As they walked through the stadium, Cairee stayed close to Dounia, worried her friend wouldn't be able to resist reaching into tempting pockets. But the young thief was on her best behaviour, looking around in awe. The party was an incredible sight to behold, and the cleric couldn't believe she was part of it.
”A tattoo of a thorny vine, perhaps a creeping rose? Does that mean anything to any of you?” Tymythy murmured, when out of earshot of the party of four.
Cairee also saw the men in leather and noticed the tattoo. The image wasn't familiar, but the placement was thanks to her parent's work. "I think he's the leader of a gang. A tattoo on the back of the hand is placed specifically so it can be shown to others." But what kind of host would invite gang members to a party such as this?
A thought hit her that stopped her dead in her tracks. Could my parents have been invited?
Zahra noticed the cleric had fallen back and turned, giving her a questioning look. Cairee shook off her sudden fear and smiled back. Surely not, she told herself as she rejoined her friends. Still, she had to resist the urge to pull up her hood tight around her face and slink off to an empty corner, hiding until it was time to leave.
"Cyra always said we were from the south, that she crossed the desert with me when I was little." Her face scrunched up as she thought hard. "I didn't recognize the name at first, because I had been pronouncing it wrong in my head. But I've read about Ciriya. It's dwarves and elves out there, all mining I think."
Dounia's words triggered a memory for Cairee. During her training at The Order she had met a woman from Ciriya. The novice hadn't lasted long. She yearned for home and ran off one night with a group of travellers. Hopefully she made it, although Cairee now understood how dangerous such a crossing could be.
"It is primarily dwarves and wood elves working together, which is an amazing alliance. Apparently the mine has an impressive array of ores and gems. There was a disaster there, a fire perhaps? Maybe 10 years ago? It sounded devastating, but the town was rebuilt into something really remarkable. It's not far from here, under a week's travel to the west I think, near the coast. We could go, if you want."
She watched Dounia closely, wondering how she would react. "It's okay if you don't."
"Your sister's name is Sarhadhurone and Ciriya is short for Ciryianakaram, meaning short-lanky or simple elegance. I doubt they're related."
... A thought hit her that stopped her dead in her tracks. Could my parents have been invited?
Zahra noticed the cleric had fallen back and turned, giving her a questioning look. Cairee shook off her sudden fear and smiled back. Surely not, she told herself as she rejoined her friends. Still, she had to resist the urge to pull up her hood tight around her face and slink off to an empty corner, hiding until it was time to leave.
Cairee's eyes darted around and her parents were nowhere in sight. Her anxiety dropped like a cooling pressure-cooker. That's when the second herald called out, Several heads turned to look.
”I do not intend to hide my origin ... It will be a pleasure to meet you on the field of challenge.”
Guthan raised an eyebrow.
The matron with him, chaperone to Duil, spoke out, "Guthan guards books but he doesn't read them. Else he might know rudeness when it issues from his gob."
Guthan sincerely, "What's this???"
Matron, "I'd be Briochstuc. Our guardsman here only meant that he recognized you far from home, not that he thought you were deceitful."
Guthan, "Of course! Why would I mean that." He chewed on something invisible from behind his beard.
”Speaking of the competition… do you know what kinds of challenges we should expect? I know what would be part of the funeral games of my people, but I am a stranger to these lands still,” he asked Guthan, as the dwarf seemed courteous enough.
”And if you would… have you had business in Divolgatia? ... Unfortunately so, for metal worked by dwarven hands is valued higher than its weight in gold!”
Guthan, "We're Mountain Dwarves from Beinn Seanfear, almost as far north of Divolgatia and the western mountains are west of it. I, however, have three times traveled south to Dollerisium on important business, and have crossed your lands. An impressive peoples the Hlewmylani. Not given to the waste and pomp of the men of north Aerde. Each clan with their own strength."
Briochstuc, "Ahhhh, look at his chest balloon out. 'On important business!' Why you wouldn't even be going if your second wife wasn't a diplomat of the Road Accord."
Guthan, terribly embarrassed, "Brio, please."
"As for the games, I have little idea. Some will be challenges of guile. Some will be physical challenges. All of them will be hazardous. They change them every year and only a precious few can remember any of it, and then only in a fog. Hullwyn loves his secrets."
Brio, "And riddles. He loves riddles. One or all will surely involve them."
"... There was a disaster there, a fire perhaps? Maybe 10 years ago? It sounded devastating ... We could go, if you want."
She watched Dounia closely, wondering how she would react. "It's okay if you don't."
Sorry, a misunderstanding. There was a smithy nearby called the Ciriya Out-Smithy. Tymythy is having his sheath made at 'Endurance's' a one person Hlewmylani business.
Dounia gasped as her vision swam, and the stadium vanished into a sea of heat and flame. For a brief second, she was in a warehouse, and it was on fire. Everything was fire. Before she even had time to draw a breath to scream, the vision dropped away and she was back in line at the table, standing with Cairee.
Taking a gasp of air (cool, clean air, no smoke, no heat), she shook her head to clear it. "That was weird."
Guthan looked about to say something longwinded to Tymythy when Brio took his elbow. She looked at him and then at Dounia with the tiniest glance, "You've blabbed enough. Pay attention, do what you're here for and watch after Duil."
Guthan, "I try never to disagree with Brio." A few beats pass. "I try." Brio cuffs his arm.
It was a short few minutes and the dwarves were before the table speaking to the curvaceous man at its' high seat. It was certain that Dounia was right, he must be Hullwyn. His friends were standing, sitting in chairs, or with one thigh on the table. Someone from down the table lobbed a small mango over the head of Raya Hullwyn to try to hit a man (of some orcish abstraction) at the tables end. It instead became lodged on the end of the Teifling's horn sitting next to him. The surprised Teifling shifted her eyes to look up at the horn and started laughing. Everyone at the table cheered at the wonderous miss!
Raya was tall at perhaps six foot four. His torso was stout but he still had a curvaceous shape to his hips and legs. He was standing and leaning on the knuckles of his soft hands, fingers ended in long eggshell painted nails. His red hair moved in the light breeze. The dwarves passed and as the four of you walked before the host his lips twisted into an impossible worm of a smile.
"Ah, what a pleasure to meet you again."
His voice came from deep in his throat and curled like his lips did. Man or woman, it was hard not to sense the power of his physicality, to not feel a half-conscious attraction to Raya.
Dounia gasped as her vision swam, and the stadium vanished into a sea of heat and flame. For a brief second, she was in a warehouse, and it was on fire. Everything was fire. Before she even had time to draw a breath to scream, the vision dropped away and she was back in line at the table, standing with Cairee.
Taking a gasp of air (cool, clean air, no smoke, no heat), she shook her head to clear it. "That was weird."
Cairee had been watching her friend closely, so she couldn't help but notice Dounia's eyes glaze over, as if pulled into a trance. It lasted for only a moment before the young thief shook herself out of it.
"Are you all right? What was weird?"She started to guide them to the refreshment area. Dounia looked like she could use a cool glass of cucumber water.
"Marathaya Steelheart and Master Arnord Steelheart, Grandchildren of the Lady Polea Steelheart, aka The Steelheart Twins." Several heads turned to look.
The cleric was so focused on her friend that she didn't immediately register the names barked out by the Herald. She glanced at the image on the lake for a moment. Then did a double take. "No, it can't be-"
It was.
The sneering face of her baby sister Mar, followed quickly by the angry scowl of brother Arnie. It had been years since Cairee had seen them. They must be 16 now, though years of experience slaughtering for sport made them look much older. Their faces were thin, their eyes cunning and mean. Only their button noses betrayed a relation to the Cleric.
They were dressed in their finest hunting clothes (blood stains freshly soaked out) and dripping with weapons. Neither were carrying The Beheader.
Cairee's stomach dropped and her head swam. She sunk into the closest chair she could find, closed her eyes tight, and grasped her feather pendant with both hands. She rocked back and forth, muttering a soft chant to herself.
Guthan, "Of course! Why would I mean that." He chewed on something invisible from behind his beard.
”No insult taken,” Tymythy quickly agreed, mollified when it became apparent the dwarf’s words had born no malice and he had been unaware of the way they might be interpreted. ”I am a stranger in strange parts myself and have to remind myself constantly that ways and customs of my clan mean little here. My apologies for once again forgetting this.”
"As for the games, I have little idea. Some will be challenges of guile. Some will be physical challenges. All of them will be hazardous. They change them every year and only a precious few can remember any of it, and then only in a fog. Hullwyn loves his secrets."
Tymythy frowned. Come to think of it, he did recall this being mentioned earlier – that some strange magic was used to pluck memories from the minds of the people attending to the celebration. It was… a strange concept. And sounded like another frivolous use of powers gifted to mortal humans by the spirits. A frightening thing, too, for if someone had the power to reach into his mind, his self, and take out bits and pieces of his history away… could someone with such power be trusted to limit themselves to only memories of this one event?
People were the sums of their past choices and actions, after all. If you took those away, did you not change the person in the process?
”So we shall have to wait and see. At least everyone not knowing should keep things fair – not knowing what to prepare for in advance.”
The cleric was so focused on her friend that she didn't immediately register the names barked out by the Herald. She glanced at the image on the lake for a moment. Then did a double take. "No, it can't be-"
Tymythy hadn’t paid any special attention to the latest name to be announced – one more group of strangers he had never heard of didn’t seem worth his attention – but he could hardly fail to hope the way Cairee reacted. The holy woman collapsed on a chair, murmuring a litany of words under her breath even as she squeezed her pendant – the one he had glimpsed in his third-induced delirium in the slave wagon, seeing in it the starling, the messenger that had set him on his vision quest.
Concerned but at a loss of what ailed her, Tymythy moved over to stand behind her back, frowning. Steelheart? She kept repeating the word like a mantra. The word seemed… familiar? Had Cairee herself mentioned it? Something to do with… her? Her past?
Zahra was overwhelmed, but in a good way. She was practically speechless after leaving the herald because she was focused on getting to the appropriate stairs to pay respects to their host and then once she caught sight of them, she watched them as if mesmerized by their presence.
She was oblivious to both Cairee and Dounia's internal distress. She was barely aware of Tymythy's conversation. Only her friendly demeanor and need to not be impolite had her acknowledge when Duil was introduced. "Very nice to meet you Duil, Briochstuc, and company. You seem well versed in this celebration. I take it you have been here before?"
She frowned slightly at the mention of riddles. She was not the best at figuring things out that were meant to make you think. But thankfully she was with her friends and they were. They were much more suited for this competition than her but she was also desperate to impress Raya so that he may be inclined to help her...but she was getting ahead of herself.
Soon it was their turn to be greeted by their host. Zahra stepped forward, her stomach full of excited butterflies. Being fully in Raya's presence, she felt a stirring within and found herself blushing involuntarily.
"Ah, what a pleasure to meet you again."
Zahra's mind raced a mile a minute. Had they actually met or was he referring to the opera where he witnessed Haseena's exchange with Kamzar? Rather than trying to figure it out, Zahra curtsied deeply with a smile illuminating her face. "Happy Birthday, your Radiance! We are honoured to have received your invitation to celebrate you. You flatter me with having remembered when last we met." She pulled her package out of her evening bag that seemed impossibly small to have held it. Presenting it so that she could be directed on where to place it, "I bring you a birthday gift containing the best spices my family has to offer as this is my father's business."
Zahra didn't have the practiced disinterest nor the privileged comportment that was required at such an event. She spoke quickly, jumping on the coat-tails of her host's hello. She stood too close to the table and handed over her gift without holding it out to be seen (or to have the attendants make their magical assessments of its' safety). In everything that she did there was a lack of protocol.
When she handed over the spices a few of the people at the table jumped but Hullwyn put his hand out for people to remain calm.
What Zahra did have was grace and a joyful curiosity and beauty. She shone in the brightness of the high sun, her gown lending her height. When she addressed the host she was herself and you could all see, even if Zahra herself couldn't, that many at the table were charmed.
Raya Hullwyn rubbed his lips together and when he spoke it seemed he hardly opened his mouth. It was hypnotic. "How could I forget you. I've never seen Kamzar so ... furious. I will cherish the memory of his embarrassment to the end of my days. When I saw that I called to my porter instantly and made sure she made preparations to add you to tonight's guest list." When he spoke to Zahra it seemed that she was the only thing within his view, the only other person at the celebration.
He took the package of spices from Zahra's hands, "May I open it now?" He didn't wait for a response but unwrapped the package and opened the packet of za'atar and smelled, then the vial of rosewater. "Mmmmm. What is this? Is it pomegranate molasses?! Delicious." He stuck a pinky finger in the molasses and tasted it.
"I'm sorry I couldn't continue watching to the end of your visit with that pompous volcano. I gather you've completed some errand for him. It must have been treacherous. When we have time I hope you will tell me about it. For now, please, go and meet my other guests. Drink my wine. Eat my food. Before the official start of my celebration I will be giving an announcement. You must not miss it. Amongst other things it will be the last time to enter the challenges."
Hullwyn turned his head to the next people in line signifying it was time for you all to take the stairs off the eastern castle.
"Are you all right? What was weird?" She started to guide them to the refreshment area. Dounia looked like she could use a cool glass of cucumber water.
Dounia shook her head, noticing that Tymythy's new friends were looking at her funny. She didn't let the cleric pull her away from the reception line. "No, I'm okay. I'll tell you later."
To the dwarves, she said, "It was really nice to meet you! I hope the riddles aren't too hard. I can figure them out sometimes, but I'm sure there will be lots of really smart people competing! Good luck in the challenges - we'll see you on the field!"
Dounia bit back a gasp as Cairee practically collapsed. She whipped her head around, looking for the cause of the extreme reaction. The herald's words finally registered in her brain, and she groaned. "Oh no! Steelheart." She lowered her voice and said to the others, "the twins, her mean siblings she told us about."
What were the chances that they'd be invited here? Perhaps this was done on purpose? But why? Never mind, got to help Cairee.
Dounia knelt beside Cairee, put her hands on the cleric's knees and gave them a little shake. "Hey, Cairee, it's okay! Them being here has nothing to do with you. You don't even have to talk to them. And if they decide to bother you, they'll have to deal with us." She looked up to the others, seeking their reassurance. "Right? We'll keep them away from her, right?"
Dounia stared a little in awe of Zahra, who was so charming, so beautiful. She also remembered her performance at the opera, which as rather embarrassing. Not only had she gotten a tad...inebriated...she'd insulted Zahra's enemy so badly that he'd cursed her into silence for a day.
Suddenly shy, after Zahra presented her gift, she took out the rather shabby looking box she'd made. She dipped a curtsy (at least she knew how to do that properly, thank you Cyra), and said softly, "Thanks for inviting us with Zahra. I really like your home. I made this for you." She hesitantly put it with the incredibly impressive pile of presents, where it looked a little sad and out of place.
The shock of seeing the twins faces slowly subsided. Cairee released her talisman, opened her eyes, and offered her friends an embarrassed smile. "I'm okay. Really. That just caught me off guard. But you're right, Dounia. I probably won't even see them. I don't even know if they'd recognize me. They probably think I'm dead." They had never seen her with her flaming orange hair or holy robes. If she did happen to cross paths they probably dismiss her as a nobody before even looking at her face. The thought was strangely comforting.
Cairee watched the interaction between Zahra and Raya Hullwyn with interest. She didn't remember the man from the opera. He seemed gracious and suave, and the cleric hoped his interest in her friend was innocent. She bowed when introduced but otherwise hung back, trying to get a read on Hullwyn's intent.
"It was really nice to meet you! I hope the riddles aren't too hard. I can figure them out sometimes, but I'm sure there will be lots of really smart people competing! Good luck in the challenges - we'll see you on the field!"
Guthan, pleased that Dounia indicated they would be competing, "I'm quite good at riddles." Brio was just behind his shoulder shaking her head no.
... She also remembered her performance at the opera, which as rather embarrassing. Not only had she gotten a tad...inebriated...she'd insulted Zahra's enemy so badly that he'd cursed her into silence for a day ... She hesitantly put it with the incredibly impressive pile of presents, where it looked a little sad and out of place.
Hullwyn began laughing. He was looking at Dounia and giving out a great barrel laugh. "Oh stars and mountains! You should have seen this one! Everyone had greeted 'THE MASTER OF THE SERVANTS OF THE GREAT RED DRAGON', a man who farts thunderstorms and has the Royal Alchemists praying to Signa for divine intervention, mind you. Then this desert shrub walks past him, leans on his railing and, in a bored tone of voice, says ... Oh, what was it? 'Dounia Ghali. A pleasure.'"
Everyone at the table looked at Dounia suddenly reassessing their estimations of the young girl. A high-elfen woman wearing rather riske flowing silks and sitting next to Hullwyn looked horrified. "You didn't. How did 'Gibil react?"
-
Hullwyn quickly grabbed up Dounia's gift and looked it over. He looked at the folds on the bottom. He stopped and stared at it.
Hullwyn, "Iolantha! Come and look at this!
The Teifling woman pulled the mango off her horn, started biting into it and walked down the inside of the table.
Hullwyn, "No arcane marks, abjurations, or glamours. It is hand folded."
Iolantha took a brief moment to assess it, "Well, it has cunning but anyone with half a ...", she paused and took a deeper look, "Is this one piece of paper? The outer box, it's one piece. Please open it, Master."
Hullwyn opened the hexagonal box and as he did tiny flowers of different tightly folded papers corkscrewed upward. At a certain point they twisted free of a limiter and accordioned upward. "Delightful."
Iolantha, "Please tell me you are competing in the challenges child."
-
Cairee had been watching Hullwyn the entire time and his motives were a rainbow of inscrutabilities. She couldn't seem to pin him down. He at times seemed parental or patronizing, sweet and moved, complex and maneuvering, lascivious and desirous, and none of these. It was clear he was joyful, hedonous, and in-charge. It was also clear his eyes hardly left Zahra. He had some design or interest but, just what?, Cairee couldn't tell.
Zahra may have been lost in her own little world but Cairee's intense response to some announced guests drew her back to the presence. She moved next to her friend and placed her hand comfortingly on her shoulder while Dounia spoke with her.
Concern showed on her face as Dounia put two and two together to reveal that it were part of Cairee's family. She had a hard time understanding that family could be so horrible to one of its members but obviously it happens. When Dounia assured Cairee that if they messed with her they messed with all of them, Zahra nodded and gave her shoulder a squeeze.
When Cairee was ready, Zahra helped to get her to her feet and gave a reassuring smile.
Zahra stood transfixed under Raya's attention as he first seemed pleased at Haseena besting Kamzar at the opera and then being pleased at her offered gift. Hope soared in her chest. If there was no love loss between Kamzar and Raya, maybe they would help her after all.
She stepped to the side and allowed Dounia to take center stage as Raya brought up how her friend had reacted to Kamzar.
Zahra wanted to elbow her friend so that she would answer in the affirmative when asked if they would compete, since they had discussed as much, but refrained from such behaviour before such important people. She trusted that Dounia would give the proper response.
"I'm sorry I couldn't continue watching to the end of your visit with that pompous volcano. I gather you've completed some errand for him. It must have been treacherous. When we have time I hope you will tell me about it. For now, please, go and meet my other guests. Drink my wine. Eat my food. Before the official start of my celebration I will be giving an announcement. You must not miss it. Amongst other things it will be the last time to enter the challenges."
Zahra gave a slight nod indicating that Raya was correct. "You would honour us greatly, Your Radiance, to allow us to share that tale with you when you have the time." She didn't want to push having such an audience with Raya but hoped that it would happen sooner than later. They wouldn't be able to hang on to the buckler forever.
The sorceress gave another curtsey as they were dismissed and moved away down the stairs, practically giddy from her interaction with Raya. She was trying to remain poised but was literally vibrating with excited energy after meeting such a force as Hullwyn.
Seeing himself very clearly as Zahra’s “+1” (as the term, at length and for a certain value of success, had been explained to him) and being very painfully aware that he knew not the manners of these people he resolved to being seen but not heard. It would not to do bring dishonor to the master of the party by assuming he could avoid putting his foot into his mouth. Thus he stood back, his face serious, and offered on his turn a warrior’s greeting to the man – if nothing else, the host was venerable – practically an ancestor still living, if the age mentioned in the invitation had not been some sort of strange joke! – and that in itself was worthy of acknowledgement.
Cairee couldn't get a read on their host. His behaviour was curious, almost like an overstimulated child. His focus Dounia's gift was familiar. He's looking for magic! The revelation split Cairee's thoughts. Part of her wondering if Raya's magical ability was known. Of course considering what she'd witnessed already, it shouldn't be a surprise that he had abilities as well.
The other part bursted with pride at Dounia's impressive craftsmanship. "Where did you learn to do that?" She asked after they had moved away from the receiving line. "It was really spectacular."
She also whispered a warning to Zahra. "Our host has a particular interest in you. He wants something. I can't tell what. Be careful around him. He will use his charms to disarm you."
Everyone at the table looked at Dounia suddenly reassessing their estimations of the young girl. A high-elfen woman wearing rather riske flowing silks and sitting next to Hullwyn looked horrified. "You didn't. How did 'Gibil react?"
Dounia couldn't believe that not only had these illustrious people heard about her interaction at the opera, but they actually approved. Grinning, she puffed out her chest a little and said, "He was really angry! He put a curse on me, and for a whole night and day I couldn't speak, and had to stick beside my friend Cairee. She's very polite, and he liked her better."
Iolantha, "Please tell me you are competing in the challenges child."
Dounia didn't even bristle at the use of "child" to describe her. In this company, she very much was a child. "Of course!" she said, "we're going to be a team." She was glowing with pleasure that they had not only opened her gift at once, but had praised it.
She opened her mouth to speak again, but Zahra was making their polite goodbyes. Though she was flattered by their host, and his friend's, attention, she did remember the long line behind them. As they moved away from the table, she breathed out a long breath, and said, "Wow."
The other part bursted with pride at Dounia's impressive craftsmanship. "Where did you learn to do that?" She asked after they had moved away from the receiving line. "It was really spectacular."
"Nowhere special," Dounia said, "Cyra and I had a book about paper folding. We practiced a lot, trying to out-do each others creations. It's been a long while since I folded, so I'm glad it came out so well."
Looking ahead to the refreshments, she said, "I'm starving! Let's see what they have to eat here."
As they moved to the exit stairs a porter, a human man of about seventeen, in a waist-tied skirt in many layers of cloth but showing off the muscular bronze skin of his upper body, came over and stood behind Hullwyn. The host turned and the porter leaned in and whispered.
Hullwyn appeared mildly shocked, "Heavens! No! But they had better hurry up. Festivities are about to begin and they don't want to be caught out there when it does."
The porter nods and leaves.
The four made their way to the north end of the upper bowl where food and drink tents were erected. Tables, half occupied by guests, surrounded the tents and there were groups of people standing throughout.
The dwarves you'd spoken to earlier were in the lower bowl. There was a door beneath each of the Juliet balconies and they were taking their time examining them.
Prem was in line waiting to give his respects to Hullwyn.
"Very nice to meet you Duil, Briochstuc, and company. You seem well versed in this celebration. I take it you have been here before?"
Brio, "No, but our clan are record keepers and we do have notes in the archive, very vague notes, from past guests from our homeland."
Tymythy’s eyes narrowed in mixed suspicion and puzzlement. He waited until they had moved to a slightly more private part of the arena before sharing what he had overheard. ”The page brought words of intruders being caught climbing the wall and suggested calling for guards… yet our host merely worried they might be late for the party. Truly, I will never understand these people and their ways,” he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. ”He… expects intruders, and prepares to welcome them? Is he so secure in his power, knowing himself to be untouchable, or is this part of the entertainment itself?”
Tymythy’s eyes narrowed in mixed suspicion and puzzlement. He waited until they had moved to a slightly more private part of the arena before sharing what he had overheard. ”The page brought words of intruders being caught climbing the wall and suggested calling for guards… yet our host merely worried they might be late for the party. Truly, I will never understand these people and their ways,” he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. ”He… expects intruders, and prepares to welcome them? Is he so secure in his power, knowing himself to be untouchable, or is this part of the entertainment itself?”
Dounia's hand slid to the knife she'd taken from the alleyway. "That's where this came from! Some idiot high up the wall." She frowned, then added, "I got the impression that the intruders will be in danger if they stay on the wall, not that he was worried they'd be late. I wonder what's going to happen!"
Dounia was still riding the high of their host's compliments as they approached the refreshments. Many people, all sorts of people, were milling around - eating, talking, sizing each other up. Dounia took a moment to look around, to assess some of the varied people around her. She wasn't anywhere near as good at this as Zahra was, but she was learning.
Nearby were a trio of pale, blond women, dressed entirely in white. They so washed out they were hard to focus on. She wondered if they were triplets, or just looked alike.
The thought of triplets made her remember the arrival of Cairee's siblings, she kept an eye out for them. She really wanted to sneak a closer look, and see what all the fuss was about. But even more, she wanted to keep them away from her friend.
Zahra was completely oblivious to the seriousness of what the porter had been sharing until both Tymythy and Dounia started whispering about intruders. Her eyes widened, "How in the world did they know which wall to climb? We barely made it here with an invitation!"
She also whispered a warning to Zahra. "Our host has a particular interest in you. He wants something. I can't tell what. Be careful around him. He will use his charms to disarm you."
Zahra laughed off Cairee's concern as being over-protective like her mother may be. "I'm sure he was just being polite and a gracious host. I can't imagine him taking any more of an interest in me than any other of his guests. Besides, maybe that's not a bad thing if we end up needing his help."
Always believing the best in people, Zahra easily struck up conversations with anyone around her. Either answering their questions for her or asking them about where they were from or about what they were wearing.
Cairee's gaze lingered on their host. The way he had looked for magic on Dounia's paper box had caught her attention. He hadn't cast a spell in the same way she or Zahra did. It was more like he used another sense. The cleric had the distinct impression he wasn't human. But then, what was he?
She thought about sharing this with the others. But Zahra had already dismissed her warning, and Dounia wasn't in a head space to react with discretion. Instead Cairee whispered her concerns to Tymythy, confident the young warrior would help her keep an eye on the others.
As the group moved into the upper bowl, Cairee did her best not to study the crowd for her siblings. If they came to her she would be civil, but she would not seek them out. Still, she found it impossible not to steal glances into the crowd. Was someone staring at her?
Her gaze fell upon a group of 5 elves wearing sky blue cloaks who were looking right at her. They quickly averted their eyes when she caught their gaze. One looked back and offered an apologetic nod. Cairee had the feeling they had been noting her bright orange hair. Perhaps they knew of the Order? Cairee smiled and nodded in return. The elves took this as an invitation and crossed over to speak with her.
Following Zahra, Tymythy did his best in blending in the crowd… like a raven fit in a flock of geese. It was obvious he wasn’t comfortable, and that he wasn’t making much an effort to be – this party was something to be suffered through, not enjoyed, after all. And, with the knowledge that armed intruders might be about (in addition to all the armed guests, he sighed ruefully) there were plenty of reasons to keep him tense, have his eyes roam the room in search of threats.
Dounia looked for the Steelheart twins but there was no need to search, they were making no attempt to be inconspicuous. She could follow them from clear across the stadium without trouble.
They were both young, not finished growing, but they had the muscle-toned bodies of athletes. It made their age hard to guess at and gave them a childish appearance, kids playing soldier dress-up. Their sandy brown hair was sun-bleached at the top.
Marathaya, or Mar, was dressed in green died leather coat with heavy iron studs. The leather looked freshly oiled and it gleamed in the sun like it was wet. She had a fur wrapped bow that looked too big for her and a quiver of brown fletched arrows. On her side was a wide bladed scimitar that partially hung under a buckler. The buckler was hard to make out from clear across Gossamer House but it was perhaps adorned with a heart.
Arnord, or Arnie, wore a patchwork of armour made of bone, chain, and hide. Even with all of the armour he still found room to have bare skin showing with a v at the neck and part of the hide folded back. There was a fur scabbard and falchion on his back. He used a sapling tree as a walking staff which surely made a terrible great club. Dangling from his side was a heart-painted buckler, the twin of Mar's.
They were currently at the south end of the stadium talking to a porter. They looked intimidating. The porter looked intimidated.
The three women talked amongst themselves and any young, or not so young, men who attempted to get close were quickly, and coyly, brushed off. The moderate sized party of elves began to walk towards Cairee. As well, the heavily cloaked man and woman seemed to be walking towards the group.
Cairee seemed to be hyper aware of everything and was in command of her surroundings (+2 on any posturing rolls during this encounter) with Zahra ready to talk to any and all that were near.
Dounia leaned over and whispered to Cairee, "Your siblings look like a@%~@#%s."
The people nearby seemed less a*++$&@ish. In fact, everybody seemed to be in good spirits, and ready to have a great time. And why not? This place was pretty amazing.
A group of elves was walking over. They looked friendly, and she was still riding the high of their host's kind words to her. She waved them over and said, "Greetings! I'm Dounia, and this is Zahra, Cairee and Tymythy! Are you competing?" She looked them over, trying to figure out if they looked like fighters.
Dounia leaned over and whispered to Cairee, "Your siblings look like a&+*@%#s."
Dounia's vulgar words drew a involuntary bark of a laugh from Cairee, who quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. The cheek! Not that it wasn't true. She tried to control her embarrassed smile as the elves approached.
She bowed at Dounia's introduction. "A pleasure to meet you."
Zahra gave a small curtsy when Dounia motioned in her direction when introduced. She gave a warm smile that matched Dounia's welcoming wave. She glanced around the food tents, "Can I get anyone something to eat or drink while we get to know each other?"
Dounia leaned over and whispered to Cairee, "Your siblings look like a&**@#@s."
”Their gear is certainly nothing like yours, Cairee. Is that getup typical to your family or are they wearing the colors and weapons of another?” Tymythy asked, wondering if the siblings had made their choices along the same lines as he had – styles to honor some people of importance to them. Still, the pair seemed to carry their gear with ease of comfort – if he had to guess, he’d bet they knew to wield their weapons to great effect. And their presence seemed to have an impact on the people they were mingling with – a hunter learned to recognize prey when he saw it, and the servant the two were talking with certainly showed all the signs of trying to appear as unappetizing as possible.
... She waved them over and said, "Greetings! I'm Dounia, and this is Zahra, Cairee and Tymythy! Are you competing?" She looked them over, trying to figure out if they looked like fighters.
... She bowed at Dounia's introduction. "A pleasure to meet you."
... "Can I get anyone something to eat or drink while we get to know each other?"
The man and woman in heavy furs walk directly over to Tymythy before he had a chance to get settled. The gentleman broke into the conversation before the elves could respond to Dounia and addressed Tymythy directly, "Sir! I am Baronet Wigeon de Vertebatton and this is Baronetess Horsie Oxmaison de Vertebatton. I must say Sir that your costume is quite marvelous! Do I detect a Valadhuvian influence in its' design? I'm sure I do."
The Baroness agreed, "Yes, it is a striking cut for the traditional avante-guard's cloak."
The Baron, "May I ask your family name sir!? I thought you might be one of the Isslington boys from the southern grasslands of The Chaydees. You have the Isslington Jaw. A most distinctive feature, the Isslington Jaw. There's no mistaking it! You must be a member of the family. Please tell me, how are things in the southern farmlands. I hear there've been vast sightings of great boar." The Baron appeared set to talk Tymythy's ear off for the entirety of the celebration.
---
The three women turned slightly away from Zahra but only so they could still be seen. They spoke to each other but loudly enough that they could be heard by those nearby. The middle of the three women cut in directly after Zahra's offer. She spoke out rhetorically, "Are there no porters to bring food around? Not very promising for the evening if we have to rely on some waif in a gown for our food."
The woman on her right spoke next, "Well, sister, perhaps you might get some exercise and make your own way to the food tent. It is some twenty-five paces but I'm sure you can manage."
The woman on the left, "Jasote, you really are quite dull. Shull's disappointment is natural, given the reputation of the host."
---
The elves did their best to dodge the other guests and make their way to Dounia and the others. Dounia couldn't get a read on them from beneath their long cloaks. A tall elf with light-brown (nearly golden) hair addressed the young woman for the group but was drowned out by the celebrations and the Baronet and his wife, "Hello, ahem, to you all. No, we don't compete. We are working. We were just wondering,ahem, if you were from the Ospitumati Order."
The Baron, "May I ask your family name sir!? I thought you might be one of the Isslington boys from the southern grasslands of The Chaydees. You have the Isslington Jaw. A most distinctive feature, the Isslington Jaw. There's no mistaking it! You must be a member of the family. Please tell me, how are things in the southern farmlands. I hear there've been vast sightings of great boar." The Baron appeared set to talk Tymythy's ear off for the entirety of the celebration.
Taken aback by the verbal onslaught, Tymythy tried to focus on the few points that he could make sense of. The fur-clothed nobles had introduced themselves, so honor required for him to follow suit. ”I am Tymythy, son of Stywyrt, of the Bastarnae clan of the Hlewmylani, from what you would know as Divolgatia,” he said quietly, declining a bow or a warrior’s greeting as the nobles hadn’t offered one to him. ”I am a stranger in these parts, so I’m afraid I do know not of a clan called ‘Isslington’,” he went on, sensing he would be interrupted if he gave the pair half a second of silence to fill. ”But I am sure they are formidable warriors for a pair of accomplished hunters like you to remember their names. Are those pelts of snow wolves you wear? My compliments to your skill – I hear they are wily beasts, difficult to catch. Did you use traps, or bring them down with arrows?”
”As for my clothes… yes. I wear them to honor the spirit of the Valadhuvi Lord who entrusted this spear to me,” he went on, taking the pair’s words of interest at face value, not even considering complimenting his clothes could have been but an opening to a conversation rather than real interest. ”Such a gift needs to be responded to in kind, and the only thing the living can do for the dead is to try and follow their example. To prove worthy of this spear will be a challenge, but one a warrior would not think of shrinking from.”
”Their gear is certainly nothing like yours, Cairee. Is that getup typical to your family or are they wearing the colors and weapons of another?”
"They would improve their possessions by scavenging off the bodies of those they killed, or the remains of less fortunate adventurers. Which suppose is typical of my family. Their bucklers looked familiar though. I think they may have been my parents." Strange that her mother and father would give up such prized possessions. Though not curious enough to prompt Cairee to seek out her siblings and ask.
Retcon Roll
She bowed at Dounia's introduction. "A pleasure to meet you."
Cairee tried to shake off the thoughts of her family and turned her attention to Dounia. She stood tall, squared her shoulders, and offered the elves a warm and welcoming smile, trying her best to emulate Saiph's quiet kindness, compassion, and strength.
"Can I get anyone something to eat or drink while we get to know each other?"
Zahra channeled her mother's hospitality remembering that you could tell a lot about someone based on their food and drink preferences.
Dounia lifted her chin and imitated the poise of some of the other attendees, her head filled with the rights due her birth. The elves, however, seemed to talk past her and almost addressed Cairee directly. She doubled her efforts, pulled her shayla tighter to make sure her hair was covered, and shook off the snub (though her lips were a little tighter).
"What do you mean 'you are working'? ... may I ask?"
"Hello, ahem, to you all. No, we don't compete. We are working. We were just wondering, ahem, if you were from the Ospitumati Order."
Cairee turned a little away from the Baron's booming voice, giving her attention to the elves. She hadn't heard the official name of her order for quite some time. It was barely known inside of Issmenador, never mind so far south. Though, of course, these elves could be from anywhere. "Yes, I am Cairee Featherfriend, servant of Saiph. It is a blessing to hear the old name of my order. Thank you. May I ask how you are familiar with us?"
"What do you mean 'you are working'? ... may I ask?"
Cairee too was curious. They didn't look like staff. She considered their sky blue robes and golden hair. Was there a hint to what their work could be?
"Can I get anyone something to eat or drink while we get to know each other?"
"Are there no porters to bring food around?"...
Cairee couldn't tell if the women were trying to embarrass Zahra or criticize their host. Probably both. She had little patience for it. Why come to a party just to be casually cruel to strangers? She smiled at Zahra. "What a lovely idea. Let's all go.' She turned to the elves. "Would you like to join us?" As they passed the women she said as kindly as she could, "If we see any porters we'll be sure to send them your way." The message was clear - they were not invited.
She spoke out rhetorically, "Are there no porters to bring food around? Not very promising for the evening if we have to rely on some waif in a gown for our food."
It was like they were at the opera all over again. What was it with some of these people? Give them a sense that they may have some importance and they forget all manners. Zahra was not about to engage with anyone exhibiting such toxic behaviour. Not when there were plenty of other interesting people to talk to.
She shrugged, "I was going to get one of the porter's attention for you but as you've pointed out, you are more than able to do that yourselves. Enjoy your time and have a great day." With that, Zahra turned her back on the three young women and focused on Dounia, Cairee, and the elves.
"What do you mean 'you are working'? ... may I ask?"
Zahra had seen elves like these before in the city, hired as healers and physical trainers. Given that competitions were an integral part of their host's birthday party, it seemed that that was most likely what they were here for. She listened intently to see if they mentioned someone specific that they were here with or if they were employed by their host.
Seeing that the elves seemed to be a bit timid, Zahra smiled warmly, "Your clothes are wonderfully made, such beautiful fabric." How they were dressed made her think of Cairee and her order, not quite the same but similar in some way.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me you're from the mountains and often travel between where you call home and Zhayalahmar. Your kind are often in demand in the city for the work you do."
As Zahra conversed with Dounia, Cairee, and the elves, she also kept an eye on Tymythy to see if he was able to hold his own with the couple or if he may need rescuing.
Dounia, "What do you mean 'you are working'? ... may I ask?"
The elf in front made a quick glance to Dounia, "We were hired to work as officials." Just as quickly he turned back to Cairee.
Seeing that the elves seemed to be a bit timid, Zahra smiled warmly, "Your clothes are wonderfully made, such beautiful fabric." How they were dressed made her think of Cairee and her order, not quite the same but similar in some way.
"Thank you. They are common to our order."
[dice=k.religion,untrained?,DC10]1d20-1
Zahra felt like they were dressed in some sort of basic shift. It was without any marking or emblem but certainly felt like clothes of the devout.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me you're from the mountains and often travel between where you call home and Zhayalahmar. Your kind are often in demand in the city for the work you do."
One of the elves on the end looked surprised, "You know of our homelands? Have you ever been to the Ovarvatch Mountains?"
The front elf went from his far right to far left, "Forgive me. These are my kin. Gamadanam, Diviramaga, Gadumayana, Menmaiyana, which you may call Adan, Irama, Umay, and Enmai. I am called Dailam or Ila, whichever you prefer. But, yes, we are often called to officiate throughout the continent, though rarely are we called to officiate a competition we know nothing about. This promises to be a stretch of our skills."
"Yes, I am Cairee Featherfriend, servant of Saiph. It is a blessing to hear the old name of my order. Thank you. May I ask how you are familiar with us?"
Cairee too was curious. They didn't look like staff. She considered their sky blue robes and golden hair. Was there a hint to what their work could be?
[dice=Know. Local]1d20 + 7
The elves nodded a general consent as Ila explained, "Only a very little. Our home is across the plain from Issmenadore and we've heard of women and men, human orders, who seek an understanding of the elven Luminaries. Deneb and Saiph are rarely mentioned in the same stories and walk the skies apart from each other. It is fascinating to us that humans should find meaning in our past."
elf]One of the elves on the end looked surprised, "You know of our homelands? Have you ever been to the Ovarvatch Mountains?"
Zahra's smile widened as she got confirmation that she had been correct. "I know of your homelands but sadly I have never been. I've barely left the city but the bazaars are a great place to meet people from all over."
She gave a small curtsy as the elves were introduced, "Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Zahra, you've been speaking with Cairee, and that's Dounia and Tymythy. Officiating sounds quite important. His Radiance must hold you in high regard."
"... His Radiance must hold you in high regard."
Ila paused after Zahra's suggestion then nodded silently accepting the implied compliment.
The three women turned slightly away from Zahra but only so they could still be seen. They spoke to each other but loudly enough that they could be heard by those nearby. The middle of the three women cut in directly after Zahra's offer. She spoke out rhetorically, "Are there no porters to bring food around? Not very promising for the evening if we have to rely on some waif in a gown for our food."
The woman on her right spoke next, "Well, sister, perhaps you might get some exercise and make your own way to the food tent. It is some twenty-five paces but I'm sure you can manage."
The woman on the left, "Jasote, you really are quite dull. Shull's disappointment is natural, given the reputation of the host."
Dounia lost focus on the conversation with the elves. She would have asked them what events they were officiating, but she was certain that they wouldn't answer. Also, they seemed more interested in what Cairee had to say, so she left them to it.
Turning back to the three identical women, she couldn't help but smile. Cairee had snubbed them, no doubt thinking them rude. But the middle one, Jacoste, had a snide sarcasm that reminded her of Cyra. She said, "Yes, shocking, isn't it, that we haven't yet been served." She looked around and spotted a porter nearby with a full tray. Motioning to him, she called out, "Porter, over here, please!" Then she questioned the "please" - how polite should she be to the help? She was sure that Cyra and Cairee would have different answers to that question.
Turning back to the sisters, she said, "Speaking of our host, had you met him before? I found him quite charming. He complimented my gift, though I suppose that could have been flattery." She smiled slyly, hoping to express a false humility, and wondering if it would work.
”I am Tymythy, son of Stywyrt, of the Bastarnae clan of the Hlewmylani, from what you would know as Divolgatia, ... I am a stranger in these parts, so I’m afraid I do know not of a clan called ‘Isslington’ ... Are those pelts of snow wolves you wear? My compliments to your skill – I hear they are wily beasts, difficult to catch. Did you use traps, or bring them down with arrows?”
The Baneretess laughed gently, "Isslington isn't a clan, young man, it is a place."
"Just so. Divolgatia you say? I was sure you were from further north. We, of course know all about the 'Hunter's Fell'." He used an old slang name for Divolgatia. Widgeon then held out his collar and explained, "But, No dear boy, I felled these creatures with coin. I'm not sure who the hunters were who procured them. Paid a pretty penny for them as well. Wouldn't have been so terrible without the boarder tax, the purchaser's tax, and the tax on rare species."
”As for my clothes… yes. I wear them to honor the spirit of the Valadhuvi Lord who entrusted this spear to me, ... To prove worthy of this spear will be a challenge, but one a warrior would not think of shrinking from.”
"Fascinating! Tell us more! It sounds like you've had little adventure. Wine?" The Banneret turned abruptly and started heading to the tent for drink and his wife followed quickly behind.