Squatters in the Tower(Private)

[Kavala]

Once she got the ancient seated and had a kettle of tea over the fire, she turned to offering a towel for the watery mistake. There was no accusation in Kavala's eyes. Raiha had to learn her art when and where she could. Things happened. The gentlemen wasn't upset so there was no harm done. Slowly, like happened with the denizens of Sanctuary, they all settled in seats around the outdoor hearth, to listen to Ojji's tale.

Only, he didn't give very many details. His words were more cryptic than clear, which set Kavala's mind to wondering. That he was a glypher wasn't a shock to her. For some reason it seemed fitting for older gentlemen to settle themselves around a fire and pour effort into penmanship and work magic without being seemingly on the front lines of whatever war they were fighting... even if it was just a war against old age.

Her sister made Kavala smile. As she rose to check the tea and begin to set out mugs, Akela's eyes got that glassy look to them that meant she was contemplating killing something and the joy it brought to her to do so. But it was her question that surprised Kavala. Indeed... that was a great idea. Why them? Why not the Akalak who would indeed help anyone just for their sake of their honor, something Akela thought ridiculous. Killing should be done for something like the pure joy of ruining some dirtball's day according to Akela, not for honor. Kavala knew her sister and knew the way her mind worked. And no matter how many times Radris handed her sister's pretty little rear back to her in a fight, Akela probably still wouldn't respect the Akalak - not really - not yet.

So as she waited for Ojji to answer Akela's question while she poured and passed out tea to everyone, she had one of her own. "I also have questions as well. You said you've traveled a great deal, which is nice, but I always find that where one started their life is a good testimony to who they are. Where were you born, Ojji, and where did you grow up? I don't mean to pry, but you had to learn your artform somewhere and I am curious. Was it somewhere close to home or somewhere far flung in your travels?" The konti asked, curious knowing that the Denusk sister's birth on the grasslands formulated who they were verses the konti born on Mura. They were vastly different, and she wondered how Ojji's own life had started out.

[Baku]

Ojji slowly reached into another pouch, this one along his waist as he pulled a small leather wrapping out. Laying it along the table, he slowly began to unwrap it’s contents, revealing some small cookies. He offered one to each at the table as he listened to first Akela’s question then Kavala’s, giving a soft nod to them. He made a few slow chewing motions, finishing the contents of the bite he had just taken of his own cookie. “Well, it is true enough that I could have tried to acquire the services of one of the many Akalak’s that live in Riverfall itself,” Ojji then said, laying the partially eaten cookie along the surface of the outspread leather wrapping, “but I’ve found most of them that I would hire would treat the task I have to be a job more than anything. I consider it to be something a little more myself. In the end, I plan to rebuild a structure found within the Sea of Grass, but a problem exists. Some mammals and birds have taken up residence within. I really don’t want to kill any animals, but as well I am just no good when trying to handle them either, my Nightwalkers out there are pretty much the only animals that I‘ve really gotten along with. Your sister, by suggestion of those within the city, cares greatly for many animals, trying to save many that others would simply cast aside, as I am told.” Ojji then took another soft nibble along his cookie. “As far as where I am from,” Ojji looked upward for a moment, his face taking on an expression of recollection as he chewed the cookie within his mouth. “I believe I was born in Syliras, though that’s not really where I had settled. I learned my trade from my father, you see, and he, like me, often traveled, employing his services to many. My mother was tragically killed by a small group of bandits when I was very young, having gone to a creek to fetch some water. I can’t recall all of the details as I was five at the time, but I do remember my father taking one of his scrolls. The earth beneath my mother’s murderers opened up then, and swallowed them entirely. A little overkill for what might have been needed, but he was running high on emotion at that time I believe, yelling curses and damnations in a language I later learned to be Myrian.” “I digress however,” Ojji then said as he idly played with the cookie in his hands, “in the end, I don’t have a permanent home that I am from, or to return home to yet, so to speak. Most often I live out of the back of my wagon out there. More often, I chose who the hire based off of my feeling of them, and I feel optimistic about those I am surrounded by now.”

[Akela]

The expression on Akela's face slowly went from excitedly expectant to disappointed as Ojji told her about the nature of the task and why he'd asked Kavala's Sanctuaryfolk. It was all very logical, of course, but still she looked like a dog perking her ears and then lowering them with a whine upon seeing that not even a small bone was coming. Handling mammals and birds? Where exactly did Akela fit in all of that? And why did he even want to restore an old structure if he was a loner without a home?

"I see," she nodded, her voice half an octave lower in pitch and all curiosity drained from her words. She wasn't that interested in his life story, either, but she would forgive him since Kavala had asked for it. No amount of commiseration was going to pour from her lips, though. Everyone here had their own troubled past. Ojji's ranked just about average. "So, about those mammals and birds…" she pitched in at the first opportunity, a spark of hope rising back from the ashes of disillusionment. "A robin is a bird in the same way as a Glassbeak is a bird… of sorts, right?" She pressed on, inquiring for danger but for the very opposite reason as most people would.

"So, hypothetically, there could be big predators lying in wait there, yes? Animals beyond saving? And monsters? Even small ones?" 'Give me hope, old man!' she thought. Without something to kill, Akela would be relegated to the usual role as the party's sarcastic sidekick. Feeling the constant need to affirm herself and her standing within the group, Akela believed that she could only do so in times of war and conflict. She wasn't good at a lot of things. Swords were one. Sex was another, but she treaded that road very lightly now, having almost lost herself to it in the past. And words were the third and last one. Any other context left Akela struggling to keep up.

"Or ancient guardians from ages past?" Akela suggested, almost believing that it would come true if she willed it hard enough.

[Kavala]

Kavala looked thoughtful. She truthfully didn't have that much more to add to what Akela said for her questions were good ones. But when the time was right and there was a break in the conversation, the Konti healer nodded thoughtfully.

"I'd like to help you if I can. There are no promises of course, but I'll definitely go with you and scout out the structure and give you at least an idea of what lives there. At that point we can form a plan about getting them to move on. It might not be such a big deal. If it is, we can cross that bridge when we get to it. But I'd imagine it might be just a few large predators and I would imagine birds and vermin. One never knows though. It could be glassbeaks like Akela says, though they don't usually hang out in old structures. Most likely its big cat or tiger or even a stray pack of grass wolves. We can't make a good guess until we see the place though. " The konti said.

With that, she turned and looked at the others, wondering if they had questions of their own or if they were wondering the same thing. "So.. when do we leave?" Kavala asked thoughtfully. She could be ready within the hour.

[Baku]

Ojji slowly finished the last of his cookies, dabbing the end of his sleeve along his lips and wiping it dry before washing down any remnants with a drink of tea. He slowly looked over to Akela, giving a soft smile as he set the cup down along the table. “I can not say what manner of creature lay dormant in the structure myself. When first approached it, I only heard a low growl, like an animal warning me from its territory.” Ojji explained, lacing his fingers together in front of him. “However, if there is a hint of danger you are looking for in our travels, I will warn of one thing that may entice you. I do not like to say that I am famous by any means, but my skills as a Glypher are often requested. Very often there are those, however, that do no request. Those that either do no wish to pay for the services rendered, or those whom I refuse those services to. They have been an ever present danger in my life, trying to capture me and force me to work with them. Such individuals, we could run into during our travels.” Ojji looked around at those who would be traveling with him. “True enough, considering that our travel will be will be comprised of three Konti, one Akontak and one feeble looking old man” Ojji said, that soft smile still on his face, “that in itself is a target to those after me and any raiders or slavers out in the open grasslands. I would have figured such a fact would have been realized and taken into consideration by all present.” Ojji let a moment of silence pass over the group as he looked to each one of them before his gaze finally settled upon Akela once again. “And then again, we could encounter absolutely no one, and whatever we encounter at the tower can be removed with little trouble.” Ojji said a slight chuckle escaping his lips to lighten the situation. “In the end, one can never be certain what will happen until it happens. Well, maybe those of your race with Divination abilities could. I haven’t met any as yet.” Ojji then slowly looked over to Kavala as she commented and posed her question. “We can leave as soon as you are all are ready to set out. I’ve already promised the Council a few scrolls, and they agreed to such a journey provided your mate was. I spoke with the one Hatot, and he said that it was your decision in the end and to come back safe if you do go, but unfortunately could not join you as he had to accompany a group of children on their Rite of Trial. Apparently one of them was his student.“ Ojji explained to Kavala. “If you would prefer, however, to take this day and gather any supplies you might think you’ll need, such would be prudent.” Ojji then suggested before motioning his head out towards his wagon. “While I do have rations, I do not have enough for the entire journey, which could be a slightly lengthy one if complications arise. I will have shelter covered, however. Still, if there is anything any of you feel you would need for this trip, you should go to the market and purchase it before we set out. I will cover such costs for supplies as part of my payment to you.”

[Akela]

By now, Akela had gotten her hopes back up to the point she thought they had nothing to lose from this venture, except life and limb, and that had never stopped her before. She wasn't sure if Ojji was telling the entire truth, but then again it would be quite foolish for a liar or conman to enter a Konti nest like the Sanctuary. The man was okay as far as she could tell, though the bit about him asking Hatot beforehand left her puzzled. He'd seriously taken that many steps before even contacting them? He sure had done his research on them. Sneaky old man was sneaky.

"I've got no Divination and I like it that way," she flashed a grin, "if you already know what's going to happen then what's the point?" She would be fine as long as she had the sword. Kavala would be fine, too, and Raiha and anyone else who decided to join this little venture. Akela had always been able to save her own hide; shouldn't be much different to defend another.

The girl shrugged and looked at Kavala. "Food, maybe some herbs and your medical tools? I have everything I need. We can leave any time as far as I'm concerned." The final decision, Akela being only a slave if a peculiar one, rested on her sister. Already Ranuri was pushing the Konti to aid the party as best she could, even if she could only do so in a few specific ways. She liked the Sea of Grass. It would be good to be out there again. Who cared if Ojji had enemies - so long as they could be cut? She just hoped there would be no petching ghosts this time around. She hated it when people cheated like that.

[Kavala]

Kavala listened carefully. Truth be told she was now incredibly curious. If she could get outside the tower, open her awareness and tap her gift, odds were she could learn a great deal about the creature or creatures inside without ever stepping foot too closely. Of course, if it was nothing she’d ever seen before, that’d be a whole different story. New things weren’t always easy to recognize or understand.

But she was willing to try.

She was also more than willing to help the man out. A frown flowed across her face at the mention of three konti and an Akontak and how much of a target they’d be for slavers. Slavers wouldn’t take them easily, Kavala decided, even if they were all women and all somewhat small in stature. “None of us have Divination. I’m sorry. I have an empathy towards animals that will help, but only once we are in close range of the tower – perhaps right outside. But of all the Konti here, none of us has the gifts are race are known for.” Kavala’s voice was somewhat apologetic, but it was better that Ojji knew that he didn’t have the typical konti arsenal at his disposal by hiring Konti. Most people thought all Konti were the same. They weren’t.

Kavala was a little surprised that Hatot agreed to let her go without insisting he come along, but then again he had been absent lately. He had a lot on his mind and building his future was as equally as important to him as keeping her business going was to her. A Rite of Trial explained a great deal though. It did, however, make her feel a bit funny that this man had asked Hatot‘s permission for something that should have been her decision to begin with and only her decision.

“I make my own decisions. He doesn’t have the right to say what those decisions are.” Kavala said, knowing full well that technically wasn’t true. If Hatot ever took the time to actually sign a formal contract with the Oathmaster for her, he had every say in her life and she none at all according to the rules. She couldn’t deny him rights to her, whenever he wanted. “I’ll go. I can’t speak for the rest of you, but I’ll gladly go to help you out.” Kavala said, suddenly coming up with her decision.

“I’ll need just a few chimes to pack a saddlebag, change and leave some instructions to my groom Aweston.” Kavala said, looking thoughtful. “We have dried meat and bread enough for rations for the rest of us. There’s even fruit left we can take. There’s not much else we need besides Akela’s sword, and my medical kit. Raiha will no doubt have her own needs but she keeps her things here at Sanctuary too.” Kavala said, nodding politely to the man and slipping away to first and foremost speak to Aweston. Then, she began to gather her things.

Thirty chimes later she’d be back, her strider and a remount strider with gear loaded outside. She also had a small molten gold strider outfitted with a yvas for Akela. The others had their own mounts as well.

“I’m ready.” She said simply, smiling at the old man. “As we travel, can you tell me how you learned about glyphing and why this tower is so important? I’ve heard you can use glyphs to store gnosis, which would be a helpful thing since I’m one of Rak’keli’s healers. I’d love to be able to send people away with glyphs that house stored gnosis.” Kavala said, even as she waited for the others to assemble and cleaned up the plate the cookies were on and collected the tea service.

[Baku]

Ojji nodded, slowly standing up as he looked between the women present. “I did not mean to assume that you were bound by what another would say.” Ojji replied to Kavala about the decisions still being her own. “Just that during my initial inquiries of who was best with animals around here, other had suggested you, but also said that you were of Nakivak status, so I took steps prematurely I suppose. My apologies once again.“ Ojji said as he watched Kavala and Akela converse for a moment about getting supplies. He took that moment to finish the rest of his tea and cookies. He then gave a nod to Kavala as she expressed wanting to gather her things. “Very well then, I shall be waiting out front by my wagon when.” Ojji said as he began stepping towards the door, little grunts given with each step. “When you are all ready to depart, meet with me there.” And so the thirty chimes passed and the others would find Ojji sitting peacefully along the front bench of his wagon as the others rode out from Sanctuary. Ojji slowly turned his head, holding the reigns lightly as Kavala began to ask about Glyphing and the Tower. A soft smile crossed his features again as she spoke of storing Gnosis and her commitment to Rak’keli. “Indeed, divine magic can be stored within glyphs. Others require a more creative touch than some, but it’s all possible.” Ojji said before he gave the reigns a light twitch and clicked with his tongue which set the Nightwalkers on a slow walk, pulling his wagon forward at a slow pace. “I learned Glyphing myself from my father. He, very often, just traveled the Sylira region offering to store magic for others, much as I do. It is beneficial to learn from one who is skilled in the craft, but in reality, there are many texts and books on the subject itself. If one has the right mind for it, they can teach themselves and even expand their knowledge of the craft. It is really quite a boon for most things magical. Perhaps you might let me teach you some during times of camping?” Ojji then simply smiled once again as he looked to Kavala. “As for the tower, it is important to a good cause,” Ojji said as he reached to his side, picking up a waterskin resting along the Wagon seat. “However, I can not say more at this time due to my benefactor’s wishes. I was given the duty in restoring it because I have experience in construction as well as Glyphing. But the one who assigned me this duty wishes to remain anonymous. For now.” Ojji gave a casula look up towards the sky. “Is it fine with all of you to travel until a bell before Syna falls below the horizon and then make camp?” Ojji said as he looked over the rest of the group.

[Kavala]

Something the old one said threw up a red flag. Thus far, he'd been leading them to believe it was his wish to move into the tower and restore it. He'd never mentioned a benefactor or an anonymous person that had somehow charged him with the task. Kavala halted what she was doing, turned, and studied the elderly gentleman thoroughly. Had she missed something? She was a terrible judge of people, but this worried her, this 'benefactor'.

"You didn't mention being hired or tasked by someone else to do this work. Why would they feel the need to remain anonymous. I have to tell you this makes me uncomfortable not knowing who I work for if indeed you are hiring us to do the work of someone else and not your own work. I can understand your position asking us and I do not mind doing for you, but I will not work for some unnamed and anonymous person. I'm sorry, but I do not feel comfortable with that sort of arrangement at all. It is a complete deal breaker to me, no matter how much glyphing you can teach me or what we can learn from you in general. Each of us here has our principles. Mine is that all business be conducted openly and honestly. I will not work for someone I do not know and cannot meet face to face." Kavala said firmly, standing her ground on this issue.

Ojji was someone she liked. But she would not work for someone standing in the shadows. It wasn't the way she did business or was it the way she'd start doing business. Kavala glanced at Akela, wondering how she too felt about this. It was important for her to remain transparent. Her status in Riverfall was too important for her as too was her reputation.

[Akela]

It hadn't taken Akela very long at all to get ready for the expedition. In fact, she could have left right there and then, without so much as a second thought. And for a while, it did seem like they were riding out towards some adventure - a nice change of pace from the usual Sanctuary routine. Really, Akela jokingly explained Sanctuary to guests with such terms as "seriously hardcore breeding action", but reality didn't live up to the image.

Then Ojji made a bad mistake. You didn't read the fine print in a contract until after the other party had placed their signature. The girl shook her white hair, anticipating Kavala's inevitable reaction. It was always amusing, watching her get all worked up over a matter of morals and reputation. Akela felt a little sad for her, having to think of her status and dignity and reputation at every step of the way. It was only natural, the burden of having something lay in the need to defend it. Kavala cared, and cared about a lot of things. Morals and status.

Akela had little of either. In fact, it was hard to make her care for mostly anything that wasn't Ranuri-induced.

"Well, looks like you just talked yourself in a corner here, Ojji," she commented lightly, "even when in a Konti's body, a Drykas of Ankal lineage will not negotiate over these matters, just so you know. Me, I don't really care, but her word is my law, so I don't want to continue without her approval," she shrugged. Unless Ojji found a way out of this predicament, this big adventure may very well turn out far shorter than anticipated.