"An Uncertain Future"

Log Date:
	1/2/2002

Log Cast:
	Zahir, Faanshi, Geridan

Log Intro:
	The life of the healer girl Faanshi has never been easy--or even
stable, over the span of time she has lived in the city of Haven. But as 
late another change has wrought havoc with her, for her mistress, the 
Maharani Thalia, has abruptly returned to the Varati capital of Masada to
reign on high with Khalid Atar. No instruction has been given that her 
shudra Faanshi should accompany her--or whether she is to continue to serve
the new Pasha of Haven as she has the Maharani, speaking as the Voice of
the Varati to the Sylvan tribes in the surrounding woods.
	And so Faanshi, left to her own devices, has striven to make what
order she can of the pieces of her life. One such piece involves the 
teaching she had once given to another healer of the Varati, and perhaps 
one of the only others of the Daughters of Fire who could help her toward
her long-held goal of pledging herself to the Ushashti: Kerani Kentari 
Rashid. Shy about re-establishing contact, thanks to the part Kerani's
husband Geridan had played in the death of the Hunter Mehul--who Faanshi had
loved--the shudra ventures nonetheless to the apartment of the Rashid 
Clan to seek Kerani out....

*===========================< In Character Time >==========================* 
             Time of day:  Late Morning 
          Date on Aether:  Monday, June 19, 3909. 
           Year on Earth:  1509 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  New 
                  Season:  Summer 
                 Weather:  Clouds 
             Temperature:  Comfortable 
*==========================================================================*

Kentari Suite - Gem Inn - Haven(#947RA)
     The interior of this Varati residence is dominated by silks, at least in 
  the living room, where one enters from the hallway of the Gem Inn. 
  Embroidered tapestries decorate the walls, leaving only a few places showing 
  bare, dark-stained wooden wall. There are two very comfortable, soft, 
  colorful chairs, in addition to an equally-comfortable but more firm couch, 
  and some large, plush cushions set on the floor near the walls. Silk also 
  covers dark-stained tables near both chairs and the couch, leaving only the 
  elaborately-etched legs easily visible. Large, elaborate, red silk curtains 
  frame the windows. At the center of the right wall, if one has just entered 
  the suite, is a large fireplace, the stones appearing to be Shaped into 
  elegant sworls.
     Opposite the fireplace, a simple archway opens up into a much more 
  spartan kitchen. A simple cloth-covered wooden table and wooden chairs 
  comprise the only furntiture here. The countertop is likewise made of wood, 
  with plenty of room for work. Cabinets and built-in boxes presumably contain 
  the food for the household, and a woodstove provides heat for cooking.
     The door leading back to the hallway is stained in dark, 
  elaborately-engraved wood, as its its doorframe. Other simpler, 
  lighter-colored doorways lead from the living room to the less-central 
  rooms, including the master bedroom and other private rooms.
Contents:
Geridan
Zahir
Obvious exits:
Out <O>

Zahir
A young Varati child, he's pretty much on the move a lot, but when you can 
  catch a look at him, you can see he's got black hair, dark grey eyes. He's 
  wearing a pair of legging and a tunic, but if you look close the leggings 
  have a tear in the knee, most likely from playing around with something he 
  shouldn't have been

Geridan
A towering man of demanding size and stature, he stands 6'9" easily and stares 
  down through wavey, but short dark hair with eyes of crystalline, fogged and 
  razor sharp which set alight and become consumed by sapphire flames that 
  only accent the scar that runs along his cheek to his ear. He wears a red 
  tunic, symbolizing not only his fire, but the clan to which be belongs: 
  Rashid; the emblem of a selver sun shedding an amber tear upon his breast. 
  The rest of his outfit is black and steel-grey, even the glove which he 
  wears and always has worn upon his left hand. And this, if not threatening 
  enough, rests forever upon the elaborately carved hilt of his sword, a flame 
  spiraling upward toward the blade. Grace, of course, flows with his stride - 
  that earned through a lifetime of training and achievement - each one 
  purposeful and deadly. This is a man who carries himself and carries himself 
  well, with a confidence and presence that dares to be challenged.

Breakfast is finished in the Rashid home and with that comes a hyper Zahir who 
  is running around the living room chasing after a kitten, playing naturally, 
  but that doesn't mean the kitten knows this as he is chased around the 
  living room by the boy. From the dining room comes the sound of clinking 
  dishes as the adults do whatever, its of little matter to the boy.

Into this scene of domestic tranquility comes a quiet distraction: a knock at 
  the outer doors, where Faanshi waits for whatever person may answer her and 
  take her inquiry to the mistress of the family within. She could have, she 
  supposes, looked for the Imphada Kerani Kentari Rashid near the shrine of 
  Ushas around dawn -- but then, there are certain reasons that the shudra 
  Faanshi is still uncomfortable with going near that hallowed place. And so 
  she has waited until the morning is well underway, hoping that enough time 
  will have elasped that the younger woman will have returned to her family's 
  rooms in the Gem Inn, before setting out to discover whether the young 
  Maithuna still desires her aid with her magics... and whether, though 
  Faanshi sternly advises herself that it would not do to raise undue hopes 
  within herself, there is any word as to whether the women of Ushas may wish 
  her to join them.

Well... one adult actually. Kerani has been made to sleep, ordered by her 
  husband who is handling the dishes - which is more likely than not the 
  reason why such clinking can be so easily heard. But anyway, she was sent 
  back to bed the second the meal had been eaten. She looked far too 
  exhausted. Geridan is just finishing up, closing a final cupboard and 
  brushing his hands off on eachother with an easy sigh. It's good to have the 
  work done, but what is he going to do about Kerani? Luckily though, the 
  knock draws his attention away from his thoughts and sets them toward 
  action. "One moment." he calls out as he steps in to the living room, 
  passing Zahir and Azrael with a smile as he lifts the latch of the door and 
  pulls it open.

Zahir giggles as he almost manages to catch Azrael but the cat makes a dart to 
  the side avoiding the toddling child. He looks up as his dad walks by and 
  when he sees him opening the latch Zahir stops wondering who could be coming 
  by.

For all that she has visited this family before, it has never been under easy 
  circumstances -- and moreover, Faanshi is accustomed to the formal ways of 
  Atesh-Gah. Thus, that the Imphadi Rashid himself might answer her knock is 
  the last thing she expected, and the maiden draws in a soft startled breath 
  as the figure of the kshatri man reveals itself with the door's opening. But 
  she recovers quickly, and with eyes modestly averted, she offers in 
  grave-voiced greeting, "Namaste', Imphadi, and I beg pardon for my 
  disturbance. I have come to deliver a message for the Imphada Kerani, if I 
  may deliver it?"

"Imphada Faanshi." Geridan exclaims happily and within his normal speaking 
  voice, a broad and delighted smile spreading across his lips in greeting. 
  "Please, it's no disturbance at all. Come in, come in." Dusting his hands 
  off one last time on his pants, he staps aside and pulls the door open 
  further, allowing the maiden entrance to the suite itself. He also catches 
  sight of Zahir staring curiously and Azrael, peeking out of the lgs of a 
  chair and wondering why he's no longer being chased. "She's sleeping right 
  now but you're welcome to wait." He chuckles, "No matter what I say, she 
  never sleeps for very long."

Zahir tilts his head looking up at the woman..he looks from Geridan to her 
  then back again.."Wh' s'e?" he asks in typical two year old fashion as all 
  thoughts of the cat are forgotten for now.

Though she has stopped protesting when she is addressed as 'Imphada' to her 
  face, it is apparent that Faanshi is embarrased by it, if the way her glance 
  slides sideways is any indication. Pale is she for a Varati, but she is 
  still dark enough that her blushes are not easily marked even when she does 
  not wear a veil as she does now. However, her attention does fall upon the 
  wide-eyed boy-child, and though she does not smile, her expression gentles 
  even as she murmurs to him, "Namaste', little Imphadi." To his sire, more 
  loudly, she says, "I would not wish to disturb her rest, Imphadi, or..." And 
  with that, she trails off a moment, not entirely certain what a strong 
  family such as that of the Maithuna might actually be doing with its 
  collective morning. Blushing a little harder, she straightens and tries to 
  cover her indecision, finishing, "I had but wished to inquire whether she 
  requires my aid still, with her healing arts."

"This is the Imphada Faanshi. She's one of the greatest known healers and a 
  kind and gentle person." Geridan says to his son after the question is 
  posed, smiling softly back and forth between the two. "And Faanshi, you know 
  my son, Zahir. Though he was only a little babe when you saw him last." 
  Again a look ebtween the pair and Geridan's attention is drawn back toward 
  the shudra's concerns. "As I said, you're more than welcome to wait here. I 
  certainly and honestly don't mind if you wish to."

Zahir looks back at the woman.."N'm'te Fa'shi" he says smiling broadly as he 
  comes closer to look at her. "h'al'r?" He turns to his father.."l'k' M'm'y?"

'One of the greatest known healers?' Long well aware that she has power, 
  Faanshi is nevertheless not the slightest bit accustomed to having it openly 
  praised by any of the Children of Fire -- and so she cannot stop herself 
  from blinking in open shock at Geridan Rashid, not at all certain whether he 
  is serious. But then there is the child, coming bravely nearer, and nor can 
  she stop herself from murmuring humbly, "I am a healer, young master, aye, 
  like your honored mother." To Geridan again, striving to show proper 
  appreciation for the generous compliment, she appends deferentially, "The 
  Imphadi honors me. Thank you...!"

This he answers with only a nod, recognizing her embarassment at the praise. 
  She is, after all a shudra, even if she descretely holds a position as an 
  ambassador to Sylvans. But anyway, he gestures over toward the couch. 
  "Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I'm sure she wont be 
  sleeping long and I know she'll be delighted to see you as well." A soft 
  chuckle is sent toward Zahir, and then saying, "I'll be right back." he 
  heads off toward the kitchen at a slow pace.

Zahir smiles as he is to young to be scared of others, specially when his 
  Father seems to like them. "H'al'r" he says happily, as he looks up at her 
  "N'ce m'et y'u"

The Imphadi has invited her to wait twice now; how, then, can she refuse? 
  "Thank you, Imphadi," murmurs Faanshi to Geridan, as he strides off. Still, 
  though, she is shudra. And furthermore, not accustomed to being welcomed 
  politely into any Varati residence, much less a kshatri one. For a moment 
  the halfbreed maiden gingerly considers whether she should indeed sit... but 
  it is the child who makes her decision for her. Readjusting the basket she 
  carries hooked on the crook of her arm, she sinks down gracefully to her 
  knees, the better to give Zahir a good view of her if he should wish it. As 
  respectful to him as she is to his father, she inclines her head to the lad 
  and tells him gently, "I am honored to make your acquaintance."

Geridan remains in the kitchen for a short period of time, and once more some 
  clinking can be heard, though more quietly than before. When at last he 
  emerges again he is carrying a tray upon which rest two cups of kaffe and 
  one cup of juice for the youngest of the group. There is also some bread, 
  what was left from breakfast, that is still warm sitting next to it. He 
  brings this over, setting it down on the table between the couch and chairs, 
  and hands out the glasses. "Here." he offers with a smile. Despite what she 
  might think of it, the Warrior's face says clearly enough that he does not 
  mind that this may seem odd, he is merely being polite to her and filling in 
  for his wife whom he ordered to sleep.

Zahir blinks as the woman kneels in front of him, as he looks at her face then 
  down at his hand, he shrugs as the woman's words go right over the two year 
  old's head, his vocabulary isn't that big. "wh't m'an?"

Skittish as she is around Varati adults, with children -- even Varati children 
  -- Faanshi is the soul of patience. "It means 'nice to meet you'," says she 
  to the baffled child, and only after does she note Geridan's return. Offered 
  kaffe, she experiences a new surge of consternation; remove the veil to 
  drink, or try to hold it free of the cup? It occurs to her that this man 
  _has_ seen her unveiled -- but then, it is not for her to know what his ways 
  are within his household. Best not to risk offense. She straightens up again 
  to accept what is offered her, asking in an echo of her old shyness, "May 
  I... remove my veil to drink, Imphadi?"

Zahir giggles smiling as he says back to Faanshi "H'n'd m'ke y'u ac'a't'c'" He 
  says trying to copy her but the words are a bit big for him.

"You may, Faanshi." Geridan says softly, his smile equalling his voice and 
  dipping with the gentle inclination of his head as he moves over to sit on 
  the couch. Azrael, witnissing all of this from the safety of beneath a 
  chair, suddenly darts over and hops up beside the large Varati. The kitten 
  is completely and totaly dwarfed by the Warrior. "Zahir." Geridan chuckles, 
  patting the spot next to him. "Come here, and remember what we spoke about 
  before? Trying to speak slowly and properly? Try to sound out the words 
  completely." Though he may scold, he does so cheerfuly, and to Faanshi he 
  gestures across to a chair. "Please, sit down and be more comfortable."

The maiden nods once, gratefully, stepping to the chair and settling down upon 
  it. First, to set the basket down upon the floor so that she might have her 
  hands free; only then does she lift a hand up to free the azure veil that 
  shrouds her features from clear view from its place, and that square of 
  light silken stuff is cautiously set upon the basket. At last, she cradles 
  the cup of kaffe in both hands... and now that her veil is off, it might be 
  noted that the corners of her mouth curl in a fractional hint of a smile at 
  the affection the father obviously holds for his child.

Zahir sighs at Geridan.."Hon'r'd ma'e y'or acq'in't'nc" Its better, and 
  problay the best a two year old could do as he goes to get the cup of juice.

If it is, Geridan will find out soon enough, because he's not about to back 
  down. He wants Zahir to learn to speak properly as soon as possible. 
  "Better, but still not quite there. It's ok for now though," he looks across 
  from him at the shudra, "if Faanshi agrees." He's still smiling gently of 
  course and there is a chuckle lighting his eyes as he looks to her. The 
  Warrior is just being a little playfull while he sits and enjoys good kaffe, 
  good company, and the kitten whose neck he scratches lightly at his side.

Wait a minute. Her opinion is being consulted here? Faanshi's sungolden brow 
  crinkles beneath the hem of her leyang, and once again she shoots Geridan a 
  startled glance, as if wondering whether perhaps she's stepped into some 
  strange alternate version of Haven. No other explanation can she envision, 
  for why a kshatri father might be asking her verdict on the enunciation of 
  his son. "The... young Imphadi speaks well for his tender years," she says 
  then, in earnest truth, though not without detectable bemusement.

Zahir smiles happily as he sits down on the floor with his cup of juice and 
  starts to drink it.

"Thank you, Faanshi." Hrmm, so she didn't catch his little joke. Ah well, it's 
  ok. Geridan chuckles a little to himself and after taking a sip of his kaffe 
  and setting it back on the tray again, resumes speaking once more. "How have 
  you been since your return to Haven? I havn't seen you since then." He 
  doesn't mention anything further about the circumstances surrounding that 
  particular event. He doesn't want to upset her certainly.

Upset, no. Confuse, yes. Under no circumstances has Faanshi forgotten the last 
  time she'd been in Geridan Kentari Rashid's company, but it still surprises 
  her to hear him mention it; one might almost, she thinks warily to herself, 
  believe him to actually be concerned about her welfare, and she not even his 
  shudra. "I am hale, Imphadi," she allows herself to say, and that's truth 
  enough though there is a momentary darkening of her summer-green eyes. "And 
  able to fulfill my duties, though with the departure of the Maharani to 
  Masada with the Neverending Fire, those duties are perhaps in question."

Zahir blinks as he looks up at the adults talking head tilted to one side as 
  he listens and drinks..

And indeed, if one had that impression it would only be furthered by the 
  sudden furrowing of his brows while he listens, his smile flickering and 
  wavering for a moment. "Your future is uncertain?" he asks bluntly in words 
  but cautiously in tone, his voice obviously and sincerely curious. Down to 
  Zahir he looks, knowing the poor boy doesn't understand and is probably 
  being bored to tears. "Zahir? Would you take Azrael please?" The kitten isn't 
  really bothering him, not at all in fact, but he doesn't want to leave his 
  son soley at the mercy of two adults, especially should the conversation 
  drift to more serious matters.

"The Maharani did not wish me to accompany her to Masada," murmurs the 
  halfbreed, not meeting Geridan's eyes. "She bade me serve Clan Khalida as I 
  have served her, but the Pasha has not commanded me yet to bring to him what 
  the Sylvans may wish to say to the Varati, and has given me no words to say 
  to them for the Children of Fire." There is no surprise in her voice; she 
  is, after all, a shudra. And if she can wait many days for the will of the 
  God-King or His consort to be made to her, she can certainly wait for the 
  whim of a Pasha. But there is a miniscule crinkling of her features that 
  suggests that somewhere behind that stoic facade, there is a bit of 
  something that may be... disappointment.

Zahir takes the kitten which comes down to him willingly as he starts to pet 
  him..His attention now dealt with the cat he's not really paying attention 
  to the adults

Geridan nods, two thoughts leaping to his mind. "This Pasha is more than he 
  lets on I believe, but perhaps he thinks himself a bit -too- clever." That 
  was the first and it is dismissed with a shake of his head and a hand lifted 
  in apology as well. "But you will have a home at least? That is still 
  secure?" That is his primary concern, the first lept forth unbidden. He has 
  been too long with his thoughts lately, speaking them out loud without 
  intention.

There comes now a decidedly strange look into the eyes of the shudra -- at the 
  word 'home'. It takes her a moment to consider her words, before she finally 
  says, "I am quartered with the shudra of Clan Khalida, Imphadi." It's the 
  best answer she can give, and at least as far as she's concerned, it is 
  enough. Strange questions, these. And rather than let herself think too 
  heavily about why exactly this unusual warrior might care to ask them of 
  her, she keeps her attention upon the kaffe until she has drunk it down.

Zahir also has finished his juice and is now sitting quietly petting the kitten

Nodding again, Geridan decides to let her be for now. Indeed the questions 
  might sound strange, and they are really. But then, Geridan isn't exactly a 
  normal Varati Kshatri. Moving to stand, he smiles again, the expression once 
  more quite firm. "I'll go see if Kerani is awake yet. I thought I heard 
  something a moment ago from the bedroom. One moment. It was a pleasure 
  speaking to and seeing you again, Faanshi." He then moves toward the door, 
  knocking twice softly and stepping in without hesitation or waiting for a 
  response and closes it begind him.

[The scene was never finished before Aether closed down. End log.]