Malnival moves forward after Heng bows and shakes the guides hand. "You are a great guide my friend, it has been an honor having you with us. We would not have made it this far without you as Heng said. I will be sad to see you go."
"You are a stout guide and reliable man. Thanks for seeing us through."
"Hah, yes. Finally, some recognition. Do you know we traveled across all that frozen snow and I didn't get thank you for the way I arraigned Koya's food from her spell on their plates? And do you know how hard it is to make black bean goat chili when all you have is beef jerky and hard tack? Let me tell you, it's not easy. So, let's see what you've got here. What are our choices? Lay them out here, I'll try them all and tell you which one is best."
"Ulf...you've been great. We wouldn't have made it without you. I think you should come visit us when we succeed. I'll make a special dish for you."
"Thank you, all of you. I'll be here in Ordu-Aganhei for a couple months, at any rate... in case you change your mind about what's ahead," Ulf jokes. "If you ever need a guide to get back over the pole, I'm your man... just not in winter!"
The kitchen staff explain they must prepare enough food for three hundred guests, but all dishes must be made from what's locally available: camel, horse, mutton, and pork... no goat!
Maeve grins impishly. "Just watch out for morozokos."
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Heng draws a card and holds it near the candle to view the intricately painted image before handing it back to Koya. "This was your mother's Harrowing deck. Do you think that you were destined to come across it in Kalsgaard or that your will made it come to you? Iro-shu teaches that we must strive for perfection. I often wonder if we are fated from birth to reach this goal or not. If it is predetermined, then our struggle is for naught because it makes no difference. Yet how could we achieve perfection if we did not struggle. My mind is far from perfect and I am not clever enough to understand the finer points of philosophy."
The card of Heng's Choosing is indeed the Patrician, often signifying the importance of fellowship and camaraderie.
Koya nods, "I rarely hear Desna's voice, but I see her influence all around me, every day, even on this side of the world. But I have no true insight to her plan. The Harrow can often give us a glimpse, but little more. As you say, it is all we can do to struggle forward and try to live the will of the gods."
As you draw the cards of the spread, Koya lays them out in the three-by-three pattern. The first column, indicating the past, includes the Owl, the Waxworks, and the Sickness.
Koya ponders the three cards for a few moments, then looks up at Heng with a warm smile. "Heng, tell me what you see."
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Heng ponders the bar scene painted on the card he has chosen and reflects on its significance. "This card represents comradery, I believe. I was wondering what lay ahead. I think back to the time after my family was killed by my mother's own people and I had only myself to rely on as I tried to survive alone in Belkzen. I will never be able to thank you enough for taking me in and giving me a place in the world, Koya."
"It has been hard for me to rely on others. I do not feel fellowship with the others though we have traveled far in our journey. Even my brothers, Sandru and Harlan. Though Harlan is a generous soul and they have both proved invaluable in keeping the caravan which is our home comfortable and safe. Goat or no goat," he adds with a smile.
He pauses and continues, "It seems silly, but I sometimes worry that my orcish blood may offend Shalelu and Malnival."
He shakes his head, "I do not think it is any secret that I have frequently disagreed with Parity, but he has likely saved my life many times with his ability to combine martial and magical power. I cannot say I feel kinship with such a bitter spirit though. Kelda is a reliable colleague though I feel perhaps she misses her homeland. She would never admit so as she seems to feel as honor bound as the rest of us to see this through."
"And Ameiko, though I am self-sworn to see her returned to her throne I cannot say I feel any closeness. She seems a kindred spirit with Maeve. That woman nearly drives me mad sometimes. So impetuous and undisciplined. I could have injured her when she ran out on to the coals beneath me tonight." He scowls and then releases a snort. "I must admit her cleverness and creativity are a boon, however."
With a tired sigh, he returns the card and peers at Koya, "Perhaps I can be a bit more open. We have many difficulties ahead."
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Heng looks over the first column of the spread calling to mind the many readings he has witnessed his foster mother make. He rubs his tattooed scalp and smiles back. "OK, enough self reflection, Tata. Let us see if this hardened half-orc brain has learned anything."
"The first column is the past and the top card is weal, the center uncertain, and the last woe. The Owl means the natural order of things, The Waxworks symbolizes helplessness, and The Sickness ...is a plague, I think? So my reading for the past would be that some plague led to the fall of Amieko's family and they must be returned to their rightful position though it has not been possible in the past."
"That depends... in this case, the Harrowing is for you. Ameiko's family and destiny may have little to do with you. Or perhaps there is a bond there as yet undiscovered. Also, keep in mind the cards are rarely literal. The Sickness can mean plague, famine or disease, but it can also refer to a sickness of one's soul." Koya smiles, warmly despite the chill air. "Please, continue."
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Heng continues to rub his sigiled scalp as the next column is revealed. He sounds a little less certain, "The present reveals that we have the benefit of The Queen Mother. I may be too literal again, but could not that represent Amieko? The Winged Serpent is certainly a good sign. We strike at the proper time and with just cause. The Liar signifies a betrayal..." Heng narrows his eyes, "Our host seems smitten with Maeve. If he is not already aligned with our enemies perhaps he will turn against us. I hope Maeve has not offended him."
Koya nods, adding, "Love can be fickle. An otherwise noble person may betray their friends for love, or what they believe to be right... good intentions paving the way to the hell, and such."
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Heng nods hesitantly, pondering Koya's point. He refocuses on the final column frowning. "The final column reveals the future. The Bear represents strength, The Juggler is fate, and The Carnival is illusion." Heng continues staring at the cards a long time before finally admitting, "I have no idea what this means, Tata."
"Camel and horse? Ok, I can work with that. Here's what we need. Ground camel, fat from the hump, red onions, garlic gloves, parsley, mint, rose petals, cumin, paprika, cloves, and salt and pepper. For the sauce we'll need tomatoes, cinnamon, honey, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Start baking bread, we'll serve the patty on a slice of bread with sauce over it. Turn the horses into steak. Take the pork and put that in a pit of coals for about 16 hours, heavily salted. We need to wrap it in leaves and then bury it, I'll show you how. The mutton we can throw into a stew."
Koya laughs, but it is knowing versus mocking. "The future is always difficult to read, even for an experienced Harrower. Nothing is for certain, because it is yet open to change... and sometimes Desna laughs and keeps her secrets to herself." She takes a close look at the last three cards. "All of these are neutrally placed, with nothing misaligned, making the read that much more vague. The Bear tells me that, despite the strong political nature of what you will face, trust to your strength and force of arms, for they will be needed."
She chuckles and shakes her head at the second card. "The Juggler is Desna's way of laughing at us. If you can continue to juggle, fate will be on your side. If not..."
"Lastly, the Carnival deals with illusions, but not just those that would trick you. Illusions of your own prejudice, your predispositions or ignorance, even foolhardy dreams, can lead you astray. Keep your mind open, trust in your wisdom and instinct, and you will see these dangers for what they are."
Koya's smile fades, and she stares into the cards for a long pause. When she looks up, her eyes glittering in the candlelight. "What questions do you have?"
The staff listens to Harlan closely, taking down notes and nodding along, or asking clarification on a spice or technique. They look alarmed as you mention sixteen hours. "Can it be done in six, for that is all we have?" They start to urge you towards the kitchens.
"Six? Six! Move man, move!"
Harlan limps after the group and begins shouting orders.
The feast that night will consist of:
1. Ground camel patties on sliced bread with a tomato gravy. The hint of rose petals and spices will give it a fine bite.
2. Flank steak made from horse and covered in a spicy sauce.
3. The pork will be served shredded and salted with noodles. As there is only six hours he'll have the pork wrapped and roasted as quickly as possible instead of the slow cook necessary for true flavor.
4. Mutton stew with onions, carrots, peppers, and potatoes. And plenty of spice.
The stew will be served first, large pots of it being carried out and served from the middle of the tables.
After the stew is finished the horse and camel will be brought out as a main course. The horse will be diced into cubes with small bowls of horseradish for dipping. The camel is presented as is, with sides of pickles, lettuce, and fried potato.
Once this is cleared the pork will be brought out, giving it the maximum cook time. Served as dessert along with a pastry made from fried sweet bread stuffed with mashed dates, this is the grand finale.
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Koya's smile fades, and she stares into the cards for a long pause. When she looks up, her eyes glittering in the candlelight. "What questions do you have?"
"More than when we started," Heng chuckles sheepishly. "Perhaps I should focus more on the moment as Iro-shu advises. I will only ruin my sleep with all these spiraling mysteries inside mysteries." He rises and leans over to kiss his foster mother on the forehead. "Thank you Koya, it was illuminating speaking with you as always."
Like the day prior, Maeve is presented with an extravagant dress a few hours before the feast. This one is of a similar design to yesterday's, but its colors are a twist of golden yellow and white.
The feast starts much as the others, but today the gathered crowd is chattering like a coop of hens. The anticipation is thick as they await the new food and Prince's proclamation. As Harlan's creations are served, the noises of excitement blur into confused murmurings. Most pick at the food as awkwardly as you picked at theirs. Still, everyone remains polite and it is considered a success. Every Avistani in the chamber finds the fare delicious.
As the meal winds down and dessert is served, Prince Batsaikhar stands, smiling and holding up a hand for silence. All talk in the chamber quickly ceases, and then he speaks in Tien. "Those of you who have been honored to enjoy the company of our honored visitors knows what a prize their stay has been thus far for Us, Ordu-Aganhei, and Hongal. The amazing story of their crossing the High Ice in winter is only validated in Our eyes by their displayed mastery of word and weapon. You have seen them, and know they are blessed among gods and men. They have honored Us." He turns to you and sketches a small bow.
"Among them is a creature of such exotic beauty and superlative mind that We suspected she is divinely touched. Our heart ached for her the first moment We laid eyes upon her. She has honored Us with her story and dance, but mostly with her glorious presence. She has even learned the native tongue of this humble land. We would have her as Our wife, to share in her radiance and to shine like a star over the expanse of Hongal. We would give her all the stars in the sky to keep her in like company."
"Sadly, We learned she is honor bound to another." The crowd titters in a mournful sigh. "But, what is your Prince if not empowered by the gods? By Our divine mandate, We absolve her of all binding contracts and oaths. She is now free to follow her heart, her honor intact." Delighted cheers and applause rise from the guests. Prince Batsaikhar kneels before Maeve, a show of profound respect from a royal person. "Maeve Haela, will you choose a place forever by Our side, and honor Hongal before all of Tian-Xia?"
Ameiko's jaw drops. "Uh oh!", she mutters.
"Told you that you shoulda engaged on this bufoonery earlier"
Maeve goes as white as a sheet, an ugly contrast to her hair. She gives her friends and companions a panicked look, very clearly at a complete loss for anything to say for the first time in a very long while.
"Told you that you shoulda engaged on this bufoonery earlier""
Ameiko keeps her voice down. "My petty revenge for her mentioning me by name... but I didn't think he'd actually propose!" She shakes her head, repressing a snorting chuckle. "Well, she did say we needed allies."
The proposal of a man whom she has made every polite effort to let know she isn't interested, and in such a dramatic and bizarre fashion. That, Maeve can't deal with. Her mind simply can't follow the logic around without going in circles. Prince Prince Batsaikhar's actions simply make no sense.
This, on the other hand, registers perfectly. She's been going through days of anguish, trying to balance her emotions (a difficult act for her at the best of times) with the need to keep on the Prince's good side, all for Ameiko's sake. If not for the needs, present and future, of working with Hon-la, she'd have advocated simply leaving to get away from all this. Instead she endured, and tried everything in her power to make it work.
And her pain and efforts were amusing?
Trying to work out this mad prince's obsession? Maeve can't do that. But having her world destroyed. That makes perfect sense.
Maeve gives Ameiko a look of absolute betrayal, utters a single word of arcane power, and vanishes from sight.
"Want me to follow her?". Parity asks Ameiko
Ameiko sighs, trying to gauge the Prince's reaction, then nods. "Yeah... keep your distance but make sure she stays out of trouble."
Harlan is too happy beaming at his creation to notice Maeve's plight.
Using Suishen point outs and see invisibility, Parity trails Maeve not intending to overtake her or intervene.
The crowd watches the scene unfold in stunned silence, and Prince Batsaikhar appears surprised when Maeve first disappears. He looks around, smiling, expecting some kind of magical performance. After several long moments where she does not reappear, his smile slowly fades. Face red with embarrassment, he stands and stomps out of the chamber, his samurai guard in tow.
The guests remain silent for a few seconds longer, then the entire room breaks into excited and exasperated gossip.
"Uh...Heng...did he look mad to you? Maybe we overstayed our welcome?"
Too much spice in the camel patties? But I tested it on those guys first...
Malnival grins at the Maeve as the Prince ask for her hand, but the smile falls from his face as the rash human disappears. The magus slowly puts down his chopsticks and places both hands flat on the table before turning to the others.
"This will not end well. I do believe we need to prepare the caravan to leave as soon as possible. If the princes is not already surrounding it with his guards as we speak."
"I had Sandru prepare for that a few days ago. We can start moving as soon as we need to. How far we get is a different thing. Also, don't you think running would just make the Prince madder? Let's not force his hand if we don't have to. Right now he's embarrassed and you know what happens when men get embarrassed. We don't want that. Right? Heng, what do you think?"
"He has his own army my friend. We need to leave and put as much distance between us and it as possible or we will end up having to leave with out your toy wagons."
Ameiko shakes her head, frowning. "Let's not do anything drastic to aggravate the situation. We're still guests here and protected by rules of hospitality. Besides, a teenage girl freaked out at a sudden marriage proposal... not exactly an unreasonable outcome." She ponders a few seconds. "Parity's on Maeve's tail, but she's quick. We should probably find her before she does something truly regrettable. I'll check her suite, but she might head to the caravan. Any other ideas?"
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Heng approaches their Tien guide, "Miyaro, I would like to apologize to the Prince for this unfortunate turn of events. Is there any way that we might speak to him? I hope that I can make him understand that he has greatly offended the young woman by taking her honor bond so lightly and it is likely that she fled in disgrace rather than defy the Prince."
With the feast coming to an abrupt end, the guests start to filter out of the chamber. Some, of course, remain to enjoy the dessert.
Miyaro bows low before Heng. "The Prince has withdrawn for the night, but this one can make respectful inquiries in the mourning. The Prince is not used to taking 'no' for an answer, but given the circumstance, this one prays He will understand Maeve's reaction." She straightens up and continues. "There is still tomorrow's feast, and this one does not think the Prince would do something so drastic as to cancel."
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Heng bows in return, "Thank you, Miyaro. After many months of traveling with the erratic young woman, I believe the Prince should thank the Goddess of the North Star that she is not available."
Heng returns to the others to caution against any further rash actions at the moment. He echos Miyaro's words that they are still guests of the Prince at least until after tomorrow's feast and perhaps an amiable resolution may still be reached.
Sandru nods, then replies to Ameiko. "I will go and check on the caravan for Maeve. Who's with me?"
"I will go with you, I would hate for you to get arrested for looking too Sczarni."
"Oh yaay, we're back to the Sczarni comments again," Sandru mocks. "Feel free to stay behind."
"I'll go with Sandru and make sure."
Harlan looks askance at Mal.
"You need to let it go Mal."
Or next time you stay dead.
Malnival grins at the halfling. "Just trying to keep your brother out of trouble."