Literally, from all ends of the world they came. Every year, from a time beyond reckoning the wandering children of this largely unregarded god returned to their home, to the broad inland valley where their stories said it all began. From herd-covered northern tundra, and the hot plainslands of the south. From the Versken Forest and the trackless river fens. From ports in Orahn and Gloredil, Fernwall and Kierkkenhalten they came, sailing at speed up the vast Torogan River. From the high cliffs in the west to the Spine of the World in the east they came, one and all, converging on low rolling hills which contained a lake so large it was actually an inland sea. It was the cradle of their culture and to it they returned, year after year, to renew bonds of kinship, and strengthen bonds of blood.

They were and are the Bak'Tiar, and this was their kum al-kidret, the summer gathering. For these weeks every year they gathered here, delegations sent from every clan, to share wisdom, exchange news, fall in love, start a fight, dance, trade, give gifts, receive gifts, sing, get drunk, compete in games -- then wake up the next day to do it all over again.

Legends said the lake was bottomless, and if one went deep enough, fresh water turned to salty brine so cold a mere cup would quench the hottest wildfire. The Riverrunners all swore by lath-atris, the monster said to live at the bottom of the lake and many a group of young people had spent nights on the shores to watch for him during past kum al-kidreten. The likelihood of its being seen often seemed directly related to how much good beer and wine was consumed during the watching!

Yet others said the lath-atris only appeared if one tried to steal its treasure from the depths of the Mishtarra Caves that lined Lake Torogan's rocky northern coastline. Stories of treasure hidden there were mythic in proportion, and horrific enough to make the most ill-behaved child think twice about seeking too much unsupervised adventure at kum al-kidret.

The great ships of the Sealords were out in that lake, one ship from each clan in attendance, carrying the sea clansfolk and all the goods they'd brought for trade, and for gifts. It was rare to see two clansfolk reunite without the exchange of something, whether as ephemeral as a kiss or as substantial as a cow.

Those cows... huge, rangy beasts with long horns and bad attitudes. All the combined offerings of the clans of the Horselords, brought for trade and for slaughter (indeed sizzling, smoking, boiling drying -- the sheer amount of beef on display at these gatherings was staggering), tended in rounds by all those who attended the gathering, regardless of clan affiliation. They were ranging toward the western end of the lake, in the same valley they'd used since the first kum al kidret, with rocky walls on three sides to keep the cattle from straying off when no one was watching. There was plenty of good grazing there to keep them fat and happy, and a feeder stream from the lake for water.

The people sprawled along the shores of the lake in tents and wagons brought for the purpose. Each clan had its cluster of tents, its standard on a pole in the center. It was a vast settlement of human beings. It was also completely temporary -- in two to three weeks, little trace of it would remain. Children, adults, and elders frolicked in the cool lake waters during the hottest part of the day. The competitive games took place in the mornings (when the Elders met for their council) and then again later in the day, just before dinner. And in between was time to relax, to talk, to make love, a new friend, or perhaps a new enemy.

But for all the relaxation, there actually was serious business that got attended to somewhere along the way. Girls and boys who had matured into their youthful adulthood were here to make jeddan. The stock not brought in for slaughter was to be traded, as were the horses not otherwise being used or given away as gifts or bartered for other supplies needed by the clan. Bows, steel for tools and weapons, textiles from abroad, wax, honey, jewelry, pens and paper for sketching and mapping, sweet incense, lucky talismans (always a brisk business!); literally thousands of things were available for exchange while the clans were together.

Not the least of which was news. And at this kum al-kidret most of the news being passed was not good. The whisper of war was everywhere about the temporary city. It was widely believed that among the elders it was the chief topic of their morning councils; and around the fires of the of the al-khanen and al-annen, too. Foreign emissaries had come with letters from Cascadia's king, one with obvious Sun Yani blood in his veins, the other a beautiful mir dokis woman who nonetheless spoke Pol'tiar and understood how to behave politely. The men and women of Stormsail, who'd brought the strangers to the kum al-kidret aboard their ship spoke well of them both, though the women were more than a little upset that the handsome Sun Yani had no interest in intimate play, despite all the (considerable) enticement they could bring to bear.

Needless to say, they found much consolation in the arms of the other clansfolk for their disappointment.

Other news, even more directly distressing, was that Clan Jackalbane's delegation had not yet arrived. They'd spent the spring south of the Torogan, taking their turn to fatten their herds on the lush southern meadows and prairies. The delegations from clans Riversong and Rapidrill had both encountered the Jackalbane delegation on their way north and passed them in their much swifter rivercraft. They were known to have been on their way, indeed should have arrived two days ago -- but they had not. Adventurous youths and adults were sallying further and further south every day, searching for the first signs of their dustclouds, without success.

The one shining bit of good news was that the Wavecrest bard had returned to her people this year and was in attendance at the gathering. Rumor spread like wildfire about her talent, her beauty, her vivacious spirit, accompanied by the word that she'd be performing that very night for her kin down by the lakeside. It added a note of cheer to offset the tension and worry, for it had been over 300 years since a bard had been born to the Bak'Tiar. Bards were among the rarest humans on the planet of Menelon, and the Wavecrest bard was their very own. Speculations about her and her performance that evening brought smiles to the soberest of countenances -- surely Ch'dar was smiling on his children, to have blessed them with a bard once more.

And so it was as Cady Wyman-Cathridge stepped out of the Elders' council tent after delivering her official packet, Rael du l'Ysidore at her side. Their duty discharged, they were free to enjoy the festival as they wished, both of them honored guests of the Bak'Tiar Elders.

“They loved me. They loved me...” Cady crooned the words quietly in a sing song voice as she grinned up at Rael. The last two days on land had done much to bring out the more colorful aspects of her personality. “You know, I didn’t actually write the speech, but still. It’s all in the delivery.” Her smile lingered as she allowed her gaze to sweep the festivities. Her skin tingled at the excitement in the air and she decided that it was time for a little revelry.

“We should enjoy ourselves.” The playful purr in her voice came alive despite Rael’s apparent oblivion to her flirtations.

“I still need to find the Bloodblade and Freefoot elders, but that will take some time. What do you want to do?” She looked at Rael seriously for a moment, truly interested in what his response would be. She hadn’t seen him take enjoyment from much and wondered what his idea of a good time was.

Rael stood outside the tent of the elders. He looked around, as always, for any signs of concern. His hands were clasped behind his back as he looked down at Cady with the sincerest of expressions.

"You spoke most eloquently, mi'lady" he told her with a slight bow.

Cady had grown used to the way Rael spoke and behaved. She had come to understand that the softness to his voice, and the mannerisms he used were not his way of mocking her. Rael looked down at the somewhat formal attire he had worn for Cady's presentation to the elders of the clan.

"First," he continued. "I would not mind changing into something more comfortable, if that is agreeable to you." He waited for her response.

"You can strip for all I care. Actually I might enjoy it." Her tone was nonchalant as she smiled up at him, her emerald eyes dancing at how his statements could so easily be turned against him. Of course there was no challenge in deciphering his double entendres, with Rael it was a simple matter of choosing the least interesting of the options. At first she thought he was a skilled flirt, but with a little time and a lot of disappointment she found that was not the case.

"Afterwards I would not mind strolling about the pavillions and seeing what the gathering of clans has to show in the way of art and of culture. That is, of course, if you would not mind. We should also determine where it best for you to choose your bed for the evening."

"I do not want to go back to the boat to change if that's what you were suggesting." Her tone was serious. "...but you can go without me and we can meet up later at the pavillions. After all your free of your duty now that the diplomatic package has been delivered." She flipped her hair absently as she began walking into the heart of the crowd, confident that the conversation wasn't over and that he'd be following her.

Rael stepped in behind her as soon as she started walking. "Lady Cathridge," he said to her as he fell alongside her. "My orders might be served, yes. Please do not, however, mistake orders for duty. They are not always the same. My duty shall be fulfilled when I see thee safely back upon Cascadian lands."

It took a few moments for Cady to process his words. It actually took a force of her will to focus on them. The rhythm of the crowd as it pulsed around her and the bedazzling onslaught of sights, smells and sounds made it almost impossible for her to concentrate. “It’s fine of course if you’d like to remain in my company. …but don’t let your duty distract you from enjoying this experience.”

She made a full turn of her body to watch a particularly handsome guy walk by. Taking a few steps backwards she locked her gaze for a moment with Rael, her eyes so full of excitement that it was contagious. “This place is intoxicating!” She shook her head a bit to clear it and whooped loud and clear into the crowd. “We can talk more about this duty of yours later. I can’t concentrate right now. …and I can’t leave this for a change of clothes.”

Rael, ever vigilant, watched the crowds as she worked her way through the stalls and examined the wares of the gathering. "I was not suggesting we return to the ship, mi'lady. I know you prefer to have thy legs upon the land. I wil be fine in these fineries until such time as you see fit to seek out our place for the night."

"I think I'll be sleeping with Clan Cloudsong this evening unless something more tantalizing presents itself." She threw him another one of her dazzling smiles, "...I think I'd recommend the same for you. One more night with Stormsail and those three brazen maidens might take advantage of you. Although, truly Rael, I think it might serve you better to worry about your own bed instead of mine. ...unless of course you're wanting to share my bed."

Cady couldn't tell whether she actually detected the subltest of color rise upon the smooth cheeks of the Sun Yani monk as she turned to look at him. His eyes ever in that perpetual state of what some would describe as "bedroom eyes", only added to his allure. "I do not know how well I could keep thee safe, mi'lady, if I was to allow myself to get lost in more than your beauty, even for one night." As usual, the sincerity and lack of "an angle" caught Cady off guard.

Her green eyes sobered for a moment at his relentless sincerity. She knew that she shouldn’t toy with him so, but in the absence of other distractions she could hardly help herself. “Rael…that was sweet. Perhaps there is hope for you yet. Feed that line to one of those beautiful maidens and call it a night, really let go. That’s what I would do if I were you.”

Rael then lifted a scarf to examine it from the stall where they had paused. The intricate patterns were a testament to the skill of the people of the plain. "They were overly friendly," he continued as he talked about the girls from Clan Stormsail. "This much I most certainly must admit. I do not, however, think it wise for me to lead them on in any fashion or manner where I cannot return their desire. Perhaps it best we do find suitable lodging elsewhere."

Cady paused for a moment and tilted her head thoughtfully before commenting. "You do prefer women…don’t you? Desire them?” She didn't know why it hadn't occurred to her earlier that Rael might prefer the affections of men.

Rael looked at Cady for a moment. He took in her face and sought to peer into and through her eyes. he had hoped to see more than was there. Why should I? There rarely ever is anything deeper. She saw the the light in his eyes slowly fade to disappointment.

"Lady Cathridge," he began. "I know not why my needs or passions play so important a role in your daily amusements. However, if it will allow you to perhaps enjoy yourself a little more, which as far as I can tell is the singular driving force for you, then let me put your mind at ease. I do not find men sexually arousing. I also am not ruled by the carnal needs that seem to tether so many people to their animal ancestors. I prefer to consider myself more, shall we say, a tad more evolved than a beast prone to rut in spring?"

His words carried no heightened emotions behind them, and he said them to her with that same damnable expression on his face of half-lids and a soft mouth.

Cady’s brow lifted in interest as Rael spoke and her smoldering eyes clashed. “Evolution is overrated.” Her tone was flat but without anger. “Honestly, I find you boring. …most of the time.” She shrugged apologetically before offering up her excuse. “I have to do something to amuse myself.”

"Next time, then, request a jester for your bodyguard."

An unexpected giggle escaped Cady's lips and her eyes danced with amusement. She was nearly certain that his reply hadn't been intended as a joke, but he did have his moments. Regardless, she allowed him to have the last word on the matter.

He bartered a moment with the vendor before purchasing the scarf. Without hesitation he held it up to Cady's face a moment, then presented it to her with his subtle bow. "This does match your eyes quite beautifully," he said before gesturing to the crowd with no hint of mockery."Shall we?" He extended his arm to lead her away from the stall and back into the throng.

With narrowed eyes and some skepticism she took the proffered scarf and wrapped it around her waist. . The intricate patterns complimented her plain crimson dress, and her placement of it made the thin material cling closer to her curvaceous form. “I’m not sorry.” Her announcement lost some of it’s affect as she took his arm and allowed him to lead her back into the crowd.

"I would expect nothing less, mi'lady, nothing less."

As they walked, Cady stopped to inquire here and there where the Cloudsong Clan had set up their camp for the festival.

Rael walked with her throughout the area. He let her hold his arm when she wished, and watched over her carefully when she stepped off to speak to others. The clansmen she queried were always more than delighted to direct the young foreigners, having an appreciative eye for female beauty and no little amount of respect for her Sun Yani escort. Unfailingly, though they might have drawn out the conversations a bit, the directions were "away from the lake, up that hill there, just over the rise."

---

Rhenn Prairierunner had spent the early days of the gathering in something of a pattern. After the initial toils of setting up the tents and herding the stock into the box canyon, he had spent the mornings competing in some of the contests. Even though there were faster horses and clansmen, better archers, and dancers, he entered them anyway, and did his best, and had fun. There were however few who were stronger than Rhenn. Those were the contests he excelled at, the ones that required brute strength. He had even won a couple, Log Tossing, and the Boulder Roll.

In the heat of the afternoon, he would go to the shores of Torogan, and frolic with the younglings. None could throw the children as high, or as far as he could, and he loved the sound of their gleeful voices as they screamed, and laughed, and begged him to toss them again. The children were tireless in this, but Rhenn was not, and to spend overmuch time in the water was dangerous for him, given his affliction. So he would emerge from the cool water, much to the disappointment of the children, and take a nap, or ride out to check on the Prairierunners stock.

The evenings found Rhenn usually drinking, and dancing, playing cards, or some other game of chance. He thanked Ch'dar that as of yet, he'd not had an attack, during the festival. He enjoyed spending time around people who didnt know about it, who wouldnt treat him differently.

So, as the meeting of Elders broke that afternoon, Rhenn was waist deep in Lake Torogan, surrounded by the children. "Rhenn, Rhenn! Throw me again! Im next!" A young girl with hair the color of fire clamored at him, through a particularly endearing gap-toothed smile.

"Yes, arina... it is your turn once more." The huge man chuckled, He drew in a great lungful of air, and slipped into the clear water, seizing the girl by the arm and a leg. He re emerged from the water with the girl over his head in his thick arms. He twisted at the waist and gave her heave, letting go of her arm an instant before her leg, sending the girl arcing high over the water in a flat spin, arms and legs splayed out, hair flying and her scream of delight echoing over the waters surface. "WHeeeeeeeeEEE!!!"

Mari was more than a little nervous. The last time she had felt this way was when she first met her hero Mikkail Delamarian, the masterbard. She could see the correlation between the two. That time she had been scared that he would find her unimpressive, boring, or even unbearable. This time she had the same fears, but on a much grander scale. She was confident in her abilities, but tonight she would be performing for the first time in front of all of her people. Any of the Bak’Tiar, who wished to, could come listen to her sing. Her reputation could be made or broken on this one performance. Her people already held her in such high esteem, she just hoped she could live up to it.

She wandered the festival caught up in her reverie not paying any attention to where she was. Rehearsing the song in her head, pantomiming what she could do with her hands and body at certain parts of the song. Not dwelling too much on the audiences’ reaction. Suddenly her mouth began to water, and her stomach growled. Mari looked up and saw she was standing upwind of a roasting bull, she realized that she had not eaten yet today. It was time to get some food.

--

"I bet he's a eunuch," Kurth proclaimed, interrupting Duras' thoughts. He'd been scanning the crowd, hoping for a sign of emerald eyes, despite his promises to himself this morning that he would not spend so much time looking for Rayna. He hadn't been listening to Kurth for several minutes, not that that was anything unusual.

Kurth didn't mind, either. In fact, he was rather used to it. It was one of the things he liked about Duras so much was that he could just run his mouth and Duras would just listen, or not.

"I'm sorry, Kurth, the smell of those delicious kebabs diverted my attention from what you were saying," Duras apologised, dragging his friend over to acquire a kebab or two.

Moments later, they walked on, each chewing on some barbequed beef with an assortment of vegetables. Kurth, mouth full, repeated what he had said earlier, "I bet that he's a eunuch, that Sun Yani. They said he turned down all the offers of the Stormsail women - and you know how saucy those sea women are."

Duras nodded in agreement, though he knew that both of them knew no such thing, one way or the other. But that was Kurth.

"I want to go see the wrestling competition." Duras raised a brow in thought, then shook his head, "I think I shall pass on that one, but we'll meet tonight at the bard's performance?" Kurth grinned and clasped his friend's shoulder before departing, kebab in hand.

Duras shook his head, bemused, and then glanced around, still looking for Rayna. She wasn't there. He sighed and then began to consider his options... when someone's voice broke his thoughts.

"Duras, you spineless toadrutter!" This was not going to be good, Duras knew as he turned to see who was calling him by such a colourful name.

Oh, damnation, Duras swore to himself. It was Call Freefoot, a rough braggadocio who, every kum al kidret, took it upon himself to start trouble with Duras. It went back to Duras' time with Clan Freefoot, when he'd won their ongoing game of one-upmanship by making a complete and utter fool out of Call in front of the gathered clan.

Like lightning, Duras was off and running; he didn't feel like getting into a fight (and losing - for Call had back-up, and Kurth was nowhere within earshot). He pumped his legs hard and fast and hoped that he'd either lose his pursuers, or find some allies, and fast!

"…we'll meet tonight at the bard's performance?" Mari heard from behind her. She stiffened and turned to see a man pat his companion on the shoulder then turn and walk away. The one left behind looked sadly around then sighed, obviously not finding what he was looking for. What he hadn’t noticed was a group of men coming up behind him, then pointing and talking among themselves angrily. Suddenly, one particularly arrogant looking young man from the group yell out, “Duras, you spineless toadrutter!" Duras, or at least that’s what he answered to, turned to the group, saw them, then ran in the opposite direction. Before the group could react, Mari began singing a song of illusion.

She wove an illusion with her voice of a larger group of River Runner men, all dressed similarly to how Duras had been, stepping out from behind where he disappeared.

Duras had taken off running as soon as he saw Call and his friends coming his way. The idea of staying behind and getting beat up, yet again, had not been very appealing.

He ran fast and hard, at least for several long moments, dodging through others, with an "excuse me" or a "pardon" or a "coming through". But, after a short period, he realised that there wasn't the usual signs of pursuit - the yelled threats, the outcries of indignation.

So, after looking over his shoulder to be sure he wasn't being pursued, he stopped. Stopped and looked around... and smiled sheepishly at the people he'd just run past for what seemed to be no apparent reason.

Curiosity got the best of him and he slowly began walking back from whence he had run... 'tis passing more than strange, he thought, that Call wouldn't give chase.

The River Runner men that Mari created were all tall, broad of shoulder, and very gruff looking. They stood next to a tent and folded their arms across their chests. When the group of men that were harassing Duras stopped their forward movement, Mari had her illusion take one step forward. She managed to hold back a giggle as the youngster who yelled at Duras actually stepped back behind some of the larger men in his group. This seemed to give him a bit more confidence so he yelled “Duras, show yourself, you coward!” One particularly large man in Mari’s group unfolded his arms, and called out, “Who is it that wants to speak with our friend Duras?”
--

Rhenn had tossed a few more younglings out into the water, their laughter and glee warming his heart, but he was growing ever more wary of being in the water, so he turned and headed for the shore.

"That is all for me for today, you pack of urchins." He joked. They protested, loudly, as children often do, and clung to him as he trudged out of the water, whining and begging him for just one more toss, or to stay a little longer. He stopped when he was still knee deep in the water, and began peeling them off of him, one at a time, tossing them like sacks of potatoes back out into the deeper water, laughing heartily at their joyful howls.

He strode up to the rock where his shirt, and boots rested, he pulled on the socks and boots, and draped the linen shirt over his forarm, deciding to air dry his long hair and chest before he donned it. His stomach rumbled, and he smelled the roasting beef from a hundred cookfires , and wandered off to find something to eat. Entering the fest proper, he selected an apple from a cart, and began tearing into it with his teeth when de heard the call of a familiar name.

He had shouldered through the gathering crowd of onlookers in time to see Duras Swiftwater, whom had shared the fires of the Prairierunner for a short while, tearing off in the other direction away from the group of men who had apparently called him out. Thats when he saw the faceoff develop, his hazel colored eyes sized up the group of Duras' allies, and his antagonists, and knew that the sides were more or less even, and the Plainsmen thought they were more than a match for the Rivermen. It was time to tip the scales, and maybe have a spot of fun.

Rhenn stepped out of the crowd, and spoke just loud enough to be heard. "Who these men are I do not know, but Rhenn Prairierunner is my name, and if they want Duras Swiftwater, then I want a piece of you." Rhenn extended his right arm, and pointed directly at the biggest meanest looking member of the Plainsmen, looking into his eyes unafraid.
(ooc: relying on reputation, and presence here, to try to back them down.)

Duras pulled out his eel-skin hood (a common tool of River Runners to keep the spray from the River out of their faces, as well as protection from a stormy sky) and donned it, hoping it'd prevent anyone from recognising him as he slowly made his way back to where he left Call and company behind. He still was wary, unsure of whether he was walking into a trap or not.

As he made his way, he stopped at the sound of a booming voice. Surely, that wasn't... the big guy. What was his name? Rohn? Runn? Rhenn! That's it, Rhenn of the Prairierunner clan.

Duras slinked back, looking to see what exactly was going on - was Rhenn singlehandedly holding off Call and his cronies? Sidling up to a cart of fresh fruit, Duras picked up several citrus fruit and took a place where he could watch the going-ons (and still have a chance to slip off, if needed.)

The Freefoot boys were already tripping over their own heels trying to back up from Mari's illusion of these strange (large!) Riverrunners. When Rhenn stepped forward, the overall retreat threatened to become a rout.

"Bulldung! You know who that is?" scuffle-jostle-backstep

"Ch'dar's teeth! Izzat really...?" backstep-stumble-jostle

"He singlehandedly wrestled three Goldenhorns to the ground, last time I saw him -- drunker than old Bolden's mare, too!" backstep-backstep- elbow- jostle harder

"That's Rhenn Prairierunner!" shuffle-backstep-backstep-elbow -shove

"Backed by Riverfolk? Oh fuck..." scuffle-shove-backstep-backstep a lot

"Bulldung, Call. I gotta answer to Jara later and it ain't worth all that! C'mon man -- we'll catch up with that coward shitpole Duras later."

They didn't quite turn tail to run, but they might as well have. The gathering crowd roared it's approval and even though the sun had not quite reached zenith, the sounds of ale kegs being broached could already be heard throughout the market.

--

Duras peeled the rind off the fruit, watching curiously. He wasn't sure who the large River Runners were - he'd never seen them before, and though their garb were similar to his, they weren't Swiftwater, that was for sure.

When Call and his cronies backpedaled from Rhenn, he couldn't help but chuckle.

Best to stay here, nice and quiet, he thought, amongst the cheering crowd. Rhenn's got things under control...

--

As soon as the Plainsmen had scattered, Mari had her men separate and walk off in different directions to disappear behind tents, wagons, corrals, or even the occasional group of people. The last man in her illusion though, she kept behind. “Rhenn Prairierunner, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” As Rhenn turned Mari faded the illusion and held out her hand in greeting. “I am Mari Wavecrest. Thanks for the backup!”

Rhenn watched the gang of thugs scatter and retreat, nodding to himself, and ignoring the roar of the crowd. His hazel eyes scanned the crowd for an instant, spotting Duras, and smiling as he bit off a hunk of the apple in in his hand, nonchalant, as if he did this sort of thing every day. He picked up the striking figure of the Sealord woman just as she spoke, and a lifted eyebrow was the only betrayal of his unflappable calm.

He took her hand in his, and bent low to kiss her palm. Returning himself to upright, He smiled down at her. "Ive heard of you, and am happy to make your acquaintance. Think nothing of the backup, arina, Truth be told you propably didnt need it." He smiled at her, and suddenly realized he was still shirtless. He pulled the linen tunic on quickly, and smiled once more.

--

Watching as the Plainsmen scattered and the mysterious Riverfolk dispersed, Duras chewed on the tangy meat of the citrus. Just as he was about to turn and walk away himself, he saw a pretty woman approach Rhenn and introduce herself.

Lucky devil, Duras thought. Yet, he couldn't take his eyes off of Rhenn and Mari. He knew he should just wander away.

But he didn't. As the crowd's attention and memory moved on to other things, he pulled off his hood, stuffing it in his belt.

--

Mari couldn’t believe that she was actually blushing! Rhenn was a handsome man, but she hadn’t blushed since she was a teenager! “I remember seeing you down at the lake earlier. You seemed to be having as much fun as the children were.” she smiled. “I was just heading over to Cloudsong clan. I hear that they have a particularly wild horse they are working on taming. Would you like to join me?” Mari turned slightly in the proper direction to indicate the way. “And maybe we can grab something to eat on the way? I’m famished!”

"Yes I probably was having as much fun as the young ones." Rhenn smiled somewhat sheepishly. "They like to be thrown, and I like them to remember me. " He turned in the direction she gestured, a puzzled look on his face. "Must be some horse... or someones having a spot of fun at your expense. Never the less, I am hungry, and would be honored to eat lunch with you." He turned and began to walk towards the Cloudsong encampment, following his nose towards a eatery under a tent, where , what else, beef cooked on a rack suspended over a fire.

Along with the beef, seasoned and spiced (in several forms -- the Horselords had learned to be quite creative with this staple of their diets) was the usual fare for a kum al-kidret, lake fish roasting over open flame as well as chicken and pork and even lamb-- rarities for everyone but the Seafolk. There was an amazing selection of cheeses from mild to sharp, steaming hot flanner, the flat round breads that were served with almost every meal the clansfolk ate. There were dishes of eela, the short white grain that grew in the river marshes, steamed and served with flecks of red and green that were obviously the crazy-hot peppers so valued among all the clans. In nearby stalls were the fruits and vegetables that had filled several Sealord ships' holds, juices and wines and ales... indeed, so much food of such dazzling varieties that nobody ever went hungry unless it was by choice.

At least this time when she blushed Mari knew it was from embarrassment and not some odd childish infatuation.

The variety of food in the tent, was so wonderful she wasn’t sure what to have, since it had been the roasting beef that had roused her from her thoughts earlier, she chose some of that as well as a sharp cheese, eela and a bit of wine. The clanhusbands and clanwives tending the food in this tent were overjoyed to meet Mari, of course (recognizing her by her paler skin at first), and several of the older ones who were not quite yet elders teased Rhenn mercilessly about not wrestling (or drinking, for that matter) the brand new Clansbard to the ground before she'd had a chance to sing her songs for them.

Once she and Rhenn had their food, and Mari’s hunger was slacked a bit she looked up and said, “You seem to have a bit of a reputation, Rhenn Prairierunner. Those plainsmen certainly didn’t seem to want to mess with you. What could such a nice man as you have done to cause that strong of a reaction in a bunch of ruffians?” Mari paused to watch a wrestling match between a Sealord and a Riverrunner as she waited for Rhenn’s answer.

Rhenn chose thin strips of beef and peppers wrapped in a flanner, not wanting anything too heavy on such a hot day. He ate quickly, and washed it down with a cup of wine, saving his sobriety for later on in the evening. He turned and looked down at Mari and grinned in response to her question.

"There are all sorts of reasons one gets a reputation, on the plains. When you are the biggest man around, you become a target for anyone wanting to make a name for themselves. For my part, I oblige them the opportunity, it seems the courteous thing to do. I abhor bullies of all sorts, as well, and will stick up for the ones being bullied everytime. I enjoy drinking, and gambling and carousing, and those activities lend them selves to trouble." Rhenn realized he was going on at length about nothing, so he snapped his mouth shut and grinned, before concluding...

"I fight alot."

Distractedly, Mari murmured, “Ah, that makes sense.” She seemed to be very focused on the match before her and not paying much attention to anything else.

--
On the other side of that impromptu wrestling match, Rael and Cady cleared their way through the laughing, boisterous crowd to find two clansmen rolling around in the dirt, to the cheering and exhortations of those surrounding them. Just across the clearing was another of those tents with mouth-watering smells wafting from it. Standing there was another fairer skinned woman with beauty to match Cady's, garbed in the colorful silks of a sea-going clan. She was exchanging remarks with a large Plainsman, both of them licking their fingers and watching the wrestling, to some extent.

"This is fantastic." Cady breathed in her native tongue as she watched the barbarian's brawl. It was obvious that she was enjoying Kum al-Kidret by the way her eyes devoured everything that she looked at.

After a few moments of watching the writhing sweaty bodies of the clansmen, the wonderful smell coming from the tents overwhelmed her. And this time when she spoke she remembered her manners and did so in Pol'tiar. "I'm famished." She withdrew her gaze reluctantly from the commotion on the ground and grinned up at Rael.

"Let us fill our bellies and hopefully we can find some spirits." She followed her nose to the tent, pausing for a moment when she saw the beautiful clanswoman. Her eyes looked her over appreciatively and nudged Rael to make sure he could partake in her beauty.

Rael's eyes were already focused upon the woman that Cady had indicated. He was momentarily distracted, but his quickly refocused himself. He allowed his cape to briefly fall about his shoulders and cover his forearms in the manner taught by his masters. This subtle move allowed a Sun Yani monk to check his wrist blades for accessiblity without drawing undue attention. The silver chain that held the jeweled coatls of Urilia gleamed in the mid-day sun.

brown> Cady stepped towards the tent and allowed her eyes to travel to the lovely woman's companion. She whistled softly under her breath as she took in the expanse of his chest, her gaze traveled lazily to the ground and then back up again. In her mind she considered, as she often did, what his weaknesses might be in a tussle. When her eyes finally landed on his face she wasn't disappointed, sometimes it was the ugliest of men that concentrated overly much on their physique. She wondered for a moment in passing what his inadequacy was.

"I might enjoy partaking of some of the local cuisine, mi'lady, but I will let you keep the spirits to yourself."

--

Having followed Rhenn and his pretty companion, Duras finished his fruit and found himself turning next to a bowl of fish and vegetables served over rice. Using his fingers he shoveled some more into his mouth.

He was debating whether or not to make his presence known to Rhenn, when he saw an exquisite foreigner eyeing Rhenn's companion. Huh... wonder what that's about... she's dressed strangely. His curiosity and wariness advised him to stay close, but not too close. Shoveling one last handful into his mouth, Duras tossed the rice bowl aside and drew a blade from one of his belt-sheaths, just in case.

--

It had been a long day for Jardanth and an even longer for WindClaw who was only remaining still due to her word and the very large and meaty bribe that Jardanth had presented her earlier that day. Of course WindClaw's being a cheetah had much to do with why Jardanth did not want her just walking around without him. In addition WindClaw had a wicked sense of humor about human reaction to being surprised by a hunting cat. As far as he was concerned, that particular aspect of his companion's personality had to do more with her youth than her feline nature.

When he picked up the empty cloth that had held the smallest pup of the koolee litter he brought, a smile crossed his face. That gift had been a blessing to both his young patient and the pup himself. The boy had come to his tent after injuring his leg while being teased by some Riverrunner children for being small for his age. The injury to his leg had not been as painful to the child as the rejection he felt after the teasing. While Jardanth was trying to comfort the him, the pup wiggled his way into the boy's lap tickling him into a giggling fit. When the koolee pup began to lick the tears away from his face, Jardanth could feel the bonding forming between them. That was one time he was certain that the power of his Healer's gift had been matched by the love and devotion of a small koolee pup.

He reflexively smiled at a passing Sealord young woman whose father he had gifted with one of WindClaw's smaller cousins, a tan and white striped cat who was well trained and an expert hunter. While her clanmother had invited him to dinner, she privately made it clear that he would have been quite welcome to spend the night with her in her berth afterwards. Jardanth had eaten aboard a Sealord ship before and he certainly was not going to turn down the chance to do so again. However he was not so sure about he young woman's after dinner invitation, he still had the remaining hawks to look after and he wasn't sure how WindClaw would take to being on a boat again, the last time had mixed results.

The young Sealord woman made a gesture to him that was somewhat obscene, quite flirtatious, and clear in its message. He blushed quietly until his attention was drawn to a food stall across the way where there were two beautiful women, one decidedly foreign and the other was the Wavecrest bard that everyone was talking about. He also took note of her imposing Sun Yani guardian beside the foreign woman and the even more imposing Rhenn Prairierunner.

--

Rael kept himself very close to the Cascadian emissary as they worked their way through the throngs that had gathered to watch the wrestling match. He made sure that anyone watching would know she was not unprotected.

"Fair enough." Her tone was bright and cheery. "...and I want chocolate. I'd give my right arm for a single bite." Rael had witnessed first hand her love affair with the dark candy and the cranky aftermath when she'd run out on the final days of their journey.

Arriving at the booths Cady slowly scanned all they had to offer while Rael retrieved his food. She finally decided on fruit with sweet cream and a glass of wine. The clansman that helped her was distressed that he couldn't oblige her more with her needs. Her eyes were brimming with the appeal of a maiden in distress, as she spoke about her desire to have some chocolate, homesick as she was for her motherland. "Do you know of anyplace that I might procure some?"

"Well...." the older plainsman scratched his grizzled scalp as the thought, his inner conflict plain to both outlanders. On one hand he wanted to please the pretty young foreign girl. On the other were his obvious promises not to tell just anyone about the chocolate that was at the gathering this year. He finally hit upon a solution that he thought might satisfy both, and smiled at her.

"I suppose, if I was to come from some foreign place that had more chocolate just layin' around-like, I might have more luck askin' the folks that actually had just come from that same foreign place, too," he drawled, catching her eyes with his then sending them in the direction of the beautiful Sealord-garbed woman in her silks, which they'd noticed before.

"I do hear about them Cascades and their chocolate. Could be if'n I'd lived there for a few years, I might have some too." Then he grinned, handed her the dessert bowl she'd asked for, and said, "o'course, if you find yourself desirin' some more, ah, experienced companionship, you be sure to come look me up, arina. I be Jasc Bloodblade, and not too old to see a girl to a good time."

Cady looked at him with the most sincere of expressions as she replied. "Of that, dinar, I have no doubt." His clan affiliation did not go unnoticed, but unfortunately she needed to handle the delicate nature of her other business with care. "...and if one were seeking a Bloodblade..." She smiled at him endearingly, but her eyes held no promises. "...where would they find their camp?"

Rhenn was half watching the wrestling match, and half watching the crowd as he finished the last of his wine. That was when his hazel eyes caught sight of the green jewels of the plainly foreign woman across the tent. Her hair was black, black as night, and stood in sharp contrast to her alabaster complexion. He had seen mir'dokis women before, but there was something different about her. She carried herself with a confidance, and moved with the grace of one who has danced with blades, and without, she was intoxicating.

He looked away, feigning some interest in the wrestling match, when her eyes lit on him, but his peripheral vision was keen enough to take note of her appraising look, and the lift in her eyebrow told him all he needed to know. He turned to Mari, and whispered quietly. "Mari, if you would but excuse me for a moment, there is something I must attend to."

He shouldered his way through the crowd, not using his size to knock anyone out of the way, just picking a careful, circumspect path around the crowd. He kept his eyes on her, watching her as she purchased her goods, timing his approach until the exact moment her conversation with the vendor ended, and she turned away, to find his chest and shoulders blocking her view.

Without hesitation, he stepped in close to her, wrapping one broad hand across the curve of her lower back, splaying his calloused fingers out across her blouse. His other hand slipped in behind her neck, calloused fingers worn from long days labors and hours practicing with the spear sliding across smooth skin. The foreign woman gasped in surprise, but when she saw no malice in his eyes she held her palm up towards Rael, to hopefully forestall anything ugly from unfolding.

Rhenn stepped into her and bent her backwards, off balance, supported by his arms, and pressed his lips to hers, suckling gently at her lower lip for a long moment, before he stood back up and released her with a grin, and a mischievous look in his eye. It took a moment for Cady to catch her breath, still shocked at what had just happened and almost fearful at how Rael would react.

Once her feet were firmly under her she reached out and slapped him once, but from the slight sting, he felt that it was more for show than impact. "It wouldn't service me well if I let everyone believe that was an appropriate way to greet a Cascadian lady." Her tone was serious but he was quite sure he saw mirth in her eyes.

Rhenn Prairierunner anticipated the slap, saw her draw back, but took it full in the face, his head recoiling away from the impact. He turned his hazel eyes back into her greens, and lifted his thumb to the corner of his lip, glancing down at the red smear of his blood. When he looked back up at her, a big smile creased his face. "Completely worth it... would you like another shot? It would still be a bargain." Her eyes grew more vibrant at his challenge but she didn't answer it.

Rael's eye had been caught by a display of porcelin tea sets that reminded him of the one his mother had used the night she summoned him to her manor. His thoughts had wandered to Lady Ysidore and the manner in which she ruled her own world. It was so often she chided him for his sense of honor, of duty. How alike, it seemed, that Lady Ysidore del'Ducat and Cady Wyman-Cathridge seemed at times. He realized he had lost himself in thought and spun around to see her and the dark-skinned Bak'tiar standing close to her.

Rael reached out and grabbed Cady, pulling her behind him protectively. His body shifted into combat mode as he shifted his stance into the primary defensive posture of the Sun Yani monks. Without a word he locked eyes with the local man and stared at him with determination but not jealousy.

The raven haired woman's cheeks grew red at the unexpected removal of her person. Traveling with a guard was not something she was used to and just now it was proving to be a humiliating experience. She was about to speak, but the rude rogue of a barbarian had beat her to it. So instead she enjoyed the delicious taste of her temper, which she rarely allowed to brew.

Rhenn looked at the foreigner like the man had just sprouted a third arm out of the middle of his chest. The smile did not fade from his face as he regarded this fellow in his odd posture, he had seen enough of the Sun-Yani to know what he was seeing. "Do relax, man... if it was my intent to do her harm, it would be too late to stop me. " He looked past the man into the lovely womans eyes as he continued. "Besides, unless I miss my guess, shes far deadlier than you are, anyway."

Rael regarded the man without the the slightest flicker of concern. He couldn't understand the language of the the Bak'tiar and simply stood protectively in front of Cady.

Cady laid her hand on the tense back of her Sun Yani guard. The touch was much more delicate than were her words when she spoke, but few that surrounded them could understand the language they shared, she had no desire or intent to humilate her companion. "Stand down Rael. You don't understand their culture and I won't allow you to make a scene. We can not control the Bak'tiar. Unless you see blood upon me or my signal for help, I will need you to stand down. I am not without skills of my own, I had a blade ready to slip through his exposed middle if the need had arose."

Rael slowly rose to his full height at her touch and her words. He regarded her for a moment and opened his mouth as if to say something. He turned his head slightly and regarded the man once before he turned back to the emissary. If I had to wait until I saw your blood or a signal, you would already be dead, he thought but did not vocalize.

"Forgive me, mi'lady" he told her in tradespeak with a slight bow to his head. "I was not attempting to control them, merely to safeguard thee. It appears, however, that my presence has become more stifling than you wouldst wish." He saw the point of the blade she had referred to and continued. "You can more than take care of yourself. Of that I am most certain. I shall gather our belongings from the ship and bring them to Clan Cloudsong where they shall be waiting for you. I need to change clothes anyway." With a slight bow Rael turned to leave and strode towards the ship.

Cady crossed her arms over her middle as he spoke, shocked that he was taking his leave. She found herself quite unsure if she liked the idea of her unbridled freedom, or if she was upset to lose her ornament and blessing from Urilia.

Khevar moved through the crowd, chewing on a spiced piece of meat. He tried to avoid bumping into people, but the crowds made it difficult. A turning man's elbow slammed into the scar on his left shoulder, making Khevar drop the meat as pain flashed through him and his arm went numb for a moment. The man turned to see who he hit, but his apology died on his lips at the sight of Khevar's scarred and mangled face. Khevar pushed passed him with a growl, leaving the man gaping after him. The festival was the same as always, too many strangers staring at him. Khevar held firmly to his temper, looking for someone he knew who might at least be able to talk to him.

Duras watched in surprise as Rhenn approached the foreignwoman and greeted her in such a fashion. Huh, I wonder if he knows her. He idly toyed with his knife, thought about sheathing it, and then decided to keep it out - who knows how the woman's companion would react?

With a start Mari realized that she had been lost in her own thoughts while the wrestling match continued, and her companion slipped away. She looked around just in time to see Rhenn kissing a beautiful dark haired foreign woman.

With a laugh she looked around at what else was going on about her. The vender closest to her had some beautiful wooden boxes. Is that a book tucked back in the corner of that booth? Mari wondered. Curiosity drew her to the spot but as she reached to pick it up, out of the corer of her eye, she noticed the man that she had worked the illusion for watching Rhenn. Very purposefully Mari walked over to him and said, “Hello Duras. Havn’t run into your friends again, have you?”

Duras' attention had been on Rhenn and the foreignwoman; he had noted the departure of the foreignwoman's escort with some interest. Things had begun to simmer down - it was obvious Rhenn was more than capable of handling himself, and Duras was more absent-mindedly pricking the callus on his thumb with the point of his knife (an old habit, one he wasn't even consciously aware of) than paying attention to his surroundings, so when Mari approached him, he was startled when she spoke his name.

With a wry grin, he replied to her question, "Friends of mine? Oh, you mean Call Freefoot?" He paused to look around, "Can't say that I've seen them as yet." By Ch'dar's left walnut, she's a beauty, he thought as he gazed at the woman before him. "I imagine I owe you some thanks, for whatever arcanery you used on my behalf?"

“No thanks necessary. That was a fun bit of practice. I’m sure you would have enjoyed the looks on their faces when they thought you had backup. That arrogant little one nearly fell over backwards trying to get away from one of them!” Mari mimicked the look of horror, then burst out laughing and slapped her thigh.

Duras laughed with Mari, "That would have been Pyook. Oh, I wish I'd seen it, he's as welcome as a beaver dam in the river when there's a pretty girl waiting for you ten miles away." He waited for their laughter to subside before continuing, "From what everyone around you has been saying tonight, I know you're Mari Wavecrest. It is my pleasure to meet you," he offered his hand and arm in a common greeting.

Mari took the proffered arm, pulled herself close to Duras, and looked up into his dark brown eyes. “I am sure it is my pleasure as well, N'dari.” Mari was surprised to see a hint of sadness hidden in those eyes, especially in someone barely into adulthood. Her demeanor softened a bit, and she pulled back slightly, but not completely away. “I hope you are able to attend my performance tonight. It would honor me greatly.”

As she pulled herself close to him, a soft shiver passed through his spine. He gazed quietly into her eyes as she gazed into his. When she pulled away and spoke of attending her performance, he grinned brightly, "We were planning to attend before I met you; you can count on it. I'll be meeting Kurth there," he spoke of Kurth as she already knew him, though he didn't actually expect that she did.

After a moment (his hand still lingering on her arm), an impish grin broke out on his face, "In fact, if I may be so brazen, I would like to place a request - as I said my friend Kurth will be in attendance and if you could dedicate a song to him, he would be surprised and pleased beyond all description. He is a loyal and jolly fellow and he loves a good tale, so I shall leave it to your skilled decision what you think best..." He bows slightly, his eyes never leaving hers, "If you agree to my impertinence."

“Wonderful! I will be sure to find you in the crowd.” The request for a song for his friend was delivered with such joy that Mari was unable to say no to Duras, she grinned back, “Of course I will dedicate a song to your friend Kurth. In fact, I think I have just the thing.”

Nodding in the proper direction, Mari asked, “By the way, is your friend Rhenn Prairierunner always such a big flirt?” As she turned her smiling face back to Duras, she noticed an odd sight, and jumped a little. “Is that a cheetah?!” Mari’s heart raced and she actually backed up against Duras, as she watched the large cat walk by.

"Rhenn? Aye, he's a big and bold man - good of heart, forthright and forward." Duras had been about to expound upon the depth of friendship between he and Rhenn (or rather, the lack of - they were more friendly acquaintances, in truth) when Mari recoiled against him in response to Jardanth's companion.

He'd put an arm around her, more to offer comfort than anything else, as he spoke, "Aye, that's a cheetah, all right. That's WindClaw - companion to Jardanth Skydancer. He's... an interesting fellow, but very different than Rhenn." As long as Mari allowed, his arm stayed around her.

--

Khevar noticed a disturbance in the crowd ahead. It didn't seem like a fight, but something had gotten the crowds attention. The small, scarred man eased his way through the people, ignoring the startled looks strangers gave him. He moved up beside a woman and young man talking and saw a strange sight. A very large Bak'Tiar man was facing a small, beautiful foreign woman. Something had obviously happened between them, as the woman was glaring at the man fiercely. Wondering what the story was, Khevar adjusted his bow slightly and watched to see what would happen next.

Cady watched Rael leave silently until the crowd swallowed him and then turned her smoldering gaze towards the intimidating Bak'Tiar that caused her this unsettling inconvenience. The sway in her hips was accentuated a bit by her mood as she closed the distance between them, the flash of her dagger's blade disappearing back into her sleeve. Her flat eyes and expression left little question that she hadn't come back for seconds. When she spoke she did so in Rhenn's native tongue, "You have left me without an escort." Her eyes narrowed accusingly, obviously dismissing any blame that she may have had in Rael's departure.

Rhenn was obviously struggling to keep from laughing, forcing the corners of his lips down, his brows furrowed in what he hoped looked like consternation. "I did? Well now that just won't do. Allow me to introduce myself, arina. I am Rhenn, of the Prairierunners, and since I robbed you of your Sun Yani servant, I think its only fitting that I tend to your every need."

The woman exhaled slowly, the fire slowly dissipating from her eyes. "That does seem fitting. Although if he was a servant of mine he would have better manners." A slight smile played at her face. "...but I won't be surprised when you turn tail and run after the next pretty girl that catches your eye."

She took a moment to size him up again before accepting his offer. "I suppose you'll do, though I doubt that your reputation can match that of my friend..." Cady's voice trailed off, a bit surprised that she'd just labeled that irritating Sun Yani as her friend. "My name is Cady Wyman-Cathridge and I'm the emissary from Cascadia."

"Would you like to meet the first Bard born to our people in three centuries?" Rhenn's question had an immediate and obvious impact on the foreigner. Her arrogance fell away and understanding lit in her intelligent eyes. She nodded her head but seemed to be struck silent for the moment.

Rhenn turned and made a gesture in the direction of Mari, and saw her talking to Duras. He smiled a big smile and turned back to Cady. "And Duras Swiftwater, a riverrunner acquaintance of mine." His hazel eyes glinted that mischievous look again, guaging her reaction as he shifted his next sentence smoothly into the tradespeak. Rough and heavily accented, but definitely tradespeak. "The bite of your dagger would have been a bargain, for the kiss as well, arina."

Cady smiled up at him, rethinking her first impression of the overzealous man as being a brainless fool. "Try it again and you will likely change your mind about that." There was a confidence about her that most would find unsettling.

When Rhenn spoke again, it was in Pol'tiar, a language he was far more comfortable with, and with a more sincere tone. "I knew you were the Emissary, Cady. How many foriegn women with Sun Yani escorts have you seen wandering the Festival? As far as wandering off goes, I assure you, it takes more than a pretty face."

The sound of her name was surprisingly welcome, it seemed as though it had been weeks since she'd heard it. Her guard had been unfailingly formal. "Well no others of course.” She shook her head, smiling a bit. “…I just assumed from the overzealous greeting that you weren’t aware of that fact.”

He looked at her, as he began to lead her over to where Duras and Mari were speaking, and added almost as an afterthought. "I wont be trying it again, Cady ... when I saw you, though, I knew I could not go to meet my fathers without having kissed you. Ill not be having that regret, as my last thought, at least."

At that she laughed. “On one hand I don’t think you need to be worrying overly much about last regrets. …but on the other hand, if you flirt so dangerously with fate often, I suppose it would be appropriate.”

A thoughtful look crossed Rhenn's face, and he nodded, once. "Fate is a fickle belara, to be sure, but when you wake up beside her in the morning, its best not to try to slip away before she wakes."

Cady smiled up at him for a moment, wondering lightly if she should provide him a better story to tell his father's when they meet. "That sounds like good advice."

As they closed the distance to Rhenn's friends, Cady's gaze strayed to a small man holding a bow. His eyes were upon her, although she couldn't tell his expression from the scars that lived upon his face. Internally her stomach clenched at the unwelcome site, but as was her gift, the warm smile and nod of her head showed nothing of the thoughts behind her eyes.

GM OOC: Fixed technical errata, no new content.