Date: June 22, 1999
Place: Atesh-Gah, Streets of Haven, Rialto, Outside the Delphic Citadel
Cast: Chana-Cari (@emitting Zafir), Darias, Fireheart, Jana, Lailah, Maat, Medea, Ranjeet, Sarra, Starsong
Scene: The betrothal-party of Chana-Cari and Zafir begins with a parade through the streets of Haven, to proclaim the magnificence of the vaisya Clan of Al'Samar.

The entire courtyard has undergone a dramatic transformation. Instead of the merely mortal trees, shrubs and flowers which normally turn it into a green paradise, there are multiple tables filled from end to end with silver and blue platters laden with the delightful smells of food, both exotic and mundane. Under the platters are layers of linen, also in the colors of Clan Al'Samar, each piece heavily embroidered and showing the fine craftsmanship that makes the clan the premier supplier of household goods. About the fountain, piles of rugs lay stacked, easily accessible for party-goers to take and use. Some of these rugs contain designs which are available via the carpet merchant, Kashtaritu.

Laid out with brightly colored pennants is a wide track that completely circles Atesh-Gah. Space has been left at the edges of the track for party-goers to place rugs and watch the promise of fantastic action to come. In addition, a grand stage, like a concert shell, has been erected on one side of the grounds. It glitters from the silver within the multifarious embroidered silks strung across wires and dangling from poles that form the shell; all shades of the rainbow are represented.

Finally, the grounds of Atesh-Gah are complimented by a variety of flags, banners, and paper kites that flutter through the air as both decoration and party favors. Pots and tubs of flowers, gaily bunted with colorful silks, add to the gaiety, making the grounds seem not only paradisical, but phantasmagorical as well.

Maat stands just outside the massive doors of Atesh-Gah and holds in her hand a long leather strap, studded with metal. She swings the strap idly in her hands as it seems like she is waiting for someone in particular, a naraki perhaps?

Very likely. Lailah comes slinking through the doors to the inside -- and stops dead as soon she sees the Shakir. Turning her head slightly and glancing over her shoulder, the dark mongrel seems to be considering sneaking back inside again.

Zafir, clad in his finest, paces in the garden, waiting for someone to tell him what to do, where to stand... ANYTHING! His cane hits the ground with his steps, making a soft 'thump' as he walks.

Too late. Chana-Cari steps through the doors of the embassy. Lailah can't get passed her that easily. The young girl steps up to her mother, peering as she stands on the top of the steps. Thoughts flit through her mind... 'How do I eat with a veil on? Where is Zafir? I hope this goes well.'

The Clan Al'Samar parade shifts closer to the gate of Atesh-Gah, readying itself to head out into the city of Haven. The elephants trumpet loudly, causing a few stallions to rear in reaction, snorting and fighting their reins. But they are easily brought under control again, and little seems to phase these well trained pachyderms who stand steady and ready. The camels could seem to care less about the whole affair, their lazy gaze flickering about as if they were thinking to themselves Can we just get this whole affair over and done with?

Maat turns and under her veil a wicked smile might be decorating her face. "Ah, Lailah," she says, drawing out the naraki's name. She twirls the strip of leather in her hands and now it looks quite like a leash. "I have a little deal," says the Shakir to Lailah, "for you, my dear." She lets out a chuckle that does not sound nice. "You will serve food to the guests today. You will be polite. You will not be disobedient. Because...if...you...are," says the Shakir, then pausing to dangle the leash at Lailah, "I'll have to chain you up like the dog you are. Do I Make Myself Understood?"

Already large eyes widen considerably as Lailah listens to what Maat has to say, her pale gaze locked onto the leather strip much like one would a poisonous snake. Her own lips draw back to reveal white teeth behind her veil, a soundless snarl. A long while she just stands there, stiff and unmoving, as her mind tries finding ways out of this situation, and more than once do her eyes flit to the gate out to the street. Finally though, the naraki gives a small, curt nod. No 'Yes, Imphada,' true, but she agreed, anyway. Let's just hope she holds on to that.

Medea and Starsong pass between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah.

Zafir stops his pacing and stands moves to stand next to his lovely bride-to-be and her mother atop the steps, awaiting the boarding of the parade.

Maat does not put away the leash, but instead wraps it around her hand so that the metal insets in the leather seem like only an addition to her regular jewelry. "Good." She turns to look over at the assembled parade. "I'm willing to let you have a treat, Lailah." She gestures at the parade. "You can come along, if you behave." And, of course, the hand she uses to gesture has that leash wrapped around it.

Drawing up to the lead elephant, Ranjeet's appraising gaze flickers over its paint and dress with an approving glint. Raising his rein stick, he softly calls to the elephant, "Whup!" the stick tapping the animal's left leg. There is a soft whurf as the elephant obediently lowers itself down to be mounted, left knee bent so that Ranjeet might climb atop and scale the massive pachyderm to settle himself into the palanquin.

Lailah's gaze follows Maat's pointing hand to the parade. How noble of her. "Thank you," comes the slightly choked reply from behind gritted teeth, small brown hands knitting into unconscious fists at the naraki's side. She no doubt does not see it as much of a treat and would rather sneak off into some obscured corner and sulk for the rest of the day, but that leash seems to make Lailah surprisingly obliging right now.

Waving his hand to the assistants and caravan riders, Ranjeet turns his elephant forward, the parade shifting after him. The riders start to move about, escorting the important personages to their riding palanquin, the rest directed toward horses and camels. All others not of higher birth begin to flock to the side of the parade in preparation for heading out of the gates. There is a loud fanfare upon the trumpets, the animals shifting with greater interest, the sounds and motions readying them for the parade to come.

Zafir and Chana-Cari smile as they walk together to their awaiting transportation. The young girl climbs on, with the aid of a servant, while the old man waits. After being sure the girl is settled, he hands his cane to the servant and climbs on up.

Medea enters into the Atesh-Gah with far less fanfare than what she finds on the inside. A pause, blink, and she looks somewhat stunned by the sudden flurry of noise and sounds. Then she shakes her head and starts to laugh while stepping aside.

Darias passes between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah.

Maat spies Medea through the throng and waves with the hand that is not holding the leash. "Estrel!" she calls out, then gestures for Lailah to move forward under her watchful eye with the other, more threatening hand.

Starsong's reverie is broken by the blast of the trumpets, and she returns to reality a little reluctantly, the last traces of her dreamy smile still turning up the corner of her mouth. Her expression changes abruptly, though, as she catches sight of the enormous gray beast approaching. One hand flies up to her mouth, as if to hold back the little shriek of surprise and terror that escapes her as she stares at the elephant.

The lead pachyderm, a virtual fanfare of color and beauty in its rainbow colors and patterns, trumpets loudly before Ranjeet offer the noisy beast a tap upon the forehead in remonstration. Holding a hand to indicate that those behind should not follow, he brings the lead about, watching the proceedings with a watchful eye, making sure that everyone is settled in the right place and where they belong. The bells hanging from nearly every animal jingle in anticipation. The drummers start, their melody climbing up over the walls of Atesh-Gah and pour out into the air and aether over Haven.

Medea looks around at the sound and clearly call for her. The voice is certainly familiar and elicits a broad smile from the Arch-Magus. When she is finally spotted, Medea looks up at the elephant on which she sits and laughs, "Maat!" The familiar name is offered much in a familiar tone that shows affection between the two.

Lailah should be ever grateful for that veil in front of her face, obscuring the vicious grimaces and snarls directed at the Shakir. She does start moving forward though, her whole appearance sulkiness personified.

Maat looks about her palanquin, as if trying to determine if there is enough space for another person. "Would you like a ride, Estrel Medea?" Always polite, that Maat.

Starsong shrinks back behind Medea, trying to get away from the elephant even as she stares at it with wide, fascinated, frightened eyes.

Medea shakes her head as she gives Starsong a look, "I think Starsong here might need a bit of company." Then a pause and she blinks, looking back to Maat, "Oh, this is Starsong, one of my students. I am not sure if you have met." Then to Starsong, "Starsong, this is Nefer Maat Al'Samar."

Eyes catching his Shakir and her conversation, Ranjeet taps his elephant, the beast lumbering forward with soft chings upon each step. He draws it up not far behind the pair, and curiously the elephant reaches out a tentative and curious trunk, sniffing at the figure cowering behind Estrel Medea, a gentle thump against her back.

Darias simply stands amidst a crowd of observers, noting with poorly hidden displeasure the presence of an Empyrean. No matter, it is not his place to comment on such an allowance...look at the procession, yes that is a far more pleasant sight.

Starsong tears her eyes away from the beast and looks for the first time at the person on it. "I - ah - um - greetings, Elder - eeeek!" The polite (if tentative) greeting is cut off by a frantic little cry as Starsong leaps away from the investigating trunk and the elephant attached to it.

Maat waves to Starsong since she is now too far up to shake hands or anything more personal, though she certainly isn't the touchy-feely type. "Greetings, Student Starsong. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." She then waves her hand airily at Medea. "Well, then, Estrel Medea you must trot along in my dust." She imperiously taps the side of her elephant, indicating that Lailah should take her place there and, despite her words, two large Al'Samar men move to each side of Lailah and bracket the young naraki. There is obviously not much trust between the Shakir and her newest acquisition.

Tapping his overcurious pachyderm upon the head, Ranjeet rises up in his seat sufficiently to peer over the massive head. "My apologies, Imphadas, he is a sweet-tempered beast, but overly curious, I'm afraid." The smile is all teeth and good-natured merriment, dark eyes gleaming with no small degree of amusement. His gaze then shifts to Maat, one brow rises. "Are we ready to move, Shakir?" he calls to her. His gaze flicks to the assembled, and it would seem that all who need to mount an animal have done so. The drums and trumpets make it hard to hear though, Ranjeet yelling at his Shakir for the first time since his advancement. Good thing it is only because circumstances require it.

Jana passes between the heavy stone pillars that flank the entrance to Atesh-Gah.

Medea laughs, then reaches a hand to Starsong as she turns to look up at the rather friendly trunk. Before she can reach a hand to pet it, it is gone and greeted with a laugh. She looks up towards Ranjeet and offers him a warm, broad smile as well.

Starsong swallows hard, managing a tiny nod to Ranjeet, and even a faint attempt at a smile. As the trunk retreats, she breathes a heavy sigh and steps closer to Medea, still a little wary as she darts nervous glances around at the train of elephants.

Lailah directs dark little glares up at the men beside her, stepping up to the spot indicated by Maat. A treat, she said? A treat, to get to walk through the city with these chains clinking with every step she takes. Oh, the humiliation. The mongrel proceeds by standing in silence, doubtless many dark thoughts occupying her mind.

Sidestepping people and piles of unpleasant elephant 'presents' is Jana and an Empyrean woman in a formal Hound's uniform. Both women are quiet, though the younger's eyes are wide to behold such big, big creatures. They keep off to the side, watching, and doing nothing more for the moment.

Darias looks at the procession with a faint smile, just look at the fine folk, full of cheer and good wishes for the two happy intended...noting briefly the angry mongrel. Well, perhaps not all of them, but oh well. As the lead elephant departs, he notes yet another Empyrean enter...Hrm.

Still high in his seat, Ranjeet touches brow, lips, and heart, extending his hand out in a graceful and silent greeting. Far more dignified than yelling down at the prominent healer. Tapping his animal, Ranjeet turns the beast, heading back to the front of the procession once again.

Zafir and Chana sit side-by-side. The thrill of the parade sends chills up and down Chana's spine. Zafir sits quietly, nodding to everyone, waiting for the parade to move.

Maat calls out to Ranjeet, "Yes, I believe we can start." She does not look the most at ease inside her palanquin. Obviously, elephant riding is not a common occurrence for her.

The Clan Al'Samar parade passes between the massive pillars flanking the entrance to Atesh-Gah and out onto the street.

Clan Al'Samar Parade:
      It is a stunning and flamboyant display of the wealth, talent, and prestige of the Varati vaisya Clan Al'Samar. Nearly every beast of burden from their impressive caravan regime is present. Massive elephants have been painted in bright colors, patterns of flowers, vines, and paisley decorating the gray canvas of their skin. Upon each one is a palanquin, a lavish coach of carved wood and gold adornments, swathed in silks and tassels and resting upon tapestries that cover the backs of the lavishly appointed pachyderms. Each palanquin carries a distinguished member of the Clan Al'Samar.
      Leading the entire route is recently appointed Seshmew Ranjeet Al'Samar, followed by Shakir Nefer Maat Al'Samar. Together ride Chana-Cari Maat Al'Samar and Zafir Karu Sahir, the betrothed pair for whose impending union this event is in celebration of. Riding upon the elephant furthest down the line is Caravan Master Valin'dovev to assure that the procession proceeds smoothly.
      Between the massive creatures are the camels and horses of the clan, each covered with silks and tassels, saddles and gear made by the finest of artisans. From the elephants in between, bearing priests and personages of importance within the clan, comes a bountiful rain of flower petals, which catch upon the air, spinning about like a colorful storm in this time of grey and cold skies. Gleaming brass horns and massive wooden drums announce their presence in the street, the line of animals and celebrants so long that it trails out of sight.

[Palisade and North - Haven]

Medea and Starsong pass between the massive pillars flanking the entrance to Atesh-Gah.

Darias crosses the courtyard. carefully avoiding a... deposit of the great beasts, and is surprised, and a little displeased to find trash of the winged variety still littering the yard...

Starsong hurries along, following closely behind Medea. She still doesn't seem to be entirely comfortable with her proximity to the elephants.

The Clan Al'Samar parade travels south along the North road.

[Interlude: Rialto]

Skirting along the outer edges of the Rialto, the trumpets and drums hail the presence of the parade long before the actual parade arrives. There is much fanfare, colorful flowers flung out upon the watching audience, the ground about them. Dancers swirl about the caravan animals, silks spinning and flying. Each animal, laden with silks and bells is a musical instrument in and of itself. Upon the palanquins wave the leaders of the Varati Clan Al'Samar, and voice and cries, ululations of happiness, fill the air as the parade makes its stately and celebratory way through Haven. Many of the traders and merchants in the Rialto cringe, for this is in addition to a celebration, a blatant display of the wealth and the wares of the Clan Al'Samar ... much of which rivals and defeats their goods.

Maat adds insult to injury by miraculously producing some grapes inside her palanquin. She eats a grape in a lazy fashion, showing how truly decadent her clan can be.

Darias walks along behind the procession of pachyderms, noting with amusement the stares many passers by pay to the intended couple...that is as it should be...there may in fact be a song in this...

Medea walks beside Starsong and Jana as the parade travels along.

Wow. That's a lot of people. Sarra hops quickly onto a table to avoid any injuries which may occur, either from the parade itself or the people running around because of it. She draws her knees up, rests her chin on them, and settles in to watch. From the way she's bouncing, she's going to cause the poor table to collapse at any moment.

Jana meanders up to Starsong's side after casting Medea a little, wan smile. Leaning over to her Sylvan friend, she asks quietly, "Have you ever seen anything quite like this before?" Trailing a few steps after the young Oracle is an Empyreal woman clad in a formal Hound's uniform.

Starsong sticks close to Medea, her steps quick and nervous as she follows the parade through the streets. She can't help but smile with the excitement of the parade, but she is very obviously trying not to look at the elephants if she can possibly help it. "Never!" she says to Jana, shaking her head quickly. She gives the Empyrean girl a quick smile of greeting, and keeps following the parade.

The parade turns under the watchful leadership of Ranjeet Al'Samar, curving toward the massive tower of the Delphic Citadel in order to cross in front of it. The well-trained caravan animals follow their lead pachyderm with precision and grace. Though his voice is nearly lost beneath the din of the drums and the brass instruments, which wail and pulse in Varati fashion, the voice of Ranjeet can be heard calling out greetings as he waves and on occasion the firm controlling "Whup!" as he guides his animal toward the impressive tower that dominates the city of Haven.

[Outside the Walls - Delphic Citadel - Haven]

Fireheart enters from beneath the towering gate that leads to the Delphic Citadel.

Maat eats another grape and leans back lazily in her palanquin. It really is too bad that Lailah is all the way down on the ground or else the Shakir might be attempted to make the naraki feed her.

A massive parade crosses before the grand tower, the sound enough to bring all of the Delphic acolytes and masters alike out of the courtyard. Horns and drums sound the procession, and to the eye, it is as if summer were born again here in the middle of the cool months of autumn. The elephants trumpet loudly, each step ringing with bells, pomp, and ceremony.

Jana walks at Starsong's side, trailed by both Medea and her Empyreal Hound escort. The young Oracle's eyes are wide in undisguised awe at this display of Varati opulence. Never has she seen anything quite like this. Spotting Fireheart in the crowd, the girl lifts her hand, waving and calling out, "Ave, Fireheart!"

Fireheart peers through the gate at the oddity making such loud sounds. She pushes her way through the onlookers till she finds a spot near a wall so she does not get knocked off her feet. Eyes follow the huge beasts and the pageantry.

Darias walks behind the procession, humming idly deep in his throat, not noting any familiar faces among those the parade passes, he otherwise remains silent.

Starsong skips along between Medea and Jana, conscientiously avoiding looking at the enormous elephants that make up the procession. Despite her uneasiness, though, she can't seem to help smiling in wonder at the excitement of the event, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep from staring at the riches that surround her. She looks eagerly at the crowd outside the walls of Delphi, searching for familiar faces, and every so often waving to a fellow student. "Chookma!" she calls, her smile brightening as she catches sight of her friend.

Fireheart raises one hand to wave as she spots the familiar trio and hears the greeting. She looks on, curious and tips her head at those of the Delphi marching with the group. Behind and beside her are several others in the various garb of Delphi, pulling kaftans on hurriedly and trying to smooth them in place to adhere to the dress policy, robes outside. One poor lad has his on backwards and is lost in a sea of fabric while he tries to rectify the situation.

Maat decides to sit up and wave grandly at the crowd. Yes, this is the Shakir that applied for Provost, but, really, given the richness of her attire and the grandness of her elephants, would she have been happy as a lowly Delphi peon?

Suddenly, Maat cocks her head to the side and leans out of the palanquin to look over toward Starsong. There is that strange Sylvan word again.

Chana and Zafir come out of the small discussion between them to notice their whereabouts. Chana smiles widely at those around her, and tries to figure out who the new people (The Sylvans and Empyrean) are... She really ought to pay attention to things around her.

Horses prance and frolic, heads tossing, manes and tails flying through the breeze, tassels hanging and swinging from their elaborate gear. The camels bobble along with their strange, swaying walk, strangely calm and disinterested with the whole affair. Fortunately, they are not inclined toward spitting. It seems it is too much effort for the mood that they are in today. With a soft "hup" from Ranjeet though, a tap of his long narrow bamboo wand against his elephant's right side, and the parade begins to turn, heading away from the Citadel on its journey through the rest of Haven.

Fireheart's eyes sharpen their gaze as the conglomeration of sight and sounds begins to continue along the way. Her arms fold and she has a war going on in her expression. The normal delight at the visual swirl of color and the strange beasts and curiosity are off-set by Sylvan reserve. She pushes forward enough to speak to Jana, Starsong and Medea. A quick "chookma," while they are in hearing range.

Jana gives one last wave to Fireheart as the parade begins turning, and though her words seem lost to the crowd's din, it seems as if she's beckoning the woman to follow after.

FIN

Continued in the next log, titled The Betrothal Party of Al'Samar.  

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