Even with Ami's assistance Yeen fails to bite the Sha. As Aldebert closes to assist his brother it follows Yeen's example, lashing out with a bite of its own. As its teeth clamp down uselessly on an illusion Aldebert lashes out with his blade cutting down the creature. Immediately the sand begins to calm.
GM Lareg, I think Yeen fumbled, so no hit. Also, I still have four mirror images up which I should have mentioned again in my last post. It's in my spoiler, but I'll try and be clearer about reminding you, sorry.
Just in case he does connect with me anyway...
As the sand settles the guards quickly get up and brush sand from their clothing. The horses seems a bit distraught, but calm as it is clear the storm has halted. The body of the Sha sits motionless as the guards slowly right the wagon. By the time the wagon is righted and the horses are calmed it is nearing midday. Everyone seems ready to move on all the same. The guards simply eat as they go, clearly ready to get moving.
The bit of breeze that remains cools the heat of the day. As evening approaches the city of Katapesh and its sprawling, bustling port can be seen in the distance to the north. Garavel gestures to an area to the south east.
"We will head there. Pointing, you can see a villa three-stories high built from clay bricks. It seems to be situated on a cliff overlooking the nearby ocean. The breeze blowing over the water is a welcome relief. Grass grows thick around the surrounding grounds. We'll spend one more night under the stars and make our introductions in the morning."
With that the guards slow as the darkness of night descends. The light from the nearby city and clear sky over the open ocean gives an easy view around the surrounding area.
Ami pats Yeen's neck as if the cat had helped in the fight.
"MAH-DEE! What was that?! Why did it come to us?" Ami asks, assuming the man is nearby as Yeen sniffs at the corpse.
* * *
Amiamble bristles more before entering the city. He is unused to being around that many people, and it scares him
"Brother! Must we go in there? Maybe there is another way?"
Otah works alongside the guards, getting to know each of them. Trading war stories while working to set up camp, he tries to gauge their experiences and capabilities.
Later, he asks of Garavel, "What building is that?"
Aldebert looks in awe at the skyline of the city. Civilization! He takes a moment for a quick thankful prayer before responding to his brother.
”Easy Ami. Remember they’re just people. You’ll do fine. Just watch.” He leans over and pats his brother on the shoulder.
When Otah asks his question, Aldebert leans in to hear the reply. Yeah, who lives there?
Garvel laughs, clearly the proximity of the destination has lightened his mood considerably.
"Worry not halfling. We won't be entering the city tomorrow. We head to the villa. It is owned by Rayhan, a renowed scholar of things arcane. It is he Almah believes may be able to help you in whatever matter that thief was after."
The dog like appearance of the Sha clearly indicates to even Ami that the corpse is not that of a man.
Even though diligent watches are posted there seems to be no need. The night passes calmly, though there are ongoing signs of activity to and from the city. At sunrise the guards have nearly completed their preparations. Garavel is also well ready to move on.
"I will make sure Rayhan receives the letter of introduction from Almah. We will then depart for business in the markets before returning to Kelmarane. Unless of course you require our presence?" Clearly Garavel asks the question out of obligation and has no interest in remaining with the party and thus delaying his duties for Almah.
"No, an introduction will be fine, and we thank you for your efforts. Have a safe journey back, and we'll see you another time!" Aldebert grins at the men as he gathers his gear and suits up into his armor.
I really, really need better armor! Don't forget to get the mithral needed for my suit.
He considers tying a string to his finger to remember...
Pent perks up with the notion that Rayhan is a scholar. Scholars have books, and books have new words, in new combinations. Pent's mood matches Garavel's for the first time, like, ever.
"I will make sure Rayhan receives the letter of introduction from Almah. We will then depart for business for in the markets before returning to Kelmarane. Unless of course you require our presence?"
"Ah, by 'we', you mean 'you' and 'yours', not 'we' as in 'we all', including 'us' as in 'we' Protectorates, and 'you' guards and soldiers. 'I' got it." Pent shoos the man to make the introductions, so 'they' can be off, and 'the rest' can take residence in the villa for whatever amount of time is necessary to study the Scroll, and make sense of their next course of action.
The guards and Garavel move ahead. Though a servant comes to greet them, something seems to be holding them up Garavel's glance back at the group seems to be some small indication of what is missing.
It seems to make an introduction those being introduced need to be close at hand.
Aldebert, mounted on Gretiem, rides up quickly, not realizing he should have stayed close the whole time.
"Greetings!" he all but shouts as he advances. Once near the servant, he waits for the others to join up. He remains mounted for now as it's only a servant.
Pent falls off his camel, and grabs the reins to guide the beast through the gates. Looking back, he starts to see why Garavel is looking back as well.
"Ami, would you stop being so coy about this? This is where we're supposed to be, so the sooner you come closer, the faster we can return to Kelmarane and its surrounds. Aldi, would you do something? Hold his hand or something so he'll feel more comfortable approaching strangers?" Pent huffs at the halfs, expecting better.
"Worry not halfling. We won't be entering the city tomorrow. We head to the villa. It is owned by Rayhan, a renowed scholar of things arcane. It is he Almah believes may be able to help you in whatever matter that thief was after."
Ami nods at Gravel, some measure of comfort in his words.
Ami is not one for pretense, nor manners, but tries to maintain some trappings of civility. He pads alongside his brother, still mounted on Yeen.
"Ami, would you stop being so coy about this? This is where we're supposed to be, so the sooner you come closer, the faster we can return to Kelmarane and its surrounds." Pent huffs at the halfs, expecting better.
Ami gives PentArotha a stern look, not expecting the gnome to understand. The gnome had a totally different social expectation than what Ami had for himself. He was never good around people...and they never understood him.
Ami dignifies Pent's question with a shake of his head. He would do what he has to to protect his brother, protect Yeen, and protect the thing that Sarenrae had given him. It was/is his nature to do that.
In the morning, Otah sets to cleaning his gear, hoping to make a civilized appearance to Rayhan.
"Sounds like you're about to meet a new friend Mahdi."
"It's called a sha. I have no reason to believe it was seeking the scroll-- just a nasty deep-desert dweller that thought it saw easy prey," Mahdi says with some irritation to Ami's question. He'd wasted good coin on that. Hrmf!
***
As they prepare for the approach...
Mahdi takes the time to change into the very nice, flame-red-and-orange robes that's been sitting safe in his pack since Kelmarene , and to don his jewelry, especially the ring he enchanted for himself with fire. A little prestidigitation to take care of the dust and stains of the road travel.... he even gets out a handkerchief and buffs Sa'amm's black carapace until it gleams like oil in the sun.
"We shall see, whether it will be new friend or potential rival," he sniffs. Even they [i]aren't[/b] worried about being hounded by shapeshifting thieves, wizards have never been the best at trusting the others of their kind-- wizardry is a jealous sort of profession, full of backstabbing and fierce elbowing for position, publication, and recognition.
Or perhaps that was just Mahdi's experience of wizardry.
"Thank you for your accompaniment, Garavel," he says with a little nod to the man. "Though I cannot claim it has always been a pleasure, I cannot say that you failed to serve bravely. Travel safely. Likely your road back will be easier without us along, for we seem to be a bit of a magnet for trouble."
With his preparations made and fancying himself to be looking devilishly handsome, Mahdi moves smoothly after the others, letting Aldebert go first but staying not far behind.
Garavel nods silently at everyone as they join him. He seems ill at ease. The quick approach of a towering man in his fifties gives some hint to Garavel's state. The bald man barks orders to his servant as he approaches and then turns to Garavel. "Unless you have business with me I suggest you leave. This lot he gestures dismissively at the gathered party seems more than capable of making their own introductions."
With a silent nod Garavel hands the sealed letter that he is holding to whomever is near, he doesn't even look to see who grabs it, but instead turns and leaves.
.
Pent stands facing a man over six feet tall holding a letter sealed by Almah. The man speaks quickly and gruffly.
"I am Rayhan master of this manor. Speak quickly gnome. My time, is valuable."
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"Garavel, you asshat, what kind of introduction is that?! You have no flourish, no gilded tongue up in that noggin worth flapping to at least offer our names...?! For the love of all things big and small that walk the face of this earth, passing each other by without a care in the world for a word of a name that would bring about a bond that could forge friendships forward and with fortune's blessing..."
Pent looks down at his newly-bequeathed, sealed letter. He hands it directly to Rayhan.
"Rayhan, master of your manor, I am sir Pent Arotha, Protector of Kelmarane, administrator extraordaire in absentia pro tem, and I humbly introduce you to Aldebert, Amiamble, Mahdi, and Otah. You will notice the halfs are sweating, because I have yet to offer you the names of the animals that reside between their legs, no, not the snakes, but the gecko and cat, Gretiem and Yeen, respectively. I have no idea nor desire to know the names they've given their snakes." He leans in to speak more quietly with Rayhan.
"To be honest, they likely named each other's snakes, that's how joined-at-the-hip those two are. You speak to the round one. The one with the scarves will only glower at you. See? Like he's doing to me right now. You'll get used to it."
Rayhan quickly unseals the letter, smiling while he reads he seems only momentarily annoyed with Pent's chatter.
"And you my fine gnome have the tongue of a snake. I can see way Lady Almah has trusted you with administering her endeavors. I imagine you talk those merchants right out of doing whatever thing it is they might think to do. Nodding silently to his servant who scrambles off. Now, on to your business. Please, enjoy some welcome. The man's demeanor has changed drastically. He turns and leads through though the gates to the manor..
A ten-foot-high stone wall surrounds modest-looking grounds perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and a wide metal gate secures the only entrance. Within stand five buildings, the central of which, at three stories, is easily the largest and tallest. To the west, a small but well-tended garden seems to be well- stocked with vegtables and fruit, while the grounds themselves are well-maintained with trimmed grass and a few palm trees.
Moving through the front entrance and into his study, which is situated in the front room of the villa.
This room is filled with comfortable seating, several small tables, an expensive silk carpet, and a large overstuffed couch. Paintings on the wall depict all manner of strange and exotic locations, including a huge dead creature in a swamp whose body has been turned into a fly-shrouded throne, a vast graveyard with a skull-shaped moon in the night sky, an idyllic woodland around crumbling stone ruins inhabited by animals who walk like men, and a gold and silver palace at the edge of a mirror-like lake above which ying women with the lower bodies of snakes play. The largest of these paintings hangs on the northern wall and depicts a jungle-covered island with a strange ship moored at a short stone pier on the closest beach.
"Now. All Lady Almah has said is that there is a matter you might need my assistance with?"
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Pent plops into one of the comfortable seats. As the others enter the villa, the gnome perks up to see if Yeen and Gretiem are welcome to enter as well.
"Now. All Lady Almah has said is that there is a matter you might need my assistance with?"
Pent turns to the others, and focuses on Amiamble, who is the most invested in this line of inquiry with the Scroll. Mahdi might have strong interest, but it's largely detached. Aldebert couldn't manage a quarter of the interest, and Otah fixates on more mundane writings. No, it's the hidden half that must speak now.
Pent strides across the room, and picks up Ami. He turns him over a couple of times, then locates the levers under the back of the shirt. He shoves his hand up Ami's backside, and plays with the jaw lever, testing it for life-like movement. As he inspects the face, he realizes no one will believe him if they can't see the mouth move. He reaches up to pull off the scarves, forgetting until he's reminded... He horks up a partially-digested piece of meat, and quickly replaces the scarves for the purpose they serve. He brings into existence a little water to rinse out his mouth, and calm the bile. He sits down, and plants Ami on his knee, and gives the lever a little pull, shaking the half just enough to bobble the head in a talk-a-talk gesture. Pent pulls his lips tight, allowing only the least of air to pass across his vocal chords, minimizing his act of speaking. "We have a Scroll. It's a pretty nifty Scroll. It's a shifty Scroll, too, as I lost it once. Oh! But we got it back, never you fear! And now we've brought it to you, and want to know what you know about the Scroll. We'll be ever in your debt, don't you fret! Just you ask what we can do for your in return for your well of knowledge!"
Pent beams, as the ventriloquist act behind his eyes comes to a conclusion. He dares Ami to do better.
As soon as the man turns his back, Aldebert gives him a long hard look.
- - -
Aldebert admires the art uneasily, "Nice pieces." as he waits for everyone to assemble.
When everyone has assembled, he sits lightly in a chair and decides to trust this man.
"We have a rare and unusual scroll. Can't quite make heads or tails out of it, but it's very important to us and we were hoping you could enlighten us. We're trusting you an awful lot just now, so I apologize if we seem a bit jumpy."
"There's a Janni after this scroll, and the damned bastard has done all manner of evil to get it - including, we think, the killing and impersonating of innocents."
"Can we trust you? Will you help us?"
He does not, as yet, retrieve he scroll from its hidden pouch hidden in Aldebert's armor.
The gnome shakes his head, as Aldebert, not Amiamble, speaks up on the huge, epic, monumental, grand subject matter of the Scroll. Hand up the wrong backside.
"To be honest, they likely named each other's snakes, that's how joined-at-the-hip those two are. You speak to the round one. The one with the scarves will only glower at you. See? Like he's doing to me right now. You'll get used to it."
Ami is, indeed, glowering at the gnome.
Brother! Make him mind his tongue!
* * *
This room is filled with comfortable seating, several small tables, an expensive silk carpet, and a large overstuffed couch.
Ami and Yeen make their way to the comfy couch, both jumping on and sitting. Yeen begins to clean himself. Everywhere...especially in the dark underareas where sand and dirt have gotten.
Mahdi swans in with a sigh of enjoyment at the material pleasures of the sitting room. After so long in the desert, a nice couch is a joy upon the rear end, so to speak, and ah, the probable offer of food and wine better than they've enjoyed since Almah's feast.
"It's more or less as they said," he clarifies to their host. "A scroll of great power... sought after by a most duplicitous janni who can shift forms. Even now we'll inevitably wonder if you're him," Mahdi says with a small, rueful smile and shrug, "but it must be risked, in any case. There are no scholars or libraries in Kelmarene itself-- yet-- that might hold the knowledge we need. I personally live in hopes of the temple of Nethys there being rededicated to the god of magic."
He looks at the paintings in the study with interest, fascinated by the surreal images.
Rayhan takes in the words, nodding. He seems deeply fascinated. "You needn't be concerned for this Janni. It is unlikely such a creature would approach the villa without me being alerted. Now, on to this scroll. If I may see it that would be a great help. He looks toward Ami. I will not take it. I simply need to examine it. You may set it on one of the tables, even hold it there if you wish for me not to touch it. It is quite likely a forgery. It cannot be what you claim."
Aldebert excuses himself and stands behind his chair for some privacy. Nice to be small.
He takes out the bag, and removes the scroll, replacing the bag in it's spot. The takes the scroll and lays it out for Rayhan to see.
"I think you'll be surprised sir."
He holds it so Rayhan can see it in its entirety.
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Ami rises, leaving Yeen on the couch, to help hold down the corners of the scroll. He watches the man's fingers to see if he would touch it, proving that he is a liar and isn't to be trusted...then they could leave here, this city, and never come back.
Go ahead and touch it, man. Touch it. I'm watching!!
Otah examines the interior of the villa as they enter, noting what exits he can.
When Rayhan is presented with the scroll, the dwarf waits a few seconds for seemingly inevitable betrayal and relaxes as the master of the manor doesn't snatch the scroll and run.
Leaning back comfortably in a chair, he relaxes and waits to hear what details of the find Rayhan can share.
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How many halfs does it take to hold down a single scroll? Two. One to hold down the scroll, one to imitate the first one so you always see a half in your sight-line when you try and get close. The scroll looks like a playing card, the way you can turn it upside down, and there's still a half in view. What a pair of jokers. Pent finds himself looking at the proceedings upside down in the chair, having turned over to see the scene from a different perspective. While upside down, he proceeds to scratch, now that certain items have moved out of the way due to gravity.
Rayhan looks closely at the scroll. He touches it carefully as he looks from different angles. Muttering to himself an invisible force moves window coverings to let in more light. With a wave a hand he lights a nearby candle and holds it near to the scroll. After fiddling with lighting he speaks a quick word. Seemingly unsatisfied he utters another series of words. Finally, he sits the candle down and steps away from the table. His eyes begin to glow blue and continue to do so as he stares at the scroll. Slowly you notices that his composure is giving way. By the time he turns to speak his hands are shaking. He does not attempt to hide his wide eyed look.
"It would appear that I was a bit hasty in my initial disbelief. This scroll is highly intriguing. I’ve studied the legend of Kakishon for years, and in that time I’ve seen countless shams and forgeries and dead ends. But this scroll... this could be the real thing.
“The legends say that Kakishon was created by the wizard-king Nex to serve him as a portable paradise and an impenetrable bolt-hole. Much as the more commonplace bag of holding opens into its own reality, the Scroll of Kakishon was said to contain this entire world inside of it—the scroll was not Kakishon, but the doorway by which Nex could enter and exit the realm. Kakishon was said to have been a paradise, a laboratory, a menagerie, a hunting ground, and even a tomb—most likely, it was all these things and more, with each island serving a different role.
“The legend of Kakishon falls into increasing obscurity after Nex’s war with Geb began. All signs point to the strong possibility that Nex had grown dissatisfied with Kakishon and had lost interest. When he vanished from the face of Garund in 576 AR, he left the Scroll of Kakishon behind. Eventually, it was stolen from his castle and the scroll passed through many hands. Some used it as a prison for their enemies, others as a place to impress allies or as a vault for their treasures, the stories say. The closer to the present day we get, the more obscure the rumors grow—no sign of the Scroll of Kakishon seems to have surfaced over the past several hundred years.
“The last person to own the scroll, I believe, was a Keleshite wizard named Andrathi. The accounts of his life are vague and fragmentary, but it would appear that he was the lover of a genie named Nefeshti, the leader of a group known as the Templars of the Five Winds. Legend holds that the Templars fought somewhere in the mountains against a cruel efreeti warlord named Jhavhul, and that while the Templars of the Five Winds managed to capture Jhavhul inside of Kakishon, the defeat was shadowed in loss. No sign of Andrathi or the Scroll of Kakishon remained after the battle. No sign... until today.
“This is an important find. If you will let me, I would very much like to look into this matter, to research this scroll and decipher some of the writings upon it. And if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, there are protections placed upon it to prevent undesirables from being able to open it and travel to the world within. Yet in time, I feel that I will be able to decipher these writings. You see, before he vanished, the wizard Andrathi went through the same process—yet he obviously managed to discover the way to open the scroll, even if it meant his doom. Some of his writings have survived to this day, and as it happens, I own copies of these writings. By building upon the foundation he lays in his writings, I am sure that I will be able to duplicate his research and re open it. It may take days, even weeks, but if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, I will find the key to open it.
“But once it is open, I will need your aid, should you be willing to provide it. The legends speak of great treasures kept safe in Kakishon, the greatest of which was Jhavhul’s own weapon, the legendary Firebleeder, said by some to be a falchion and others a living flame. Sadly, my adventuring days are behind me, but if I find the way, I would be honored to accompany you into Kakishon to find the truth!”
Pent begins upside-down in a chair, and ends up listening to Rayhan alongside the man. "Firebleeder?? Kakishon?? Jhavhul?? Nefeshti?? Andrathi?? Nex?? These are impressive-sounding names, Rayhan. Impressive. You sure Firebleeder isn't a crossbow? Falchions are ham-handed weapons, meant for muscled men without shirts." The gnome catches some drool from slipping down his beard.
"So, the janni is shooting for the treasures. Or the janni is shooting to impress a djinni or efreeti. No matter. There are more than us who know this Scroll exists and know this Scroll travels with us. Who knows who knows we're here, in your villa? Everyone we travel with becomes a point of interest for someone interested in inserting themselves into our interests. What is our interest in this interesting Scroll, by the way? Are we really the ones to oversee the studying of the Scroll, then the unlocking of the Scroll, then the unstocking of Kakishon?" The gnome looks to each of his allies.
Ami listens to the story with mouth open (not that anyone can see it under this face scarf), so much so that he doesn't even notice the man break his word and touch the scroll.
He looks at his brother, thinking.
Aldebert listens to his brother after the incredible amount of information he has yet to fully parse.
He turns to their would-be benefactor, "Dear sir, I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but we'd like to hold off for a day before giving you the scroll to research. You see we've gone through a lot to protect this scrap of paper, and to just hand it over to you now makes us uneasy."
"Almah has said we can trust you and vice versa, but surely you wouldn't begrudge us a little research of our own? Just a day. We can reconvene here late tomorrow morning and discuss our plans further then."
"If you don't mind."
"No offense at all. In my excitement I was, unclear. It is very much the best for all if you keep hold of the scroll. My research, though I may need at times to see the scroll, does not rely on holding it. By all means, do with it as you see fit. Though I must admit I think it is safest if it is kept on the person yourself or one of your party. Do understand that normally the services I am offering would come at considerable cost. Know also that there are few libraries beyond mine that will provide any better clue of the scroll's purpose let alone volumes within reasonable traveling distance. I of course, as I have made clear, have great interest in solving this mystery. So much so that I would extend full hospitality to you and your fellows. Please, feel welcome to stay in my villa. You will not find safer accommodations within the city. Does that sound like a satisfactory arrangement?" Rayhan looks at Aldebert and the party as whole.
Ami looks at the party's leader, Aldebert, for a decision on the matter. He looks back at Yeen as well, to see if the cat has any reaction. When the scroll is safely stowed away on Aldebert, Ami will go back to Yeen.
He will whisper in the cat's ear, burying his lips into the cat's ear.
"Master Rayhan, while we provide access to the scroll and it's safety, would you allow us to take advantage of your library? Engage in research as a team effort?"
"Thank you for the hospitality. Might you know of any persons looking for work in the area?"
Rayhan looks curiously at Otah
"Master Otah, I mean no offense but at the look of you I would say your arms look more equipped to fighting off those that might ransack such knowledge, not for the easy work of turning pages. What assistance might you or those with you render? You understand that this suggestion would be like me offering to help mine the great veins of mithril with the masters among your kin. Would I not just get in their way? Slow the work they are best gifted to accomplish?"
If I've ever seen an example of killing with kindness... the dwarf shrugs off the insult. I'd get in the way, true.
"I don't ask for myself, but Mahdi here is a bright fellow. Figuratively and occasionally literally. The gnome is a master of words, especially nonsensical-but-pointed ones. If I were to ask for myself, I'd just read the books you have on more layman subjects, like food, women, beer, and maybe a war story or two."
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Distracted a moment by his indulgence in the creature comforts offered by Rayhan, Mahdi's mouth is full for the initial speech-- these toffees are excellent-- but he hurriedly grabs some wine in order to try and clear his mouth and contribute.
"What you tell us of the scroll matches my own researches-- we had discovered the connection to Kakishon already, and a very little of its history, but what you say fills in some blanks that had been missing, and goes a ways to explaining how the scroll wound up where we found it," he intones, eager to show that some in his company (and by some, he means, himself) are also students of history and the arcane.
"I have no objections to your further study of it-- indeed, that is partially why we came at all, to receive insight. But my friend Otah's suggestion has some merit-- I, at least, am more scholar than warrior. My research to date has been stymied by the fact that I dared ask few questions even of the learned who did come to Kelmarene-- for fear of alerting potential enemies-- and, as I've mentioned, Kelmarene has no libraries as of yet. But if you permit me access to your library, Master Rayhan, you shall not regret it."
Mahdi turns to half-include the others in the group. "--as for why we should seek to open the door to Kakishon, for which this scroll is a key--? Whyever should we not? This is a chance which few mortals can dream of, my friends-- to see a world created by one of the greatest wizards to ever live... to learn its secrets, expand our knowledge... and even aside from this fire-blade-thing," (Mahdi has little interest in weapons) "--imagine what other treasures we might find! We could even be missionaries of Sarenrae while we're there," he adds drolly, as a sop to the religious fanatics in the group. "Or Abadar. Whatever."
"Excellent. Then it's settled. We'll hold onto the scroll, we'll stay here, Mahdi will help you, and we'll all come to discover the door to Kakishon."
Aldebert stands and grins at the group. He's not completely sure what's going to happen in the next few days, and that's a little unsettling, but most of him is looking forward to it.
What a mystery!
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Rayhan considers Mahdi's words quietly after carefully smiling at Otah's reply. With his reply he seems to add humor more to Otah's inquiry than Mahdi's suggestion, though he does not pointedly decline the suggestion.
"I find that first hand research is of more use than whatever words might be put down when it comes to companionship or drink. In both those realms I am sure you will find much to learn in the city. It is settled then. You will stay here as you please. Safeguarding the scroll as you have and permitting a glimpse at your leisure when there is need."
With that Rayhan offers a tour of the villa, making a point to show each of you to quarters to select at your choosing. Though he points out where his room is he does open the door.
A5: Storage Shed.
A6: Grounds keeper's quarter's
During the tour the servant whom had delivered Garavel's initial message, is encountered. The quiet man is quickly introduced by Rayman.
"This is Eramin, my grounds keeper. Other than myself he is the only one here. He can help retrieve supplies you might need for making your quarters and will prepare meals." The owlish looking man nods silently and continues about his work.
'Does not understanding provide means for protection?'
Ami shakes his head.
No, no it doesn't. That doesn't make sense!
Ami looks at Mahdi, as if wanting to ask the man a question. Ami approaches Mahdi, tugging on his pants(? cloak?), begging the man to come down so Ami might address the man face to face (or scarf to ear as Ami intends to whisper).
"Mahdi! It doesn't make sense. Vardishal says that this scroll is very important to Sarenrae. Very important. It must be protected, he said." Ami looks into Mahdi's ear very seriously and continues. "But this man, Rainman, doesn't mention anything about Sarenrae's concern with this scroll. I asked Vardishal what to do, but I heard nothing. But then I felt 'Does not understanding provide means for protection?' which doesn't make any sense!"
Ami pauses to make sure the man is listening and not preening or grandstanding.
"How do I know what Sarenrae wants Mahdi? Does Sarenrae want these mysteries revealed? Or are we to guard and protect them from others? Tell me what the goddess wants, Mahdi! TELL ME!"
"Do understand that normally the services I am offering would come at considerable cost."
Pent smacks his lips as Rayhan boasts. "Rayhan, I'd like to know how much you normally charge for your services. Rayhan, I'd also like you to be aware of what you are offering to become a part. We just told you about a janni, a ruthless, goddessless, privatepartless, unscrupulous louse of a bastard-born. That Scroll came up from the depths of the House of the Beast, and it's traveled this far to have entered the House of Rayhan. You're touched, like we're touched. You're our key to opening the Scroll's magics, which means we have just as much to worry about you as we do the Scroll. You really want to join our pursuit here, or would you rather point us to someone else to do the research? No offense, of course. You're your own man, and can smell the danger you face to tell the stranger from the familiar, like us. We're jumping at shadows, for all the paranoia of being chased because we hold such a thing. You could have unwanted guests in the near future. Just saying."
Mahdi huffs a little that Rayhan isn't more appreciative of his genius, but supposes he has to accept that. At Ami's whispering, he grimaces, and bends low to answer the halfling.
Straightening back up, Mahdi clears his throat. "May I suggest something? A phrase or word of some sort, by which we might all understand we are each who we claim to be-- in case the janni later tries to impersonate one of us."
Ami stares, gape mouthed, at Mahdi.
"How do *you* know what we are supposed to do!?" Ami says and stommps away toward Yeen. He sulks back into the couch, drawing up his feet and cuddling into Yeen. He cracks one eye open to watch the others...and make sure no one is attacking his brother.
"We just told you about a janni, a ruthless, goddessless, privatepartless, unscrupulous louse of a bastard-born. That Scroll came up from the depths of the House of the Beast, and it's traveled this far to have entered the House of Rayhan."
The gnome! Ami jumps off the couch as if he forgot the gnome existed until he spoke again. Of course! Maybe he can help.
Ami moves closer to the gnome, slinking slowly closer so he can think about what he wants to ask of the small, smelly not-man.
"I find that first hand research is of more use than whatever words might be put down when it comes to companionship or drink. In both those realms I am sure you will find much to learn in the city. It is settled then. You will stay here as you please. Safeguarding the scroll as you have and permitting a glimpse at your leisure when there is need."
Otah chuckles at Rayhan's wit. "Then research, I shall!"
"May I suggest something? A phrase or word of some sort, by which we might all understand we are each who we claim to be-- in case the janni later tries to impersonate one of us."
"Smart. What will it be then? Not something Fire or Sarah related, I would imagine. Too easy."
Ami's dissatisfied response to his suggestion earns the halfling an indifferent shrug. "If you didn't think I did, why did you ask?" the mage asks sarcastically.
Of the tour itself, Mahdi is quite taken with the comfort and sophisticated luxury of the house. This.... this is the kind of place he would like for himself. He can rough it in the desert, and has, but he would very much like to have a life of creature comforts such as this. The glance into the library earns a tiny whimper from him-- boooooookss-- but he clears his throat and makes himself move on.
As regards the bedroom, Mahdi examines his fingernails. "No trouble at all, good host-- I assure you, this is more than generous housing after our time on the road." He looks to the others. "So, Ami and Alde in one room, naturally-- Otah and Pent the next-- and, since I take up twice as much space as the rest of you charmingly compact individuals, it makes sense that I have my own, no?"
As regards the password, Mahdi is, in fact, rather disappointed that Otah shoots down 'fire' before he can even suggest it. Mahdi is in some ways a very predictable man.
"Perhaps... mattress. Or bathtub. Or wineglass," Mahdi offers, his mind still dwelling on all the comforts of guest-hood in a nice house.
Rayhan circles back toward his library as he begins to answer Pent's question.
"If you must know the cost then I will tally the time as I would normally. This is not like going to market and purchasing a fine trinket. There is no telling how much time it will take to unravel this mystery, but if it matters so I will take time away from the work to keep a record for whatever verbose reason you have in mind. As for the danger Rayhan walks quickly into his library and begins pulling books from the shelves. the risk is worth it many times over. You see, I have spent much of my life studying the many dimensions and planes and the objects that connect them. If what you have brought me is truly what it appears then there is no thing that I could learn more from. By this point the pile of books towers over Pent. Each of these volumes, I've poured over seeking understanding. But like staring at a romantic prospect what I have found is quite limited. Here now I have a chance to act. To hold. To pierce a mystery like no other. There could very well be forces more powerful than a solitary janni pursuing you. I will take the risk. With a wave of his hand the books begin to return to where they have been taken. From somewhere within the sleeves of his robe he retrieves a gem. This will pierce any magic that a janni might use to hide its appearance. I suggest we make use of it when we gather for meals and any time I ask to see the scroll." He holds the finely cut and polished stone to his eye, taking a moment to survey those gathered before handing it off to Mahdi.
"Now if there is nothing more immediate I would very much like to break fast and begin my review of the relevant materials. Eramin can obtain any basic supplies you might need to make you comfortable. He should also have food prepared for you shortly if you wish to eat."
"Perhaps... mattress. Or bathtub. Or wineglass," Mahdi offers, his mind still dwelling on all the comforts of guest-hood in a nice house.
"Hopscotch. A kids game. It'll be perfect."
- - -
"Thank you Rayhan for your hospitality, access to your very fine home, and your incredible library. I'm not sure we'll be safe here, but certainly safer than we might be in some haphazard inn."
"Thank you."
Aldebert suggests they get cleaned up and relax a bit from the road, have a little to eat, and head into he city. "I myself have some shopping to do, and a few things to acquire for our sister, Haleen."
"Brother, I hope that you will join me - it would be good for you to be in a proper city again." he grins, "And I may need protection."
He turns to the others, "Anybody else care to join me? My errands shouldn't take long, and I'd be happy to follow you on your own when mine are complete. Otah, I may be visiting you people, the dwarves. I think they'll have what I need."
He seeks, to start, mithral. He needs 12 pounds of it to make his new armor, at least. He will inquire about places that might make the armor for him. If they can do it quickly, he might have it done here in town rather than waiting until he gets home.
...that is if folks can lend him some cash. He's a few thousand short of buying the complete suit. Damn mithral armor is expensive!