Skaar quietly checks out the warrior-women, enjoying the sight of so many exotic beauties. His mirth fades when Jarrah explains the plan. The big Orc didn't like being taken anywhere but Sadhana seemed to trust them so he played along. "You got anythin' to drink down here?"
Jarrah nods at Sādhanā before the two Anizari lead the rest of the group away. You catch a glimpse of Jarrah embracing Godrick as you depart.
"Water," one of the women answers Skaar.
The two women lead you into a large cavernous city. The buildings glow with the same luminescence that the cave did. A grand set of stone stairs leads down to the living area of the Anizari. The buildings are functional but plain, constructed of what looks like marble. The shouts of training echo throughout the city.
"Here is our meeting hall," the talkative of the women says, ushering you into a round building with many seats. "We will wait here until Godrick returns."
As they were being taken to the community, Drago felt a chill brush up against him that had nothing to do with wind. Looking around he saw a darkened side chamber that seemed to beckon him. Turning to one of the Anazari, he asked, "Excuse me, but what's in there?" Pointing towards the darkened chamber.
Skaar frowns, first disappointed at the lack of proper booze and second at being caged.
Sādhanā sits next to Clara,taking her hand. "How does it feel to be somewhere that is pretty much a legend to most people who grew up here?"
"A little frightening, really," Clara says, looking at the two fierce women standing in front of the group.
"There is nothing there, dhampir," one of the women replies to Drago. "Just storage."
Then why do I feel drawn to it? Drago wondered. There is something strange going here, that's for sure. Should I investigate it? Probably end up with a blade at me throat. No, I'll just leave it alone. He leaned back in his chair and relaxed.
Godrick returns a short while later. "I am done here."
The two Anizari escort you back to Jarrah. "Now, Sādhanā, what is it that you needed to ask me?"
Arista nods as she listens to Corda, "Yeah, I know they were going to do that after seeing the Anizari.....I really wish I could have gone with them. I've always been interested in Aroden's Chosen. They are quite the legends where I was from.....we always used to beg for stories about them." She sighs quitely, "It's alright though, I'm sure I'll get to meet them someday....there are just other things that are more important to me right now." She squeezes Alethiro's hand as she smiles at him.
Considering what Corda had said about not letting herself be ruled by fear, she looks at the young woman and smiles. "I understand what you're saying about the fear....I just wanted to be sure you were alright. Hopefully that bastard will stay gone for now, and we won't have to worry about him for a while yet. Chalandra is still coming though and we aren't too sure of how long exactly it will take her to get here. Then there's our wedding, my family, and now Alethiro's sister is here as well. So, we have alot of things going on at once. Just promise me that you'll be safe while out and about. You don't have to be afraid all the time, but there's nothing wrong with being cautious. I'm here and available if you need anything, just come ask me or send Talia to come get me." Once she's finished talking she leans in slightly and gives Corda a hug.
"They're just very protective of their society love. They've survived through secrecy and preparation, but they fight the same battle we do. They don't trust easily, and I'm sure they've faced countless enemies we aren't even aware of."
"Well it is a personal question actually, if you have a few moments. I may be Anizari but I know very little about being Anizari and I had a few questions." the magus asks quietly.
Through the bond Clara can feel something akin to embarrassment about asking this before the group.
Nicatha nods at the wisdom of Sadhana's words. "Few can assail a secret. Keeping this place hidden was wise of them."
Corda returned the hug and replied, "Thank you Arista, I'll keep that in mind."
"That's understandable, we'll wait here until you're done." Cyna answers.
"Thanks." Sādhanā says flashing Cyna a look of gratitude and squeezing Clara's hand.
"Shall we see if your family has arrived?" Alethiro asked.
While waiting to for Sādhanā to have her question aswered, Drago couldn't help but feel as if something was behind him. Quickly, he turned his head to look, there was nothing there. Unable to take it anymore, he quietly asked one of the warrior women standing guard, "Pardon me, but I have to ask, is there something special about these caves? I keep getting the feeling something's here, but I can't seen anything out of the ordinary."
Harakhty's heart beat faster as he read the letter, his desire crucified by realism. I would love to go back and see you, Naeem. But the tribe means so much to you, and they would cast me out again as a plague. No, Harakhty knew he had to reduce the dangers here - even if not completely - so his people could get a foothold. They will not be content to be cooped-up in a fort. Maybe if a large plot of land could be set aside though...
He realized his pace had slowed as he read and thought, and he accelerated himself a touch to catch up with the older Hasina.
"Are they truly at peace with the Jadehands, Hassy?" Naeem was more a traditionalist than Harakhty, and speaking bad about other tribes is something he might do in person, but he probably wouldn't put it to writing. Harakhty found the trait endearing in a way, but it was also frustrating sometimes; after all, were Naeem not so attached to the Suntooths, the two would have eloped.
*******
Hararkhty nods readily at Elder Sister's implication. "I have been gathering my companions, Elder Sister. Some are involved in weddings these past days, and I set out to investigate some threats which were beyond my ken in smaller numbers. Shortly, we will depart to destroy this shard to bring peace to the land." Or part of it.
Clara gives her wife a comforting pat on the shoulder. "It'll be okay. I'll wait here with Cyna and the rest."
"We are," Hasina answers Harakhty. "Again, it is not our ideal, but it is better than other alternatives."
Hasina frowns. "Can we be assured of a better place here, Elder Sister, if this comes to pass?"
"Yes, there is an area near here for the Suntooth tribe to settle in. I am hoping the effects of Harakhty's and the others' efforts will make an immediate change," Elder Sister replies.
"I will hope so, but, if not, we are comfortable in Jin Zhao," Hasina says. "Do not rush what needs to be done on our behalf. It is more important that is done well, rather than done quickly."
Elder Sister nods at the elderly vanara. "So will you be staying for long, Hasina?"
"A few days, then I must return. I have made my arrangements," Hasina confirms with a small nod of her head. "Perhaps we can speak of other things tomorrow. For now, I require a little food and some rest. Harakhty, will you accompany me to this 'common house'?"
****
The Anizari warrior gives Drago a sideways glance. "These are the ruins of the Predecessors' great city. If you are sensing something, then perhaps you should speak with Jarrah, once she has finished speaking with the Sword Sister."
She makes a slight indication at the tattoos beneath her eyes. "Of course, this caused much jealousy and a rift developed between men and women. Anizari women grew much stronger than the men ever could. Our bodies could not carry the weak seed of man."
She shakes her head, stunned with the information, and still not completely able to imagine what might lie in store. ”Thank you, so much for..the talk. I’m sure I’ll have more questions in time but I don’t know if I can handle more right now.” she says quietly.
”Oh, there is a friend of mine, who is expecting, the father is Skaar, my orc friend, and enemies of his seek to get to him though her. It is a supernatural evil that we hope to make harder to notice her. Is there a specific means you’ve managed to make this city unnoticed to the necromancers, or is it about the location?”
Godrick looks to Sādhanā. "Did you get your questions answered?"
Before the group gets ready to leave, Drago steps forward and bows respectfully. "Excuse me, Jarrah, by your leave I'd like to ask a question about this place."
"Yes, dhampir?"
Drago took a deep breath, "Ever since we arrived in your domain, I've felt as if something has been...calling to me. I've heard a child's giggling, one of your storerooms felt like it was trying to summon me within it, and just moments ago it felt like there was a presence near me, but nothing was there. Is there something special about these caves or am I just losing my mind?"
Jarrah looks Drago up and down. "Perhaps there is something calling to you. Do these ruins look familiar to you?"
The Sorcerer looked around carefully, allowing his instincts to guide him. "Now that you mention it, those stones do seem familiar." He said pointing to a corner of the chamber where three small triangular stones stood. They appeared to be very well worn.
Jarrah's face darkens. "Tell me your lineage, dhampir."
Stepping back from Corda, Arista takes his hand and smiles at him, "Well, we could check and see if they have arrived, but when I asked Godrick about it earlier he said that it would most likely be this evening, or possibly even tomorrow morning before they get here. There's no harm in taking a look though, maybe we should also see about your wedding attire while we are out and about."
Bowing slightly to Corda, Arista addresses the young woman.
"If you will excuse us please, we still have things that need to be seen to. Just remember what I said, and I'm not more than a call away if you should need something."
With that Arista and Alethiro head back into the village.
He winced at Jarrah's inquiry, "Well, I never knew my father. Due to the fact that my mother, Chalandra, killing him. Other than that, I've only just recently discovered to have siblings, one of whom tried to kill me."
"Oh I know, thank you though." The young witch said as she went back to planning the hut.
"So what did you have in mind for your dress. And are you sure you want me with you when you select it? I believe there's a tradition about seeing the bride in her dress before the ceremony?"
She looks at him batting her eyelashes playfully, "Why of course not Sir, it would be unthinkable." She laughs then and bumps shoulders with him as they walk along.
"I'm still tossing around ideas for the dress in my head, but I really want to wait for Marie to get here before I really go shopping for it. I would like for her to be with me when I pick it out. I thought we could get your attire squared away though. I don't think there are any rules about seeing you in your wedding garments. Although, if you would rather keep it a surprise...we can just wait on it and do our shopping separately. Just whatever makes you feel most comfortable, I'm just happy getting to spend today with you." She smiles at him as her eyes shine with her happiness.