Nidhi flinches at the sight of the painting, "Ugh, oh no. Not her. Uhm... Zilchus, why don't you show her your... charm?" Nidhi darts her eyes back and forth, "If we ever run into her that is."
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Sure thing Nidhi, I'll try and break it down.
There are two nobles in Tephu that the party has some interaction with currently.
First there is the haty-a of Tephu, Deka An- Keret (image), who is also the city’s high priestess of Nethys. She's the one who refused to meet with you for several days, then dismissed you and refused your request to search the inner library seemingly without properly weighing the importance of the request.
Then you learned of Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis (image). She sits in the inner circle of the Ruby Prince himself, and is in town on unknown business. But, she's ranked more highly than Deka, and so one possible plan is to get her to give you access to the library - or have her force Deka to do it.
You also met the Deaconess Sekek, but she was just a guardian of Deka's - an underling in the church hierarchy.
Does that help?
"Ugh, oh no. Not her. Uhm... Zilchus, why don't you show her your... [i]charm? If we ever run into her that is."
Zilchus grunts, keeping his eyes on the ground. He can't tell if Nidhi is mocking her. And not that it matters, but he's had such ill luck with his 'charm' that he's not likely to try it on anyone.
He says nothing until they get back to check in with Ben, Cahal, and Florence.
"...and that's what we discovered. It isn't much. Sounds like we need to try one of the three options: 1) try again with her lady Deka An- Keret and *show her the Mask* to convince her of the importance or 2) work through the very-scary Muminofrah of Sothis to get access or 3) sacrifice Nidhi's immortal soul to trigger the undead uprising here in Tephu to show them both that we mean business and force them to open the library to us...or else." Zilchus is probably joking about that last point. Probably. But he's frustrated by all this foolishness.
Zilchus shrugs at Florence when she suggests approaching the Muminofrah of Sothis.
"We could do that. It won't be pleasant, but we can try. And yes, it might be easiest. And the one with the most uncertain outcome." Zilchus shakes his head, wondering if all this is worth it.
"Nidhi, you think you can formulate a way to reach her?"
When the group is reunited, Benedictus eats his dinner in silence, sipping his mug every now and then as he listens to his friends’ accounts. When he feels like his turn has come, Ben clears his throat, then quickly summarizes his day in a conspirational tone. “Nothing new here, unfortunately. I managed to uncover some forgotten lore about the Slave Trenches of Hakotep, but it seems like that information is not going to lead us anywhere. A dead end.”
After everyone has told his or her story, Ben stretches and yawns. “The Eye knows if I’m tired!”
The scholar rubs his eyes and yawns again as he stands up. “All in all, I guess greasing the wheels of Osirian politics is our best bet. I don’t want to speak again with that witch though. I think I’d rather go with option two, Zil.”
"So are you investigating deeper in the library or what? That's what I'm after. Take me into the Spiral Archive, and we'll see how it goes. Until then..."
He flits off, moving surprisingly quickly and agilely through the stacks to perch over the great eye of the inner seal. He seems to be grinning.
- - -
Though it's a little early for supper, Purusha brings food to munch on - some lightly toasted pita and hummus with a little baba ganoush on the side as well.
You could head out this evening to try your luck, or while away the evening and try early the next day to obtain an audience with Muminofrah.
Ben pauses for a second, then an idea comes up in his mind. Wait, what if we help each other out? We both want to get in the Spiral Archive, isn’t it? Perhaps you have some suggestions on how to do so…Of course, if you will prove helpful I will take you inside with me. And don’t think you could just sneak in anyway, for I know how to see invisible creatures.
“We know she has great appetites, don’t we?” suggests Ben. “Perhaps we could bring some exotic or imported food with us. You know, things like Corentyn wine and such. In Cheliax, Corentyn wine is considered the best in the world. Or perhaps coffee from the Mwangi Expanse? I believe it would be actually easier to find than Chelaxian wine, but that also mean our lady could get it herself without too much difficulty…”
You'd know, unless this little guy is something extra special, he cannot turn invisible. He is wearing a simple ring however, so who knows? It is a plain copper band with a chunk of reddish crystal at the apex. You're not close enough for a detect magic at this time.
- - -
As for the rarities, you'd expect Her Excellency to have great contacts. Contacts that, in Tephu at least, you do not have. However, there is time to catch the evening ferry. You could be in Wati tonight, meet with Abdur, and perhaps return by the morning ferry to Tephu.
You'd have to hope Abdur has something special in his shop though (quite possible, say a 25% chance of something exceptional for a gift - though he'd have something for sure it just might not be special) for there won't be time to hunt around.
You know he has coffee from the Mwangi expanse at least. It's his private stash, but he has some. He's quite addicted to the bolder taste.
Zilchus grunts agreement with Ben.
"She might indeed have great appetites. Might be that we spend tomorrow collectively trying to find what might please her, then make a pitch based on what we learn. I can't say if coffee, wine, or something divine would pique her interest...she clearly has all the money in Osirion and can afford what she wants. I dunno."
"Maybe if we bribe the right attendants, we'll find out what might impress her."
Zilchus shrugs, clearly unhappy by the prospects.
"To Abdur's!" Nidhi agrees.
The group takes the evening ferry back to Wati. You watch the sunset off the starboard bow, and the first twinkling stars come out as you put into port.
The city has changed dramatically in just the few days you’ve been gone. Where people were afraid to walk the streets at night, now there is the occasional traveller. Taverns, Inns, and other public houses are, if not brisk, at least well attended as you move through the city to Abdur’s.
Milki is still brightly lit, and there are still guards outside, but the bored looks on their faces betray the action they’ve been getting of late. Unlike guards at other establishments, these are combat hardened veterans - here for action not passive delay. You enter the pub side of Milki and Abdur greets you quickly.
”How goes it? Have you had success in Tephu? Welcome home, let me get that for you. Here, your favorite drink.” He prattles on giving you the opportunity to speak, if you wish, while also respecting your potential silence.
Zilchus grunts at the agreement that is different than what he had suggested. He suggested talking to attendants and trying to find out what might please Muminofrah before going to buy something.
"Uh...yeah, I guess we'll go to Abdur's," Zilchus says hesitantly, uncertain how the team made this decision. "I'll contribute to whatever you all think is best."
”How goes it? Have you had success in Tephu? Welcome home, let me get that for you. Here, your favorite drink.”
Zilchus accepts the drink from Abdur, ready to spill his problems to his uncle-not-uncle.
"Maybe you can help us, Abdur. You've heard of Muminofrah? Of Sothis? We...we...uh...we need to get on her good side so we can petition her to get into this fancy library that Ben is so excited about. Apparently, the godless hack Nethysians of Tephu don't want to share their books with people like us. And so we need a sponsor to make it happen," Zilchus says taking a drink.
"Know her? Have any ideas?"
Benedictus nods in agreement with Zilchus. He has nothing to add to his friend's effective summary of their situation.
"We know she likes food," Ben says to Abdur as he follows the man to the table he is offering to them. "Or drinks. But it has to be something peculiar, something that she could not procure for herself so easily. But since she's quite rich, this is not an easy task. Have any ideas? I was thinking about Corentyn wine, or Mwangi coffee..."
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When Benedictus mentions Mwangi coffee, Abdur frowns, wondering if a request for his private stash is next. You're very close friends, but there are limits...
”Muminofrah of Sothis? Large woman with large appetites?!” Abdur asks pointedly. Receiving affirmation, he continues laughing, ”I know her, she’s wonderful! A real woman if ever there was one.” he looks somewhat stricken, and very nearly sighs at the memory of her. He chuckles some more before continuing, ”I have exactly what you need. It’s a portrait of the Ruby Prince himself, given to me as a gift some time ago, for services rendered on a little job I had for a while.”
He stops leaning on the bar, and says, ”Gather your drinks and follow me!” He takes you again into his office, and closes the door behind you - but he latches it this time. He moves behind his desk, pulls away the chair, and a scrap of carpet, revealing a trap door, well concealed. Lifting up on the handle, you see a staircase descend into the ground beneath his shop!
Motioning for you to join him, he walks carefully down the stairs, ”Mind your head on this edge, the stairs are a little tight.” He ducks a little near the bottom and you climb down behind him, drinks still in hand. You find yourselves in a small well lit room (a smokeless lantern hangs from the ceiling) with three doors leading off into inner chambers. He takes out a keyring and fiddles a moment before opening one of the doors.
He swings it wide to reveal a deep, wide closet of sorts. It may have been walk-in at one time, but now its so full of stuff as to be hard to manage - you even see a full sized harp! You wonder how in the world he got it down those stairs. Anyway, Abdur pulls out all manner of things, pushing them to the side, placing them under the stairs, etc. as he digs ever deeper - spelunking for the treasure he seeks.
”Aha!” he cries as he grasps a gilded wooden frame partially covered by a tarp near the back. He drags it out, nearly falling over in the process, until he has it back under the light. He removes the tarp with a flourish, ”Ta-daaa!”
You look down on the 4’ tall by 6’ wide painting in some degree of awe… It’s very clearly of the Ruby Prince, Khemet III, the Forthbringer (image) as the plaque confirms - and he is surrounded by two figures, one clearly angelic, and the other… not.* It’s an impressively done bit of art, and you resist the urge to touch the paint, to feel it’s texture.
- - -
Abdur smiles at you. He can hardly contain himself. He props it up against the stairs and gestures for you all to take a step back in the crowded space. He stand firmly in front of the painting and speaks, ”My business partner has left me holding the bag on a bad business deal. What should I do?”
The fiendish figure animates, and turns to Abdur speaking as tendrils of smoke rise up from his mouth (all in the painting), ”Crush his family, take his holdings, destroy his name among his people.” Whereupon the heavenly figure also animates, ”No no, forgive your brother, for he knows not what he does. Give him a chance.”
Abdur roars with laughter, ”Isn’t that amazing? It can say about a dozen or so things, and if you memorize the responses, they follow a pattern. Great fun you see. Muminofrah will eat this up, completely eat it up. She’ll do whatever you desire - I guarantee it or your money back!”
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When it comes to magic items, Benedictus West Dickens is not easily impress. His vast knowledge usually prevents his from experiencing that wonder that magic items so frequently spark in the soul of those witnessing their powers.
"Abdur, this truly is a masterwork! I'm impressed!"
Ben agrees with Florence and smiles at her.
Perhaps one day, not so far, I will be able to bargain with outsiders just like him...And then, the haughty-a will regret treating me like a begging peasant!
"We buy it! I'm sure this will be precisely the right gift to impress our lady. Thank you Abdur!"
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Zilchus nearly takes a knee to the painting as Abdur reveals it, such is the depth of his service to the Ruby Prince. Even though he does not take knee, he does offer the proper right arm salute with bowed head to the image of the Prince.
"Abdur! This is amazing!" Zilchus finally utters when he recovers his wits. "If Mummyrot doesn't like this, then she has no business serving the Ruby Prince at all."
Know (local)
Lore (Ruby Prince)
Zilchus uses his finger to trace the summoned servants.
"See here? These beings show the power of the Ruby Prince, master summoner, master of elements, binder of the elements. This is truly a work of great vision and understanding!" Zilchus croons reverently.
When the summons animate to respond, Zilchus just stands even more slack-jawed.
"Why didn't you tell me you had this!? I would have bought it from you long ago! This is the greatest piece of art ever created!" Zilchus resists testing the images on his own.
He is quite pleased to purchase the artwork, less pleased to give it away.
”I’m glad you like it.” Abdur beams as if it’s his own creation - but then he always was fond of the little deals he made, all the more so if everyone is happy at the end of the arrangement.
"I've no idea who painted it though. That's a very good question. When I obtained it, I didn't even think of the creator!" he laughs.
He collects 100gp from each of you, and helps you maneuver the painting up the stairs - no mean feat!
Up top he suggests, ”You can certainly crash on the floor here, a few still are though most have gone home. You still have rooms at the Tooth and Hookah though if you want ‘em. Not a lot of people coming to Wati these days, but with your help, that should change.” he grins patting you on the back.
You can sleep the night, and make the early ferry if you wish. You’ll get back to Tephu by mid morning. Let me know your plans tonight and early tomorrow, particularly if they differ.
"Shall we stay at the Tooth and Hookah? I would like to rest tonight."
Ben thanks Abdur once again, pays his own share of the purchase, and then reaches his room.
The scholar walks to the door and opens it gently. He smiles at Florence. A smile that could hardly be more genuine.
"Florence! What a nice surprise! Of course, of course! Want to come in? Or would you rather go for a stroll?"
Ben's heart starts pounding quicker and quicker, but he tries to get a hold on his feelings as he smiles politely.
Zilchus consents to stay the Tooth & Hookah, but also insists the artwork be in his room for the night as he wants to appreciate it all the more (or he sleeps at Abdur's if the painting is difficult to move, whatever).
"And tomorrow we go back to Tephu and try to get in to see Muminofrah? Seems like a grand plan. And we'll see what happens," Zilchus agrees.
Zilchus will be ready to return on the morning ferry.
Zilchus, you may take the painting. It’s large and somewhat unwieldy, but it’s not heavy. Abdur warps it in a tarp to keep the elements from it, but you can remove and retie easily enough to admire.
In the morning the party assembles at the docks in Wati awaiting the Ferry. All together again you ride the 2 hour journey to Tephu. Tephu is as boisterous as ever, particularly after the quiet of Wati (still more reserved than usual as the few lingering undead continue to be routed from the streets). You push your way though the throng and back to the relative peace of the Old City. Passing through to the other side, you cross the canal and move down to Muminofrah’s barge.
A great palace towers over the canal, fronted with a palisade of beautifully painted pillars in dazzling colors. In front of the palace, moored to a magnificent marble quay, a luxurious river barge wallows in the turbid waters of the canal. Between the barge and the palace, a makeshift camp of colorful tents and stalls has sprung up, creating a small village worth of bustling activity. All here to serve the Ruby Prince’s representative in Tephu.
With Muminofrah in residence, the palace and its grounds have become the center of a storm of movement and excitement, housing countless traders and petitioners bearing trade goods and gifts for the visiting noblewoman. Muminofrah herself spends most of her time on her pleasure barge moored in the canal, her privacy protected from the rabble on shore by hefty, tanned guards wearing heavy armor and carrying scimitars.
The guards quickly stop you as you approach, ”What business do you have here?” Though it’s still just mid-morning, the barge is bustling with party goers though you see a fair number of bureaucrats as well, doing the state’s business. Apparently Muminofrah does mix business with pleasure.
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Always so kind…that is why I love her, I guess…
Ben’s thoughts spontaneously, almost autonomously flow towards his past.
A gift. Can you believe it? A gift!
Only one person had ever given a gift to Benedictus. His beloved father, returning from his travels abroad. And now, the second person was the most important for him at the moment. But that is not all. Ben remembers quite well the one and only time he used a magnifying lens. It was a gift from his father, brought to him directly from Vudra. He loved the lens, because it helped him read the smallest words in his manuscripts. He kept it until university, when a group of bullies broke it in front of him with the only purpose to hurt his feelings. Ben cried a lot that day. After all, he was only a rookie at that time. And that lens was a memento of his father. He had thought that the whole matter was buried under the sands of time, but now Florence actualized that pain, making it real again.
Ben drops a single tear, then quickly wipes it off. The pain slowly vanishes, as the joy takes its place in his heart. Suppression is an important means of psychological survival, but substitution with happiness is the only way really out of it. Ben feels like everything is behind him. The bullies, his hurt feelings. All replaced by this single act of kindness. Or perhaps this was a sign of something more, on Florence’s part? In truth, Ben could hardly consider the option.
Don’t be stupid, she’s just being kind to you. As she always is, with everyone.
But what if…
No if, you know what happened last time. Do you remember, Ben? DO YOU REMEMBER?!
This time is different. She is different!
Ben tries not to betray his inner fight. He smiles, looking at the lens with his heart filled with joy.
“Thank you so much, Florence! This is a wonderful gift, really…You can’t know how much I appreciate it, you…You really made me happy,” he says, his eyes fixed on the floor. Then, with his clenched fist suddenly releasing the pressure, Ben takes off a bronze bracelet he has always been wearing on his left wrist and lets it drop to the ground softly. The object bounces off a few times, then its metallic ring stops. Ben smiles, and looks Florence in the eye.
“I commissioned this bracelet when I got fired from the University, as a memorandum that I would never have to feel something deeper than friendship for anyone in the remainder of my life. I wanted it to be crafted in bronze, because it is the heavier among the noblest metals, so that it could remind me of my vow, as a weight keeping my heart locked. Thank you for helping me destroy these chains I forged to keep myself imprisoned.”
Ben realizes the real weight of the words he just said only after saying them. His insecurities come back crawling under his skin, and he loses all the courage he had mustered.
Well done! Well done, Ben! You had a kind friend, and now you’re going to lose it! Just because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut! Such an irrational thing to do!
“I mean…I…Oh, nevermind. Please, forgive me Flo. I…don’t know why I said those things, it’s just I…Well, I…I'm just so stupid at times...”
Zilchus lets others handle the diplomacy. He carries the covered painting solemnly and respectfully, trying to aid Florence’s efforts.
Diplomacy to Aid
Benedictus lets Florence handle the guard. He simply stares at her, absentmindedly witnessing the scene while his mind travels to the near future.
Let's hope for the best...
”Well, I dunno.” begins the first guard, as Florence explains in simple terms, the groups desire. The guards look ready to deny your entry, when a servant rushes forward and bends the man’s ear…
- - -
The servant points at Zilchus.
The guards let you pass (surprisingly easily compared to the governess), and the servant escorts you wordlessly onto the vessel. A gangplank leads up from the quay to the deck of the pleasure barge. Brightly painted and trimmed with shining gold, the barge’s polished wooden planks gleam in the sun. Toward the stern of the vessel, painted and gilded columns support a silken canopy, shading a pyramid-shaped dais heaped with cushions that rises from the barge’s deck. Sheer curtains between the pillars stir slightly in the weak breeze along the canal.
The barge is inundated with courtiers, guards, slaves, and servants. Wealthy citizens and members of the local aristocracy sit upon cushions on the deck, beneath huge parasols held up by eunuchs. A lion is tethered to each of the four corner pillars, each watched by a guard holding a huge whip. Scantily clad slaves move silently through the gathering, bearing trays and pitchers of refreshments for the guests.
A heavyset woman dressed in revealing silks and wearing a gold headdress lounges atop the pyramid, almost lost in the vast mountain of cushions. This is Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis (image), Fan-Bearer on the Right Side of the King, and personal representative of Ruby Prince Khemet III.
As you come on deck, Muminofrah looks you up and down as if appraising cuts of meat, languidly cooling herself with a long fan bearing a single ostrich feather - a symbol of her rank and title. Muminofrah is intrigued (and perhaps a little lustful) at her first sight of you, and she waits to see what you have to say for yourselves though she grins coquettishly.
Perception
Oh good. A chance to speak with someone who knows the Ruby Prince.
Zilchus smiles happily and waits for Nidhi or Florence to explain things. He is ready to unbind and display the painting at the right moment.
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Nidhi seems distracted by the musical instrument but concedes the painting is intriguing. Although, she seems more invested in the supernatural elements than the Ruby Prince himself. Nidhi looks critically at the art, ”are we sure she wouldn’t prefer the harp? Oh Abdur! Abdur, please tell us the story behind that harp! Is it magical? Did it once belong to a beautiful songstress?” Nidhi reaches to pluck one of the strings but moves slowly so there’s plenty of time for someone to stop her.
” Nidhi, I'm guessing you'll probably go spend the night with your grandmother? If you do, please tell her I said hello! I'll try to go with you the next time we're back in Wati”
Nidhi’s face brightens. ”Oh! Yes, I would. There’s no place like home,” Nidhi places a hand on her hip and tilts her head. One side of her mouth curls upward into a seductive smirk. (Perhaps the mask’s Charisma works it’s charm a little better than usual.) ”Grandmother is probably worried sick about me.”
When Nidhi arrives at her grandmother’s shop, she finds the building empty. ”Grandmother? Grandmother?!” Nidhi runs up the stairs and back down into the main shop area. Outside, Stuffing is perched in the coop on her straw nest. Out of loneliness, Nidhi tries to pick up the hen and carry her inside. Stuffing clucks indignantly and pecks at Nidhi’s hand, moving just enough to reveal an egg. Sighing, Nidhi returns inside and commits to hemming a pair of pants.
Nidhi is woken suddenly by jovial laughter. She raises her head for the desk she’d fallen asleep at to see her grandmother and two other figures stagger through the backdoor. Nidhi’s chair scrapes across the wooden floor as she stands, “Grandmother!”
Jharna raises her arm from over one of the stranger’s shoulders, dark green bottle in hand. ”Nid he! My dear!” Despite her obvious inebriation and age, the older woman moves towards her granddaughter with uncanny speed. Jharna's amber drink splashes onto Nidhi’s boots, causing Nidhi to cross her arms, rebuking her grandmother’s embrace.
Sternly, Nidhi scolds: ”Do you know how worried I was? You smell like crocodile farts.”
Eyes out of focus, Jharna ignores Nidhi’s reprimanding and gushes: ”These two are from my adventurin’ days!” One of the “adventurers” grins and sets Jharna’s cane on a nearby table. Nidhi frowns and eyes the two strangers critically. They looked to be around her grandmother’s age, but Jharna wasn’t the type of person Nidhi envisioned as the adventuring type. ”Riiiight,” Nidhi responds, disbelievingly. ”Come on, let’s get you to bed.”
Jharna pulls back. ”No, no! We’re not done yet! We haven’t fini ed drinking to our late comrade. May he re in peace.” One of Jharna’s companions shakes their head and raises their bottle, ”at least he died doing what he loved.”
A tear slides down Jharna’s wrinkled face, ”it was the way he would have wanted to go. The bar stool was always his favorite place.” Jharna lets out a sob. the two strangers raise their bottles and both take long swigs. Nidhi stares at her grandmother and the two strangers in disbelief. Nidhi notes that Jharna looks older than before, her wrinkles have wrinkles and her eyes are small and swollen. Nidhi softens and wraps an arm around the older woman ”Grandma…” From that point on, Nidhi somehow gets roped into drinking and hears all sorts of eyebrow-raising tales.
In the morning, Nidhi scrambles to pull her gear together without waking Jharna and their snoring guests. Ignoring her slight headache, Nidhi meets up with her companions.
Nidhi feels a bit ragged from drinking the night before, but her mask and disguise spell hide her fatigue. She notices Florence’s change in attire immediately and compliments the change, ”Florence, I don’t know why you haven’t worn something like this before! This is an everyday attire in the desert,” Nidhi insists.
When they arrive before the guards, Nidhi inserts herself at the front of the group, "Hello! We have a marvelous gift for Muminofrah that simply must be personally presented." Nidhi tilts her head and places a hand on her hip, "I cannot impress upon how important we and the gift are. Simply fabulous! "
Nidhi raises a knowing eyebrow at Zilchus, as if to say Go get 'em, tiger! Nidhi can't help but feel relieved that Muminofrah's attention doesn't seem to be focused on Cahal.
"You simply radiate beauty and power, Muminofrah. The festivities and barge don't do your extravagance justice. Have you considered adding peacocks to the festivities? Their plumage would bring out the color in your eyes and lips." Nidhi doesn't wait for a response. "Ah! How rude of me! My name is Nidhi Aashirya and we are the Saviors of Wati." Nidhi motions to each of her companions as she introduces them. She saves Zilchus for last, "And Zilchus Lyghtlode, the very face of our success. He's saved countless lives including my own. Why, when you visit taverns in Wati, you may even hear people chanting his name!" Nidhi looks for something sturdy to stand on before continuing.
Nidhi lowers her voice to a normal tone, leaning towards Muminofrah while showcasing Zilchus with her arms: "Do you see that falchion at his waist? Do you SEE it?! With that tool, he can split anything he encounters - right in half! ...and did I mention his armor and how he wears it like a loincloth?"
Nidhi clears her throat, "Ahem. Anyway, we are here to present you with a gift and humbly ask for a small favor." Nidhi turns to Zilchus, "Zilchus, hero of Wati, would you be so kind as to present Muminofrah with our gift? You have the muscles in the group, so lifting such a gift should be as easy as lifting a kitten." Nidhi winks at Muminofrah.
Next, Nidhi explains the art, laughing harder than necessary. "Oh, how whimsical and fun! It will be an object to be remembered at any event!"
Like a change in the wind, Nidhi's face grows somber. "Now, we have a request. The smallest of requests to someone with your power. We wish to gain access to the inner parts of the Library of Tephu. Our scholar, Benedictus, excels in matters written in ink, you see." Nidhi doesn't elaborate.
Zilchus nearly drops the painting as Nidhi begins to, totally inappropriately, tout his many accomplishments. He begins to blush furiously. He can barely move, let alone breathe with the attention upon him.
Cahal whispers to Zilchus: "Might be why you get cut down all the time..."
Zilchus wishes he had the presence of mind to glare at Cahal, but can't muster it under Nidhi's withering acclaim.
He smiles weakly and endures.
When Nidhi plucks at the harp, she finds it woefully out of tune. Beautiful to look at sure, but it will take someone with great skill some time to bring it back to playing shape. Now that she looks at it more closely she can see that it is also well worn where it would rest on a shoulder during play. Abdur smiles wistfully, ”It was mine in my younger days. I would play for hours…” He pushes the group up the stairs and locks the door firmly behind him.
…later…
Muminofrah enjoys Nidhi’s performance, though her eyes keep pulling toward Zilchus, like gravity pulls the apple from the tree - inevitable. Even his discomfort seems to bring a smile to her face. When the painting is revealed, a few on the boat close in to examine the gift along with Her Excellency.
When Nidhi presses on however, and asks for the favor so early in the discussion, a few on the boat show surprise and even more hold their breath to see how Muminofrah will react.
She waives her hand as if to brush aside the slight, ”Not now dear, and you were doing so well!” she laughs and shifts on her pillows, slowly standing and walking to the party. She walks around the painting, seemingly to examine it closely, but she spends as much time checking out Zilchus’ back… and lower extremities, as she does the painting itself.
”This is a very nice piece, done in a style more common a few years ago, which is also reflected in the youthfulness of the prince depicted. Good quality, exceptional even perhaps. I feel as though I've seen it before, but I cannot place it...."
"You say you are the saviors of Wati. Seems to me Wati has suffered of late, you had a hand in that perhaps?”
”My but I haven’t seen anyone wear this in a while…” she takes the stiffer end of the feather she holds and slides it on Zilchus’ breastplate to point to his holy symbol of Sobek. ”Are you an ardent follower? God of Strength...” she stands a little straighter and touches Zilchus’ muscles lightly, ”…and fertility.” she says as she walks back toward her pillows swaying in a breeze all her own.
A sharp mind is not only useful when it comes to deciphering the secrets of magic. A good awareness of the situation at hand usually comes with it. For free.
She only seems to be interested in Zilchus. Much more than in the painting. At this point, we depend on him...Although I don't have a good feeling about this, maybe Zil will sacrifice himself for the good of Osirion...Who knows...
Ben is a non-paying spectator to the conversation. He has a constant smirk on his lips, but does not say anything, letting the others shine in this environment he is so little suited for. His mind is still going back to what happened with Florence anyway, and although he does not look at her, in his mind that whirling vortex of feelings that accompanies the birth of a noble sentiment mixes with the spiraling excitement deriving from the awareness of having an important task to carry out.
The fate of Osirion and the destiny of his heart, all in one and all at once.
Nidhi's mouth opens to closes wordlessly. Who knew the lady would be so fixated? Nidhi momentarily forgets about the painting. She glances at Zilchus as Muminofrah addresses him. I hope he doesn't say anything stupid. Nidhi anxiously glances at Zilchus, wondering what he'll say.
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”My but I haven’t seen anyone wear this in a while…” she takes the stiffer end of the feather she holds and slides it on...
Zilchus takes a moment to find his tongue. He licks his lips, trying to find moisture in the dry areas of his mouth.
Slowly, he finds the will to shake his head and respond.
"Yes, the blood of the Great Crocodile flows in me. I can rage like the great river, and my bite is like that of the river crocodile. Sobek seethes within my morning prayers, bidding me to rage like the swollen river. I serve to honor him in every battle by swinging harder and harder until my enemies lay before me," Zilch says, starting slowly but finding more strength as he finds his voice.
He looks Muminofrah in the eyes.
"I am his servant and I rage for him."
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Nidhi can’t help herself - she's feeling devious. Nidhi's flare for the dramatics gets the better of her.
He's not being transparent enough. ”Florence! Cahal! ” Nidhi announces with look of indignation, ”How could you all let me forget! All those nights we fought animatedly over Zilchus’ toned abs! Why, it almost our friendship!”
”Muminofrah, I sincerely apologize. Zilchus isn’t available in that way. I’d hoped to spare Zilchus from sharing his dutiful sacrifice…. Nidhi pauses for dramatic effect, raising the back of her hand to her forehead. ”…I’m afraid -Pfft- ” Nidhi covers her mouth with her hand. ”The power behind Zilchus’ swing is dependent -Pfft!- Nidhi’s voice is cracking with… emotion? It’s hard to tell. ”What a loss for ladies and men everywhere!” Nidhi seems to be in hysterics now. Her face red and tears dotting the corners of her eyes ”The power of Zilchus’ swing is dependent… on his – chastity!” Nidhi hides her face in Cahal’s shoulder, her body shaking violently and indistinguishable noises escaping. Sobs? Laughter? ”Please,” Nidhi chokes out between strangled noises, ”Don’t tell the court of the Ruby Prince! I beg you! Zilchus is our secret weapon!"
If pressed for additional explanation, Nidhi struggles to come up with a reason, adding lamely: "His - fertility - must not be touched by mortal hands due to its magnification.”
After a minute, Nidhi composes herself. ”Permit me to explain our gift in more detail, honorable Muminofrah.” Nidhi gives a little bow. She recites what Ben explained about the painting: ”as you know, the Ruby Prince, Khemet III, a powerful summoner!” Nidhi wriggles her fingers. ”This painting depicts one of his many negotiations – but with a fiendish devil and an angelic figure! How exciting, no?” Nidhi steps to the side of the painting and waves her hand over the picture, ”it’s animated. We saw it move and speak when we purchased it.” Nidhi stares at the painting intently, waiting for movement.
Muminofrah laughs, "Oh, how marvelous. So he's a eunuch?" she takes an opportunity to study Zilchus' crotch. She goes along with the story, but it's hard to know if she believes you, or is just enjoying the entertainment.
"Tell me more!"
She sashays to her platform and invites you to join her on the pillows. Slaves come on deck to serve a tagine of River Sphinx perch cooked with olives from huge silver tureens, along with grapes, huge loaves of bread, and copious amounts of barley beer and mint tea. Apparently it's elevenses. Coyly batting her eyelashes, Muminofrah invites Zilchus to sit right next to her, showing adolescent ardor.