Date: August 25, 1999
Place: Courtyard - Delphic Citadel - Haven
Cast: Maat, Okalani, Rory, Rushing-Stream
Scene: Maat goes to clear up some issues about the lungroot with Delphi. After some miscommunication, both Maat and Okalani acquire some useful information from the discussion.

Courtyard - Delphic Citadel - Haven:
      Here is a large stone-block square dominated by the massive alabaster tower at its center. An imposing centerpiece, the tower rises hundreds of spans up into the sky, predominating over all of Haven. Perhaps more impressive than its simple size is the awareness that it is one solid block of stone growing as a tree trunk up from the earth. At each of the cardinal compass points around the tower, thin sister spires rise, connected to the main by delicate buttresses which serve more for adornment than support. They define the four corners of the courtyard and delicate walls stretch between each one to enclose the huge space. Smooth and unadorned, the surface of the citadel glows faintly as it reflects natural light.
      The entire north- and south-east quadrants of the courtyard are taken up by the bulk of a hedge maze. With growing walls that reach seven and eight feet tall, it is a formidable sight. From the center of the maze a grove of trees springs up, each easily several hundred years old. Attached to the South tower is the bulky form of the Seminary. From its roof, a massive dome springs as if growing from the walls of the structure itself. It is lacy and open to the air on most days, but each window cunningly closes with irising shutters. The West tower opens at its base in a wide arch. Its keystone is decorated with the four rings of the Provost. The tower to the North bears the Healer's caduceus to mark it as the Infirmary.

Almost immediately upon entering the grounds of Delphi, Maat is approached by guards that question her purpose while maintaining a distant stance. Due to recent events, her swathed figure has become common knowledge and it would seem that rumor has run rampant in its statement that she is a carrier of the plague. The guards attempt to push Maat closer to the gates while they question her and yet maintain their wide berth at the same time.

This ridiculous situation is noticed by the young Estrel when she makes her way out of the infirmary. She arches a brow and exchanges looks with her friend Eldred, one of the elite Hounds who's been her bodyguard for a year now. The two of them make their way to the gate where Eldred speaks up, "Let me handle this." The two others exchange glances and then nod, a tad reluctantly yet at the same time relieved they are away from that woman.

"Blessings of Pasiphae sha'kir." Okalani's soft voice sounds as she looks at the woman, wondering what scared the guards so much about her. "What brings you here?"

Maat raises a pale hand that has even paler marks upon it indicating that certain jewelry is now missing from its accustomed place. "Estrel Okalani. A good day to you." She bends her head to Eldred. "And you, Hound." She waves the previously raised hand in a gesture of greeting to accompany her words. "I had come to ask if Delphi had acquired more knowledge on the herb known as lungroot."

Okalani personally doesn't think those spots are important, her own people change jewelry so often. Eldred however arches his brow but discreetly doesn't mention it -- it's Trueblood business, an important Trueblood even.

The young Estrel nods, gesturing to a bench upon the courtyard, "We have. Estrel Spirit-Whisperer sent us a letter."

Rushing-Stream bursts -- yes, bursts -- out from the hedge maze, bounding into the courtyard with springy steps. There's a very wide grin on her face and she shoots a mischievous glance back over her shoulder as she races forward, unaware of anyone who might be in her path.

Maat interlaces her fingers, showing that both hands are now devoid of jewelry as the action occurs with the usual clink. If her fingers were darker, like the rest of her countrymen, then the pale patches would be more noticeable. "Could you tell me about his letter, Estrel Okalani?"

Rushing-Stream runs smack into a guard -- oh, hello. She teeters back a step or two, shaking her head like a stunned dog, and then looks up at the none-too-pleased man. A giggle is hardly suppressed and she wiggles her fingers. "Sorry. Bye!" And then off she darts again...

The Estrel of the Atlanteans is talking with a Varati Shakir, standing near the gates of Delphi. She nods, "If you do not mind talking in a more private way?" her voice has a meaningful sound to it -- after all she did teach Maat to adapt her mind to mental speech, didn't she?

Maat is still for a moment, considering the request of the Estrel and then she assents. "Would it be possible to sit?" she asks Okalani, not sounding entirely comfortable with the proposal she has agreed to.

"Of course." Okalani once more gestures to the bench so they can sit upon it and converse with each other. Feeling the hesitation within Maat, she adds, looking at Eldred, "If you do not feel comfortable, we can merely whisper. Eldred will keep the others at bay." She doesn't sound like she wishes this though, words are nothing compared to mental speech. "One thing I must ask of you though, a promise not to reveal this to anyone. Not even your God-King."

Maat asks, confusion overlaying her voice, "Why must this information be kept from everyone?"

"Because several other parties are involved and we do not wish to raise the hopes, nor do we wish to cause trouble between people." There is no explanation given as to why that should happen.

Maat replies to Okalani, "I will keep the information close to my heart, Estrel, but this speaking between minds appears to have caused trouble among your people, especially the Ormani and the Orcini. I am not sure I truly enjoy participating in a method of communication that angered Orcinus Kuronbo in such a way that he threatened others with bodily harm."

"It wasn't the communication method which caused their strife, Shakir. Merely their different ideas," Okalani replies and adds, "There have been accidents with this kind of magic, as with other magics. But those happened when others weren't in full control of it. I assure you that I am in perfect control of it." There is no arrogance within her soft voice, only complete confidence. She knows her own mind. A smile lightens up her blue face however, "But I will... comply? To your wishes." Eldred turns his head, walking away a few steps so others will not disturb the two of them.

Maat shakes her head, not sounding convinced by Okalani's explanation. It makes one wonder what sort of tales the woman heard about the differences between Ormani and Orcini. "Thank you, Estrel." Once Eldred has moved away, she lowers her voice and asks, "What did Estrel Spirit-Whisperer's letter say?"

Okalani too lowers her voice, though it's hardly necessary. "The Apisachi are quite willing to give us sufficient amounts of the lungroot, but they ask something in return. They wish to be given two miles of the farmlands close to the woods."

Maat murmurs, "Farmlands? Are they not hunters? Why do they need farmland? And, does this not bring them closer to Haven?" She sounds troubled by the prospect of the Apisachi coming closer to Haven.

"As far as my knowledge goes..." Okalani's voice gives away that she's not exactly an expert on Sylvan matters "they are hunters and warriors, yes. Unwilling to actually 'dig' into their Earthmother." There is approval in her voice -- they follow their religious believes and have no desire to hurt their Goddess, whether she be true or not. "I have been explained by Danallin, a Caducean of Sylvan blood, that they probably wish to bring those lands back to Earthmother and thus turn it into a forest once more."

Okalani adds, after thinking for some time, "I think they will not move into them as long as there is no forest, though. But protect it, they surely will." The topic of elemental magic and its possibilities is wisely avoided.

Maat expands her previous question. "Is it not dangerous to allow them to come closer to Haven? Even if not immediately, their eventual presence is still assured."

Rory comes out from the Provost's office.

Okalani whispers, "True, we are therefore considering to buy more land so that we can keep a safe strip between them and the farmers."

Okalani is seated upon a bench with a well-known female Shakir of the Varati. She obviously talks to the woman as her lips move and her head is turned towards Maat. What she says remains a mystery however, as her words are spoken in a voice too low to be overheard. The elite Esper Eldred stands some distance away from them, his threatening looks making sure people stay away from the bench so their privacy is ensured.

Maat murmurs some words in return to Okalani, keeping her voice low enough that the sound cannot carry and the wrappings about her face keeps the movement of her lips from being seen.

Maat whispers, "From whom would you buy the land? Do the farmers own their individual plots?" to Okalani.

Okalani's expression becomes one of surprise but she soon composes her features and simply answers Maat's question. Like Maat, she too speaks in voices to low to be overheard and with Eldred standing there, armed and ready, people make sure they are not coming any closer.

Okalani whispers, "But of course they do."

From the west tower does one figure glide, hands cupped daintily before her, head bent in partial submission to those she passes. Auvrey, be she, the new assistant to Haven's Provost, and by all accounts, seemingly quieter than a mouse. Towards the exit she moves, the Rialto her intention.

Maat's eyes show the consternation generated in the woman by Okalani's response. "Then why did Delphi own the land closest to the forest? Does Delphi grow its own food?"

Okalani sighs deeply, one hand tiredly wiping her face. She knew this way of communication would provide misunderstandings. "Delphi doesn't grow its own food, we buy it like all. We will buy the land from the farmers closest to the Forest."

Maat asks, "But you are not worried that when the Apisachi move into the new land, even if you own a buffer zone, that their new closeness to Haven will make the situation more dangerous?"

Okalani simply arches a brow, "Do you consider not having a cure a better solution? The chance is very likely that the Plague will continue to fester and only the Apisachi have the cure."

Maat shrugs. "I think that I would like to know that the Apisachi have the cure for this plague. This lungroot is unknown to me. I had never heard of it before the letter from the Estrel reached the Pasha. None of the Healers working in the Tent City had heard of it either."

"In the forests, many unknown plants grow -- it is one good reason the Sylvans have for preserving their forest homes with the utmost care. And none are so careful as the Apisachi," Okalani answers, her tone suggesting she's been listening to explanations herself. "I have seen it, and its results. I swear to you on my status as High Priestess that it certainly is the cure."

Maat offers, "I was approached by a mongrel merchant known as Weasel. It would seem that he claims to have some of this plant, though he says that is has more properties than has previously been stated. Perhaps if Delphi bought some from him, should his words be truth, then it would not have to trade away as much land."

Okalani purses her lips in thought, eyes growing distant. "Weasel... Weasel." She shakes her head and then turns her head towards Eldred. "Maybe he knows this character." Eldred didn't become a member of the Elite Espers if he didn't know most of what's going on in the streets, after all. "Do you believe him to speak the truth?"

Maat responds in a wry tone, "Weasel is a merchant. How many honest merchants do you know, Estrel? Especially among the mongrels. Let me say that I have strong doubts as to Weasel's words. He did not even know that it would be helpful in the current plague."

Okalani arches one brow. "I take it then that you aren't to be trusted either, Shakir?" She dryly retorts and then smiles to herself, somewhat amused by what she has learned. "Eldred here however says he knows this man Weasel. Apparently he's one most reliable, but unfortunately has a tendency to charge more than others might be willing to pay." She rolls her eyes up to the sky, "Which means I am going to be even less popular with some of my colleagues, but..." She shrugs, who cares?

Maat shrugs. "I know that a merchant desires the best deal possible. This often requires an exaggeration of circumstance, or how else could haggling occur?" She looks down at her hands. "I cannot buy from this merchant. My funds are not up to his standards."

Okalani's eyes fall upon the jewels and she realizes finally what those white stripes must mean. "I am sorry to hear such." She really means it, even though she is quite absentminded. "I will go talk with this person myself. But if his prices are indeed too high, perhaps dealing with the Apisachi and the farmers will be cheaper in the end. Besides," she shakes her head, "I wonder whether he has enough for all Haven."

Maat clears her throat. "You say for all of Haven. Does that mean the refugees are not considered part of Haven?"

Okalani gives Maat a startled look and for a moment anger flashes behind those aquamarine eyes. "If you hint that we would let those suffer any longer from the Plague, you have just offended me greatly."

Maat responds in a voice that has an edge of its own. "It is hard to determine how Delphi feels about the refugees. The Archon ignores them while the Reeve appears determined to do all that he can. Messages on the cure are sent to the leaders of the three embassies, but the refugees are not told."

Maat continues in a brittle voice. "The Provost moves the refugees and burns everything without prior notice. Everyone who was not sick before the move was sick after it was completed. I would say that Delphi's actions toward the refugees leaves me in a state of confusion concerning its stance."

"Perhaps they do," Okalani finally admits, having listened to what is being said. "But I think that it reflects the personalities of those whom you mention. The Reeve is known for his compassion and his desire to treat all as equals. The Provost acted because he made a cool calculation. If the refugees hadn't been removed, the Plague could have spread quicker through Haven, and that had to be avoided. People could have panicked and tried to burn the refugee camp, including the refugees." She carefully hides any emotions from her voice, knowing Maat won't be able to pick up hers like she can do with those of the Shakir. "But I assure you that the refugees will be the first to get the cure first."

Maat sounds extremely relieved. "Thank you, Estrel. I hope your words do not make you even less popular with your fellows, but the sooner the refugees can be healed, the sooner they can leave for the wonderful opportunities being offered them in Edessa."

Okalani shakes her head, "I think the others too will consider it the wisest decision." She rises from the bench, hands stroking her white sarong. "I hope you have gotten the answers you desired..." she searches for the right term, "Namazzi. I also hope you will hold you to the promise not to even hint at a solution being nearby."

Maat looks confused for a moment, then recovers herself. "I have one last favor, Estrel. If you could send me word when Estrel Spirit-Whisperer returns, I would be most grateful. I had sent a message to him asking that he meet with me when he returned, but I did not receive an acknowledgment before he departed. I fear that my message was late, since I learned of his quest in a roundabout manner."

Okalani simply nods. "I will," she promises. "If you could tell me where you can be found?"

Maat rises from her seat. "If I am not at Atesh-Gah, then I will be at the Tent City. I have been sharing the tent of Empress Aurora Khalida."

Okay, that does surprise Okalani, but she merely nods, "All right. I suppose that one will be easy to find." Eldred comes closer so the visitor can be properly escorted out.

Maat gives Okalani a brief bow. "Thank you for your time, Estrel." She then turns and proceeds toward the gate, allowing Eldred to guard her as well as guard Delphi from her.

FIN  

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