Ch. 32
The Play's the Thing
The beaming rays of sunrise were accompanied by the sound of sizzling and the smells of breakfast. Rakiv opened her eyes to gaze up at the ceiling as she lay sprawled across linen sheets on a bed of goose down. A small squeak came from her lips as she stretched out, reveling in the luxuriousness of the bed. With a contented sigh she rolled to the mattress' edge and sat up, only to frown as a mane of wild red hair flopped into her face. The nearby vanity provided brushes and combs and the ranger set to work taming her unruly hair. Toothbrush and paste came to hand next, followed by a quick splashing in the water basin that stood in the corner of the room.
Her morning rituals completed the guildmistress scratched her shoulder as she cast about for her clothing, before remembering she'd set it out to be washed the previous evening. The guildmistress padded to the door, cracked it open and peaked out into the hall. Few sounds came from outside, save for the light clamor from the kitchen, and upon looking down the ranger found what she was looking for. A small folding table had been set outside her doorway, containing a neat bundle of clothing upon it and a pair of shoes beneath it. These Rakiv plucked from the floor and slipped back inside her room to dress.
Upon unfolding the clothes the ranger found that they were not her battle worn leathers. Instead she had been provided with a wide sleeved tunic, tailored from fine crimson linen. A long, somewhat ruffled skirt came next, its hue an earthy brown and beneath it she discovered a pair of trousers as well. The ranger arched an eyebrow at the redundant clothing, before discovering a small note tucked into the folds of the trousers. This she unfolded as well and lifted it for inspection. It read:
Told mom you weren't a skirts and dresses kind of girl. Figured the trousers would be more to your liking. Whichever you pick, enjoy the change of clothes. ~ Kydar
The ranger gave a small snort as she refolded the note and set it back on the small table. She could practically hear his smug smirk in every word, obviously expecting her to pick the pants over the skirt. Then again, he also might have been expecting her to expect him to expect her to pick the pants, which meant he'd be expecting her to pick the skirt instead. But then again…
"Ugh, why can't he play fair?" she grumbled as she weighed her options for a moment before giving a shrug, "Screw it," she finally decided.
The trousers flopped back onto the folding table as the ranger stepped into the skirt and pulled tight the strings at her waist. The ranger lifted the next article of clothing, a wide sash of burnt orange meant to belt her tunic. It was accompanied by a linen cord of similar color, likely provided to give her options. She quickly decided she preferred the sash and wrapped it around her hips. As the red head pulled closed the folds of her tunic she paused for thought and lifted a leg experimentally. It was a nice skirt, but it was also in the way.
Rakiv paused for thought, chewing at her lip before inspiration struck and she gathered up the folds of her skirt over her right leg. These she tied into a bundle high on her thigh, hitching it into a half skirt that offered free range of motion. After belting her tunic closed, the cord came in handy for fastening her skirt in place, to ensure it wouldn't come loose with her movement. Her dressing completed, Rakiv stepped into the shoes she'd been provided, a pair of soft leather moccicans that fit like a glove.
"Almost like being barefoot," she commented with a bit of a smile as she wiggled her toes in the shoes.
Her musings were interrupted when a knock came at her door, and she looked up in mild surprise.
"Come in," she called.
The latch clicked and Kydar quickly poked his head in.
"Food's on," he announced and then chuckled, "Oh hey, I see you went with the skirt."
"Yes I did, what's it to you?" she responded as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Nothing!" Kydar said, obviously trying to stifle a snicker, "Nothing at all. I'm gonna head down to the dining room, figured I'd grab ya on the way."
"Yeah sure," the ranger nodded, "I'm starving, and whatever they're making smells good."
Kydar led the way as the pair exited the room and trotted downstairs. By the time they arrived the smells of bacon, eggs, sausages and toast had already filled the dining room. Most of the group was already in attendance, already piling their plates with food. Rakiv chuckled as she took note of the change in attire that had come over her party. Alendra had traded out her usual Sunspear armor for a white linen top with long flowing sleeves, complimented by a matching wrap skirt bedecked with small golden tassels. Anicara too had changed, now wearing a silk petticoat and fitted blouse while swathing herself in the folds of a deep blue sari . Anorah had been convinced to give up her dervish garb for blouse and trousers beneath a sturdier over-robe held fast by a leather belt replete with silver inlay. Melonni had selected linen trousers and a peasant blouse, while Margrid sported a pair of wide legged shorts, a short embroidered vest and a simple gypsy top beneath. Koss and Kydar both wore tunics and pants, with Koss in navy and Kydar in deep maroon. In truth the only member of their party who hadn't elected to change was Dawn, who reclined with her usual poise in her skin tight leather body suit.
Kydar strode into the room ahead of his guildmistress, and the pair were greeted with a round of 'good morning' from all present. Rakiv approached her seat and voiced a word of thanks to their hosts, both of whom urged her and her guild to eat as much as they liked. The spread as impressive indeed, and the pair of servants who had returned to the estate kept busy by providing pitchers of milk and fruit juice whilst sweeping away finished platters. While the others conversed Rakiv scarfed her fill, before wiping her mouth and raising her head to address her guild.
"You all remember the orders from last night?" the guildmistress asked.
"Yes, guildmistress," the reply came back.
"Good," Rakiv nodded, "Then Dawn, grab your team and move out. Everyone still has their guild emblems right? Then we'll stay in touch with those. You find anything, you let me know."
"If I might be so bold," Dawn spoke up smoothly, "Where will you be going guildmistress?"
"We're going to find that guy who runs the Foolish Troupe," Rakiv said.
"You mean… the Lyssan Fools?" Kydar supplied.
"Yeah, them," Rakiv nodded with a wave of her hand, "Word is they're in a bit of a bind, and we're going to see if we can help them out. You said they usually manage to draw Bokka to their plays, right Mr. Raelesin?"
"Almost every year," the big man boomed with a nod of his head, "There was that one unfortunate year that they put on a production of Tax. As you can imagine, Bokka wasn't very amused by a play about a bunch of debtors squatting on prime property and refusing to pay their dues to the rulers," he laughed.
"Well, let's hope that's not what they had in mind this year," Rakiv winced, "In either case, we're off to find Ordu… or whatever the hell their leader's name is. I actually don't know where to start looking though…"
"Try Honur Hill," Rubhen offered as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Most actors and artists usually congregate there, as it's but a stone's throw away from Makuun itself. If that Norgu fellow is looking to salvage his troupe's production, and I imagine he is, that's likely where you'll find him."
"Honur Hill it is then," Rakiv said, "And we should probably get started, it's a long walk to get across the city."
"Actually, now that we're back in civilization, and not living underground," Kydar chuckled, "We can use Xunlai agents again."
"Oh thank god," Alendra exclaimed, "I am so tired of marching everywhere."
"Xunlai it is," Rakiv laughed lightly, "But still, better to move sooner than later. Finish up everyone and meet me in the entry way."
"Oi, Rakiv," Margrid spoke up as he picked at one tooth with the end of a knife, "What's yer rulin' on our weapons? I dun much like tripsin' about without me bow. 'Specially not if'n we run into a spot o' trouble again."
"I'd prefer it if we could keep a low profile still," Rakiv said as she shook her head, "We're ambassadors here, remember? I don't feel too easy being disarmed either, but everyone here can handle themselves pretty well even without a weapon, and there's plenty of city guards around. If you must carry something, try to make it something small?"
"I'm off to get my machete," Koss said immediately, drawing a few chuckles from around the table.
"Alright, front door, five minutes," Rakiv said, "Any questions?"
There were none.
"Dismissed," the guildmistress nodded.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The Xunlai portal flickered and fluxed as its passengers disembarked, striding out onto the dusty stone pavement of Honur Hill. The town was a small one, marked in large part by its miniature forum and the half-ruined structure of an ancient amphitheater. The amphitheater was one of the oldest in all of Vabbi, and had become a cultural landmark in the region. Believing that it was the birthplace of the arts in the northmost province, numerous artists had flocked to it seeking guidance from the ghostly muses that were said to wander the theatre's halls. Thus a thriving community had sprung up upon the hill, a town that made its living by convincing the wealthy that its chintzy wares and lengthy works were worth investment. Populated by actors, artists, sculptors, writers and many other unsavory types, Honur Hill had a reputation of being the place to go whenever you needed a professional liar.
"You will never find a more wretched…" Kydar began.
"Nope, can't use that one," Rakiv interrupted quickly, "I already said that."
"What, when?" he blinked.
"When we went to Blacktide, remember?" the ranger answered him.
"Oh… oh right," the scribe responded a little disappointedly, "Aww, but it fits so well here too!"
"Oh I'm sure that's not true," Anicara laughed, "I'm sure actors and the like are perfectly nice people."
"You ever eat with one?" Kydar chuckled.
"Look, let's just stay focused here," Rakiv replied, "We're looking for that guy."
"Norgu," Kydar filled in.
"Yeah, him," the ranger nodded, "So start asking around for him, or anyone from Lyssan Fools."
With words of confirmation the guild spread out, making their way up the hill and into the tiny hamlet. It was not long before they found themselves assailed by various artistic practitioners, attempting to either recruit them for various projects, or sell them a plethora of finished (and in some cases, half-finished) works. Still it was not long before Anorah turned up a lead, and called her other four guildsmen to her location.
"He is over there," Anorah said, pointing in the direction of an outdoor café, "He is wearing a green suit."
"Good job Anorah," Rakiv said with a nod to the dervish, "Alright gang, let's go meet the man."
The group fell in behind the red head as she strode into the café, moving to one of the many umbrella covered tables where a handsome and distinguished looking man in a suit of deep emerald sat with a book in his hands. The ranger looked him over and arched a brow, somewhat impressed at his many trappings. The man had taste, and she hoped he would be receptive to their offer.
"Mr. Norgu?" she asked, "I'm here to speak to you about the Lyssan Fools?"
"I'm… sorry?" the man blinked as he looked up from his book.
"Ah, you are Norgu are you not? Director of the acting troupe, the Lyssan Fools?" Rakiv queried.
"Hah!" the man laughed lightly, "Ah, I'm afraid I'm not, though I suppose I could pretend to be, if it would mean keeping your company."
"Ahh, that's quite alright," Rakiv chuckled as she waved him off with a hand, "I don't suppose you could direct us to the man who is Norgu?"
"Well I could be mistaken, but I believe that's him in the corner over there," the man said as he gestured behind himself.
The guild raised their eyes as Rakiv strode past the man's table and towards the corner of the café. What she found was a pair of men sitting at a table with a setting for tea laid out before them. The first man was tall and burly, his broad shoulders supporting the heavy plates of his armored curiass, as well as the hefty leather strap that held a mighty hammer strapped to his back. The second man was much shorter, and considerably flabbier. He wore a suit of bright, leafy green, accented by loud whorls of gold and sashes of yellow-orange. He wore a great many signets upon his fingers, and his waist sash had been belted tight to contain his potbelly. But perhaps more off putting than his choice of clothing were the loud sounds of his weeping. The man lay limply against the table, his face buried against his arms as he sobbed uncontrollably, his wails beginning to draw the attention of many passers by.
"You meant this green suit?" Alendra asked Anorah.
"I was only given that description and this location," the dervish answered, "I now find myself rather… disappointed."
"To put it mildly," Kydar chuckled.
"Ahem," Rakiv spoke up as she approached the table, "Hello, my name is Rakiv Maelstrom. I'm looking for…"
The guildmistress was cut off as the overdressed actor released a bawl of despair, whining pitifully as he shook his head against his arm.
"I'm looking for the man named…" she tried again.
Once more she was cut off when the green suited man wailed loudly, heavy sobs wracking his back as he cried his eyes out.
"Mr. Norgu!" she finally cried at the top of her lungs.
"Oi, Norg," the burly man finally spoke up as he placed a hand on the smaller man's shoulder, "We got company."
"Wha-wh-what?" the potbellied man sniffled as he raised his tear stained face and looked up at the five guildsmen who stood before his table, "Oh do go away. Auditions have been closed for months. It wouldn't matter anyhow, as there's to be… no… plaaay!"
Again the man broke off into bawling, a fresh batch of tears spilling down his cheeks. An awkward moment passed as Rakiv considered her position, before she turned to the bigger man at the table.
"You there, what's your name?" she asked him.
"They call me Goren," the big man nodded.
"Goren then, I take it you work with this one," Rakiv said, pointing down at the sobbing actor, "I have a business proposition for your troupe."
"Oh I'm not in the troop miss," the big man shook his head, "And I dun do the business. That's Norgu's job. He's the smart one."
"Well seeing as he's a bit busy right now," Rakiv sighed, "You seem like my only choice."
"Just give him a minute," Goren chuckled, "He'll cry himself out in a bit. You want some tea?"
"Well… we really don't have time for," Rakiv began.
"Let's have some tea," Goren went on, ignoring the woman as he picked up the tea pot and began to pour.
Rakiv chewed her lip with a touch of frustration, before she sighed and pulled out a chair to sit down.
"Are you actors too?" Goren asked, "He could use some actors, since he doesn't have any anymore."
"No we're not actors," Rakiv shook her head and then tilted her head, "And what do you mean he doesn't have anymore actors?"
"He doesn't have anymore," Goren shrugged, "They all went away. Said bye-bye. Now he can't do his show."
"Wait so he doesn't have any of his troupe anymore?" Rakiv blinked in surprise.
"Well he's got himself," Goren said, "And he's part of the troop… so I guess he has one actor. But he said he can't do it all by himself, which I don't really get. I mean, all they do is stand up on stage and say words at you. He can say all the words himself, he knows a lot of them… words I mean, he knows a lot of words. So I don't get why he can't do it himself. But Norgu is smart, and if he says he can't, he can't."
"Uh…. Huh," Rakiv said, her brow crinkled with a touch of confusion, "Well uh… about when do you think he'll be finished crying?"
"In a few minutes," Goren said with a smile, "Lucky you, you got here at the end of crying time. Sometimes he starts early, and it takes him a long time to stop. But he didn't start early today, so he should be done soon."
"I see…" Rakiv said, her perturbed frown only deepening, "So… we'll just wait here then?"
"Tea?" Goren asked in response as he offered her a cup.
Rakiv's confusion did not lift as she glanced up at her guildsmen and then gave them a wave of her hand. Kydar turned to the group, instructing them to disperse but stay close to the café, as Rakiv accepted the teacup from Goren. The ranger paused in surprise as Kydar returned to pull out a chair and take a seat as well.
"Tea for you too?" Goren offered.
"Why yes, thank you," the scribe smiled.
The burly man poured up another cup and offered it to Kydar, who accepted it and added two lumps of sugar. The trio sat sipping in relative peace, the silence broken only by the odd, dramatic wail and cry from the sobbing actor across the table. After several minutes, and a couple more cups of tea, the tears subsided and the man named Norgu raised his head to dab at his eyes with a napkin.
"Crying time is over," Goren smiled cheerfully.
"Thank the gods," Kydar chuckled lightly under his breath as he took another sip of tea.
"Ah… oh dear me," the green clad actor sniffled as he dabbed at his face, "Oh why should such travesties fall upon my shoulders? What ill have I done to warrant such misfortune?"
"Ahem, Sir Norgu," Rakiv began in an attempt to address the thespian.
"Oh sweet goddess Lyssa!" Norgu cried loudly, ignoring the woman speaking to him, "What sin have I committed against you that you would forsake me so!"
"Mister Norgu!" Rakiv finally roared, slamming a palm into the table.
"Ahh!" the man exclaimed in surprise as saucers, cups and pots rattled on the table, "What! Who are you? What do you want?"
"My name is Rakiv Maelstrom," the red head said a touch snappishly, "And I have been trying to conduct a bit of business with you."
"Business? Business!" the actor scoffed bitterly, "What business? Haven't you heard? The Lyssan Fools are done for. Ended. Wiped. Failed. Finished! There is no business for you here. Oh woe unto me that all my efforts in theatrical pursuits should come to so much chaff and dross!"
"That's what I'm saying you addlepated…!" Rakiv exclaimed, rising to her feet before a hand caught her shoulder and pulled her back down.
"Sir Norgu, we represent a group with a fair amount of resources at our disposal," Kydar interrupted as he pushed Rakiv back into her seat, "We believe we may be able to solve your problem and have the Lyssan Fools ready to perform in time for the Works."
"Oh? So I suppose you just have coffers full of platinums, half an acting troupe and a working script just lying about do you?" the actor snorted, "Who are you anyway? What do you know about what it takes to put on a show in the theatre?"
"We're… producers," Kydar quickly supplied, "Yes, producers. And we've been looking for our chance to put together a big show for some time now. Trouble was, all the good troupes were taken. But we'd like to be the ones to bail the Lyssan Fools out and prove ourselves."
"Hah, trying to make a name for yourself on the back of Norgu the Superlative?" the man snorted disdainfully.
"Does it matter, if it means you get your show produced?" Kydar smiled shrewdly.
The green suited man clicked his tongue thoughtfully, and Kydar quickly continued.
"But perhaps it'd be best to start at the beginning," the scribe said, "After all, we can't help you if we know nothing of your problem. What exactly led to this uh… mishap?"
"Ah, despicable and woeful is the tale of my fall!" Norgu sighed mournfully, "Would you believe that it was all over a matter of something so insignificant as money?"
"Yes," Rakiv answered immediately.
Kydar elbowed the red head who shot him a protesting glance but said nothing.
"It was on an autumn morn such as this, that the bearer of ill-tidings came to me," Norgu waxed dramatically, "Our once kind and beficent patron, Zerai the Learner, had provided us all that we required, asking only that we work our art to the best of our ability. But this year, on that woesome day, he withdrew from us all his assistance and supports, leaving us without the means to put on our grand performance!"
"Why'd he do that?" Kydar blinked.
"Oh some trival nonsense about a war and his daughter not being safe in Istan. Claimed he had to rush to her side immediately, and could not spare the funds for our production," Norgu waved a hand dismissively, "It was all very dramatic if you ask me. I hardly felt he needed to make up a war just to explain he no longer wished to support us."
"You… don't read the news very much do you?" Rakiv arched an eyebrow.
"No, I don't… why?" the thespian blinked in return.
"No reason," the ranger sighed with a shake of her head, "So I take it the rest of your troupe took off when they realized there was no more money left?"
"That they did!" Norgu exclaimed, "And I see now that it was not love of art in their hearts, but greed and a lust for fame and fortune! One by one they left me, and now I am alone, destitute, penniless and our play will never see its fruition!"
"Can I ask what play you were going to put on?" Kydar inquired.
"Oh it was going to be a lovely production of The Wizard of Orr," Norgu said with a nod, "An enchanting play about a young Ascalonian girl who is transported many leagues from her home and makes a journey to Ahrah. Along the way she meets a ghostly warrior, a kurzick juggernaut and a cowardly charr, who aid her in defeating the machinations of an evil witch!"
"Sounds exciting," Kydar nodded.
"It is!" Norgu exclaimed, "And it hasn't been done in years! But now… ah alas, it seems it shall have to go undone. Even if I were to find new actors, it would take far too long for them to learn all the parts. The subtleties of the kurzick juggernaut in particular are difficult to master, even for a well trained thespian like myself."
"Okay… well what if you put on something different?" Kydar asked, "Something elegantly simple, brilliantly amusing and yet subtley complex?"
"Hah, if you think you can find such a script in only three days," Norgu scoffed, "And have a cast prepared to perform it well enough for Prince Bokka, then I'll burn this lavish suit and prance about in peasant garb."
"I'll take that bet," Kydar chuckled as he reached across the table to offer a hand to the man.
"Ah, one moment," Rakiv stopped him, "The money you mentioned, how much are we talking?"
"Oh, well over eighty platinum," Norgu said.
"Eighty…!" Rakiv exclaimed, "What the hell kind of theatre are you booking!"
"It's not just for the theatre!" Norgu exclaimed, "It also pays for a stage crew and a lighting crew, for marketing and advertizing of the play, for ushers and servers, for the clean up crew once the production is finished, and of course the security deposit for any possible damages caused during our production."
"But eighty plats… that's just…" the ranger sighed as she rubbed at one temple.
"And that's not including compensation for whatever cast you mean to put together," Norgu added, "Actors are not cheap in this day and time of avarice and greed. Why once there was a time when thespians would pay the producer for the chance to ply their trade before a live audience! Oh for the days when men still knew what it truly meant to love the theatre and all its…"
"Okay, okay," Rakiv said as she waved a hand to interrupt him, "If we can do all that, get you a script, a cast to perform it, and the money and stuff… would you be willing to let us produce your show?"
"Hah, at that point it would really be your show," Norgu chuckled, and then tilted his head, "Which makes me curious as to why you come to me at all."
"The Lyssan Fools perform for Prince Bokka every year," Kydar explained, "What better way to make a name for ourselves than to put on an amazing performance for the prince himself?"
"Aaaah," Norgu said, tapping the side of his nose understandingly, "So you wish for old Norgu to bring you an A class audience in exchange for saving my reputation."
"So glad we understand each other," Rakiv nodded, "Do we have a deal?"
The actor paused for thought and turned to glance at his associate. Goren only offered him a big smile, and Norgu smiled in return before turning his gaze back to Kydar and Rakiv.
"Why yes, we have a deal," he grinned as he offered Kydar his hand.
"Glad to hear it," Kydar chuckled as he gave the actor's hand a firm shake.
"Oh my, such a strong grip," Norgu chuckled a little, "I think I am looking forward to working with you after all."
A look of confusion crossed the faces of both Kydar and Rakiv, before the scribe shrugged and gave a nod as he shook the actor's hand again.
"And we look forward to working with you," Kydar answered, "Just make sure that you get Bokka and his court to the performance. We'll handle the rest."
"I will do all that is asked, and for this task shall I perform no less than as thy will," Norgu smiled, and then chuckled at the confused look on his new patrons' faces, "King Doric, act two scene three. Never fear my friends, I'll make sure that we open for the Prince in three days time."
"Good," Rakiv nodded as she pushed out her chair and rose to her feet, pausing only to smooth out her skirt, "Then we'll meet with you tomorrow before the Dance. You can show us the theatre you'd like us to book and then we'll see about rehersals. For now we've other business to attend to, including finding a script."
"Yeah, it'll be down to the wire, but hopefully we can pull this off," Kydar nodded with a chuckle.
"Oh have faith my friends!" Norgu cried exuberantly as he hopped up from his chair, "There is no need to fear! Let us strive for what we hold dear! Unto the bleakest breach we goooo! Let us put on a magnificent sssshhooooooow!"
At that precise moment a passing group of musicians, sensing the sudden onset of a potential musical number, struck up a merry tune. Rakiv blinked as she looked around, watching as Norgu hopped up onto the table.
"Uh oh… I feel a song coming on," Kydar said.
"Tooogether we will…" Norgu began to sing.
"I'm leaving!" Rakiv shouted, cutting him off as she turned and strode off.
Unperturbed by the ranger's hasty exit the thespian launched into song, whilst Goren waved goodbye to the new funders of the Lyssan Fools. Kydar trotted after Rakiv even as Norgu sang louder to his rapidly retreating audience. Rakiv plugged her fingers into her ears and hummed to herself until they were finally out of earshot of the café.
"Ugh, I hate musicals," Rakiv grumbled.
"Ironic, cause that's probably what we'll be producing," Kydar said and then arched an eyebrow down at her, "Uh, I have to ask though… where are we gonna get a cast this late?"
"No idea," the ranger answered without hesitation.
"Thought so," Kydar nodded, "Just checking."
"So how'd it go?" Alendra's voice came to them.
The pair looked up to see the rest of their guild approaching, and Rakiv waved them over to gather into a circle.
"It went well enough," she shrugged, "We're about to be the producers of a big time play. All we need is a script, a cast and eighty platinums."
"Oh, so nothing more difficult than we're used to," Anicara chuckled sarcastically.
"Yeah pretty much," Rakiv nodded, "We'll start with the script first, but we should check in with the others to see what they found."
"I'll see if I can get a hold of them," Alendra said as she dug her guild emblem out of her belt and tapped its enchantment seal.
"Where does one find a 'script'?" Anorah spoke up with a hint of curiosity in her voice, "Should we investigate the nearest library or archive?"
"Maybe," Kydar said, "It'd probably be easier if we could get into a really big library though, like the archives at Chokin. I hear that Mehtu keeps a collection at the Grand Forum and one in Mihanu too though. Most of what you'd find here would be new wave playwrights though, generally just crap written by inexperienced romantics and such."
"Bleh," Rakiv shook her head, "Alright then I guess we'll have to see if we can get to the ones at the Forum or Mihanu. Maybe we can…"
"Uhm, guildmistress?" Alendra spoke up.
"Report, tactician," Rakiv answered her.
"Well, I just spoke with Dawn," the paragon said, "She said that they didn't so much find Tahlkora… as she found them."
"… what the hell does that mean?" Rakiv asked.
"She said that a Whispers messenger was on his way with a letter that would explain," Alendra shrugged.
"You mean… that Whispers messenger?" Anicara asked as she pointed behind them.
All eyes turned to the visage of a woman swathed in red, her face hidden by a hood and mask. She approached with swift strides, and stopped before the group to offer a snappy salute to the guild.
"Guildmistress Rakiv Maelstrom?" the woman questioned.
"Speaking," Rakiv responded.
"This was intercepted from a royal messenger," the Whisper reported as she drew a scroll from her belt and offered it to the ranger, "We thought we could get it to you faster than the prince's couriers."
"My thanks," Rakiv said with a nod, "And my regards to your order."
The woman did not reply, and only saluted before turning and dashing off into the shadow of the nearest alley way. Rakiv shook her head as she turned her eyes down to the scroll as she broke the seal and unrolled it.
"Those Whispers always creep me out," Alendra commented, "Why can't they just walk away like normal people?"
"They wouldn't be Whispers if they did," Kydar chuckled as he stepped closer to Rakiv, "So what's it say?"
"Well… this is a twist," the ranger blinked as she read the contents of the letter.
"What's it saaaay?" Anicara echoed Kydar as she leaned in to peer over Rakiv's shoulder.
"It says…" Rakiv read, " 'To the esteemed Guildmistress Rakiv Maelstrom and all in her presence is cordially requested at the Royal Apartments in the Grand Forum of Vabb. Come as you are with all haste and speed, for her royal highness wishes to speak with you immediately. Signed for Her Perspicacious Highness, PrincessMehtani Tahlkora Zarranu. P.S. Lunch will be provided.' "
All were silent for several long moments as each of them read the letter over again, hardly believing the words on the parchment. Finally Alendra could contain herself no longer and let out an exclaimation of surprise.
"What!" the paragon cried.
"Princes Mehtani Tahlkora?" Anicara asked, "As in… our Tahlkora?"
"One way to find out," Rakiv said as she rolled up the parchment, "To the Xunlai, people. We've got a date with royalty."
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A number of opulent apartments sat in a ring at the far edges of the Grand Forum of Vabb. For the most part these apartments remained empty, as the leases on them were exorbitant even by Vabbian standards. The complexes saw use most often during special events, when the rich and famous wished for places to stay that were near the forum itself. However a trio of the apartments were kept for the private use of the families of the Princes of Vabbi. To the north, an entire complex was dedicated to Ahmtur the Mighty, to the south lay the condominiums owned by Bokka the Magnificent. The west was held by Mehtu the Wise, and it was at this complex that Rakiv and her party arrived. A pair of guards at the gate waved them through, and the guildmistress led the way into a massive courtyard. The party stared up at the three story tall mini-mansion, and the gold domed spires that crowned it.
"Dwayna's mercy…" Alendra said as she squinted against the sun's glare off the gilded domes, "This is just… just…"
"Excessive," Anorah supplied.
"Well… yes that," the paragon laughed lightly, "But I was going for something more like… wow."
"Speaking of wow," Kydar said as he pointed ahead, "Check it out."
All eyes turned forward to where the front doors of the royal apartments were pulled open by a pair of guards and a beautiful young girl rushed through. She was clad in a chiffon dress of deep violet that was supported by frilled petticoats, each one a deeper shade of purple than the last. Amethyst jewels winked from their placements on the bands of silver around her wrists and biceps, matching the ornate silver necklace that held an eye-sized violet sapphire. Her dark hair was held high atop her head by a polished hair clip, from which chocolate curls spilled down her back in a fountainous pony tail. Simple silver hoops hung from her ears which matched the silver crescent of her tiara that supported a second violet sapphire against her forehead. A whispy thin violet veil drifted over her nose and mouth. The accessory had obviously been chosen so as not to entirely obscure the immaculate make-up that accented her features. With a squeal of joy the young woman lifted up bunches of her long dress in either fist and she hurried down the short flight of step. No one could find the worlds to speak as they all stared at the rapidly approaching vision of beauty that dashed across the courtyard as quickly as her high-heels would allow.
"You made it!" she exclaimed happily, "It's only been a day but I missed you guys so much," she laughed as she threw herself at Rakiv, catching the red head in a happy hug.
"Oof!" Rakiv exclaimed as she caught the younger girl, "Uh… Tahlkora?"
"Of course!" she said, "Oh come on, I may be wearing a lot more make up and have my hair all done up, but you can't say you don't recognize me."
"I don't," Kydar chuckled, "You look a lot different when you're not caked in dust and desert sand."
"And you guys look a lot different when you're not loaded down with weapons and armor," Tahlkora laughed jubilantly, "Come, come. Let's go inside. Everyone else is already waiting for us."
The princess turned away and led the way back to the door, her heels clicking musically against the granite paving stones. The guild followed, shooting each other disbelieving glances and mouthing their expressions of surprise as they were led into the royal estate. The guards shut the doors behind them and Tahlkora led the way down the hall, into a wide lounging parlor replete with small couches, cushions, chairs, pillows and tables. The center table was surrounded by seating cushions, and had already been set with a small feast. The princess bid them to sit, and one by one each of them took their place around the table.
"Good of you guys to make it," Koss chuckled from where he sat at the table, gnawing on a leg of moa, "We've been waiting for ya."
"Yes, the princess said she would not explain herself until we were all present," Dawn said with a nod, "And I must admit, I'm tingling with curiosity."
"Same here," Rakiv said as she hunkered down at the table, "I'd never have guessed that we were traveling with a princess all this time."
"Glad I didn't come off as a typical royal then," Tahlkora chuckled a little as she shuffled in her many skirts and managed to sit down, her dress fanning out from her waist as she took her place at the table as well, "Told you I'd be okay, didn't I?" she grinned.
"That you did," Rakiv said with a nod, "So care to explain what's going on?"
"Ah, yes well…" the girl said and then winced a little apologetically, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys! I didn't want any one in Istan to know who I was! If anyone had, I'd have been sent back to Vabbi straight away, and I knew I had to do something about what's been going on!"
"Hold on, hooold on…" the guildmistress chuckled as she raised a hand to stop the princess, "How about you start from the beginning. I think we all know who you are by now, but there's still a lot of questions you haven't answered for us."
"Mmm… well, then I'll start over," Tahlkora nodded as she took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, "As I'm sure you've all guessed by now, I'm not just a monk from the Bascilica. My name is Tahlkora Zarranu, but I'm the daughter of Mehtu Zarranu, usually just known as Mehtu the Wise. As the daughter of a prince of Vabbi, my full official name is Princess Mehtani Tahlkora Zarranu."
"What's with the Mehtani?" Koss asked, "Is that like the Mehtani Keys back in Istan or…?"
"No, no," Tahlkora said with a small chuckle, "It's a cultural title for royals here. Mehtani is to indicate that I am the daughter of Mehtu. If I had any brothers, they would be refered to as Mehtano, son of Mehtu. And if I took my father's throne and had children of my own, they'd be called Tahlkani or Tahlkano."
"Woulda been nice to know I've been traveling with the Princess Mehtani all this time," Kydar chuckled, "I'd have gotten your autograph or something. Also would have made it easier to find you when you got arrested. We wouldn't have wasted so much time looking for 'Tahlkora'."
"Sorry…" the princess winced a little, "I didn't mean to worry you guys so much."
"So what really brings a princess all the way to the southern island chasing after evil legends?" Rakiv inquired.
"Well it's just like I told you, only a little more complicated," Tahlkora said, "I did study at the Bascilica, and while I was there the monks started to read strange portents in the waters of the Mirror of Lyss. They foretold of great pain in the Elon, and a tainting of its waters. I did some investigating and noticed a lot of activity with the cataract dams, all under the orders of General Kahyet. I did my homework on Kahyet and didn't like what I found, lots of involvement with the occult and weird sects and such. When I heard that she was leaving the mainland with the warmarshal, I dressed down, took a few necessities and stalked Kahyet to Istan. It was when I learned about the corsair connection that I decided to try and take up my suspicions with the Spearmarshal. After that, well the rest you know."
"Ah, Kahyet," Dawn said a little wistfully, "That woman had a taste for secrets but never did seem to know when she was dealing with powers beyond her ken. A pity she stood up to you guildmistress."
"Yes, I'm sure you two were close personal friends," Rakiv said with a dismissive wave as she turned her attention back to Tahlkora, "So then that day on Istan, the day of the invasion when you were late to the docks, what was that about?"
"Oh, heh…" Tahlkora chuckled a little sheepishly, "I was sending a letter back home. I hadn't spoken to my father in a couple months, and until the invasion I had no intention of doing so. He and I had a bit of a… falling out before I decided to leave Vabbi… truth be told we're still not on the best speaking terms."
"Well seeing as he charged you with everything short of high treason…" Melonni noted quietly, "I can see how that would be the case."
"Yeah… but with the war looming and everything… I wanted to at least send him a letter," the princess sighed, "I figured, even if I die for this, I at least wanted my dad to know where I was and why I was there. Why I was fighting, you know?"
"Yeah, I can sympathize there," Kydar nodded.
"So… are you in real trouble?" Anicara spoke up, "I mean, you don't look like it, but those charges sounded pretty serious."
"Those were mostly just legal reasons for having his soldiers pick me up if they found me," Tahlkora chuckled lightly, "I found out today that he sent some soldiers to Istan and Kourna after he got my letter. I'm told that I might have to stand trial at some point, but it'll probably be a formality. There's not a lot they can do to me since I haven't actually done anything but run away, and I'm a member of the royal family too."
"Gods bless a biased legal system," Kydar laughed.
There were a few chuckles around the table as Tahlkora herself only shrugged helplessly. The princess turned her eyes to Rakiv however as she found the ranger shaking her head.
"I swear, every time I think I know my guild," the ranger chuckled.
"I'm really sorry!" the princess exclaimed, "I didn't want to lie to you guys but… I just… I had to do something! My father wouldn't listen to me, still won't, and I'm afraid that he won't listen to you guys either. But I couldn't just sit in the palace and do nothing! And I was afraid that if you knew…"
"Oh if I'd known, I'd have had Kormir ship you back to Vabbi straight away," Rakiv laughed, "But then again, I also didn't know you either, so that would have been a bad move."
The princess fidgeted as she smiled a little and then tilted her head as she licked her lips apprehensively.
"Well… really that's kind of why I asked you guys here," Tahlkora said, "I mean, I wanted you to know I was okay and everything but… I also wanted to make sure that you weren't all mad at me or anything. You guys are my family… like, really family to me. I didn't grow up with anything but servants and guards and… as tough as it's been, these last few months have been just… amazing. So… I wanted to ask you all to forgive me for not telling you the truth… I really am sorry."
Rakiv stared at the teenager for a moment, before finally breaking into a smile and shaking her head as she laughed. The princess furrowed her brow with light confusion as the ranger finally looked up and smiled at her.
"Tahlkora it's fine," the ranger chuckled, "We're not going to disown you or anything. You're one of us, and I don't give up my guildmembers that easily. You're not just an important part of the guild, you're an important part of the group and I don't know what we'd do with out you."
General responses of agreement from the rest of the guild accompanied Rakiv's affirmation, and Tahlkora smiled brightly with obvious relief.
"Thank you, everyone," she said, "I swear, I'll try not to keep any more secrets from you guys."
"Hey, so far it looks like all of us are entitled to at least one big life secret," Kydar said with a smile and a shrug, "Yours actually turned out to be a lot nicer than most of ours."
There were a few chuckles and more nods of agreement as the princess smiled and straightened on her cushion.
"Well go on then, eat!" she urged them, "Oh and can somebody catch me up? I missed like the whole last day's worth of events and stuff. Did you guys do anything interesting while I've been here?"
"Actually yeah," Rakiv nodded as she reached for a nearby sandwich platter, "But I'll let Alendra explain. Tactican?"
"Mm!" the paragon looked up, pausing as she chewed a mouthful of pastry and nodded, "Right, uhm… well we spent all last night looking for you actually. But this morning we went to see some actor named Norgu."
"Oh!" Tahlkora perked, "Norgu of the Lyssan Fools? Wherever did you find him? Usually he's locked up in a theatre with his troupe this late in the season."
"Well actually," Alendra went on, "He got dropped by his patron, and then his troupe deserted him, so we're going to try and help him put on a show in time for the Works three nights from now."
"Well that's… ambitious," Tahlkora chuckled a little, "That's going to take a lot of money and people."
"Yeah, we're still trying to figure out how to do all of that," Alendra sighed, "But that's where we are. Oh! And we also have to find a new script, because he doesn't want to do the old one anymore. Something about it taking too long to get the parts right or something," the paragon rolled her eyes.
"I see…" Tahlkora said thoughtfully, "Well, I might actually be able to help this time!"
"You gots another actin' crew jus' lyin' about do ya?" Margrid questioned.
"Well no," Tahlkora laughed, "But I do have money! And lots of it. I'm a merchant princess after all. And I don't actually have a script, but I could get you into the local Royal Archive. My father collects tons and tons of literature, so I'm sure you could find something if you look enough… it's not as big as the library at home but…"
"But it's a start," Rakiv said with a nod, "See? Earning your keep already," the ranger added with a chuckle.
"I'll send a missive ahead of you, and you can go over whenever you want," Tahlkora nodded, "I wish I could go with you but… I'm sort of under house arrest. Father has made it fairly clear that consequences will be dire if I try to sneak off again."
"It's probably better that we not get you into any more trouble than you're already in," Anicara pointed out with a chuckle.
"Yes, I suppose so," the princess sighed a little dejectedly, "But I will see you at the Dance tomorrow night. And I promise I'll do my best to get father to agree to speak with you. I should be able to manage that much at least. But as I said, I don't expect that he'll listen…"
"At least we can give it a shot," Rakiv said, "At least then they can't say we didn't warn them."
"Well I say we head on over to that archive," Kydar nodded as he shuffled on his cushion, "Daylight's burning and we don't have a lot of time to find a script."
"I second that," Melonni put in, "It's best we get started as soon as possible."
"Alright then," Rakiv said, "Finish up guys and we'll head out."
One by one the guildsmen rose to their feet, dusting themselves off and straightening their clothes as they stepped away from the table. Tahlkora too rose to her feet and then turned with a smile towards the guild's resident one-eyed warrior.
"Oh, Koss," the princess spoke up, "You grew up on a plantation. Do you know much about crops and irrigation and such?"
"Heh, I know a thing or two," he said with a chuckle, "I'm pretty handy with a watering can, if that's what you're asking."
"Well, since there's not really much fighting to be done, I was wondering if I could borrow you for the afternoon," the girl smiled, "I've kept a bit of a garden near here for years and it seems that the groundskeeper failed to keep my trees healthy."
"A bit of a garden?" Kydar laughed, "Tahlk, if you're Princess Mehtani then I can only guess that you're talking about the Orchard, and that is sooo much more than a 'bit' of a garden."
"Orchard?" Rakiv perked up a little, "As in an apple orchard?"
"Yeah, Tihark Orchard," Kydar nodded, "The only apple orchard in northern Vabbi. Ask any normal citizen about it and they'll tell you that the Orchard was started by Princess Mehtani when she was little. They say she made a bunch of the horticulturalists from the Gardens of Sebhorin plant an apple grove for her."
"I didn't make," Tahlkora protested, "I asked the Chief Horticulturalist very politely what it would take to make apples grow in the highlands. I'll have you to know that I planted many of those trees myself!"
"Well I don't know much about apples," Koss chuckled, "But I do know a thing or two about growing a tree."
"Excellent!" the princess smiled happily, "Then we'll head over there presently. That is, if it's alright with you guildmistress. You don't need him today, do you?"
"Nah, nah do whatever," Rakiv said, "Truth be told, I only need like two of you to come with me to the archives. The rest of you guys are free to do whatever you like."
"Then I'll be seein' ya," Margrid promptly replied, "I gots a date wiv the nearest bar, tavern, pub or wherever else a body cin get good spirits in these here eastern parts."
"Oh, oh!" Kydar spoke up, "Uh if you guys go out, just remember to meet back at the house by seven tonight!"
"Might we ask why?" Melonni questioned.
"Yeah, forgot to tell everyone at breakfast this morning," Kydar chuckled sheepishly, "We have to all go get cleansed tonight at a Font of Lyss. It's a quick little ceremony, but everyone in Vabbi does it before the festival begins. Plus they won't let us into the Dance, or any of the other events, if we haven't done the ritual. Mom was telling me about it last night, and we're attending the eight-thirty ceremony. So just make sure to get back on time and we can all go to the Font."
"Right-o shipmate," Margrid nodded, "Ye be needin' anythin' more out o' us guildmissy?"
"Nah have fun Marg," Rakiv chuckled, "Try not to get too wasted."
"Ne're met a bottle as could put me on the floor," Margrid laughed, "Thanks fer the grub princess!"
"Bye Margrid!" Tahlkora called.
"Well then, Tahlkora," Rakiv said, "With your order, we'd like to check out your local library."
"I'll call the courier now," the princess smiled as she stepped to a large cord hanging from the ceiling and pulled on it, "Feel free to go on ahead, I'll make sure the message is there by the time you arrive."
"Alright, Kydar I assume you know the way?" Rakiv asked.
"Pretty sure I can find it," the scribe nodded.
"Good, then let's move out," the ranger ordered.
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It was mid afternoon by the time the party reached the Forum Archive. A long the way the group had split up, with Anorah heading off to see to matters with Event Planer Kazsha while Melonni headed into the Bazaar to do some shopping. Rakiv arrived at the archive with her four remaining guildsmen, and as promised the custodians were prepared for her arrival. After a short tour of the library, the curator brought the ranger into a large rotunda that was lined with great oaken shelves. The book cases were nearly overflowing with books, and several tables, chairs and cushions were littered about the room. After ensuring that the group were well situated the curator took her leave. At Rakiv's order everyone selected a shelf and began piling down books and scrolls.
"Buckle down everyone," the guildmistress commanded, "I want a script we can use by dusk."
Hours ticked by in the library hall, as the guildsmen lounged across the chairs and cushions. Book after book passed through their hands, and every so often a suggestion would rise from the busy readers.
"How about this one?" Anicara put forth, "It's a story about a farmgirl who finds love in the big city."
"Eh, too heart warming," Rakiv responded.
"Oh I've got one," Alendra spoke up, "It's about a young prince whose father is killed by his uncle. But then he comes back out of exile, gets revenge and retakes his throne! It's so dramatic!"
"Isn't that the plot to The Charr King?" Kydar asked.
"C'mon guys there's got to be one in here somewhere that we can use!" Rakiv exclaimed.
"Augh, I can't read any mooooore!" Anicara complained, "We've been reading for hours! These are starting to blurr together!"
"Oh… well now this is quite interesting," Dawn suddenly chimed in.
"Whatcha got Dawn?" Kydar asked.
The necromancer wordlessly tossed the book to Kydar who caught it and blinked at the cover.
"Springtime for Varesh?" the scribe arched an eyebrow as he cracked it open.
"A play about the warmarshal?" Alendra queried.
"The synopsis says," Kydar read, " 'A gay romp with Varesh and Kahyet at Mahnkelon.'"
There was speechless silence as Kydar skimmed the book and then began to chuckle. Soon his chuckles turned to laughs and finally Rakiv rose to her feet to retrieve the book from him.
"What's so funny?" the red head demanded.
"This is incredible!" Kydar laughed, "It's practically a love letter to Varesh! This whole book does nothing but try to sing the praises of the warmarshal but just makes her look ridiculous!"
" 'Come Kahyet, we will conquer them with our beauty, for together we are too pretty to fail,'" Rakiv read from the book, " 'But give me a moment. If we are to make men bow before our dazzling looks, we must look our best. It's manicure time.'"
Again there was silence before an explosion of laughter pealed through the room. Alendra cracked up as Anicara giggled from her cushion and rolled over to reach for the book.
"Oh my gods, are you serious?" the mage laughed, "Lemme see, lemme see!"
"Kydar this is ridiculous!" Rakiv exclaimed as she passed the book off, "We can't go up in front of a prince with this… this… Varesh would never get a manicure!"
"But this is genius!" Kydar laughed, "It's written like a drama but it's so ridiculously comedic! Bokka is all about laughter and good times, and he will absolutely love this."
"I was hoping we could go up there with something serious," Rakiv protested, "Bokka won't take us seriously if our warning of impending doom is coming from a troupe of clowns!"
"But Rakiv this is perfect!" Alendra pipped up, "It unintentionally lampoons Varesh. We could even alter the script to put in her impending invasion or something."
"I too agree guildmistress," Dawn interjected, "This prince sounds like the sort of man who is best appealed to via his proverbial 'funny bone'. If we can pluck it just right, then we may very well garner ourselves the audience we seek."
"You guys really want to do this?" Rakiv groaned.
"Well yeah, I mean if you've no objections to us making a fool out of your sister," Kydar chuckled lightly.
"Oh no, go right ahead," Rakiv said, "I just hope this works. How long is it?"
"Uh… well it's only one act," Kydar said as he reached towards Anicara for the script, "But that's good cause it means less we have to have the actors do in rehearsal. We only have a couple days, so the shorter the better."
"I can't believe we're really going to try this though," Alendra sighed, "It takes most theater troupes months to prepare for a play. There's no way we can have everyone memorize their lines and steps and all that other stuff in just two days."
"We have to try," Rakiv shrugged, "Even if the production is crap, it's a shot and we have to take it. We don't really have a lot of other options."
"Sooo… do we package this up and send it to Norgu?" Kydar asked.
Rakiv chewed her lip thoughtfully as she stared down at the book. Everything about this was a longshot, and this just made it even longer. Not that she was unused to longshots, but it would be nice to just have something in the bag for once. Finally the ranger ran a hand through her hair and gave a nod.
"Yeah sure, have it sent over to him and see what he thinks," Rakiv nodded, "Write up a letter too, telling him that we've got funding and should have a stage crew too. And ask him where the theatre is. I want to see this thing soon."
"Will do," Kydar nodded as he tucked the book into his belt, "But for now we have to get going or we'll be late."
"Late for what…?" Anicara asked, before smacking a palm to her own forehead, "Oh right, the cleansing thing. How long do we have?"
"About a half-hour but it'll take us a bit to get across the city," Kydar nodded before turning his gaze back to his guildmistress, "You…are coming, right Rakiv?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?" the ranger asked without hesitation.
"No reason, just checking," the scribe shrugged.
"Then shall we be on our way to this fountain?" Dawn asked, "I have seen the cleansing ritual performed but have never been a part of it myself. I am intruiged to see what it will be like to partake in it."
"Yeah, I guess we're done here," Rakiv nodded, "Kydar you're the only one who knows where this thing is, so you take point."
"Yes guildmistress," the scribe nodded as he turned to lead the way out of the library.
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The evening passed pleasantly, though it was marked by a great deal of ceremony and expectation. The cleansing service proved to be shorter than Rakiv had expected, and she watched each of her guildmembers pass through the waters and be blessed by the priestess. Though she showed no outward discomfort herself, it was with clenched teeth and tight fists that Rakiv knelt in the waters of the fountain and let the priestess pour water over her head. She felt the old familiar stir of savagery within her as the priestess spoke the name of Lyssa and bestowed the blessing of cleansing, but by indomitable will she fought down the rabid barking in her mind. Soon enough the ceremony was over and a cab ride deposited the party back at the Raelesin estate.
Dinner was a merry affair, and Anorah reported that the preprations for the Feast were coming along well. Event Planner Kazsha had been elated with the dervish's suggestions, and had not only been collaborating with her on the main course, but had also put Anorah in charge of the deserts. There was a round of applause and congratulations on her sudden advancement in the world of cuisine, which the dervish graciously accepted with a small tip of her head. Once dinner had finished Rakiv availed herself of one of the Raelesin's shower rooms, reveling once more in the blessings of hot water. After drying and dressing the ranger made her way back toward her room, but paused as she glanced across the balcony that overlooked the courtyard. On the opposite wing of the house the door to Kydar's room was open and the scribe appeared to be hard at work. Curiosity led her across the house and to the door of the pyromancer's room. Kydar leaned over a strange platter-like apparatus, and held a number of odd wood blocks between his fingers. These he pressed down onto a sheaf of paper that was stretched out across the platter, though from where she stood no visible marks were left on the paper.
"What on earth are you doing?" Rakiv finally asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.
The scribe looked up at Rakiv in surprise and then back down at his paper. After a moment he chuckled and waved her inside as he put down his wooden blocks.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" he grinned teasingly.
"It looks like you've gone crazy," Rakiv said truthfully, "I can only assume there's a method to your madness?"
"I'm writing a letter," Kydar laughed.
"Without ink?" the ranger challenged.
"Yup," he smiled, "Here, come closer and I'll show you what I mean."
As the ranger approached, Kydar reached to the ends of the platter and released a pair of clamps that held the paper in place. He lifted the paper away to reveal that the surface of the platter was covered in a strange sponge-like substance. He flipped the paper over and lifted it to the ranger.
"Here, touch," he said.
Rakiv quirked an eyebrow at him but finally reached forward and ran her fingers over the page. To her surprise there was indeed something there, an odd series of small bumps that had been pressed into the page. She blinked at Kydar who lifted one of his wood blocks and gave a chuckle.
"Yet more of the brilliance of Dr. Braille," he said, "This is that writing system I told you about, from the books I gave to Kormir. It's writing that you can feel, so that blind people can read and write too."
"Huh… that's… pretty neat," Rakiv nodded slowy, and then tilted her head, "But who are you writing to? One of your professors or something?"
"Oh no, no," Kydar shook his head as he set the page back on the plate, "This is a letter to my sister."
Rakiv was silent for a moment as she watched Kydar clamp the paper back in place and lift his blocks.
"Oh…" she finally said, "I didn't… your sister's blind too?"
"Mhm, has been ever since she was little," he said with a nod, "Bright little thing though. She's doing well for herself according to her letters."
The scribe gestured to a series of paper sheafs on his desk and Rakiv brushed her fingers across them. Each one was covered in the same series of bumps, though the order and frequency varied quite a bit. Rakiv blinked as she tilted her head and closed her eyes, feeling the difference in the bumps as they ran across the page.
"You know… I was going to ask you about her," Rakiv said, "Until we got to Vabbi… I didn't even know you had a sister."
"Course you didn't, I never mentioned her," Kydar chuckled.
"I don't suppose it's too much to ask why you didn't?" Rakiv asked as she sat down on the end of the scribe's bed.
"Not at all," he said, "Her name is Tatsuki, by the way. We call her Suki for short. Technically she's my half sister. Mom and dad had her when I was about seven. She's not nearly as dark skinned as me, as you might imagine, and she has the prettiest green eyes you ever saw."
Rakiv tilted her head as she listened to the scribe talk and then spared a glance towards the doorway. The telltale pitter patter of feet told her that her guildsmen were once again evesdropping outside, but she didn't mind and turned her attention back to Kydar.
"You guys mentioned she was at Shing Jea? Isn't that in Cantha?" the ranger asked.
"Yeah," Kydar nodded, "She goes to school at the Shing Jea Monastary. Sort of a boarding school situation. We sent her there so she could be tended to by people with… more experience with girls like her."
"Girls like her?" Rakiv asked.
Kydar stopped in mid typing, before giving a small sigh as he set down his blocks and turned to face Rakiv.
"I suppose I'll just be out with it," he chuckled, "But I'll need to give you a little bit of a preface for this first."
Rakiv gave a nod as she too leaned forward, her curiosity highly piqued. Kydar rubbed his hands together before raising his eyes to hers.
"I went to the Academy when I was fourteen, most candidates can't even get in until they're at least sixteen," he said, "I graduated top of my class, was one of the youngest students placed into apprenticeship with a master, and received the highest honors from my college. I was asked to serve on the Historical Council before I chose to work my way through the field scribe positions…"
The scribe paused as he caught Rakiv about to roll her eyes as he listed his accolades. The ranger managed to stop herself and gave him an innocent smile at which Kydar chuckled before he went on.
"So when I say that my sister makes me look like an idiot child, I want you to understand my full meaning," he went on, "Everything just came naturally to Suki… every subject, every task, every art… she could dance ballet just as easily as she could solve the Arahnian Theorum. There was nothing… and I do mean nothing, we could find that she could not master. Honestly we had trouble just keeping her from being bored. Mom and dad pulled her out of school at the age of five because the teachers said they simply weren't equipped to challenge a child of her intellect."
"That's… impressive," Rakiv nodded, "She would have gotten along great at Gandara. Lots of eggheads there among the caster classes."
"Yeah we looked into Gandara," Kydar nodded slowly, "But at the time my parents didn't like her being so far away. It sort of fell to me to try and keep her sort of educated. We would play games, she and I. I'd start with a spell, and she'd name a diagram that would increase its efficiency, then I'd name an invocation that would maximize its resonance, and then she'd… well it would go on like that. She always won of course, but some of the things she'd come up with were just… genius."
"So what happened?" Rakiv asked curiously, "Why'd your parents decide to send her all the way to Shing Jea?"
"Well… it's kind of a rough story…" he said slowly, "See… in the same year that they pulled her out of school Suki started acting kind of funny. I noticed it when we'd play our book games. I'd say a quote from a text, and then she'd have to say a quote that started with the last word of my quote. I started noticing she was getting some of them wrong. Like… the words were wrong. It took a while, but soon I started to notice that she was actually having trouble reading. It didn't take long after that before we finally realized what the problem was…"
"She was losing her sight…" Rakiv almost whispered.
"Yeah… and quickly," he said, "In the span of a few months she went from crystal clear vision to having to feel her way around the house. We didn't know what was wrong, and no healers could help her. They said there was nothing wrong with her eyes, but for some reason she just couldn't see. By the end of the year she finally admitted to us that she couldn't see anything. She was completely and utterly blind."
Rakiv gave a small, sympathetic murmur and Kydar nodded as he sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"Yeah… there was nothing we could do either," he said, "When it happened I started looking after her more closely. I had dad move my bed into her room so that if she had to get up in the middle of the night or something, I'd be there to help her. She still tried to do things on her own, and she did her best not to worry us… heh, can you imagine that? A five year old trying not to worry her family."
Rakiv said nothing as watched Kydar's gloved fingers curl against his knee. It was a sense of helpless frustration that she now knew well. In a somewhat uncharacteristic gesture of empathy the ranger placed her hand over his fist and Kydar gave a small, wry chuckle in return.
"Suki was determined not to let her ailment slow her down though," Kydar said, "Mom and dad hired readers for her, and while I was at school she would spend the hours listening to the scribes read lengthy texts to her. When I returned she could quote almost entire tomes to me. Despite being unable to read or go anywhere by herself now, she just kept soaking up information like a sponge. I would ask my teachers for harder and more difficult texts or problems and would bring them home to her. For a little while there, she was almost teaching me."
The scribe broke off into a small laugh at the memory of spending days in the house study with his little sister, attempting to understand theorems that she seemed to grasp intuitively. Finally he gave a small shake of his head as his countenance turned grim and he lowered his eyes from Rakiv's.
"It seemed like it was going to be fine…" he said, "A setback but one that we would get through together, as a family you know? But then… then the nightmares started."
"Nightmares?" Rakiv asked quietly.
For a long moment Kydar did not answer. The scribe chewed his lip, obviously withholding his answer as he turned his gaze to the clock on the wall. Finally he with drew his hand from Rakiv's and turned back to his desk.
"It's pretty late Rakiv," he said abruptly, "The Dance is tomorrow night and we should all get some sleep."
For a moment Rakiv was nearly stunned. It was perhaps the first time the scribe had clammed up so quickly. Usually it seemed as though he couldn't wait to share his knowledge with her, and now he was dismissing her without a second glance. It bothered Rakiv, and yet the ranger couldn't place her finger on why it bothered her so. But finally the redhead pushed herself to her feet and gave a small nod.
"Yeah… you're right," she said, "I think we're all going to be pretty busy tomorrow, so if I don't see you in the morning… see you at the Dance."
"Yeah, see you at the Dance," Kydar nodded as he picked up his blocks and resumed typing.
Rakiv gave a slow nod of her own as she padded quietly out of his room and shut the door. As the latch clicked she looked up to find Anicara standing quietly in the hallway. The young mage stared back at the ranger, her blue eyes wide with concern.
"What could be so bad that even Kydar doesn't want to talk about it…?" Anicara asked, her voice nearly a whisper.
"I don't know…" Rakiv said as she chewed her lip thoughtfully, "But whatever it is… I'm sure he'll talk about it when he's ready. Just gotta give him time I guess."
"How do you know that?" Ani questioned.
"Cause it's what he does with me," Rakiv chuckled and shrugged, "And so far it seems to work."
At this Anicara gave a slow nod and Rakiv smiled at her guildswoman. The ranger placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder as she stepped past her and headed towards her room.
"Get some sleep Ani, see you at the Dance," Rakiv said.
"Right…" Anicara answered quietly, "See you at the Dance."