"Bringing Home a Wayward Daughter" Log Date: 6/16/00 Log Cast: Faanshi, Delilah, Mairi, Linyanah, Thenomain, Ranjeet Log Intro: Faanshi's life is seldom peaceful, and the last month or so has been no exception to this rule. Time and time again she has encountered the young Sylvan Prying-Eagle in one form of trouble or another -- even going so far as to have to heal him several times. Moreover, she has healed a wolf-graisha named RagingSpirit, and earned from that young woman her first Sylvan name, "HiddenNose". In the meantime, a great pilgrimage has come to pass amongst the Varati people, bound for Lycenae where the Hawk of Heaven raised the smoking volcano at the end of the war between the Children of Air and the Children of Fire. Faanshi has not joined this pilgrimage, for she has much to do within Haven, and fortunately for a young Varati street urchin plagued with an out-of-control gift of Sight, what the halfbreed healer has to do includes finding her... *===========================< In Character Time >===========================* Time of day: Night (Duskside) Date on Aether: Saturday, August 22, 3906. Year on Earth: 1506 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waning Gibbous Season: Summer Weather: Partly Cloudy Temperature: Warm *==========================================================================* The Rialto - Haven(#159RDJM$) Reigning over the Rialto is the very heart of Haven: the Delphic Citadel. It dwarfs the other buildings, which cluster around it like so many children seeking a parent's protection. Day or night, rain or shine, its walls seem to glimmer with a light of their own, as if, over the centuries, the magic within had slowly permeated the entire structure. The main tower soars higher than the tallest tree, and each side tapers inward so that it resembles a giant obelisk. Four smaller towers stand at the four points of the compass, representing the unification of each race under Delphi's government. And here is where they all gather. The Rialto is the famed marketplace of Haven, full of shops, stalls, and brightly colored tents. The shouts of merchants, the haggling of patrons, the music of entertainers, and the laughter of children create a nigh-constant cacophony that assaults the senses. But the Rialto is nothing if not exciting, and crowds often gather here for important events and public addresses. (Note: 'places' are enabled here.) Contents: Kosha Delilah Clock A wooden fence Obvious Exits: Streets Delphic Citadel The Smithy With a good number of Varati in Haven joining the pilgrimage to Lycenae, those in Varati garb have been a bit spotty in the Rialto the last few days -- but one young person in Varati garb, at least, makes a tired and resigned trek into the marketplace anyway, her evening prayers finished, another day's worth of trekking through Haven behind her. As Kosha ranges out a few paces before her, sniffing and yurfing at passersby, the maiden might be spotted from some distance away, with that clearly new silk sari swathed about her form. Faanshi At first glance, some things about this individual are easy to discern. The garments worn are those oft seen on Varati females, yet, this figure stands at only 5'9", small for a woman of that race. But woman she clearly is, if the glimpses of slender hands and feet and of the shape beneath her flowing garb are to be believed. What portions of her skin are visible are a warm shade of gold; a hint of a braid of coal-black peeks out from beneath her sari. Shy or trained to submissive silence she must be, for she rarely raises her eyes to anyone unless bidden, and she speaks so seldom and so softly that it is nigh impossible to determine the quality of her voice. Only the most astute observer might notice that every so often -- perhaps when she thinks no one is watching -- this silent one peeks with furtive curiosity out from behind her veil at the world at large, with eyes set at a slight un-Varatish slant in her face, eyes the color of summer leaves. She is simply clad, her garments of humble make but excellent repair, perhaps the clothing of a servant whose household garbs even its servants well. Her sari is of a subtle but pleasing pattern of shades of red, trimmed in gold thread around its edges; beneath this, when her movements allow, a bright red choli and bright blue silwar might be glimpsed. Her veil is blue silk, light but not translucent, opaque enough to effectively hide the shape of her lower features from view. On her feet are a pair of simple sandals, whose long straps are looped up her calves and tied behind them. Another Varati is abound too, but is clad in a tattered dress and who's dirty hands twitch as she looks at the wears of a select few merchants. Her smokey, wild-looking eyes dart from face to face, seeing not them, but after and before them in some cases. Delilah A wild-eyed Varati girl with black hair and smokey eyes. Clothed in a tattered dress and worn shoes. Carrying: Bulging Pouches Dog! Dog dog dog. Kosha is, indeed, a dog. His proud and steady trot through the marketplace, his alert bright eyes, the lift of ears and tail, and his lolling tongue proclaim this to all who might behold him as he passes. He is a dog, and all is right with his world. Except, perhaps, for the fact that between him and his evening source of food -- his young mistress' favorite meat vendor -- there appears to be a small person of disheveled appearance. And it's difficult to miss a hundred pound dog, especially when he practically bumps into one. Er! Bark? POW! The dog hits the girl and she tumbles. Maybe she'll hit her head and the dreams'll go away. No such luck. Delilah stands shakily, escaping with nothing more than a skinned elbows and a sore butt. The girl glares indignantly at the dog, the wild-eyes gone as sh eis literaly tumbled back into the real world. Erk? Yurf? Kosha, skittering sideways for a moment, now peers rather curiously at this smallish disheveled creature he's practically run over. Upon determining that Delilah is in fact a Two Legged Creature, he pants amiably at her, tail wagging a bit. Perhaps she has food! "Kosha..." The soft sigh sounds from just behind the dog, and in moments, the maiden in the red sari is approaching Delilah ruefully. "Please forgive my hound, young imphada," Faanshi can be heard to murmur in soft tones as she inclines her head to the girl. "He sometimes forgets that he is not a puppy anymore!" The said little person looks up. "Its OK" she says. "He made the dreams go 'way." she says matter-of-factly. She then looks closely at the figure. "You're Varati?" she asks, black brows furrowing as she looks up. she looks at the dog and offers a hunk of meat to him that she 'borrowed' from some friendly man in a apron's stall. Oh my, she DOES have food! Kosha's tail starts wagging more vigorously now, as he quite happily jumps forward and inhales the tidbit from the child's hand, as sloppily as one would expect of a dog of his size. Faanshi reaches for hte creature just in time to keep him from inadvertantly inhaling Delilah's hand along with her hunk of meat, and as she pulls the overeager overgrown puppy back a bit, Faanshi seems to go still for a moment at the forthright question. Her gaze does not meet the inquisitive dark one upon her, and it takes a second or two before she achieves an answer. "I am a humble servant of Atesh-Gah, yes, imphada. Thank you for sharing your food with my dog; may I serve you somehow in return...?" Delilah smiles cheerfully at the dog. "Some friendly lady with bloodstone pins and pointy ears made my head stop hurting." she says, "I don't need anything right now." she says, her eyes agian going wild and glassy. Well, one cannot say that Faanshi did not make the offer. But something in the young girl's expression catches the shudra maiden askance. Green eyes peer down over the top of the blue silk veil she wears, delicate black brows knitting over them. "A... Sylvan healer, you mean?" she asks, a trifle uncertainly. Delilah nods. "yes, Imphada, ma'am." she says, "Someone named Starsong. Who is the bad man who hit you?" she asks suddenly, her eyes becoming very unfocused and a trifle desturbing. The fact that she recognizes the name Starsong is not entirely enough to prevent the sudden stir of uneasiness that shoots through the young halfbreed, at this abrupt question. While Kosha edges forward to try to sniff the child in hopes of being presented with further food, Faanshi blurts, "Bad... man... who hit me...? No one has hit me, little one..." Well, not for two years, at any rate... Out of her stall, for once, the merchant with no social life is actually speaking to someone who has not arrived at said stall. However, it's not exactly a hot date. No, she's screaming at the driver of some silk caravan, "I /told/ you yesterday that I paid for those silks /in advance/! Now if you *don't* give me the items specified on /this/ list..." she jabs her finger at a piece of parchment, then shoving the document right in the man's face, "I'll not only speak to your superiors on this matter, but I'll report you for insubordination." Mairi-of-the-self-righteous-rant is holding her stick in the other hand. She has not made any motion to use it, however. Delilah nods at the strange imphada's question. "a bad man. He hit you but you got away. Was he a Warlord?" She asks, not the least uncertain or timid. She watches the silk-merchant and the woman for a while, waiting for someone to 'lose' a bolt. Hashim. Blood drains out of Faanshi's cheeks, though they are safely hidden away behind her veil. "A... Warlord..." is her first croaked reply, as she now stares with noticeable alarm rising in her eyes down at the child before her. Then with only slightly more composure she manages to append, "There... was a Warlord, yes, child... once. How... how do you know of this?" Involuntarily, her dainty sungolden hand comes up, sketching a reflexive sigil across her own chest. Kosha, in the meantime, apparently unbothered by Delilah's cryptic pronouncements, is rather more concerned that he is not acquiring any more food. Since Faanshi does not appear to be near any Impending Danger, he wanders off a little to beg hopefully from the nearest seller of food. Mairi is impending danger! Yes! She /is/! Or so she seems to be attempting to convince the caravan-driver guy, who is /so/ not buying it. Okay, that's it. Mairi officially needs thicker-soled shoes. Preferably ones that make her six inches taller. Then she could intimidate. As it is, she just looks annoyed and a bit frantic. "If you /don't/," she begins to say, yet again...finally she spins around, infuriated, and thumps away from him. Literally. Her stick is thumped on the ground in time with her steps, eyebrows pulled together in a furry Unibrow, and spine military-straight. The caravan driver returns to sipping his fruit juice. Delilah cocks her head to the side. "I saw the bad man hitting you." she says, "Starsong said she couldn't make the dreams go 'way so i can still dream." she says, very sure of herself. She notes the reaction, and pats the half-breed's hands. "its OK. The hawk-eyed lady saved you two, didn't she?" she says cryptically. "I..." Momentarily oblivious to her dog's distraction, just as oblivious to the disciplined stride of the merchant woman not far away, Faanshi swallows hard behind her veil. And then she shakes herself, almost as if rousing from a dream herself. "Yes," she breathes, "the Imphada Kiera saved me... and my heart-mother... you... saw this...?" Ooh. It's a discussion. That's kind of neat. Seeing as how Mairi /is/ a cloth merchant, she pauses a moment to admire Faanshi's clothing, looking rather impudently. And trying to figure out if they were made by any of her rivals. Just as long as it wasn't her neighbour-merchant-rival-guy...She leans against her stick, though she doesn't really need to. Interesting. That little one's clothing looks kind of ragged, she notes, hmphing under her breath disapprovingly, despite the fact that half the youth of Haven wears clothes as tattered, or worse. She can hmph disapprovingly if she wants. Because it's her priviledge, or something. Delilah nods to the strange Imphada. "She saved you and your heart-mother." the girl agrees. "I /dreamed/ it" she says, "Not see it." the difference is obvious. To a 13-year-old at least. "You're a healer?" she asks, remembering seeing the girl around. she turns and sticks her tounge out at the mean lady selling clothing. How rude to hmph at her attire! it WAS in better shape than even the strange imphada's clothing when she first 'borrowed' it. Again Faanshi makes the sign of the sun across her breast, but now the child's mysterious words begin to make a measure of sense. She thinks. Is this small urchin like her beloved heart-mother was, then, that she sees things in her dreams? "I... have that gift," she whispers, shaken. But now Delilah's attention is shifting, and the shudra maiden has at least a moment to collect herself before peeking uncertainly at the glowering Mongrel woman. Ooh. Uncertainty. Mairi likes uncertainty. Satisfied that the adult of the two is not going to rage at her, she feels safe to persist in glaring at Delilah. Stick her tongue out, will she? Mairi lifts her stick and waves it about oh-so-very-threateningly. Yes, that's going to make her look /really/ good. Her eyebrows are still pulled together. Yeah, she /could/ go back to her stall. But that would involve moving, and Mairi's quite enjoying herself as she is. Thank you very much. Delilah reaches into a pouch and pulls out a big, wicked-looking knife she 'borrowed' from the bad men who took her parents away. The knife is of Empyrean make and is bloodstained. Starsong /tried/ to take it but it isn't hers so the girl took it back and put a toy in its place. All she does with the knife is look from it to the lady and then stick it into her belt, almost cutting the belt in half. At this exchange, stick and knife threatening one another, Faanshi begins to look even more uncomfortable. And where did her dog get to, anyway? "Imphada--" Whether she addresses Mairi or Delilah might be uncertain, though, until sher gaze settles gingerly upon the Mongrel woman. "Is there anything wrong...? Please, I beg you -- there is no need--" For violence? Or simply waving one's possessions at one another? As the mean old lady hobbles off to her stall, the small girl nods in satisfaction. "There! I wasn't going to hurt her. One of the bad men will." she says, as if to a simple-minded person. She stares over her shoulders at the dog and bites her lip as if in alarm. But the dog is just fine. Mairi gives Delilah this 'oh, yeah, like you're /really/ gonna stab me with that' look, and thumps her stick again, putting her free hand on her hip. As Faanshi speaks, she steps smoothly towards the duo, not paying the dog any heed at all. "Wrong? Why, of course not." She isn't quite sure how to address Faanshi, then decides she looks kind of Varati, is dressed Varati, and called someone, possibly her 'imphada'. So she decides on that, "Why, Imphada, I was simply..." Glaring at children? Threatening people with the stick? "Taking a walk. Back. To my stall." Delilah doesn't say a word but her expression is clearly that of a child taken to task. She smirks at the woman and calls out, "You're going to stumble, hag!" then looks over at the strange Imphada. "I dreamt she'd stumble" she says quietly. "Well... she has a cane, so she should... be all right," Faanshi murmurs, not entirely certain of how she's gotten into a conversation with this uncannily intuitive waif. Her green gaze flickers about for a moment until she does indeed spot Kosha, who has managed to nose between a couple of Mongrels at a meat vendor several paces away. "Oh, Ushas, Kosha..." To Delilah, she says ruefully, "I must retrieve him, young imphada; you are certain you require nothing, for which I might repay your kindness to my hound...?" Hag? Hag?! Mairi is /not/ a hag, thankyouverymuch! She snatches up the stick and starts forward, muttering, "I'll show you, you little--" And, maybe it's just because Delilah put the thought in her head, or maybe there was a rock in front of her, but whatever the reason, the, um, hag /does/ trip, her foot catching and she jerks forward, shoving her stick out and throwing her free hand to the side. She manages to catch herself before she falls to the ground, but she does look rather non-dignified. She straightens and snaps to the child, "You made me fell! I'll...I'll..." She waves the stick threateningly. Yet /again/. Yeah, Mairi, that'll get you customers. Delilah's head is starting to hurt agian. Even the mean, haggish Mongrel's stumble is of no enjoyment "Could you make my head stop hurting?" she asks plaintivly, "The dreams won't stop and they hurt to ignore." Oh, Ushas... Faanshi peers uneasily at the irascible merchant woman, but the plea from the child is too important to ignore. Indeed, there's a tremor of something within her system, speaking of an ache behind Delilah's dark eyes. With that, the shudra hunkers down to touch sungolden fingers to the child's brow, murmuring, "I can help with pain, young imphada, but if you see... if you dream things... you should seek aid from someone greater than I...!" Mairi has a sudden urge to smack Delilah. How come kids get all the sympathy? Well, Mairi, maybe it has something to do with the fact that they don't take out their anger on those smaller than they. And they're cute and things. She stays where she is, though, and leans against the stick, glaring hard at Delilah, "How did you know that? And you'd better apologize for calling me a hag, you little brat." Sympathy vibes just emanate from her. Except that they don't. Delilah lifts her chin resolutly. "I saw it ina day-dream." she says, her smokey eyes not as wild and glassy as before. "And i am not a brat!" she adds, thoughts going towards the wicked knife at her belt. She never did think clothes were that important. One less seller isn't going to hurt the world. Faanshi has had just enough time to send out a small tendril of power, enough to soothe Delilah's headache; this, however, means that the shudra's hand is close enough to move anxiously to the little girl's shoulder. "Please, little one, be respectful -- imphada" -- and this, it seems, is back up to Mairi -- "I think that this child must be gifted...!" In the meantime, the dog, blissfuly unaware of the spat in which his young mistress has involved herself, is happily begging a scrap of sausage from that vendor over there. Mairi lifts her head to meet Faanshi's eyes. Being somewhat shorter, this does not work to the effect Mairi had in mind. However, she'll take what she can get, "Of course she is," the merchant says sourly. "That does not excuse her behaviour, however. I am certainly not a hag." Maybe the kid just touched on a senstive spot. Okay, much more likely, she just wants someone to take out her annoyance on. She frowns and shakes her head, "Children these days...no respect..." Etcetera. Rinse, repeat. the little girl smiles up at her defender. "I'm Delilah." the girl says, "Who are you, Imphada?" she asks, cooly ignoring the old hag. her eyes are bright and filled with curiosity. Nt wild and glassy the least. Faanshi might smile a little -- but then, one cannot really tell with the veil that conceals the lower part of her face from the eyes of all around her. Her eyes do soften a trifle, though. "My name is Faanshi," she says gently to Delilah, but she has not forgotten Mairi either. "Will you apologize to the Imphada? I know you are not a brat... but I do not think she is a hag, either..." Nobody can seem to get Mairi's age right. She either gets condescended to with 'girl' or 'little girl' or something, or she gets called a hag. Well, sniff. Or...something. Anyhow, the woman in question prims up her lips and straightens her shoulders, "I will apologize to calling you a brat, child, if you take back what you said." She pats her stick and tries to hide the..um..visciousness. Delilah makes a stubborn face but mutters a hasty 'sorry imphada' and pouts. And with that, Faanshi finds enough courage to clasp Delilah's shoulder in impulsive approval. "It is well," she says, voice brightening. "The seventh surah is satisfied." The young healer straightens up again, once more glancing about for her dog. Linyanah enters the Rialto from the western part of Main street. Linyanah has arrived. Delilah smiles impudently and points. Not five seconds later, Faanshi's dog is sitting paralle with her finger. "There he is, Imphada Faanshi." she says helpfully. Thenomain wakes up with a start at the tolling of the bell, looking around franticly. He takes a slow breath, realizing no one's seen him, or at least no one's staring at him and no one tried to steal his boots. Having no idea what a surah is, Mairi casts Faanshi a blank look. Then, remembering her...promise...she looks to Delilah and smiles condescendingly, "I apologize for calling you a brat, then. And you needn't address me as Imphada. I am no part Varati." Well, she might be, somewhere back there. But that's kind of..Not the point. Faanshi turns her attention to Mairi, explaining earnestly, "As you wish... though the word is not only for the Daughters of Fire." She punctuates these soft words with a polite inclination of her sari-covered head, before blinking at Delilah's pointing finger -- and the dog who appears a moment or two later, in the exact direction she points. Kosha's happily licking his chops, and his tail wags as he sees Faanshi once again. Thenomain looks left then right and left then left again and tries to get focus on his hand, shaking his head, combing down his hair. Linyanah enters the Rialto with a weary glance around. Delilah giggles at pulling off yet another scene. "I'm getting sleepy and all the good dung piles are getting full." she says, "So i need to hurry up or else its sleeping in the gutter again." she smiles at her new friend Faanshi. Mairi assumes an arrogant posture. It's a rather brittle thing, that posture, but she does it anyway, putting again her non-stick-holding hand on her hip. She fixes her hair absently, trying to look world-weary and such. Her eyes settle on the dog rather suspiciouously. At the mention of dung piles, she prisses up her mouth again. Because we all know that Mairi Is Above That. Wait... _dung_ pile? Faanshi's brow crinkles, and she peers down at Mairi again, asking anxiously, "Child... you sleep on the streets...?" Consternation floods the maiden's leaf-green eyes. Delilah nods. "If the warmer dung piles are full." she says. Oddly enough, she doesn't smell that bad. Like a dirty dog who was rolling in the flower bed. Mairi says grimly, not looking at either of the two now, "There are plenty of children who sleep on the streets. However, the majority of /them/ are not...gifted." Okay, Mairi, y'know, you really can't try to sound moral and indignant when you threaten people with sticks. It just does not work. Now, granted, Delilah's strange inner sight might have made Faanshi sit up and take notice of her -- at least figuratively if not literally. But gift or no gift, the shudra maiden is troubled by the notion of any child having to sleep in the streets. "Delilah," she begins, unsure at first but then gaining assurance, "you... are Varati, yes? Surely I could find a place for you to sleep at Atesh-Gah, if you wish..." And surely that'd be far more comfortable than any dung pile, even if Faanshi can perhaps achieve, at best, a cot in the corner of the shudra quarters. Delilah nods. "I'm Varati." At hearing the last part she getts excited. "Atesh-gah?! Really?! Will i be able to see the great Khalid Atar?!" she asks, eyes, wild and glassy agian, filled with excitement which makes her eyes go normal. After all, what are dreams compared to even a slim chance at meeting her God-King in person! Whatever it is that Thenomain is drinking, it is sprayed to the street in front of him. The occasional snippits of the many conversations in the great Rialto sometimes find their way to his ears, and something in it makes him choke in surprise. Linyanah approaches the mongrel. Thenomain wipes off his mouth quickly and coughs a bit more until he's sure he won't be breathing fruit juice. Mairi grumbles, muttering under her breath. Even though she /has/ a warm place to sleep, and isn't exactly kept awake by the thought that others don't. She just likes to grumble. And why is she standing there still? Mainly because if she goes back to her stall, she would have to Work. And Mairi does not /want/ to work. She wants to talk with these people. Apparently she doesn't get out much, or ever. Linyanah studdies the mongrel closely wondering what he's drinking and thinking why he was sleeping here. Thenomain was, apperently, sleeping in front of the forge. You know, that Smithy with that Damned Annoying Clock. Less annoying these days, thanks to some well-purchased felt. He looks back at Linyanah as he notices he's being critically examined. Khalid Atar. The utterance of the name of the God-King provokes a long, soft sigh out of Faanshi, who casts a reflexive, reverent glance northward. "Perhaps," she says after a moment to the Varati child before her. "Perhaps, for those who dwell in Atesh-Gah are sometimes favored by a glimpse of Him, if He so chooses, even His humblest servants." Like, for example, herself. Keeping a bit of her attention on Kosha, who comes trotting back over hopefully in search of skitches now that his higher priority of FOOD has been answered, she adds earnestly, "I could perhaps find you a place to sleep there, nevertheless. At the very least, I can fetch my cot and we can put it in the shudra quarters." Linyanah moves closer and says, "Allo, I didn't want to interrupt them but I need some place to stay tonight." Thenomain looks around, then looks at Linyanah much more carefully. "Bit away from home, aren't you?" he asks. Yes, oh yes indeed, if he were the kind of man who took advantage of lost young women instead of buying them like an honorable soul, this could be a good situation for him. Fortunately, the mongrel doesn't seem to be the type. The little person smiles at her newest friend. "A cot?" she asks, thrilled by the idea, "A reall cot? In a /room/?" The though sends shivvers of delight down her small back. Even if she doesn't se Him, she'll still be in the lap of luxuary! A bed in a room! WOW! Linyanah holds her staff a little tighter at the glance. "A little ways away from home. Can you reccomend a place for me to stay or should I go elsewehre." Mairi is :is the type to break her stick over the head of a small child. Grunting, she shakes her head and backs away, mouth tightening. They're talking about...Varati...God...Things. And she must worship at her temple. The temple of Gold. She doesn't really need the stick. But she uses it to walk, anyway, ending up at the end of a lineup, still within hearing distance of the pair. Spying. Or...something to that effect. The halfbreed shudra has been uncertain of a lot of things in her life as of late -- but seeing that radiant expression explode across Delilah's face prompts an answering brightness in what little is visible of her own. They ask her, in Atesh-Gah, while she ventures out into the streets of the city each day. _This_ is why. For the chance to do something good, even if for a single person. "A cot," she promises gently, "in a real room." Even if she has to go get her _own_ cot out of the room she shares with the imphada scribe, set it up in the naraki quarters, and give this urchin her own pillow, this child will have a decent place to sleep tonight. Thenomain says "Well, you could ask the Ettowealona." He thumbs somewhat northward. "They live about a day's walk thataway, just inside the woods. They're a friendly lot. If I knew where the Eyos were hiding out in Haven, they're much closer but not quite as friendly. A bit paranoid bunch, them." The intelligent political banter coming from this Mongrel continues on a bit. "Or if you want to risk it, the old City Garden," he points straight west, "is free but, well, out in the open. People tend to, you know, hang about there looking for people with too many coins. Cutpurses, people who want to stay in the shadows. Not a lot to easily trust." Linyanah sighs wearily at the though of _another_ day's walk. "There is no rooms to rent here?" Thenomain says "Plenty, if you have the cash. Safest is just north," he motions. "Gem in. If you don't mind the cyprian moaning," he motions toward the docks, "there's the Siren's Song. Rumor has it it was the Mermaid's Song until the cyprians moved in." Linyanah 's face draws into a slight frown. "And no place else?" Delilah gazes up adoringly at the Imphada. "For Real?" she asks, obviosly delighted. she holds out one dirty hand for the strange imphada to take to lead her to a bed and a room. Thenomain says "Nothing extra-special." Nevermind there's only one reason he'd stay at the Siren's Song is for, well, the Sirens. "Any kind of place you looking for in particular, er, inkana, is it? If any of the embasies offer you a place to stay, say 'no'. Or if you don't mind a bit of work, commit a crime and let the Hounds catch you." He grins. "I've had some good nights' rest that way." Linyanah raises one side of her mouth in a half smile. "I think I'll risk it in the garden, inkana." Thenomain says "Good call. Me, I kept falling out of the bloody trees." Linyanah laughs outright. "I can see that." Thenomain grins a bit and nods. "Rest easy, then." "For real." Shy around practically everyone her own age and older, Faanshi is patience itself with youngsters, and the gaze she settles upon Delilah is warm and assuring. So is the hand she holds out for the youngster to take. Odd, perhaps, that for a maiden wearing Varati garb, Faanshi has a rather lighter-hued hand than Delilah does -- but well. With that, the shudra maiden whistles a soft trio of notes, getting a bark and a tail-wag from Kosha on her own side. "We can go there now, if you like, young friend...?" Linyanah says "I will at that inkana. Thank you." the little girl nods and waits for her friend to start. She doesn't know the city well at all. Off, then, they go -- shudra maiden, disheveled child, and tail-wagging dog. Soon enough, they vanish off towards the north. [And soon...] You pass between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah, and enter the famed embassy of the Varati people. Courtyard - Atesh-Gah - Haven(#430RJM$) If indeed the Hebrew folk of lost Earth are correct in their legends, then this must be the legendary garden from which mankind was expelled. The flat expanse of the great courtyard of Atesh-Gah is covered in the most luxurious grass of bright emerald green, broken only by a cobblestone path for riding and walking to prevent wear upon the lawn. Rich copses of carefully tended wood grow by the walls, lovingly groomed flower gardens acting as a barrier of colour before the rising trees. Perhaps even more relaxing than the sight of the yard are the sensations of it. The lovely scents of flower and tree; honey-suckle, apple blossom, peach, and jasmine; combine with the soft cushion of green grass to provide a sense of peace and harmony that defies the looming sand-hued walls of unbreakable stone. Not even the shadowed maw of the main gate, nor the blocky, unimpressive presence of the impenetrable main keep can overshadow the beauty of this place. Indeed, the stark contrast serves only to enhance it. Obvious exits: Temple Fountain Out Entrance Foyer Stables Kosha passes between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah, and joins you in the courtyard. Delilah passes between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah, and joins you in the courtyard. Delilah has arrived. It's not _too_ great a walk, as Faanshi leads her young foundling northward through the city and into the Varati quarter. The architecture they pass reflects the people who dwell in this part of Haven, particularly when the young shudra finally reaches the northernmost section of the city, wherein sits the massive, imposing edifice that is the citadel of the God-King when He chooses to spend time here. From without, it's certainly intimidating, especially when one glimpses the Agni-Haidar on vigilant watch at the gates. Stoic though they are, they appear to allow the maiden and the young girl passage readily enough. And within... Within, there is wonder. Remembering how she first reacted when she laid eyes upon this courtyard two years ago, Faanshi takes her time walking through it, letting Delilah absorb her surroundings as she will. And absorb she does, right down to the person throwing them selvs off the roof. She also sees a bloody battle in the courtyard. Kosha, long familiar with the courtyard, comes scampering happily in to sniff everything in sight -- though perhaps fortunately for the shudra girl, no one else is in immediate range right now and so no passing kshatri get themselves sniffed by her overly friendly hound. Faanshi, however, stops as she sees her companion stop, and the maiden's brow crinkles at the expression on the younger girl's face. "Delilah?" she asks, softly. Delilah sways and closes her eyes, sending her black hair flying as she shakes her head. "This is Atesh-gah?" she asks, ignoring the blood and carnage only she can see. Slowly, softly, Faanshi hunkers down on one knee before the wild-eyed young girl, instinctively bringing both her hands up to the thin, small shoulders. She knows nothing of visions, nothing of other-sight save that her beloved heart-mother had once experienced such things -- but this is an untried girl before her, and not an ancient, venerable wise-woman. All that Faanshi knows is that the child looks... frightened, all of a sudden. "It is Atesh-Gah, the home of the Amir-al," she answers in those gentle tones of hers. "This place is safe, and a haven for all loyal Varati. You need not fear...!" if she can sense such, Faanshi can tell the girl is calming, focusing on the idea of being where the great Khalid Atar might have stood until the dreams are a meer distraction, easily ignored. Sense via the flow of magic -- no. But sense with simple sight, and a healer's gentle heart moving her to watch for signs of fright or pain, yes. Faanshi watches the young dark features try to ease, and she murmurs soothingly, "Hear me, little one... the Holy Hawk of Heaven blesses this place with His divine flame... I have seen it, myself! And His Lions of Fire guard the gates from danger. We are safe. We are safe. Be at peace..." Delilah's heartbeat and breathe slow down to normal an dthe littel girl is now very eager to see the rest of the wonderful area. Ranjeet steps out of the embassy and joins you in the courtyard. Ranjeet has arrived. It's peaceful in the courtyard, at least at the moment. There are few people in sight, save for a maiden in the colors of Clan Khalida, kneeling there before a slightly distracted-seeming, rumpledly clad dark-skinned child. Faanshi has a new sari, and thus, at least from a short distance, might not be immediately recognizable herself -- but her dog Kosha is unmistakable to the denizens of Atesh-Gah, and Kosha is now sniffing bemusedly at the girl his young mistress has brought home. Faanshi herself might be heard to ask softly, "Better, now...?" Delilah nods, her dark ahir rippling like a pond. The girl bites a very dirty thumb nervously. Was it jsut this mornign she had 'seen' the bad man hit Faanshi? it seems like an eternity to the wild-eyes girl. Although he only came out for a breath of fresh air, Ranjeet finds himself walking toward the pair, one familiar and the other not. But more importantly is the dress of the other girl. Why by the Heavens she is in rags! Not even the naraki are allowed to dress so shamefully in Atesh Gah. How she made it past the guards is beyond him, but as Foreign Minister, how Atesh Gah is perceived reflects on it's people. He will -not- tolerate some smelly dirty imp to kneel in the courtyard, regardless of the hour. The chance that some dignitary might come through the gates or leave from a dinner engagement is slim, but not impossible. "Shudra Faanshi," he calls out, this young half-breed well known tothem even though they have only shared a few brief words and one grueling inquisition. "What exactly do you think you are doing with this girl??" His nose wrinkles as he draws close enough to learn just -how- dirty this girl is. By the Ancient Gods she smells like she just came from cleaning the stables! _Ushas..._ Faanshi, kneeling before the young girl, can now be seen to start with almost the same force that Delilah had, when her visions hit her on her way in to the courtyard. The halfbreed maiden whirls about, and indeed, she recognizes the clear, deep voice that hails her; indeed, it provokes a sharp reaction out of her, one that Delilah might well be close enough to see. Nervousness shoots through the maiden, though not enough that she does not immediately turn about where she kneels, bowing to the Foreign Minister as he comes near. "Namaste', Imphadi Foreign Minister," she promptly replies, while Kosha skitters around and starts to sniff at Ranjeet, too. Faanshi gestures at the dog, in a manner that might almost be called sharp if it had been made by any other hand, and Kosha stops himself... though his canine countenance is still lively and curious. "I hoped to see if she could be given a bath and a cot in the naraki quarters, for she is Varati, and... I am given to understand that all... loyal Varati have a place within Atesh-Gah..." Swallowing hard, she concludes respectfully, "Moreover... she appears to be gifted, Imphadi...!" Delilah, too bows, although she reconizes the man not. She knows he's talking about her and not very complimenting, either! She says, unsure of his rank and proper title, simply. "Namaste, respected Imphada." and stays quiet. There was a time when he could look at person and know their talent, when it was as readily apparent to him as a scent upon a breeze, wafting before him. But now that sight, that sense, is gone from him in all respects save one. It isn't as clear to him as it once was, but when he reaches out with his power, he can feel it covering hers, quenching it as a water can quench a fire. His eyes rest upon Faanshi for a moment, his head dipping to indicate that he has heard her words. "But -is- she a loyal Varati Faanshi, that is the question." Those dark eyes gleam like hot coals on this hazy summer night, and shifting them from the half-breed to the bowing girl, he murmurs, "What is your name and where do you come from?" In an unconcious gesture, he holds his hand out to the dog to sniff, an invitation to come and have his ears rubbed. It is a spark of humanity, of kindness, that hints that perhaps, just perhaps, behind his stern exterior there might be some compassion within this man? Perhaps. The slight, wrath-like form of the dirty girl seems to curl withen herself. "I..i..I'm Delilah... sir.." she mumbles, pressing herself agianst the protective form of Faanshi. If she has a clan, she is to scared to tell it. The sixth holy surah has moved Faanshi to bring this ragged urchin to Atesh-Gah -- but not so brave is Faanshi that she is quite prepared to speak about it, to this kshatri man so much more exalted than she. She inclines her sari-swathed head a single time in acknowledgement of the Foreign Minister's shifting attention, and settles her weight back up her calves and heels, head still demurely bowed, evidently content to await further questions if they are directed to her. But some of her attention lingers upon the young girl, and she can certainly not ignore the way Delilah now presses against her. She wraps one sungolden arm about her, in silent comfort. Kosha, in the meantime, ponders that strong dark hand offered him for a moment or two. To the dog, the gesture is familiar, and so the dog pads thoughtfully forward. Sniff. Sniff sniff sniff. Long dark hair flows unfettered as he turns to gaze inquiringly at the sniffing dog, puffing out a breath toward Kosha, but waiting waiting for the large canine to make up his mind about the proffered hand. He doesn't suspect the dog will bite him, but reaching for a dog who decides that he would rather play than be petted could look rather foolish ... not the look the Foreign Minister cares to don this evening before a servant and a waif. "I'm not going to hurt you girl, and you can stay this night so long as you are cleaned and properly dressed. As for what happens to you tomorrow, that choice is up to you, but I we can only help you if you will talk to us. Where do you come from? Do you have any family? Have you been in Haven all your life or only recently?" And then his gaze turns back to the girl, narrowing as he rumbles, "And how long have you been having these visions now?" The pressure of the dreams gone, the little Varati girl takes heart. Maybe /he/ was the man Starsong had been talking about! "Three months ago i dreamed my parents were taken away by the bad men and i woke up and it happened. Now the dreams are still ther ewhen i wake." she says. she licks dirtly lips and conintues, "i came from the vara of Clan ala'Zulyat and have been in haven for twelve years." she says. Mind you, nine times out of ten Kosha will quite happily play. But though he's generally an overgrown puppy at heart, the creature has his own kind of intelligence, and perhaps he senses the mood of his young mistress towards this man? For that or whatever reason, the hound merely sniffs at the proffered fingers, ears flicking forward. Yep. That's a hand. Okay, let's see if, as it generally is supposed to happen in the Universe According to Kosha, Sniffing the Hand will be properly followed by The Hand Gives Scritches? As if to encourage the Hand along, Kosha licks it. Faanshi, in the meantime, draws in a relieved breath. Thank the Holy Mother -- the honored Imphadi is not going to make her have to break her promise to the child. She says nothing, for she has not been addressed, but the arm she's loosely looped about the youngster squeezes for just a moment in unvoiced approval. "And how old are you now?" The hand descends as the dog draws close enough to lick and thus close enough to be petted. Fingers find the niche behind the ear and scratch obligingly, though his attention remains on the dirty figure before him. "Clan alam'Zulyat?" That would suggest that she is kshatri born ... but then again, not necessarily. She only said she was -from- vara alam'Zulyat. It would be quite curious that one of noble birth could so easily slip through the cracks to be reduced to such a state as this. Who were her parents and how is it that if they were kshatri they came to Haven unescorted? Who killed them? Did the child wander off and was simply presumed dead? His brow creases as Ranjeet inquires, "Were you of Clan alam'Zulyat, or were you born to a family that served within that Clan? Do you remember what caste you came from child?" Delilah suddenly starts to speak in a clear, very adult voice, "I am 3 months past 13 years old. My father and mother were killed in an Empyrean raid on a Caravan when visiting home. I am Delilah Kirseem alam'Zulyant. My parents never let me know in any way my caste." Small, thin shoulders sag. For a instant, those with any clairvoyance see the tattered dress reshape into costly Varati garb and the dirt wash away. The girl's face, while not pretty, has so much character, beauty is obsolete. Just as quickly as it formed, the vision melts back into the dirty child. Faanshi has no other-sight -- but the steady clarity that comes into the youngster's voice does resonate to something within her, suggesting that she has indeed done the right thing in guiding the child to the embassy. And perhaps, just perhaps, the Imphadi Foreign Minister will look kindly upon this gifted child? No such lofty desires are harbored by Kosha, however. The dog now is simply delighted to have his head scritched, and he pants happily, tongue lolling out and tail beginning to wag. Frowning thoughtfully, Ranjeet rumbles, "Faanshi ... you have done well this evening. My thanks to you. Delilah Kirseem alam'Zulyat ... we will learn for certain your right to that name and caste, but for this time I will take you at your word and, for the time being, as my ward until we can ascertain whether or not you have any family. I am Ranjeet al'Samar Khalida, Foreign Minister to the Varati people. In addition to being your guardian for the time being, I will also serve as your acarya .... for clearly you have no understanding of control yet. I will assign to you an Aether Elemental to escort you when I cannot attend to you, and we will have lessons so that soon you will not require an escort for protection." There is a deep breath taken, and Kosha receives a smile and a rigorous rub. "Sleeping arrangements will be made ... but first I think a bath and some clean clothes would be in order. Shudra Faanshi, seeing that you are the instrument of Delilah's salvation this evening, and since your mistress is not residing in Atesh Gah at this time, I think it fitting that you attend to Imphada Delilah's needs - a good bath and some silks. If you do not have any sari's that will suit her, send word and I will have something appropriate sent." Delilah stiffs slight. A teacher?! AND a bath AND Silks! THis is getting better and better all the time! the not-so-poor-now girl bites her lip to keep from breaking down into laughter of joy or tears of the same. When she is composed, she says, "Imphadi? I am internally grateful.." she begins... It is not often that Faanshi receives a 'well done' from a man -- much less a kshatri. This is startling enough that she actually peeks up for a moment to try to ascertain that she'd just heard what she thought she had -- but only a moment. Her eyes, too, have turned very full. This fortune is not her own, but the maiden's compassionate heart nevertheless swells in sympathy for the young girl. Swiftly, however, she dips her gaze once again and ventures shyly, "I have but these clothes I wear, Imphadi, and the ones assigned me by the Honored Maharani's khansamah, when she is here... nothing I own would fit...!" His head dips in assent to both women. "You are welcome Imphada ... Faanshi, please take the Imphada to the guest quarters in the Khalida wing of Atesh Gah - see that she is bathed and when you finish there will be some silks ready for her. Wait here for now ... I'll have an Aether Elemental fetched immediately." And with that the Minister turns and heads back toward the steps of Atesh Gah, pausing for a moment to speak with a guard. Delilah sags a little, very weary from a long, very important day. she smiles ruefully at her friend. "Did he say Bath? And silks?" she asks around a yawn. Faanshi inclines her head, and says softly, pulling herself to her feet and offering her hand to the now clearly overwhelmed girl, "He did, little imphada." It is not often that the shudra's eyes turn bright with pleasure, at least within Atesh-Gah -- but on this night, they shine now. "Permit me to lead you to the bath, and I shall attend to your needs." Wait -- wait, the Person Giving Him Scritches is leaving? And so is Faanshi? Awww... Kosha yurfs, but as the two females make their way inside, the loyal dog settles himself down upon the ground near the foyer doors, to wait for Faanshi to attend to him. As the pair arrive at the stairs, Ranjeet awaits them, a young woman standing by his side. Her robes indicate that she is an Atarvani priestess, and it is clear that she is trying not to wrinkle up her nose in disgust at the sight of the young filthy girl. "This is Mufti Atira ... she will be staying with you for the next few days Delilah, until you can control your own powers. Please do not leave without her as an escort. Remember that while you are potentially kshatri, you are at this time and from this time forward without family and officially my ward. As your guardian I expect the same obedience that you would give your father." Delilah nods, too overwhelmed to responf beyond "Yes, Imphadi." she says, having to rely on her friend for support. Faanshi keeps her eyes down, for she is aware of the opinion most of the Atarvani hold towards her. The halfbreed girl pauses with the foundling at her side, waiting patiently for the Foreign Minister to issue any last instructions before she escorts Delilah inside to attend to her needs. Still, though, the shudra does bob her head deferentially to the priestess. Offering her a nod and a small smile that curls only one corner of his mouth, Ranjeet rumbles, "Very well then ... I will you see you first thing in the morning then for your first lesson. The sooner we start, the sooner you can control your talent." His head dips toward Faanshi again and then Ranjeet turns and ascends the stairs of Atesh Gah, disappearing within the main hall. [End log.]