The red griffon stands, and Much tries to take advantage.
But just barely misses the mark.
The griffon then lashes out with beak and claw at the last two people to hurt it - Ducreyi and Teacher Ot.
Both attacks hit, reopening recently healed wounds.
The green griffon, seeing Haunt isolated, lands and begins to attack.
The beak digs in, leaving a bloody gash in Haunt's left shoulder.
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Laesah grumbles aloud at Ducreyi's continued presence in the combat.
"He porangi taua."
She continues to pummel her foes, her fists a blur.
Laesah's first blow misses wildly, but the second connects with the flanked griffon. Suddenly, a wave of water blossoms under the anadi, bearing her up and away from the fray, all the way towards Haunt.
"Incoming!" she calls to her amurrun friend, a friendly touch on Haunt's shoulder as she passes.
"Go get the big ugly, Haunter of Monsters!"
Laesah gets one last smack in on the griffon before moving to support her friend.
Seeing the Red Griffon swaying in distress, Much barrels forward to flank the healthy Griffon before sliding into Leaf on the Breeze.
The stone hits with a crunch. Much locks eyes with the griffin and grins, her forearmscars to rippling out to form the jaws of a hyena.
Much has a clear hit lined up, but Ot sees an even greater opportunity. "Much, snap your wrist as you swing," he instructs.
The bit of extra energy has an outsized effect on the strike, causing tremendous damage.
Much glares at the griffon, but it is too wounded to register the fear it should definitely be feeling.
“Thanks, Laesah!”
Haunt quickly slings his bow over his shoulder and yanks his rapier from its sheath, slowing only to grab more of the straw he pulled from a scarecrow and wind it around the blade. He grabs his amulet with his other hand and lunges at the wounded griffon.
↻: Amulet’s Abeyance[/ooc]
Haunt's thrust is knocked away with a swat of the wing at the last second, barely missing the mark.
Maddox, again, stops to consider the situation at hand before acting. He knows the red Griffon is nearing its demise.
He thinks he's probably got a good shot at taking it down, so drops his shortbow, pulls our his rapier and slashes at the griffon in front of him.
He knows that it wasn't the best strike, but he hopes it did the trick.
Maddox, with the help of a flanking anadi (and a missing level bonus) connects solidly, driving the tip of the rapier through a nare and into the brain, dropping the beast.
Teacher Ot sees the re-wounded Ducreyi and casts Heal, taking care of the damage. He then steps in front of the reckless anadi, smiles, and says, "Please, lad, your bravery is commendable, but let our heroes take care of this. Do not be careless with your life. We are all working very hard to save it, after all."[/b]
Ducreyi snarls and says, in Common to be sure Ot understands, "And have my honor saved by that 'sling? Never, old man."
He races past Ot and casts color spray, angling it so that it only hitsw the griffon and Laesah.
The griffon is lightly dazzled for a round, but Laesah is Stunned for one round and blinded for 1 minute.
The griffon, stars in its eyes, still senses that Laesah is easier prey and attacks her.
The attacks, even one that seemed particularly vicious, strike the air, as the griffon can't quite find Laesah through the swirl of concealing colors. Frustrated, it takes to the air, drawing an attack from Much.
The blow connects and the griffon wobbles, clearly near death. Dazzled and battered, rather than take position for another strafing run, it flies away.
Ducreyi transforms into his human form. He's handsome, and looks somewhat familiar to you all, even though that doesn't make sense. He has wide set eyes, a heart-shaped face, and a self-important smile. He barks a laugh and screams a victory cry.
"Glad I could drive it away and stop it from mauling you, Laesah. I think it's good that I'm here. This school clearly needs me." He looks over to Teacher Ot and his face changes to one of contrition. "And I, of course, need this school. Forgive me my behavior in the moment of combat, teacher. My blood, and my mouth, can get away from me sometimes."
Ot looks neutral, but nods his head. "Of course. If those coming here to be students had no faults when they arrived, we would have no need for the Magaambya."
Ducreyi can't resist one last barb. "And I see some of those students are still working out some kinks. Can't believe you got nailed so hard by that color spray, 'Sah. Need to toughen up your resolve, eh? He waves his hand in front of Laesah's face, assuming she can't see it yet.
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The stunned and blinded anadi "senselessly" lashes out, her panic at being "mauled" causing her to act "without thinking".
"Quiet! I still hear the griffon!"
At the surprised yelp from Ducreyi, Laesah doubles down.
"I can't see, thanks to your untrained magics, Dookie. Much! Point me in the direction of the enemy!" The anadi, seething on the inside, over-acts her blinded state, feeling about helplessly.
"I can't see, thanks to your untrained magics, Dookie. Much! Point me in the direction of the enemy!"
Much claps her hands onto Laesah's shoulders.
"You've smote them, packmate!"Much turns a glaring eye towards Ducreyi, letting her scars ripple up and down her forearms before continuing "Come, there is no one else here worth our attention."
She turns herself, and Laesah, to face away from Dookie.
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Ducreyi avoids the worst of things, but still gets lightly battered and heavily soaked. He sputters and gasps before taking a step forward. "You forget who you are, 'Sah, and you have clearly forgotten who I am." Ducreyi says, with menace in his voice. And then he sees the hulking gnoll warrior, quietly exuding the promise of violence..
...And rethinks things. He visibly gulps, then turns back to Teacher Ot and says, "Perhaps I could clean up before we continue?"
"That will come. Our first priority is this wounded griffon." Ot says, gesturing to the downed creature. Ducreyi begins to object, and Ot cuts him off, gently moving some feathers aside to show the flesh beneath. "Look at this... She is emaciated, and there are signs of the lash. This creature has been abused and is starving. It probably saw you and your friends as food."
"Maddox, thank you for bringing these prospective students to us. I would have you rejoin your cohort now. You still have much to offer in support of each other."
"Haunt, our conversation was cut off a bit. In truth, I fear we have moved beyond my expertise, but do not worry. I know someone who may have more insight. Janatimo was my mentor, just as I am yours. He is one of the Magaambya’s cleverest lore-speakers, though he rarely stays in one place for long. I would like to gain his wisdom and, to be honest, introduce your impressive group to him. We will discuss with him in person the next time he returns. In the meantime, thank you for all you have done. If I could ask one more favor, please go to Ahassunu and let her know I need her here. Laesah and Much, could you take care of that?”
In the weeks that follow the battle with the griffons, the school tries to go back to normal. Things are almost like they were before, except you find yourselves treated like minor celebrities.
Gossip abounds about Laesah and Okoro. Some think they are together, some think they are just friends, and some think he’s been cast aside for the dashing new anadi, Dusk-Glints-off-the-Fang Ducreyi. Chef Yao has been known to tweak the ear of any student she hears spreading the last notion, but that just makes it all the more popular.
Much’s sparring sessions now have frequent throngs of students. Bookish wizards trying their hand at fighting, hoping to be the next hero of the yard. Esi is there to help, and swears they are making progress transforming the rabble. All the while Anchor Root shyly watches from the side, making sure to avoid the melee. Her demeanor changes when she’s around the larger gnoll, as if borrowing some courage from Much, or perhaps growing into the role of bone speaker for their tribe of two.
Haunt makes good progress on the Old Stump, as materials and labor become more available. Perhaps people are looking forward to the party that was promised? Regardless, Haibram is always there to help fix things, and offer some suggestions for improvements that might make things more exciting and certainly make them more dangerous.
As for Maddox, he quietly tries to integrate back into his classes. Man students wonder where he was for so long, but the android, not one to dissemble, manages to keep the answers to himself. Mariama, still fangirling over the “Fire Breather,” doesn’t ask questions, but keeps close, fanning the intrigue.
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Much pushes hard through to complete her studies in the first week of her break.
Leaning on her burgeoning relationship with Anchor Root, Much writes her dissertation on Inter-caste relationships in Kholo society, Modern and Classical. The entire process leaves her with less clarity than she would have hoped: both about her academic and romantic status.
With that out of the way, and feeling a bit of swagger from her new found celebrity, Much decides to try her hand at commerce, posting fliers for three, one-week 'Movement in Combat 101' courses.
With the tagline "Learn the moves that saved the Magaambya!", she is sure the classes will go off without a hitch.
Week One is sold out and a smashing success.
Week Two doesn't go as well, with only a small group of dwarves in attendance, but it isn't a complete failure.
Week Three is an improvement, this time with a solid number of Shisk students whom Much is happy to engage with in their native tongue.
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Laesah spends much of the last week of the term squirreled away in her room, preparing her thesis defense and studying for exams. Inspired by her jellyfish lamp (the drishti for her daily meditations), the monk has completed a deep-dive into the field of hydraulics and fluid dynamics, aiming a physical practice at maximising contortion and calisthenic exercise for combat defense. As further influenced by Vudran culture and the worship of Irori, Laesah has entitled her practice of form "Hyeong for Mushin" - which translates to "Proper Kinetics for Physical and Mental Fortitude".
As she enters the examination arena, the anadi takes a deep breath and silently offers an affirmation to Grandmother Spider.
My story is merely a continuation of your legend.
The next three weeks are a blur of cooking lessons with Madame Yao, sparring lessons with Laesah and Esi, and board games/private meditations in her dorm room. And so what if Okoro is spotted more than once exiting from behind her closed door at all hours?
Haunt makes good progress on the Old Stump, as materials and labor become more available. Perhaps people are looking forward to the party that was promised? Regardless, Haibram is always there to help fix things, and offer some suggestions for improvements that might make things more exciting and certainly make them more dangerous.
Haunt spends the first week after the defeat of the Stone Ghost and subsequent griffon attack continuing the rehabilitation of the Old Stump. The physical labor keeps his mind off of all the questions left unanswered by the death of Uduak Basni, but is light enough duty that his body - exhausted from the unending cycle of being battered in combat, getting magically healed, repeat until collapse - is allowed to recuperate. He enjoys working with Haibram - and Laesah, Much, and Maddox when they have time, along with anyone else who cares to come by.
The amurrun continues to work on converting the former library into a home base and training studio during his off-hours the next week, when he turns to his studies. As a Tempest Sun-Mage, he cannot ignore threats to the Magaambya indefinitely. Unable to put aside the remaining mysteries of the Stone Ghost any longer, he borrows Uduak’s journals from Ot and pours over them, trying to spot early signs that the student would turn against the Academy to allow the faculty to identify future potential threats before anyone else is killed. He examines the Uduak’s school records, to the extent he is allowed to access them, and - well out of his depth academically- conducts a few inartful interviews of the members of the faculty who remember the Stone Ghost as a student.
At the very end of the second week of Downtime, Haunt stays up all night writing a short paper detailing everything he had learned over the week of intense research and presents it to Ot as his test to advance in the Cascade Bearers.
Following the griffons and his return to the school, Maddox tries his best to re-integrate. He helps Professor Ot heal and helps him get home. He spends the first few days before lessons start for him cooking and chatting to Ot and his wife, glad to be back among friends. He eventually moves back into the dorm and is thrilled to be amongst his old team again. Conscious of being away awhile, he takes long walks with Laesah during breaks while she catches him up on the comings and goings. He spends much of his free time in the Old Stump, helping out Haunt. He spars with Much when she’s available. He also touches base with some of his other acquaintances around the dorm. Though quite shy and introverted, he pushes himself out of his comfort zone trying to get around to everyone to let them know he’s back. And though everyone asks, he remains vague about where he’s been.
While playing a board game with Laesah three weeks later, he summons the courage to ask her more about how she’s feeling following the emotional events that transpired.
”You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but how are you doing after…everything?” He asks tentatively.
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Laesah fumbles her game token at Maddox's question.
"What? You mean Dookie?" she guffaws with false bravado as she retrieves her token from the floor of her dorm room. "I'm giving him a wide berth and even less thought. I've got other things occupying my mind right now." Her eyes land on the dice bracelet around her wrist, then flash at Maddox with an uncharacteristic twinkle.
"And what about you, Doctor Vague? You go missing for most of the term, then turn up with Dookie and a cadre of anadi initiates and no explanation for where you've been..."
She squares her shoulders to her android friend.
"You show me yours and I'll show you mine."
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Maddox and Laesah talk long into the night, before being interrupted by a gentle knock on Laesah’s door, revealing a sheepish Okoro. With a wink at Laesah, Maddox takes his leave and returns to his dorm room, his skin glowing slightly as his mind races with new information.
Much earns 17sp from her training classes, and increases her bond with Esi even more. Chef Yao, not one to let Laesah work for free, slips the same amount into her pocket with a grin. "Take the money, girl, you earn it. Don't shame me, now."
All your studies go well, and you all advance in rank. Much and Haunt both wow the teachers and succeed critically. Haunt has developed a reputation, and the admiration of Chezire. Chezire doesn't study, per se, but he starts hanging out with Haunt even more, bringing drinks to The Old Stump and chatting. If the conversation happens to be about what they are being taught, and Chezire is probing for insight, that almost seems accidental.
Teacher Ulawa (Koride) is less subtle, cornering Haunt after a class. She pushes her glasses up her nose and squints at him, as though trying to see him better. "I may have been wrong about you... I absolutely hate that." She keeps her gaze locked on him for a moment before continuing, her face softening almost imperceptibly. "You have had unusual requests before, and I've found them offputting. If you have more, you should ask me. I will likely indulge you. You have bizarre instincts and talents. Let's see where they lead, shall we?" She turns and walks away, exiting the conversation as abruptly as she began it.
Everything else progresses normally, and the spotlight on The Pack begins to dim. It is on one such relatively normal day that the bathroom spell skeins presents Maddox with a note. It reads:
Greetings, Maddox! I am Janatimo, and I have returned. You are Uzunjati, so I send this to you, as is appropriate, but it is for your friends as well. Please come see me in my office, I'm sure we have many stories to share and create.
I look forward to meeting you. For the sake of pacing this narrative, I hope that it is soon.
You know, as does everyone at the school, that Janatimo is one of the five learned ones, scholars who lead each of the Magaambya’s branches separately. Beyond that, you'd need to check your memory or ask around.
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"I don't know if I want a "legend" made of me, Teacher," Laesah replies to Madame Yao after gratefully receiving her wage earnings. "That is part of the reason I left the Enclave of the Welcome Breeze, that cradle in Nurvatcha from whence I came.." The anadi trails off, her eyes distant, remembering things unspoken.
"I barely passed my last lot of exams; I don't think my studies will tolerate much more distraction - not like last time. I'm ON to something ----- oh, Hi, Okoro!"
She distractedly calls out as the young man enters the dining hall, realises her gaffe, then clamps her hand on her braid in embarrassment, her eyes locked on Chef Yao.
"I......should......go." She quickly ducks out.
"I may have been wrong about you... I absolutely hate that." She keeps her gaze locked on him for a moment before continuing, her face softening almost imperceptibly. "You have had unusual requests before, and I've found them offputting. If you have more, you should ask me. I will likely indulge you. You have bizarre instincts and talents. Let's see where they lead, shall we?" She turns and walks away, exiting the conversation as abruptly as she began it.
Haunt blinks at Koride’s departing back, utterly gobsmacked. After a long moment, he shakes himself out of his trance. Seeing that she is about to disappear around the corner of a building, the amarrun chases after her, calling “Teacher Ulawa! Wait! Does that mean I can examine the corpse after all?”
Greetings, Maddox! I am Janatimo, and I have returned. You are Uzunjati, so I send this to you, as is appropriate, but it is for your friends as well. Please come see me in my office, I'm sure we have many stories to share and create.I look forward to meeting you. For the sake of pacing this narrative, I hope that it is soon.
To Esi, while they are sparring in the bare bones training room that the Pack has set up in the Old Stump: “So that’s what Maddox’s note says. Delivered by one of those folded towel things that live in the lavatory at Spire Dorm! I don’t know why he’d want to meet with the rest of us. Do you have any — WHOOF!” He pauses to catch his breath after Esi takes advantage of his distraction and pokes him hard in the belly with her waster*. “Do you have any ideas? And where’s he been all this time?”
“Oh, really? Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt to meet with him then. I mean, maybe he would send a letter home to our parents… you know, for people who care about that sort of thing.”
Greetings, Maddox! I am Janatimo, and I have returned...
Much lies against the wall of the sparring dojo, letting the cool wood soothe her muscles. Haunt's painful oof brings the corners of her mouth up into a lazy half grin, but she doesn't take her eyes off the shadows of the window frame skewed across the ceiling.
"Teaching isn't bad, but it doesn't pay enough to warrant the pain. I say we follow up with Janatimo sooner rather than later. That is, if we're voting."
After taking the note from the spell skein and confiding its contents to his friends, Maddox decides to ask Professor Ot what he knows.
Later on, he meets back up with the crew as they spar around the dojo and asks, "I agree with Much...sooner rather than later. How about tomorrow morning?"
Professor Ot adds a little extra color. "Janatimo is a friend, mentor, and boon companion." Ot says. "I am glad your education continues at his direction. He has his... eccentricities, but is impossible to find a teacher here without any. I have, and continue to, trust him with my life, and the lives of those I would see prosper."
Teacher Janatimo has a grand reputation, but when you arrive at his office you find the furnishings are quite simple. The desks and shelves contain many objects and curios, each of which seems as though it has an interesting story to tell. In the center of all these items, sits Janatimo himself, Learned One and head of the Uzunjati. His glowing skin is the color of burnt caramel, and without line or blemish. Long, twisted dark hair is pushed back behind his sharp, pointed ears, bound in copper bands and falling in a loose but stylish mess to his shoulders. Your information gathering said he's a half elf, but to look at him you'd assume he's one half elf and the other half also elf. His canted eyes light light up when he sees you, and a grin breaks across his ageless face.
“Ah, my new protagonists. Excellent!" He says, lightly slapping his desk in excitement. He closes the book he was writing in and produces a new one, turning to the first blank page. "Thank you for taking the time to visit with me. Please, have a seat. I am sure there are some fine tales we can share.”
Once you are seated, he continues, "I have heard something of your exploits, of course. But I would love to know which details you find most important... To hear from the source and begin to capture your voices. So, tell me, what of your time here do you find especially noteworthy? Laesah, you seem like the right type to start a story. Please, let us begin with you."
He leans forward slightly, politely waiting for Laesah to begin, quill in hand, but keeping his attention on the anadi woman, not the book he's about to take notes in.
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Laesah reddens at being called upon first, but after more than a full year of examinations, she finds an unexpected oratorial preparedness.
"It is nice to meet you, Teacher Janatimo. I am called Laesah Doul. My anadi name is Dances-With-Falling-Water."
"I cannot speak for any but myself, but I came here as sponsored by my people with their assumed expectations for me. That weight has felt like a lodestone around my neck at times and yet, I feel myself growing more curious by my studies as the seasons progress, Teacher. My academic awakening feels as if it's existing in a parallel with my personal life, of which these three have played intimate roles - I would rely on each of them with my dearest secrets, and have placed my life in their hands on more than one occasion this past year as we sought the secrets behind the assault on the school. I love them each."
The anadi meets eyes with her companions in turn, a slight smile on her face, the darkened tone of her sepia skin darkening further.
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."
Laesah finishes her proverb, nods slightly, and re-focuses her gaze on Teacher Janatimo.
Janatimo takes writes into his book without taking his eyes off Laesah, staying engaged, and nodding as she speaks. When she finishes, he says, "Indeed. That is a favorite of mine as well. I find it pairs well with 'Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua'."
"Some see them as conflicting, one adage prioritizing the world and the other the people in it, but I think they round out a comprehensive philosophy. It's rare to tell the story at the heart of a people so succinctly. Some anadi perceive the weave of words with the same wit they see the interplay of webs and threads and... fates."
He lets the word hang with a practiced dramatic flair and then turns to the rest of the pack, taking you all in as a group before raising his eyebrows slightly and locking eyes with Much.
"Now, it seems only fitting that you would go next, my dear. Tell me, what is the most important thing to you regarding your time at school thus far?"
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"That weight has felt like a lodestone around my neck at times...
Much nods and mutters under her breath. "Tugas lebih berat dari gunung..."
Janatimo's question pulls Much's attention back and her ears wilt downward.
"I'm afraid the best and truest answers have already been given, Master Janatimo. I am also here because my pack required a mage. That responsibility fell to me and so I came."
"My feelings on the weight of that burden," Much flicks her eyes to Laesah. "Are much the same as my packmate's."
Much pauses and shrugs.
"When I first arrived, I expect my answer would have been 'magic'. But in truth, magic is another tool. I'm happy to have it, like my dagger or my rope, but it doesn't bring me joy or change who I am."
"But new pack? That changes everything. That does make me better and stronger."
Much's ears perk up and she meets Janatimo's gaze.
"Grandmother always said, 'A weight borne with family is no weight at all'."
As before, Janatimo writes in his book without looking down. You can't see what he's writing, but notice that he never turns the page, just writes to the bottom of the first sheet and then begins again at the top. He seems pleased as Much gives her answer.
"Ah, a theme emerges! Family! A fan favorite." Janatimo taps to his hip where Much where's her thong of knucklebones.
"Family are some of the most important characters in our stories, and when we remember them we make them timeless - immortal. We say things like, 'Grandmother said,' but in the moment you recall her wisdom she is speaking through you. In that moment, 'Grandmother says.'" Janatimo's eyes sparkle, and you can tell he's enjoying this line of thought. He closes the book and gestures with his quill, sending a droplet of lightly incandescent ink flying as he continues. "It is likely you will recall her words in the future as well, so, if we were feeling optimistic, we might use a future tense, 'Grandmother will say.'
"Your connection to family and pack honors them, and you, Much. You do more than carry them, you keep their story alive. You channel them into your story, which is no small sacrifice. Our page counts are limited, and not all would share share their time in the narrative spotlight."
He tilts his head to you, enough to show respect in the Kholo fashion, but not so much that it would implying deference. A subtle distinction not may outsiders could manage.
He turns to Haunt and says, "And now, Haunter of Monsters... My goodness, your name alone could sell a story... Tell me, what is the most impactful part of your time here? And, since a theme has already been established, I'll also ask you, how have you changed?
“Oh, hrmmm. Well.” Haunt looks around at his friends and shifts uneasily in his seat. His right leg starts bouncing. “So I grew up in Murraseth, if you know where that is. South of the big jungle. Anyway, I left home to get away from my family for a while and see the world. I didn’t run away, I just decided it was time for a break, and nobody disagreed. I earned my way by helping villages and towns fight off the creatures that attack them from the jungle, and I came to the Magaambya because I wanted to learn about how to do that better. I didn’t think I’d stay here very long, because I didn’t really think I had that much to learn. Also, I didn’t realize I was supposed to apply first, not just show up at the front gate…”
With an effort, he stills his leg. “But also, I didn’t expect to make such good friends here.” He leans forward and says in a stage whisper, “Believe it or not, most people back home thought I was a little weird.”
The amurrun spreads his arms to encompass Laesah, Much, and Maddox. “The most impactful part of my time at the Magaambya has been the new family I found here. And as for how I’ve changed? That’s easy, just ask Teacher Ot, or Teacher Ulawa. I never did very well in school because I was always staring out the window or sketching ferocious beasts into my notebook, and most of what they wanted to teach me was just pointless. Maybe it’s because I’ve finally found what I’m supposed to be doing, but I think I’m doing really well with my studies here.”
I've heard about your success in your studies. Ulawa was surprised. Ot was not." Janatimo says. "More credit to Takulu. He remains an excellent judge of... well, everything."
"And you, Maddox? What has had the greatest impact on you? How have you changed?
He looks at Maddox with his full attention, waiting.
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As Maddox listens to his companions answer the question asked by their new acquaintance, he studies Janatimo and thinks about how he might answer. He deeply believes this is a man that can be trusted, based on Professor Ot's confidence in him. He vows to answer as truthfully as he can, even if his answer doesn’t follow the trend set by his friends. He’s humbled by his companions bond and insistence that family, people, and the pack is what the most important thing is and he feels stronger and more connected to them. He takes a deep breath and chooses his words carefully.
”Though I do not discount how important our bond is and how powerful we are together, I cannot help but feel that there is power even greater than our love for each other at this school, or greater than any bond formed here.”
He pauses and looks a little guiltily around at his compatriots without meeting their eyes.
”I think knowledge is the most important thing. Without learning from our successes and failures, we are nothing and we cannot move forward. The knowledge we have gained while here has brought us past where we ever expected to go and I am sure, will continue to do so. Above all, I want to learn.”
He pauses and adds, ”But I also really do value my inclusion in this group. You don’t know us yet, sir, but my teammates are the best people and the best friends a person could have. ”
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The anadi smiles at her dear friend.
Of course Maddox sees the Weave clearly - both the thread of our emotional growth as well as the motor by which we’ve all made these connections - knowledge.
”Spoken like someone who has been walloping us all while playing Bounder. I want a rematch, Maddox!” Laesah says with uncharacteristic jest.
Janatimo grins at Maddox, places his quill in the book, and closes it. "Well, Maddox, you chose well when you became Uzunjati, and we're lucky to have you. Knowledge. Stories have many reasons to be told, but the best ones contain and convey knowledge, and the knowledge in those stories help move us forward, as you say..."
"But before I begin that lecture, let us talk about the anadi who have arrived, and the griffons that followed them to our city."
He quickly recaps the situation of your battle with the griffons, with such a perfect grasp of the details, you'd think he was there at the time.
"Let me ask you some questions about that day. Anyone can answer, and while I have my thoughts, but I'd love to know yours."
“What drew the griffons to the Magaambya?”
“Why were the griffons so hostile?”
“What brought the anadis here, to the heart of a city with which they appear somewhat unfamiliar?”
“What else might the anadis want, besides to study? That is, what might make them feel more like they belong here?”
Much sniffs the air, as if looking for answers on the wind.
"Maybe it's less about what drew them here, and maybe more about what drove them away from wherever they were."
Her ears droop a bit, not satisfied with her own hunch.
"It would be worth following up with them to find out more. Anything vile enough to make people flee their homes is worth our attention."
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"I agree with Much," Laesah offers, "those griffons looked hungry and desperate. I don't think that was a coordinated attack." She sighs. "It was unfortunate but perhaps merciful, their deaths."
She grows steely-eyed as she considers the last few questions.
"I am familiar with one of the anadi who arrived; I know ambition drives him."
"Yes, they looked like they had a purpose here. They are animals after all, so they must have had a reason to be here." Maddox shivers, remembering the bloody fight they had.
He looks over at Laesah. "Maybe you would be the right person to approach the Anadi. Professor, are we able to come back to you with the answers you seek?"
"I am familiar with one of the anadi who arrived; I know ambition drives him."
Janatimo grimaces and says, "Yes, I've heard about your familiarity. I've also heard that some unimaginative students have cast him as a love interest. Very disappointing, not every source of tension between men and women has to be 'will they, won't they.' It's fan service."
"As for your question, Maddox, yes, you can come back as you learn more. I expect we will be comparing notes for some time. So, have you determined your next step?"
Much settles into her common "I'm thinking" pose of a low, Kholo crouch.
She looks up and addresses the group.
"Starting with Ducreyi seems the best option. Are you up to it, Laesah?"
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"No." Laesah scoffs, catches Janatimo's glower, then re-addresses Much.
"I will accompany you and tolerate him. I'll be much more useful in speaking with the other anadi who came to the Magaambya. Dook----creyi and I don't have a good working relationship at present."
Laesah then stares at the base of the teacher's desk intently, pulling on her braid gently as she studies the floorboards.
"Excellent! The story progresses!" Exclaims Janatimo. He stands and walks to one of his shelves, pulling down an intricate wooden crown. He hands it to Haunt.
"Hopefully this will be of some use in your efforts. It is the Crown of the Companion. As the story goes, a forgotten king once loved his subjects so much he was willing to give his own life energy for them, feeding his essence into a ritual that saved his land. This, his crown, absorbed a portion of that essence, granting some of his grace to the wearer."
The only thing you know about the new anadi students is that they hang out most evenings in front of a place called the Hababe Building, a little-used structure that contains storerooms, lecture halls, and spare offices.
"What do you say, guys? Should we head over?" Maddox asks, eager to get to work. His skins glows a bit with the excitement of being back with his crew, exploring a new mystery and he bounces on his blade-legs.
The team heads over to the Hababe Building and takes a look around. Maddox searches with the team, his mechanical ears pricked for any signs of unrest as he looks around carefully.
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”Wow, I’ve read about that legend,” Laesah marvels, taking the crown from the teacher. ”I never thought that it was real. This could come in handy.” She looks around.
”Uh, who should…?” She meets the encouraging gazes of her colleagues.
”ok.”
Deep breath…
”Let’s go talk to the anadi.”
Laesah approaches the Hababe Building, eyes peeled for the newly-arrived anadi, hopeful that Ducreyi is off doing douchebaggery things elsewhere.
Much follows closely behind her pack, obsessively sharpening polishing her stone , ready to glare daggers over their shoulders at whichever douchebag needs daggered.
Haunt moseys around the Habebe Building with the rest of the Pack. If the anandi students aren’t immediately visible, he will stop and chat with any other students they run into, hoping to find someone who can tell them anything about how the new anandi are adjusting to the Magaambya or where to find them.
Don’t call him Dookie Don’t call him Dookie Don’t call him Dookie…
What Haunt learns reinforces what is known. The anadi hang out in front of this building many nights, chatting together and largely keeping to themselves. He does learn some names, besides Dookie: Rainbows-Reflected-Upon-Gossamer-Strands (or simply “Goss”) and Barest-Threads-Billowing Maztachia (AKA "Threads"). They haven't made much of an impression around the school and seem to keep to themselves, coming off as slightly lost, but otherwise happy to be here.
The Habebe building lecture hall is dark for the evening, but the front steps are illuminated by a lantern on a log between several soft clumps of brush. The stairs up to the lecture hall are flanked by two clay statues of stout masked figures holding swords. Although the lecture hall entrance atop the stairs is a grand double door, it’s not the building’s only visible entrance: a smaller door behind the stairs is just illuminated by the lantern’s light.
Maddox takes a look around, trying to find anything out of the ordinary...
The anadi are at the bottom of the stairs, having an esoteric debate about the web of causality and destiny.
"Goss, when Aroden died, prophecy died with it, and yet our elders go on about the weave, and fates, and all how it's all bound together. What's the point?" The anadi that must be Threads asks. He's added a round knit hat since the last time you saw him, and a jacket with sleeves that don't quite cover his long, thin arms.
Goss, shorter and stouter than his friends, throws a scarf back over his shoulder. "Just because prophecy died with that human god doesn't mean some things aren't known by those with the power to see it. But it's harder now, and shifting. I think it makes the whole idea that much more interesting - if it was easy to just peer into some artifact of augury and know what comes next, that would be pointless. Now it takes skill and will to look at the weave and see what might occur then follow the thread to make it sure."
These two don't even seem aware of you as they go back and forth. Ducreyi catches you from the corner of his eye, sparing a sneer for Laesah and then ignoring you all, before jumping into the debate. "You are right about one thing, Goss, most lack the skill to do it. My sister will figure it out though. It's her destiny, and I don't need any tools or talent to tell you that."
They continue their debate amongst themselves, seemingly oblivious to your presence. They might go on like this all night, if left to their own devices.
"My sister will figure it out though.It's her destiny..."
Much's ear pop up and swivel to Laesah.
"Sister? Destiny? Did I miss something important, Laesah?"