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Revanchism | V: As the Sun Burns the Ground [42]

trapinnosuke
Jun 6th, 2021
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  1. [1:16:22 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> |||+++--- Chapter V: As the Sun Burns the Ground ---+++|||
  2. [1:33:20 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [About a half day later, by timepiece measure, the compartment to your hiding places are opened and the hosts guide you out to a waiting carriage. As you embark, you find a letter waiting for you: The consul in Tomashi has been established and regular passage between Oyashima and the mainland has begun; a diplomatic mission to Riaiso is on the way to take over the duties of formalizing relations; and The Wayward is being recalled to Mulyond by request of the
  3. [1:33:20 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> army to address matters more suitable for your skills. The carriage takes you out of Riaiso, leaving the stagnant twilight behind you and revealing the bright sun and blue skies between white clouds of a pleasant afternoon. The journey back to Tomashi feels shorter, as return trips tend to, and on the day you arrive in Tomashi, you see that the seas of coloured flags are gone, leaving only a few larger ones flapping in the ocean's breeze. The expanded docks
  4. [1:33:24 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> are busy with labourers dumping stones and earth to create new wavebreaks for the enlarged harbour. Arriving at the wharf, you find your ship waiting for you, along with all your belongings that were brought directly from Prince Gomonbaru's palace. You find that the children had arrived a day ahead of you and was lodged in one of the seaside inns.]
  5. [1:44:14 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Lilaa has been held in a dour mood all throughout the return trip, spending more time than usual not only by herself, but out of sight. After the Wayward arrive at the shore, she spends long hours sitting on less-used coastline, eyes closed, in a deep meditation.
  6. [1:50:41 PM CDT] * [110]_Hanne walks at a casual pace towards the ship; watching the busy harbour scenes around her with little interest. Boarding their ship, she looks around the deck to see who else is aboard.
  7. [1:53:37 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [The people on deck at the moment are just crew. Sailors are rolling barrels towards the hatches to be lowered into the hold. A few are on the rigging overhead, checking the sails.]
  8. [1:55:04 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Lilaa> !roll 1d8 + 1 + 1d6 [CHA INT] Magic on the shore
  9. [1:55:06 PM CDT] <FeistyKaka> [Multi]_Lilaa rolled: {6}=> 6 + 1 + {4}=> 4 = 11 "[CHA INT] Magic on the shore"
  10. [1:55:52 PM CDT] * [110]_Hanne turns back to look at the harbour.
  11. [2:03:54 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Lilaa breathes deeply, the Flow winding through her body. She opens her eyes and stands up, looking out over the water at the mainland, invisible over the horizon. She turns back to look at the land she's leavind, and dwells on it a moment before walking to the ship and boarding it.
  12. [2:04:23 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [The harbour is currently in a quiet time fo day, with not too many people bustling about. The Wayward's belongings are stacked in crates on the pier beside the ship, and the children are playing around the stack.]
  13. [2:07:56 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow watches the children playing with a smile. As shee sees more and more people walking aboard, she surmises that the time to load the crates must be getting close, and she steps forward to address them.
  14. [2:08:22 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Okay, everyone,they'll need to be putting these onto the ship soon. It's time to be getting aboard.
  15. [2:14:28 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [The children dutifully clear away from the stack of crates, happy to move on after being kept together, either in rooms or in small areas outdoors, for the past day. It seems that the time in Oyashima has made the four of them come closer together, particularly of note is how Sindr and Glanari have been spending time together talking about things that neither divulge to the adults.]
  16. [2:16:19 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow shepherds the kids up the boards and onto the deck.
  17. [2:16:44 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Try not to bother the sailors too much, you know that they've got work to do.
  18. [2:18:50 PM CDT] * [110]_Hanne watches as Meadow and the kids board the ship.
  19. [2:20:13 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: What makes you think we will bother them?
  20. [2:21:17 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Just out of curiosity. I know that's something you're full to bursting with. And I don't mean that you should avoid them entirely, just try to be sensitive not to impede their work.
  21. [2:25:55 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [Glanari huffs. The moment they're on deck, the group moves to the seaward side of the ship, clear of the work taking place on the dock side.]
  22. [2:27:26 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow moves behind them, keeping a bit of distance, but gazing out at the sea, taking a moment to adjust to the rocking of the ship as it bobs in the harbor.
  23. [2:27:53 PM CDT] * [110]_Hanne walks up to Meadow's side.
  24. [2:28:16 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> The kids seem alright. You hear about what's next?
  25. [2:29:00 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Nothing specific. Back to the front lines, from what it sounds like.
  26. [2:32:07 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> Good news then. All this sneaking about and talking to nobles wasn't suited for us at all.
  27. [2:34:01 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> For all that, this still feels to me like one of our more successful outings.
  28. [2:35:25 PM CDT] * [110]_Hanne shrugs.
  29. [2:36:18 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> We've accomplished all of our major aims, with only one minor failure at the end. As far as our track record goes, this ranks highly.
  30. [2:38:00 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> From the sounds of it, the situation up top isn't going well. Seems like there's still a long ways until this country enters the fold. If they do at all, that is.
  31. [2:39:31 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow nods.
  32. [2:41:01 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Yes, indeed. I understand that its relationship to the mainland has always been one of opportunistic exigence, and any deeper loyalty will be difficult to foster, especially in times of crisis like this. Though paradoxically, that may also be the best opportunity to do so, if we can present the threat as great enough to them.
  33. [2:45:02 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> Or we can just beat the tar out of the Dominion. Make 'em realise they're on the wrong side.
  34. [2:45:44 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow chuckles.
  35. [2:46:27 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> If we can beat the tar out of the Dominion without Oyashima's help, we'll only solidify in the minds of the opposition that they were right not to want to involve their country in someone else's war.
  36. [2:52:05 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> Enough for them to ignore the Coalition? I doubt that.
  37. [2:56:35 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> The hearts of people and nations are fickle. They'll find a way to believe what they want, what they have always believed.
  38. [3:02:24 PM CDT] <[110]_Hanne> Hmmph.
  39. [3:23:22 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [Late in the afternoon, the ship sails for the mainland, a cold western breeze making the journey quick. The Wayward and their belongings are unloaded just before sunset. The next morning, a carriage train takes you from the coast, and for the next few weeks your band traveled through Sveltland and into Aquisur, where a summons specifically for Eucasia called her away. You join a larger convoy headed south, through the Oorta ruins, and into the jungle lands
  40. [3:23:22 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> that girds the Sarahaa frontiers. From what you've been told, the desert peoples further south had hegemony over the various jungle tribes living in the green belt dividing the southern desert from the rest of Mulyond, only with the creation of the Coalition were the vassals freed from Sarahaan rule. The assassination of the first leader of the Coalition had thrown the region into disarray and ancient ethnic tensions have continued to flare up since. The
  41. [3:23:27 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> troops you are travelling with say that the diversion of forces to retake the Palace had made these lands vulnerable, with a handful of port towns and several tribes once again subjugated by rogue Sarahaan cities. They hope this constant rebellion can be crushed now that Aquisur is free from a Dominion "eye". Though the jungles are humid and warm, you are told that this is the cool season, and many of the other troops from further north hope that this campaign
  42. [3:23:32 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> can end before the season becomes hot. Eventually, you arrive at the main camp for the upcoming offensive: a coastal town over the hills currently under occupation.]
  43. [3:32:18 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow wanders to the edge of the camp to look out over the hills with a sigh.
  44. [3:33:35 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: You sighing again?
  45. [3:34:36 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Yes, I am. Another attempt to fight not the enemy threatening us all, but to try to still conflict within so that our greater struggle might stand a chance of success.
  46. [3:36:17 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Would it make you feel better if I told you that even after you beat up the people in this land, and then beat up the Dominion, I may choose to be your enemy and then you'll have to beat me up too?
  47. [3:37:07 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> No. It would have to be news in order to have any impact on my mood.
  48. [3:39:36 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Hmm, maybe one day it will be news.
  49. [3:41:48 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> To others, perhaps. I know that you've already gotten Sindr wrapped up in some scheme, and who knows how you'll spread your influence beyond her. I'm sure that if all goes according to your plans, those plans will be evident some day.
  50. [3:42:27 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Oh? What do you know about Sindr?
  51. [3:44:01 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Wouldn't you like to know.
  52. [3:44:48 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: I would, I would. Why don't you tell me?
  53. [3:45:36 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> I'll say only that you've succeeded in making her very loyal, to you, or to whatever vision you've offered.
  54. [3:46:51 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Hmm pretty close! You're the oldest of your siblings right?
  55. [3:47:03 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> I am.
  56. [3:49:28 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Then you wouldn't understand. You have a different sort of thing to worry about, but not what she worries about.
  57. [3:51:14 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Perhaps that's true. I haven't tried too hard to pry, out of respect for such differences, as well as the fact that I'm still attempting to patch a bruised reputation with her.
  58. [3:53:25 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Haven't you given her enough time already? What if I said that I'm making the bruise infected and gross? Would you even know?
  59. [3:55:27 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow turns her head to look at Glanari. "My concern has been growing, I admit."
  60. [3:58:54 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Then since we are at war, take her out fighting. I've done my part.
  61. [3:59:49 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow thinks for a moment.
  62. [4:00:31 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> That's a decision to confer with Hanne about. I understand that she was sent out on a mission in Rialso; perhaps she's ready to take up the position she's been training for.
  63. [4:01:33 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: That's old news. She came back all conflicted about having to kill lessers but I straightened her out.
  64. [4:02:00 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow laughs.
  65. [4:02:03 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> "Lessers."
  66. [4:02:56 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Lessers.
  67. [4:04:29 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Yes, I'll have to ask her about that.
  68. [4:06:35 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: There's a better way of finding out, see if she's steeled herself to kill in a fight. There's going to be fighting up ahead right?
  69. [4:07:30 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Yes.
  70. [4:09:03 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Good, good.
  71. [4:09:20 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Looking forward to it?
  72. [4:10:18 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Why wouldn't I?
  73. [4:12:43 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Because fighting leads to death, and disease, and tragedy.
  74. [4:13:08 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> But, as I know well, also glory, and valor, and victory. If all goes well.
  75. [4:13:21 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> And that is our mission: to steer all towards going well.
  76. [4:18:04 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Then I can look forward to it with ease. Do you know what magics the people of this land use? We didn't get to see much of the Oyashiman ones, it seems they were properly segregated from the mundane masses.
  77. [4:20:56 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> I haven't heard much. Rumors of mystical visions and inner journeys; travelers led astray to find themselves suddenly in a place they weren't expecting, or magicians' targets being subjected to waking nightmares.
  78. [4:22:59 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Sounds pre-institutional then.
  79. [4:25:17 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Is it? I don't know. And that's the truth: I haven't found out much about it. It could be that these are all carefully planted rumors that conceal or misdirect attention from a well-integrated network of mages.
  80. [4:27:45 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: But that's exactly why it's pre-institutional. No Khashi school would hide their pride behind rumour, even the ones that practice secret arts would say so.
  81. [4:28:34 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> This is not the Confederacy. Pride may operate differently here.
  82. [4:32:23 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: And they should be glad it is not. Maybe I should be a tour guide once I regain my powers, bring Khashi here to view living history.
  83. [4:33:46 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> You truly think that you would be happy sheapherding tourists to see sights you're already familiar with?
  84. [4:35:53 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: I'll probably abandon them in this land for the duration of the agreed-upon tour time and watch them try to survive.
  85. [4:36:41 PM CDT] * [Multi]_Meadow laughs.
  86. [4:36:48 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Yes, that sounds much more like you!
  87. [4:38:40 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: It will work too, no proud Khashi would admit to being troubled by savages, so upon returning home they will only tell of the wonderful adventure and their personal prowess. Would you like a reverse trip? I drop you in the Confederacy and see how you make your way?
  88. [4:40:05 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> I've been in the Confederacy before, so I have little need to see how I make my way there. I'm also wanted for evading a debt, and I'd rather get that squared away before venturing too close again.
  89. [4:41:55 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: You've hardly been in the Confederacy, and that debt is unpayable. It's a common tactic to assimilate outsiders.
  90. [4:42:52 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> That just sounds like even more reason I should keep my distance, to avoid being taken into debtor's bondage.
  91. [4:45:35 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: Hmm, you may try. Anyway, we strike in a few days?
  92. [4:46:30 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> I haven't heard the exact plan, but I would assume so. We try not to dawdle.
  93. [4:47:29 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> [Glanari shrugs, somewhat unconcerned.]
  94. [4:47:43 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> Glanari: We're fighting in a small town, it's not like the attack on that palace.
  95. [4:48:56 PM CDT] <[Multi]_Meadow> Barring any surprises, I agree that things should go fairly smoothly. Perhaps a good time for Sindr to prove herself.
  96. [4:56:22 PM CDT] <[Cy2]> |||+++--- [42] ---+++|||
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