The other side of the looking glass -- Scatha and Barrett

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

Samheen 23rd, Late tradetide

The sun, though still marking early afternoon on the much brisker shores of the citadel, cast the heavy rays of late tradetide through the balcony doors and wide windows. The clarity of the sky and duskiness of dun colored landscape cast the orb in a reddish glow, and even the motifs seemed to pick up that richly colored cast.

A light but firm knock upon the hallway door preceded someone garbed in a toga difficult to determine where the pale garment began or ended. The young woman bore the dusky beauty of Amun Rah in both her smooth features and rich brown eyes, which were lowered with servile respect. There was an elegance to the curve of her limbs as she folded herself in a respectful bow to each in turn.

"Forgive the intrusion, masters, I have been sent to assure you have all your needs met. His Graciousness, the Rafao, has given you the freedom of his palace, but requests that you make use of a guard as escort and guide if you leave the protection of these walls."

She awaited their command or dismissal in respectful silence, her feet one step beyond the closed hallway door.

[Barrett]

"But we haven't even - "
Barrett looked from the energetic Dortwoman to the servant at the door.
Let her explore. And enjoy herself. She’ll be useless for learning if you keep her caged. She wants focus though, or her other lessons will never come.

"By all means, Lady Scatha, I'm sure this young woman can guide you to such a place. Only please come and get me should you decide to leave the Palace proper."

Barrett turned to address the servant in a somewhat "official" manner.
"Our host is most Gracious indeed. I believe Lady Ashtir would like a bath. I myself would like to look at some maps. Perhaps there is a library that I may visit? Some historical and mercantile references would also be excellent. And of course we will both need some clothes. Something appropriate for travel during the day here. We do not wish to appear too silly in our Citadel garb.”

[wyrdgirluk]

Scatha clapped her hands in pleasure; "Oh yes PLEASE. And not a bath to get clean - somewhere to swim, I meant. And new clothes would be lovely." She looked down at herself doubtfully, especially at the tight leather trousers with the faintly indecent ties down the outer thighs; "Unless people in Amun Rah wear these...?" Looking at the servant woman, Scatha had a strong suspicion that they didn't. She listened to Barrett, and shook her head in exasperation; "There is an entire island to see, and you want to sit and read? You need to get some fresh air. Come and swim with me." She turned to the servant girl; "There is one more thing - he needs his own bedroom. There's only one bed, and thats mine, and I don't think its fair to make him sleep on the balcony, do you...?"

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

The servant woman bowed in response to Barrett's words, her features serene and unchanging.

"The Archives will be what you seek, you will be found one with knowledge to answer such questions there. If you would but leave clothing of your own, with which to compare, you will be provided new garments for the morrow." The young woman bowed respectfully towards Barrett, her tone remained blandly polite. "You are most wise, young master, and thoughtful of customs which will protect you against the day's warmth."

Turning to Scatha, the servant woman straightened in her toga-robes before inclining her upper body in acqueisance. The sight of a woman dressed so was not necessarily uncommon... but the servant could not recall a foreign dignitary ever dressing as did those of a lesser caste. There was perhaps a flicker of confusion, as the servant tried to place Scatha in some sort of definite rank... and failed. In lieu of anything else, she bowed and spoke in manners precisely as those directed towards Barrett, hoping not to offend the man by such, and watching the both to immediately correct her manners as necessary. To a slave or servant in the Rafao's palace, rank and structure reigned supreme, and offense given to foreigners was easier handled by the Rafao's punishing the hapless servant.

"Such can be found as fits your needs, the bathing facilities are suited to both, Lady." Her eyes lowered completely to the ground, providing an answer to the unspoken question. "Such fashions in Amun Rah are occasionally seen, but would not allow you to blend in easily. Our clothing is tailored to our land, and the young Master is wise in his wishes." No servant or slave would come out and say it directly, but Scatha's garments were positively scandalous in a society where the common woman was already seen as somewhat lesser than male. Royalty and the upper class were not so strict, but still the association lingered.

"There is one more thing - he needs his own bedroom. There's only one bed, and thats mine, and I don't think its fair to make him sleep on the balcony, do you...?"

At Scatha's query, the young woman's eyes widened ever so slightly. <i>Have the young couple quarrelled?</i> Quickly dismissing her speculation, she bowed humbly, embarrassed, though her expression remained as serene as before.

"If the young master wishes...?" If Barrett did agree, the young servant woman moved to a plain wall where a rod supported a thin tapestry, hung on rings. The sound of faintly clinking metal chimed as she pushed it to one side, the tapestry clinging to itself like a drapery. The door revealed was painted to match the wall, but was currently barred. "The room next to this will be suitable for your needs? This adjoining door must be unlocked from both sides for access." She threw back the bolt, opening the entrance to reveal a smooth indented wall shape that could have been a door... but was obviously impossible to open from this side. "The room will be prepared upon your return." Closing it, she cast her eyes once more to the floor.

If they made no requests for her, she paused to allow them to set aside the clothing the tailors would use for fitting the Amunric garments they would need. When all was prepared, she directed them from their apartments, heading for the baths. If asked questions, she would respond, but otherwise remained respectfully silent as they walked.

The hallways differed little from their earlier foray into them, but it was clear their path through the palace was taking them down to the ground floor.

[Barrett]

Barrett was about to insist that the one room would do.
After all there is the illusion of bickering couple to keep. But a bickering upper caste couple might well request separate rooms...
He nodded his assent to the request, with a stern look to his "lady" for show.
"Yes, yes, my dear. I would not dream of keeping you awake with the light from my late-night reading. Of course we shall have two rooms."

The revelation that there was an adjoining room lessened his doubts somewhat. He would just as soon occupy both rooms than have a vacant room with a convenient connecting door to be used by spies or their ilk. He carefully looked around to see if there were any other such surprises.

You're loosing your edge not to have spotted that, boy. What would Thean have said? If he were here... and alive.
The regimen displayed by the old paladin in safeguarding Barrett's quarters on Oracle's Isle set him to thinking about the tactical details of these quarters. To the servant, he might appear interested in the perfection of each detail of the room. In reality, he was looking for all possible angles from which someone might choose to infiltrate it.

I'll need to do a more thorough job when we return. Best not to keep "Lady" Scatha waiting too long.
"Now, I think I'll to the Archives as it sounds just the place for what I seek. I realize there's a whole island to explore. And it will still be there tomorrow. In the meantime I'd like to prepare myself with some understanding of what I'll be seeing."

The querist mapped and measured each step he took, comparing it with the journey they had already taken to build a mental model of the place. Each turn, each step, each incline, passage or doorway. Not that he would need such a map. But one never knew.

[wyrdgirluk]

Scatha peered with interest into the room beyond the tapestry; "That's jolly clever," she said admiringly. "I'd never have thought of looking behind that. You can have that one, Barrett." She considered the servant woman's reply about the clothing; if you would but leave clothing of your own, with which to compare, you will be provided new garments for the morrow. "That might be a bit awkward," she said cheerfully. "These are the only clothes we've got. I suppose we could leave them here for you to measure up, as long as no-one minds us being naked." She grinned wickedly at Barrett, and indicated towards his crotch; "And you'd wouldn't be at loss for a book mark. But I suppose it will have to wait until this evening, when we've gone to bed. Now, where's this bathing place?"

She followed the servant and Barrett down the corridors, taking in the unusual toga-robe clothing that she wore. It was very simple, yet still elegant; I bet that's lovely and cool to wear... "My name's Scatha, by the way," she said to the servant woman. "What's yours?"

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

The servant seemed unfazed by Scatha's revelation, merely bowing an acknowledgement as they emerged from the final stairway.

"That would be sufficient, Lady. We will, of course, provide clothing for you in the meantime."

"We are almost to the bathing pool, masters. If you wish to inquire of our etiquette, there will be attendents available to provide explanations fit for your thoughtfulness." A low, squat sandstone arch lay directly ahead - suitable for allowing three persons to walk abreast, but not particularly high. Past the arch, the floor was inlaid with tile mosaic, as it curved around through a hallway specifically designed to provide privacy from passerbys.

As they emerged from the winding hallway, it opened up into an airy room with vaulted ceilings. Light streamed through periodic windows which were tinted with striations too precise to be flaws. It allowed light, but prevented peering by unwanted eyes.

"My name is Alevina, Lady.... and this... is the bathing room." Alevina stepped somewhat briskly forward, clapping her hands together briskly for the attention of the servants in the room. "These are guests of the Rafao, they have the freedom of the palace and wish to bide here a time. Please allow them privacy as they request." A semi-circular pool, surrounded by the columns, was half-hidden by large potted plants and trailing vines dangling from chains. Bare and naked as the day they were born, two women and a man emerged from the pool, inclined their upper bodies slightly at the newcomers, and accepted the towels given by the attendents before disappearing into another thinner hallway. Alevina turned to the pair, apparently used to such demonstrations. "Water is sacred to us, so please speak to an attendent before entering the pool. They will assist you with our traditions." The tile continued from the hallway they had just exited, the patterns of ivory and gold swirling around the pool mimicing the earlier sun and moon motif. Several constellations could be found there, if one had the time and patience to study it.

Leaving the pair alone for a few moments, Alevina moved away, intent on settling everything in place before departing. <i>The young master is protective, best leave them a moment before leading him eslewhere.</i> The young woman had not missed Barrett's alert surprise when discovering the room, though the doors between were each almost as thick as an ordinary wall.

Alevina returned with another much younger girl of perhaps 14, barefooted except for a slender iron band about her left calf.

"Lady, this will be your attendent. If you and the master have no other questions, we will continue on to the Archives. A servant can lead you there when you are finished, if you so desire." She awaited further direction, eyes lowered appropriately.

[Barrett]

A few days ago, Barrett’s response to his countrywoman’s jest would have been a quick blush accompanied by a grin and a shrug. But the boy who had set out from Dort had aged somewhat on his journey. And he sensed that a more confident position would serve him better socially.
“Don’t be silly, I wouldn’t want to break the bindings of any books.”
Inwardly he groaned at such a typical brash brag, but he allowed himself a slight swagger to his walk for a bit as might be expected.

Of course, water is sacred. I wonder if it is a mark of privilege to bathe here? Or are there bath houses in the city for all, as in Dort? I bathed before presenting myself at the Embassy, so it seems a waste to do so again so soon. Perhaps a brief dip later, for ceremony’s sake.
“I am curious as to the hours during which one may bathe. I have business to attend, but it would be nice to take a cleansing later. Scatha, perhaps you could note the customs and explain them to me so that I will be prepared when I return?”

Barrett waited to see that Scatha was comfortable, or at least in good hands, before motioning for the servant to lead him on to the Archives.

[wyrdgirluk]

Scatha was agog at her surroundings, especially the other naked occupants of the pool; "Look!" she whispered to Barrett. "They're skinny dipping!" Skinny-dipping wasn't anything unusual for Scatha - in fact, she rather enjoyed the experience - but skinny-sipping with boys was quite another matter. Or men, she corrected herself, looking at the naked fellow emerging from the pool and blushing. "It's very lovely," she said, taking in her surroundings, "but what I meant was a bath in a lake, or the sea - so I could see the island as well. Would that be possible...?"

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

Alevina bowed apologetically to the Lady Scatha.

"The lake in which the Rafao's palace is centered is not appropriate for such, and while there is a port in the city, it is some distance until an appropriate place for swimming could be found."

The servant woman's face creased ever so slightly, worried she was not able to provide for the guests as the Rafao had commanded. Head lowered respectfully, she responded to Barrett as she considered the predicament.

"The bathing room is always attended, master. Most come at the end of morningtide or at the end of the day, if you wish privacy, now or late this evening would be best."

At Barrett's gesture, she began to move off. Scatha could still follow them, if she desired. The slave girl attendent knelt on one knee, the other covered by both palms as she bowed her head, waiting for Scatha's permission to serve her.

The archives were a flight of stairs beyond the bathing pool, as well as a good few burns walk. Alevina moved in graceful silence, her honey-colored limbs moving smoothly and easily. The map beginning to form in Barrett's head revealed this to be a point in the triangle of their rooms, the bathing pool and... now the Archives.

A window they passed revealed walkway gardens that seemed similar to those viewed from their apartments, though it was not immediately clear where exactly their own rooms were,

A double-doored entrance barred their way, carved designs gilded with what appeared to be gold, but a guard stepped forward to pull it open before any study of it could be accomplished. Alevina dipped her head in response to the courtesy, and swept through.

Beyond lay an elegant room, about thrice the height of a man. Two staircases led upwards from either side of the door, promising a further story if one but ventured there. As it was, the tang of paper, ink and books permeated the sandstone walls and the few historical tapestries that adorned the few bare spaces where no books sat at rest. As before, a man similarly garbed as the Rafao appeared in nearly every one. It seemed more a representation of a station than merely one man.

As the two progressed further into the room, more shelves could be seen lined neatly midst the center of the room. Here, however, slender cylindrical casings seemed to rest in odd shelves just large enough for one casing to rest. Scattered about the edges of the room were low lying tables, with cushions. No chairs were in sight.

There were a few others browsing the room, an old man with a fraying white beard, his well-worn face dark with age, though it seemed little damaged by the spotting usually seen by those who spent time in the sun.
A bald, tanned man was wrinkling his slightly flattened nose and tugging at the bit of a goatee curling from his chin. He appeared engrossed in a scroll spread out across his table.

The old man looked up as they entered, and Alevina bowed in response.

"This is the Master Archivist, he will direct you to the materials you seek. If you have no further need of me, Master, a guard or another servant will be able to escort you back to your quarters later."

[wyrdgirluk]

Scatha wrinkled her nose; she'd really wanted to go and explore the island, but it looked like that wasn't going to happen. She felt vaguely disappointed, the same way she'd done on her 10th birthday when she'd really wanted a whip, and her aunt Etain had given her a woolly undershift. Still... the water does look inviting. And maybe I can talk to the girl, and see what she says about the island. Maybe she can show me round afterwards... "You go on without me," Scatha said cheerfully. "I'm sure you'll find lots of interesting things to bookmark." She winked at Barrett, and then turned to the servant girl.

"You don't have to kneel," she said with a smile. "Please - get up, and show me everything there is to see. I'm Scatha, by the way. I bet you have a name that's a pretty as you are...?"

[Barrett]

Scatha’s reaction to the news of her “confinement” seemed mixed with an odd thrill involved with the nudity. That much was plain from her reactions and words. Hopefully she would find enough amusement to keep her from wandering into further trouble... but somehow Barrett doubted it.

Such worries were relegated to secondary status as he continued his mental modeling of the Rafao’s palace.
Upon reaching the archives, the Dortman acknowledged the guard with a brief nod before following his guide into the chambers beyond.

At last, somewhat familiar territory. His eyes took in the arrangements of materials and resources. He checked for anything out of the ordinary: any unorthodox practice in shelving or lighting that might be an advance upon his current knowledge and the practices at Citadel Archives. he also checked to make sure everything looked well tended, with an eye to maximum preservation of materials.

The tapestries caught his eye. Barrett wondered if the Rafaos were so similar or if it was merely their public image that was groomed so - with each new Rafao being carefully sculpted into the image that was expected.

"Thank you, Alevina. Your conscientious service is a reflection of this grand palace.”

“Good tide you, Master Archivist. I would take a few burns to observe the layout and methodology of your archives if that is permissible? I have come seeking historical and trade information as well as maps, but I also have an interest in archival methods and indexing.”

The Querist took the opportunity to peek surreptitiously at the scroll currently being perused.

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

While Alevina had been courteous and welcoming, bearing a certain dignity of her own, it was clear that the young girl she had found to serve Scatha was of far less stature, and knew it. Obedient to Scatha's command, she rose to her feet as the other two departed.

"As you wish lady." The young girl seemed astounded at the request for a name. She was a slave, and this was a <i>guest of the Rafao</i>. "My name? It is Meilin, Lady." A quick bobbing bow accompanied the girl's following speech, as if by following the Lady's instructions (of showing her everything) she could prevent the kind woman from making another faux pas.

"The... washing room is in this alcove..." Meilin led the way to an alcove with several low, squat stools, promptly setting a small table next to one, and retrieving fresh soaps, a spherical cloth for washing, and several odd bits and ends. "As courtesy to others, it is customary to wash the filth of..." Her eyes widened as she bumbled. "wash the... the.. toil of.." again she fumbled for words, afraid she would offend this foreigner. "to cleanse oneself so the pool remains pure." Meilin's eyes remained rivetted to the floor or Scatha's feet as she spoke. Turning, the young slave pointed to the oddly tinted windows. "This room is actually slightly below the ground level, above you would find the dome covered with plants, barring the windows themselves." She moved once more to the side of the pool, peering past the plants which obstructed it from view. "The water is empty now, Alevina wanted to provide you privacy." Dipping a finger in to check the temperature, it was slightly tepid - but far cooler than the heat of Amun Rah itself.

"I am here to attend you lady, if you wish to begin.. er... cleansing..." From her manner, it was clear that the young slave assumed that <i>she</i> would be providing the scrubbing...

Perhaps prompted by Scatha's friendliness so far, she dared to ask, tentatively... "They say, Lady, that the Rafao summoned you to his private chambers.. ! How is this so? Where do you come from, that you have such high honor?

OOC: Barrett, I wasn't very clear about which man was the archivist, my apologies!

<b>Barrett</b>, on the other hand, was in a room almost completely lacking in moisture, as such would damage the delicate materials. The number of books seemed

The lovely young servant woman seemed pleased with Barrett's praise, but quickly smoothed her very brief smile into the calm, collected features that gave her a rather stonelike look.

The bald man was still looking at the scroll, but as Barrett peered to look, loosened his grip. The material rolled back in on itself, hiding the contents from sight. "That one." His voice was gruff as his head jerked in the direction of the other person in the room, he did not look up, but began sliding the scroll into a cylindrical tube. The tube was very similar to the ones settled in the unique shelves in the center of the room, complete with nobby ends, though one of these knobs had a scratch on it.

The old man with a fraying white beard had been shuffling just behind this table, a couple scroll cases tucked under one arm. His eyes were alert, despite his graven features. His hair was white, flowing neatly to his shoulders in a thinning swatch which revealed his scalp from time to time.

The windows were similar to those in the bathing room, glass 'flawed' in a specific pattern that left it hazy and opaque, though smaller and more frequently spread about the room. This enabled the room to be lit without the dangers of candles, and lent a gentle ambience to the room. Direct sunlight was damaging to both tapestry and paper. It was not immediately clear how the room would be lit in the fewer evening hours, though a few unlit candlesconces littered the room, it seemed not nearly enough for it to be lit competely. Each candle was covered by a twisting glass cover that had small openings at both the bottom and the top to allow air flow.

"G'tide." The old man's nearly black eyes, surrounded by wrinkles which attested to an age far greater than Barrett's own, peered in the young archivist's direction. Curiosity and interest perked the old man's bushy brows as he shuffled around the table, his free hand lifting to Barret's elbow to direct him towards an unclaimed table. "You are welcome, of course... to see anything in this room. An assistant will have to retrieve the map from upstairs...." His voice was surprisingly deep, though it bore the faint tremblings of the weight of his years. A young man, previously unnoticed, slid from behind a desk, proceeding to scurry towards the upwards stairs. "You are interested in trade? Hrmm... our histories will not be likely to contain much more than names, dates and events. Hrmmm." He cleared his throat. "There are a few scrolls with local lore... but what kind of trade do you seek? Foodstuffs? Animals? Exotic Goods?" The Master Archivist seemed to scanning through his mind, arranging the personal catalogue he kept there.

"Our archiving methods are simple - first catalogued by subject, and then by year. We have no complete list of the materials here, yet, but my assistants are working on bringing us up-to-date." He harrumphed, obviously this was a longstanding debacle. "Any decent Archivist need not refer to a catalogue.." he tapped his head with a stubby forefinger. "he's not worth the name unless it's kept in here. What would you say is more important, Young Sir... producing more papers that need to be preserved? Or preserving what you have? I have four assistants, and not a one, perhaps, ready to fill these old shoes of mine."

As they spoke, the old man shuffled about the room for a few moments, gesturing towards the various areas. The shelves containing the scrolls were situated in a squarelike formation - each parallel with it's brothers. It seemed divided into quarters of histories (including royal lineages and the dry information of events and dates with little explanation), Local Lore (where dozens of disparate papers had been meticulously gathered and the information combined in one scroll, greatly reducing the wear and tear on individual sheets), Law, and the last quarter bore a number of scrolls pertaining to foreign cities, customs and so forth - none of which applied to Amun Rah.

The books lining the walls of the room, as per the Archivist, were in a similar format, though there were a great many more subjects. The old archivist suddenly sniffed with disdain, and leaned in conspiratorially towards Barrett.

"The Rafao's sister, Isis, has a weakness for these trite stories..." a hand flicked to gesture towards the fiction lining a small section of the wall. "At least she is well placed in the Citadel, far from my Archives! She has no respect for the preservation of knowledge.. that one." The master archivist seemed to have no fear, continuing blithely on. "Wants what she wants, when she wants it... and who cares if anyone else needs to read a book or scroll - when she is through with something, it is practically useless." The man chuckled, then, tapping the side of his nose with a grin. "We got around that, though, I'd take my good time 'finding' it for her... and provide a copy courtesy of my assistants."

At that moment, the archivist glanced around, his attention caught by some small noise within his domain. "Feel free to explore, I do lock up the Archives about mid evening-tide... Here now!" He began to shuffle down two steps to the center of the room, where the bald man from earlier was plucking at random scrolls in the Foreign section. "Not so rough..." the rest of the old man's comments were lost in a quiet squabble.

Barrett would be left to seek out further information on his own, the assistant had not yet returned with the maps.

[/b]

[Barrett]

Enthusiasm lit the young scholar's features. While he enjoyed exercise and social activity, this was his true element.

"Yes, yes, and yes."

"All manner of trade, common and rare, for goods unique to Amun Rah. Also any established laws regulating trade limitations and goods either forbidden or limited for export. I wish to make a profit but not at the expense of alienating the gods, the Rafao or his people."

"Let's see... particulars. Animal goods. Reptile or mammalian pelts, feathers, animal and plant derived oils and medicines. Mineral: decorative stones and sand-derived goods. That should be good for a start."

He listened good-naturedly to the archivist's opinions, finding much in common with the oldster. And of course, it would be impolitic to mention the need for a reliable system in case of the archivists illness or replacement.
"I dare say that no material catalogue can replace the rapid associations of a familiar and methodical mind. I hope that all your assistants may prove worthy of such a competent and dedicated mentor."

The information about Isis was filed away for reference. She was, in fact one of the secondary subjects that Barrett wished to investigate here on the desert isle. Already Nevamaier's comments had hinted at a potential troublemaker...
"A novel solution. I shall be sure to pass along your wisdom to Mistress Tabeann at Citadel Archives... assuming it is not already too late."
Barrett winked.

The Querist started his search with the Law section. He hoped to find some specific information on proscribed goods that might hint at how common (or hopefully uncommon) the export of Thothos feathers or the knowledge of their use in poisons might be.

He was also hoping for some reference to the Rose Stones. Someone had managed to transport at least one to Citadel. If there were record of it, Barrett might track down the source of the stones by mundane means.

The search, subjects intertwining as they often do, led from Law to History and took several side trips into Local Lore - where he was momentarily distracted by the need to seek mention of the Oasis and the adhiel conflict with Dominicus. Once Barrett had made some initial inroads, he sought to consult the map to see what information it might provide and whether it could confirm his own geographical ponderings with all of the citadel maps that he had perused.

[wyrdgirluk]

"Meilin... that's a pretty name," Scatha said with a smile. She followed the girl as she showed her around the bathing areas, absorbing all of the sights and scents and sounds of her surroundings. She grinned as Meilin stumbled over her words in the washing area; "You mean I have to get clean before I can get in the pool?" She glanced at the cool, clear water, and then at her hands and fingernails, which still contained traces of grime from Dort. "It's probably a good idea." With that, Scatha sat down on the floor, tugged her boots off, and wriggled out of her tight leather trousers before scrambling back on to her feet. "Just the blouse to go," she said cheerfully, and pulled it over her head before dropped it on the floor. She grinned at Meilin, quite naked, and suddenly felt something sticking out of her hair; it was the tiara, now dnagling precariously. Scatha burst out laughing, and pulled it free; "All jewellry and no knickers, as my aunt Flossie would say," she said, handing it to Meilin.

She considered the girl's questions; "The Rafao? Oh, the Duke of Dort sent me here to look after Barrett - thats the man I came here with - and make sure he didn't get into any trouble. You know what boys are like, always getting lost and embarrassing themselves in front of polite society," she said dismissively. "Now, about this cleaning... what happens next?"

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

Barrett's search of the Archives gave him a much better understanding of the general laws and history of the area, but lacked many of the specific details he sought. In particular, the recent nature of the Oasis information meant that it had not yet been inscribed for posterity's sake. Thus, there was nothing written to be found about any local alteractions between a god and Adhiel.

The more the young archivist studied, the more he realized that the information he discovered here was very generic in it's nature, with any recent additions attributed to minor changes in law rather than recent events.

The Thothos bird was not mentioned specifically, but the laws on the export of native creatures were rather strict. It would be unlikely an entire bird could be easily removed through ordinary means, and any exporter that left documented evidence would certainly be a foolish assassin's accomplice. Mention of poisons among the Local Lore seemed to revolve more around poisonous creatures such as snakes and scorpions, Thothos bird was not mentioned once.

There was a brief mention, in historical lore, of a holy mountain called Godspeak, far across the desert. Another legend mentioning a long-ago priest, Avendis, also caught Barrett's eye:

...And this priest, wishing to commune with his ancestors, sped East to a holy place with the well-wishes of his order. Upon his return from two days in the desert, the ancestors had granted him the wisdom of age. Avendis progressed rapidly....

While he was away, digging through more material, the table he had chosen was suddenly adorned by a large rolled map. The departing back of the Archivist's assistant could be seen.

OOC: Barrett, this is a decent reference for shape and 'look' of things, but please realize that only Abu'Sahir and other villages appear on the specific map you see. https://tazlure.nl/board/viewtopic.php?t=5546

The map of the C-shaped island rolled out to cover a good third of the table, the city of Abu'Sahir (with the palace beside it) clearly marked. Lanscape was conveyed by squiggles and scrawls, with shaftless arrowheads marking the mountains. One or two unnamed 'arrowheads' could be seen apart from the mountain range to the east.

A few of the markings for villages were randomly spotted along the island, but one in particular caught his eye. It was located on the Northern side of the river, not quite to where it met with Lake Muat, and was surrounded with several squiggles and shapes that clearly represented a marshy area. If Barrett could calculate distance, it would most likely be a good half-day's journey to the village, Mashere.

OOC: Scatha, I promise to return soon and post a response! I've got to catch my bus home, and want you to have a good response.

[Barrett]

Aside from expanding his basic knowledge of Amun Rah into more intricate associations of law and trade (the trade information would come in handy if anyone questioned his legitimacy as a representative of the Trade Guild) and making better inroads into local lore, there was very little new information pertaining to Barrett's true purpose(s) here. Even the map held little knew to him.

To some, this would have seemed discouraging, possibly even a waste of time. But to a priest of knowledge currently acquiring background on a fascinating new location... every bit of data, though unrelated, was quite valuable. Besides, it confirmed that he had already done enough research to strike out into the field in search of more immediate knowledge. Tomorrow would see him walking new roads.

Scatha will be pleased.
The thought of the adventurous young woman exploring the marshes and river brought a smile to the Querist’s eyes. It seemed a proper reward for her efforts at literacy.
Let the wild beasts beware!

The lack of mention of the Thothos makes sense, since I'm working with the assumption that it is a rare poison. It means that information I might find regarding some making their way to Citadel could be linked to the assassination. It also means that those behind the crime have very specialized knowledge. I'll need to consult Erwin to see if he can gain access to the underworld elements of Citadel for further research... but Silk as the primary suspect - since he commands assassins - remains viable. Isis... also seems a likely sort to know such things. And she would certainly have access. Him, her or them... or someone else? Too little data to do ore than speculate.

As to the Rose Stones... they are not my primary duty here. But it cannot hurt to fish for information among the taverns and crossroads of the villagers. Find what legends have grown from the events, as they tend to do. Avendis... perhaps a very discrete consultation with the local temples would yield more. Godspeak... yes. Definitely worth expanding upon.

Satisfied (or as satisfied as such a one can be with so much work left to be done), Barrett surfaced from the depths of his studies into the physical reality of the Archives once more. He sought out the Master Archivist, hoping to pry some more information on Isis or her interests from him. Of course that thought brought him round to the other fellow who had been in the archives... the one who seemed to have some conflict with the Archivist... and who had rather abruptly concealed his own material from Barrett's eyes.

"My friend... you and your assistants have been most helpful in preparing me for the work ahead.”

Barrett looked around to see who else was present as he approached the old man. Mentally he conjured the image of the first man... the scroll... it had been marked and been... there.

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

Scatha, for ease of posting, I'm splitting you off into the following post! If you join up with Barrett after the baths, I'll join you back up again.

Please go <a href="https://tazlure.nl/board/viewtopic.php?p=151987#151987"> Here</a>

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

Barrett found the old man twining a thoughtful finger in his scraggly beard as he compared two scrolls where he knelt by a desk near the entrance. One bore the discoloration of age about it's edges, the other seemed fresh. He was muttering to himself as Barrett approached.

"There... mispelled..." He squinted at the page again, turning his head as if by doing so he could make the words appear as he wished. "And that... not enough spacing..."

"My friend... you and your assistants have been most helpful in preparing me for the work ahead.”

"Hm? Ah... yes.. the young Master Trader ... so did you find what you were looking for? Sorry I had to leave you so abruptly... he nodded towards the middle of the room... some of those allowed to come here simply do not respect the delicacy of these materials."

Barrett would remember the man, who he had first mistaken for the archivist, as being bald, with a neatly trimmed goattee interupting his tanned features, and bearing a slightly squashed nose. Barrett had the vague impression that the man had also been hovering around the scroll shelves, seemingly intent on his own research once he had been released from the Master Archivist's clutches and lectures.

At the moment, he was out of sight, but it was uncertain whether or not he would reappear soon. The table the man had first been seated at still showed signs of use... there were three rolled scrolls still lying upon there... but it had not been disturbed for many minutes.

As Barrett had passed the table on the way to the Master Archivist, he recognized that two of the scrolls had similar scratches on them. One was half in it's case, the other was lying free on the table.

"So, what conclusions have you made? Are you ready to begin the footwork you need to do your trading?" The master seemed quite relieved at the interuption, ready to take a moment from the less than perfect copy he was assessing.

[Barrett]

Barrett inferred that the Archivist was reviewing the work of his assistants. It brought back memory of time spent at the archives of the Temple of Light. The scholar wondered what the older man would make of his own beginnings at an artistic hand.

"I have indeed found the necessary tools to prepare me for the morrow. And no need to apologize, I quite understand the serious nature of your duties."

The man's odd appearance, something not quite right about his behavior and his reaction to Barrett. The marred Marked? scrolls. These sent alarm bells ringing in the Querist's mind. Too close to the manner in which he had discovered the network of treachery in the great library on Oracle's Isle.

Barrett became quite suddenly focused on the now. This place and time rather than the speculations he had been building about the morrow's tasks. His senses trained on every little detail of the surroundings. Motions. Sounds. Smells. The interactions of those present, both spoken and implied. Little clues, details, data! Had the odd man communicated in any way with the assistants or any other patrons? Maintained a pattern of movement that correlated with the presence of others? Had the marked scrolls come all from one section or were they scattered throughout the collection.

"Yes, good Master Archivist, I daresay it is time to go out and seek direct sources. Exploration and conversation: field work upon which to base my own potential contributions to the body of information. For it is education and knowledge that interest me as well as the topics of trade."

"But I wonder if I might trouble you with a few questions about that other fellow."
The Dortman lowered his voice so that it would not carry and betray his interest to others, particularly in case the man in question was still present. In fact Barrett's eyes swept the area discretely searching for the man.
"He puts me in mind of someone who was involved in some trouble at the great library on Oracle's Isle, and my own sense of duty urges me to assure that he does not intend the harm he brings to your materials here. Is he a frequent visitor or a recent addition? And what particular materials has he been showing an interest in?"

[Aislinn O`Conaill]

<i>Samheen 23rd, Eveningtide</i>

Barrett's senses sharpened with his focus, but there seemed little out of place. There were one or two others settling down at tables now, scrolls spread, the room dimming slightly as the glass windows darkened faintly and slowly with the encroaching evening. A slave was beginning to light the sconces along the walls, carefully lifting the glass cover, lighting the wick, and then depositing it once more so it could glow with a lustrous lumination.

Although the smells bore the faint taint of Amunric spices that seemed to linger everywhere, there seemed nothing specificly out of place - all was the gentle rustling of dry parchment and the gentle sound of quiet footsteps. As most libraries were, the Archives seemed to impose a general quietness to those within it's confines.

Most of Barrett's data was locked in the past, accessible only through his memory, as his thoughts had been otherwise occupied at the time. He did however, recall seeing a few other marred scrolls, though there seemed no immediate pattern. Many of the items in the archives were old, and those in the section containing law were probably the most likely to have been handled, and thus, mishandled.

There was (and had been) little interaction between those present, besides the Master's occasional grumbling at any that caught his eye in misbehavior with his precious charges. Of course Barrett had difficulty placing those who had not been in his immediate vicinity - the shelves full of scrolls had blocked much of his view of elsewhere in the room.

The bald man returned to his table, a scroll gripped carelessly in one hand - he glanced to where Barrett and the old Archivist sat - and before he could be remonstrated, was suddenly carrying it carefully in both hands. The Master Archivist glowered belatedly, though the bald man's attention was focused on his materials as he knelt down on his cushion. Barrett would remember that the bald man had been hovering about the scroll shelves as well, looking at items scattered throughout the various subjects - but he hadn't necessarily been there any more than Barrett himself had been, so perhaps that wasn't much to lay suspicion upon.

"Yes, good Master Archivist, I daresay it is time to go out and seek direct sources. Exploration and conversation: field work upon which to base my own potential contributions to the body of information. For it is education and knowledge that interest me as well as the topics of trade."

"And where do you plan to explore first? Do you have contacts in Abu'Sahir... or are you visiting vendors directly?" The old man's interest seemed driven by Barrett's own, and he blinked in brief surprise as Barrett lowered his voice. "What was that, Lad?" After a second, he seemed to have gathered the phrase in his head, and glanced at the man Barrett had indicated.

"A few questions? Why?" His voice was not pitched as low as Barrett's, but it's natural quietness may have kept it from carrying. Then again, it depended on the sharpness of the surrounding ears.

"He puts me in mind of someone who was involved in some trouble at the great library on Oracle's Isle, and my own sense of duty urges me to assure that he does not intend the harm he brings to your materials here. Is he a frequent visitor or a recent addition? And what particular materials has he been showing an interest in?"

While the Master Archivist had seemed willing to help at first, his friendly expression faded ever so slightly at the peppering of questions. The people of Amun Rah tended to be suspicious of outsiders in general, and while he had connected with this young foreigner, to hear one of his countrymen so accused was a bit of an abrupt wall.

"Oracle's Isle? Well, no, he's a part of someone's or another's entourage - a high ranking slave I suppose, perhaps a scribe. A local, I greatly doubt he'd have ever left the island. He's just a careless fool, don't bother yourself." These last words caused the bald man at the not-too-distant table to glance up at the general direction of the Archivist, not quite scowling. He promptly gathered the scrolls up, and moved back towards the shelves they had apparently been fetched from. "He's never been one to like foreigners, so just you mind that, and leave us to be suspicious of our own." With a definitive nod, the old man looked back at Barrett, preparing to thaw as if the discussion was behind them.

"Now... was there anything else you needed help with?"

[Barrett]

Barrett was torn. Instinct told him something was wrong... but he was wary of creating problems where there might be none. If the bald man was involved in some sort of espionage utilizing the archives for communication, Barrett would need to gain access to the scrolls in question. There was no other way to confirm the suspicion.

He schooled himself to a casual demeanor, not wanting to give himself away too much by appearing too secretive or too concerned about the man. Besides, he had obviously invited himself into an area that the Archivist considered his own territory. Why should a young tradesman or diplomat be interested in such things anyway. Better to save this investigation for later...

"Quite right my friend. I meant no offense. It just worried me to see you and your work disrespected. As for help... well it might be a bit outside your area, but, I will be looking for a guide to visit the marshes along the Emphalis tomorrow and was wondering if you might recommend anyone in particular. I'll also be venturing into taverns and whatnot to collect local lore to relate to my uncle back home- He's quite a storyteller and always looking for new tales. If there is a particular place or orator of repute that you can think of, I would be most grateful."

[Barrett]

Barrett thanked the archivist for his help and complemented him once more on the condition and organization of the archives. He spent another mark or two in the library, consulting scrolls of Law regarding the institution of slavery and other things unique to the isle of Amun Rah.

Of course there was an ulterior motive for his continued presence in the archives: he wanted to observe the bald man for a bit to see if any of his suspicions might be proved or disproved. In fact, Barrett made a pass through the scroll racks to see if he could spot any materials bearing similar scratch marks to those he had observed on the bald man's selections. Any such scrolls encountered would be carefully analyzed for hidden message patterns or code words. Even the mundane contents of them were committed partially to memory, in case they might prove useful later.

Although Barrett's enthusiasm could carry his search through the night and into the morning, he seemed to have learned all he could from the archives without further direction. So the young priest carried himself back to his chambers and spent the next tide or so meditating for rest and to cull through the various plots and plans which he would need to navigate to fulfill his duties on this journey.

(OOC: Just rounding this out so as to finish up the thread for Synch. )

[Maeve]

Closing this and sending it for skilling. Thank you for a very enjoyable thread!

[Brytan]

Read and skilled. I attemped to be as precise as I could given the fact I hadn't read the thread beforehand, taking into account skills already present, here is what I came up with:

Scatha
- Culture [Amun Rah] - Basic+**
- Persuade - Basic+*
- Interrogation - Basic+***
- Reconaissance - Basic+*

Barrett
- Culture [Amun Rah] - Basic+***
- History, written [Amun Rah, common lore] - Basic (new)
- Persuade - Basic (new)
- Meditation - Basic+***
- Debate - Basic+***

I can't wait till I have to go and skill our 5-pager