**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Nov 27 18:19:04 2022 Nov 27 18:19:04 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Nov 27 19:30:20 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Nov 27 19:31:48 * MollyK is now known as HH Nov 27 19:32:01 Gonna be playin' it by ear a bit Nov 27 19:32:13 $what we doing with Molly?$ Nov 27 19:33:10 $If we have to take her?$ Nov 27 19:33:47 $what's the alternative? We need Sinan and we're sending guides back$ Nov 27 19:35:28 $No, I meant... nevermind. She stays with me for now. It'll help establish boundaries$ Nov 27 19:36:26 $brand thing going to be an issue?$ Nov 27 19:37:07 $potentially. Not way around that that I'm willing to explore$ Nov 27 19:37:38 * HH nods, thinking Nov 27 19:38:44 $wonder if there's any way to mark in a way that's not a brand, argue it's a custom we have in our part of Eisen$ Nov 27 19:39:09 $such as?$ Nov 27 19:40:25 $tattoo, if we had time. Cut, mebbie?$ Nov 27 19:41:27 $Can't say I like that idea$ Nov 27 19:42:04 $your call, man. Just think it might be safer than nothing$ Nov 27 19:42:27 * Morgan reaches inside his coat behind him, running his thumb over the pommel on his Koertig dagger Nov 27 19:45:15 * HH is watching the men "no change. Wonder how long before they intervene" Nov 27 19:46:38 [Blossom... I have an idea that I don't like and I want your input on it] Nov 27 19:46:42 * Morgan shrugs Nov 27 19:46:46 Be a terrible mistake... Nov 27 19:48:19 * HH nods Nov 27 19:48:29 [yes, liebling?] Nov 27 19:49:08 [HeinzHarold thinks that you carrying some sort of mark would improve your safety... ] Nov 27 19:49:31 Though, it'd put us in a slightly more favourable position if they thought us hapless outsiders... Nov 27 19:49:34 [a brand] Nov 27 19:49:55 Rather than people who just killed their scouts Nov 27 19:50:30 [He was thinking cut but... I think a brand would be more... understandable for the locals] Nov 27 19:50:48 Aye... if we were dangerous, we'd have laid them in the dirt... sand... whatever. Nov 27 19:51:05 [whatever you think best, my love] Nov 27 19:52:13 Yep. And if we were smart we'd have noticed we were being watched. Better to act like we didn't. Nov 27 19:52:54 [You could heal it, yes? And numb it so you would not feel it in the first place?] Nov 27 19:53:09 [I could] Nov 27 19:53:55 Got an idea man. Reckon you can keep the others from paying too close attention to me n Molly? Nov 27 19:54:09 * HH nods Nov 27 19:54:12 Reckon so Nov 27 19:55:19 * Morgan nods, moving close to Molly, speaking quietly Nov 27 19:55:22 I've got an idea Nov 27 19:56:00 * HH rides on a bit to the guides and Sinan Nov 27 19:56:04 * HH is now known as Molly Nov 27 19:56:13 What idea? Nov 27 19:56:49 * Morgan pulls out his dagger, showing her the crest Nov 27 19:56:54 If I heat this... Nov 27 19:57:17 * Molly nods Nov 27 19:57:33 It would work like a brand... Nov 27 19:59:05 * Morgan nods Nov 27 19:59:30 * Molly nods Nov 27 19:59:38 That makes sense Nov 27 20:00:20 I don't like it... but for your safety... Nov 27 20:16:10 * Molly nods Nov 27 20:16:23 If you heat it I will apply it Nov 27 20:17:03 * Morgan nods, hanging her the dagger before concentrating on the crest Nov 27 20:17:40 * Molly moves her camel to be downwind of him Nov 27 20:19:15 (How hot?) Nov 27 20:19:59 ((Hot enough to brand cleanly)) Nov 27 20:22:23 *his neck prickles as her magic starts. She presses the crest quickly to her skin before removing it. The breeze abruptly swings, ruining her efforts of protecting him from the smell of burnt skin* Nov 27 20:23:27 * Morgan exhales forcefully the instant he becomes aware of it Nov 27 20:24:45 * Molly is concentrating on the brand Nov 27 20:25:43 * Morgan holds his breath Nov 27 20:26:25 *he feels the breeze swing back again* Nov 27 20:27:03 *his neck stops prickling, and she offers him the dagger* Nov 27 20:28:00 * Morgan takes it, cooling it down Nov 27 20:30:40 * Molly shows him her hand. The brand looks fresh-ish, but healed nicely, lines sharp Nov 27 20:30:44 Not bad Nov 27 20:31:32 * Morgan nods, slowly drawing a breath in through his mouth Nov 27 20:32:11 Are you alright? Nov 27 20:32:50 The wind shifted Nov 27 20:32:56 * Morgan puts the dagger away Nov 27 20:34:53 I'm sorry, my love Nov 27 20:36:05 * Morgan shrugs Nov 27 20:36:07 Its alright Nov 27 20:37:34 * Molly nods Nov 27 20:37:44 I look the part now? Nov 27 20:38:19 * Morgan nods Nov 27 20:38:21 Yes, you do Nov 27 20:39:29 * Molly nods, looking into the distance Nov 27 20:39:50 That looks like fortifications... Nov 27 20:40:08 * Morgan looks in that direction Nov 27 20:42:02 *the sandy stone wall does look like it might enclose a town Nov 27 20:43:55 * Morgan nods Nov 27 20:44:02 Wonder if the scouts will do anything before we reach it Nov 27 20:45:36 * Molly shrugs Nov 27 20:45:43 I do not know, my love Nov 27 20:48:38 * Morgan nods, sighing Nov 27 20:50:31 *As it turns out, they don't. HH seems to have relayed the Hapless Tourist narrative, but the guards seem more busy watching them and whispering to each other. They are let in without any fuss. There are lots of people doing business, shopping in the market, just like anywhere else, but the women all accompanied, and all wearing red headdresses Nov 27 20:50:31 that fully cover their hair. Nov 27 20:51:58 * Morgan moves up to Sinan Nov 27 20:52:04 alright... how do we go about this? Nov 27 20:52:53 * Molly is now known as Sinan Nov 27 20:53:38 * Sinan is looking around. The amount of interest people have in them is starting to become creepy Nov 27 20:54:22 Find someone to show the sketch to Nov 27 20:55:18 I'm thinking... a stall holder? Nov 27 20:59:12 * Sinan nods, dismounting "Shall we find someone to watch the camels?" Nov 27 21:00:35 * Morgan nods, climbing down decidedly ungracefully Nov 27 21:02:49 *HH lands flat on his face when he tries, somehow hooking his foot around the hump as he dismounts. This gets a few giggles from the people around* Nov 27 21:03:16 * Morgan goes to help Molly down Nov 27 21:05:04 *Molly accepts the help. People watch this too* Nov 27 21:05:40 * Sinan leads the way to an open space where there's fencing that camels are tied to Nov 27 21:08:19 * Morgan follows Nov 27 21:09:21 *the conversation is unfollowable, but the camels are taken* Nov 27 21:09:37 M: should we ask about buying another? Nov 27 21:10:29 * Morgan nods, relaying this to Sinan Nov 27 21:12:48 * Sinan deals with this too, looking to Morgan "forty guilders" Nov 27 21:14:20 * Morgan nods, handing him the money Nov 27 21:16:43 * Sinan does this, talking a bit more. There's more people watching and talking behind their hands Nov 27 21:17:24 * Morgan looks around, smiling slightly to some, nodding to others Nov 27 21:18:17 *they don't look hostile or friendly, just intrigued and a little wary. The women strictly avoid any eye contact* Nov 27 21:20:50 * Morgan looks up at the buildings before back to Sinan, waiting for him Nov 27 21:22:39 * Sinan comes back to him, Molly, and Heinzharold. He looks at Molly's hand a moment before looking to Morgan "he hasn't seen a woman with grey eyes but tanned skin here" Nov 27 21:24:06 Damn. Nov 27 21:26:01 * Sinan nods "we should keep ask-... why is everyone staring?" Nov 27 21:27:13 * Morgan shrugs Nov 27 21:27:25 I'm assuming they don't get many visitors who fall of their camels Nov 27 21:28:51 * Sinan nods Nov 27 21:29:06 Remember Molly must walk close at your side. Nov 27 21:29:41 * Morgan nods Nov 27 21:29:44 understood Nov 27 21:33:00 * Sinan leads the way to many stalls, all with the same answer. The women at some of the stalls won't engage, calling for a husband or son to speak instead. But every time they move on, he can see people chatting, gossiping, and staring Nov 27 21:33:17 HH: $must be how it feels in a zoo.$ Nov 27 21:35:05 * Morgan nods, calling to Sinan Nov 27 21:35:12 Would it help to have the sketch? Nov 27 21:36:51 * Sinan nods "it could help" Nov 27 21:37:06 * Morgan hands it over Nov 27 21:37:19 There's an awful lot of staring going on... Nov 27 21:37:54 Do you wish me to ask why? Nov 27 21:38:31 * Morgan shrugs Nov 27 21:38:43 Probably just because we're very much not the norm here I would imagine Nov 27 21:39:54 * Sinan nods. They move along. Half an hour passes. Sinan shakes his head again Nov 27 21:40:08 It is like no one has seen her. Nov 27 21:40:27 * Morgan narrows his eyes Nov 27 21:40:34 like... they're closing ranks... Nov 27 21:41:04 [Either they are concealing it, or for some reason she is not out in public. Or she is dead.] Nov 27 21:41:47 [If she was dead, would the NIeblungen not have said so?] Nov 27 21:41:51 They aren't hostile to us. Your skin is unusual, but it's Molly's hair that is getting whispered about Nov 27 21:42:11 [I suppose so] Nov 27 21:42:13 The colour? Nov 27 21:42:19 * Sinan nods Nov 27 21:43:19 Not being hostile isn't the same as being forthcoming... could it be she is not out in public? Nov 27 21:43:30 *HH is looking around the people* Nov 27 21:44:58 Some men do not let their wives out from distrust, protectiveness, or because they do not want her associating with commoners Nov 27 21:45:43 Now -thats- an interesting point... perhaps we're looking in the wrong place Nov 27 21:46:13 We could look nearer the sheik's palace Nov 27 21:47:27 * Morgan nods, looking round Nov 27 21:47:38 We're having no luck here, so... Nov 27 21:49:04 * Sinan asks for directions, then the four of them make their way. It's a surprisingly big town, and they reach the better parts after five minutes. Even here people stare. There are even fewer women out here Nov 27 21:50:55 * Sinan gets to work Nov 27 21:51:00 * Sinan is now known as HH Nov 27 21:51:37 $something is niggling at me$ Nov 27 21:51:44 $spill it$ Nov 27 21:52:10 $the interest in Molly's hair, and the red headscarf things they wear$ Nov 27 21:52:42 $what about it?$ Nov 27 21:52:57 $dunno. That's why it's niggling$ Nov 27 21:53:16 [why is Heinzharold frowning?] Nov 27 21:53:37 $ask Sinan about it$ Nov 27 21:53:58 [somethings bothering him. The interest in your hair and their red headscarves] Nov 27 21:54:18 [it's just a coincidence] Nov 27 21:56:13 * HH goes to talk to Sinan Nov 27 21:56:16 [How can you be sure?] Nov 27 21:56:19 * HH is now known as Molly Nov 27 21:56:27 * Molly speaks quietly Nov 27 21:56:34 What else would make sense? Nov 27 21:57:30 I don't know... Nov 27 21:58:17 * Molly nods Nov 27 21:58:39 Do you think perhaps she has gone? Nov 27 21:59:07 God I hope not Nov 27 21:59:16 * Molly nods Nov 27 21:59:44 Me too. It would be devastating to be so close and then have it snatched away Nov 27 22:00:29 * Morgan nods, looking around Nov 27 22:04:09 *he spots one of the the people they've spoken to approaching with two armed men Nov 27 22:04:34 * Molly sighs quietly, whispering "this looks like trouble" Nov 27 22:05:31 * Morgan nods, letting out a whistle Nov 27 22:05:48 or... we'll be taken to whomever has Betuana to find out why we want to know... Nov 27 22:06:48 * Molly smiles "that's a very optimistic thought, my love" Nov 27 22:07:31 Its worked like that in the past... Nov 27 22:07:39 *Sinan and HH join them, the former talking to a guard whilst the other man goes around behind Molly, looking at her hair* Nov 27 22:08:15 * Morgan turns, looking at him before glancing at HeinzHarold Nov 27 22:08:20 $figure it out?$ Nov 27 22:09:45 $no, was a bit convoluted$ Nov 27 22:10:04 * Molly just stands still, as she was told Nov 27 22:10:26 * Morgan nods slightly, looking back at the man behind Molly Nov 27 22:11:02 *The guard looks awed by it, but is not getting too close* Nov 27 22:11:06 S: They want to take us to the Sheik Nov 27 22:11:46 Oh really? Why's that? Nov 27 22:13:27 S: The Sheik commands it. That is all they will say Nov 27 22:15:36 * Morgan nods Nov 27 22:15:50 Well, since the invitation is so courteous... Nov 27 22:18:23 * Molly nods a little Nov 27 22:21:21 *their escorts do not seem chatty. They are led to the palace, small but beautifully designed. Inside it's cooler than outside, and there are intricate coloured tiles on the floor. A man takes over the escorting from the guards, he also spends a few moments looking at Molly's hair before walking along through the many corridors. Nov 27 22:22:01 *HH strolls along looking to anyone else like he's at ease, but Morgan sees he's watchful* Nov 27 22:22:18 * Morgan does very similar Nov 27 22:22:52 *the escort says something to Sinan before gesturing at the others* Nov 27 22:22:55 * Molly is now known as Sinan Nov 27 22:24:14 He wants me to tell you you should bow to the Sheik, he is their king. Also, you will not touch any of the ladies of his harem, or his wives. Nov 27 22:24:44 Wasn't exactly planning to Nov 27 22:31:30 ACTION nods to the man, who lets them in. The room is darkened, though there's a big fireplace at either end. There are musicians playing unfamiliar music, as well as many, many women. Some are sat in one corner, quite modestly dressed though more brightly and lavishly than the women outside. The other women are not all that well dressed at all. Nov 27 22:31:31 Their midriffs are bare, breasts barely covered, and on the bottom they wear silky trousers cut like those Molly has beneath her dress. They're adorned with belts containing little gold coins that jingle as the dance. The multi coloured spectacle obscures the raised platform at the front Nov 27 22:33:07 *HH is looking around, mouth a bit agape at the sheer expanse of tan skin. Sinan is watching too* Nov 27 22:33:27 * Morgan nudges HeinzHarold Nov 27 22:33:31 $pay attention$ Nov 27 22:34:29 $I am$ *he surveys the room* Nov 27 22:34:44 * Morgan nods slightly, looking round Nov 27 22:34:55 [I could make him temporarily blind... *she doesn't sound serious*] Nov 27 22:35:35 [he'd be even less use then] Nov 27 22:37:40 *the man leads them past the dancers and their gyrating with no interest. These women are unveiled, but the wives are, and they're wearing the red headscarves. A hush starts to fall as they pass through. With the dancing girls retreating, Morgan can see the man in what appears to be a throne. Two of the scantily dressed girls are at his feet with Nov 27 22:37:40 bowls of berries. Nov 27 22:39:03 *The sheik does not look old or pampered, he looks like a warrior not to be messed with. The escort bows to him, as do Sinan and HH. Molly curtsies a little* Nov 27 22:39:24 * Morgan bows succinctly Nov 27 22:41:33 *The escort talks in their language. Sinan moves close enough to whisper subtly* S: He says we are the people asking about her, and the woman has -the hair- Nov 27 22:42:57 *At a rough count, there are about thirty wives and fifty in his harem. All of them are now watching quietly from the sidelines* Nov 27 22:43:18 * Morgan nods slightly Nov 27 22:43:34 *HH is watching the women on both sides of the room* Nov 27 22:43:42 [asking about her... not about a woman... about -her-... also, you have -the hair-] Nov 27 22:44:10 [I should have swapped for their headdress] Nov 27 22:44:25 * Sinan is now known as Sheik Nov 27 22:44:54 [maybe] Nov 27 22:46:16 * Sheik stands, dismissing the escort, and approaches them. He's a couple of inches taller than Morgan and Heinzharold, self-assured but not swaggering. He 's not armed. He looks to Sinan, talking back and forth. Nov 27 22:46:37 Sinan to Morgan: He asks what languages you speak Nov 27 22:47:41 Eisen, Avalonian, Vesten and Thean... mostly Nov 27 22:49:51 *Sinan relays this. The Sheik nods, looking to Morgan and speaking Thean* You are their war lord? Nov 27 22:51:58 I am their leader, yes Nov 27 22:52:15 * Sheik bows slightly,barely at all Nov 27 22:52:25 Who is this woman branded to? Nov 27 22:52:50 Me Nov 27 22:53:13 She is a wife? Or a concubine? Nov 27 22:53:46 She is my wife Nov 27 22:54:34 * Sheik nods "I would look her over." Nov 27 22:55:00 To what end? Nov 27 22:55:39 I want to see her hair, but I might want to purchase her from you Nov 27 22:56:31 *HH and Sinan have no idea what is being said now, and nor does Molly. She's keeping her eyes appropriately downcast* Nov 27 22:56:46 Look by all means but she is not for sale... that is not our custom Nov 27 23:00:44 * Sheik nods, going to Molly. He moves his hand in a lifting gesture so she looks up at him. He smiles, but is still talking to Morgan "This one... what is her name?" Nov 27 23:01:15 Her name is Molly Nov 27 23:03:10 * Sheik nods, gently undoing her veil. There's no hesitance at this, he is a man in his kingdom, completely in control. Molly doesn't challenge this at all, just watching him Nov 27 23:03:30 *HH is now keeping an eye on Morgan and not the room* Nov 27 23:03:50 $spotted her?$ Nov 27 23:04:13 $nope. You're not going to do anything rash, right?$ Nov 27 23:05:00 $Not planning to$ Nov 27 23:06:14 * Sheik turns to give an order to two of the harem girls, and they go to open the big curtains that cover the window, making the room suddenly light. He puts a finger under Molly's chin and lifts gently. Nov 27 23:06:43 $I'll get a better look if I can wander$ Nov 27 23:07:03 * Morgan nods, watching the Sheik closely Nov 27 23:07:32 * Sheik is looking at Molly's eyes, but talks to Morgan "Where did you find her?" Nov 27 23:08:08 Avalon Nov 27 23:08:46 *the women are watching and whispering, wives and concubines alike. HH starts wandering near the latter, Sinan focused on the former* Nov 27 23:09:02 Where is this Avalon? Do they all have eyes like this? Nov 27 23:10:02 Avalon is... north of Eisen, a small place... and no... some have brown eyes, some have green eyes... Nov 27 23:10:47 * Sheik nods, giving her an instruction that she cannot understand, and nor can Morgan Nov 27 23:11:38 Sinan: He said Turn Nov 27 23:12:34 * Morgan looks to Molly, nodding slightly Nov 27 23:14:16 *Molly does. There are a few gasps as her hair in sunlight becomes so much redder. The Sheik nods approvingly, but Morgan can perceive that the whispers amongst the women sound a little envious* Nov 27 23:14:21 Is this dyed? Nov 27 23:14:30 * Morgan shakes his head Nov 27 23:14:35 Not at all Nov 27 23:14:43 * Sheik nods slowly Nov 27 23:15:31 Tell her to undo the braid Nov 27 23:16:42 * Morgan watches him for a moment before telling her to Nov 27 23:17:57 *Molly removes the headdress to do so, unweaving the hair until it's loose and reaching the small of her back* Nov 27 23:20:30 Beautiful. We have an old prophecy that the owner of hair this red will rule a strong, peaceful Al Uwyiah without sickness for a thousand years... it is said that it contains great magical power. Nov 27 23:20:59 That explains all the staring when we arrived... Nov 27 23:21:08 * Sheik nods Nov 27 23:21:15 It is coveted Nov 27 23:22:08 I see Nov 27 23:22:33 * Sheik puts a strong tanned hand down the curls Nov 27 23:23:22 *Molly shivers involuntarily* Nov 27 23:23:45 With respect... -that- is reserved for her husband in our culture... Nov 27 23:24:21 *he removes his hand* I see. Are you certain you will not sell her? I have gold, land, beasts to offer. Nov 27 23:25:18 * Morgan nods Nov 27 23:25:37 I am certain... thank you for respecting how things are where I'm from. Nov 27 23:26:00 * Sheik nods a little Nov 27 23:26:20 You will not sell her... would you rent out her womb to me? Nov 27 23:27:01 No, that is completely against the way things are in my culture Nov 27 23:30:40 Do you have offspring? Nov 27 23:31:31 We have an adopted son. We do not have any together yet Nov 27 23:33:26 Would you sell me a child? Nov 27 23:33:57 I'm afraid that our children will be needed Nov 27 23:36:15 That is a shame. *he looks at Molly's hair again before putting a hand on Morgan's shoulder* Come, we will break bread together Nov 27 23:36:44 * Morgan inclines his head, looking to Molly Nov 27 23:36:58 You can do your hair back up and cover yourself... Nov 27 23:37:41 * Sheik gives this instruction in his own language, and the harem get out big cushions to sit on the floor whilst others go for food Nov 27 23:38:27 It is customary for wives to dine away, but I would like to have your wife sat at my side Nov 27 23:38:50 *Molly is braiding her hair again* Nov 27 23:40:07 * Morgan nods slowly, looking to Molly Nov 27 23:40:15 He wishes you to sit by him while we eat Nov 27 23:40:33 *Molly smiles* If that is your wish Nov 27 23:40:59 * Morgan nods Nov 27 23:41:06 [if it'll get us what we want...] Nov 27 23:41:24 [have you seen her?] Nov 27 23:42:07 [No, not yet, HeinzHarold might have] Nov 27 23:42:13 * Morgan looks over towards HeinzHarold Nov 27 23:42:37 * Sheik goes to his wives, kissing the forehead of each in turn as they go through another door. This allows the four of them to regroup Nov 27 23:42:41 * Sheik is now known as HH Nov 27 23:43:01 Nothing, man. Nov 27 23:43:20 * Morgan sighs Nov 27 23:43:30 Damn. Sinan, I'll take the sketch Nov 27 23:43:43 *Sinan hands it over* Nov 27 23:44:15 Gotta plan? Nov 27 23:44:31 Working on it Nov 27 23:44:46 He seems pretty keen on Molly Nov 27 23:44:54 *Molly blushes* Nov 27 23:45:05 Yeah... wants me to sell her... or rent out her womb to him... or sell him one of our children... Nov 27 23:45:18 * HH tries not to laugh Nov 27 23:46:29 There's a superstition that the owner of hair so red will rule a strong, peaceful Al Uwyiah without sickness for a thousand years, so I can understand his wanting to get his hands on her Nov 27 23:50:36 M: It's just a superstition! Nov 27 23:51:08 So is the bridal plate... Nov 27 23:51:16 * HH looks at Morgan "forget sometimes she's not a Sudlachenburg lassie" Nov 27 23:51:25 * Morgan nods Nov 27 23:51:27 I know man Nov 27 23:52:07 *Molly looks slightly wounded by this, but only in her micro expression* Nov 27 23:52:33 S: If he gets the notion of keeping her we have no chance. Nov 27 23:52:40 [What upsets you my love?] Nov 27 23:53:04 * Morgan shrugs Nov 27 23:53:17 Best occupy him with other things then Nov 27 23:53:48 [It's alright, I'm just being over sensitive. Let's focus on the task at hand] Nov 27 23:54:21 [No, we cannot focus until your mind is at ease. Tell me] Nov 27 23:57:11 [I am the outsider sometimes, that's all] Nov 27 23:57:58 [No love... You're not. So much so that its forgotten that you're not from a superstitious backwater. You view superstitions as I, mostly, do] Nov 27 23:58:19 [thank you, my love] Nov 27 23:59:27 * Morgan nods slightly, looking over towards the Sheik