrow-catcher's yours.--He spat in his palm, and extended it--My oath by the Styx--

would have picked black, myself, as it's traditional, or red, color of War, but Zorak Zorani get uppity about non-Order guys in red, and you're not a troll, so black's kind of a challenge and who needs that trouble?


"Not I, As I have plenty walking next to me" Kai grinned "And white's kinda traditional for me anyway."

He nodded at Torg's offer of arrow catcher for advertisement. He too spat rutially into his palm and clasped the Troll's outstretched hand. "Your name and skill brought directly to the Sultan's ear. I'm taking classes with..." Kai broke off awnd closed his eyes with a small snarl.

"Did you say they got pissy over red?" Kai asked as he felt Indigo enter the Temple of Zorak Zorani. A Novan's traditional garb, which Indigo wore, was a deep crimson. "Remember what I said about trouble?..well it just walked beyond my allowances to protect." There were certain planes he had been ordered not to go...and if he knew his earnest, loving ward the way he did he knew where she was going.

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

Indigo stepped within the massive temple and the tether vanished. She blinked loing to adjust her eyes to the dim light given off by the fire pits. She set the small box down just inside the door near the linetl, and her head wrap and veil with it. Fluffing her thick mane of black hair she began walking, her soft soles all but soundless on the stone floors. The scents remeinded her of those from Gerrak's altar. The friezes were compellingly horrible, awe filling and yet beautiful. She was Novan, she understood the call of war, the need for vengance down to her very soul - but what she did not understand was hate.

Around her a soft luminescense gathered, nothing at all like sunlight, it was too nacreous, wavering and gentle, it was the truth revealing light of the moon. The first groan made her halt a half step and cock her head to try and determine where it was coming from. Then she saw the barest hints of movemnts in the shadows as the first of the Temples Guardians confronted her. It seemed unsure of what to make of her.

Best to hide, Indigo thought, My guards will slay you where you stand should they catch you-and do not think your little war kami can even sense you here, nor that the destruction he shall cause searching for you is displeasing to me, White Moon.
The game is simple-come to me unnoticed and we shall speak. I shall require a sacrifice-a finger lifted off one of my generals shall suffice-they sleep here. A sudden map came to her, of the catacombs, and where warlords waited to be called to action. They shall sleep despite your transgression, for I will it so-come with that to my sanctum, and I shall forgive this. Until then, you are but an intruder.
The ancient corpse lumbered past her, groaning-she thought all would groan until she worked past the task she dreamed up on her own....

Damn it destruction for the sake of mere destruction isn't right! Her mind snapped at the Presence that was no longer there. But Kai is wiser than that though my pretty pink may be red by the time he get through with it She thought wrily as she began reviewing all she knew about stealth. Thank goodness for Fade, now if I was just as small and padded of foot She laughed inwardly, then gulped. She was filled with as much trepedation as the first time she had ever set foor outside the Divine One's Court. At least I haven't fainted in sheer panick ..yet...like at the first shopping mall I was ever taken too. Goddesses, even baby ones don't faint. Just doesn't make good mythos!

Her robes, though they were washed until supple and near silent still rustled ever so faintly. So, slowly, glad for the heat in the Temple, she peeled them off, then after a seond of thought shivered deeply and closing her eyes willed the Paladin Armor off. Finer that silk that could be pulled though a wedding ring it gatered in her hand, glinting where the fire's played on it. Folding all neatly she ste it back my the items she had alsready set aside. Well my nudity never bothered Gerrak, though these might laugh at my puny by-their-lights Novan form, and my distinct lack of Muri breasts...if being laughted at is the worst I'll face... Her soft soled boots came off and she used a veil to form a make shift back-sling for her Honor Blade. After assuring herself that she could draw it easily that left her with nothing other than it, and her mother's necklace. Light fading...

Step, slide into meditation, yes... as if dancing where there is no one to see you dance, body temperature lowering, eyes making the conversion from 'normal' Novan sight into infrared. Disturb not the air currents, move with them, move with the flicker of firelight. Be but a puddle of deeper shadow, watch from the periphery of one's eyes...and scent, oh I bet their nostrils are sensative...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.”
--- Satchel Paige

Some addendums..

Ride like you've never been thrown,
Sing like no one is listening,
And live everyday as if it were your last"

The walls of the temple were covered with frescoes, some odd for the temple of the God of Rage, War, and Revenge. Here, a dark cave filled with domestic bliss, and small troll children playing with great beetles or eating mushrooms the size of their heads. All seemed paradisical, with peace and plenty. A badly burned troll was speaking to a great tribal mother, and was sent away, his requests denied.
He stalks a pair of humans leaving a vast castle with a sword, following them to the Surface and watching them slay a man, then the Sun with the sword.
In the next scene, a cruel burning goddess lays waste to all, sparing not even the smallest, and the trolls are driven to the Surface and beset by enemies. Further frescoes show intense cruelty worked upon the trolls by other races, avenged always by the burnt troll with his sword, or battles with Chaos by this same creature.
So lost was she in the artwork, she almost didn't hear the footsteps coming down the hall.

Oh dear almost undone by beauty. Dear Zorak...you know that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. If one hates then one still cares, and I think you care so very deeply for your people. Indigo mused inwardly as she sought an even deeper pool of shadow trying to keep moving forward on the map she'd been given. And now carefully paying attention to the movements of the living whom might be attending the vast Temple. I am not going to get caught and die here. I have too many things yet to do

Cautiously she eased her way down a broad stairs to the next level, knowing surely that she had more to go to reach the catacombs.

Greblor had an enviable chemical-well, alchemical, as trolls never abandoned the spiritual side of Science-laboratory. Taking a skin scraping, she analyzed it and produced a container the size of the Vanadict's head of a yellow oil she swore would act as the Vanadict required.--Just a handful at a time-maybe less if you react bad--she warned--now, it will make you smell a bit-but we'll tailor a perfume to your requirements and mask that well enough. I'm going to toss in a skin creme, just in case-happy customers come back, make Greblor rich troll. Now, give sweat sample, and we make you smell nice, but not edible.--
Vanadict nodded and carefully applied a small fingertip of the creme to her ring finger. There was the slightest imperssion of warmth, then cooling then a weak but pleasant scent. Vanadict sniffed. Roses...baking bread...the smell of a forest after rain...crisp, clear mountain air...
She stood absoulutly still for a moment, then bowed her head, "It is good." she prononced. "You have done well. Thank you."

As Indigo made her way to the catacombs, she heard a troll screaming from the main chamber of the temple:
Listen to the glory of Zorak Zoran! [Raaaaargh!] Unkillable, unstoppable, undeniable! Brethren, this is the tale of Flamal [Kill! Kill!]and how Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!] cut him down. Listen to this tale of glory, and know the might of the Deathwielder!

Brethren, long ago it was, that Komosha [Kill! Kill!] invaded the Darkness, and Death burnt down the folk where they stood in paradise! The armies of Darkness were driven forth like ducks, destroyed without effort. Only Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!]could face Death, and even he could not defeat it. But he survived it, as we do! He survived, he mastered, he conquered! [Rrrrrrrraaaaarrrrrrrrrgh!]

He joined the Exodus, Brethren, and led the Conquest of Komor. [Kill! Kill!] He drove the lessers before him, and took what he wanted, and the trolls followed in his name. His armies marched across Glorantha, brethren, and they founded the Empires of Bones and Blood, and Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!] seized the world for his own!

At the Hill of Gold, Lord Painbinder seized up the Little Enemy [Kill! Kill!], and broke his back, broke his skull, broke his speark, ate his heart, ate his brain, ate his flesh. He devoured Little Enemy [Kill! Kill!]and took his nature! And from this he took up Death itself, and Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!]was Deathwielder, Painbringer, Firemaster! Glory to our god!

Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!] looked out upon the world, and saw the triumph of his armies. We conquered Komor, brethren! All bowed to us, all feared us! The weak, mewling gods of the surface wailed and begged for our mercy, and found we had none! He saw the plots and schemes of a thousand godlings, the ways they would seek to elude or resist us.

Only Flamal [Kill! Kill!]was a danger! For Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!]saw Flamal the Green [Kill! Kill!] for what that god was! He saw Flamal [Kill! Kill!]plant the seedlings that would grow into armies of the kre uru! He saw Flamal [Kill! Kill!]plant the seedlings that would be war trees! He saw Flamal [Kill! Kill!]plant the seedlings that would become bows and arrows, shields and armors, swords and spears! He saw Flamal [Kill! Kill!] plant the seeds that would sprout poison and thorns, that would choke and kill the uz!

It was our god, Lord Master of the Demons of Death [Raaaaargh!] who took up Death the Sword for the first time at that moment! He would not allow the kre uru to succeed in their plan, to slay us and seize the surface for themselves! He left without follower or shieldbearer, for Zorak Zoran [Raaaaargh!]needs none.

Brethren, he entered the Warwood that day, and not a tree did he leave standing before him. He fought his way through the ranks of armies of the kre uru, and not a one did he leave standing before him. Until he reached Flamal [Kill! Kill!] himself, and he swung Death the Sword and chopped Flamal [Kill! Kill!] down, then and there. Only the deceit and evil of other gods kept him from destroying all kre uru then and there [Raaaaargh!] as would be proper! Damn them! Damn their works! Fire and axe to the enemies of Zorak Zoran! [Kill! Kill! Kill!]

You will not kill! [Kill! Kill! Kill!] You will destroy! [Raaaaargh!] We survive, we master, we conquer! [Rrrrrrrraaaaarrrrrrrrrgh!] Treechop, bless us! We slay kre uru tonight [Kill! Kill! Kill!], we cut down Flamal tonight! [Kill! Kill! Kill!]

Vanadict nodded and carefully applied a small fingertip of the creme to her ring finger. There was the slightest impression of warmth, then cooling then a weak but pleasant scent. Vanadict sniffed. Roses...baking bread...the smell of a forest after rain...crisp, clear mountain air...
She stood absolutely still for a moment, then bowed her head, "It is good." she pronounced. "You have done well. Thank you."
--Glad you approve. Tell friends, send to Greblor. Got all you need now?--

Indigo listened to what she was sure was holy littany and her thoughts drifted, as she eased her way down yet another stairs - of how her Aunt, The Shoguns Heir had met Death - or at least Death's current avatar, 'She Who Stands Between', and won a boon from her. And if she can do that I can do this Then she realized that her shivers weren't due as much to fear as they were to her body being simply very cold. Thats what I get for letting my concentration slip Indigo scolded herself mentally, and stopped for a second to restore her control over her body. She was on the last stairway before the catacombs and while the air was not dank, it was very cold.

Indigo had no clear idea of how long she had been descending ever lower, but she had gotten lost more than once, eluding patrols of guards that seemed to know just were she was - and there had been a couple of times that door's hadn't opened to her. Once painful jolt of energy had knocked her off her feet and left her cradeling her right hand for sometime after touching one door.

At times the very stone of the floor seemed to be against her, becoming razor edged bassalt that lacerated her feet hideously. At first she had limped painfully on, leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind her, until she realized something she was still mentally chastizing herself over. She had sat down then and there and - though what she had been able to do still frightened her, and she was none too sure she could do it again - Indigo had been trained to discipline her mind and will all her life, to be able 'to concentrate holes in titanium walls' as one teacher had put it. Slowly picturing her feet as whole, not a mass of viscious, painful cuts she'd managed to heal herself. She, who had been the laughingstock of the Divine One's Court for her completel lack of ability, Indigo had managed to heal herself.

The catacombs were dank and plain. Alcoves holding mummified remains lined the walls, and soon Indigo found herself in the Chamber of generals-the Dread Few, ancient strategists and tacticians who shepherded the trolls through the Horrid Millenium. Their clothing and armor were meticulously maintained, their weapons sharp and ready for when they would be called again.
One in particular seemed to call to her-a massive troll whose weapon was a great horn-bow. His armor was light and looked as if it allowed a greater freedom of movement than other suits present.
Carefully, Indigo moved to break off his finger-only to have the withered hand grasp her wrist, and place the bow in her hand. You shall need this, she thought. The corpse returned to it's position, leaving her with a finger and the great bow.

--Glad you approve. Tell friends, send to Greblor. Got all you need now?--
"Yes, I thank you again, I will be sure to mention you around." Vanadict bowed and turned to Kyroto, the statue of Pamaltela stowed saftly within her robes, along with the vials and jars of oils and creme, save for the yellow perfume-cleansing oil, which was too large. This she carried on her shoulder. "Where do next?" she asked him.

"Well, with your ablutions covered, we should probably look to less important things-sleeping bags, insect netting, cookware and a fire tent. I'd suggest you snatch up a few gewgaws-in the wilds, we may need to bribe our way into a freehold. Quite frankly, I also think we should invest in a first aid kit. Trolls pride themselves on bulling through pain, but they also regrow anything they may have to carve off in extremis." Kyroto smiled. "Trolls tend to just grab up a sack and head out, trusting their upbringing to bring food and shelter-but it doesn't bother them to just sleep wherever, or to eat rocks when it comes down to it."

Thank you Great One. If ever you should need me, I will aid however I can. And I will strive ever to bring this bow honor. She stumbled back in wide eyed wonder - she hadn't been going to break the finger off, she had been going to use the little crystal blade that hung between her breasts. Gerrak says that Muri will regrow anything lost. So when you are needed and wake may your finger grow back swiftly.

But she held the great curved bow reverently, and the finger equally so, and began the long careful trek back up the stairs. She was very glad she had studied archery some, though she was by no means a 'Sherwood' as crack archers were called. May I have the wisdom to know when I will need this

The Raging Hell comprises the Hanroo Fields, the section of the Hells occupied longest by Yelm after Her Death until the Great Compromise. It is a place of flame and pain, maintained by Zorak Zoran himself, as not to forget what laxity brings. Here, he is privy to the consultations of Amastan, Lord of Salamanders, as well as the forces of unlife, both enslaved by him in the Godswar.
Rackhir has given his bow-you willed him to sleep Amastan mocked.
I willed them not to act-not to strike her down, in the event she was the White Moon. Zorak Zoran snarled. She is not the White Moon-she cannot be-war still fills the outermost reaches of Komor, and I hear the echoes of War to come, yet.
You have always heard the echoes of War to come-it is your curse.
Silence-she has the Bow of Rakhir now, which never loses it's target. It has yet to be seen how she uses it.
Your people betray you-is this how things come to pass?
My people have always hated the necessity of my existence-my followers are deemed madmen and worse-how is this different?

"Well, with your ablutions covered, we should probably look to less important things-sleeping bags, insect netting, cookware and a fire tent. I'd suggest you snatch up a few gewgaws-in the wilds, we may need to bribe our way into a freehold. Quite frankly, I also think we should invest in a first aid kit. Trolls pride themselves on bulling through pain, but they also regrow anything they may have to carve off in extremis." Kyroto smiled. "Trolls tend to just grab up a sack and head out, trusting their upbringing to bring food and shelter-but it doesn't bother them to just sleep wherever, or to eat rocks when it comes down to it."
Vanadict smiled. "Eating rocks hardly sounds like fun. Well, you're the one who knows your way around: We should pick up the first-aid kit next. I admit that I am not really good at healing with the Force. A bruise, a cut, a broken limb, sure, but aything further and I can only ease the pain." Her upper ears twitched, showing amusment. "Pamalta is a culturally rich world indeed. Not exactly a vacation spot, but interesting and exciting nonetheless."

"The trolls rarely require healing, but fortunately are not the only sentients on this world-the aldryami of the Vale of Flowers, Redwood Forest, and Spoorwood are all large enough to maintain sentience, but as plants, I doubt their healing kits would be practical for us.
"There's a duck enclave over there-" Kyroto nodded in the direction. "They'll have herbs and the like, plus we can get a nice cup of swamp mint tea. Other than the feathers, they're alike enough their kits will do us nicely."

"The trolls rarely require healing, but fortunately are not the only sentients on this world-the aldryami of the Vale of Flowers, Redwood Forest, and Spoorwood are all large enough to maintain sentience, but as plants, I doubt their healing kits would be practical for us.
"There's a duck enclave over there-" Kyroto nodded in the direction. "They'll have herbs and the like, plus we can get a nice cup of swamp mint tea. Other than the feathers, they're alike enough their kits will do us nicely."
"Alright then." Vanadict approached the enclave, looking at the strange sentiants curiously. All of what she had seen of these ducks had been one or two here and there. Indeed, she knew nothing of them. So it was wise to be catious. "Anything I should know about these ducks?"

"There really isn't that much known about them." Kyroto shrugged. "They're either humans cursed with small size, bills, and feathers or ducks cursed with greater size, hands, and sentience. They've lived in Delecti's Marsh since Time began, even before it was called Delecti's Marsh.
"They don't talk about themselves much, or their history, but their herbalism is on a par with the Ordo Xiola Umbari's, and they're excellent fisherfolk and sailors. They band together for mutual defense and hold grudges, which is why the Ordo Vaneekara won't eat them. Most trolls make fun of them, but there hasn't ever been a troll/duck war in all the time they've coexisted. In fact, I don't think the ducks have ever had a war with anyone."
Kyroto stopped at a stall, looking over some fleshy fish. "Ah-skrelfish! Trolls won't catch these, but they're delicious. Yo, Donalt--" a large white duck hissed at the name, then saw the pair of kitsune.
"Thought you were some (expletive deleted) troll, Kyroto-you know better than to use that (expletives deleted) name among us." the duck swore repeatedly, mostly an impugning of trolls and their etiquette. "So, you like some skrel? I smoked it all before bringing it in, so it'll keep. Nice hickory, with a herbal glaze..."
"Actually, we're in the market for a first aid kit-five of us going cross-country, to the Yellow Springs."
"Be wary-Dorastor's been way overactive, and Glamour's --well, it's Glamour, nuff said? Word is the Bastard of Doraddi's mounting up a major force to burn well into both-the roads to Glamour are lined with heads."

Vanadict smiled inwardly. The duck-thing was not unlike the many merchants who line Xiscapia's streets, hawking their wares. Both in personality and in the colorful varient of curses. She spoke directly to it, him, she assumed. "We need a first-aid kit, as my friend has told you, as quickly and completly as possible."

"Awright, awright." the duck put a large wooden box on the counter, and informed Kyroto, "Some thievin' wakka-wakka-wak-wak lays so much as one wakk-wakk-a-wakka nostril on my fish, I'm gonna break my boot off in your waak-wak-wak. And I know your mother, so don't think you can run." He direly glared at Kyroto before reaching beneath and tossing things into the box.
"Now, these red bandages are stained with mung-an antiseptic-you clean every wound with these, and wrap it if you suspect poison-mung's an anticoagulant, and it'll draw poison to it. Burn the bandage after an hour-you wouldn't believe how nasty some of the local poisons are. Mung's good against anything but scorpion queen venom-so good I'm going to toss in three quarts of mungberries. Boil these in the jar, and skim the oil off the top. The oil's potent stuff, good against anything but scorpion queen venom, but has a psychotropic effect that'll put you down for the better part of a day-if you save the oil, you'll want to dilute it heavily with cactus juices or something similar in about a 19:1 ratio. Saturate the bandages in the remaining berry juice for about an hour or so-let it simmer, and you'll have these bandages good to go.
"Now, these yellow bandages are for disease-not really that common here, but certain animals eat garbage and have an infectious bite, and broos practically wallow in their own wakk-wakka-wakk-wakk feces. They're soaked in swamp bug vomit, and should be applied as soon as possible for best effect. If you still get infected, change the bandages regularly until you get to a shaman. Those wakk-wakk-a-wakkas seem backwards, but they know their stuff. I've seen them pull fatal cases back to full health-remember when Burgess got nailed by the broo? Thought he was a goner for sure then, but that Boztakang shaman cleared him right up.
"This blue jar holds asafoedita powder-just a pinch in tea if you suspect magic at work. Lots of predators here exist as pure spiritforms-what you'd call 'One with the Force'. This powder will clear them up quick, provided they haven't got their hooks in too deep. A line of this will prevent them from crossing.
"These twigs are Xiola's Breath-boil one and drink it down, and it relieves pain. Only one, and only one drink per twenty-four hour period. It's not addicting, but the body builds up a tolerance for it.
"This small black box is Impweed-use it to induce vomiting. Use it sparingly, or your patient will cough up things they ate as a child-about a teaspoon for every eighty pounds weight or so. Kyroto should know what you shouldn't eat, so ask him first, and you shouldn't need any Impweed at all."
The duck held up a small box of iridescent blue seed pods. "These are clean spores-pop one under the nose if the patient's been incapacitated by some soporific. Quite a few plants like to lure in prey with hypnotic perfumes-this will take care of that.
"Let's see-a few splints, some clean bandages, some willowbark for tea--I believe that will be all you should need. Now, if you'll put some swamp mint on to boil, I'll get some honey and creme, and together we will find out what your life's worth, eh?"

Vanadict found herself rather liking the duck, dispite his uncoth ways and frequency to swear so badly that it would make a Tenfour dockhand blush. He seemed very knowledgable about what he was selling, and such was always a good thing. Not only that, but the kit seemed complete, with everything they would need-anything other could be healed by the Force or though magic, concevibly. Vanadict stood more to the side, letting Kyroto do the dealings.

Kyroto nudged her-"This is my adopted uncle, Merridew. He wants a full-blown tea ceremony. The kit's street value is about eighty bolgs (OOC:at the time of this writing, one bolg is $1.32 US), but a proper ceremony will see him cut 20% off that, and impeccable manners another 10%. Give him some news from Xiscapia, and he'll reciprocate with local events. He's checking you out as much as making a sale, so be pleasant and engaging, and if you charm him enough, he may even give us the kit-he's an old softie for all his bluster. He's anxious for any information he can get on my homeland-they always felt they cheated me of contact with my gods by knowing nothing about kitsune or Xiscapia, so any comfort you can give him in that regard would be greatly appreciated."
He did prepare a teapot with swamp-mint and a few elderberries, placing it on a metal ring he brought to red heat with a word. "He'll expect me to mind the store while he chats you up-he's setting up the backroom for company. The ring will cool down when you remove the pot from it, and I'll watch for any fire damage."

Kyroto nudged her-"This is my adopted uncle, Merridew. He wants a full-blown tea ceremony. The kit's street value is about eighty bolgs (OOC:at the time of this writing, one bolg is $1.32 US), but a proper ceremony will see him cut 20% off that, and impeccable manners another 10%. Give him some news from Xiscapia, and he'll reciprocate with local events. He's checking you out as much as making a sale, so be pleasant and engaging, and if you charm him enough, he may even give us the kit-he's an old softie for all his bluster. He's anxious for any information he can get on my homeland-they always felt they cheated me of contact with my gods by knowing nothing about kitsune or Xiscapia, so any comfort you can give him in that regard would be greatly appreciated."
He did prepare a teapot with swamp-mint and a few elderberries, placing it on a metal ring he brought to red heat with a word. "He'll expect me to mind the store while he chats you up-he's setting up the backroom for company. The ring will cool down when you remove the pot from it, and I'll watch for any fire damage."
Vanadict nodded, understanding. She'd had to charm more than a few diplomats in her time, with a variety of ways. This was nothing new to her. What was new was trying to charm a duck. But he wanted news, well, he'd get news. She proceeded to the back room. "Merridew," she bowed appropriatly, "I am the Vanadict, and visitor for a time on this world. Back on Xiscapia, well, it's at least as busy as it is here, although perhaps not as interesting. Recently we've located the last of the Calaverans-an xenophobic, human race which we nearly completly destroyed in a war a few years ago- and they surrendered, which brought an end to the reign of Kash the Butcher. Politically we've dispatched a diplomat to a race we've only just met-they seeked out our scout ship and saw around it's cloak, interestingly enough. There's been some terrorist attacks recently, not the least on our good Head Admiral, who was wounded. Her guard managed to kill her would-be assassins, however. This is all highly confidetal you understand," it wasn't, it was old news to all it concearned to by this time "so I'd rather you didn't utter it to anyone." Vanadict looked around the back room, having run outof breath. "Anywhere I can sit?" Now the fun might begin.

The duck nodded at a low table. "Please, help yourself. We had some Kashists here making noises about their sacred right to eat children in warfare. Now, they ever tried it, I know who'd be in the stewpot-trolls don't cotton to anyone messing with children. Fortunately, the noisy bastards had to howl to their god during the day. Last of the Kashists died under a hail of heavy objects for disturbing a troll's sleep-don't even think they was et. Trolls had their fill of child-eating sun gods long ago.
"Wakka-wakk-wakk-a-wakka trolls is real polite about religion-say it's for your god and don't disturb them none, and you can put on a naked floor show in the middle of the market-even bring their kids round for it-but these--" the duck shook his head sadly."--claimed it was their sacred right to be here. Trolls got no trouble with that-a god's a god to them, even if it ain't their god. So's the Ordo Drakul asks them what the tenets of their religion are-no answer, just a repeat demand for temple space. Then they goes and starts with howling in the midday sun, waking up decent, respectable folks. By the time the Ordo Boztakang shows up to denounce them as a Chaos faith for their practices, they'd been smooshed by folks as trying to sleep-and good riddance, you ask me.
"Them Calaverans is bad news-pure ineffectual, self-destroying Chaos. Ain't heard a good story on them since the trolls started letting outsiders on-world. Seems like they'll use any excuse for their bad ways, and swear it's the gods' will while sensible folks is wiping them out-well, at least they're easy to wipe out-too unpleasant for anything long-term to develop.
"Do hope your Head Admiral is okay-she's got green eyes, like Kyroto, right? Any chance they're related? Most you lot gots yellow eyes, like you. Color run in families, or just a shot in the dark?"
He knelt at the table opposite her, and listened for the whistle of the teapot. "I can see you're friends of the Doraddi Sultanate-them cloaks don't come from nowhere else, and they come dear. Know your route?"

[QUOTE=Ordo Drakul;13328062]The duck nodded at a low table. "Please, help yourself. We had some Kashists here making noises about their sacred right to eat children in warfare. Now, they ever tried it, I know who'd be in the stewpot-trolls don't cotton to anyone messing with children. Fortunately, the noisy bastards had to howl to their god during the day. Last of the Kashists died under a hail of heavy objects for disturbing a troll's sleep-don't even think they was et. Trolls had their fill of child-eating sun gods long ago.
Vanadict nodded mutely. The Kashites hadn't been so foolish as to try anything on Xiscapia, where they would not only be hated because of their strange, stupid ways and devotion to attempting to devour children, but simply because they were Calaveran. The memory of the Calaveran war and Kash the Butcher still hurt-it was infuriating to see that Kash had once again managed to slime his way out of being killed.
"Wakka-wakk-wakk-a-wakka trolls is real polite about religion-say it's for your god and don't disturb them none, and you can put on a naked floor show in the middle of the market-even bring their kids round for it-but these--" the duck shook his head sadly."--claimed it was their sacred right to be here. Trolls got no trouble with that-a god's a god to them, even if it ain't their god. So's the Ordo Drakul asks them what the tenets of their religion are-no answer, just a repeat demand for temple space. Then they goes and starts with howling in the midday sun, waking up decent, respectable folks. By the time the Ordo Boztakang shows up to denounce them as a Chaos faith for their practices, they'd been smooshed by folks as trying to sleep-and good riddance, you ask me.
Vanadict laughed out loud at the first words. It wasn't unknown to see a naked floor show on Xiscapia in the middle of a market, or pretty much anywhere else-but that was just drunks exercising their perhaps too-much freedom. "I imagine that they wouldn't taste all that good. As a good friend on mine once said, I like humans, but I could never eat a whole one in a single sitting."
"Them Calaverans is bad news-pure ineffectual, self-destroying Chaos. Ain't heard a good story on them since the trolls started letting outsiders on-world. Seems like they'll use any excuse for their bad ways, and swear it's the gods' will while sensible folks is wiping them out-well, at least they're easy to wipe out-too unpleasant for anything long-term to develop.
"Do hope your Head Admiral is okay-she's got green eyes, like Kyroto, right? Any chance they're related? Most you lot gots yellow eyes, like you. Color run in families, or just a shot in the dark?"
"Yes, well, that's them. It's true, show them a bit of force and they'll fight badly, then die, then surrender or run. They never porved to be a match for us, not during the war fighting or at the peace tables talking. Not that they did much of the ladder, mind you-their diplomats are glorified soldiers, they even wear battle armor. Krystal, our Head Admiral, yes she has green eyes. Very, very rare thing, most of us have either yellow or orange eyes. Colors usually run in families, but Kyroto's got dark hair, Krystal's is light pink. Only way to be sure is a DNA test."
He knelt at the table opposite her, and listened for the whistle of the teapot. "I can see you're friends of the Doraddi Sultanate-them cloaks don't come from nowhere else, and they come dear. Know your route?"
"Sort of. He was a guest at the Imperial Palace for a time, he enjoyed the hospitaity. Especially the food, I think he actually gained weight while he was there, absurd though it may seem. It was sweet of him to find out the colors, then have them reproduced with this cloak-it's very comfortable." She stroked the front, smiling with her memories of Gerrak.
OOC: Ah, I see you have heard of the infamous Kashites.

OOC:Heard of them? They interjected their demands in my factbook, and I TG'd asking for tenets of their religion, etc. No response but a second post in my factbook demanding recognition as a religion. When I finally dug up what their faith was all about, I realized how it would play on Pamaltela, hence Merridew's little speech.
IC:The duck laid out a scroll on the table. "This here's a map-a proper map for eyes, not them wakka-wakk-wakk troll things. Wakka-wakka-wakk block of stone sets out terrain to wakk-wakk-wakka-wakk darksense. Here-this is Big Rubble, right at the mouth of the river Pavis. Pavis runs straight south from Big Skyfall Lake, but you don't want to try navigating it-rapids is one thing, but Big Skyfall dumps all kinds of crap from all over, so's all kinds of alien life ends up in the Pavis. Some catches on, finds a niche in our ecosystem, but most ends up being a wakka-wakka-wak-a-wakk until something eats it or it dies.
"Now, you take the main road, then use the ford at Teddy Bear Junction-lots of bad sorts there, so keep your eyes sharp and tuck your purse in your pants."
OOC:I have to start work now, so I'll finish this in the morning.

OOC:Heard of them? They interjected their demands in my factbook, and I TG'd asking for tenets of their religion, etc. No response but a second post in my factbook demanding recognition as a religion. When I finally dug up what their faith was all about, I realized how it would play on Pamaltela, hence Merridew's little speech.
IC:The duck laid out a scroll on the table. "This here's a map-a proper map for eyes, not them wakka-wakk-wakk troll things. Wakka-wakka-wakk block of stone sets out terrain to wakk-wakk-wakka-wakk darksense. Here-this is Big Rubble, right at the mouth of the river Pavis. Pavis runs straight south from Big Skyfall Lake, but you don't want to try navigating it-rapids is one thing, but Big Skyfall dumps all kinds of crap from all over, so's all kinds of alien life ends up in the Pavis. Some catches on, finds a niche in our ecosystem, but most ends up being a wakka-wakka-wak-a-wakk until something eats it or it dies.
"Now, you take the main road, then use the ford at Teddy Bear Junction-lots of bad sorts there, so keep your eyes sharp and tuck your purse in your pants."
OOC: They are rather annoying, but not truly dangerious.
IC: Vanadict studied the map and nodded, almost to herself. "I've visited many a wretched hive of scum and villany, so I don't think I need to worry about being mugged, especially with Humbaba and Kai and Kyroto besides." She picked up the map, rolled it up, and stuck it inside her robes, which were now growing quite heavy. "A thousand thanks for your help. Now, about the kit," she opened her dainty little black money poutch, the one that hissed and bit if anyone got too close, "how much do I owe you?" she gave a coy smile and raised her eyebrows slightly. Her ears twitched a tad and her tail moved slowly from side to side.
OOC:I have to start work now, so I'll finish this in the morning.
00C: Alright then, catch you later.

"Eh-Sixty-five for the map and kit." Merridew quacked. "You'll need all the help you can get, I guess."

"Eh-Sixty-five for the map and kit." Merridew quacked. "You'll need all the help you can get, I guess."
Vanadict bowed low. "You are most generious." she straightened up and retrived the currency from her pouch and handed over the sixty-five. "I will be leaving now, I think, but hopefully I may see you again." She exited the tent in a swirl of robes.

Kyroto watched her leave. "So, I take it all went well-would you care to go for camping gear or food next? Picking out insect netting will be bothersome, but necessary. I think we could go with spider silk, but I've heard nice things about this new woven metal mesh as well. Given the size of our beetles, I doubt you'd want to see a mosquito up close.
"Of course, there are more than just insects in the wilds. I might suggest a few deterrent scents or a couple of traps just in case-since we'll camp by day in all likelihood, the chances of accidentally hitting one are smaller, but not impossible-maybe a bell line to string around on stakes at the very least. A horn might be good, but there's a fine distinction between being eaten for poaching and being eaten for disturbing a troll's sleep I don't quite follow-think you have to be a troll to understand."

Vanadict shrugged. "It went well enough, I think I enjoyed his company. Nets and food would be good too, I don't think I want to fall into a troll trap...given the size of the animals here, there wouldn't be much left of me by the time anyone got me out..."

"It depends-the insects the trolls brought with them kicked the crap out of the ecosystem here, but enough of the native species survived there's a pretty good mix. Most of what we'll probably run into sticking to troll nocturnal patterns and the roads will be no bigger than your head. Of course, if the local lords have caught brigands, that'll be a different matter. Animals will tend to avoid the roads, but the scavengers-well, trolls tend to bury bandits up to their necks by the roadside, and the scavengers have learned how helpless that makes them-once they've eaten the head, they'll dig up the rest, and they can get pretty territorial over their food..."

"Oh dear..." said Vanadict dryly. "So, about the food. What do you say we should stock up on first? Water? Bread? Meats?" She fondly remembered the time she had spend of Kul'dor, where she had been required to hike for several days across a large plain to meet with the king. She had eaten native food, bread and soft cheese and smoked meat, and had enjoyed it immensly. The negotiations hadn't actually gone hugly well, but it was still a good memory.

"Once we get canteens, we can load up on water before leaving town. I know which wells are safe, so that shouldn't be an issue. Smoked meats will be here, since trolls don't use smoke or fire to prepare meat, and we can get some fine mushrooms from the trolls. Some for us, and some for the beetles."

Vanadict nodded. "Sounds like a plan. In what direction do we walk, O Master of the Market?" She winked playfully at him, grinning slightly.

"Well, Milady, such a fine damosel as yourself should properly dine on naught but the ripest fruits, dipped in honey or the finest chocolate sauces, but I fear the local confectioners far too-" he suddenly leapt to one side, spinning his spear. The Vanadict heard the distinctive ricochet of troll Force-powered lead pinging off the flame-hardened bronze head of Kyroto's spear.
A roaring troll was spinning a great sling in one hand. --Out of my way, swamp fox! That ---- would dishonor the House of Krag with claims of consortship? That ---- will die NOW!--
--For that term alone, I claim your hide--Kyroto produced a small triangular metal blade between two fingers, and set it loose to sever the sling's cords.--Now, draw your weapon and let me spill your worthless blood.--
The troll glared, tossing the worthless remnants of his sling away, and unwrapped a chain, spinning it.--I shall eat you slowly after I break your limbs.--
he snarled, advancing on the small kitsune.
"WAAK! Karrg's Sons! Karrg's Sons!" Merridew had rushed out of his stall, quacking furiously. "Attack! Attack! Grab that wakk-wakk-a-wakka!"
A heavily armored troll bit into a large apple.--Sorry, Merry-your boy issued a proper challenge. Long as both got seconds, nothing I can do.--
A troll stepped forth.--I stand by Rogna, for the honor of the Krags!--
The armored troll nodded. --That's one. You got a second, boy?--he lumbered up, menacingly. --Issuing a challenge without a second IS attempted murder...--

"Actually" A familiar voice, to Vanadict at least, and to Kyroto a little "Gerrak's consort is in the Temple of Zorak Zorani...And I am his Second." Kai's voice was icy cold with a locked down rage that would have made any there pale if they had any experinece with the Kami. He was if full combat form, the white armor gleaming, mounted on Talon. The great manits alit with dainty agility. He'd gone aloft in hopes of spotting Indigo elsewhere, though he knew she wasn't, then he'd see the two Kitsune...

If he couldn't go in after Indigo, he was going to take his utter fury out on somebody and it looked as if he'd found a semi satisfactory diversion. There was feeling, a pressure growing about the area, and one got the feeling that if there were barometers about one would see them bottoming out. Kai wasn't anyone's 'little war kami'...

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

Fear is the little death...and a little bit of fear can be a good thing. Don't we juuussstt Luv the sound of one hand clapping Indigo thought tiredly as she paused before the last door that lay between her and the inner sanctum.

I only got slightly lost coming back. I haven't gotten caught, if barely and that was more due to luck than due to any skills I have. Though Humbaba is right to call me Niblet, I wouldn't be much of a danger to most...though I'd go down the gullet making them miserable every inch of the way She grinned at the tought of a small ball of fur, all claws, fangs and red eyes slowly sliding down a thoat- spinning like a veritable Taz - a tornado of flailing fury and being hacked back up as just too painful to eat. She barely muffled a giggle, then reached out and slowly tugged the mass of the incredibly heavy door open enough for her to slip in.

The moment she stepped inside her robes appeared about her, but her head cloth and veils were in her free hand. Indigo did not choose to put them back on. Her hair floated on an unfelt wind, then drapped smoothly down her back, falling hearly to her knees, the deep waves gleaming in the fires light.

"I have the finger you requested" she said softly.

"A danger to most? You're a danger to all" The blackened being that shambled forth towards Indigo was dropping scales like scattered petals. "You are more than you appear, and less-just as I am more than I appear, and less--look here, where your idle comments have resulted in less or more-this conflict would have ended, but your servant saw fit to interfere-this is a conflict You engaged-a conflict you induced,a conflict unseen without your efforts--
(OOC: I do apologize, as Kai's seconding was sort of in the stars, but Nova's recovery means I have to hit her hard, in the family jewels. Since I cannot allieviate anything physically, I shall force her to do the same mentally and spiritually as I cannot give any less of myself than anticipated, nor would I expect anything less than her. My best blessings on you, and may I live up to your people's hopes. Please make me terribly wrong in this...

"Well, Milady, such a fine damosel as yourself should properly dine on naught but the ripest fruits, dipped in honey or the finest chocolate sauces, but I fear the local confectioners far too-" he suddenly leapt to one side, spinning his spear. The Vanadict heard the distinctive ricochet of troll Force-powered lead pinging off the flame-hardened bronze head of Kyroto's spear.
A roaring troll was spinning a great sling in one hand. --Out of my way, swamp fox! That ---- would dishonor the House of Krag with claims of consortship? That ---- will die NOW!--
--For that term alone, I claim your hide--Kyroto produced a small triangular metal blade between two fingers, and set it loose to sever the sling's cords.--Now, draw your weapon and let me spill your worthless blood.--
The troll glared, tossing the worthless remnants of his sling away, and unwrapped a chain, spinning it.--I shall eat you slowly after I break your limbs.--
he snarled, advancing on the small kitsune.
"WAAK! Karrg's Sons! Karrg's Sons!" Merridew had rushed out of his stall, quacking furiously. "Attack! Attack! Grab that wakk-wakk-a-wakka!"
A heavily armored troll bit into a large apple.--Sorry, Merry-your boy issued a proper challenge. Long as both got seconds, nothing I can do.--
A troll stepped forth.--I stand by Rogna, for the honor of the Krags!--
The armored troll nodded. --That's one. You got a second, boy?--he lumbered up, menacingly. --Issuing a challenge without a second IS attempted murder...--
"Actually" A familiar voice, to Vanadict at least, and to Kyroto a little "Gerrak's consort is in the Temple of Zorak Zorani...And I am his Second." Kai's voice was icy cold with a locked down rage that would have made any there pale if they had any experinece with the Kami. He was if full combat form, the white armor gleaming, mounted on Talon. The great manits alit with dainty agility. He'd gone aloft in hopes of spotting Indigo elsewhere, though he knew she wasn't, then he'd see the two Kitsune...

If he couldn't go in after Indigo, he was going to take his utter fury out on somebody and it looked as if he'd found a semi satisfactory diversion. There was feeling, a pressure growing about the area, and one got the feeling that if there were barometers about one would see them bottoming out. Kai wasn't anyone's 'little war kami'...
Vanadict bared her teeth at the advancing troll, which to most looked like a sick grin but was actually a sign of aggression. Her hand held fast to the hilt of her katana, but shedid not unsheath her blade. Kyroto, under troll law, had to fight this on his own. And Kai had already volunteered to be his second, should he die. She gave a grateful nod of thanks to Kai. No room left for Vanadict except to sit and watch. And if by some unlikely dark miracle did the troll defeat both Kyroto and Kai, then he would need to deal with Vanadict, and her power. Men! she thought furiously. She slid up to Merridew. "I am, shall we say, unacustomed to the customs here. What exactly just happened, and is there anything I can do about it?" he voice was dangeriously low and her yellow eyes were locked onto either Kyroto or this so-called troll of the Krags.

The soft silver radience of moonglow, revealer of truth in words, deed and form, gathered about Indigo once again, but for a long second she could only look at the creature - unafraid, but completely baffelled by it's comments, uncomprehending as to what it was refering to....

Then she was seeing though Kai's eyes and into his immediate memory as she reached out to the only one whom the being before her might consider her 'servant'...and as she reviewed she understood what was being spoken of.

Her eyes flashed, for she was furious in an instant, but her voice the cool whisper of wind over the moonscape, adamantine "OH NO YOU DON'T!" She excalimed sharply "You do not get to place this Blame on me. I may not be Gerrak's mate...yet... by Troll definition...but there are OTHER equally valid ways, other definitions that can apply...he is Zorak Zorani, and they are Heyoka -I said I was his consort, not he mine and thus I have no standing in anything legal or custom or tradition...just my heart....but that has no bearing on the conflict occuring there. To me it looks like a pair of stupid bullies - and isn't Gerrak officially clanless? -are about to get what they deserve, and besides they are picking on the wrong person. "

Gentle, compassionate Indigo...one should never forget that not only was she Novan, but the daughter of the Shogun's youngest daughter as well.

"And while I might be unsited for the 'rage of battle' I am a warrior...and stop trying to distract me!"

"Clanless? HA!" the badly-burnt troll-thing snarled, "He is Mine twice-over, and when he is Voivode, he will spread my word and will to the furthest corners of the cosmos. His mother will not yield him up to me, but it is of no consequence, as he IS mine, a Good Son with whom I am well-pleased.
"These bullies-agents of his mother, Gudrun-are merely attempting to kill Gerrak's friends as a message to him his mother will not be denied."
Flames roared up, revealing the large troll advancing on Kyroto, the little kitsune's spear spinning nimbly in his hand. The troll flicked his wrist, sending a long chain flying, but Kyroto caught it on his blade and tried to foul it with a twist. "A pity the small one cannot kill both, but only one will duel. Foolish law, that. Still,..."
The blackened being breathed on the fire, fanning the madness in the large troll higher. He roared and charged, swinging the mace on the end of his chain at Kyroto's head.

Vanadict bared her teeth at the advancing troll, which to most looked like a sick grin but was actually a sign of aggression. Her hand held fast to the hilt of her katana, but shedid not unsheath her blade. Kyroto, under troll law, had to fight this on his own. And Kai had already volunteered to be his second, should he die. She gave a grateful nod of thanks to Kai. No room left for Vanadict except to sit and watch. And if by some unlikely dark miracle did the troll defeat both Kyroto and Kai, then he would need to deal with Vanadict, and her power. Men! she thought furiously. She slid up to Merridew. "I am, shall we say, unaccustomed to the customs here. What exactly just happened, and is there anything I can do about it?" he voice was dangerously low and her yellow eyes were locked onto either Kyroto or this so-called troll of the Krags.
"Wakk-a-wakk-wakking Krags decided to ambush you in the open market-something I WILL bring up to the Argan Argari." the duck swore up a blue streak. "Bad for wakk-wakk-WAAK-wakking business-have waak-wakk-waak Gudrun Harmonized I get the right Sacred Mother to listen. Anyway, Kyroto-dumbass that he is-played right into their hands, issuing a challenge. Damn boy's twitterpated-hope it don't affect his fighting none. At least he can kill the one legally-Karrg's Son over there heard the challenge, and there're seconds."

"Why do I get the feeling that this won't turn out well no matter what happens?" Vanadict asked ominiously. She watched the huge Muri attack Kyroto, swinging his chain. Kyroto countered it, but failed to do anything more. The troll retrived his chain and started running directly at Kyroto. Vanadict gasped, resisting the urge to go in and strike the troll down herself, dearly hoping Kyroto was able to dodge or counter the sudden charge...

"Damn it" Indigo swored angrily."Yes I know he's Yours I don't dispute that." Her only comment before she fell silent, watching the duel intently. This interuption would not deter her from her mission, and she had gained some valuable insights already.

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

Vanadict felt a gentle hand descend on her shoulder and give her a light, comforting squeeze. Kai looked down at her but did not seek to distract her from the confrontation Gently dear friend, I know how strong the impulse to defend is, but it's wrong to take his consequences from him. He'll do fine. Kai's mental voice was soft and compassionate.

Nimbleness and agility generallly over came brute strenght if given a even chance and the large Muri...was being urged into battle lust and loss of reason, that he could easily sense.

Vanadict smiled wanly and put her hand on Kai's. "Thank you." She whispered, never taking her eyes from the battle. Speed and agility would win if the fighter could make the match brutally short, but in the long run strength and size generally won out. Vanadict prayed to Qonn that Kyroto would make it the former. However, if the troll went mad with blood lust and anger, he could lose the ability to reason and even the ability to adapt. He would keep charging and hiting, again and again and again until either his foe was dead or he was. This was not very inventive, but very useful if you were strong and your enemy was weak. However, Kyroto was not weak, even by troll standereds. At least, not in the way of being able to kill, swiftly. He was a hunter, after all. Vanadict reassured herself with these things as she watced, only half-believing herself.

The blackened thing stirred oddly, forcing Kyroto's opponent to full-blown rage. "Like some popcorn?" he asked Indigo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The troll bellowed, casting aside it's chain, and becoming a fury of claws and snapping fangs. Kyroto kept his distance, nicking and striking as he could. The troll bellowed as Kyroto struck, drawing blood.
"First blood to foxy-boy!" the Karrg's Son cried.
The troll opponent roared and charged again, Kyroto spearing him in the shoulder to vault over him. The nimble kitsune landed on his feet, ready to attack with the next charge.

Vanadict gave a muffled cheer as Kyroto's spear drew the first blood. Ifhe was killed, which looked increasingly unlikely, she could take a bit of the troll's blood and until he died he would be having some very uncomfortable nights. She wanted to smile but frowned as she watched troll and kitsune fight.

"With extra butter, please" Indigo replied politely, wrapped up in the lethal dance the fire displayed."But aren't the other gods going to get upset at your interferance? It's not like the Kitsune is your follower and technically your dispute is with his mother. It's a bit petty to prey on him, even if he is his mothers agent."

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

Kai cheered too and reached out to Vanadict once again Remember, belief is always potent. If you believe in Kyroto, don't hide it.

Kai called out "Second blood to him too." As Kyrotos spear went into the trolls shoulder and he vaulted over him "But hurry up Kyroto, I'm getting hungry and that trash doesn't look fit to eat."

"What if they are? That, too, would be an adoration of me." The being slumped, producing a bowl of popcorn, extra butter. "This is mine as the Death-wielder, mine as Lord of Rage, Hate, and Battle-besides, I am not influencing Kyroto in any way. My hand falls on his opponent, blinding him to the nuances that are part of me. Strategy, tactics, finesse-these are my pleasures. When Gork Trag brought down the Hidden Dragon without a loss of troll life-now that was balm to my soul. This clumsy murderer gives me no pleasure-and he had the temerity to pray me guide his arm-speaking of which..."
A single claw reached into the fire, snagging the troll's claw and forcing it into the earth, where Kyroto danced backwards, stabbing at the forearm and bringing a ribbon of blood.
"You know, if this does not happen, Gudrun Krag will not dog you all the way to the Yellow Springs." Zorak Zoran became conversational. "If she fails to pursue, fails to haunt you like some ragged ghost, you will never see her puppeteer. One moment--"
He casually swiped the Krag aside from a finishing blow, rolling him away from Kyroto's spear."--this fight is nothing, save it covers my influence here-my influence must be here, for death is the only outcome. Would you like to interfere a bit? Not really your thing, but I'll cover you. If not, you have completed the quest I gave-you may receive a reward, if it is within my power."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kyroto stabbed at the forearm his opponent crushed into the earth, and leaped back. The troll held up a shattered stump, roaring in agony. His eyes seemed to film over red, and he scrabbled to his feet, charging.
Kyroto tripped him with a hamstringing slice, sending him sprawling backwards. He leaped high into the air, coming down for an impaling strike. Suddenly, the troll rolled to one side, kicking up an amazing amount of dust and dirt.
The air was filled with particulate matter, obscuring vision and making Kyroto sneeze. He whirled swiftly, pulling his spear from the ground and whirling it about him.

If not, you have completed the quest I gave-you may receive a reward, if it is within my power."

The popcorn all but went flying but after a split second of juggling Indigo settled it back in her hands then set it safely aside. After another second she gathered herself from her disconcertedness. "Reward? I didn't come to ask for any sort of boon or reward." Her voice was awash with astonishment. She turned from the duel to look at Zorak directly, then sudddenly shy she looked down at her toes and blushed faintly.

"Then why does one petition the gods? You took the quest, you completed it-I believe I am currently obligated-one reward, one boon, one answer-all you have earned is one, and it's limitations are it must fall within my power."

"Well actually I came to deliver my thank you in person...I wanted to thank you for being such a good god for Gerak. You see, as I came to know and love Gerrak, I came to know and love you. Gerrak would never follow a god that was all muscle betweent the ears. And you said it yourself just now" and she quoted his words back to him... "Strategy, tactics, finesse-these are my pleasures...and yet most see Zorak Zorani as only howling beserks. Which Gerrak is simply not, though I understand that there are times when the state has its uses."

With a wave of her hand that looked far more asssured ourwardly that she felt inwardly the air about the duelists cleard of the dust and debris. "Fogs in nature are nice, fogs in war aren't and cause too many to die who might otherwise be spared."

She turned back to Zorak, more assured now "I am not a Muri, not one of your worshipers, but thank you and thank you more for all you have done for them.

"Adversity builds character-I've barely laid their foundation." He huddled over the flames. "The hidden claw that pulls the strings may not realize those strings are yet attached-remember that, little Moon. Even I long for the White Moon."
He blew sparks upwards, and Indigo closed her eyes.
When she opened them, a massed throng of trolls was staring at her, naked on the altar.
"What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a naked woman before?" She recognized the growling voice as having spoken the litany denouncing Flamal before. "Avert your eyes, or grow them back!" he howled, removing his vast red cloak and offering it to her, scanning the room to see he was obeyed, his head turned from her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kyroto barely raised his spear in time, the Krag charging out of the dust that mysteriously cleared, impaling his opponent. His face contorted, and black blood was vomited up over the kitsune.
"Damn, I need a bath." Kyroto observed, pulling his spear out of the heart it had split like an apple, and leaving the troll to drum it's heels in the dust, until it fell still.
The Karrg's Son interposed himself between Kyroto and the troll's second. "Take that to Gudrun Krag. We have strict litter laws I will enforce."

Vanadict gave a cry of joy as the troll opponet slumped to the ground, blood spilling in death. At the other troll's words she nodded. "The body must be returned to the next of kin." She stepped forward, not minding the blood that pooled around them and stained the leather-like hide. She embraced Kyroto and whispered tenderly in his ear: "Thank you. I don't know what would have happened had you died."

"You would have been claimed as the prize and taken to Gudrun Krag in irons." Kyroto told her, simply. "And had I not been here, they would have challenged you, instead. It is of no consequence-the Krags have been taught manners, at the cost of one of their own."
Merridew was fuming. "Waak-a-wakk-wakk! Get in the tub, boy-and if there's one drop of your blood on you, I'll have your hide! Fighting in the streets like some waak-a-wakk-waak savage! If your mother hears of this..." there was more, as apparently troll blood only washes off with soap and cursing in a 30/70 ratio, but this went on behind a curtain, where the Vanadict heard Merridew's recriminations and yelping that either accompanied hot water being poured on sensitive skin or intense scrubbing.

"You would have been claimed as the prize and taken to Gudrun Krag in irons." Kyroto told her, simply.
I would have liked to see them try." Vanadict growled.
"And had I not been here, they would have challenged you, instead. It is of no consequence-the Krags have been taught manners, at the cost of one of their own."
Merridew was fuming. "Waak-a-wakk-wakk! Get in the tub, boy-and if there's one drop of your blood on you, I'll have your hide! Fighting in the streets like some waak-a-wakk-waak savage! If your mother hears of this..." there was more, as apparently troll blood only washes off with soap and cursing in a 30/70 ratio, but this went on behind a curtain, where the Vanadict heard Merridew's recriminations and yelping that either accompanied hot water being poured on sensitive skin or intense scrubbing.
Vanadict giggled as she sat on the other side of the curtain. The situation was potentially serious, but it was simply too funny not to laugh. "Doing alright over there?" she called teasingly.

"Thank you Death Lord Korthl" Indigo whispered softly ( she hoped she had guessed the Priest's name correctly ) as she flushed in irritation. She should have realised that the clothing she had wrapped about her had only been mental constructs. Letting the fine cloak settle about her shoulders she spoke - not loudly but her trained voice projected to the farthest corners of the vast room "A gift for Zorak Zoran." She held out her left palm, turned upwards and with her right she slashed across, deep and hard with the crystal knife that she kept about her neck. Blood welled in an instant and spilled out of her palm and down towards the alter, but vanishing before it touched as she concentrated hard on sending it to the deity.

My blood, freely given to you. May it give you strength, and may your White Moon come soon. Thank you for letting me visit with you.

Vanadict giggled as she sat on the other side of the curtain. The situation was potentially serious, but it was simply too funny not to laugh. "Doing alright over there?" she called teasingly.
"Oh, I'm fine-it's this wakk-wakk-a-wakking wakk needs another lessons in manners." came a simple response, accompanied by the sound of a loofah used in a non-prescribed manner. "I'll have him out as soon as he's presentable."
Again, a constant stream of imprecations most dire sounded, apparently a necessity for proper cleansing, and Kyroto's apologies sounded most sincere.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--Do we know each other?--the troll rumbled.--The Bow of Rackhir! Since he's not up here bellowing for it back, you would be a most intriguing lady. Be careful with that-it is said to never miss, and will seek your heart's content if loosed without aiming.
--Perhaps we should see to getting something warm in you, and properly attiring you. This old place gets drafty...--

"Nice spear work Kyroto." Kai said approvingly. "Your form stunk but form is for the dojo" his voice was teasing but serious.

"Vanadict, I have the feeling that I'll meet up again with Indigo shortly so I will leave you and Kyroto to your shopping. If this smoked fish tastes as good as it smells, buy a goodly stock of it please.." Kai called as to Vanadict as he watched the dead Muri's second carry off the body.

With a nod to the Karrgs Son he mounted Talon and was airborne in an instant, heading back the way he had come.

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

"We've never met but I know much about you. Gerrak speaks of you often." Indigo smiled "And thank you for the warning with the bow. As I told Rackhir when he gave it to me, I will strive to be alway worthy of it. My clothes are at the entrance. I didn't think I could move stealthily enough while wearing them."

Indigo alit lightly from the altar with his vast cloak wrapped about her - though her thick fall of hair would have covered nearly as much - it reached to mid thigh and took forever to dry when she washed it.

--I have heard...stories--Korth leered, leading Indigo to a small chamber.--The lady's clothes are at the entrance. Fetch them--he barked at an attendant before wandering over to a small depression and hissing words that burst it into flame before setting a metal pot over it.
--I trust cocoa will be acceptable-everything else I've got is toxic to humans.--he said, simply.--Gerrak has ordered quite a bit of late. Troop reinforcements for Doraddi, incursions into Dorastor and Glamour, and now, you are here.
--I question that boy's eccentricities, but they are most profitable. Mine production's risen steadily since he took over. Why the mostali work for him still amazes me, since no one else can even speak with them. The tzin-tzin populations are recovering adequately that the feathers will be back up to par within ten years, and we'll be harvesting again in a few months. It will help that the war efforts will pull troops otherwise occupied with the tzin-tzin, but that all presupposes the attacks go well.--

Indigo chuckled a bit sadly "I know and they are probably wildly distorted by now." She didn't regret her words and claims one bit. She just wished they were truly true but while she knew her heart -despite the time they had spent together at the Xiscipian Palace- she did not know Gerraks.

Then it hit her...If I have harmed hin, damaged his name... I will have to find some way to right it. I have to be careful, I can't keep letting my heart speak. She thought wretchedly, ashamed of her words now, realizing that they might bring hurt to the one she loved. However now was not the time to dwell on it, so she shoved it deep and smiled when Korth offered cocoa.

"Oh that would be wonderful. Gerrak has a very sound head on his shoulders. the professors at the Academy of the Rose think very highly of him, and he has been wonderfully kind to me, even though when we met I inadvertantly made him most uncomfortable."

--You should have heard the gossip fly when he became Sultan.--Korth added some mint and rich creme to her cocoa.--He ran Doraddi with an iron fist, but things had to be his way. His huntbrothers were badly injured during that-most trolls would have eaten little Humbaba, but not Gerrak. Wouldn't let Jhor do it either, and kept both hidden until he'd fed them enough for regrowth. That was seen as weakness and a perversion of the huntbrother bond, until his sister "dropped" in to administer Doraddi for him.
--He tricked her into touching his whip, then challenged her to a duel-kept her remains around until his mother showed up, then handled the whole thing most poetically. Settled the sincerity of his membership in our Order and the administration of Doraddi in one fell swoop, and silenced all detractors. Gossip flew on those occasions as well, believe you me--

Indigo sipped daintily at the cocoa, closing her eyes at the sheer pleasure of it. "Oh this is marvelous." She looked closely at Korth "Maybe this just enhances his eccentric reputation then" She tried hard to hide the hopefulness in her voice but wasn't entirely sure she did well enough. But hearing more about Gerrak made her happy, and she wished he were with her.

But... 'Lord Korth there is a mural of Zorak Zoran asking a Clan Mother 's permission, or for something, I couldn't really discern which it was, and she refusing him. Please if it's permitted to speak about...What was he asking?"

--That? That is after the approaches to the Surface were discovered. Zorak Zoran saw the Young Races, and knew they would expand, and invade Wonderhome. He told Kyger Litor of them, of their rapid reproduction rate, and how they would come to Wonderhome seeking food and plunder, and asked to raise an army for the defense of the Folk.
--She replied that Wonderhome produced more than enough, and it's bounty would be shared with any who came desirous of it, and the trolls would meet all who came in peace and harmony, and give freely as Wonderhome gave to them. Zorak Zoran said it was not the way of the Young Races, that they would bring greed and lust, and slay the Folk, and take even what was freely offered. Kyger Litor still refused-she couldn't image anyone taking more than they needed, nor bringing conflict to get what was freely offered.
--This is before he unwrapped the Sun, before he saw the humans steal Death from the chambers of Dehore. It is an Old Tale, one only we preserve, though you may ask Kyger Litor of it. I would suggest you do so privately.--

"That must have frustrated him to no end." Indigo sighed knowing that the Young Races, as they were called, so often did exactly what he had warned of. The servant had returned with her robes and as Death Lord Korth politely turned away proceeded to dress quickly.

"Lord Korth...what are the signs that Chaos has found a foot hold? Maybe I am just mistaking things but I think something has gone wrong in the Divine One's Court." She hastened to explain that she might well have been imagining things. "I have so much book knowledge but so vanishingly little practical experience. But descritpions from my great grandmothers diary, she too was a concubine as my mother was, speak of many, many mirrors not just for grooming but for decoration, and laughter, and gardens that all could wander though. I know that fashion changes, but not in the Court, but the mirrors are gone, the laugher is spiteful or angry..." She tried to find words for the little things she had noticed, even she who was far from the center of the Court, of any real participation in the life of the Court. And felt more than a little traitorous for speaking her worries to any one.

--Chaos has a million faces, and all show differently. However, one of the first signs is usually a Golden Age-a time of peace and prosperity, without any of the hallmarks of a Golden Age-no great Art, no population increase, no real wealth garnered, only accumulated in the hands of a few.
--It is when Chaos has a foothold it begins to relax, to show itself. A golden court, where none desire to see their reflection? Why do they not wish to see their glory reflected? What else will the mirror reveal? Do the men strut as peacocks, as obsessed with their own beauty as the vainest debuttante? Do the leaders lead, or engage in elaborate sub rosa exchanges of favors and secrets kept? Are entire sectors of society swept under the rug? Are the shrill recriminations of social activists stilled? Granted, they are usually ill-disguised power grabs, but silencing them rather than pointing this out and laughing is a sign, as well. Chaos may advertise diversity, but it stays to strict limits of behavior.--
Korth poured more cocoa.--When you travel to Doraddi, bide and observe the patrols from Dorastor and Glamour. They will bring in Chaos in it's last stages. Tomorrow night, the Bonebreakers will be engaging the Good Sons of Karrg in trollball-I have delivered the broo personally, and you might see Chaos then in all it's glory.--

Indigo listened intently to his descriptions. "Thank you Lord Korth. I am now very afraid that something is wrong in the Divine One's Court. And if I read between the lines correctly, there is trouble too in the Taiko's Court." She sipped appreciatively at the refiull he'd done on her cocoa. "Though exiled and with no way of getting any truly useful information from the Imperia, I am reduced to guessing mostly. I think my mother's family did all they could for me by getting me exiled. I don't think it's gotten loose in the general population and I hope someone other than I has noted, they have to, oh they just have to have. Though I wonder if I am wrong for worrying about a people who don't even know I'm alive much less care."

The minute she said that though, she knew she was wrong. She would worry and care about her people wether or not they knew she did. It was the same way with her love for Gerrak. It would be wonderful if he returned her love, but it wasn't necessary.

However...

Tomorrow night, the Bonebreakers will be engaging the Good Sons of Karrg in trollball-I have delivered the broo personally, and you might see Chaos then in all it's glory.--

The comment brought her out of her reverie with a startled yip "Chaos, Glory?" That was disbelieving outrage "There is nothing glorious about Chaos, it is but another false face it wears!" She spoke from the soul, a true daughter of the OmiKami that had fought and hunted Chaos as ausidiously as any Troll God ever had.

"Oh, I'm fine-it's this wakk-wakk-a-wakking wakk needs another lessons in manners." came a simple response, accompanied by the sound of a loofah used in a non-prescribed manner. "I'll have him out as soon as he's presentable."
Again, a constant stream of imprecations most dire sounded, apparently a necessity for proper cleansing, and Kyroto's apologies sounded most sincere.
Vanadict cleared her throat. "Ah, yes. I'll wait." She reached inside her seemingly infinite carrying capacity robes and pulled out a tiny hourglass. She watched the white sand fall though to the bottom, grain by grain. And the time draws ever nearer... The top bulb of the glass was nearly drained, a small amount of sand still stubbornly holding on. What does the future hold, to make the sands of conflict fall so steadly? It all adds up...almost. There is yet an unforseen factor...
"Vanadict, I have the feeling that I'll meet up again with Indigo shortly so I will leave you and Kyroto to your shopping. If this smoked fish tastes as good as it smells, buy a goodly stock of it please.."
Vanadict nodded. "Thank you for all your help. I will be sure to buy a significant amount once we are on our way again." she bowed as he took off on his flying, insect steed.

Kyroto finally appeared, looking properly chastened and sheepish. "Where to, next, milady?" he asked, presenting his arm. "I've been told already-no more dueling, but there's other stuff we can do."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--How like the Young Races--Korth swayed his head slowly back and forth, clucking.--Chaos has many pleasing attributes, for all it truly is-death to the gods, extinguishing of all Life not itself. If it did not have these attributes, it could not attract as it does, nor infiltrate. Never fool yourself into thinking it has nothing admirable to it-it will snatch up your soul in a heartbeat, wearing a form it could not possibly, if you truly believe that.
--Chaos possesses all the diversity of true life, and more-it denies the soul, the mind, all higher thought, instead distracting with sybaritism and luxury. These things are not readily apparent, hard to determine. Is a lack of artistic vision a temporary artist's block? Have the muses gone elsewhere? Or has Chaos nestled itself in the artist's heart, preventing the union of material and divine that is Art? All possibilities must be studied, lest Chaos force us to destroy out of hand, and do it's bidding thereby.
--The actions of Orlanth brought Chaos to Reality, made Chaos a part of Reality, brought us an Eternal Foe who fights us one soul at a time for the whole of Reality. Our Eternal Foe requires Eternal Vigilance, and knowing all it's forms. To deny one is to lose a front by not fighting.--

Kyroto finally appeared, looking properly chastened and sheepish. "Where to, next, milady?" he asked, presenting his arm. "I've been told already-no more dueling, but there's other stuff we can do."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--How like the Young Races--Korth swayed his head slowly back and forth, clucking.--Chaos has many pleasing attributes, for all it truly is-death to the gods, extinguishing of all Life not itself. If it did not have these attributes, it could not attract as it does, nor infiltrate. Never fool yourself into thinking it has nothing admirable to it-it will snatch up your soul in a heartbeat, wearing a form it could not possibly, if you truly believe that.
--Chaos possesses all the diversity of true life, and more-it denies the soul, the mind, all higher thought, instead distracting with sybaritism and luxury. These things are not readily apparent, hard to determine. Is a lack of artistic vision a temporary artist's block? Have the muses gone elsewhere? Or has Chaos nestled itself in the artist's heart, preventing the union of material and divine that is Art? All possibilities must be studied, lest Chaos force us to destroy out of hand, and do it's bidding thereby.
--The actions of Orlanth brought Chaos to Reality, made Chaos a part of Reality, brought us an Eternal Foe who fights us one soul at a time for the whole of Reality. Our Eternal Foe requires Eternal Vigilance, and knowing all it's forms. To deny one is to lose a front by not fighting.--
Vanadict smiled widely. "Well, there's some particular smoked fish that Kai said smelled rather good...and what were we discussing before we were so rudely intterupted? Was it camping gear?"

"Actually, we were going for provisions for ourselves and the beetles-and that monster of Kai's, I suppose, but camping gear's good, too." Kyroto smiled that amazingly disarming smile of his and hung his head shyly. "Whatever the Lady desires..."

Indigo acknowledged the rightness of his words.

The actions of Orlanth brought Chaos to Reality, made Chaos a part of Reality, brought us an Eternal Foe who fights us one soul at a time for the whole of Reality. Our Eternal Foe requires Eternal Vigilance, and knowing all it's forms. To deny one is to lose a front by not fighting.--

"You are quite correct sir, and I will remember that. Seeing the trollball game would be very exciting. Thank you very much for your wisdom, and the cocoa. Both are greatly appreciated, and I apologise for appearing so unexpectedly upon the altar. I'm sure most would have handled such with far less aplomb that you. However I know that Kai is going to be furious with me, and I'd better go find him."

She regretted having to leave, she knew that she could spend hours talking with the wise older Muri and benefit greatly from his knowledge and insight. However, perhaps she would see him again when she reached Doraddi.

Korth rose and shouldered an immense obsidian ax, it's double-head preternaturally sharp, then walked Indigo out the front doors of the Temple. She would not know she was the first female to see it's interior since Kyger Litor had ordered the Storm Hunt, so long ago. Korth had held this ax then, and wielded it well, splitting the All-Seeing's skull in the moment the beautiful, iridescent bridge collapsed under the weight of the invaders.
He bade her farewell, and watched as her guardian took charge of her. He wore the white armor of a Deathbringer, the adornment on his helm marking the border between the Mundane and the Divine. Korth waved farewell, wondering if they would, in fact, see him again. He prayed they would.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kyroto haggled like a fishwife over the skrel Kai had requested, bringing quacks of pain from his uncle, but they received a goodly amount, and he shouldered it well, bowing sweetly to the Vanadict after he did. "Where to, milady?" he asked in his courtliest tones. "The market awaits your beauty..."

Indigo thanked Lord Korth once agtain for his hospitality. She was pleased that Gerrak had such a fine mentor and Viser. "Thank you Death Lord Korth for everthing."

Kai's face was grim when the two had stepped from the Temple but it eased some when he saw Indigo unharmed. And his bow to the Muri was deep and respectul, his unspoken thanks eloquent.

They moved on though the market place, a strained silence between them, until Kai let out an explosive snort of laughter mixed with relief. "I am supposed to let you grow up...I just never realized how nerve wracking that would be! and don't say you're sorry and will never do it again. You are not sorry in the least and you will do it again"

Indigo just looked meek and nodded. She really wasn't sure what to say. She had known what she did was incredibly dangerous, but she couldn't find words to explain why she felt she had to do it. Save that..."I knew that the One Gerrak worships is worthy, but I wanted to see for myself?"

Kai stopped short "You aren't just infatuated with Gerrak, you love him."

Her answer was simple "Yes"

Kai stared at her for a long moment. Well that puts the proverbial fox in among the chickens. I wonder if too many eggs haven't been placed in one basket. Seiten no heki-reki...No he's everything her studies have taught her is good in a man. I should not be surprized, but her mother will be and might well force autumn eggplants upong her.

Kai just shook his head and turned his thought back to the here and now, looking for more provisions and gifts.

Kyroto haggled like a fishwife over the skrel Kai had requested, bringing quacks of pain from his uncle, but they received a goodly amount, and he shouldered it well, bowing sweetly to the Vanadict after he did. "Where to, milady?" he asked in his courtliest tones. "The market awaits your beauty..."
"You flatter me," she said coyly, cuffing him playfully on the back of his head. "I think we should get feed for the beetles next. After that, food for ourselves and maybe some collapsable shelter...although that may not be nessicary."

"You flatter me," she said coyly, cuffing him playfully on the back of his head. "I think we should get feed for the beetles next. After that, food for ourselves and maybe some collapsible shelter...although that may not be necessary."
"Beetles like mushrooms-which means that way." Kyroto nodded in the direction-the Vanadict noted on Pamaltela, they indicated directions with their chins. "And the variety here is amazing. Aldryami can cultivate anything that grows, so we can buy truffles cheaply enough-though I don't think we should use it for beetle chow."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--Have a care, you set your cap for that one.--the speaker was the massive troll who'd accosted Humbaba earlier.--Kyger Litor herself has annulled every claim put on him, so I doubt you'd have much chance. He's going to end up with a Tribal Mother, mark my words, and they'd eat you for lunch--
She strolled around the pair of kami, sizing up Indigo. --Small, but that's not everything. The brass to slip into Zorak Zoran's Temple is worthy of a Rightful Daughter. Some training, the right attitude-you might pass as a proper Mother eventually.--she guffawed.--You want to be Sultana, you're going to have to behave like one first.--

"Yes, well, it would not be a good idea to feed the beetles such." Vanadict began walking in that direction. "I worry, sometimes. About Xiscapia. There's so many things that could happen..." It was completly out of the blue, but to Vanadict it made sense enough. There was a disturbance in the Force, although it may be more locally centered...

--Small, but that's not everything. The brass to slip into Zorak Zoran's Temple is worthy of a Rightful Daughter. Some training, the right attitude-you might pass as a proper Mother eventually -You want to be Sultana, you're going to have to behave like one first.--

Kai had the ultimate wisdom to keep quiet.

However something inside Indigo snapped. She had spent her life being decorous, defferential, of being oh so very aware that she was totally unworthy to be a part of the Divine One's Court, much less a Daughter of the Divine...


I don't know what I am becoming, not really but...

Her chin came up and her eyes blazed "And you think you can teach me?" Her voice carried challenge.

...and Kai winced Gotta let her grow up, gotta let her...

"Yes, well, it would not be a good idea to feed the beetles such." Vanadict began walking in that direction. "I worry, sometimes. About Xiscapia. There's so many things that could happen..." It was completely out of the blue, but to Vanadict it made sense enough. There was a disturbance in the Force, although it may be more locally centered...

"Possible." Kyroto shrugged. "The Voivode sent his Rightful Heir to Xiscapia, just as the boy was starting to prove himself. The move has no precedent-trolls have been betrayed by every ally they've ever had, and tend to spy on the Young Races for centuries before revealing themselves. Yet, when the Academy opened up, the Sultan was shipped off without so much as a by-your-leave.
"Trolls are pretty cagey. They hide it behind the bluster of being ignorant savages, but they are anything but ignorant. If a troll asks you a question, he already knows the answer-he just wants to see what you know, and what you'll trust him with. If he asks a question twice, he wants to be sure you know. I cannot help but think sending the Rightful Heir meant something, but pfft!" he waved a hand casually in the air. "The only people who know what the trolls are up to are the trolls and the All-Knowing, and He'll speak first."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--Can I teach you?--the troll mocked--Ha! The question is whether or not you can learn.
--They call me Troll;
--Gnawer of the Moon,
--Giant of the Gale-blasts,
--Curse of the rain-hall,
--Companion of the Sibyl,
--Nightroaming hag,
--Swallower of the loaf of heaven.
--What is a Troll but that?--

Indigo's reply was mild but very firm "Why don't we try and see? I assure you it will not be a waste of your time or mine."

Of the poem, the list of descriptives she had this to say "That sounds like some one wants to be underestimated. The Muri are so much more richly gifted than those paltry attributes. I know that many individuals fall short of the best of your ideals, but it is not that way with any people?"

Her dimples came out with her smile "I could preach to the choir, but I think you know your people and I've never even heard a sermon, much less tried to compose one off the cuff."

"Possible." Kyroto shrugged. "The Voivode sent his Rightful Heir to Xiscapia, just as the boy was starting to prove himself. The move has no precedent-trolls have been betrayed by every ally they've ever had, and tend to spy on the Young Races for centuries before revealing themselves. Yet, when the Academy opened up, the Sultan was shipped off without so much as a by-your-leave.
"Trolls are pretty cagey. They hide it behind the bluster of being ignorant savages, but they are anything but ignorant. If a troll asks you a question, he already knows the answer-he just wants to see what you know, and what you'll trust him with. If he asks a question twice, he wants to be sure you know. I cannot help but think sending the Rightful Heir meant something, but pfft!" he waved a hand casually in the air. "The only people who know what the trolls are up to are the trolls and the All-Knowing, and He'll speak first."
"I've seen that," said Vanadict dryly. "There is something brewing on Xiscapia...several somethings, none of them good. Why the Muri would take interest is beyond me...unless it has something to do with Chaos. Which is quite possible, because Chaos seems to be at the root of many things. Already I know they are preparing for the assualt on-" she paused, hand at her mouth, unsure of how much she should reveal.

The troll looked at Indigo in an amused fashion, then guffawed. --Why not? The gods themselves have contested for us in their time, and it is time to show why. I am Gemilla, of the Ordo Vaneekara, the Rightful Daughters.
--The world is ours by right, little one, and we have to reach out and claim it as ours. It starts with the strut--she paraded back and forth.--Try it-storm about like you own the place, let the whole world know it exists for your benefit. Remember always that Reality is a necklace made by the gods to go best on your throat.--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kyroto looked about, nervously. "It's best not to speculate or reveal too much, milady. Trolls don't care to have troop movements spoken of until after the war is over. For all their legalized dueling and vendettas, the troops are sacrosanct.
"Besides, the mushroom dealers will require full attention-the best will be black aldryami, and they're very shrewd. They know the full value of their wares, and can answer any question other than cultivation. Why don't we start over there?"
He indicated a large marketfront where a small, elfin being hawked innumerable mushrooms and fungi, small mushrooms sprouting over his body where hair should be. The Vanadict noted the androgynous being had no sexual organs, at least none visible, for it wore no clothing.

OOC: Aarrrgghh! "Don't step there" Snicker...but then again this popped up and I couldn't sleep till I added it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58AH3R-6ry4) It's not meant to be disrespectful to GTemillia, but I just couldn't resist....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kai could play poker with the best of them but he almost had to turn away ...

Indigo's eyes crinkled at Gemilla's words and she introducted herself in turn "And I am Her Royal Highness, Princess of the Blood Divine, Aiko, Lady Indigo Blue, The Lady Noor, Kami Born and blessed by the Kami, Scholar. but please don't call me that...Indigo suites me best"

She watched Gemilla strut. "That looks wonderful on you Rightful Daughter, but I don't know if I am physically imposing enough to carry off such. Would perhaps this do?

Indigo had been trained ruthlessly for over nine years as a version of a Geisha- and she had been good enough to earn the rank and title Lady Noor, Lady Light - and now she let herself flow into mindset of the Willow World - not a strut or particular method of movement - but instead of but one facet; Indigo found a unity of being that in the end came from that and things much more.

Not overlain, or mantled, but a wellspring from deep within - a status and completeness of being where respect wasn't shouted for, or demanded, but expected as right and natural, inherent...

-A statement of authority, natural and unassuming, earned though thousands of generatons of being reborn again and again - a weight of years that had brought neither bending or bowing or weakening to the essential, integral core the one that was currently named Indigo.

<And Kai froze as he realised how much she looked like her mother, and let his beath out in a sudden rush of longing to be with His Love>

- a Presence that commanded the attention of all who saw her - a Presence that transcended anything as minor as arrogance, or self importance or aggrandisement

- that the finest carpets the Muri had to offer were not fine enough for the least of her sandals, no adornment, no rainment, no jewelry was exquisite enough to enhance her natural beauty,

-she was living Art, created by the gods and that she did not have to reach out and take the world, but that it was laid out at her feet naturally, unfetteredly, a barely worthy gift...

-the essence of all that was female, power wafting off of her in the most subtle but undeniable of attractents

-a Dream made, just for a moment, into reality gracing their senses; Perfection descended from paradise to enlighten and enhance their lives.

- that she could, if she Chose, command those senses, the very core, of any being she chose to gift with her attention.

-A wholely natural seflassuredness that had not the slightest doubt of her worthiness- without any trace of haughtiness or contempt, or belittlement of others

-Everything desireable and completely unobtainable unless she so chose...and no one could deny her what ever she desired.

The cloak of Tzin-Tzin feathers shown with faint lunar radiance as they swirled in stately movements about her, and the headress suited the Daughter of Heaven perfectly, adding the her Presence.

And there was nothing weak, or meek, or mild, or missish about her.

That little Indigo was just as complex, and just as underestimated as the Muri were...and that outward appearance counted for little.

Kyroto looked about, nervously. "It's best not to speculate or reveal too much, milady. Trolls don't care to have troop movements spoken of until after the war is over. For all their legalized dueling and vendettas, the troops are sacrosanct.
"Besides, the mushroom dealers will require full attention-the best will be black aldryami, and they're very shrewd. They know the full value of their wares, and can answer any question other than cultivation. Why don't we start over there?"
He indicated a large marketfront where a small, elfin being hawked innumerable mushrooms and fungi, small mushrooms sprouting over his body where hair should be. The Vanadict noted the androgynous being had no sexual organs, at least none visible, for it wore no clothing.
Vanadict nodded mutely as she and Kyroto approached the fungi-covered being was selling his mushrooms. She had not had anyone she could call "friend" in, well, years. The Emperor and Empress, to a point, were her friends, and she knew them well enough. However, it was not an intimate knowledge, and while the Vanadict could predict how the Emperor or Empress would think, she could not accuratly predict how they would feel in most given situations. The same went for all those military commanders, scientists, diplomats, ambassadors and rulers she had known over the years of her life. Until she had met Indigo and Kai, anyway. She considered them her friends, even though she had known them for such a short time, she knew that they would do no harm to her and even sacrifice to protect her. And now Kyroto. Vanadict was not childish or nieve when it came to people, but the concept of close, open friendship was a new experience. Thus she had come so dangeriously close to revealing perhaps vital information concearning actions happening many lightyears away and involving planets and peoples Kyroto and most of the other trolls would never have heard of.
Dragging herself from her thoughts, she eyed the merchant. Mushrooms...a seller of mushrooms. Kyroto said he would be shrewed, but he knew the full value of his wares. This will be interesting.

OOC:What's to offend? Consensus among my tabletop group was that my troll ladies were all displaced biker-babes. I prefer to think of them more like Annie Christmas.
IC: Gemilla eyed her appraisingly. --Not bad. You rip those titles out of their predecessor's throats with your teeth? The Mothers of the muri only acknowledge titles won in combat among strangers. We are the Great Ladies, besides whom Lucrezia Borja y Borja and Catherine de Medici were children playing dress-up. Know yourself as no other, and remember every talent you possess was given by the gods for your use, and fear to use nothing they gave you. Had the Hellene Cleopaterat of the Ptolemies been born a muri, she would be a goddess now-only hooman female who could live up to our standard, and treated so shabbily by the hoomans.--she clucked sadly, stressing the "OO" in "hoomans", though not "hooman", for some reason.
--Now, let's go shopping-buy you some real female clothes--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The little aldryami seemed to wear a large mushroom cap from the amarita muscova at first glance, though upon drawing closer, the Vanadict could see it grew there. His(?) large eyes were nearly black, and expressive, his features pert with a tiny chin and upturned nose, with firm, round cheeks. His soft voice, like a castrata's, called out:
"Charming girls and rosy boys
"Come and buy my little toys
"Monkeys made of gingerbread
"And sugar-horses painted red
"You've watched your father plough the fields with a ram's horn
"Sewn it wide with peppercorn
"And furrowed with a bramble-thorn.
"Now your watching's over
"You must play with girls and boys
"Off the stocks
"and through the stalls
"Come and buy my toys."

"If you mean actual physical combat, no I did not, but are there not other forms of combat? Some of the exams I've taken I think would qualify..and some of it is pure rubbish, bestowed, I think, just to fool others."

Indigo said serenely. "I am beginning to think that I am in someway an elaborate living form of scarlet letter." Out of the corner of her eye she guaged Kai's very, very faint reaction and nodded inwardly.

"And yes her fate was sad, but inevitable given the culture and Ceasers own failures...no not necessarily failures, but most certainly errors that caught up with him at an exceedingly bad time. Humans...I am often at a lost to understand them. We Novans have our share of mistakes behind us but as a race we've learned from them...I'm not sure the humans have learned from theirs. But we are one of the oldest of the Young Races and we have had good teachers.

"Clothes ?"

Gemilla snorted.--Troll titles bear responsibilities and duties, rather hefty ones at that. We war openly for the right to serve a region, as properly tending our lands is what gives us prestige, and others knowledge of our ability. Those who lack the good fortune to know first hand, that is--she winked broadly.
--And yes, clothes-you must be comfortable, have freedom of movement, in the event some lout needs a proper trouncing for daring to defile Heaven's proof of it's existence on Earth.
--Since you have no great deeds to place to your name, yet, we can forgo jewelry, but weapons can be hidden in much, much more-I think a demure lady's fan would be good for you-I'd suggest poison for one of your size, as well, but it'd be useless here against a troll. Besides, I can teach you the language of the fans-if you would be Sultana, you must know how to surrepticiously command the household troops while attending your other duties as Lady. I can seduce some unworthy while defending my lands without a gap in the conversation, and you should be able to do as much, I think.
--You will be a skilled player in the Game of Houses, given proper coaching-you have the proper blend of grace and ruthlessness.--Gemilla appraised her, looking oddly--And while I appreciate subtlety as much as the next, you are not human, and the kami are not a Young Race. We were co-defenders in the Godswar, and WE, at least, have not forgotten.--

The little aldryami seemed to wear a large mushroom cap from the amarita muscova at first glance, though upon drawing closer, the Vanadict could see it grew there. His(?) large eyes were nearly black, and expressive, his features pert with a tiny chin and upturned nose, with firm, round cheeks. His soft voice, like a castrata's, called out:
"Charming girls and rosy boys
"Come and buy my little toys
"Monkeys made of gingerbread
"And sugar-horses painted red
"You've watched your father plough the fields with a ram's horn
"Sewn it wide with peppercorn
"And furrowed with a bramble-thorn.
"Now your watching's over
"You must play with girls and boys
"Off the stocks
"and through the stalls
"Come and buy my toys."
"This charming girl," Vanadict purred, "would like to buy some of your "toys."" She stood much taller than the little elf-creature, but did not bother kneeling or bending to his level. She got the feeling she didn't need to.

OOC:Teehee! - Then I can't wait to see what Gemillia's idea of proper clothing is. Why am I having image of proper outfits looking something like this: This (http://www.atddm.com/outfit1.jpg) or This (http://www.atddm.com/outfit2.jpg) or This (http://www.atddm.com/outfit3.jpg) but I rather like this one the best This (http://www.atddm.com/outfit4.gif). What she is currently wearing is this, but in deepest crimson. (http://www.atddm.com/novan2a.jpg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Honored Lady, Sister of Battle, we may have caused the Novans to forget- for their safety - but no We have not forgotten, nor have we ever betrayed your people. But as the Trolls suffered terrible losses, so did we, and we recovered slower I think, than you did. The young one here has been kept from knowing, for her safety. There was no recourse but to leave her in plain sight of the direct minions of Chaos. But she survived, untainted, strong and flexible like the finest blade, and is worthy of what she will become. Kai spoke privately to Gemilla.

Indigo's eyes lit up "Fans? Oh yes I'd love to learn to weild one. And if I am fit, it will be in part to your excellent advice." Indigo stated appreciatively as Gemill led them to one of the leading fashion houses. Indigo had never paid large amounts of attention to fashion- while she appreciated well made clothing she was no ruthless fashionista. But she certainly did not want to look shabby on Gerrak's behalf.

"Gemilla, I want more than anything to do and be whatever is necessary to strengthen Gerrak's position, to aid him. And while I have never been allowed to duel - no one ever cared enough about my existance to do anything that might evolve into a duel - I have been taught to weild a sword since I could first hold one. And my aunt holds the title Kensai - my tutors have remarked upon my natural aptitude with one - though I know that training is far different than the real event."

--Aah, the foxes, the little foxes, that devour our grapes--the aldryami mused merrily.--Come, come-sample our fine wares. Mushrooms suited for a prince's palate, good solid beetle grub, delicacies and fancies to rival Spoorwood. Would the lady care to sample a truffle?--the aldryami deftly sliced a finger-sized section from the truffle on his stand-one the size of the Vanadict's head, and held it forth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla swept Indigo past the line and bellowed--Gulthar! Get out here, you lazy layabout! I have a Lady of Doraddi here, requiring your delicate touch!--
She turned to Indigo, whispering--Gulthar is an acupressurist by trade, well-versed in xenobiology. Once she has determined what needs most protection, we'll have a diagram for Suta the skinworker. I think the fine scales of a water-serpent would suit you best, given your coloration, perhaps with solid browns to heighten your complexion and bring out those eyes-nice even panels as not to restrict leg movement-one never knows when a well-placed kick or well-turned heel is required, and both can devastate an opponent...--

OOC: lol NN. I like the third outfit personally.
IC:
--Aah, the foxes, the little foxes, that devour our grapes--the aldryami mused merrily.--Come, come-sample our fine wares. Mushrooms suited for a prince's palate, good solid beetle grub, delicacies and fancies to rival Spoorwood. Would the lady care to sample a truffle?--the aldryami deftly sliced a finger-sized section from the truffle on his stand-one the size of the Vanadict's head, and held it forth.
Vanadict accepted the truffle, holding it between two long, pale fingers. She dantily bit off the end, moving the truffle around in her mouth before it settled. She allowed the flavors to wash over her tounge and she savoured them, rolling the morsol around before finally chewing it up and swallowing. She stowed the rest in her robes. "Yes, solid beetle grub you say? That is what we are here to buy, shaln't you procure such before we die?"

--Certainly, certainly. Will the lady be trying some as well?--the aldryami clapped, and his smaller counterparts brought out a large burlap sack, which the aldryami opened, and scooped out a handful of greyish chunks.--As you can see, we have ground it for easier digestion. This blend is for energy, best for the great stags. How much would the lady require?--

Indigo's dimples flashed again, she liked how Gemilla thought, and she had such maneuvers down well, even if she had never had a chance to use them in other than sparring - it was novan custom to make sparring as improvizational as possible, rather than merely theoretical katas- though she had done those a thousand times as well- muscle memory was what made the difference. That her instructors had pounded home ruthlessly. Once the muscles know then you can do while thinking about far more important things. And Sensei Miyagi had emphasised that even more so.

She knew that she had changed since she had first (http://www.atddm.com/indigothenandnow.jpg), with ever so many fears and terpidations, left the Imperia. Her physical maturity was complete, and while she had long looked mature like all Novans, she had finally over this last year finished into herself.

"Perhaps brown with gold edging" Indigo suggested back as she closed her eyes for a moment and deactivated the PALADIN armor, pulling it off of her into a fine handfull that shimmered crystal, silver, blue and gold in a billion facets of mistly moonlight. She doffed the outer most of her robes as well, leaving but a almost transparent shift of thinnest silk over her, somehting that would give the acupressurist no hindrance in her evaluation.

However she stopped short when she saw what rested about her upper left arm, that hadn't been there in Death Lord Korth's chambers. She looked up at Gemilla with wide eyes. "This wasn't there earlier. I've never seen anything like it before."

She looked at the wide adamantine, silver and white gold, platinum and titanium arm bracer with immense curosity. The bracer wrapped about her weapon arm (http://www.atddm.com/leftarm.jpg) and held a celestial dragon of formed of what seemed to be of fine crystal holding a sphere exquisite irridescent moon'sheart in his tail and balancing a crescent moon on his wings...The crescent moon was not of metal, but of some deeply glowing, transcluent frosted blue crystal that pulsed with power as light shifted and flowed within (http://www.atddm.com/moonglow.jpg).

Kai's voice was strangled as she displayed it. "Indigo, turn about. I want to see your back.

--Certainly, certainly. Will the lady be trying some as well?--the aldryami clapped, and his smaller counterparts brought out a large burlap sack, which the aldryami opened, and scooped out a handful of greyish chunks.--As you can see, we have ground it for easier digestion. This blend is for energy, best for the great stags. How much would the lady require?--
"It won't be nessicery for me to try any, thank you," Vanadict examined the chunks of shroom. "This seems to be right. How do you measure? By pounds?" The red-haired kitsune glanced to Kyroto. "How much should we buy?"
She had seen the beetles, of course, but she had no idea of how fast they ate, or how much was the minimum or maximum of food a traveling beetle should have.

"I believe the Lady Indigo purchased four Stags-the ones with the mirror wings-and we will be two weeks or so on the road." Kyroto answered. "I'm afraid I was with you during the negotiations with the merchant. Perhaps you could have your bolongo ask the Lady-I have enough Shadowspeech to translate until it returns."

Vanadict frowned. "Bolongo's can speak to each other? I didn't know this. How do I do that? Ask it?"

Indigo gave Kai a quizical look and turned her back to him for his inspection. Kai sighed with barely concealed relief. "The armband is yours by right. It is fit that you wear it. However I will go find Humbaba and continue on our quest to obtain the needed supplies. Gemillia, I leave her in your care." With that he was gone.

Indigo was still puzzled, but willing to wait for explainations. She couldn't help but chuckle though "I think he was having too much of a 'girls go shopping ' moment she saqid.

Then with a more serious expression she looked up at Gemilla. "How do you tell when a man is interested in you? And how do you let him know you are interested in him?" She knew that the Muri were matriarchal, and Gerrak had said forthrightly that they denied their females nothing. But...

She had had the bizzare and semiappaling image of stalking up to Gerrak and saying something on the order of "You, me, bedroom, now. I'm going to get knocked up by you". No, that took more brass than visiting Zorak and she just knew that such could never cross her lips. Surely the Muri had some notions of romance...didn't they?

OOC: I'm sorry for the pure OOC post, but that "You, me, bedroom, now. I'm going to get knocked up by you" was probably one of the funniest things you've ever posted. I can just picture Gerrak's polite puzzlement over the usage and meaning of "knocked up"! :p
lolololololololololololololol....

(OOC:Actually, it was Humbaba who told Indigo of muri courtship-Gerrak has only been mentioned in this thread-he isn't slated for an appearance. Xis-check out post #27 in this thread-I'll get to it in your half of this post)
--How could a man not want me?--Gemilla seemed confused.--Aside from being a rare beauty, I can out-fight, out-hunt, and out-maneuver any man. Should I bear young, the world will face it's new lords within twenty years' time, as my little terrors sweep out to claim their due. I could hold competitions for proper husbands as have not been seen since Vaneekara herself was on the market-but that damned Humbaba keeps tricking me into expressing interest in the cunning little bastard--
She looked at Indigo sympathetically.--See, we trolls consciously control our ovulation, giving the female complete control over the reproductive process. If a male were to "claim" a woman and be unable to produce young, all would know she did not think him worthy of fathering children, and he would be mocked openly by all.
--Romance, for us, happens after the first child. The male is obligated to provide for his wife and child until the child achieves full growth-this is duty. A loving husband will go above and beyond this, and dote on his wife and her sisters, her family, serving all the women of her family in an attempt to cajole a second child from her, proving his worthiness daily in an attempt to convince the wife she should keep him.
--Of course, males try to prove their worthiness prior to the first child when they are smitten, with kills and other gifts-to show they can ably provide for the mother and child.--She snorted contemptuously--Bribes to win the heart-I would find it repugnant were I not recipient of so many nice things to win my favor.
--True romance, for us, is shown by perseverance and endurance. The man who brings meat and gifts is nice, but the one who holds you in winter, stays by you through the hard times-that, to us, is romance. A husband who clings to his wife after accident or war has rendered her infertile, and remains faithful and true-that is romance--she sighed.--Men like that are hard come by, and well worth all the nonsense they bring to your life.--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kyroto tilted his head to one side. "The bolongo is a device of communication-simply tell it who is to receive your message, and it will do so. It is a capricious spirit and must be commanded, the more specific the instructions, with no leeway for deviance, the better it performs."

OOC: I have to admit it was I rather than Indigo that envisioned that - and then I rolled around on the floor laughing so hard my ribs ached. Indigo wouldn't think anything like, that she's much more of a lady than I. And OD, I could have sworn that Gerrak mentioned something in the AotR/Embassy threads, but I may well be misremembering

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

Indigo considered Gemillia's words seriously. "Well, controling one's ovulation is no hard thing to do if one has had the proper training. And woe be to any man who manages to rape a Novan woman. Their fate would be beyond the realm merely 'putting one off ones food".

"But I want a mate who wants me for more than just my reproductive abilities. And while I may not be the best warrior, or the best hunter, I have a wide range of knowledge, they were very thorough in my education."

She laughed softly, just a tinge wry sadness sounding in her tone. "I guess I am rather asking about courtship. How would you approach the one you decide on?

--I'd toss him a spear and challenge him to a duel--Gemilla shrugged--If he's truly worthy, he should be able to disarm me with minimal losses-a cut or two to uphold my honor wouldn't put off a man worth my effort. After all, who wants a lap pet when they're looking for a man?--

Indigo chuckled once again. "That would be something to witness. And no I've never cared for lapdogs." That being the last on the subject for the moment as Gulthar appeared to study the young Novan.

She wondered what the Muri would think of her. It would be good to have an outsider to discuss her weak points with. While the Muri made the assessment Indigo thought on how differenet it was among the Novan's, at least as far as she could tell from her studies.

Novans often had long friendships, mostly growing up in the same circles and knowing one another from childhood, before starting any sort of romantic relationships. It gave them a chance to learn one another and wether they suited. "We've been friends forever, I think we'd make a marvelous family" sort of attitude.

Though amoung the Novans monogamous relationships were rare. A Samurai could have up to four formal mates - male or female, and as many concubines / informal consorts as they pleased. The most numerous, about equally prevellant - was two women and one man,or two men and two women, though two men and one woman was trailing by very minor numbers.

However Samuria marriages were often between friendly or otherwise auspicious ( political liasons) families. Some were little more than marrigaes in name only, with those involved not even living under the same roof...

Commoners tended to limit themselves to foursomes or form into large group familial marriages. While among the great merchants one could find a noteable number of marriages for gain, on the whole the commoners had it easiest and marrying some one somwhat below one wasn't that great a hardship for them.

Children tended to come later after the new families foundations were secure. Novan's lived a very long time, and were active both menatlly and physically almost the very end. And Novan births tended heavily towards twins, as they were thought to be lucky, and it was easy for a Novan female to learn to control her ovulation.

There was no cultural taboo on intimacy prior to marriage, and visiting a liscensed Courtesan not even worth mentioning. However pregnancy prior to marriage was rather looked down upon as poor management and lack of respect for one's self and one's bed partner. There was no concept of bastardy, one alwasy knew who ones mother was. Even if the woman was one of the few that could not be taught to manage her ovulation, there were many, many forms of birthcontrol and none were dangerous or had any sort of stigmata attached to them.

Gulthar examined Indigo thoroughly, both hrooning and touch, passing her claws delicately over Indigo's body, noting if she flinched or shivered.--You're a kami-started shapeshifting yet? That'll throw off the armor, unless you only like a few shapes--

.--You're a kami-started shapeshifting yet? That'll throw off the armor, unless you only like a few shapes--

"I didn't even know I was Kami until just a very short while ago, and hadn't any abilities until then either. I have no idea of what gifts are mine, so I have no idea if I can shapeshift."

Indigo replied honestly, her voice matter of fact."I was raised by servants and teachers, and they just simply siad that such as I was the result when some one looked above their station. The others of the Divine One's Court held me in contempt because of my mother."

Her servants, as was their duty had passed on to ther the story of her mother.

Every five years the Divine One made the great sacrifice of making a public statement. He jouneyed to the small, verdant islands that lay just a mile or so off of the southeast coast of the Court, close enought that they were part of the court, yet not. There His servants would broadcast the live procolamation. The Shogun, and his immediate family, the Taiko and his immendiate family were be allowed the supreme honor of being the live audience. The Shogun's youngest daughter - though younger than her twin sister by only a minute or two- gazed upon the visage of the Divine One and was instantly smitten. For five years she campaigned to her father to be allowed to become the Divine One's concubine. Being Only Samurai, though her own mother had been one of the Divine One's Court, granted to the Shogun as a Great Wife after he had led the Novan forces to victory over the Mandanao Empire.

She had, at last, been allowed to present her plea to the Servants of the Divine One, and they had trained and tested her for another five years. Reluctantly they had to conceed that she met all the requirements and admitted her into the Court. On her twentyfifth birthday, as was unbreakabke tradition, she was allowed to temporarily leave the court for one night to spend it in the Temple of the OmiKami. She and her sister shared that night in the Temples confines praying. Thirteen months later, now that the Divine One had claimed his concubine, after a normal Novan pregnancy of eleven months, she died giving birth to, horror of horrors, a female infant what when tested showed not a single precourser of any Gift.

Indigo ended with the comment of "I am happy that they exiled me, though I am sure they think it a terrible fate."

OOC: I could have sworn I already made this post. Jolt must have eaten it.
Vanadict nodded and extracted the bolongo from beneath her robes. She held it at eye level and spoke directly at it. "I want you, bolongo, to go directly to Indigo, without making any stops. Once you are there, reveal yourself to her and stay there. Ask my question as follows: "How much beetle food should Kyroto and I buy?" End of message. Wait for her answer. Once she has given it, come directly back her, no stops. Tell me her answer exactly as she said it." A little sphere of energy zipped crazily out from Vanadict's bolongo and shot away into the distance.

OOC: Concerning Ray Stevens, who always makes me laugh, this is my favorite of all his songs And a lot more fun than catching Dillinger. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFB6FfaNQ40)

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

Indigo's bolongo, that had been blessedly mostly silent, suddenly gave forth a squawk - then out of thin air, or at least a small glowing orb hovering in mid air and Vanadict's soft, clear voice was heard.

"How much beetle food should Kyroto and I buy?

Indigo blinked and then realisezd "Oh! They are a full communications device, not just a translator. I should have realized that!" She looked at Gemillia "I can just answer and it will take it back to her?" She asked, seeking confirmation of her suppositions. The Muri woman nodded and Indigo tucked that knowledge away.

She considered for a moment. Then replied "Enough to feed four Stag Beetles moderately for each day of travel, then buy half again as much just in case of unusual events." She mentioned the amount the trainer had suggested per beetle per day.

The little orb of energy zoomed away as abruptly as it had come. Back at the stall Vanadict recieved it:
"Enough to feed four Stag Beetles moderately for each day of travel, then buy half again as much just in case of unusual events."
She heard Indigo's voice and was relieved. So the bolongo was could be controlled, at least as far as communications went. She turned back to the aldryami. She casually named the amount, then named a price. The price was about half of what the feed was actually worth. She was testing the little creature.

The aldryami scowled and shook it's head--By Mee Vorala, why not simply dice up my mother? Should I open a vein for you?--He held out his wrists.--The Three Oaks Clan will do both should I bankrupt them so. 5040 bolgs, no less--the price was six times what the Vanadict had offered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--No shapeshifting as yet, huh?-- Gulthar nodded--Well, you're a lunar kami-change comes natural to them. Perhaps once you're older. I shall prepare a chart for the fitter, so it will come down to your choice of materials and actual style. I have a fine selection of hides and cloth, so take your time.--
She peeled an acupuncturist's diagram, and began making notes on it, as well as instructions involving the areas of major joints and range of movement.
Gemilla ran a hand over a wooden stave from which depended several strips of metallic scales hide.--I rather like this gold, but the copper with the mottled brown and green is also very nice. There's some rather pretty tortoise shell here, too, but I think we should coordinate that with the base hide for sensitive areas, then cover the rest in dyed spider silk-strong, light, and water-resistant. We shall have you arrayed like the Daughters of Borlak--

The aldryami scowled and shook it's head--By Mee Vorala, why not simply dice up my mother? Should I open a vein for you?--He held out his wrists.--The Three Oaks Clan will do both should I bankrupt them so. 5040 bolgs, no less--the price was six times what the Vanadict had offered.
Vanadict laughed loudly. "And you would send me on my way, without the smallest currency denomination to my name. One thousand, no less."

OOC: Finding good face shots isn't easy, this is a better one Indigo then and now (http://www.atddm.com/thennow.jpg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indigo looked over the selection with enormous interest. For the first time in her life she felt willing and able to use her physical assets as the weapon she knew they could be She had known it on the intellectual level, but had never actually considered applying that knowledge before.

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practise; in practise there is... This is so very often the downfall of theorists and practioners alike, just from opposite ends...

Though she still felt vaguely uncomfortable with that, in the recesses of her mind. It felt some how unfair - the human notion of 'alls fair in love and war' did seem to be an incredibly slippery slope.But I'm not going to be so wrong as to encourage, then leave...that's teasing and that is cruel. However if a man reacts to me just because my body is dispalyed well by what I wear...oh this is just so outside of my experience! I know I'm not...My body is at least somewhat attractive by Novan standards. My nutritional and physical skills instructors would have said soemthing otherwise. I'm not too fat or too lean, and though I'm small, I think I'm in proper porportions.. And I am definitely not wearing this to start a fight, just to help me survive one. Besides I am nothing a Muri would consider attractive, I think. This will be a novel expereince of that I am definitely sure! Indigo mused.

"I like the copper with the mottled brown and green. A flash to catch the eye, but not garish. Very subtle...and what is a 'Daughter of Borlak' ? I don't think I've heard of them" Indigo asked.

--Ah, these fine quality mushrooms represent three months of my children's labor, and you would have their work for naught. However, as you have almost doubled your insult to becoming a slight, I shall come down a bit-let us say, four thousand, and let my young ones moan their plight--the aldryami was gleeful, his manner not that of an insulted merchant at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--Borlak was the old kingdom of the Krags, founded when the Deathless Horde was destroyed, and Lord Death-on-a-Horse sent scrambling over the Northern Wastes seeking his head--Gemilla looked about, then made a signal over her heart with her right hand.--Old Krag only bore males, and ended up adopting an heir-a common, if dangerous, practice. Many a clan has adopted a female only to have her go into the God Plane and make their clan subordinate to hers by "proving" she was a clan founder all along, legitimizing her claim and advancing her family at the expense of the adopting clan.
--In Krag's case, it was the Lady Tomazusa who was adopted, and administered the lands of Borlak. She seemed a powerful and wise ruler, but fell prey to the Krag curse-her Firstborn was a male, whom she disguised as a Daughter and named Modo.
--Tomasuza winnowed through her land, seeking the most beautiful of women and bringing them to the Castle. There, she subjected them to alchemical practices, now forbidden, and made them toxic. She schooled them in grace and beauty, and adorned them as butterflies, then sent them out as emissaries to poison her rivals and enemies. There were humans, dwarfs, and elves in those days, so her plan had success there-trolls are immune to poison unless it's based in light or fire. She staffed her castle with these venomous beauties, who were the Daughters of Borlak-exemplars of grace and beauty, with Death in their breath and skin. When Borlak was destroyed, the Daughters supposedly survived, and still roam the region in their finery. They are elegantly dressed and intensely beautiful, and their very presence is death--

Indigo could barely hide her revuslion of such perversion of the natural order. Death was part of life, just as life was part of death, but to turn a woman, life bearer, the one who took the risk as no male ever did...into such abomination was beyond the pale.

Her vocie was nothing casual as she asked "And did this Lady" And her tone very adamantly said that the term Lady was purely convention and not the word she wished to use at all "Tomasuza survive as well? And I would have though the Krags, had they even enough honor to fill a drop of water, would have risen up against her."

Gemilla looked at her--She was powerful, and the Krags followed her blindly. When she became pregnant again, they sealed her up in the tall tower and tossed her tons of meat. Krags still do this, not trusting their women to survive the Madness that overtakes us in pregnancy and the wilderness. While she was incapacitated, the aldryami of the Redwood Forest attacked-they were servants of the Empire of Unity, and while Unity forces assaulted southern Borlak, the aldryami crept out of the East Woods and torched the Castle.
--The story told is that the Lady Tomasuza walked out onto the parapet, her son by her side, her newborn in her arms, and saw Borlak Castle in flames. Her rage knew no bounds, and she spoke a Dread Curse-against Rufelza for drawing Borlak forces off, against the aldryami for burning her and her son, and even against the trolls for not defending her. She vowed vengeance before the fire cleansed the world of her foulness, taking her and her spawn.
--The Krags still hold a memorial for her and her son on the anniversary of the burning of Borlak, and the ruins of her castle still stand high over the land there. They say that when the moon is new and all the stars have gone to bed, the old castle rears high into the night, and the vengeful spirits of Tomasuza and Modo howl from the parapets--Gemilla held up some leather swatches.--It is a sad story, from a sad time-Borlak did not deserve it's fate, though Tomasuza certainly did-her name is synonymous with forbidden lore and depravity.--

--Ah, these fine quality mushrooms represent three months of my children's labor, and you would have their work for naught. However, as you have almost doubled your insult to becoming a slight, I shall come down a bit-let us say, four thousand, and let my young ones moan their plight--the aldryami was gleeful, his manner not that of an insulted merchant at all.
"At the prices you place on the smallest crumb your children are fat and bloated," Vanadict said in a sing-song voice, "and you, a rich one indeed. Some cheat at cards, others at games, a few think they may cheat at love and war. But you cheat people, taking their money and giving them wares which do not warrent to their given amount. Two thousand, and that is killing!"

--Fat and bloated? Their bellies swell with hunger, and you would begrudge them even a crumb! Ah, my poor starving children, that I should be reduced to asking-three thousand?- for their blood, sweat, and tears!--he looked carefully at the Vanadict before naming the new price, then made a great show of his destitution, that he was reduced to offering his wares at such a bargain price. Tears formed in his wide, dark eyes, and he even managed a sniffle or two.

Vanadict snorted. "Outrageous! For that price there are other marketers who would give me twice of what you offer! Two and a half, final offer." She flaunted her arrogance in his face, her nose turned upward in an imperious manner of unfortunate communing with the rabble.

--You wound me to the quick, but I see by your garb you are of the highborn, so it would avail me to concede--the aldryami wiped a tear away, and continued--Perhaps you would care to rape me a bit for for some choicer selections?--

Vanadict turned serious. "I am fine, thank you. Just the feed is all I want. Now was that two and a half, hmm?"

As Indigo listened to Gemilla, the universe seemed to fall away in a misty light. Slowly words came to her, but she knew not if she spoke them aloud.

Her voice was a whisper on the night wind, laden with the Logos, the core concepts, intrinsic Reality, as it stretched forth... Power and Command, Adamantine will backing it, a wellspring of implacable power.

"Potent indeed was her curse, and potent indeed was her power, and it has not gone, has not returned to the ALL. Lurking patiently, unseen, unsensed... waiting for but the plum to ripen."

"Warrior Maid, Mother, Crone and She Who Is Unseen, all hold sway in their Rightfull Time, forming the Wheel of Birth, Growth, Wisdom and Transformation. Each giving way in Turn as is meet, and thus Balance is preserved."

"Abomination she was, Abomination she remains, but I say this ...the Moon turns her face from that One, and ever shall the moon's light reveal her hand, her workings, and her creatures for the perversions they are. When the moon's light lays upon the land she will find no succor, no safe haven."

So Mote It Be

Slowly Indigo's hands came up, but the tiniest space apart, interweaving but not touching in series of elegant flowing movents- as with the dance of fingers continued ... power formed, grew, and became manifest, a glowing sphere of moonlight condenceing into potent sorcery.

http://www.atddm.com/touch2.jpg

Then as her forefingers touched the orb flashed outward, ringing through Reality as Indigo declared that One, and all her works, Enemy. One against whom she would ever stand in opposition. Implacable, Unyeilding, a war that would have no end until one or the other was obliterated. Time and Realm being no boundry.

And on the High Planes of Heaven it'self the vast bronze Jinja no Dou Suzu, the first creation of the OmiKami and voice of the Gods, pealed with a harmonic that resonated though the All There Was.

The Will and the Word.

The power shattered Indigo's awareness for a moment, leaving her on her knees, white, shaken, drained, and yet oddly at peace.

OOC: WTF? That was strange.
OOC:He's using "rape" in the classic sense, which means "pillage" or "loot". Get your mind out of the gutter-he's just asking if you want to grotesquely undercharge him (at about 150% of value) any more of his wares.

OOC:
You have to admit, in todays world 'rape' is usually referencing a sexual act. I can't help it if that it what first leaps to mind!

Indigo struggled to her feet on her own - she knew that Gemilla would be watching to see how she handled herself. However she did not want to discuss what she had just done till she had meditated on it.

So she turned to distraction if not actual attack.

"You know your mother, if not Kiger Lytor herself, would be boxing your ears for what you said." Indigo noted mildly but her tone held just a hint of amusement.

"Should? Should you bear young? Where is your thought of your clan and their place in the Game of Houses. You, a crown jewel in their mantle, of course you must bear children, and by only the finest of men. And, you know, you had the right of it, a man who will care for you through out the days" Indigo sighed deeply, with romantic fevor and spoke with utmost seriousness, so serious as to verge on teasing "that is the true sign of the finest of men. Ah, but a member of the Ordo Vaneekara may not marry, so sad that, and such a lonely life"

In the depths of her mind, FAR, from where her bolongo might hear them, she very privately considered Vaneekara rather wrong headed about marriage. A woman walks up and demands sex....they control the courtship..and you add in Humbaba's words about '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, okay either I am misunderstanding something...Females inherit, and control everything, a man may only own what he may carry..so why does having sex/getting married equate to the notion or belief that the woman engaged in that to get his possessions- she will have far greater material wealth than he, so getting what goods he may have...that just doesn't make sense. And saying that the man gives the woman sex to get her possessions...she told him to have sex with her, she names the father of the child..this just does not compute, but how do I make Gemilla see that. She and Humbaba would make a splendid couple. And he is Gerrak's huntbrother. I can see no greater recommendation. By the Onikami, I wouldn't care if Gerrak came without even clothes on his back. And I don't think that all the annoying wealth they heaped on me when they exiled me means anything more to him than it does to me, namely a shrug and a "so what." I never even had any money until then, though the universe, from all my studies, seems to revolve around it....No it revolves around need, greed, want, have and have not Indigo stopped herself before she went too far afield in her thoughts.

But back to the Muri...

Novan's had such asolute equality of the sexes that they first time they had met a society that didn't there was a short and very brisk war. The two cultures still weren't very friendly towards one another. She herself found Muri culture a little unnerving with the segregation of the sexes - the divider between them in Humbaba's wagon had strange, amid the fact that the prison gang male and female alike had worked nude together.

Among the Novan's the only place there was sexual segregation was in some of the very most demanding of Universities. Young Novans who had just reached their biological adulthood were often very prone to distraction by surging hormones. And no one was required to attend those same gender only academies.

Gemilla looked askance at Indigo.--We can have consorts galore, so it's hardly lonely. We do not claim husbands, but we do give our boys away at birth, and never name a father. If I should desire a husband or more than consort, I can always leave the Order-traditionally, we claim to have been called to the Sacred Motherhood, but any order will be glad to take us in. Once I have mastered the secrets of Vaneekara, another order will be available yet. As for Humbaba, I could offer him consortship for a time...--

OOC: WTF? That was strange.
IC:
Vanadict turned serious. "I am fine, thank you. Just the feed is all I want. Now was that two and a half, hmm?"
OOC: Ah-hem.
Nice to see you back, OD.

Indigo brightened considerably. "I was unaware that you could leave the Order. But you know Humbaba is worth far more than mere Consortship. He's managed to keep such a jewel as yourself interested in him, and that is something worth thinking on" Indigo said mildly and changed the subject.

"Now what sort of armor does my body require? I do think that copper with the mottled brown and green is so very elegant." Indgo looked over at Gulthar to see if the chart had been completed.

The little aldryami seemed near to tears. --Of course, if Her Ladyship should find our wares only acceptable for her beasts, I should hardly say her nay. Please, accept this as a token of my esteem.--he presented a small jar, instructing--Be certain to eat it with a wooden utensil. Metal would ruin the taste, and I look forward to seeing you return for more.--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla nodded. --She indicates fine wires at the inner joints, with reinforcement here, along the nerve centers. The abdomen is apparently a weakness for your kind-she suggests both reinforcement and mesh spangalor there. I believe I shall speak with your "jewel" about some enhancement, since you're giving me such a hard sell on him. Perhaps I shall even close my eyes and flick my ears-just to gauge his response.--she winked broadly and made a clicking sound, giving a thumb's-up.--Do your people employ shields?--

The little aldryami seemed near to tears. --Of course, if Her Ladyship should find our wares only acceptable for her beasts, I should hardly say her nay. Please, accept this as a token of my esteem.--he presented a small jar, instructing--Be certain to eat it with a wooden utensil. Metal would ruin the taste, and I look forward to seeing you return for more.--
It broke Vanadict's heart, even though she knew the creature was an extremely good actor. She took the jar, making a mental note to check it for poison or another kind of physically changing substance. Though she could process most foods and poisons saftly, due to her extensive biological reconstruction (you won't believe what she has had to eat at diplomatic confrences!), it was always better to check. She handed over a pouch of the money. "Bags of feed, and make it snappy!"

"Well it was you yourself who admitted that he managed to keep you interested..." Indigo dimples flashed

"Shields, not in the traditional sense but manytimes a warrior will employee a 'sword flik' along one fore arm or the other. They are a narrow oval that is perhaps a palms length in width, and lay along the flat bones here" She indicated from the back of her wrist to where the elbow joint commenced. "It defects an already oblique blow, shedding its momentum into sliding along the flik rather than biteing in. But I've never trained with one"

~~~~~~

Back at the Torg's Kai watched the master armorer work and taking in the local doings and gossip. He wanted to hear more, if possible, about Gerrak's ex- clan and thier likelyhood of causing more problems for the small group.

The little aldryami bobbed excitedly.--Yes, yes. As the Lady commands-shall I deliver it to your coach or will you carry it from here? My nephew, Gann, can provide either service as the Lady desires..--he extended an arm, the hand at the end unfolding like a flower to indicate a smaller, snub-nosed version of the merchant.--Please, give the Lady whatever She desires, boy.--
The smaller aldryami bowed.--What is Your Pleasure, ma'am?--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla sniffed daintily.--Perhaps we should train you then-teach you to glide and flow through battle like a whispering breeze, and strike with gale force. Come--she moved deeper into the complex.--First, we'll need some rough measurements, the a custom fitting once they've worked you up. I can give you Fan 101A while we wait, after a brief stretching to get the blood flowing--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Torg spoke roughly with Humbaba, the two bickering with the familiarity of an long-married couple, until Humbaba mentioned the route planned to the Yellow Springs.
--Well, can't be helped, what with going to Doraddi and all. Be careful from Teddy Bear Junction to Crabtown-the Prax Wastes are to the East, and the Scorpion People have been stirring. Be better if we could convince Arachne Solara Bagog IS a goddess, and should be banished to the God Plane, but there's no real helping things there. The Scorpions would still range, just without their dread matriarch. Besides, in the God Plane she could interfere too much in Reality, so I expect it's just as well. Be wary by day on that stretch-things walk out of Prax that ought to crawl, and by no means pick up hitchhikers. Beauty and innocence are favored masks of Chaos...--

The little aldryami bobbed excitedly.--Yes, yes. As the Lady commands-shall I deliver it to your coach or will you carry it from here? My nephew, Gann, can provide either service as the Lady desires..--he extended an arm, the hand at the end unfolding like a flower to indicate a smaller, snub-nosed version of the merchant.--Please, give the Lady whatever She desires, boy.--
The smaller aldryami bowed.--What is Your Pleasure, ma'am?--
"I will take it from here, thank you." Vanadict hoisted the bags of feed onto her shoulders, making several trips back and forth until they were all loaded. She bowed to the aldryami. "Thank you for your kind services. I hope to be able to call on them again."

Kyroto watched the Vanadict load the cart, and took up her left as they walked away. "That was very good-troll women prefer displays of strength and ability to keep the men in their place-our merchant's gossip will treat you well, I think. Where to?"

Kyroto watched the Vanadict load the cart, and took up her left as they walked away. "That was very good-troll women prefer displays of strength and ability to keep the men in their place-our merchant's gossip will treat you well, I think. Where to?"
"Thank you." Vanadict bowed graciously. "Well, I did say food, for ourselves and our traveling companians. Meats, fruits, hardtack, bread...are we allowed to hunt on the way?" She kept looking around, eyes bright. This truly is a facinating world...

. I can give you Fan 101A while we wait, after a brief stretching to get the blood flowing--

"That sounds wonderfull. I know some fan daces but they are very stylized and unlike Tai Chai don't connect with what little I know of matrial fan use. I've seeen a holovid of a demonstration, but thats all. It looked interesting and I'll gladly learn what ever you are willing to teach Gemilla." Indigo said thankfully as she strode next to the Muri. She took in the marketplace with fascination "This is much more fun than the first time they took me to shopping a mall. Its much more personally involving , less...cluttered and overwhelming." She lowered her voice, half amused, half embarrased "I'd never been around so many people and I fainted."

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

Beauty and innocence are favored masks of Chaos...--

Kai laughed ruefully "Wether it's big or little 'c'. And in many cultured they say that 'daughters are punishment for a man's youth."

He chuckled again and set that aside...

"What can you tell me about the Krags" How much more trouble are they likely to try and cause us? If they some how manage to put me temporarily out of commission and capture Indigo." He hesitated, wondering if he were worrying over nothing "She is growing faster than expected...and now I'm not sure how she'd react."

Torg laughed at Kai, then, seeming ashamed, he explained:--The Krags are not as powerful as they once were-Borlak was a kingdom, not a clan or tribe, and it was theirs. Still is, though it's just hunting land now. They have family in most Orders-the Zorak Zorani are an exception. They purged the Krags when old Tomazusa began using-ahem-irregular troops, shall we say? Witches who transformed into mukade, serpent men, to name a few. While not quite Chaotic, it was close enough for the Death Lords, who denounced the clan and attempted to strike them from the rolls.--
Torg sighed.--As always, they were not heeded. That they were quite right is also common enough it makes me wish the Death Lords would put some of their time into diplomacy. The Krags are insane, power-hungry, and covetous, but they have highly attuned survival instincts. An attack on you would give Korth reason to pursue vendetta on Gerrak's behalf, something he's itching to do, so they would not be so blatant. You are a kami, though, which gives them certain methods to use you as bait for your lady.
--I shouldn't worry too much about them. Gudrun won't do much more than try to lure you into situations where a legal murder can occur, so just avoid those situations. Don't poach, don't pick fights, and keep a Karrg's Son nearby in any cities you visit.--

--I shouldn't worry too much about them. Gudrun won't do much more than try to lure you into situations where a legal murder can occur, so just avoid those situations. Don't poach, don't pick fights, and keep a Karrg's Son nearby in any cities you visit.--

"I'll make sure we do just that- we aren't here to start trouble but to get a feel for your race." Kai didn't mention the fact that he was using it to get Indigo away from Gerrak. Though he knew that it was, in many ways, already too late. Deep inside he cursed the Xiscapian would be assassin for that. However he well suspected that even if he had been there it would not have changed things one bit.

"How about recommendations on good freeholds to seek rest at? Any we should avoid, any tribal or clan mothers likes and dislikes that can be catered to?.. Oh and Torg, Hunbaba, as I mentioned earlier. I can pass along the secret of Adamantine ...Torg, for your use and to pass along to a worthy apprentice, and to you Humbaba to some you meet later who deserves it." He offered.

--We last heard of adamant during the Storm Hunt. A metal hard as diamond forged by the cyclops and their master, a volcano god or some such in the Heart of Chaos, the third planet from an obscure yellow sun on the edge of that spiral galaxy, there--Torg actually pointed, to the sky.--The Heart of Chaos is home to more of the Old Ones than any other world, and we have not gone there since the Storm Hunt. If this metal is the same as that, I shall have to venture to the Castle of Lead, and share the secret with Gadblad for approval. We're very leery of secrets from the Heart of Chaos.--
--As far as travel, seek out holdings of the Thunderbreath Gobbleguts. That family has made it's name by supplying hospitality-they even have Zorak Zorani on hand to maintain the fires for cooking-and keep the peace, so be wary-the fetid exhalation of a yawning grave is the only peace the Zorak Zorani offer.
--The Bee Tribe, of the Vale of Flowers, are peaceful and sociable, but they will be coming from the Vale to Big Rubble. However, some may be traveling to Crabtown for the Festival of Mokka. Good traveling companions, and they always carry large amounts of honey, wax, and pheromone-enhanced perfumes for trade.
--Teddy Bear Junction is an Argan Argari trade post, and things you won't find in Big Rubble will be there. My sister's daughter, Lukreza of Hunadora, lives there. Give her this--he waved one hand over the other, and held forth a flower of many small elongated petals, made of polished steel.--She will house you for two nights and a day, and make sure she knows her old uncle can read, and desires his nephews by her visit with mail. If I get around to it, I may even send her a letter through you. I'll give it to you when you come by for the arrow-catcher.
--As far as Crabtown, that's Cragspider's Land--here, he made a warding sign over his heart and head.--Cragspider the Firewitch will brook no nonsense in her lands, and she has a liking for sweets-rare delicacies, not just honeyed fruits and pastries. Go to the confectioner Hamda, and tell him you're going to Crabtown-he'll give you a proper assortment in a shadow box, especially if you tell him it's intended for Cragspider, but it will be dear.
--Most holdings will acknowledge the Padding Ritual, so that shouldn't be a problem. Carry a horn, but only sound it if you see a hunter-prove you're not poaching but don't go making noise unnecessarily. A large stretch of land between Teddy Bear Junction and here is Three Oaks territory-bunch of inbred lead-lovers far too greedy with their goods--Torg glared at Humbaba, who simply smiled and ignored him.--Run down to Greblor's and see if she's any good maps of the area, that'll impress them, especially if it's a darksense map.
--Little toys and pinwheels, anything with moving parts, really, will occupy most of our people for quite some time. There're some very good clockworks at Randigan's, down by the Red Temple. Pricey, but worth it-just avoid the Red Temple-you shouldn't like what goes on there.--

Kai laughed till tears were running down his face at Torgs comments..."It's called Earth, and what can you expect from a world who's occupants named it 'dirt'..and yes, you can seek approval from Gadblad"

He reached into nothingness, and brought forth a fist sized piece of ebon metal that glittered with an odd internal light in a cascade of a million hues. His thoughts were crystal clear, but solely for Humbaba and Torg. "The Logos of adamas is 'untamed' and like all the most worthy of creation, it can not be made slave, it can not be broken and they would know that that last was concept spanning the whole of the word A wholeness in and of itself, it can only be seduced, perusaded, gentled, asked as one would ask the holder of ones heart, sung to as a lover[i] He offered it with a gentle motion to Humbaba [i]it is Will made manifest, going freely into the shape of ones desires,...if it chooses to.

It was a 'mother' of adamantine that he gifted them with, from it - should they please it -would grow more. Just like everything female... the hardest and most choosy in existance...

"That is why it is often mistaken for a thing of chaos" He finished.

Kai listened intently to Torgs information, taking the long petaled flower of metal and tucking it away safely. "I'll gladly take your neice a letter. Humbaba don't let him forget to write it!" Kai chuckled.

"Indigo mentioned a Troll ball game tomorrow night, she wants to stay and see it. And as I'm curious on the subject, if we persuade Vanadict to stay another night, that should give you plenty of time. to compose your missive."

"I am going to take a look at those shops you've suggested Torg, since it draws near to the hour of Scampering comes soon." Kai thanked the master armorer once again and headed off first to Hamda the confectioners.

"Thank you." Vanadict bowed graciously. "Well, I did say food, for ourselves and our traveling companians. Meats, fruits, hardtack, bread...are we allowed to hunt on the way?" She kept looking around, eyes bright. This truly is a facinating world...
Kyroto looked at her oddly. "Trolls hunt regularly-prefer their food alive and kicking, truth be told. Provided we're not on a clan's hunting grounds, hunting isn't frowned on-and even there, it's ignored frequently enough unless the clan's got a hate going for you-a small group like ours would be unnoticed or ignored were we not guests of a Great Name (OOC:would the bolongo translate this as daimyo? I'm quite unfamiliar with how far the similarities of feudal Japan and Xiscapia run, and best to err on the side of caution) , there would be no problem, but trolls, like all sentients, are political animals..."
He left the rest unstated, and suddenly changed topics. "Come, there's a troll treat I'd share with you-it's a honey-bread wrapped around choice morsels of raw meat-how they bake it while keeping the meat raw is their secret, but the Hour of Scampering approaches, and it's best to snack then..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hamda's shop was in a sector largely patrolled by pairs of Zorak Zorani in red armor, with everything bearing a skull motif. The air itself was rich with sugars and the smell of baking breads, with Zorak Zoran initiates tending many fires carefully. There were few trolls, but many ducks, aldryami, and even a few humans milling about. Open stalls showed trolls carefully rolling fruits in spices before spearing them on wooden sticks to be dipped in molten caramel or rolling woven sugar around tubes of deep-fried grains. Large vats of boiling fat had circles of dough bobbing to the surface to be carefully fished out and dunked in various syrups then rolled in candies before being set on parchments for display.
Hamda's hut was made of bone and leather, the great skull of some Pamaltelan beast gaping over a counter constructed of it's lower jaw. Scents of rich chocolate wafted from deep within the structure, rich with the smell of vanilla and sugar. Delicate carvings of jellied fruit juices and honey-thick breads adorned the counter area, worked into shapes of tiny animals, sentients, and simple devices. A diorama in the center showed a scene of hunters bringing down a large wooly mammoth. A small, stunted troll leered at Kai as he set the last tiny hunter in place.--And now, a bit of snow to complete the scene, he smiled, dusting the ensemble with powdered sugar.--It's the little touches that make this art.

It's the little touches that make this art.

Kai bowed, with an appreciative look on his face."And you are obviously a past master of the art. It shows even more than the glowing recomendation that was given you by Matersmith Torg. You have a rare eye for details" Kai noted taking inthe dirorama with a careful eye."

The smell of the area was tantalizingly heady and Kai knew he'd end up spending a pretty penny here, and not regret a coin of it. Indigo had a sweet tooth, and he had to admit, so did he.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indigo looked around with bright curious eyes as Gemilla led her to a location where they could stretch and spar and the Priestess teach her the Fan as a weapon.

Vanadict thought about this. While not expert, she could hunt in a pinch, Xiscapians in general being naturally fit for it. "I would like to try this, very much. It sounds delicious." she said, speaking of the raw meat wrapped in honey-bread.
OOC: With me it's more or less pick-and-choose in regards to Japan-Xiscapia, the Big Name would probably just be reffered to as the local lord.

The baker's sector was filled mostly with non-trolls, the Vanadict noted. As if hearing her idle thought, Kyroto provided: "Trolls don't like fire-only the Zorak Zorani and Gadbladi use the stuff. These bakers all belong to one of those two orders, ironically mostly Zorak Zoran, but the security that order provides is better. I've never met a Deathlord Master Baker, though I suppose it IS possible there is one." He grinned, and the bolongo thoughtfully presented an image of a baker girded for warfare, his rolling pin spiked with barbed fangs dripping venom. "Of course, given what we do to dough to prepare it for consumption, few trolls would have qualms about doing those same things to an enemy in battle..." Again, the bolongosupplied an image-this time of a gleeful troll holding an enemy's head in a cotton candy machine.
"This sector is very alien-friendly, as fire-using trolls tend to be shunned as deviants, and if you've recipes, the bakers will happily consider that fair trade. Food is a troll's Ultimate Good, and new methods of preparing it coveted greatly. Butterfly Wings! I thought they wouldn't be in until Fire Season! Oh, you're in for a treat..."
He scurried (OOC:or would skedaddled be cuter?) over to a stall and began engaging the vendor in rapid fire Shadowspeech, leaving the Vanadict to take in the sights and smells of a vast open-air bakery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small troll looked at Kai in shock, clapping his foreclaws to his face. "Torg! Oh, I almost let that slip my mind! One moment, please..." he turned to the recesses of his stall and bellowed, "The Gadbladi Carts, and hurry! The first runner is here!"
Trolls were normally somewhat languid and lazy creatures, plodding along at their own pace, but they were capable of amazing swiftness when it was called for, and a team of them began loading two heating carts with piles of pastries, which they hurriedly raced towards the Smithy Sector. Kai marveled at how such ungainly appearing beings could be so fast, when the confectioner turned back to him. "I apologize, good Sir, but my youngest was just accepted by the Ordo Arkati, and Torg's put three of them through their apprenticeships. If he sends a runner, I'm late-a second, I'm very late, and if he comes personally, the wife'll have my genitals for having to replace another trashed stall. Excuse me, again..."
He yelled irritably at the teams. "Just brew it on the way, dunderpates! Torg'll have beer anyway-the coffee's for his apprentices. Hurry, now-chop chop!" He clapped his hands, sending up puffs of confectioner's sugar and flour. He smiled wearily as he turned once more to Kai. "Good help is so hard to find, and the truly good become competition far too soon. Now, how may I tempt your palate? The Vale of Flowers has recently made shipment, so I'll have gummi tidbits soon, and the fruits they've brought are much superior to the local variety. Of course, I've some delectable mushrooms from the Three Oaks plantation, but they came two days ago, and I cannot vouch for their freshness anymore, but they are still suitable garnishes..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla held up her fan, opening and closing it rapidly, but slow enough for Indigo's eye to follow. "The fan is a weapon of great subtlety and delicacy-open, it may deflect blows, but do not try to catch a blow as with a shield-the fan will shatter. In this mode, it's fine edge will shred flesh nicely, and closed, it makes a fine stabbing weapon. Closed, it can block, but the maces trolls prefer forces you to catch the weapon at the haft, not the head-swords don't present this problem.
"Now, there are three basic stances..." Gemilla drilled Indigo in the stances extensively, the slightest error causing her to start over, usually from the beginning. The mosura was light and graceful, a stance of defense and distraction-Gemilla stressed this stance, but Indigo noted that trolls favored defense, biding time for an assault, and this stance was dancelike in it's movements, the fans used to obscure the body and allow the user to ready other unpleasantries for their opponent. Her joints ached as the lesson continued, Gemilla proving as harsh a taskmistress as any. Her body cried for relief when Gemilla stated, "You've almost got it-we'll teach you the language of the fans, loosen up your fingers for the difficult Phoenix stance..."

Kai threw up his hands laughing. "Oh I'm not running for Torg. He said you'd know just what assortment of your most dazzling confections would the magnificent Lady of Cragtown the greatest. Though I merely want to plese her not make her suspicious of my motives." He took a deep breath once again just savoring the scents filling the air.

Now, how may I tempt your palate? The Vale of Flowers has recently made shipment, so I'll have gummi tidbits soon, and the fruits they've brought are much superior to the local variety. Of course, I've some delectable mushrooms from the Three Oaks plantation, but they came two days ago, and I cannot vouch for their freshness anymore, but they are still suitable garnishes..."

"Then I need an very large assortment between savory and sweet pastries, your widest variety to appeal to humans, kitsune, and Muri alike."

He paused to think a second and his eyes lit at the mention of mushrooms. "Do you make musrhoom filled turnovers?"

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

Indigo watched intently, listening carefully to all of Gemilla's instructions and explainations without interuption, but once finished she had many a well though out question. She never complained, appreciating the Muri's efforts. The aches and pains were all part of the learning process, one she certainly didn't mind paying. She knew that if Gemilla didn't push her, make her stretch past her limits, she wouldn't get the full benefit from the lessons. And while it quickly became clear to her that the fan dances she had been taught had no origin in the art of fan as a weapon, they had taught her precise, and very fluid control over her arms and hands.

Naturally limber and graceful, Indigo flowed through the stances and moves with ever greater assurance. Ans the fan suited her naturally prefered style. Indigo was surprizingly aggressive, but it was never blind aggression. She watched Gemilla most observantly and had a knack for noting when her opponent was even the slightest bit distracted - and taking every advantage of it.

"You've almost got it-we'll teach you the language of the fans, loosen up your fingers for the difficult Phoenix stance..."

Indigo smiled, eager, as always, to learn more. "It will be fun to compare meanings. We have one as well. And I know there was one used for battle commands but it's not been used in hundreds of years" She looked at the pre false dawn sky. ""We're to meet at Gimpy's at the Hour of Scampering. Perhaps we should make our way there and compare over a good meal. I'd be honored if you'd dine with us."

Vanadict didn't know which way to turn, looking all around herself, though her own eyes and light taps and whispers though the Force, subtle enough to be noticible only to the most fine-tuned of Force users. Vanadict had chuckled at the image of a Deathlord Master Baker, but the idea was not so far fetched. She had heard of a race of dwarfs which baked dwarf breads and pastries that were used in battle, harder then steel. Again she was reminded of Xiscapia. While no city on the surface had an entire area devoted to baking, many bakeries were scattered thoughout, selling breads and pastries of all different descriptions. This was like that...supersized and on spice. (Spice is slang for various mind-altering drugs rampent in smuggling and black market, usually derived from mines) There were a great deal of non trolls in this market, and Vanadict had been well impressed upon the point of troll fear and hatred of fire. She felt somewhat conspicious, dressed in fine robes, radiating aristocratic airs. A lone weathly female was game for bandits and muggers on most planets. However, Vanadict rested assured that she was well protected though a dozen different measures, not the least of which her own guide, Kyroto.

Out of the corner of his eye, as he waited for Hamda to reply about the possibility of mushrrom pastys, Kai caught a flash of familiar movement, and looked about.

"Vanadict, I see you and Kyroto have come for sweets. Come see this masterful dispaly of such edible art that you don't want to eat it." He called over to Vanadict hoping to catch her attention. He also wanted to ask her if she and Kyroto had already been to Greblor's, and if they'd picked up a darksense map. Torg had suggested one the Lady of Three Oaks, who had a large section of holdings between Big Rubble and Teddy Bear Junction. If Humbaba was a good representation of the family he would enjoy staying a day or so with them.

Vanadict looked over her shoulder at Kyroto. She wanted to wait for him, but she would still be within his eyesight range and was quite visible in the market, so she trotted over to Kai. "Yes, we've come here for general food, but the pastries here all look delectable. Kyroto's getting us something he called "Butterfly Wings" over there." she inclined her head in Kyroto's direction. "You have found something of interest?" she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

"You have found something of interest?"

"Come, admire the magnificant artistry of this master here" Kai stepped aside so Vanafict could see the exquisite diorama of the Wooly Mammoth hunt. "Master Hamda here is going to provide us with a shadowbox of treats for the Lady of Cragtown. And I think from the looks of things many more treats as well, to be shared among us. Is there anything you have a particular taste for?" He asked the lovely kitsune.

"Butterfly wings?!?" Hamda gasped. "And the lout saw not fit to seek them here? He is unworthy of your company, Milady-quite unworthy." The little troll waddled over to his ovens, where he drew forth a tray holding several crisp pastries in a delicate pattern resembling a moth's or butterfly's wings, each panel filled with a warm gelling mixture of varied colors. "Here-tell me if these are not the finest wings you've ever tasted." He scooped one up, placed it in a waxed papyrus holder, and rushed it to her hand. "The Revered One, here, was inquiring as to my mushroom pastries-fine delicate work, but my mushrooms are not up to my standard just now. My Spoorwood dealers have not arrived, and Three Oaks is behind in their deliveries, Revered One-but my goods are the finest in the city, and I stake great personal pride in that."
The Vanadict accepted the offering, noting that Hamda was a full head below her in height, and his rolling gait was typical of the dwarfs among her own people.
"Further, my Vale of Flowers shipments arrive here, first-that dainty is their finest mosura wing, painted to perfection with my jellies and syrups-I defy your ignoramus to top that." The little troll crossed his arms belligerently before returning to Kai.
"Forgive me, Revered One-my pride has overcome my business sense, and my manners. This is the second time I I have interrupted our transaction, and by way of apology, I shall render a substantial discount to your bill, rest assured--What is your pleasure, Sir?"
The baker bowed low as he asked this last...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--You have to be more constrained in your wrist-your control is admirable, but you cannot relax-you just turned a simple greeting into a command to behead the lout.--Gemilla leered.--Mistakes do happen-perhaps when we attempt this again, we'll turn off your bolongo. I find having an automatic translation breeds laziness. However, you are correct, the Hour of Scampering approaches, but I know a short cut to Gimpy's, so we'll be well in time. Shall we be off?--

Forgive me, Revered One-my pride has overcome my business sense, and my manners. This is the second time I I have interrupted our transaction, and by way of apology, I shall render a substantial discount to your bill, rest assured--What is your pleasure, Sir?"

"You have every reason to be proud, and do not worry, I'd rather have your finest efforts than any discounht. Two shadowboxes of an assortment guaranteed to please the Lady of Cragstown, And I'd like a special assortment sent to Master Armorer Torg as a gift from us, one to Adept Humbaba, another to Priestess Gemilla, and Death Lord Korth should have one as well for his kindnesses. Plus I will need an vast assortment of both savory and sweet boxed up for travel enough for four all of whom have a vast delight in pasteries." Kai would haggle just enough to keep tradition up but he wasn't about to accept a discount.

"And I will mention your work directly to the Sultan of Doraddi. I know he is always looking for the best,"

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

However, you are correct, the Hour of Scampering approaches, but I know a short cut to Gimpy's, so we'll be well in time. Shall we be off?--


"Yes lets, I'm starved " Indigo agreed before studding the motion of the fam once again. Frowing at her carelesasnes, and she made the movement again and again untill she was satsified and raised an enquirring eye brow at Gemill "There and yes I must have more care. Thank you for noting that. But sometimes beheading louts is the only thing to do" She grinned at the Muri priestess, then made a tiny motion with the fan "However this particular one, among the Novan's is Not the sign for 'bring more tea', but the sign that 'his skirts have falled open and it's obvious he has little to protect"

Enjoying the discuusion between them immensely, Indigo strongly suspected this was what it was like to have a real sister. "I wish I could show you the Celestial Imperia. Some of our customs would be strange as can be to you, but I think you'd find a lot of good people there and many things to make you laugh." She laughed thinking how Gemilla would react to some Novan outlooks. Part of her was sad that she'd never get to do that, and sad too because she had never had the chance to really be a Novan. The Court of the Divine One was not really a part of Novan society, so all her knowledge of it came from her studies.

"Here-tell me if these are not the finest wings you've ever tasted."
Vanadict was about to answer Kai when the baker seemed to become quite agitated and hurriedly shoved it into her hand. Accepting it, she lifted the warm dessert up in it's holder and took a dainty bite, mindful of her manners. Not a crumb spilled to the ground as she chewed thoughtfully, finding that the bread crumbled on contact, melting into a kind of warm, chewy goo, sweetened by the near liquid mixture on top. Swallowing, she licked her lips. "I cannot tell a lie, these were the best I have ever tasted," she gave a tiny bow, not bothering to comment that these were also the only ones she had ever tasted. Nevertheless, she doubted these had an equal anywhere.

Hamda leered.--Gerrak knows my work. He used to steal from my carts regularly when his title was disputed by that mother of his. Poor Korth had quite the handful with that boy. He was a skilled thief, always grabbing up enough for him and his huntbrothers to enjoy in their secluded cave.--the little troll shrugged.--Ah, well. It is sad they don't stay that age just a bit longer, that more may enjoy them. Others' children, I mean-mine own aren't growing up fast enough for my tastes.--
He gestured, and measures of ingredients began to hover and swirl about him as he spoke of food.--Anyone can provide sustenance with these simple things-sugars, flour, honey. It is the confectioner who makes Art, who distills by his skill a measure of transcendent joy easily understood by all who partake of his Craft. A sculptor may inspire, true, but the sculpture must be reasoned, understood, before it's Artistry is revealed. Here, the confectioner makes Art all may enjoy. Deeper meanings conveyed in chocolate and fruits, ironies even a child may imagine pressed into humble crusts and delicate weavings of but a moment-but a moment properly filled by a master is understood and appreciated by all--
As the ingredients combined, Hamda offered a pinch here and there, shaping his candies into images he'd plucked from Kai's mind. There was an oni he'd fought, a truly horrendous brute rendered in gummi. A summer scene from the High Plane of the Emperor's peach garden, each golden peach perfectly cast in chocolate amid fine-spun mint and sugar. Other thoughts and memories trapped for a moment in the product of Hamda's craft.--Cragspider will enjoy this-a personal view of you she may relish with more than her palate.--Hamda spoke softly.--You wanted two for her, correct?--
The Vanadict watched, amazed that the tiny creature held so much Force, and applied it skillfully to such a simple act as candy-making. He wasn't merely scanning for images to sculpt, he was emoting, sealing in feelings and thoughts to be revealed in the act of consumption. Hints of valor and joy, peace and regret, were all contained in the smell of the fresh mix, raw and unformed, to be brought forth in the baking fully realized.
--Perhaps if the Lady has simple requirements, I may be of service?--the Vanadict gave a brief start as she hadn't noticed the huge troll walk up to her.--I am Graansh, apprentice to Hamda. While I am not a master confectioner, I can provide capably enough--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gimpy's was a stout stone building with a cobbled terrace outside holding several tables.--Let us dine al fresco and savor the night while we wait--Gemilla flicked her fan and servers set a light snack on the table she'd indicated.--Besides, it will be good practice for you. Tell me of your world, using what knowledge of the fan as you have garnered. You may freely lapse into your own dialect, as I've instructed the servers you are practicing. We may even have a bit of fun when your friends arrive--

Vanadict gasped aloud at the incredible skill the troll was using in his craft, perfectly detailed and interweaving tiny emotions thoughout, making the food sweet or bitter, warm or cool, hard or soft, if such simple terms could apply to the masterpeice.
--Perhaps if the Lady has simple requirements, I may be of service?--
Vanadict turned to face the troll, considering. "Show me what you can do, and I will order accordingly." She did not want to insult him by giving him too small a task, nor overburden him with a feat beyond his skill. She had an idea, one sitting at the back of her mind. Back home, there was a certain stressed, overworked Admiral. Vanadict's line of thinking was something like a postcard, except edible and far sweeter.

Graansh bowed, a solemn slow inclining of his head.--I have mastered all the measures and recipes of our profession, milady. All that lies beyond me is that--here, he nodded towards Hamda, busily impressing his candies with varied emotions as he formed them on the tray.--Sadly, one must be a Master Confectioner before those secrets are revealed, as well as a shaman of power. However, I may prepare the proper mix and have it readied for when Master Hamda is ready for you--

Vanadict nodded. "Then do so, please. I do not doubt your abilities, if your skill was questioned I do not beleive you would be here, hmmm?" Inside her robes she lightly fingered the statue of Pamalta, running her fingers along the tiny, detailed surface.

.--You wanted two for her, correct?--

"Yes, please.
Kai let the master shaman rummage freely, only walling off things that were intensely private business. He did not hide his love for Indigo, his pride at the woman and goddess she was becoming, or his absolute terror at how fast she was suddenly growing in skills and power. His already strong distaste for Gerrak's mother, and his respect and liking for the Viovodes heir too were given. He wasn't going to start trouble, but if Gerrak's nother or family tried any more nonsense, he'd gladly take them to task.

But at the moment he was in awe of Hamda's skill. Gerrak might know him well, but he'd get a glowing review of Kai's appreciation of Hamda's art.

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

Tell me of your world, using what knowledge of the fan as you have garnered. You may freely lapse into your own dialect, as I've instructed the servers you are practicing. We may even have a bit of fun when your friends arrive--

Indigo considered for a moment, for she could tell Gemilla no more of O'Kune than what she'd learned in her studies for the most part, but she could tell Gemilla of her world...

Then she started slowly, with careful precision in her moves, falling back on words when she had too...

"In the last year before I was exiled, my word was fully forty acres." Her gestures conveyed her pride in that for most of them had been hard earned as rewards for passing the many stringent exams she underwent regularly.

"When I was very small, just learning to stand and walk my world was three rooms and a bath. I remember how vast even the smallest of them seemed. They opened on a tiny garden, and unto each other. As I grew I came to understand ...it was made clear to me ...that these were nothing, just long unused rooms they'd shuttled me off to. But every bit of them was precious to me. The cracks in the three worn wood steps, I'd play games imagining how they got there, though I knew it was just the effects of weather and time. But I could imagine that a giant had come to call and cracked the ancient wood, or that some great duel had been fought and the wear in the steps caused the villain to fall right as he was about to slay the hero.

"My reception room, where those responsible for overseeing me came to observe me was very tiny, and plain, until my poor efforts as an artist were used to adorn it." Her smile as she remembered was gentle. "I loved my learning room, with it's bookshelves filled with an ever- changing array of books for me to study. I had to read the noble classics such as Five Rings, The Art of War, The Prince, and War and Peace early, and it made me appreciate the whimsy of the honored Doctor Seuss, Mark Twain and others."

She paused to take a few bites of the snack and a sip of cool water.

"When I got older and proved to be calm and sensible, they started my Responsibility Garden, to teach me about plants and responsibility. I enjoyed working in the garden and tended it enough that they enlarged it to five acres. I still can taste the wonderful vegetables and fruit I managed to grow there. The drone of the bees, and cricket calls soothed me to sleep many a naptime.

Then I learned the bow, and the Blade and because I proved adept beyond the minimums they allowed me to move on and with that" Her eyes lit even more, for these were memories that spoke of important mile stones in her cloistered life. "Came my Ten Acre Wood, and twenty acres of sward for riding and other past times. I think my servants were proud of me, though they never said directly. In the heart of my woods was a massive grandfather oak, with a bole fully as wide as I am tall. At it's base was a stone fo granite, with an inclusion of iron pyrite. I would have lived in the grandfather's limbs had I had been allowed to. We held many conversations between us, the stone the tree and I. They taught me many valuable lessons, one I don't think I could have learned any other way." She didn't mention that the ancient oak had been struck by lightening and she'd gone running out one morning to find it gone, replaced by something deformed, and twisted. A weirdling tree that she had never felt comfortable near.

"Then I won the lottery to ride in an air car, something I'd never done before, at the Sacred Hunt. To be one of the honored ones to see the Hunt from above, all the various rituals seen in their fullness. I'd never, other than to attend the annual rituals, been out of my ...world... before and I was so excited." Her laughter was sad "I saw just how small my wonderful world was. I got to see how large the Court, where I wasn’t allowed, wasn't wanted was, how magnificent it was.

Being up in the marvelously scary aircar had been so different than the times she had been led, curious and a little afraid, to where ever the ritual or ceremony was being held. One just couldn't take in the incredible, lavish majesty of the court from ground level, her fan slowly said "People, too many people, swarm about doing totally incomprehensible things, snatches of conversations that didn't make sense, a dizzying array of lavish clothes and jewels." Feeling so shabby- and looking it too in juxtaposition with the incredibly elaborate outfits worn by the others, more favored of the court - in her merely clean and presentable clothes. And the open comments that said others agreed with the assessment.

“I think" Her fan movements and her voicer became contemplative.”Maybe I won for a reason, to bring me back to humility. I had spoken of my wonderful tree, my garden, and I was being advised, in a kind and gentle fashion how insignaficant in the grand scheme of thing I was."

“But some how I was lucky enough to be Exiled. So, now I have a new life.” Her smile was brilliant, though deep inside she still felt trepidation. She had spent all but the last few months of her life in a far different life, and some times she was terrified.

Vanadict nodded. "Then do so, please. I do not doubt your abilities, if your skill was questioned I do not beleive you would be here, hmmm?" Inside her robes she lightly fingered the statue of Pamalta, running her fingers along the tiny, detailed surface.

--No offense is taken, milady. We all know Hamda is a master of his art, else we would not strive to seek apprenticeship beneath him. Now, haven given proper proprieties, might I inquire as to the nature of your desires? Should you seek our blessed chocolates? Our divine marzipan? Sweetmeats dipped in honeys and spices? We have butterfly wings-would you prefer them supplied with specific flavors?--as the apprentice bowed, she felt the icon of Pamalt warming to her touch, just slightly, enough to make her question if her body heat warmed the image, but enough to make her question if this was not quite just her own body heat....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla's fan flickered irritably, then opened and closed rapidly, until she apparently noticed Indigo, and moved her fan slowly, revealing: "That is abominable-we trolls are raised knowing we are a clan asset, to be given or traded to the clan's betterment, but we allow our young room to move beyond this. Keeping you so sequestered has stunted you, dear child. One must be cultivated to see their proper role,not locked away and this includes possible death or dismemberment by that outside the walls. Your people are abominable for this practice. Thank all the gods involved your exile sent you into the outside world. I should properly slaughter your dam for this-I cannot call her mother.
Her fan continued: A child is to be celebrated and shown to the world, that they may learn- a female doubly so, for predators in the city wear not the hides of those in the wild. We are the future of our races, child-we cannot be blind to those would prey upon us to our own gratification, nor the ways of dealing with them--the swift cut of her fan implied "castration" but also meant "severance".

Vanadict stared thoughtfully at the troll, considering. "Chocolate," she said finally, slowly. "Is, I beleive, most suitable. Molded chocolate, made to look like an object. Aside from that, though, I do wish more butterfly wings for the journey ahead. Is there certain kinds of these, flavors and types?" she asked. Her hand continued to caress the statue, slowly up and down. She wondered where Kyroto was. Surely he should be back by now?

Your people are abominable for this practice. Thank all the gods involved your exile sent you into the outside world. I should properly slaughter your dam for this-I cannot call her mother.

Indigo sighed softly, warmed by Gemilla's wrath on her behalf. "My mother died within hours of my birth." She touched the tiny crystal dagger,she wore at her throat - the tip gleaming a scarlet hue where the blood of Novan and Kitsune mingled. It had come back to her from her mother's funeral pyre, appearing about the infant Indigo's neck of it's own choosing. Indigo could not but believe it was a way of her mother watching over her. "I believe she would have made my life somewhat other than what it was. But as all but the lowest of the low of the Court, a mere concubine, her efforts might not have made any difference, sister of my heart. All of us of the Court were cloistered. I never saw O'Kuni until I was leaving, watching it fall away on a view screen as the shuttle too me to the starcraft I was to leave on."

She looked about, taking in the scene from the terrace, enjoying just sitting and talking with the Muri. "I know I'm probably in more than a little danger going across country here on Pamaltela, but I need to become worthy of laying claim to Gerrak...or he to me, however it works out in the end. If it does" She would not hide from the fact that it might just be a dream unfulfilled. The smile that graced her lips was gentle and her eyes seeing other than the sights as she began to sing softly in her marvelously trained voice. Using her fan as accompanymjent, to embelish the words, the sweep of emotions she found in the lyrics she poured fourth a song she'd learned recently.

Do you remember me? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqh57LMV-cc)
I'm just a shadow now.
This is where I used to be, right here beside you.
Sometimes I call your name, high on a summer breeze.

What I would give, to feel the sunlight on my face.
What I would give, to be lost in your embrace.

I've fallen from a distant star.
I've come back, compelled because of love.
I'm caught between two different worlds.
I long for one more night on earth.

Do you believe in dreams?
That's how I found you.
But I can't be revealed, 'til you take a leap of faith.

What I would give,to feel the sunlight on my face.
What I would give, to be lost in in your embrace."

Vanadict stared thoughtfully at the troll, considering. "Chocolate," she said finally, slowly. "Is, I beleive, most suitable. Molded chocolate, made to look like an object. Aside from that, though, I do wish more butterfly wings for the journey ahead. Is there certain kinds of these, flavors and types?" she asked. Her hand continued to caress the statue, slowly up and down. She wondered where Kyroto was. Surely he should be back by now?

--Should the Lady prefer some elegant beast for Hamda to imbue with sensations of regret and promises unfulfilled?--the troll leered in what the Vanadict was realizing was troll gentle humor.--I shall craft rabbits to fill him with pangs of regret without Hamda's mastery. Or perhaps you would prefer leopards for cowardice, or dragons for avarice? There is so much that can be done, I merely await your order. The chocolate itself will be of highest quality-I have milks from Prax, the cocoa itself from the Mount of Lodril--
Here he was interrupted by Kyroto's return, a bag of pastries in one hand as the other shoveled dainty butterfly wings in his mouth.
"You have to try these-the trolls blend in a variety of flavors to match the colors-oh, they're so addicting." he spoke around his mouthful, holding out more for her. "Try some-they're magnificent."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gemilla listened intently, before moving her fan. Among my people, there is a saying: Of all the words that are known to Man, the saddest are these: it might have been. That song is beautiful, but it speaks too much of regret over chances lost and things one was too timid to embrace. Life has so much-it is filled with prizes, and downfalls, and all must be fully embraced to say one has a life well-lived.
We are kept cloistered until the age of nine or so-security is lapse for those seeking out, but tight for those seeking in. However, it would be folly for us to cloister our public servants. If they do not interact with the Real World, our generals will not know how to deal with merchants, nor our diplomats with concessions. Our public servants are forced to live among their constituents-the odd lynching keeps them honest and mindful of the Common Folks' necessities.
Though not beautiful, this is what we teach our young. Gemilla raised her voice in song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSkEWktRnMk)

--Should the Lady prefer some elegant beast for Hamda to imbue with sensations of regret and promises unfulfilled?--
"Try some-they're magnificent."
Vanadict was amused. "Hold the butterfly wings, I will think of something," she said to the apprentice. Turning to Kyroto, she took a butterfly wing, munching on it as she spoke. "I've already had one, from this stall. They are quite excellent, but I think I liked the one I had here better." she said as she finished it off. "Do you have any ideas for," she nodded to the stall, "animal sweets? What do all the different animals represent?"

--That is a matter for the gifter and recipient to decide.--The troll blushed slightly. --Here, for example, birds are taken negatively, except for ravens. The raven broke with Orlanth when he embarked upon his bid for dominance, and later joined the Tribe of Night, showing us where to find meat and sustenance when we first came to Hurtplace. Owls have a reputation for wisdom among humans, but we find them rather stupid, smelly creatures. Of course, we often gift human scholars with them, for the joke is enjoyable, and rarely taken poorly. Spiders represent loyalty and intelligence, while canines are for slavery or the bottom of a heirarchy. Centipedes represent armies and military foresight, for the mukade often require both to be brought down. Sharks represent the pinnacle of evolution and excellence in all things, crocodiles deep thought and raw power, hippopotamuses belligerence and rage, the great raptors success in hunting, the shaggy mammoth confusion and stupidity-that's fairly new, as it is derived from a human poem about a group of blind men, and of course our insects-ants for hard work, bees for productivity, mantises for chivalry and boldness in war, beetles for farmers and really because they taste so good. Eggs for new life and the soul, items associated with a craft as an homage to the recipient-pens for diplomats and bureaucrats, spears for soldiers, plows for farmers-of course, these can also represent qualities of those professions we wish upon the recipient. Diligence and discipline for a plow, strength and cunning for a spear, wisdom and prudence with a pen...--
As the apprentice confectioner continued, Kyroto looked over the stall and sniffed at the butterfly wings, blithely crunching on the ones he'd procured. --What about foxes?--he asked.--What do they represent?--
The troll glared at him.--Foxes represent the various clan-chiefs of Jrusta, an island off the northwest coast-a wild and strange lot, they have their own ways in that green and pleasant land. Once savage headhunters, which is a respectable profession, they have become a nation of shopkeepers and done so without bowing to Argan Argar--Here, he nodded at a stone relic of a smallish troll holding a spear and a small bag, making a ritual gesture over his heart.--Bad luck to talk overmuch of them before him.--

Indigo listened carefully to the song then nodded. 'Yes It is not beautiful, but it contains many truths. I just hope that I am not too stupid while I am young. And hopefully you can assisst me in that. Can you tell me more what I need to know be a worth Muri lady?"

This was turning out to be the most fascinating lesson she ever had.

Vanadict thought, and looked at the smallish troll relic. Hmm...either a mantis, or a spear...but I am unsure. "Who is he?" she asked, referring to the troll statue, stalling for time to think but genuinely interested. For the Admiral Krystal, she decided, a spear would do well.

Gemilla tapped her fan irritably on the table, signaling: In fan, dear-in fan. Youth is the time for stupidity, for it's forgivable then-better to squander it all when you're young than retain it for your old age. That sort of thing leads to a career in public service followed by a lynching, at least here-it's different on other worlds, I understand. Why someone would think Public Service is a privilege instead of a Responsibility--(Indigo noted that Gemilla could stress a word to make it capitalized through a certain flicker of the pinky, and decided to file this tidbit for future use)--but I digress. A muri Lady lets her Worth carry her Pride-it builds up one while ensuring the other doesn't grow too large. We have a story of the Big Boasters-there are three female warrior goddesses, Vaneekara the Hurler of the Tribe of Night, Babeester Gor of the Tribe of Earth, and What's-Her-Name of the Tribe of Storm--(Indigo could tell Gemilla knew the Storm Goddess's name, but would not use it)--who gathered at a Victory Feast during the God's War. Each spoke proudly of her abilities, and begrudged even the slightest scrap of respect or honor for the others' accomplishments, which lead to ill-will and almost a fight. However, every spear was needed for the War on Chaos, and Kiger Lytor stood between them, chiding them their folly and proposing a contest: whoever brought the First Mom the head of the Fell Wizard Vash should be acclaimed the mightiest warrior of all.
She continued: Vash was steeped in the lore of Chaos, dragging the dead up from Hell to wring their secrets from them, and calling Chaos from the sky to trade these secrets for the Dark Lore Chaos offers. He was quite the power back then, but little remembered now-which is all to the good. He dwelled in a remote crag in the Indigo Mountains he had rendered unassailable by his Craft, and legions of Chaos rested there.
Here, she took a drink from her lead flagon, tapping to indicate she was not finished, then resumed:The Storm Bitch rose into the sky and hurled down lightning and flaming hail, but Vash tore Reality, and sent her works back into her face-the lightning scorched her wings, and the hail burned her, making her a hag. Of course, lightning is fairly simple, but raining flaming hail is an endurance feat, and having her attack rebounded effortlessly proved more than exhausting, and she fluttered to the earth, too tired to move.
Babeester Gor grabbed hold of the mountain and shook it mightily, for she was the Avenging Daughter and held power of the Earth. Vash laughed as the ramparts fell upon her head, burying her in her own work, then gestured, restoring them in a wink. Vaneekara picked up the rubble and threw it, and continued to do so, but Vash's craft and gravity worked against her.
Finally, the three lay on the ground, too weary from their efforts to move, and Vash poked his head out of his tall tower-"Who are you foolish ladies, to assault my-" and he spoke no more, for Zorak Zoran had hidden himself and scaled the tower, and lopped the fell wizard's head off in that moment, as he revealed himself enough to gloat.
"I thank you all," the Demon Master of Death bowed to them most courteously. "I've been waiting weeks for him to do that." And he left with the head to be acclaimed the mightiest warrior of all, a contest he hadn't even been aware of.
That is the folly of boastfulness, and why Zorak Zoran is the mightiest warrior of all the Folk. I have gotten this story from his followers, and they add one should never do that which others will do for you.
Gemilla smiled, and signaled:Always remember that if you can back it up, it isn't boasting. A muri knows, it isn't lands or followers or appearance that brings Worth, only a willingness to do that which must be done and see it through.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--That is Argan Argar, milady-God of Surface Darkness, and Son of Night--the apprentice told the Vanadict.--He wandered to Wonderhome in the Perfect Age, and befriended the trolls in that happy time, eventually becoming one of us and a mighty warlord in his own right. The God's War Compromise sealed him in the God Plane, but his son, the Only Old One, still heads up his Order from the Palace of Black Glass. You'll probably be speaking with Him one day, should the Voivode approve trade between your world and ours--
--Might I inquire as to whom this gift is intended? I think your Foxfire Rose should enjoy a sampler of sweetmeats, shaped as pens, spears, and perhaps a centipede or two with a few mantises-it is good to wish warcraft on a leader. I could even form a Korr in the likeness of their fallen Emperor to please him with a second dispatch of a hated foe...--

--Might I inquire as to whom this gift is intended? I think your Foxfire Rose should enjoy a sampler of sweetmeats, shaped as pens, spears, and perhaps a centipede or two with a few mantises-it is good to wish warcraft on a leader. I could even form a Korr in the likeness of their fallen Emperor to please him with a second dispatch of a hated foe...--
Vanadict privatly thought the Emperor would not be at all pleased or amused to receive such a gift, clamping down on her bolongo as it tried to voice her thoughts, stuffing the little stone sword deep into her robes once more. She momentarily wondered how in the galaxy the troll even knew who Foxfire Rose was, or the Korr for that matter, but she knew news travels around fast, and Foxfire Roses election to Emperor for Life and the end of the Korr war was old news. "It is for the Head Admiral of our nation, a most intelligent and high-ranking leader in charge of our military starships. As to the Emperor, as a leader, these things you suggest, mantises and centipedes and spears, these are all good for he in the position of a ruler?" she inquired.

Graansh smiled, and dipped his head in a brief bow.--For the Admiral, might I suggest a selection of chocolates shaped as the various starcraft she may encounter? My cousin grows vessels for the Black Fleet, so they will be accurate, be it the odd saucers of the Striebs or the great cruisers of your own nation.--He nodded, smile widening.--For a troll, these things would be taken as complimentary, but I may shape the sweets however you desire. I make a fine sword, but I understand your people are funny about these things, and may take it as a token of disrespect--

Vanadict allowed the comment about her "funny" people slide, and noted with interest that this Muri's cousin grows ships. That, she thought with amusment, would be a great asset to any nation. Certainly cut down on production costs.
"I think the Head Admiral would be greatly amused by a box of choclates shaped like enemy starships," Vanadict nodded, "so yes, that would be most good. As to the Emperor," she thought for a moment, "I think a miniture choclate statue of himself would bring laughter."
The Emperor was known for not being vain, so such a thing would probably bring out the blush in him. A cheeky little gift from his top Ambassador.

Graansh took lumps of chocolate, and his sharp claws soon formed them into a variety of ships both familiar and unknown to the Vanadict, setting little decorative tidbits for lights and weapons arrays.
She noted that the troll was very accurate, and kept all the tiny ships on the same scale, carving first a tiny representative of the race, then the ship. When he set down the Korr, she noted he then shaped a great cruiser and outfitted it with a Novan weapons array in bright peppermint.--I know you did not request the tiny aliens--Graansh apologized, noting her stare--I find it just helps me remember their ships better, and will set them aside when I box this order up. The nice thing about working in chocolate is one can either melt down the mistakes or eat them.--
This last comment brought a hearty thwack! from a ladle wielded by Hamda, who acidly commanded--You eat so much as one...--he looked over the apprentice's work.--Very nice, a space sampler? Carve the ones with cloaks in white chocolate-may as well conduct a bit of clandestine espionage for our allies, windows and lights in sugar crystals, but weapons in something harder-the Admiral may enjoy figuring that out, eh?--the tiny troll winked broadly at the Vanadict--Include the aliens as my gift-the Admiral may enjoy mixing and matching before settling down to refresh herself, and Dodo here can't be trusted to melt them down...--Hamda administered another sound drubbing with the ladle when Graansh set down a tiny troll figure.--Not our ships, imbecile-you want the Voivode to display our hides over the marketplace like pennants, that all should know the price of espionage?--
He bowed deeply, and spread his claws in the gesture the Vanadict was realizing was peace and submission.--Forgive my apprentice, Madame the Vanadict, but our ships could only come from the Voivode himself-security and all. Perhaps I may atone for this grievous error by presenting you with a confection of my making?--
The Vanadict saw that Graansh had been carving something like a great sea urchin, which he hastily tossed into the melting pot along with the scraps and shavings of his previous work, informing his master--She wants a sculpture of the Emperor Foxfire Rose as well-a gift for him--
--Ah, then it is good I finished the Revered One's selections in time-and not just to save all our hides--this last was sharply delivered at Graansh, who winced at it as if it were a lash, though he barely noted the sound hits with the ladle. Hamda placed the ladle on a hook, next to a similar, more delicate implement.--One for each of my confectionary delights, and one for the apprentices--he explained with another wink--The one for apprentices is larger and heavier, for working with such crude material.
--Now, as for your Emperor...--Hamda gestured again, and the raw materials of his craft began to flow about him.--He is brave and noble, strong and fierce-with perhaps a tinge of regret for the life outside the Palace he has had to give up, and, of course, Hope-for what is a ruler without Hope?--
As he spoke, the raw sugars, milks, and chocolate swirled about him, baking in the air to form a perfect likeness of Foxfire Rose, 8 1/2 inches tall, posed like Michaelangelo's David, his fox tail swirled about one bare leg, for Hamda had not bothered to dress the sculpture, though he had rendered it anatomically correct.--Does this meet the Lady's approval? I am unfamiliar with the customs of your people regarding the katana, and it's proper display and composition. I can place one in the hand held by his thigh if it isn't an offense-I do know of the regard with which these blades are held, and do not wish to offend by rendering one as to be eaten.--

Vanadict was delighted by the tiny ships with detailed lights and weaponry shown in suger crystals and spices. She watched closely their work and the regular diciplining of the master on the apprentice. Truely this was art, in every sense. Best of all, art that could be enjoyed by the taste buds and stomach, although this ment destroying it, such a sweet sorrow, ahha.
However, upon her Emperor's rendering into an eight and a half inch tall chocolate statue without his, ah, robes, she had to turn away for a moment to conceal the jerking on her entire body as she tried to hide her laughter and the definite smirk on her face, her bolongo muttering that she had not been offended. Far from it, in fact. Tears of mirth gathered at the corners of her vision, but by the time she turned back to the two Muri, all traces of humor except for a michevious sparkle in her eyes were gone.
--Does this meet the Lady's approval? I am unfamiliar with the customs of your people regarding the katana, and it's proper display and composition. I can place one in the hand held by his thigh if it isn't an offense-I do know of the regard with which these blades are held, and do not wish to offend by rendering one as to be eaten.--
"Perhaps the tail can be adjusted to cover it..." she said, trying not to giggle. The sight of the ususally refined and dignified Foxfire Rose nude in such a pose had been too much for her to bear. In what Xiscapians called art nudes were generally painted, sculpted, drawn, or other manners with the tail covering the loins or other parts not usually displayed.

--Cover it?--Hamda's expression was pure confusion--I haven't even placed it as yet. Perhaps I'll just supply him with a white chocolate scroll to portray him as Lawgiver, and skirt the whole issue. I had so wanted to supply a hard-candy suit of armor, but one only sees him depicted in robes, anyway. You'll have to select proper colors, I'm afraid. Of all the troll races, only the muri can perceive more than red, and I have a full variety of colors and flavors to delight the Imperial palate--
The little troll waddled off to fetch a tray of bright colors in small wooden bowls, each supplied with a small sampling spoon.--Here, taste and indicate what you want the robes formed from, and I'll prepare the scroll--

--Here, taste and indicate what you want the robes formed from, and I'll prepare the scroll--
Vanadict surveyed and tasted, wondering once more about the confusing Common language that would substitute multiple meanings for a single word. Really, hers had not been dignified behavior for a diplomat at all, but it was just so funny...she mused as she tasted a sweet, slightly tangy blue. The Emperor was popularly shown in red robes, those of war, because even after the Korr war was finally over Xiscapia always seemed to be involved in a conflict somewhere. But during peace time the Emperor would wear dark blue, Navy colored robes, and she selected the appropriate color. "Robes such as these," she nodded, "and you can add the sword on the outside, on the right hip. There is a sort of loop on the side to hold the katana in place." She lifted her own robes slightly to demonstrate, taking her katana off and laying it on the counter. "His sword is an identical twin to mine, a sort of symbol of power."

Indigo laughed at the tale and her spirits lightened.

Always remember that if you can back it up, it isn't boasting. A muri knows, it isn't lands or followers or appearance that brings Worth, only a willingness to do that which must be done and see it through.

"I will remember that Gemillia. I think that between you and Kai, I'll make it through. I wonder what treasure they have found in the market . I have been seeing so many fascinating things."

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

At Hamda's Kai tucked the two shadow boxes meant for the Lady of Cragtown, as well as two more that had been filled just for the travellers.

"Are you about ready Madame Vanadict, Kyroto? I think I need to find Indigo and Lady Gemilla and Humbaba is supposed to be meeting us soon at the restraunt."

Hamda spun fine robes over the statuette, forming a proper sheath and harness from licorice, then casting the tiny sword in nonpariel hard candy, and deftly added a rich golden trim in intricate whorls along the edges of the robe. --Give it a few moments to harden--Hamda said, surveying his work.--If the Emperor is pleased, perhaps he will order another, perhaps he and his wife, or something with their first child, when that happy event occurs.
--Would you like to to put these on the first delivery vessel? I can have them offworld within a few hours, or I can have the shipmaster hold them until personal messages from you for the recipients arrive. The Lady should not have to carry about such baggage if unnecessary. Just let me know the addresses, and I'll attend to everything...--

--Would you like to to put these on the first delivery vessel? I can have them offworld within a few hours, or I can have the shipmaster hold them until personal messages from you for the recipients arrive. The Lady should not have to carry about such baggage if unnecessary. Just let me know the addresses, and I'll attend to everything...--
Vanadict nodded and extracted a piece of paper from her robes, smoothing it out despite the utterly flat and pristine surface. While it had been clean of any text when she took it out, by the time she handed it to him it contained writing, the exact addresses to the Xiscapian Naval Head Quarters and that of the Imperial Palace. "I believe the gifts in and of themselves are sufficient messages, so no, the shipmaster will not need to hold them. At any rate, the Emperor and Head Admiral will know from whom they came."
"Are you about ready Madame Vanadict, Kyroto? I think I need to find Indigo and Lady Gemilla and Humbaba is supposed to be meeting us soon at the restaurant."
"Please Kai," said Vanadict, smiling at him, "just Vanadict, for both our sakes. And yes, I think we're about done here," she glanced at Kyroto as she said so, an eyebrow delicatly raised. "Yes?"

Kyroto smiled and leaned close, whispering in the more private kitsune language:"I was wondering how you'd handle that-trolls are very touchy about reproduction, and have a superstition that to hide or obscure genitalia on a representation of an individual is to wish impotence or castration on them. Look at the statuary of the gods as we pass them-each has separately carved robes fitted over their bodies, and every one is anatomically correct beneath.
"Doubtless, the Emperor will be in for a shock when he samples his gift and discovers what lies beneath those robes-I do hope he's not refreshing himself in court at the time." The kitsune giggled, and held out an open bag of butterfly wings. "You may wish to warn him--or at least have someone nearby with a camera."

"You may wish to warn him--or at least have someone nearby with a camera."
Vanadict could not resist giggling herself, taking a butterfly wing as she did so. "I have...other means of contacting him which do not involve communicators. He will know in advance something is coming, but not precisely what. If he does not treat this with the caution it deserves then I have not know Foxfire Rose for all these years." She bit into the treat as she finished her statement, closing her yellow eyes in pleasure as she did so. "These things," she said, swallowing and gesturing with the bitten wing, "are addictive."

"It's the interaction on the fruit juices with the circulatory system of the butterflies-without the blood, it can't be replicated." Kyroto added, in Common, "The fruit juices themselves, dissolve rapidly on the tongue-or even a drop of water-Hamda's packaging can't be foolproof-nothing is."

"Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool," Vanadict said in a sing-song voice. "Something we learn early on in the Diplomatic Corps. But that's very interesting, the blood and the fruit juices. Would the wings be tasteless to a creature without blood?"

"I honestly don't know-it's the interactions of the flavorings with the butterfly's blood that produce the taste, so I'd assume so long as the race in question had tastebuds, it would produce the same flavor..."Kyroto puzzled over this for some time, his expression that of a poodle contemplating nuclear physics.

"I was just curious," Vanadict said softly. "There are those, out there, without blood, or taste buds for that matter. Some of the more feline or canine-like races have no sense of taste, which I always found strange, because foxes are canines and we have taste, but our more dog-like counterparts have none at all."

Kai had arragned to have more shadow boxes filled with pastries for the journey delivered to Gemillas later, for the ones he'd filled now might well be eatned before bed time. He munched on a butterfly wing as he strode along behind Vanadict and Kyroto.

At a break in the conversation between the two - both were engaged in devouring their respective handfull's of the oh so addictive wings - he let them know of Indigo's request.

"Indigo had been informed of a Trollball game scheduled for tonight, and she wishes to stay and see it. Would that be acceptable to you Vanadict?"

"Would that be acceptable to you Vanadict?"
"Of course," said Vanadict, licking crumbs off her lips as she turned to look at Kai. "I have wondered what a game of Trollball looks like, and it is sure to be entertaining."

Gemilla gave the Vanadict an odd look--Trollball is more than entertainment. It is Life, Death, Treachery, and Heroism, all played out on the microcosm of the gamefield. All there is to Life is contained within the game, and, like Life, it is messy, brutal, and all too short. There is an old story, one which explains much of the game as it is played today:
The Night Orlanth Played Trollball
It was a good night, as good as the nights ever got. This was right after the Exodus ended in Komor, after Zong had started hunting, after Gore and Gash had beat up all the foes they found, and after Gadblad built the Castle of Lead. So everyone was in a good mood, everyone had lots to eat, and there was time for themselves. This was the happiest moment we ever had in Komor, maybe, because it was before all the Other Bad Things started happening.

So this was when the first Trollball game was played in Komor. Gore and Gash found a whizzing-whirr beetle (one of the last ones ever), and in minutes all the Great Ancestors were kicking the beetle around, tossing it, smashing each other, and having a great time. You have to understand, they hadn't played during the Exodus (except for that one time in the Sunny Valley up north), so they had a really good time. Even Zorak Zoran got to join in, even though he had cheated the last game, but everyone wanted to join the fun. Even Gadblad got to play for a few minutes, even though he was a terrible player. And the resulting game kicked up a few new mountains in the Rockwoods -- you can still see the giant beetle impressed on Vargak mountain, from this very game -- and gouged a few new valleys there too -- you can still see the dented valley, where Hombobobom kept smacking Vaneekara's head into the ground -- and the sound of the game could be heard far and wide.

In fact, it could even be heard down south in Windyland, where all the Rainy-gods live. Now, Orlanth the Big Wind was up to his usual tricks, drinking heavily with his thieving friends, farting, being rude to his wife, and the other stuff Orlanth does all the time. And when he heard all the fun, he thought to himself that this might be something to look into. For Orlanth the Curious is never one to ignore something that might be interesting, especially when there's a chance that he could steal something, make off with someone else's girl, or generally be obnoxious to somebody. So he took off into Dagori Inkarth, and snuck around until he spied the game.

Now, this he'd never seen before. The surface people had their games, but there's nothing like trollball, and there's never been a trollball game like the one the Great Ancestors were playing that night. At first Orlanth thought it was a fight, and then he thought it was a battle, and then he thought that it was a war -- and then even he realized it was trollball. Even the Game God was having a hard time healing all the players that were knocked out, it was that tough. And Orlanth the Coward was thinking about sneaking back to his stead when Rokojanko let loose a big laugh from nearby.

Now, nobody ever lets Rokojanko play, because he not only cheats, but he never does it well, and there's nothing worse that a cheater that can't pull it off. And he can't swing, can't throw, can't catch, can't run, too. He taunts good, but he taunts his own team, too, and always ends up getting beaten up by the fans. And they'd already tossed him out, and he'd come up to perch on a rock and sulk. But when he saw Orlanth the Nosy, he couldn't resist having a bit of fun.

"Hey, Emperor of da Universe!" (Orlanth didn't realize he was being made fun of, because Orlanth really thinks he is the Emperor of the Universe). "Dis here is da big trollball game!" (Rokojanko talked like this, because this is what Orlanth thinks muri talk like, so it's always a good joke.) "Dey is having a great time, figuring out who is da toughest and da best trollball player of dem all! And dey gonna say, 'Hey, dis best trollball player of all time, he is da biggest and da baddest in da universe!' Too bad dey won't let you play, 'coz you not a troll, and nobody let you play trollball!'"

Now, Orlanth the Proud is like that kitty-cat brother of his, whatsis, "Dindin" or "Rintin" or "Meowmeow<boot>" or whatever. If you tell him he can't do something, he'll kick and spat and hiss and plot until he gets to do it. (This is why if you meet an Orlanthi, don't tell them anything. They won't listen in any case, so save your breath.) Orlanthi won't ever admit they can't do something. They're stubborn that way. They think it's devotion, maybe.

So bold as a hooman thief, Orlanth walked right onto the game field. Now, about this time Gore was beating Gash up with a big club of rock, and Gash was trying to block Vaneekara from throwing the beetle, and the beetle was desperately trying to figure out how to get itself out of there ('coz this was when every beetle was huge, and could think like a troll, it was that long ago, and this beetle was getting no fun out of the game). And so Orlanth walks right up, and the fans start yelling, and eventually even the players notice this pipsqueak. And Orlanth says, "Hey, I'm the best at trollball in the world!"

Now, the ancestors all howled at this surefood! Orlanth was a fair enough opponent when it came to raiding, and could take his licks, but trollball? Only trolls played trollball! Stoopid Orlanth.

So Xiola Umbar starts explaining to him how only the beetles get to be the trollball, and it's much appreciated, and he'd probably very good at being a trollball, but he should maybe leave, when he says, "No, the best trollball player in the world! Let's go!" And all the Ancestors collapse laughing again, because Orlanth looks so puffed up about it. And he got pretty angry about all this, and jumped up and down and talked about all the times he beat other gods at everything, which only made all the Ancestors laugh even harder. And finally, as a big joke, Gore says, "Well, sure, but you don't have the rest of your team, so we can't let you play now, because our rosters are all filled up. So you bring your team back, there, Windy, and we'll let you have a go." And they go back to playing -- because sneaky Vaneekara had grabbed the beetle and was taking off for the red zone -- and everyone ignored Orlanth, since it wasn't that funny anymore.

But Orlanth was not about to back down -- that's something else to remember, is that Orlanthi don't back down, ever, because they can't admit when they're wrong. He went back to the Windyland, and rousted out a bunch of his lackeys and henchmen, and came back a long time later. Now, the game was winding down and the Ancestors were in a good mood, when Orlanth and a bunch of his windyboys and sez, "Okay, we're ready to play."

Orlanth the Big Air brought Hoomakt with him, who was standing around looking gloomy; and that Masticate guy, who runs really fast; and Urox, who's about the only windyboy worth nuthin'; and Kittycat; and the Plough-Guy; and Beardy-guy. He brought the Little Sun, too, but Little Sun ran away when he saw Zorak Zoran -- who'd just beaten him up again a couple nights before -- and so Orlanth had to substitute the redheaded windy-woman god, whatsis, Whingy or Whinga or something. And Beastly Gore was there, too, the woman that has the big ax.

Now, they all start whippin' out their swords and axes, and Orlanth starts shooting lightning bolts at the beetle -- which is really unhappy now -- and the rest of them start zapping out magics and running around the field, except for Hoomakt, who spots one of Zorak Zoran's skeletons and runs off the field in order to kill it. Now, Whamgam the giant was there to referee, and he strides out and starts giving the windygods a good booting to say, "Hey, that's not playing fair, no magic," but they start fighting him and he can't settle it down fast enough, so the Ancestors start using their magics, and pretty soon the field is filled with spirits floating around, smoking craters from lightning blasts, windygods flying through the air, ancestors jumping around, summoned monsters, clouds of rain, and so on. Beastly Gore is running around after the beetle, screaming, waving her ax at it, because Orlanth never told her you were supposed to run with the beetle. Whinga gets pissed off when the fans throw stuff at her, and runs up into the stands, where a huge melee breaks out, and when she runs away back into the field a couple hundred fans run back with her. Beard-Guy is screaming as Jakaboom jumps up and down on his head. I can't even describe everything that was happening, it was too strange.

And about this time Orlanth sticks his sticker in Whamgam's foot, who's had about enough of this by now. So Whamgam boots half the windyboys back south (the rest run away), and boots a couple of the ancestors into the bargain -- you can still see the dent in Gash's skull where Whamgam kicked him -- and stomps off. He booted a couple of hills and mountains on the way home, and you can still see those, too. And it was years before he'd referee another game, which was awful, because he was a great ref, not like the ones you see today, who let just about anything happen during a game. And the Game God was pretty angry, too, and for a whole year no one could play a proper game of trollball on a real field, and they had to play sandlot games. And it was a big problem, because when they met with the trolls who settled to the west, their team had a lot more practice, and our Ancestors didn't win that year, or for eight years.

This is why, when we play trollball today, we have to always swear to the Game God that we know the rules, because back then everyone trusted everyone else, but Orlanth brought the first distrust into the game, and we have to pay, a little, for that. Yet another problem Orlanth created.

And, yes, that's why we don't let in swords and spears and other sticker things, too -- Whamgam was really pissed off about that whole part of the deal, so we had to swear to him that we'd never let stickers onto the game field, and we never have, again.

Oh, and Orlanth? Yeah, he told everyone back in Windyland that he'd just beat all the trolls and was the best trollball player in the universe and Beat the Night Tribe, because even if he loses, he's not going to admit it. And remember that, too, Orlanthi can't admit when they've lost.
Oh, and Rokojanko? Yeah, the Ancestors used him as the trollball for the sandlot games that year the Game God wouldn't watch the games, and he was pretty sorry for some time. This is why the game-ball troll sometimes sacrifice to Rokojanko. Because he managed to survive every game, even the game when Vaneekara tried to make the rule that you could bat the game-ball across the field with your mace.


Having told her story, Gemilla leaned back and pulled deeply from her mug, emptying it, and signaled the waiter for another round.

By the end of the story Vanadict was shuddering with silent laughter, tears streaming down her face in mirth. She had never heard of such gods, such stories! And like all significant tales, it explained something of the world, though the interpretations of the hills and mountains probably really were inadvertently created by gods, rather than natural forces. When she had sobered up enough to speak, she asked this. "What form does this Orlanth person take?"
The Orlanthi sounded not unlike the Contraries. The Orlanthi would do, or try to do, exactly what you said they couldn't. The Contraries, as they were in Xiscapian Culture, did everything backwards, or at least as was physically possible. Unlike the Contraries, however, the Orlanthi were still apparently a active group. The Contraries no longer existed for obvious reasons.

Kai had practically ruptured a lung with the force of his laughter, tears streaming down, the pastries forgotten as he was swept up in Gemilla's telling.

Indigo had her arms wrapped around her ribs, no less exhausted from laughter. "Oh Yes we need to know..." She chimed in on Vanadaic's question.

The Heyoka of the Imperia had almost disappeared, though in ancient times they had played an important role in their culture.

--He is the Wind, and takes whatever form will gain him worship and respect--Gemilla flicked her fan rapidly, sending a small breeze towards the Vanadict--There is Orlanth, now, for we took his power and made him a slave in the Storm Hunt, but his worshippers fill Komor, earning it the name(OOC:trolls call the whole of Reality "Komor", which means "Hurtplace"). Among cultures like yours, he often called himself Susano-O, and during the Storm Hunt, he told the hoomans of the Heart of Chaos he was Votan, but even his worshipers knew him as a gallows god, and put him on an eight-legged steed, a subtle saying for pall-bearers carrying a corpse.
--Gods take the form in which they will be recognized, unless they do not wish to be, but it is their aspects and personality that identify them. One need but read the hooman recollections of Loki to see he was a mask worn by Zorak Zoran, and still a silly creature if a fell warrior.
--Orlanth is the name by which we know him, for it is the one he was given at his birth, and it alone has power over him, though the others can garner him worship and adoration, still.
--Wherever the Storm is held sacred, there is Orlanth. Wherever Wind and Rain are adored, there is Orlanth. Wherever wild inchoate power attempts to break it's bonds and rule all, especially there is Orlanth. He is bitterness and wrath, choking on his own status unless it is held above all. He sees himself as Emperor of the Universe, and all the fawning adoration of his lickspittles is soured by the one who will not bend knee, so his focus is on those who do not worship him, and he quite ignores those who do. Rather a useless god, which is why we do not worship, and only use him as a figure of fun, to demonstrate the folly of status and power. This annoys him more than anything, but his power over us, at least, is gone-trolls have broken wind repeatedly, and shall continue to do so. That is what we think of him--

Indigo shuddered at the mention of Susano-O, for he was not looked on by those of the High Planes of Heaven with any favor.

But she looked somewhat dismayed of the Muri view of him as a storm god. "We don't see our storms as his manifestation. Storms are wild, and majestic, a natural force unfettered and yes just like all aspects of nature they bring change and sometimes destructive change but still natural -not destructive like that One." She refused to use his name "And to the us storms are just as sacred as calmer weather. To the Muri storms may have unpleasant associations but not among the Novans. We know that he makes the earth - and all reality- quake when he stamps his feet and we do not worship him."

--It is how he sees fit to show himself to us, so it is natural for us to simplify things. Our world is alive, and does not quake when he stamps, but resists him and like us, forces him to his proper place in the universe. However, his followers fill Known Space, seeking always to elevate him as Emperor of the Universe, and if the natural order should oppose this, to them the natural order must be done away with.
--We know his murder of the Sun destroyed Wonderhome and permitted Chaos to enter Komor, and while he is an enemy of Chaos, he is not our friend, either. The emnity between us is as great as it is ancient, and he is an ally of convenience. Once Chaos is fully destroyed, he and we know where the next war lies--

"Will Chaos ever be fully destroyed?" asked Vanadict quietly. "It all depends on how you look at it, and what you view as good and evil, order and chaos, light and dark. You can't kill it, not fully, not short of destroying the entire multi verse and everything in it. Everyone has some measure of the darkness in them. You can kill the followers of it, you can obliterate worlds, you can vanquish demons and even bring down gods. But ultimately it is always, always there."
To her, it was a simple matter of fact. Not, necessarily, that the victory of the dark was inevitable, but that it would exist for as long as there was a medium for it to exist though. The only thing to do was to fight continually, forever, to prevent it gaining a hold on anything. But these were merely Xiscapian beliefs, and Vanadict did not know what the Muri considered truth and not. It was not, per se, a matter of religion, but an assessment of an enemy.

--These things you mentioned-you ascribe rational concepts to wholly irrational entities. Your use of the word chaos was to epitomize change, disorder, mutation-all which we attribute to Life-to change, to grow-this is the way of Life, and wholly natural. What we call Chaos is wholly unnatural, but we are trying to explain that we were never meant to know.
--When Orlanth struck down his mother, Yelm, to claim her power, this created an imbalance in Reality-in time, Life would have adapted and adjusted, for that is the nature of Life, but time did not exist as yet-that would come later, to correct this horror.
--Three gods attempted to exploit this imbalance, or perhaps to correct it. We do not truly know. They tipped the Cosmic Scales too far, and ruptured All That Should Be, allowing Chaos to slither down from the Void Between Worlds. The god was destroyed, and the two goddesses warped beyond recognition. Transcendental Sex became Rape, Fertility became Disease-they took new names for their new natures and the old names are forgotten, but these two ushered in the Horrors from Beyond, and welcomed them to Reality. The Daemon Sultan took his seat at the Celestial Throne, and the Key and Gate slithered between realities, making the barriers between them part of Itself, and <There is no Peace/Safety at the Gate>(OOC: for those listening with ear as well as bolongo, Gemilla speaks in ancient Egyptian for this term-Ny Har Rut Hotep) strode forth, warping and devolving all who would listen to his honeyed tongue, for he alone, of all Chaos, holds Intellect as his secret-perhaps he is a remnant of the fallen god, perhaps not, but no other has a mind. The Outer Gods and Great Old Ones are fierce foes, but they were tricked, lured by their lusts, and their cores were trapped in the God Plane, so they can be beaten.
--Sadly, no prison is foolproof, and they can slip out, when the stars are right, and they may yet send their dreams to commune with Man, just as can the gods, or we ourselves-traveling to the God Plane is part of every Order's training. They cannot die, for in order to do that, they would have to first live, but they can be destroyed, and their followers have not the luxury of never having lived, so they can be set back by killing enough who worship.
--This is not some hopeless struggle to remove a portion of the universe, dear the Vanadict. It is a cauterizing surgery to remove a cancer that the universe may heal, and it is an ongoing operation.
--Good and evil are parts of a Man's soul, that we may make our future. Chaos and order as you use the term are aspects of Life, and Light and Darkness...well, you are Men of Light, while we trolls are Men of Darkness-can we not exist harmoniously?
--Chaos, as we of the muri use the term, is an opposition to Life-not Death, for Death is part of Life, but more akin to Anti-Life, for if we do not remove the cancer, it will slay all of Reality. I fear no Man, be they muri, Novan, or kitsune has the words to describe our foes-vocabulary is an aspect of Reason, which is no part of these things.--

Vanadict nodded. "And thus you have definied your words for better understanding. And yet there is no true definiton as we know it, because one cannot exist for something which has no tounge to speak, no mind to reason, and can only be explained by those who do. As you say, though, Men of Light, Men of Darkness, they are not identical, but they are similar. But what you say of, their sending their dreams to Man, has happened, much and long, as you know. For now all we, the kitsune, the Xiscapians can do is fight their followers. We have neither the strength nor knowledge to combat Chaos on most other planes other than this, or at least we do not yet."

The Sultan believes the kitsune are the Men of Moon-and those in the Ordo Annilla have doubtless proved useful-or you would not be here--Gemilla smiled enigmatically

Vanadict frowned. "Forgive my ignorance: Men of Moon? What does this mean?" She inquired. It was always very interesting to see how one's people was viewed from the perspective of a different culture and nation. Not so much the view of your nation, necessarily, as the people who make it up.

--We acknowledge six elements, in order of creation-Darkness, Water, Earth, Fire/Sky, Air, and Moon. All beings have an affinity with one of these primal elements, and are assigned runes by the qualities they possess in common with these elements. The Sultan of Doraddi hypothesizes the kitsune element would be Moon, based on their inquisitive nature and wisdom, as well as affinity with Night, all important aspects of Moon, as well as their reputation as tricksters-again, an aspect of Moon. As sentients, you also possess the Man Rune, so the symbol for kitsune would be <Moon>,<Man>.--She drew a circle with a vertical line through the center and a stick figure.
--You see? If this is your nature, this would mark your embassies. The Novans would be <Fire><Man>--here she drew a circle with a dot in the center with a stick figure below.
--Trolls are marked by <Darkness>--here she drew a solid circle, then drew a horizontal line through the circle that extended just past it's borders--With this line, <Darkness> becomes <Shadow>, which is <Darkness> without the cold aspect, and is the rune used for the muri, when coupled with the <Man> rune, for we have lost our affinity with cold. The runes are ancient, and symbolize much greater powers than can be perceived, but it is our way.--

Smiling Indigo agreed "I think that is perfect for your people Vanadict, it's just a feeling I have though" Indigo said softly, then her voice drifted off for a second. When it returned it had become ever so slightly dreamy as slowly she drew out a symbol as Gemilla had "Our oldest sigils are often done thusly" a slightly tilted off center, ever so slightly ovaled circle, with " change, with an hajare within" ...inside the center of the circle she drew a upper and lower arch with a dot centered between them, clearly a stylized eye. "The seeing to the soul, the heart of the people." ...we lost that though back during the Wandering, the Lost time." She shook herself.

"Strange isn't it? But Gemillia, why do you say that the Novan's are Fire or Sky based?"

Vanadict agreed with Indigo, it certainly sounded like a description of the Xiscapian race alright. In Xiscapian culture there had been, before the Forgotten Voyage, a number of runes to mark elements of nature, gods, people, even questions. Only three major ones had survived to today as commonly recognized: The symbol for Qonn (http://www.1voyage.com/chine/images/ying-yang.jpg), The Eye of Death (http://donsimpson.deviantart.com/art/All-Seeing-Eye-41644853), and The symbol of Battle. (http://guardiancentauri.deviantart.com/art/Hexagram-6020482) Vanadict sat back, content to listen and watch for now, but she did make a mental note to ask Indigo about this "Wandering" or "Lost Time."

Gemilla gave a look best left to grandmothers describing their children.--Because you are. The importance here is the placement of the rune, not the rune itself--the existence of the kami as symbiotes means you have a more primal connection to <Fire/Sky>, you will note the kitsune and muri the runes are alongside, indicating a balance,while <Fire/Sky> rides the Man rune for your folk. You carry your own fires within, and your people begin their history at the advent of Fire-what better rune to represent you?
--I do know the kitsune carry their own inner fires, as do the muri-but in our case it is a trick learned from the god Lodril, and while I cannot say where the kitsune learned it of a certainty, it is not part of their nature-the kitsune would be the kitsune without their inner fire, but I cannot say the same of the Novans...--

you will note the kitsune and muri the runes are alongside, indicating a balance,while <Fire/Sky> rides the Man rune for your folk. You carry your own fires within, and your people begin their history at the advent of Fire-what better rune to represent you?

"Ah, I see now" Indigo nodded. "Thank you, Germilla, I couldn't visualize it before. And you are right ...We lost some much, so many memories, gave up so much." She shivered again and then firmly turned herself to other thoughts.

Shortly the servers were placing platters heaped high with a wide variety of food before them and Indigo and Kai were glad to help themselves.

"Gemilla, is it permissible to take holograms? To even ask permission of some one that is, or is there a taboo about it? I never thought to ask Gerrak, and he's never mentioned one, but I certainly wouldn't want to offend." Indigo inquired.

--I should obtain permission from whomever you intend to hologram, as the principles of Sympathy and Contagion would certainly apply to a hologram, and also be wary you do not inadvertently capture an image the Ordo Drakul would consider a State Secret. The penalty for espionage is most dire.--Gemilla shuddered.--They will wrest your every secret from you before putting your hide on display in the marketplace-it is not pleasant nor desirable.--

before putting your hide on display in the marketplace-it is not pleasant nor desirable.--

Indigo shuddered at that. "No I can't see how that would be. Thank you for the advice Gemilla, I'll be very caqreful. Might I take you holograph at some point?" She asked with a hopeful smile. "I promise to never look at it without the best wishes for you foremost in my thoughs"

--Certainly--Gemilla leered--I admit to a curiosity as to how such a device would function here. Pamaltela's rather intense magnetic field and the energy cloud tend to knock out foreign technology. Not that we mind-it has given us a leg-up Beyond the Walls, in Komor.--
She looked over the Vanadict and Kyroto.--Speaking of Outside the Walls, have you adequate preparations? Water can be readily found, but the Hunting Grounds can be dangerous for outsiders, though such a small band as yours will not cause much concern.
--The roads are pleasant this time of year, and Doraddi is a tropical paradise these days. You'll want to be wary of a tree that looks like an eight-foot pineapple, though-mature specimens are often wrapped in vines with leaves shaped like hands. You see one, try to give it a good ten foot clearance, and STAY UPWIND--

Vanadict raised her eyebrows. "I will be sure to remember that particular piece of advise," she said somewhat dryly. "Indeed, we have stocked chow for the beetles, maps, and some useful oils and creams, all from the market from various merchants. Not to mention information. Kyroto tells me it is okay to hunt, in certain areas, so food should not be an issue."

--He IS Ordo Zongi. He should know his business.--Gemilla eyed him oddly.--Not a large fellow, but finely formed. Aesthetically, I think I should like a large kitsune, rippling with muscle, to act as valet. Do you think your Emperor would allow me to stage a competition for the right to serve me? The attention your people have received from the Voivode and the Sultan of Doraddi makes me believe you will soon be filling our markets, and a manservant could aid me immensely in dealing with your kind.
--I have several jade mines in Kralorela I obtained in combat-very pretty stone, but little valued here. Do you think your merchants would trade me silver or lead for it? It's an odd golden-yellow color, which is offensive to our sensibilities, though I do have other colors as well.--

Vanadict thought for a moment, chewing her bit of food thoughtfully, staring into her mug. "I do not think he would oppose such a contest...naturally the reward for the position would need to be large, so the competition will be fierce, ensuring the enjoyment of the spectators and a guarantee of a worthy servant.
"Golden-yellow jade...I'm not sure. It really depends on who you would deal with, but I think most would trade with silver, as it's more valuable than lead, at least to us...not to mention useful."

Vanadict knew that an entirely new trade route would need to be established to get merchants here, and at first only the toughest, smartest or stupidest of them would come here. Getting killed and eaten, or just eaten, by a Muri was not a particularly attractive option even for the potential pay-out that was here in the form of a new market. But traders and marketers were sly ones, and Vanadict had meet some she would swear would fly straight into a black hole and devise a way to come back out if they thought there was a chance of making money there.

Gemilla nodded as she listened.--I have nephews among the Argan Argari who will tell me it's value to the bolg among your people, as well as a proper income for a valet on your world. Perhaps his weight in whatever metal you favor as a finder's fee will be adequate for the competition-as well as the continuing employment.
--Once I have determined these things, I believe I shall petition the Ordo Drakul for permission to go to Xiscapia and hold the competition there. Some burly, clever kitsune to aid me in expanding my holdings to your territories would prove useful, and the Voivode does wish us to befriend other races...--
She tapped her snout with her fan.--We will speak more of this, I think, but Yelm will crest the horizon soon, and we should seek our beds. I will guest you and the Lady Indigo, Madame Vanadict, while Humbaba will make arrangements for the men. We'll wait for the lazy slugabed to arrive and arrange to meet for breakfast.--

Vanadict bowed her head. "As it may, I am weary already from what I have seen and heard and done. A rest would be welcomed before we begin our travel once more."

Indigo fought against a yawn herself. "I too feel I could sleep a few hours" She admitted "I would be honoured to be your guest, Gemilla."

"Indentured servants are very common in the Imperia. Many a great house has had it's start in the service of others." She commented as they waited for Humbaba to arrive.

Humbaba did finally arrive, moving at an unseemly pace-not quite a jog, but much swifter than his usual sauntering gait. --Lots of excitement at the clan holdings--he replied, cutting off what was certain to be a reprimand from Gemilla--A caravan has arrived at the Craghold, bearing the Silver Flame--
--Borlak!--Gemilla hissed, leaping up.--Let's nip this in the bud right now, and torch Craghold--
--Gemilla, we would need more reason than we have to justify that--Humbaba reminded her gently.
--Pfui. Torch the bitch and let the Sacred Mothers look for reasons. Once I have enacted my justice, theirs will be superfluous--She looked at the Vanadict and Indigo.--Let's take you to your rooms, settle you in nicely...--
--...Establish their alibis.--Humbaba added.--Although the Sacred Mothers might enjoy hosting the Vanadict for the night.--
Gemilla reared up, affronted.--Are you saying I can't protect them against that dried out corpse hag? I'll go roust the bitch now, and her donkey-raping shiteater of a son-flay his pretty hide a second time.--
--Isn't she a treasure?--Humbaba barely took his eyes off Gemilla, though he addressed Indigo and the Vanadict.--A true noble to her toeclaws. I trust she's been schooling you well, Niblet. Let's hear you call Modo a cocksucker...--
She turned on Humbaba then, her face flushed near-black, her great tusks working futilely in her mouth before she finally growled--You tend the carriage and the men. I expect them in pristine condition when we meet at the Orb, when the crickets sing. Bring lots of cash...I intend to be ravenous--she turned on her heel, and gestured with her fan.--Come, ladies-a fine soak in the sauna will do us good before bedding down.--
Humbaba watched her, eyes brimming with adoration.--She IS right, gentlemen. Let's put the carriage away and have a good bath before bedding down. I may have to head to the Argan Argari for a loan...--

.--Come, ladies-a fine soak in the sauna will do us good before bedding down.--

Indigo had watched all of the ensuing comotion with wide eyes. "Who or what is the Silver Flame? Is it something to do with Lady T -" She remembered from earlier, their discussion of Borlak, the old kingdom of the Krags, and the son's name. However she had no intention of giving that ones name.

Kai gave Indigo a warning look and she subsided, though still filled with curiosity. She had no intention of letting the matter rest, if she could help in some way...

"--She IS right, gentlemen. Let's put the carriage away and have a good bath before bedding down. I may have to head to the Argan Argari for a loan...--

"But she's worth it is she not?" Kai chuckled. He'd get answswers out of Humbaba later when they were alone. If it was something that would interfrere or interact with them on their journey he wanted to know about it.

Gemilla stormed darkly through the streets, receiving a wide berth as she did that encompassed the Vanadict and Indigo as they trailed in her wake. When she came to an enclosed section, she raised both foreclaws swiftly, sending a wave of Force that flung the great doors of onyx and basalt wide, dislodging the leaden skirt on the bas-relief the Vanadict assumed was Vaneekara the Hurler depicted thereon.
Several great stone halls lay within, with female muri milling about in varying states of inebriation.
--This is how you defend the Goddess?--Gemilla roared in her wrath.--That bitch Tomasuza lurks within our city, slavering for the blood of my guests, and you respond with laxity and drunkeness? Let me give you a taste of what she has in store...--
As swiftly as they rallied, Gemilla was that much swifter, rage giving her a speed one would not have thought possible in such a large creature, but the Vanadict and Indigo were swiftly learning the muri were like the great cats-seemingly passive and lazy until action was required. Blows rained down from both sides almost too fast for the eye to follow...
And in a heartbeat, Gemilla stood in the midst of groaning warrior women, her dress shredded by the exertion. She tore the tattered remnants off and hurled them on the nearest vanquished.--Prepare the baths, and set guards. Those who survive Tomasuza will envy those who do not, this I swear.--
Her words were cold as an arctic wind, and as cutting, but when she turned to her guests, her demeanor and tone were much as they had always been.--I do apologize for my unseemly display, ladies, but discipline is a leader's bane. Come, my hall is this way...--
She lead them to the second largest building in the compound, walking them quietly through halls adorned with hides of giant reptileans and a few choicer items-the Vanadict noted an intact set of Korr armor, albeit one scavenged from many suits. --Like it?--Gemilla asked.--I had to take twelve to get that one-kept breaking nicer bits-but it's yours if you like. A courtesy to the Lady Vanadict, in the hopes our peoples enjoy harmony.
--The baths are this way-I for one could use a good scrub.--she lead them to a huge pool, the air filled with aromatic steam, the trolls having placed scent in the air.--Hope you don't mind jasmine. I like it. It's night-blooming, like us.--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"But she's worth it is she not?"
--Oh, you have no idea, Revered One--Humbaba nodded, helping Kyroto and Kai load the coach then aiding them aboard.--She already commands me like a wife. I must do something nice for Niblet-if she hadn't made Gemilla so jealous, I do not believe the priestess would be so inclined towards me. Perhaps I shall supply her with seeds from our world for her garden-do you think she would enjoy cultivating a black aldryami? They make for excelllent gardeners, provided all one grows is fungus.
--Ah, but I forget your people do not regard fungus as we do. Perhaps a red, for ferns, or green, for trees. I could obtain a yellow from the Kralorelan sub-continent, but there would be issues. Of course, if she would enjoy a rice cultivating aldryami, these things are easily enough dealt with...--
The Ordo Arkati complex was a vast towering edifice, reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral, and Humbaba apologised.--You must forgive this...ostentation, but our Founder was a human, and in his honor, we build in the human style of his culture and time. All those spires, leading to the heavens...such a waste. My tower is that one--he nodded towards a small, squat tower, looking for all the world like a mushroom, gargoyles perched on the cap like a colony of insects.--I have scandalized the Order with that-it's barely acceptable, but I feel even we of the Ordo Arkati must not distance ourselves too far from the public-Arkat may have been a human, but he came around, eventually...--
Kai's senses were buzzing-this place was criss-crossed with a lattice of power, and spirits of all sorts swam in the ether, all bound to that odd network.
--Do not fear, Revered One-you are my guest here. Once we have stored away this coach and tended the beasts, we shall bathe and dine and comport ourselves as gentlemen seeking relaxation and companionship.--Humbaba's tone was serious, but warm, as he spurred the beetles into the stables.

Vanadict stayed silent as Gemilla rained her own wrath on the warriors, watching but not moving. It was, of course, necessary to discipline underlings, especially soldiers, who tended to become lax unless their training was frequently enforced, but to go so far as beating them? Naturally, Vanadict assumed the blows were not life-threatening nor incapacitating, as that would only hinder the Muri against an enemy. This "Silver Feather" must be a very powerful, very Chaotic object indeed. Or perhaps it was a person?
I had to take twelve to get that one-kept breaking nicer bits-but it's yours if you like. A courtesy to the Lady Vanadict, in the hopes our peoples enjoy harmony.
At the Korr armor Vanadict shook her head. "No, not that I do not like it, but it is generally frowned upon to take the armor of fallen foes. Trophies are not taboo, of course. We merely prefer to take their starships." She smiled. The armor, she noted, was of the Elite branch of the Korr military, the Skewered. Named so because of the amount of damage they were rumored to take, being impaled on an Xiscapian blade and still fighting, they were the Korr equivalent of the Xiscapian Shadow Operations force.

Obviously it had not helped at all. The Korr were roughly the same size as an average Muri, but they were not as strong and definitely not as magically inclined. Vanadict couldn't image where the trolls had gotten the armor...although the Korr had spread vastly among the general universe, and had, like Volta, taken much of their military with them. The ancient enemies of the Xiscapians were not without their merits, specifically their brutality, capacity for waging continuous war, ability to extract information from even the most stubborn prisoners, and the like. Nevertheless, over a million Korr, both veterans of the war and their descendants, were Xiscapian citizens, and a few even served in the military.

--Hope you don't mind jasmine. I like it. It's night-blooming, like us.--
Vanadict blushed slightly as the last words, and nodded. She didn't mind jasmine at all, and she was gratified by the attention the Muri paid to frequent bathing. Not just washing, but bathing, relaxation. The baths were everywhere on Xiscapia, although some were segregated to kitsune use only, most were open to all. She didn't know about the customs regarding bathing, not here at any rate, but it helped her feel more comfortable just to know that these existed.

Fingering the golden clasp at her throat that held her robes closed, she looked around for a place to put her clothing. The Vanadict had on so many layers, mostly for protection like armor, that it was a ridiculous and somewhat drawn-out process to disrobe entirely. Even so, she intended to enjoy herself.

Gemilla was tossing her jewelry into a large leaden bowl, when she noticed the Vanadict looking about. She clacked her foreclaws loudly, and bowls and wardrobes were brought out for the Vanadict and Indigo, the bearers then aiding them in undressing.
The Vanadict noted that the bruised serving women were sure and steady in their movements, apparently no longer drunk, but suitably chastised. Gemilla explained,--Takes a lot to get a troll drunk, and it burns off pretty quick with physical exertion. Normally I'd have them do laps, but one never knows with Tomasuza about...best they be sober quick. We're safe now-the girls won't drink so long as the Silver Flame is at Krag Hold. I'm going for a quick shower, then steam and soak--

Off came the first layer: The robes themselves. Vanadict was still wearing the tzin-tzin cloak, but underneath she wore a nondescript gray tunic and pants. These were actually under armor, composed of millions of tiny nanobots shaped like fibers, to give the material the feel and general imitation of silk, but the strength and durability of cortosis armor. The beauty was that it weighed about as much as silk would, so to an unwary observer it was merely light cloth, and when put on it did not have the same cumbersomeness or restriction of movement actual metal would. She untied her sword from the robes and leaned it against the wardrobe, confident it would not be stolen.

Giving the cloak to one of the trolls to hanging in the wardrobe, she ran a single slender finger from the base of her throat, where the tunic began, all the way down though her breasts lightly over her stomach to her pelvis. She then, with the same finger, touched it once to her waist on both sides, once just above her deep red tail and once just below her belly. The entire time she softly murmured in a strange, song-like language that no one else understood. The tunic appeared to rip, but in actuality merely separated apart from the middle, and the pants slid to her ankles. She stepped out of them and shrugged the tunic off, where both were quickly picked up and also stored in the wardrobe.

Now she was clad only in forest green briefs, katana bolongo dangling between her bare breasts.
--Takes a lot to get a troll drunk, and it burns off pretty quick with physical exertion. Normally I'd have them do laps, but one never knows with Tomasuza about...best they be sober quick. We're safe now-the girls won't drink so long as the Silver Flame is at Krag Hold. I'm going for a quick shower, then steam and soak--
Vanadict smiled at the contrast. It took so little to make an Xiscapian drunk the legal alcohol limit for driving was shockingly low on Xiscapian worlds for kitsune citizens. She still wondered what this "Silver Flame" was, but Gemilla was already gone. Indigo seemed to have some idea, but obviously she wasn't going to share. Still, as an Xiscapian proverb said, All things were revealed in time.

Slipping her underwear off, she waited patiently for Indigo, intending to go together after Gemilla. Vanadict's ivory colored body stood out, red tail curled shyly around her nude body, hair and fur shockingly contrasting to her skin tone.

Indigo had been quiet, wondering if she had offended or over stepped by offering her help. She followed along quietly, not flinching when Gemilla had chastised the Sisters. But glad to see that they had sobered quickly.

Her Honor Blade and other weapons were laid carefully aside, as was her small pack. It looked small but held far one than any might guess. Her white cloak of the rare tzin-tzin feathers she handed over to one of the attendants as Vanadict had. Her crimson starsilk and verr leather robes peeled off easily once she had released the minute clasps and automatically she folded them up tidily. Silken bra and scanties were unclasped and set aside, leaving her in nothing but...

The edges of her figure seemed to shift and shiver slightly until she thought for a second and the PALADIN armor became visible, it's billions of nano sized matricies shimmering crystal, silver, blue and gold. She pulled it's near weightlessness off of her by reaching up to the crown of her head and lifting it up and off. It slithered off like a snake shedding it skin, becoming naught but a scant double handfull of quivering light.

Her ancestoral claw pendant, it's tip ruby with her's and Vanadict's blood and the tiny bolongp were all she had remaining on her.

"Your tail is so lovely, as is all of you" Indigo complimented as she stretched widely, unbothered by nudity. Novans tended to be nude more often than not. "And I think a shower to get the dust off and then a soak sounds just heavenly. "

She smiled at Vanadict "Come one we don''t want her to get all the hot water" She joked and grabbing Vanadict's hand trotted after Gemilla pulling the kitsune with her.

They found that Gemilla sang (http://youtube.com/watch?v=S5nw1-_5-Vk) in the shower, her voice firm and clear as she pounded dirt and dust from herself with a bamboo whip, wound through with aromatic herbs, occasionally dipping the whip in a nearby bowl of pungent liquid.
--I wouldn't suggest you use this--she nodded at the bowl--My hide's a bit thicker than yours. There's some weaker stuff in that bowl there I had set out. Once we're clean, a rinse and perhaps a bit of chocolate while we soak before bed, eh?--

"Come on we don't want her to get all the hot water"
"True," Vanadict laughed, unwinding her tail from around her body as she followed Indigo. She admired the Novan's form from behind as she walked along to where Gemilla was easily pinpointed by the deep singing. Vanadict had never questioned her sexual orientations, but she could confidently say Indigo was beautiful in all aspects.
--My hide's a bit thicker than yours. There's some weaker stuff in that bowl there I had set out. Once we're clean, a rinse and perhaps a bit of chocolate while we soak before bed, eh?--
"That sounds wonderful," Vanadict murmured, cupped her hands and leaning over slightly to scoop up the liquid. She splashed it over her neck, breasts and back, letting it slide slowly downward as she began to rub, smoothing it out over her body and covering her in a light sheen.

Indigo made sure she was thoroughly soaked before reaching for a handfull from the indicated bowl. Spying a rough sponge she worked the liquid into a froth and scrubbed her lithe body vigorously. As she did she looked over at Vanadict.

"You are beautiful, successful, respected, smart and wise. And you still haven't answered from the trip here. I think the men of Xiscapia must be blind, deaf and dumb! There ought to be a mountain of them stretched pleadingly at your feet" Her tone was light, almost teasing, but her face was serious. "Or have the Black Guards been scareing them off?"

Her voice lowered conspiratorialy "I over heard Megan" She mentioned one of her fellow students from the Academy of the Rose "complaining that her father's bodyguards had been instructed to do that."

"And we still haven't solved the mystery of that lovely sapphire's appearance either. I think you have a secret admirer."

Indiog quickly explained to Gemilla the incident on the road and the gem stones apperance out of nowhere.

Vanadict blushed deeply at Indigo's compliments, then sighed almost wistfully as she washed. "The job of a Vanadict demands a lonely path. I do not have the time for relationships outside those I come into contact with often on my duties, such as the Imperial Family. I spend much more time away from Xiscapia than not, usually on diplomatic missions. Any man trying to get close to me would undergo an extensive covert screening process to make sure he is not an assassin, or worse, trying to manipulate me. So the level of security around me is intimidating to most, and my high status scares off many potential suitors excepting for the more aristocratic or power-hungry ones.

As to the diamond..." she paused. "I do not know the sender, but he has made his intentions clear. Any man who could procure such a rock must be very wealthy. I only hope he is not using it to create a false impression for when I actually meet him."
As she spoke she thought about the gem back in her robes, and the statue of Pamalta she had bought. Words came back to her, too, the last she had heard.
"Take not the path though Prax, as the Enemy is there, or at least It's Work."
Could this have something to do with the Silver Flame?

--I remember long ago, before the mostali lost the Man Rune, they would occasionally woo us with such trinkets.--Gemilla said.--They lived in the Deep Earth, and had no females of their own kind, so came to us often to try and wrest the Spring Rites from us. They valued these things-rocks of pretty color, products of the caves they favored. They live in Doraddi, so you may be fortunate enough to see one while there.
--If you like, we can go to the Temple of Moorgarki tomorrow and petition Asrelia for her advice. All the mysteries of the Deep Earth are hers, and she is eager for discourse. I'd prefer another shopping junket to outfit Madame the Vanadict properly before the game, but her exotic dress compliments her well enough, and it is good she advertise her alien status. Besides, I believe I shop far too much-it's like hunting without the thrilling fight at the end. Maybe, if I assaulted the shopkeepers...--
Gemilla mused, scrubbing herself down and holding herself under the spray.
--Prax? Those beaded plains are home to the scorpion folk, and broos. It was the place of the Last Stand, and Chaos seeps there constantly.--

Indigo couldn't put it off.

Gemilla, what is this Sivler Flame that has come to Cragtown? We are to travel there, is it a danger we must know of, be awre of? I don't wish to anger you but if this is to do with the one you and I spoke of, the one I laid my own curse on..." Indigo let her voice trail awa.

Truly she did not want to cross Gemilla, but she felt very strongly that she and Vanadict had the right to know if they were travelling into a situation.

Gemilla stopped and looked at Indigo.--You're going to Crabtown, where Cragspider the Firewitch rules. There is no need to go to Krag Hold nor anywhere near where the Silver Flame flies-it is the standard of Borlak, and marks those places as bend knee to Tomasuza, Queen of Borlak. That One rarely stirs from her ruined battlements, and her banner displayed at Krag Hold means only her fell gaze has fallen here.
--Neither you nor Madame the Vanadict need have any dealings with Tomasuza, and I would suggest you have none save at spearpoint. She is quite mad and hungry for the blood of those who have affronted her-and by this I mean all who draw breath, but the enemies of the Krags top that list, and the greatest enemy they have is the Sultan of Doraddi, your host.--

That One rarely stirs from her ruined battlements, and her banner displayed at Krag Hold means only her fell gaze has fallen here.

Indigo let out a huge breath of relief. "Oh are my cheeks red! Thank you Gemilla. I think my mind is going or something. I completely got the two mixed up." She half laughed then sobered at the last

but the enemies of the Krags top that list, and the greatest enemy they have is the Sultan of Doraddi, your host.--

"How likely is it that that one may make trouble for us then upon the road?"

--I wouldn't put it past her--Gemilla considered Indigo's question.--However, she is a subtle little spider, and prefers more secretive operations. I think my girls can send her back to the blood bath for a time, if you're that concerned--

I think my girls can send her back to the blood bath for a time, if you're that concerned--

"I think that Vanadict and I, with Kai and Kyroto backing us up, should be able to handle most anything. I really dislike the thought though of the Sultan of Doraddi being leveraged by attacks on us. It would not suit me at all to be an object lesson." She half shrugged and set the conversation aside for a bit

Indigo looked over at Vanadict and offered. "Would you like me to scrub your back?"

"Would you like me to scrub your back?"
"Please," said Vanadict gratefully. She had listened to Gemilla and Indigo, and come away no less confident than before. Vanadict knew she could handle whatever was thrown at her, be it monsters, Muri or Chaos itself. Her position did not come without a certain amount of danger, obviously, and she had been trained, conditioned, modified and equipped to combat anything that might pose a threat to her...or her interests. And right now, she was interested in her party, her group, her friends.

On Xiscapia it was a frequent thing to wash another's back in the baths, as well as the tail. It was a matter of convenience, as such areas were not easily reached, and anyway it was welcome physical contact and established a bond, as it was only common courtesy to return the favor.

"Tell me if I get too brisk" Indigo cautioned as she worked the scrubby sponge up with a mound of frothy lather. Communal baths were the cultural norm in the Imperia, even weddings and corporate contract signings of import had been known to take place in them. Though full meals were not eaten in the baths, trays of certain easy to eat finger foods circulate around the soaking pools.

Then she began working her way up down Vanadict's shoulders to just above her tail with soothing circular motions. Obviously Indigo knew where skin tended to lay the thinnest and was careful over ribs and shoulder blades.

"You tail is so spectacular. Is the skin very sensitive? I've been told that a Celestials wing feathers are very sensitive and even light touches can be painful"

OOC:Bau-chicka-bau-bau! Now that that's out of my system...
IC:Gemilla watched the two casually, her Darksense reaching far beyond the showers to encompass the Vaneekara compound for three beats. They were such small and fragile beings, but fierce as dragons, and Gemilla could feel their powerful spirits.
The Sultan was a careful sort-he had to be-and his strong endorsement of these aliens spoke well of them. Though she had only truly spent time with the Moon Goddess, she felt the Vanadict was well worth knowing, once she got over her station.
Ah, well-the Young Races were like that, not seeming to realize the titles one bore merely represented the responsibilities one shouldered, and spoke more and less of a person than their actions. She respected the devotion to duty of the little kitsune, but isolating one's familial life for duty-she denied her people her contribution to the gene pool, and that was a grave disservice...

OOC: BAH! That's all I have to say to you, OD. ;)
IC:
"You tail is so spectacular. Is the skin very sensitive? I've been told that a Celestials wing feathers are very sensitive and even light touches can be painful"
"It is not sensitive to the point of pain," said Vanadict, enjoying the firm feel of the Novan's hands on her bare skin. "But in general one doesn't touch someone elses tail unless you are in love or know each other very well. It's almost a taboo, really, but some are more casual about it than others." She shrugged. The tail was probably the most obvious distinction between a kitsune as she knew them and a human, and it was guarded jealously by most. Ignorant sentients had been killed over such, although in recent times this was not considered to be polite.

"But in general one doesn't touch someone elses tail unless you are in love or know each other very well. It's almost a taboo, really, but some are more casual about it than others."

"So it's okay for me to shampoo it?" Then Indigo burst into giggles and waved her hands helplesly over her hair, then Vanazdicts tail mimiing putting it up in rollers. After a few seconds Indigo gasped deeply for breath and maanged to speak "I just suddenly had the image of putting it up in rollers to give it some extra fluffiness. Not that yours needs it, but..." She broke off into giggles again.

Sputtlering and blushihng Indgo apologised "Its just I've understood that doing ones hair is something sisters traditionaly do. And you both feel like what I think sisters would feel like. She added a little shyly.

Vanadict craned her neck over her shoulder to look curiously at the Novan's antics. Her stare was searching, but not unkindly, and a grin cracked her lips apart into a laugh. "I would be honored to have my tail washed by you, Sister Indigo." She said, and her tail rose from where it had been hanging limp up to where Indigo could easily reach the full length.

Gemilla watched the proceedings with amusement-the thick hides of trolls were difficult to clean, and the thorough scrubbings her sisters engaged in would have been damaging to the small ones. Chon-chons flew overhead, calling their eerie wails to each other, but they were of little concern. Had they been a threat in any way, she would hear rocks sailing and the sounds of breaking bones. Still, she disliked the soul-sucking parasites, and hoped the dawn would be heralded by the thuds as they lost the power of flight and fell to the roof.
She continued her own ablutions, using the shampoo in her bowl to lather up her shoulders, limbs, and back before rinsing, and even brushed her fangs, spitting the cleaning paste into the bowl set in the wall for such a purpose.
--What kind of conditioner do you require for that tail?--she asked curiously--I note it's fur is of different consistency than that on your body--

--What kind of conditioner do you require for that tail? I note it's fur is of different consistency than that on your body--
"We have long since produced a special shampoo for the tail and ears to clean. The fur is thicker than human hair and more prone to picking up unwanted visitors, such as seeds and dirt, and therefore requires a deeper-penetrating wash. Of course, our own brand of conditioner is not widely avaliable, so on many worlds which I visit I have to bath with a bottle reading "For a glossy, shiny coat."" She smiled lightly, amused by her own experience.

--Ah--Gemilla shook her head.--There are few mammals here, I'm afraid, so less need for shampoo. Many of our own people either apply a certain sap to remove it or shave, but I like that it retains certain scents I find pleasing, so choose to keep mine intact, though I am considering sideburns for a fiercer, warrior look. I must be looking softer these days...--
She flexed under the flow of water, rinsing suds from her heavily muscled frame.--Even Karrg's Sons are acting as if I were not capable of beheading them in one blow--

I would be honored to have my tail washed by you, Sister Indigo.

Indigo lathered Vanadicts tail up gently, but maek sure she worked all the way though the plumey brush and then began carefully working out all the knots and particles it had aquired druing the day. Once done she made sure that it was completely rinsed.

.--Even Karrg's Sons are acting as if I were not capable of beheading them in one blow--

She laughed at that "Nonsense. I think you look exceptionally fierce. And I have no doubt that you could behead any one you chose to. But you know even the greatest of warriors have a soft side.Tamzerus, one of our greatest heroes, was also renown for his skill with embroidery."

--Bah!--Gemilla grunted harshly--Art feeds the soul, but I have a goddess to attend to. Perhaps I'll show you some fetishes I made for the altar. You've already seen the bas-reliefs on the main doors? Took me months to chew that into shape. Each priestess personalizes her temple, that the gods may know them better. There are some twenty arts we must master as part of being the Rightful Daughters, and combat is but one-we of the Ordo Vaneekara are one of four warrior orders, and second only to the Zorak Zorani on the field. Of the four, only we extol the crafts as necessary-if a priestess cannot win her property in combat, as is fitting, there is only marginally less honor to shaping her ownings herself, so long as it is befitting of the Rightful Daughters--

if a priestess cannot win her property in combat, as is fitting, there is only marginally less honor to shaping her ownings herself, so long as it is befitting of the Rightful Daughters--

"Your bas reliefs were spectacular" Indigo affiremed, "and to know that you did it by chewing I don't think I could ever be that skillful."

She noted that a conditioner had been brought by the attendants and she worked some gently into Vanadict's tail then rinsed it again. "There it should now be shiny and silky soft." She sniffed it and since she'd already washed her hairr proceeded to work some into hers. "If it's good enough for yours it should do just the same on mine"

She looked over at Gemilla and asked "Twenty arts? May I ask what those are?"

Gemilla spoke as if from rote:--A Rightful Daughter must know to shape bone and stone and sacred Lead as well as bronze, iron, and steel, and must know these things without flint or tinder or the tricks of Yelm-only the mind and jaws of a Rightful Daughter are needed, for only these things make a Rightful Daughter and are always with her. A Rightful Daughter knows the kitchen like the back of her hand, and produces food for her family, as well as seeing the kitchen is run in harmony with the reflected sound of earth elementals, that none may know want. Traps and sewing are her trademarks, and either may be woven at need. The Sacred Art is hers to command, that only pure things may be on her form, and she must master the rites of birth and the coaxing of silk from our Sister, Orani Mur. The layout and design of a building should be apparent to her gaze, for no Sacred Daughter may be shamed with an attack from a hidden room or passage, nor may prey escape, and Her Temple is Her Pride and Honor. The drums are no stranger, nor the voicing of song, and she must wield verse as a spear when need be. Hurling is an Art done well, and a Rightful Daughter makes all things Art. Strategy and tactics are second nature, for an army is run much as a household, and detriment to one is detriment to the other. All these compliment combat, which is the primary Art, for it is the most visible.
--I really should rewrite that, for the coaxing of silk is really a reference to animal husbandry, and with our ships it has become more than spider-tending.--She winked broadly, asking--Madame the Vanadict, Indigo, what are the crafts of your folk? I admit to some curiousity, for all Indigo has told me her women are pampered lappets--

“Oh no, not pampered lap pets. Novan women have just as much to do as men. It’s just…” Her smile vanished and her eyes were obviously seeing something other than the present. “those of the Divine One’s Court – all of us - male and female alike – we were not allowed to be ‘contaminated’ by contact with others – oh we could and did see pictures, and holovids, but mingling with them is simply not permitted - to go among the Samurai and commoner, much less the outcast and slaves. We aren’t allowed much contact with our own servants. ‘Common conversation’ with them is taboo. It would take away from our devotions and our studies.”

Her smile returned, her studies had been her favorite part of her confined life. “We of the Court were constantly studying, learning. And not just knowledge but skills” But she had to admit “Most of those are not practical skills though. We learn the traditional art of perfuming, embroidery, paper making, calligraphy, as many musical instruments as we have talents for, dance and drama. Painting and graphic arts of all manner - as well as such pastimes as horseback riding, gymnastics. fly fishing, gardening, kite flying, swimming, snow skiing – the Court has its own mountains and snow lies enchanted there." She stopped for a moment "We sound like an hidden army of not so very 'modern major generals' - required to learn as much as we could given out individual abilities."

"I earned special vocal lessons, and my tutors encouraged my photography.” Her voice went shy but proud “I won the Honourable Mention in my fourteenth year for a Still Life.” She explained how every year each member of the Court was required to submit entries in a minimum number of various categories, for evaulation by a very strict panel of judges. “The next year I won the Masters Honors in three categories – Still Life, Nature, and Special Effects.”

--Little one, if I should ever meet who established this culture--she cradled Indigo's face, gently--Well, I should rip him to pieces, them stomp on the bits a while. How can you know if it is Art, if no one else sees it? How can you know your glory, without reflecting it in others for a time? Are you with me. the Vanadict?--

--How can you know if it is Art, if no one else sees it? How can you know your glory, without reflecting it in others for a time? Are you with me, the Vanadict?--
"Yes," Vanadict nodded. "To be kept in suclusion, if you make for others but no one can see your creations but yourself, what is the point? Every artist has a desire to share, with peers and those who apprechiate his or her craft. Of course, this differs as widely as there are kinds of people, but it is fundementally the same in all. However, I congratulate you on your awards in the Court. I would like to see some of your art sometime, Indigo.
"On Xiscapia, forging a sword is one of the highest Arts on can partake in. Every kitsune receives one when they come of age at twenty-one, and the entire family has some say in the creation, generally overseen by the said Xiscapian's parents, or those who he or she had taken as parents. It is a long, delicate process that takes months, the point being to capture the soul of the receiver in all elements of the sword. The crafting of a katana is not limited to family, but it is the most common. Going hand-in-hand is, of course, swordplay. Many Xiscapians, especially soldiers, are extremely good swordfighters, and we regularly hold contests to find the best.
Soceer, or as some know it, football is very popular, and Xiscapian teams frequently play Alversian teams in tournments, from kits and children to professional leagues. I've only played a few times, but found it enjoyable, as long as I don't try to hit the ball with my head.
Gardening and healing is common because so many of us are gifted with life-atuned Force abilities. There are many others, such as drawing, painting, reading, writing, VR, singing and general music, but the two I mentioned are the main ones."

--VR?--Gemilla looked confused--Oh, the crafting of illusions-that's more a Blue Moon thing. I understand your people use it for training, but no computer can match real life for randomness and distractions. I think our Zong Wars are much better training anyway-but we often extol our own cultures to the detriment of others.
--I would love to see a display of Xiscapian swordsmanship, Madame the Vanadict-how many melons can you halve at once?--

--Oh, the crafting of illusions-that's more a Blue Moon thing. I understand your people use it for training, but no computer can match real life for randomness and distractions.--
Vanadict laughed out loud, bringing her tail around her legs to stroke it as she spoke. "That much is true, very true." she chuckled.
--I would love to see a display of Xiscapian swordsmanship, Madame the Vanadict-how many melons can you halve at once?--
"It really depends, I suppose, on the locations of the melons relevent to me, the number of sword I have in my possession, how much energy I want to expend on halving said melons, ect. At any given time, with one sword and the melons in a line before me, I can probably slice in half three at once. The more effort I want to put out, the more swords I have and the closer the melons are to me, the more I can strike." She shrugged. "I think of myself as a well-trained swordswomen, but there are swordmasters on Xiscapia who have trained their entire lives, and if they were ever requested such a task, well, the melon population would be in grave danger."

Gemilla leered as she made way to the soaking tub, where food and drink awaited.--In our training, we have the student toss several melons into the air then cut them in half before they reach the ground to practice drawing with speed and precision. Of course, the spears we favor are somewhat more unwieldy than your swords, but they also have a greater reach. Until a student can halve three consistently, they must practice the draw and higher training is denied them. I can usually get five, seven if I'm in top form and lucky, but I think with those blades of yours, I might go as high as eight or nine.
--There are those among the Rightful Daughters who have spent centuries mastering the quick draw. They are among my favorites, but I have a liking for melon and they often practice just before the midnight meal--she cackled lightly, lowering herself into the steaming perfumed water--I think they assume that a large enough tray of halved melons will buy them lighter duties, but they are novices, and not yet Rightful Daughters, or they would know better. A troll doesn't think about her last meal, only her next...--she laughed straight from the belly, and signaled the attendant to prepare drinks.--Mulled wine and chocolate should be adequate. Something light before bed, to settle the stomachs for restful sleep.
--I know your people have little tolerance for alcohol, Madame the Vanadict, so I've some nice hot chocolate and milk set aside for you, but this wine is rendered from apples and other fruits the green aldryami produce in the orchards of Aldrya, and is mulled with cinnamon and gingerroot. I hope you will try some, Lady Indigo, but understand you were not blessed with the digestive system of a troll, so I shall not take offense at it's refusal. The humans who used to live here had a saying:"Never drink a troll's drink". Our systems can handle much stronger drink than other races, and those who die of alcohol poisoning are a delicacy--

Indigo would be happy to share some of compositions she had done back on Xiscapia at the Academy - all else had to be left behind when she had gone into exile. But she didn't regret it. It had been a small price to pay for a freedom she hadn't even known existed, and a future that filled her dreams.

"I'd love to watch both of you. Gemilla's kindly started me on the basics of fan work - she's a wonderful teacher" Indigo chimed in as she slid into the hot water with a satisfied sigh... "Oh truly hot water. Heaven's greatest gift ...after Gerrak."

She nodded at Gemilla's warning about the wine. "I will try just a little and make very sure not to die of alcohol poisoning, that would be just too embarrassing."

Relaxing back she began to sing

"What shall we do with a drunken Daughter, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoT6q6axJa0)
"What shall we do with a drunken Daughter,
"What shall we do with a drunken Daughter

Early in the morning?

Hoo–ray and up she rises,
Hoo–ray and up she rises,
Hoo–ray and up she rises,
Early in the morning.

Put 'er in the longboat till he’s sober,
Early in the morning.
Put 'er in bed with the captain's daughter,
Early in the morning.
Keelhaul the Muri until he's sober,
Early in the morning.
Give 'er the hair of the dog that bit 'er ...

"Well, it could happen..." Indigo defended her mutilation of the ancient chanty.

--I know your people have little tolerance for alcohol, Madame the Vanadict, so I've some nice hot chocolate and milk set aside for you...--
"Thank you," said Vanadict gratefully as she was the last to slid into the water up to her neck, leaning back with a sigh of pleasure. Her tail, now water logged, moved sluggishly under the liquid and steam to rest on top of her feet beside her ankles. She took her steaming mug from the tray and drank in small sips, savoring the drink as the sweet rich taste rolled over her tongue. It reminded her of Pamalta, somehow. She licked her lips and listened silently to Indigo as she sang, chuckling softly as the last stanza finished.

Indigo stretched out, all but floating on her back and sighed contentedly. "I think that baths such as these are a key mark of any advanced culture. How any one can deny that clean, refreshed bodies, the company of friends, good drink, good food and good conversation in the sybaritic luxury of hot water isn't such I don't know."

She took a sip of her wine - just a sip "Oh that is strong Gemilla, but exquisite. Yes I shall have to be careful."

Setting the cup aside, Indigo thought for a second, trying to figure out how to word her next question.

"Gemilla, you mentioned earlier about 'closing your eyes and wiggling your ears', and as I understood it, it was in reference to attracting Humbaba's attention. ... " She paused a moment, suddenly aware that she was blushing more than slightly. "I guess what I am trying to ask is how would you let the male you are attracted to know that you wanted ..." She blinked and decided bluntness was best "sex?"

"I mean, yes, you could always walk up and say 'I want....' or simply throw him over your shoulder and carry him off. But those are rather... " She started to say 'graceless' but changed her mind "...blunt, and doesn't include the possibility that he has no interest in you."

"So how among the Muri do you find out and then initiate a relationship?" Indigo could only hope she was not stepping on the toes of any cultural taboos.

"Please remember I've barely mastered the art of just introducing myself to people."

"A woman is always looking for a worthwhile man-so few come around-demanding sex is the norm-it lets the man know he's not entirely worthless. Tossing over the shoulder sounds intriguing, but not really necessary here-are your men that difficult to convince to mate?" Gemilla cast a gaze at her. "Amazing that your species has survived so long. I have let it be known the only man I'll have must beat me in battle to hold the suitors at bay, and still must thrash louts day and night.
"I would expect that a shy woman would go to her intended's mother and ask permission to woo, or have her mother contact his family's matriarchy-occasionally the families have contracted to join by such means, and not always at the instigation of improving holdings." She goggled her eyes comically. "A devious woman would just show up with child in tow and claim it was her intended's-that gives sixteen years or so to get to know each other, though it is considered reprehensible here."