Sadiki lowers her eyes as she tries to gather her thoughts. "Of course I have feelings for you, Okoro. I would not have been your girlfriend for over a year if I did not. I love you, and I love being with you. I've often thought that after we both graduated, that maybe we would... You know, get married, start a family..."
She sighs and looks up at Okoro. "I wouldn't say that I am into girls. But, Issi isn't just any girl. And she has always been more than just my sister. We've been inseparable since we were kids. Long before my change, she was the only one who truly knew me. Who understood me. Who stood by me when even our own parents turned their backs on me. The love I have for her transcends all else. And now... That love is manifesting in a strange new way.
"I know it doesn't make sense. I know it is... taboo. But my love for her does not diminish my love for you. I still want to be with you, Okoro. I still want to be your wife one day. If you will have me. If you can accept this."
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Okoro manages a smile, its a tad wobbly but still a smile. "What man could say no to such beauty?" He asks, leaning across the table to kiss Sadiki. "I can't pretend that I understand you and Issi, but I won't stand in your way. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and I know yours is genuine - that much is obvious."
"So," He continues, pulling his chair around the table. "Oh might Lore-Speaker, can you help me with Cubbage's Third Principle? No matter how many times I read it I simply don't understand it."
It seems that Sadiki has secured the best of both worlds - for a while at least.
Sadiki laughs and cries at the same time as relief floods through her. "The Third Principle can wait!" she declares as she leaps into Okoro's arms and showers him with kisses!
Chapter 3: Hurricane's Howl
As the new semester at the Magaambya is about to get started, the head of the Magaambya, High Sun-Mage Oyamba, meets with you to congratulate you and answer any questions you have. He’s a tall, charming man with a perpetually distracted look, as the business of running the Magaambya is a time-consuming one. He mentions absently that your exploits as students haven’t made his job any easier, but they’ve made the school significantly safer, and for that he’s grateful. Oyamba also introduces you to your cohort of students, offering a bit of background on each of them.
Among your students are a handful of familiar faces. Two of your former classmates, Ignaci Canterells and Mariama Keitana, are both close to becoming lore-speakers themselves, but haven’t yet fulfilled their final requirements. The cohort also includes the anadis whom you got to know during the last year, as well as Fire-Pot Ubanu.
The other students are unfamiliar to you. Jumimo has been a student at the academy since before some members of the faculty were even born. While the Ekujae elf is more than qualified to become a lore‑speaker, he refuses to take the last steps that would lead to graduation. Onyiji’s entire life path had already been plotted out by her elders before she even came to the academy. As the most accomplished spellcaster and fighter in her home village, the half-orc was chosen over a number of rivals to attend the Magaambya. She has the makings of a talented magus, but she’s a bit arrogant and makes no effort to earn friends. Fardrik and Selozè, two tieflings, are rarely seen without one another. Fardrik is disarmingly charismatic and loves to gossip, making him the perfect Emerald Bough. He uses humor to deflect questions of his past, but has opened up to those closest to him about the oppression he faced as a tiefling in the formerly Cheliax-held colony of Sargava. Fardrik knows Ignaci from those prerevolution days, but the two didn’t move in the same circles and even today don’t get along. Selozè’s parents are Bekyar devil-binders, and his birth was the condition of one of their pacts. He ran away from home at a young age, and arrived at the Magaambya after honing his talents on his own. Fardrik and Selozè met shortly after enrolling at the academy and formed an instant bond that slowly grew into romance. The final new member of their student group is I’boko. I’boko is a brilliant student who excels at nearly every subject but always seems distant. She often spaces out during class, although her work never seems to suffer for it. However, I’boko never seems to get any satisfaction from her work; in fact, the more successful the dwarf is, the more dejected she becomes. She feels incredibly guilty about attending the Magaambya, worried that she’s taking the “easy path” while her family labors in Kiutu.
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Issi immediately claims Mariama as her research and teaching assistant - partly because she can and partly because she genuinely wants to help her friend, and the pair of them have had similar research interests every since the 'incident' with the jann.
She listens politely as High Sun-Mage Oyamba talks about her new mentees and finds herself with no particular questions after his thorough assessment of the students.
"Thank you High Sun-Mage." She says politely, "Do you have any recommendations or suggestions about how best to mentor our students?"
”My best advice is to listen as much as you talk. There is much you can teach these students, but there is much you can learn from them, as well,” Oyamba says.
***
The first day of classes goes well. Both Ignaci and Mariama are excited to have you as their teachers, and Mariama suggests the four of you go out that night to drink and reminisce about the early days at the Magaambya together.
”I can’t believe you two are teachers now! After all of the mischief we used to get into together!” Mariama laughs. ”Well, as your assistant, I will be sure that there is still plenty of mischief to keep you on your toes!”
”I’m still trying to figure out what secret method you used in order to advance so quickly,” Ignaci says. ”Know that I will be paying extra close attention in your classes to try to learn your ways.”
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"Remind me why I chose you to be my assistant?" Issi asks Mariama with a smile, before tapping her mug against Mari's. "May my classes never be boring enough to make you make mischief."
"Our secret? Being terrifyingly competent of course." Issi says a few minutes later with a grin and a wink to Ignaci. "But seriously, I think we had some truly terrible luck at lucky times. I mean the number of times we got attacked by something at what was supposed to be a celebration! I think it paid off though because we were seen to be capable in front of a lot of people, so when competent people were needed our names were already in mind - we didn't have to try and win attention, and then that fed on itself. The more we did, the more we were asked to do." She takes a long swig of her drink and offers a toast to Ignaci. "So in summary, don't fail. Oh, and maybe avoid being violently stung by giant wasps?"
Much laughter around the table as everyone recalls Ignaci's unfortunate encounter with giant wasps and how ridiculous his face looked for a week afterwards.
"Giant bee. It was a bee!" Ignaci corrects with an embarrassed laugh.
An hour and several more drinks later, Mariama leans forward. "Anyway, Teacher Issi, I have to confess that we had an ulterior motive in inviting you out tonight." She and Ignaci spare a conspiratorial glance. "You see, through our own independent research, we have each discovered a series of magical glyphs and runes hidden at several points around the campus and the surrounding city of Nantambu. Ignaci is convinced they’re a part of a Chelaxian conspiracy to invade the school and steal its secrets, but I believe they are the focus for a massive ritual intended to shift the entire school to another plane! Maybe even the domain of one of Old-Mage Jatembe's ancient enemies! But neither one of us can continue our research without accessing restricted school documents. Lore-speakers can provide the needed authorization, of course..."
Ignaci nods. "Indeed. Will you help us? We have to protect the school. And... I have to show Mariama that my theory is correct!"
"Pfft! In your dreams!" Mariama counters.
Mariama happily shows off some of the glyphs she has discovered. They are unfamiliar to either sister. You'll have to consult the school's records to learn more.
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"Well then, this seems like a group project." Issi says, finding herself interested. "Meet us at the records room tomorrow, first thing, and we'll see what we can find."
Although the topic is interesting Issi finds the process stultifyingly boring, and it is only the need to keep up appearances that she persists for so long...
Sadiki finds the research equally boring. Even with Mariama and Ignaci around to help, it takes forever. "Gods, I wish we could be done with this," the sorceress mutters. As if in response, a book falls off a nearby shelf. She thumbs through it and--"Issi! Look, here it is!"
Records show that, although the runes line up with certain constellations known in antiquity, there’s nothing sinister behind them. The glyphs were a part of an unfinished thesis project on astrology, begun by a former student who later changed their focus of study. They simply left the out-of-the-way runes in place on the off chance that someone else might someday pick up the project where they left off. Mariama and Ignaci are both relieved and a little disappointed to discover the runes’ benign nature. Ignaci is eager to move on to other endeavors after this, but Mariama still has a few questions and decides to learn out more about the former student’s thesis. They thank you for your help!
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"Well that's one mystery solved." Issi says, thoroughly relieved. "Don't let it stop you being curious though! It's the only way to find out new things."
With that piece of (she feels) good teacherly wisdom, Issi makes a beeline out of the records room and decides to head to the market to immerse herself in people and life for a while - and pick up food for dinner!
A few weeks pass as you start to become comfortable in your role as teachers. Goss and his companions are quickly becoming some of your most devoted students. The anadis have worked hard to overcome their initial shyness, but they still prefer each other’s company. They bury themselves in their lessons and dedicate most of their time to researching obscure formulas that support some of their more unorthodox theories about the potential applications of magic. In an effort to coax the anadis into becoming more comfortable with their fellow students, the school administration has given them your old rooms in the Spire Dormitory.
One day, the anadi students approach you, looking obviously nervous. Goss starts a long, rambling explanation about how a class on preservation of endangered flora led him to do further research into environmental conservation. This in turn led to research on urban sprawl, which led to research on alternative forms of waste management, which led to research on using magic to eradicate waste. He began theorizing on the possibility of an artificial creature that consumes refuse.
When pressed, Goss confesses that the anadis went beyond theory and have actually managed to create a creature that proved more voracious and more powerful than they anticipated. It’s currently on the loose in the Spire Dormitory, going from room to room and eating whatever it can find. None of the students can control or contain it, and the anadis need your help!
You quickly discover the roiling mass of unstable magic engulfing objects and furniture in the dormitory! It begins to fly towards you!
The thing launches bolts of arcane force at Issi!
Issi's blade slices into the roiling mass, but it absorbs the electricity into itself, taking no damage from the evocation spell! "I don't think we'll be able to blast this one to bits!" Sadiki says. She casts haste on her sister.
The creature lashes Issi with its tendrils, despite Sadiki's attempt to conceal her!
Once more, Issi's magic has no effect, though her sword slices the thing again. "Just try hitting it!" Sadiki suggests as she patches up her sister.
The creature clobbers Issi again!
With little other recourse, Sadiki draws her staff and flanks the strange creature. This allows Issi to score two good hits, and at last, the thing collapses in on itself and vanishes.
Once the creature is vanquished, though, a group of shouting students approach you, angry about having their own projects and personal belongings destroyed. They want Goss to be punished for his recklessness.
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"I think you'll find Goss has learned his lesson." Issi says sharply, somewhat short on patience after being thoroughly mauled by the sentient magic. "It was his possessions that the creature ate first after-all. Anything issued to you by the school will be replaced at no cost to you, as for the rest Goss and his companions will be spending his free time for the next month cleaning, repairing and fixing everything that they can. If you have specific issues then you can speak with them in person. I will be monitoring the situation to ensure that everything is dealt with in a timely, appropriate and safe manner. That. Is. All."
"What she said," Sadiki says in support of her sister.
The students grumble a bit but accept the light repercussions you have instated. Goss bows to you. "Thank you, teachers. I am remorseful that things got out of hand, but I will assure you that nothing like this will happen again in the future."
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"It had better not!" Issi replies, an unusual amount of venom in her voice. "If this happens again I'll make you deal with it!"
Realising that she's coming across a bit harsh she makes an effort to soften her tone.
"It's an excellent idea Goss, but you need to be a lot more careful working on something like this. You may be aiming for a construct, but when dealing with pure magic like that you should bindings in place as well, as if you were summoning an extra-planar being. Combine the two, in a sealed environment and you should be able to get somewhere."
"Yes, Teacher!" Goss says, bowing once more.
Thenceforth, the anadis are much more careful with their experiments, and always seek your permission before trying something potentially dangerous!
***
A couple of months pass. Your students are applying themselves well, making great strides in their studies. While crossing campus one day, you pass the sparring grounds and see the half-orc Onyiji in combat with two other students. They seem to be pushing her back at first, but she quickly turns the fight around, knocking both opponents onto their backs at once. She complains loudly that she can’t improve if no one is going to give her a challenge.
Nooticing the two you, she calls to you. “Teachers! Perhaps you can help me. I need someone to review my performance, but none of my peers can keep up. Would one of you do me the honor of sparring?”
Onyiji grins and spins her staff. "I am studying the Twisted Tree style of magus combat. I'll show you my moves!"
AUDITORY CONCENTRATE LINGUISTIC MENTAL
Prerequisites This must be your last action on your turn.
You provide Onyiji with an evaluation of her tactics and how your actions during your turn were intended to counter her attacks. Attempt a DC 22 Diplomacy or Intimidation check, or a DC 20 check with an appropriate Lore skill, such as Warfare Lore. If you hit Onyiji with a melee Strike during your turn, you have a +2 circumstance bonus to this check (+4 if you critically hit Onyiji on your turn).
Critical Success: You communicate especially insightful feedback and gain 2 Appraisal Points.
Success: You gain 1 Appraisal Point for your commentary.
Critical Failure: Onyiji openly wonders whether you’re the right person to teach her. She gains a +1 status bonus on attack rolls against you during the combat, and you have a –1 circumstance penalty to Assess Onyiji’s Performance. This bonus and penalty are cumulative with subsequent critical failures.
Onyiji moves in and channels electricity into her staff as she strikes! You narrowly manage to parry the attack!
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"A good strike!" Issi says encouragingly. Since the gloves seem to be off she unleashes a spellstrike of her own, using her magically enhanced speed to close and retreat before Onyiji can manage a strong defense.
"That was good but you need to account for your opponent more." Issi says, hovering out of range again. "The staff is an excellent weapon if you can keep a certain distance between you - getting too close can allow your foe inside your guard, making you vulnerable."
Onyiji cries out as the electricity zaps her. She nods at Issi's words and takes a step back, adjusting her grip to give her staff reach. She channels fire into it as she strikes again, nearly landing a critical hit!
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"Good!" Issi says, wincing at the blow. "The distance should give you more chance to react on the defense now."
And sure enough Onyiji is able to parry.
"Well done. If you can maintain a strong defense then you can decide when to switch to aggression." Issi says, grinning as the thrill of battle runs through her veins.
"Ha! I think I've got it now. Time for aggression!" Onyiji says. She casts a quick spell and swings her staff, her aim true as she bashes Issi upside the head! She follows with a thrust to Issi's gut.
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Issi doesn't bother with a comment this time, using the unavoidable folding over from a blow to the stomach to strike low with all the speed and power she is capable of.
"Well done." She says, withdrawing after the blow and stowing her sword in a flash of magic. "Excellent counterattack and good tactics. The only thing you need now is a back-up plan. You're too used to taking your opponents down and need to consider what happens if you fight someone else with more experience who can take your best shots and still fight. How do you win the fight then?"
Onyiji gasps again as Issi shocks her! She takes a few staggering steps back and nods at her teacher's advice. "I see. This has proven to be quite exciting and enlightening. Thank you for indulging me, Teacher Flamehair! I think that is enough for now." The half-orc grins and bows.
A crowd of students had gathered to watch the duel, and they break out into applause.
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"You are a superb fighter Onyiji." Issi says, clasping the half-orcs forearm in the grip of warriors. "Build your magic a little more and you will be unstoppable."
She leaves the sparring ring with her blood fizzing inside her, the combination of magic and adrenaline a potent mix and spends a few minutes offering advice to a number of the other students before nodding her head towards the Heron building and the twin's shared office space in a silent message to Sadiki.
Once there she holds still long enough for Sad to deal with the worst of her injuries and reduce the slight ringing in her skull. Then she gives in, pushes her sister firmly up against the wall and proceeds to kiss her ferociously as the pent up energy inside her demands!
Sadiki is surprised by her younger sister's sudden ferocity. She lets out a little mewl as Issi presses her into the wall and goes on the attack. "Mmm! Issi, what's gotten into you?" she asks when her sister allows her a break for air.
Sadiki's heart is beating quickly, her sister stoking the flames of her own desire. She nods wordlessly, eager to see the trick Issi speaks of.
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Issi produces a length of rope from somewhere and sets about swiftly tying Sadiki's wrists together in a remarkably pretty rope pattern that spirals down her arms until the sorceress is bound from wrist to elbow. Issi ties the final knot with a little flourish and then steps back.
"What do you think?" She asks, "Pretty, isn't it?"
Then the glint reappears in her eye.
"What am I going to do with you now?" She asks, her voice going low and slightly husky. "All tied up and helpless in front of me..."
Sadiki can't help but rub her thighs together as her sister binds her arms. "Oh..." She pretends to struggle a bit. "It's so tight. I can't break out! You could do anything you wanted to me, and I couldn't stop you..."
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"I do like the sound of that!" Issi says. She pushes Sadiki's bound arms upwards and forces her way into the small remaining space, pushing her body flush against her sisters. "I like the sound of that a lot!"
The sound of ripping fabric heralds Sadiki's robe hitting the floor, then Issi pushes first her leg and then her fingers between her sister's thighs and gets to work.
By the time the sisters are done Issi is sprawled boneless and naked on her chair, with her equally naked sister's head resting on her bare legs, bound hands still held in front of her.
"Wow." The magus says with a tired smile."You really got into that. I'm going to have to spar more regularly!"
"Yes, please," Sadiki replies in a contented whisper. If Okoro could see her now...
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"There's a whole art form based on rope tying." Issi says some time later as the sisters walk home together. "Some of the stuff I've seen is really beautiful. There's a group that meets here weekly and I've been going for a few months now - I got actually interested after I started doing it to tease you." She gives her sister a gentle nudge in the side. "Would you like to come sometime? It would be really useful for me to have a model to practise on and then we could do some of the more elaborate stuff. They have competitions every so often too but I can't enter without a model of my own... it isn't a sex thing. Or at least it doesn't have to be."
"Okay. That sounds like fun, Issi," Sadiki says earnestly. "You know I'm happy to help with any passion projects of yours. And maybe after, we can channel some of that passion in bed..."
***
A couple weeks pass as the semester rolls along. Your former mentor and now fellow lore-speaker, Takulu Ot, takes you to the side one day for a private conversation about the elf Jumimo. Jumimo is by far the most learned student in the school, with more practical knowledge than most of the teachers. While he knows that Jumimo won’t accept a promotion to lore-speaker, he doesn’t know why. He has tried several times to convince Jumimo to graduate, and Jumimo flatly refuses each time, only stating that he “can’t do it yet.” While Takulu Ot hasn’t been able to motivate Jumimo, he believes you can.
Takulu suggests you talk to Nhyira, one of the longest-tenured lore-speakers at the school. Unfortunately, Nhyira is a bit hard to pin down, as she’s on sabbatical at this time to focus on her collections of rare flowers and mushrooms.
Issi easily tracks the elf down to a public garden on Nantambu’s western edge. Although she first requires a little assistance repotting some bright flowers, Nhyira shares what she knows.
"Yes, I know the boy well. He was one of my first students, almost 50 years ago now. He enrolled together with his older brother, Tizawa. Those two, they were inseparable. They made a pact to graduate together and become teachers. Jumimo would always be fast at Tizawa’s heel, but I don’t think he ever minded. Jumimo’s admiration inspired Tizawa to always do better, and those successes inspired Jumimo in turn.
“Slowly, Jumimo started to surpass his older brother. I don’t think either noticed at first. But one day, Tizawa realized he couldn’t keep up. Both boys had talent, but Jumimo always worked just a little bit harder. Tizawa grew increasingly frustrated until eventually it was too much and he left the school. Jumimo wrote him letters frequently, encouraging him to return, but Tizawa never replied. After a few years, he gave up on writing, but he still keeps his promise. He won’t graduate without his brother.”
Nhyira reveals that Tizawa never actually left the city. He works in Nantambu as an apothecary, but the brothers haven’t seen each other in person in decades.
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"That's really sad." Issi says, "Where is it that he works? I need to visit him."
More specifically both sisters visit the apothecary - this is clearly a question of family, and family sticks together.
"Tizawa?" Issi asks, upon entering the shop. "My name is Issi and this is my sister Sadiki. We came to speak to you about Jumimo."