"Terms of Service"

Log Date:
	4/5/00

Log Cast:
	Faanshi, Thalia

Log Intro:
	Even after two years of relative freedom in the city of Haven, the 
young shudra healer Faanshi has yet to really see any evidence that the 
vital, malleable existence of those who dwell in this place will ever have any 
effect upon her own life. There are certain undeniable truths in the passage 
of her days: she is a shudra, and moreover, a shudra who has been ultimately 
responsible for the death of the Warlord of Clan Sarazen. She is a halfbreed. 
And she is a woman. Because of these things, therefore, even though she is a 
healer as well, she has yet to see anything in the world to assure her that 
she can ever aspire to a different sort of life... one which her Mongrel and 
Sylvan acquaintances might argue is a better one.
	Such is not what the upbringing of Faanshi's heart-mother Ulima has 
taught her, though. What she has been raised to believe tells the healer 
maiden that her lowly position is just -- and the pronouncement of the 
God-King himself that she must adhere to the traditions of the Varati people 
is more than enough to set even Faanshi's gentle resolve in stone. Even when 
she has seemingly repeatedly lost many of the friends she has made ever since 
her liberation from the captivity she had suffered, and even when it seems 
that the few Varati who might for a time look kindly upon her can turn 
against her if she displeases them.
	With circumstances such as these, Faanshi could not have hoped to 
conceive of the turn her life has recently taken. The Imphada Kiera, 
uncomfortable with having as a servant one she would much rather have as a 
friend, has released the healer from her service... and into the service of 
another, no less than the Queen-Maharani of all the Varati, Thalia Tritonides 
Khalida. Thunderstruck at the honor that has been offered her, the shudra 
has gratefully agreed to serve this new mistress as she did the old... and on 
this night, she is to learn a bit of what precisely that will mean....

*===========================< In Character Time >===========================*
             Time of day:  Night (Duskside)
          Date on Aether:  Tuesday, April 12, 3906.
           Year on Earth:  1506 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  New
                  Season:  Spring
                 Weather:  Breeze
             Temperature:  Comfortable
*==========================================================================*

Queen's Chambers - Atesh-Gah - Haven(#1694RAJ)
     A harmonious blending of Air and Flame: Empyrean decorating intimately 
  joins with the architecture belonging to the people of the Neverending Fire, 
  the union composing a symphony designed to sing to the soul of the Varati's 
  foreign Queen.
     Extravagant. Four pillars stand about the expansive room, equidistant 
  from each other, and hold up a domed ceiling between them. Upon this concave 
  surface is painted a night sky, points of light set against a deep-blue 
  backdrop. The flickering illumination from oil lamps plays upon the 
  gold-inlay of the stars, creating the illusion that they twinkle and shine 
  just like their inspiration out there in the heavens. Tapestries and mosaics 
  almost completely hide the walls and floors, each one telling a tale of the 
  Varati people through woven thread and coloured tiles. Finely carved doors 
  lead out to a wide balcony, peaked windows, covered with lattice-work, offer 
  views upon the grounds below, and an archway supplies a glimpse of the 
  bedroom beyond.
     Elegant. Where the room itself is heavy and rich, the furniture within it 
  is fragile and graceful in appearance--crafted for those of the winged race. 
  The decorating is spacious and airey, accomplished with a minimalistic 
  approach in mind: backless chairs and couches, constructed more for lounging 
  than sitting, are placed about the chamber with low tables situated close 
  by. Frescos decorate the walls where the tapestries do not and upon 
  pedastals here and there are ethereal statues and exquistely painted vases.
          **Required reading: +view here/guards**
Contents:
Thalia
A stained sheet
Obvious exits:
King's Chambers <KC>  Hallway <O>

Faanshi had not expected the talk the Maharani had suggested they have to 
  happen very quickly -- and truth be told, in her heart of hearts the young 
  halfbreed hadn't quite expected the talk to occur at all. But nevertheless, 
  days later the summons comes. It is elegantly phrased, but it is a summons 
  nevertheless, and it is with trepidation she cannot entirely control that 
  Faanshi presents herself at the door of the Queen's private chambers, for 
  clearance by Thalia's retinue.

The guards at the door wave Faanshi into the Queen's inner sanctum, though not 
  before thoroughly checking her for weapons. Once inside, Thalia can be seen 
  seated at a table. On the table are many covered dishes, their silver lids 
  hiding the contents; from the sheen of steam which mars the perfectly 
  polished surfaces, it can be supposed that their contents are piping hot. 
  The Maharani is not partaking of the items which sit before her. Instead, 
  her seat one of relaxed waiting.

As this girl is, after all, Faanshi, it might be expected that she would be 
  unarmed. However, this is not the case. There is a single weapon upon her 
  person, secreted away beneath the blue folds of her sari: a throwing dagger, 
  nestled in a well-worn leather sheath at her side. Perhaps the man who 
  searches her was expecting this shy young shudra who seems so harmless to be 
  entirely without weapons, for his dark eyes flicker with momentary 
  startlement and he seems ever so slightly less bored as he thoroughly 
  searches the rest of the girl's slender form. Faanshi quietly submits to 
  this, and once she is cleared to be in the Maharani's presence, she turns 
  and ventures shyly forward. Unsurprisingly, she prostrates herself before 
  Thalia -- but the presence of heated dishes whose aromas fill the room 
  clearly startle her, for she jolts just a bit on her way down to the floor. 
  "I am come as bidden, Imphada Maharani," she murmurs.

Thalia taps the table with one elegantly filed fingernail. "Thank you for 
  coming. Please have a seat, Faanshi." There exists only one other seat at 
  the table, to the left of the Maharani and before which Faanshi has 
  prostrated herself.

It's all too obvious that the maiden isn't exactly accustomed to such a 
  gesture of graciousness in general, much less from someone who so far 
  outranks her. She rises as requested, but not without a flicker of 
  bemusement in her leaf-colored eyes, briefly visible as she peeks up over 
  the top of her veil. What to say when the Queen tells you 'thank you'? 
  'You're welcome' seems a bit insufficient, but then again, Faanshi knows of 
  nothing else to say. And so she replies in awkward, earnest politeness, "You 
  are welcome, Imphada... such is my duty," and leaves it at that. Her hands 
  settle into her lap as she gingerly acquaints herself with the chair.

Thalia asks, genially, "Are you hungry?" She removes the silver covers from 
  the plates closest to her as she waits for Faanshi's answer. Under the 
  domes, an elegant array of fish, vegetables, bread and soup is revealed. The 
  domes closest to Faanshi remain untouched.

Shudra in Atesh-Gah, and especially shudra who are in the service of Clan 
  Khalida, do not starve. Even Faanshi the halfbreed is provided regular and 
  nourishing food -- though granted, the girl does tend to share her allotted 
  portions with her hound, if she doesn't carry it off to give to needy 
  Mongrels in Bordertown. And so those are unmistakably surprise and need that 
  flare in her eyes, though all she allows herself to say is a soft admission 
  of "A little, Imphada Maharani..." And before she dares actually touch one 
  of the dishes, she sneaks a peek at the radiant figure of she who rules over 
  the Varati people, just to make certain that it is in fact permitted.

Thalia has, as yet, not touched her utensils. With patient mein, she is 
  apparently waiting for Faanshi to remove the heat-conserving lids from those 
  plates which sit before her. "Help yourself, Faanshi. I usually have four 
  meals a day. It helps me keep my round figure."

Oh my. She is not only to _speak_ with the Queen, but also to _eat_ with her? 
  Two simultaneous reactions seize her: shock that she should be granted such 
  an honor and never mind the increasing possibility of such things if she is 
  to serve this woman, and a pragmatic realization that she should eat what 
  food is offered her while she has the opportunity. "Thank you, Imphada," 
  comes her blurted reply, and with that Faanshi tentatively begins to explore 
  the dishes before her. She selects portions with the same shyness with which 
  she seems to do everything else, seemingly taking only barely enough to 
  acquaint her with the smell of a particular dish. In between her 
  explorations, she ventures uncertainly, "I... do not know how we should... 
  begin to talk..."

Thalia has apparently arranged the situation with the thought that the 
  conversation between her and her new shudra would be long and extended. She 
  picks up a fork, the proper one for the course which sits before her and 
  uses it to parcel aside the vegetables from her meat. "I have had my eye on 
  you for some time, Faanshi. I did not ask Kiera for your service because I 
  needed another shudra. I asked for you because of your specific set of 
  skills. Be assured that I am your mistress, but your service to me will not 
  be the same as that of my other shudra." She smiles mysteriously. "But, we 
  will come to the details of your service in time. Please, tell me what you 
  do with your days, Faanshi. Where do you go? Who do you see?"

For a moment, Faanshi peeks uncertainly about the suite, but evidently it must 
  be proper enough for her to unveil, if she has been given food. And thus, 
  with hesitant hands, the shudra girl reaches up to lower the curtain of blue 
  silk that has been hiding her face. Thusly revealed are her features, 
  distinctly Sylvan in cast and paler than those of most Varati. Now visible, 
  too, is the bemused expression with which she regards the amount of cutlery 
  arranged beside her plate -- but it would seem that the girl is not without 
  an observant eye. She peeks at the Queen's hands every so often, trying to 
  keep track of what fork she takes up when, and attempting to mimic her 
  actions. To be asked about what exactly she does with her days comes as 
  another little surprise, and she starts anew before beginning her reply. "I 
  help my teacher, the Imphada FallingStar, in her shop," are her first shy 
  words. "And I go into Bordertown, to heal the Mongrels there... I pray. And 
  take Kosha for hunts in the city park."

Thalia eats with the sort of delicate, elegant movements that are inherent to 
  those of noble breed. It is not merely consumption of food, but a dance of 
  manners and etiquette as she causes the plate before her to give up its 
  contents.
Only the Maharani and Faanshi are in the main chamber at the moment. Even the 
  shudra and naraki who would normally serve the meal have been dismissed. 
  Thalia does her own pouring of drink and serving of food, though only for 
  herself. Faanshi is left to deal with the myriad of plates and the 
  multifarious utensils by herself. "Do you meet many people? I believe you 
  mentioned a bard when we spoke last."

Now that her veil has been lowered, the surge of maidenly shyness tha seizes 
  Faanshi is quite apparent. "Yes, Imphada," she murmurs, her already gentle 
  voice softening a touch. "His name is Lyre Talespinner. A-and there are 
  people in Bordertown that I meet... Mongrels, mostly... who need me. And 
  people of Avalon." Fish makes its way to the girl's plate, though the sheer 
  perfection with which it has been cooked is apparently worthy of a wide-eyed 
  green stare from the shudra, before she actually dares to sample it.

Thalia apparently has her courses laid on separate plates, though no such care 
  has been given to the food which was placed before Faanshi. Thalia's fish is 
  not only cooked to perfection but decorated with an artistic arrangement of 
  vegetables. The Queen shifts her plates and exchanges utensils, leaving the 
  ones for the previous course to rest in lonely solitude atop a now empty 
  plate. "Avalon," says Thalia, as if she is savoring the word more than the 
  flaky, juicy fish which she forks to her mouth. "What do you do with the 
  people of Avalon?"

"I went to heal their people once," explains Faanshi earnestly, "because 
  Thomas was once Imphada Kiera's naraki, and his people needed the help... 
  some of them remember me."

Thalia further asks, "What do you think of Avalon? Do you wish to leave the 
  Varati and join them?" Her question is philosophical rather than accusatory, 
  inviting Faanshi to speak her heart.

That stops the girl cold, and her indecision is all too easily read upon her 
  face now that her veil is down. Faanshi's delicate lower lip trembles for a 
  moment, and then, with great care, she sets her fork down upon her plate. 
  With her leaf-green gaze upon the half-eaten fish upon her plate, the healer 
  girl murmurs very lowly, "My wishes do not signify in such a matter, 
  Imphada." Her stammer has vanished; either she is growing more comfortable 
  in the Queen's presence, or else this is a matter on which she is so firmly 
  resolved that there is no room for hesitation.

Thalia considers Faanshi's answer. Swallowing, she reaches forth and annoints 
  her lips with a sip of wine. "Your desires and your goals do matter, 
  Faanshi. Your eventual destination in life will be of your own making and, 
  while in my employ, these desires will affect how you approach certain 
  situations. That is why I ask the question."

The Maharani has asked a question; therefore, she must answer it. Faanshi 
  often finds the world in which she lives confusing, but this at least is a 
  crystalline truth. This doesn't, however, mean that she is comfortable 
  delivering the answer. "I... try not to desire much, Imphada Maharani," she 
  says at last, with great reluctance. "I have learned that it is... unwise. 
  Especially when what I... desire seems to be... sinful."

Thalia says, rather matter of factly, "There are many sins in the world. 
  Often, what is a sin truly depends on your point of view and that of your 
  judge." She takes another sip of wine. Resettling the goblet on the table, 
  she says, "As you have surmised, I travel in rarified circles. I cannot see 
  what you see, hear what you hear, visit those you visit on a daily basis. 
  For your service to me, I ask that you spend some time in my presence where 
  I may call upon your healing skills. I also desire that you continue as you 
  have with your many acquaintances with only one slight difference. I wish to 
  know what you do and what your acquaintances say. I am extremely interested 
  in Avalon, Faanshi. Thomas' disregard for the generous terms for a treaty 
  discussed between Khalid and Ianthe has only heightened my concern for that 
  fledgling nation. Will you do this? In truth, I am asking that you place 
  your trust in me and that it be of greater concern than the confidences of 
  those with whom you interact."

Faanshi blows out an uncomfortable breath. It seems to her that she can hardly 
  debate the nature of sin with a woman who has married the God-King himself 
  -- though it occurs to her, yet again, that she sees no reconciliation 
  between her own nagging inner desire to simply be a woman of Avalon, healing 
  the Mongrels, perhaps even wedded to Lyre and bearing him strong, healthy 
  sons... and the irrefutable fact that a Warlord of the Children of Fire is 
  dead because of her, and the Amir-al has decreed that if she behaves as a 
  candala, he will take her life. She says none of this, however, and only a 
  fleeting troubled look in those Sylvan eyes of hers signifies any discomfort 
  in the maiden. Indeed, she distracts herself by listening attentively to 
  what is desired of her -- and at last she points out anxiously, "I... have 
  not spoken to Thomas Murako in many months, Imphada... not since I came back 
  from Avalon, that time that I went... I.. think that he was angry with me. 
  But I have met Ianthe..." Ianthe. Not 'Imphada Ianthe'. That by itself might 
  signify the level of comfort Faanshi has with the Empyrean warrior woman who 
  ranks among Avalon's leaders. "She is kind to me. She has invited me to eat 
  dinner with her." All this is offered freely... though the shudra girl then 
  pauses, and concludes humbly, "But she has not talked to me of treaties, 
  Imphada... I do not know about such things."

Thalia picks up her goblet and swirls the liquid inside. "You will still hear 
  things, Faanshi. About Avalon, about unrest in Haven, about many things. You 
  will speak with those I cannot. I would know what the people on the street 
  say. I need you to provide me with a link, a touch to a world I cannot 
  enter. Treaties, if they are spoken about in your presence, then that is 
  good, but that is not my main concern. I am interested in people, Faanshi: 
  their thoughts, their actions, and their fears. I need a link to the common 
  man, lest I should become detached and be unable to rule my people well."

If there is one thing that Faanshi can say with assurance, it is that many 
  Mongrels within Bordertown have grown comfortable with her, grateful for the 
  assistance she is now regularly providing them. Sometimes, in her brightest 
  moments, she even lets herself believe that the rough, simple men and women 
  who smile at her call her 'Miss Faanshi' and 'Talespinner's gel' _like_ her. 
  And so she nods with the beginnings of assurance. "I can tell you of the 
  things I see and hear, Imphada," she promises shyly. Then her brow furrows. 
  "Do you... wish me to not say that I serve you?"

Thalia smiles gently. "That is up to you, Faanshi. If it would set your heart 
  at ease to make your service to me known, then express it in any way that 
  you desire. In part, I asked Kiera for your service because I liked what I 
  had seen of you. Your personality, your desires, your goals," says the 
  Maharani. "I shall allow them and you to make the choice."

Unsure as a newborn fawn taking its first steps, wonder kindles in Faanshi's 
  gaze as she beholds the smile bestowed upon her. An answering smile is 
  coaxed forth from her, though it is barely more than the smallest of upward 
  curlings of both sides of her mouth. And perhaps because she is growing 
  soothed does she allow herself to venture, "I do not think that some would 
  speak... as easily to me... if they knew that I am your eyes and ears, 
  Imphada Maharani."

Thalia encourages, "Be yourself. Perhaps some will not speak as freely, but 
  they may soon forget. It is up to you as to how much, of your duties to me, 
  you reveal. I offer you my protection. Should your travels bring you to 
  grief, then I will attempt to retrieve you." She empties her goblet of wine. 
  "Again, I stress that it is your choice whether you wish to reveal much or 
  little. For now, I am willing to take the consequences of your choice.'

Faanshi slowly nods, comprehension in her eyes. There's a mind there, so often 
  hidden behind her veil; how often is she encouraged to actually _use_ it? "I 
  can do this, Imphada," she promises then. And for once, something almost 
  like confidence lights those gentle eyes.

Thalia puts her empty goblet on the table and smiles softly at Faanshi. "Thank 
  you, Faanshi." She looks at the half-eaten fish. "You haven't finished your 
  meal."

Oh yes. Food. Right. She does have some before her, doesn't she? The shudra 
  girl smiles uncertainly as she scoops up her fork and knife again, awkwardly 
  resuming her attention to that fish. As she does she asks in shy but perhaps 
  ever so slightly more comfortable tones, "Do you wish me to answer more 
  questions, Imphada Maharani?"

Thalia chuckles softly. She folds her hands on the table. "I have asked all my 
  questions for the evening." She pauses, then adds teasingly with a devilish 
  light in her eyes, "Unless you want to tell me about your Bard."

It's probably a good thing that Faanshi has swallowed that last bite of fish 
  -- otherwise she might have choked upon it, so greatly does _that_ wry 
  comment catch her by surprise. Crimson floods her cheeks, vivid despite her 
  comparatively dusky hue of skin. And in a very tiny voice she murmurs, "I-I 
  will speak of him... if you wish! But I do not know what you would wish to 
  know of him, Imphada...."

Thalia lets out a gentle laugh. "I believe that when you are ready, you will 
  tell me about your Bard. And, at that point, you will know what is most 
  important to say about him. You will know what needs to be said about him." 
  She puts a hand on her breast. "It will come from here and that is what will 
  matter most."

To this, the young shudra girl nods softly, her eyes decidedly tender now. 
  "When... I think of him, Imphada, my heart grows very... full. He is a good 
  man... he became hurt trying to save a child, when the great shaking 
  happened in Haven." There is more, there must be more, for many more 
  emotions than a simple approval of a selfless rescue of a child shine now in 
  Faanshi's countenance. But for now, at least, she doesn't let herself voice 
  these other things.

Thalia pushes back from the table. "You may tell me more when we talk next. 
  Your bard will be like a tree. You have planted the seed and with each 
  telling he shall grow in my eyes. I have a few matter to attend, Faanshi, 
  before I turn in for the evening. If you wish, you may take the leftovers to 
  Kosha."

If the maiden is surprised by this abrupt dismissal, she shows no sign of it; 
  after all, an honor like a meal with the Queen can only last for so long, 
  and as far as Faanshi is concerned it can end whenever the Maharani wishes. 
  So she merely bobs her head, saying gratefully, "Thank you, imphada...!" And 
  she begins to rise, as long as it appears that the older woman intends to do 
  so. With a little bow, she appends, "Shall I clear the dishes away?"

Thalia nods. "If you would be so kind. It will save another shudra an extra 
  trip." She rises out of her chair. "You are a good girl and I am very glad 
  to have you in my service." With that, the Maharani turns away and walks off 
  toward her bedchamber, picking up a stack of scrolls on her way. Abrupt 
  dismissal contrasts distinctly with the meal, showing that despite her 
  courtesy, Thalia is still Faanshi's mistress more than she is her friend.

And such is as it should be. There is no surprise within Faanshi, for this is 
  the way of the Children of Fire. Nor does she show it if she feels any 
  disappointment, and soon enough, her face is shielded again behind her veil, 
  keeping whatever thoughts she retains hidden from the view of all, her new 
  mistress included. Even so, as the young healer busily applies herself to 
  the business of cleaning up the dinner dishes, arranging to carry them away 
  to be washed and for the uneaten food to be eaten, she cannot help but feel 
  a stunned warmth within herself. Perhaps... just perhaps... this change in 
  her life will be a blessing.

[End log.]