"Motives of Mercy" Log Date: 12/27, 12/28/99 Log Cast: Kerani, Behzad Guardsman (NPC emitted by Faanshi), 'Yamineh' (Faanshi) Log Intro: It is the most frightening command she has ever been given: to slip into the Clanhall of a Clan where the Warlord has gone mad under the strain of losses suffered by his people -- and himself -- during the dual trials of the magic-storms and the earthquake that have all but paralyzed the city. She is to reveal her identity to no one save the herb-mistress and Ushasti, Devi... and the Warlord's own Nayaka, Numair, who must conspire against his own Warlord for the sake of their people. She is to apply the strength of her own gifts to the succor of Behzad. And she is to do all of this while concealing her activities from the maddened Warlord Sakhr. It is the most frightening command she has ever been given... and yet, in the name of the need of Behzad, in the name of Clan Khalida and the Imphadi Minister Ranjeet and the Imphada Shakir Shahar who have sent her to Behzad's aid, and in the name of the holy surahs and the Most High, Faanshi prays desperately that she will be able to find the strength to carry it out. And perhaps her prayers do not go unheard, for there is one other being sent into Clan Behzad, who must conceal motives of mercy behind a mask of deceit... but who, like her, has come to help.... *===========================< In Character Time >===========================* Time of day: Afternoon Date on Aether: Thursday, October 12, 3905. Year on Earth: 1505 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waning Gibbous Season: Fall Weather: Frost Temperature: Hot *==========================================================================* Courtyard - Behzad Clan Hall - Haven(#388RAJLh$) High walls of roughly hewn stone loom overhead, and the worn stonework of the floor indicates that the dwelling ahead was built a long, long time ago. Obviously built for a wealthy Varati, this courtyard has been constructed to resemble a subterranean vara. Around the perimeter of the courtyard are small buildings--stables on either side, one for horses, the other for firedrakes; a kitchen; a small forge. Over the massive oaken door leading into the house hangs a large crimson flag, matching the livery of the Behzad guards that stand on either side of the door on formal occasions. Contents: Kerani Greenhouse - Behzad Clan Hall - Haven Obvious exits: Massive Doors Street Kerani emerges into the Bezhad courtyard. She'd been expecting 'bad', but by the Amir-al and blessed Mother, this is torturous! Fully clad again after her greeting 'cleansing', the young girl now shivers in the open air, arms wrapped about herself. So much for acting as if things were perfectly normal. There are very few bleaker places in Haven these days than the Clanhall of Clan Behzad -- at least, if you restrict yourself to the Varati quarter of the city and ignore the wretched expanse of territory that is Bordertown. The grim expressions worn by the guards at the gates of this place might easily be mistaken for the direst of scowls worn by the Agni-Haidar themselves... and inside the walls, what few people are in sight appear to be moving with furtive purpose, keeping their gazes down and their voices to themselves. The sentry who's let Kerani in through the gates, standing by diligently as she staggers out of the showers, has been keeping his attention discreetly turned so that she may regarb herself in private... but now that the last of the gushes of water has sounded, he inquires in gruff tones over his shoulder, "Do you need a bit of time, imphada, or do you wish to go about your business now?" Not all of the furtive figures in the courtyard continue to go about their errands, though. One, a slender shape in black and crimson carrying a basket of herbs and clothes, slows her steps some distance away. The head of she who currently answers to 'Yamineh' turns in the direction of the showers, and a frown of dismay flickers across the green eyes momentarily visible above her crimson veil. Kerani This dusky-skinned young woman seems to barely be more than a girl, with her smooth features and youthful vibrance - perhaps in her mid to late teens. She stands at five feet ten inches, with the slender but solid build typical of Varati women. Her dark brown eyes almost seem to shine with an inner fire, and her black hair is held in a single silver-bound ponytail, the end just reaching the bottom of her neck. She wears an elegantly-decorated sari wrapped around her body. The light fabric has a green background, and is embroidered with yellow and blue in vinelike designs. The topmost end of the sari is draped over her shoulder. Her feet are covered with slippers of the same green color. A veil of translucent blue covers the front of her face, held in place by a silver chain about her head, and leaving her eyes unveiled. From each of her earlobes hangs a simple silver hoop earring, circles about a finger wide each. On each arm, she wears a pair of silver bracelets, one smaller than the other. Kerani turns her attention toward the guardsman as she's addressed, keeping her demeanor proper despite her discomfort. She considers his question a moment, adjusting her veil as her slightly-reddened sking again gets used to a normal temperature. "I should get to my business, imphadi," she politely replies, and with a deferential bow, moves into the courtyard. She only has a vague idea of what she's looking for, and at least by way of temperament of those about, she sees it all around quite clearly - as bad as she's been told, only worse to see it for herself. The sentry inclines his dark head, equally dark eyes flickering briefly with a measure of discomfort that this obviously well-bred individual has had to be put through the pain of the showers. "As you wish," he rumbles, "but be advised that by edict of the Warlord, the use of the right hand in any actions is forbidden within these walls. Keep this in mind, young imphada, as you go about your business." With that, then, the big brawny fellow goes about his own business, returning to his post in vigil over the showers. Perhaps he fears that someone might damage them? Or perhaps more likely, he fears that if they are damaged, _he_ will suffer. In the meantime, the maiden in crimson and black ventures uncertainly near. Her head remains bowed, her gaze more or less upon the ground -- or at least held only high enough that she may walk without bumping into anyone or anything. "Please excuse me," comes her soft inquiry, "but... do you need guidance, imphada?" Kerani again bows her head to the guardsman, having heard quite clearly before she'd gotten hear - and is not about to test the veracity of that statement. She has only taken a couple steps into the courtyard when she's approached. She turns toward the other woman, and nods slightly. "I would," she replies softly, "if I am not taking you away from your duties?" Only at close range is the sidelong glance cast by 'Yamineh' to the left and right visible; only at close range, too, can her answering murmur be heard. "I am assigned nothing that cannot wait, imphada, long enough for me to provide direction to anyone you seek." She pauses for a fraction of an isntant, and then adds, her gaze upon the paving-stones beneath her sandaled feet, "Or... a healing, if you require it." Kerani regards the shudra for a moment - Mother's mercy, is everyone here this frightened and paranoid - before she nods in reply. "You are a healer?" she asks, mirroring the other's softly spoken tone. "I had heard tell that healers have been in great demand. I've no need of healing," she says, the pain she's feeling already fading - at least there are some mercies here, "but I am in search of someone. Devi Amavasya - I have some business to discuss with her." The shudra -- for shudra she must be, surely, if not naraki -- does not answer that initial question. She _does_ flick a very brief, fleeting glance over the top of her veil at the maiden before her as she hears it, though. And only when the name of Devi Amavasya is uttered does she breathe in tones of a strained kind of relief, "Are you... sent by the Ushasti, imphada? I can guide you to her quarters...!" Kerani blinks once. Now is not yet the time to tip her hand, she thinks to herself, with too much yet unknown. "My business is my own," she replies - which at the moment is perfectly accurate, if not fully honest. She does make an ever-so-subtle gesture - with her left hand, even - one of the first few ch'homa taught to young Ushasti. She doesn't know if it'll be recognized for what it is, but if so, it should dispel any doubts. For a fraction of an instant, the green -- green? An odd shade of eye, for one clad in Varati garments -- gaze flashes to that tiny gesture. If this girl _is_ Ushasti she gives no sign of it... but still, maybe, just maybe, there might be a flash of recognition in those wide slanted eyes. Swiftly then she turns away, towards the doors that lead into the main hall. "I will guide you to her quarters, imphada," she murmurs in a tone that might, if she did not sound so solemn and weary, be shy. "If you will follow me?" Kerani nods once at the reply - whether the gesture is recognized or not, what's done is done. "Lead on," she softly replies. She gives another brief glance about the courtyard before following. [And shortly...] You open the door and enter the room beyond. Devi's Chambers - Behzad Hall - Haven(#2626RA$) Incense, cinnamon, and candlewax; dusty earth, resin, and green growing things; smooth-polished wood, glossy furs, and flickering firelight. The room itself is rectangular, with three large windows in the far wall, a small fireplace in the left-hand wall and an open doorway in the right. A few wooden crates, the larger of those that arrived with Devi, remain neatly stacked near the door, the wood branded with curious insignia. The furnishings are simple but sturdily-crafted -- a bookshelf, small table and two chairs, and armoir -- and of the same style seen throughout the Clanhall. Plants drape from numerous locations, and those taller than Devi must sidestep or duck often. A thick circular mattress rests on the floor, arranged so the morning sunbeams fall thick and gold upon it, heaped with disarrayed sheets, fur blankets and several pillows. Half the bed is obscured by folding screens; if one peeks around it, another armoir, lapboard, and portable writing kit can be seen. Obvious exits: Out Beaded Curtain Kerani enters from the hallway through the heavy wooden door. Kerani has arrived. A discreet knock... and then, as there is no answer from within, the shudra in black and crimson produces a small key and admits the visitor into the quarters assigned to Devi Amavasya. "She has been busy, imphada," the crimson-veiled maiden murmurs, "very busy, with the plight of the Clan. But if you wish to wait for her here, I can bring you something to refresh yourself... and then go and seek her..?" Kerani remains perfectly silent as she follows, until the pair is within Devi's chambers. She nods slowly to the explanation, and considers. "Actually, perhaps you might be able to clear something up for me?" The basket of herbs and cloths is set aside... and then, the tall, slim shudra girl goes very still, her back to the visitor. "Yes, imphada?" she asks. Her tone is entirely respectful, that of a good servant awaiting clarification from a better... but still, there might be glimpsed a hint of nervousness about her attentive stance. Kerani's question is soft, but her curiosity is quite apparent. "For one: You asked if I was sent by the Ushasti. Why?" "I..." A frisson of fear traces down the shudra's back, as she realizes that in her anxiety she may have inadvertantly gone against her own orders... and perhaps given Devi away to someone who should not know of her. Then, slowly, she turns around to better face Kerani... though she has yet to raise her gaze from the floor. And she finishes in a strained, exhausted voice, "I... know that the Imphada Devi is a priestess... of the Holy Mother of the Amir-al. I... hoped simply that perhaps the others... would act to aid her, imphada. I apologize if I give offense." She stands stiffly, her tone hollow as she finishes; does she expect a scolding? Kerani blinks a few times - not inured with the composure given by age, the shudra's fear takes her fully aback. What can she say to this? Having not known about any such orders, perhaps thankfully, she asks another soft question once she finds her voice, remembering a snippet she heard from the other Ushasti. "What is your name?" "I am to be called Yamineh within this Clanhall," comes the shudra's extremely tiny reply. Kerani nods slowly, and lets out a faintly relieved breath. "Yamineh," she repeats. Finally finding more firmness, she says, "Relax. I am here to help, and you are known to me." Surprise, it would seem, is a state easily invoked in this nervous, frightened creature in Clan Behzad's colors. The shudra girl straightens up to her full height, alarm and something that might become relief if it is allowed to develop intermingled in her leaf-hued eyes. Clearly torn, she seems poised between facing this newcomer before her and returning her gaze in humble deference to the floor. "I... will endeavor to do as you bid," she murmurs at last, swallowing hard behind her veil. "I am to do the bidding of the Imphada Devi and the Imphadi Numair... so if you are here to help, imphada, I will gladly serve you in any way I can..." She trails off, beginning a deep bow then, her voice dropping into a whisper. She might well be on the edge of her strength, if her voice is any indication. Kerani nods very slowly. She shows no displeasure, but this entire place has her too much on edge to be overly relieved, yet. "I am here to help, in any way that I can. My name is Kerani al'Samar. And though I was not *sent* to help," she says, being clear with her emphasis rather than dodging matters, "I am here to help my sisters. Your own aid is most appreciated." 'Yamineh' blows out a very soft sigh, barely audible behind the red veil that conceals her features, and then she slowly nods her head. "Thank you, imphada," she murmurs in tiny, husky tones. Those are all the words she allows herself to utter, but the voice with which she utters them relays considerably more gratitude, flavored with a barely suppressed exhaustion, and a desperate edge. Once more she deferentially bows her sari-wrapped head, adding, "Do you wish me to seek the Imphadi Devi for you?" Kerani inclines her head faintly in reply. "If you would please, yes. If you can't find her, and then only if it wouldn't cause you problems, perhaps you could fill me in more on what's happening here?" The young girl is finally finding her composure, with the insanity of the clan's plight out of her immediate eyesight. "Yes, imphada," is the shudra's reply. "I shall be back swiftly... they may not admit me to her presence, but I will send a message if I can. Please make yourself at ease...?" And with that, then, the willowy maiden in her dark, forbiddingly-hued garb curtseys and steps away, slipping back to the door and stepping out in a whisper of her sandals against the floor. Her mind races as she goes; _is_ this newcomer, this Imphada Kerani, one of the Ushasti? Or did she imagine that odd little flick of the fingers? Did she see a familiarity with a gesture her heart-mother had taught her... or have days upon days of back-breaking work and use of her magic burdened her senses past coherence? Her thoughts very full, she hastens through the Clanhall as swiftly and as silently as she dares, looking either for the Imphada Devi... or someone who might take her a message. Kerani sighs very softly, looking about the room. In her own mind, she wonders if she's taken leave with her own common sense - what would her instructors back home say? Well, she thinks, there's nothing gained by not taking risks, and if she's wrong, there's no chance she'll get out of the clan hall soon enough to escape it once she finds out. She looks about, finding one of the chairs, and settles herself down - both in body and in mind, with deep breaths of meditation. Many minutes of silence and peace elapse; it would seem few dare to violate the sanctity of Devi Amavasya's quarters. At last, however, the soft noise of the door opening up again heralds the shudra girl's return... alone. She who has called herself Yamineh peeks furtively into the room as she enters, looking up swiftly to judge the whereabouts of the young imphada who has come to help the priestess. Kerani jumps as the door opens - so much for keeping herself perfectly calm. She clears her throat gently, not at all in displeasure, unless it's with herself. "Namaste," she says softly. I'm truly past the first hurdle, now, she thinks to herself. "Imphada Devi is busy, I take it?" "The Warlord has demanded her attention," murmurs the shudra as she closes the door behind her. This, though, is uttered with even more nervous tones than she'd used before; apparently, this is enough to strike dread into this shy maiden's heart, for what little can be glimpsed of her features above her veil seem paler than they'd been when she left. Kerani's brow raises slightly. Even for someone who's not fully used to what's going on, the thought sends a chill through her. "I see," she says ever so softly in reply. "You..." The shudra's voice is a soft rasp, and although her veil hides it, the shift in her words suggests she's had to swallow down a lump in her throat to be able to continue. Her gaze remains pointed downward allt he while. "You wished more information from me, imphada?" Kerani nods very slowly. "Yes," she replies, then adds, "I wish that I could say more that could put you at ease, but I fear only that Imphadi Devi could verify anything I might tell you. I know that things are ... dangerous here. I needed to see for myself how bad they were ... and what I might do to help." A pair of slender golden hands -- paler, it might be noted, than the hands of many Varati for all that they are darker than those of other races -- wring nervously at the shudra's breast. She draws uncertainly nearer, still keeping her eyes down, as she strives to find proper words to strike a balance between a servant's respect... and honest relief that someone else is here to help. She opts at last for the latter, deeming her own discomfort irrelevant to address, and reports, "This Clan is starving, imphada, and there is only so much that can be done for them with healing, as long as they lack food. This is... the gravest of the problems that remain, now that those who have been injured or ill because of the earthquake and plague have been attended." Kerani frowns slightly, but not until the words have had some time to sink in. "Food hasn't been coming in?" she asks softly. "I hadn't heard that." She folds her own hands, resting them in her lap. "I remember hearing of the plague that had hit here, but I don't remember hearing of any earthquake. I'm very recently arrived to Haven." With a soft, tremulous breath, she who has called herself Yamineh manages to nod a time or two. "There was a great earthquake, just after the storms in the aether that..." Like a restless bird, she falters for a moment in indecision on whether to sit or pace. And she finishes awkwardly, "The storms that... hurt the mages." Kerani doesn't hide her shiver this time. "I remember that clearly," she admits softly. So does the shudra, apparently. She lifts up her face for a moment, but her eyes are closed and though she seems to strive to hold herself still, it might yet be gleaned that she ever so faintly trembles. "I am... given to understand, imphada," Yamineh murmurs, "that the Warlord... lost someone close to him because of the earthquake." Kerani mmms very softly, frowning. "Did the ... oddities in his orders start after the quake, or had they already begun?" "I am not the best one to ask, imphada," the shudra girl replies earnestly, gaze down upon her hands. "I am not of this Clan. I am only here because I was sent to... fill a need. But as far as I know... he turned... odd, after the quake." These last few words are delivered with the greatest reluctance; perhaps, even in the privacy of an Ushasti woman's quarters, this girl is afraid of speaking ill of a Warlord. Kerani nods slowly, not entirely at ease with the subject as well - but if she wanted easy, she'd have stayed out of this entire mess. "I see - that's still a likely cause to the problem." She sighs softly. "And one that won't be directly solved. If it could, someone likely would have already." Slowly, uncomfortably, the shudra shifts position where she stands, too nervous to take a seat without permission, barely able to restrain herself from swaying tiredly on her feet. "I am not permitted in the Warlord's presence," she whispers raggedly. "I... cannot say, one way or another. I..." Kerani nods again, not immediately recognizing the sign of nervousness - clearly one who's not used to having shudra around often. "I'm only guessing anyway," she replies. She looks up, only now noticing the look. She speaks gently, "Yamineh, if you would like to sit, please do so." "Thank you, imphada..." This, too, is the smallest of whispers. With stiff movements the shudra sinks gingerly into the nearest chair, even now holding herself with a kind of fierce concentration, sitting with an all too obviously rigidly controlled posture. "W-what else might I tell you?" Kerani nods her approval with the slightest motion of her head. The question brings her to a couple moments of silent thought, before she replies. "I doubt I'm going to solve the whole problem myself, so I'd best stop trying - Imphada Devi likely has a much better handle on the situation than I can hope for. What kinds of needs have the clanfolk had, other than food - anything that we can provide without outside help?" What they _need_, Faanshi wants to say, is a Warlord who isn't mad. But she doesn't say this, and the effort to keep those words within her brings a sharp sting of tears to her eyes and a sharp spike of the headache she's been trying to repress for days now. The halfbreed girl lifts a hand, pinching the bridge of her nose between now trembling fingers, and her voice cracks as she begins to reply, "They... they have needed healing. I have... aided them, as I can. They have had to be healed slowly, to prevent arousing suspicion... some of them were very badly hurt! I do not know how much longer the Clan can bear it if the Warlord does not open the gates..." The last two sentences burst out of her in a soft but fervent rush as her control wavers, pounded by that headache. Pain pulses from her into the aether. Kerani blinks at 'Yamineh'. Her skill isn't enough to feel pain from afar - far from it - but she knows the look of it on someone's face. "Yamineh?" she asks softly. "What is wrong?" She reaches out with one hand, hesitantly, but holds back. "Forgive me," murmurs the other girl, abashedly. "I... nothing, imphada, I am... just very tired... please, what more do you need of me?" She rubs a hand across her eyes, rapidly blinking to try to clear her sight and look attentive and alert. Kerani watches for a few moments, skeptical of the shudra's current "alertness". For the moment, though, she isn't going to call her on it. She sits back into her seat. "I have some very small skill in healing magics myself, as well as my knowledge of herbal medicines. Hopefully, I'll be able to help in that way. Is there anywhere that I might be able to stay without causing any ... uproar?" "I am sure that the Imphada Devi will permit to stay in these quarters... I... have stayed here safely enough for these past weeks." The halfbreed starts, belatedly realizing the impact of what she has just been told. Tentative as dawn peeking through the branches of trees, she steals a glance over the top of her veil. "You... are a healer, imphada?" Kerani nods her head, replying to the question first. "I am a healer, yes, though of no great skill," is her simple reply. A healer. Even of simple skill. The shudra breathes, "Then... perhaps at least... you will be able to do a bit more for the people here... I do... not think anyone else will die, at least not of pain or sickness... they are just... so tired, so very tired, hungry, and scared..!" Kerani nods again, and smiles very faintly behind her veil. "Anything I can do to grant the blessed Mother's mercy to these poor people - and I will have done my duty." A little glimmer of hope grips the heart of the shudra girl at the invocation of Ushas, and for the first time, she finds enough bravery to gaze directly over at this newcomer who's been permitted in through the gates. "I... think that the guards who let you in will not betray you to the Warlord," she offers then, "but please, be wary, imphada, as long as you are here. I will do my best to give you whatever service you require... do you need anything, before the Imphada Devi joins you?" Kerani nods very slowly, her smile fading for a more serious look. "I will be as careful as I can be. I will try to follow your lead and Imphada Devi's, for you two are more familiar with what's going on, and what is needed, and how to go about it. For the moment, though, I think what I need is rest - and I believe you may as well." "I--" The shudra blinks, shaken. "I am..." Exhausted. Tired. Desperately weary. Drained of strength and energy and drive. But even so she stoically murmurs, "A trifle... weary." Kerani smiles faintly. "Don't drive yourself into the ground. That's a suggestion - not a command. These people need you with your strength - strength of mind, strength of body, strength of magic." She leaves the matter at that, though. "I will await Imphada Devi's return here and explain myself to her. Thank you for all of your help." Perhaps, just perhaps, there might be a hint of a smile lurking somewhere in the shudra maiden's eyes. "You are welcome, imphada," she murmurs. Kerani inclines her head slightly. "If you'll please excuse me ... For now, I will get some rest. May the blessed Mother guide and protect you." "And you," is Yamineh's breathed reply. She rises, gesturing to the thick round mattress by way of pointing it out, and managing to combine both of these motions. "Namaste, imphada, rest well... I will keep watch over you." Kerani turns to regard the mattress - even looking at it gives a slight slump to her shoulders that she can't hide. "Thank you again. Namaste." She rises slowly, preparing to make use of it. [End log.]