As Li Hua explains the necessity of carrying a weapon as a young woman alone at night, Kavian listens attentively, his expression thoughtful. He hadn't brought attention to the weapon without understanding something so fundamental. Despite the seriousness of her explanation, Kavian can't help but grin at the misunderstanding and the lengthy defense of her weapon.

"I meant no offense, Li Hua," he interjects gently, his tone reassuring. "When I said you wouldn't be needing it, I meant that you're safe here with us. Asherah and I pose no threat to you." He pauses, then continues, elaborating on his point. "Besides, openly wearing such a weapon can be misconstrued as an intention of violence in these parts. It's better to have a small, concealed defense or carry something so commonplace that it wouldn't raise suspicions. It will likely to attract unwanted attention from the authorities." He allows his words to sink in before continuing. "It's important to stay safe, but it's also important to avoid unnecessary trouble."

As Li Hua defends her choice of attire, Kavian's attention sharpens. He watches her closely, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on her elegant gown,  shimmering in the dwindling sunlight. He nods thoughtfully, considering her words, before responding. "It's a beautiful gown, no doubt," he concedes, "but I was simply concerned about its well-being. We're about to enter the well, after all." His tone is gentle, a hint of humor underlying his words.

Both women seem to pick up on his guardedness about the meeting, and Kavian decides to address it directly. "I just wanted to share something with you both," he explains, his voice earnest. "Something difficult to explain, and fragile. But I also have to be careful about who knows."

In his mind, he's thinking of his network of children, the gang he's formed over the years. They thrive on secrecy, living beneath notice, and he knows the wrong influence could endanger everything he's built.

Kavian's heart quickens as he feels the weight in the air intensify, a sensation unlike anything he's experienced before. Li Hua's sudden expletive jolts him out of his thoughts, and he watches her warily as she steps away, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword. He feels a shiver run down his spine at her words, her sense of impending danger echoing his own. "I feel it too," he admits, his voice tight with unease. "But a god? Here?" His mind races, trying to make sense of the situation, but the feeling of impending doom only grows stronger with each passing moment.

Asherah would scrunch her nose and look around. They couldn't possibly have unintentionally summoned a god just by exchanging sharp words. "are-are you two alright?" Asherah would ask with a hint of concern. She knew it was probably the truth if both of them sensed it but she was having a hard time believing such things. Asherah would look around not seeing a thing. "What do you mean by you 'sense' a god?" She'd ask, suddenly rethinking this trip for answers.

She had always despised the saying 'Curiosity killed the fish'. She knew it was because a curious fish would investigate the bait and end up as dinner. But simply shouldn't apply to humans. They thrived on learning and expanding knowledge, why should they stop out of fear? Though Asherah suddenly wondered if she was going to get her answer whether she liked it or not

"Ah" Li Hua had said at Kavian's explaination. She and Asherah had both misread Kavian it seemed. Well need it or not she couldn't exactly leave it behind. She'd been about to comment positively on that before being interrupted.

That was in the past. What was in the present was the so very powerful feeling of pressure. Of someone, or perhaps 'something' coming. "Feels similar to a God. Whatever a 'God' is" Li Hua commented to Kavian's question "I don't know if you can feel it Asherah of Hakirash. A 'pressure'. A feeling of being compressed perhaps. I am not likely to forget that" or the sheer terror of being surrounded by dozens of worshippers ready to do their God's bidding. And she also wasn't too likely to forget the God being afraid of her. Or bleeding just because she was there

"I think we had better move. If it is coming 'here' we don't want to be here when it arrives. If it is coming for me... well perhaps you two should go in a different direction. I would like to talk, so if we are separated let's meet at East Gate tomorrow just after dawn." Li Hua gestured in the direct of her inn "I will be going that way" Since she didn't know where the presence was approaching from, one direction was as good as another

And with that Li Hua began to leave. She could only see conflict and more pain and suffering if she stayed. If she left, perhaps she would be followed, perhaps not. But if she stayed ... that probably wasn't going to end well

Kavian feels the pressure growing, an oppressive weight that bears down on him, as if he were under the scrutiny of a god. The sensation is unnerving, but his logical mind rejects the notion of fleeing or defending against such a powerful entity. Instinctively, he wants to run, but his intellect and willpower keep him rooted in place.

"If it is a god," Kavian mutters, more to himself than anyone else, "then running or fighting seems pointless." He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to stand firm against the overwhelming urge to flee. He suspects that he and Asherah would have been be no closer to understanding their bond by the end of their rendezvous, but he knows that whatever happens now will be revealing, if nothing else.

In a moment of clarity, he realizes that facing destruction by a god is, in a twisted way, a worthy end for someone of his low station. Unconsciously, his hand reaches out to grasp Asherah's, a silent plea for her to stay with him. He trembles slightly, facing the unknown with a mix of fear and determination.

He looks at Asherah, his eyes reflecting both his fear and his resolve. "You should go," he says softly, though he hopes she won't. "You have loved ones you can take shelter with. I can't endanger my gang. I'll face whatever this is... alone if I have to."

Asherah saw the fear in their eyes. Her doubt vanishing faster than a seed on the high winds. “I-I see I don’t sense it as well. I just feel a slight pressure… something in the air. I suppose it must be worse for you two.” Said Asherah. She began to shake, fear taking hold. A god? Why would a god be after them? As much as Asherah tried she couldn’t think of anything she’d done.

Asherah gave Li Hua a look of concern. “Only if you feel it will help. And only if you really want to.” Asherah would reply to Li Hua as she reached out her hand to Kavian. There was a brief flash of surprise when her hand brushed his. Nonetheless, she grab it holding his hand in a firm yet gentle manner. The way she would her finer works.

Asherah would give Kavain a hard look when he told her to leave. She would take her free hand and slap him. Not particularly hard, but enough to get the point across. “And leave you? Never!” Asherah would look him in the eye, there Kavian could see how genuine her words were. Among her lingering anger at him for suggesting such a thing there would also be fear and reassurance. She wasn’t about to say ‘it will be okay’ but she did her best to convey as much with her eyes. Her hand shaking in Kavian’s.

Kavian winces slightly as Asherah's hand makes contact with his cheek, but he doesn't flinch away. Instead, he meets her hard gaze with his own, the intensity of their connection tangible even in the midst of uncertainty.

The slap stings, both physically and emotionally, but Kavian can't help but feel a surge of gratitude mixed with a touch of guilt. He's relieved that she's chosen to stay by his side, despite the danger they face. Her unwavering loyalty touches him deeply, reminding him that he's not truly alone in this.

He squeezes her hand tightly, drawing strength from her presence. "Thank you," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'm glad you're here."

In that moment, as they stand together against whatever fate may bring, Kavian finds solace in the simple act of holding Asherah's hand. It's a small gesture, but it's enough to reassure him that they'll face whatever comes their way, together.

"It won't help if the God is hunting us, or looking for us" Li Hua agreed with Kavian "But not everything is about us. Perhaps the God is just 'on his way through'. And perhaps it is something else. Staying here, with it on the way guarantees a meeting, which might go well and might go bad. Leaving gives us more options"

"The last God I met didn't sense me until ..." well until it's eye started bleeding "until I was close. And it was surprised to see me" and afraid to see her, but she wasn't going to say that to the other two for obvious reasons.

"I do recommend avoiding it, Kavian. It will not be 'after your boys'. It won't even notice them. Not if it's like the last one. And staying now puts Asherah at risk as well."

But that was enough talking.

"Perhaps I will see you again. I wish you both well. I will be at EastGate tomorrow around dawn." and probably fleeing the city immediately after the gates opened.

As Kavian and Asherah grasp hands, seeking comfort and deciding to put a surprising amount of trust in one another, Li Hua is preparing to flee...

Just as she begins to move, a figure pops out from a nearby alley, and all three pairs of eyes are drawn to him automatically.

A man in his mid-twenties. He's quite tall, but he just seems average because of his size. Broad-shouldered, with thick limbs and a large chest and stomach, every part of him is big. Right away, it's hard to tell if he's fat or muscular, or maybe both. He's just... large.

He has a foreign face, which Kavian recognizes as ethnically Nodavik. His expression is a kind and gentle one, and his posture is casual. Despite his size, he's clearly not a warrior. All three of the gathered individuals can tell this right away. Li Hua knows it by his untrained gait, Kavian by comparing the man to warriors he's seen before, and Asherah instinctually feels like he is a friendly person who doesn't like to fight.

Despite his apparent jolliness, Kavian still considers that he may be a hunter. He's not showing the movements of one, but many tribal folk hunt in groups where they don't need to stalk their prey independently.

He has medium-length shaggy hair, and a very thick beard. It's a deep brown hue, but the reddish color of copper when the light hits it. His eyes are brown, but have speckles of dark green.

His outfit is tribal. Handmade hides and furs strewn together. His hands are rough, he's clearly worked for a living.

The most striking thing perhaps is his smell. It is ... incredibly pleasant. A mixture of unfamiliar herbs and spices, makes the man feel like a walking cooking pot.

The man stops at a short distance from you all, clearly jolted out of his musings at the unexpected sight of three strangers staring at him.

As all your eyes meet....

KRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHAAAATHZAAAHHH

An inexplicable sound blasts through all of your minds. The pressure from before has exploded. It's not physically or mentally painful, but you all find yourselves grasping your heads as if in pain.

When your bleary eyes begin to focus....

Relief washes over you all. You feel liberated, as if before you had been in chains.

The pressure has completely vanished, only an echoing cry can be heard, it's voice indescribable and fading, and it's source omnipresent but also from nowhere at all.

The foreign man raises his head with a grunt and says, "Skalt urik torigmog... Azkag irg dik dasgrofa, haag! Sahagik... Krix bar kveftinmorg tek vassig, soryund. Megka tayen Sigismund, augh mettin"

The man clearly knows none of you understand his words, but he keeps talking with a smile anyway. At first he seemed surprised and pained, but he's already back to giving a smile and speaking in a rich, booming voice with a degree of softness.

It's utterly unclear what he's saying, but by reading his body language, one can tell most of his words were addressed to himself or to the group. The more muttered words may have been similar to Li Hua's expletives.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:32, Yesterday.

Too slow Li Hua thought to herself, making notes not to try and save the others who didn't want to be saved, if there was a next time. Mind you it was quite cute the way Asherah had clung to Kavian. Even at a time like this, it made her want to go 'awww....'.

The sense of 'relief' that game over her was a lot better than the terror caused by her last run-ins with supernatural creatures. She'd no idea what had happened. Perhaps this guy had sensed some curse on her and removed it or something. Certainly it did feel a little like that. That cry that was now fading... how did that tie into thos?

In any event, even if this stranger had projected some powerful supernatural power at them without anything approaching consent, she didn't get a feeling of badness about him. And she certainly shared his frustration over languages.

She now had half a dozen ways to say 'hello how are are you' and she tried them to see if perhaps they had some tongue in common

Kavian feels a sudden release of pressure, like a dam breaking, as a large man comes into view. The weight that had been pressing down on his shoulders dissipates, leaving him feeling unexpectedly liberated. For a moment, confusion clouds his thoughts as he tries to reconcile reality with his expectations.

Instead of the divine presence he had anticipated, before them stood another foreigner—a complete stranger who, paradoxically, carried the same eerie familiarity that he and Asherah shared with one another.

The direness of the moment evaporates, replaced by a burgeoning curiosity that sweeps over Kavian like a warm breeze. The tension melts away, leaving him acutely aware of his hand, still clasped in Asherah's. Self-consciously, he laughs, the sound a bit awkward but genuine, a hint of embarrassment colors his cheeks. His gaze shifts to Asherah, his soft brown eyes locking with hers.

As he gazes into Asherah's eyes with his soft browns, a new tenderness emerges. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he releases her hand, the gesture lingering longer than necessary, a silent testimony to the new affection that is growing for her. In that moment, his eyes speak volumes, conveying emotions that words could not.  In that moment, his eyes speak volumes, a silent promise and an unspoken understanding.

The gravity of the situation is not lost on Kavian. As he takes in the scene, he marvels at the improbable convergence of their paths. Seemingly by chance, the four of them have come together, stumbling upon one another on the same day at this appointed place. On the surface, it appears as if Kavian had orchestrated the meeting, choosing the well as their rendezvous point. But as he ponders the potential of cosmic forces at play, he can't help but wonder if there is a greater design at work.

As he turns his attention back to the imposing stranger, Kavian realizes he cannot understand the words the man speaks. The sounds are foreign, incomprehensible, yet not hostile. Keeping his eyes locked on the man, Kavian turns his head slightly towards Li Hua.

"Wait," he says softly to her, his voice measured and calm. "Let's all accompany you to your inn for a meal. We need to discuss things."

His suggestion hangs in the air, filled with unspoken urgency and a desire for understanding. He knows that Li Hua is the only one among them who seems to have any prior experience with the strange phenomena binding them together. He is eager to learn what she is willing to share, to piece together the puzzle of their intertwined fates.

Asherah would feel her cheeks heat slightly when Kavian thanked her and squeezed her hand. She’d laugh softly. “I’m glad your here.” She would whisper squeezing his hand back. Even taking a moment to enjoy its smoothness compared to her rough fingertips.

As the stranger came out, Asherah was rather scared. He was… big. Though as soon as he came out she was put at ease. He smelled of good spices. No bad man smelled of good spices. She did let out an audible gasp as he came into view. Asherah had never seen someone just wear furs before, he wore it well though. Asherah’s tailor mind began to turn right as-

The noise and the phantom pain illicited a whimper from Asherah. She would clutch Kavian’s hand, her free one flying to her head. Once it was over though, Asherah felt as if. She couldn’t describe the feeling. She just knew it felt the same way she had felt when she got home from Kurscos. It was as if invisible hands had come and just lifted the weight right off her shoulders. She would beam at the newcomer as he spoke. Asherah’s easy joy and curiosity flooding back in now that the pressure was off.

Asherah would immediately turn to Kavian when she heard his laugh. She just barely caught his moment of awkwardness. The emotion being rather contagious, Asherah would bite her lip cheeks flushing slightly once again. Her eyes would flick away in embarrassment for a moment. Only to come back to his.

Asherah’s breath would catch in her throat as Kavian looked at her with such intensity. There was a softness to them. A softness that put Asherah at an even greater loss for words. Asherah’s eyes turned a touch sorrowful as his hand pulled away from hers. She let her hand linger next to his as long as she could. Not really wanting to let go of him or the moment. She saw what he conveyed to her though. Part of her was even relieved that words were not expected. She would give the smallest tip of her head, acknowledging the promise. She could almost hear his voice in her head. ‘Another time, I swear’. That was good enough for her.

She wondered if there was more of them of if this was it, if that sound had been some final cosmic piece falling into place. Despite the language barrier Asherah wondered if this man would shed more light on the situation the four had found themselves in.

Asherah’s hope of this grew as Li Hua began trying different languages to see if she knew his.

Asherah would give Kavian a gentle smile as he suggested they head to Li Hua’s inn. She’d given him one before, but there something different about this one. Her eyes sparkling with this new emotion.

Sigismund mumbles a few more things in the unfamiliar language, but he seems mostly content to be quiet since nobody seems to speak his tongue.

He listens to Li Hua as she cycles through the tongues she knows, but gives a soft shake of his head along with a regretful smile - indicating he understands her gesture of trying to find a shared tongue, but that he doesn't recognize any of them.

The man moves a bit closer to the group, perhaps feeling awkward at the rather far distance. He seems a bit hesitant, perhaps not wanting to come off as forceful. He watches closely to make sure everyone is comfortable with his approach.

Should nobody get in his path, he approaches the olive tree that has been the centerpiece of this strange convergence of implausibilities.

Then, he does something that makes Kavian quite surprised. He raises a hand and gently plucks one of the olives from the tree. He rolls it around between his fingers. He sniffs it. He puts it in his mouth, wincing slightly at the saltiness, but then an expression of immense excitement appears on his face, and one can almost hear his heart beating and mind racing.

He chews the olive, discovering the pit, then spits it out and inspects it.

With the flesh gone and swallowed, he does not simply toss the pit away. Instead, he pulls out a thin satchel. As he opens it, glimpses of countless seeds, sprigs, salts and spices can be seen. Then, he places the pit inside an empty compartment.

He nods with satisfaction to himself.

Looking at the group around him, he rubs the back of his neck, his face slightly red in embarrassment.

"I left it a little late" Li Hua said in response to comments about going to the inn "If we get separated the offer still stands for a breakfast meeting. It is too late for a meal now though. The sun has gone down and everyone will be sleeping. You could say I left that too late as well"

"Let us see if we can communicate with our new acquaintance first. Perhaps Gods are different. Perhaps he is not one. I do feel better for the meeting. I don't have the words to describe quite what happened"

Kavian laughs with delight as he watches the large man carefully pluck an olive from the tree they are all standing beneath. The man examines it curiously before popping it into his mouth, his eyes lighting up with pleasure. Kavian notices how he savors the taste, even going so far as to save the seed, carefully tucking it away as if it were a precious gem.

"Did you see that?" Kavian says, a broad grin spreading across his face as he looks at Asherah and Li Hua. "I think we just witnessed his first olive!" He chuckles warmly, the sight of the man's innocent delight lifting the mood and easing some of the tension that had been building.

Kavian observes Li Hua's eagerness to be away, noting her insistence on meeting again in the morning for a second time. Her behavior strikes him as odd and more than a little suspicious, but he chooses to keep his thoughts to himself for now. The sun had only just set, casting a warm, fading glow over the horizon. There would be hours yet until the city settled into sleep, and even more before they would struggle to find a place to eat.

Li Hua's suggestion to try communicating with the large man some more elicits a small shrug from Kavian. He too had been suggesting dinner as a means to facilitate their conversation. It was clear that no common language existed between them, making their current situation increasingly awkward.

Kavian decides not to press the matter with Li Hua, sensing her eagerness to part ways. "Alright, we'll meet in the morning," he says, his tone agreeable. "Asherah and I will continue with our plans for tonight. You're welcome to join us if you change your mind."

He retrieves his basket and cloth bundle from where they had fallen during the recent ordeal. The large man watches with curiosity as Kavian opens the basket and inspects the contents, taking out several food items and laying them out for display. Bread, dried fruits, and cured meats create a small but inviting feast.

Noticing the man's pouch of seeds and spices, where he had deposited the olive pit, Kavian's interest piques. He opens his cloth bundle, revealing a collection of local spices meant for the meal he had planned to prepare. The aroma of cumin, coriander, and saffron wafts into the air, mingling with the scent of the evening.

"See these?" Kavian says, pointing to the spices. "I was going to use these for our meal. Perhaps you'd like to share your spices with us too?" He gestures towards the large man's satchel, hoping to bridge their communication gap through the universal language of food.

OOC: Sunset should put us around 7:00-7:30PM based on the season and region. It's still early.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Yesterday.

"Err..." Li Hua replied to Kavians, 'alright we'll meet in the morning' puzzlement obvious on her face for a moment before it cleared. "This is not my first language, so misunderstanding is perhaps natural and to be expected"

"Forgive me if I try again. I was setting up a 'what we do if there is a problem'. Without that plan, if we are interupted or something happens, it is hard for us to meet up again. I tried to say before 'Let us see if we can communicate with our new acquaintance first'. I'm not quite sure what 'if you change your mind' we are talking about. My plan to leave failed as I was not quick enough. There is no point now. Misunderstandings are hard to talk about, so let's focus on what we do now instead"

"I have a lot of practice in language problems. All too often I have been in the position this ... man" Li Hua wasn't certain that was the right word. This wasn't just a normal mortal man "is in. I have been in a place full of people and none of them speaking the languages I can. It is equal parts terrifying and frustrating. Finding a translator is often a matter of just 'try and try again'. Usually I can find someone, and the best places to look are often by the city gates. That is where the merchants are, and they are the people that know the most forms of speech."

"It is almost certain that he knows someone that can translate for him. I suspect the 'next move' is on him. If I was in his position and needed to talk to someone I would try and lead them to someone I knew that could translate. "

"What is most interesting to me is that the only times I have been totally unable to talk are when I have been out of control and an external .. um .." she was reaching for the words she wanted and failed "someone else forced me to move. Once it was an army arriving. Twice when I have fled a supernatural and dangerous force. Normally I find the language of the next place on my journey and learn it a little before I move. That leads us to wonder how he got here without even being able to say 'hello', 'who are you' and similar. Learning that takes only a few hours and is ... I would say ... essential before I would enter a city voluntarily"

Asherah would laugh. The newcomer was funny, and obviously a decent man. She’d observe his small pick and the other hides that covered him. Was it cold up where he lived? Or was this simply how his people preferred to dress so it left more time for other work?

It would take a lot of Asherah’s self-discipline to not wrinkle her nose at Li Hua. Asherah understood Li Hua was new to the language and all but honestly, now that they weren’t dead, Asherah just wanted to continue her evening with Kavian. “Look it’s like you said. It’s rather late, so I doubt many Merchants will be at the gates. It’s probably best we look for one tomorrow morning when they are setting up. Then we’ll not only have many more merchants, but ones that aren’t busy trying to sell their wares to others.” Asherah would say. She would then pause, thinking. “You’re right though. Something needs to be done now. Maybe one of us could take him to an inn or find who’s supposed to translate for him. Maybe he was just taking a walk and didn’t expect to run into anybody. Either way, I suggest it be you who do it since you’re the most empathetic to his situation. The other option being we all just sit here and enjoy a meal together which I’m not opposed too.” Asherah would finish. Giving Li Hua a weary look.

Kavian looks up at Li Hua from where he is crouching over the basket with Sigismund, the large man. "No need to apologize," he says with a reassuring smile. "I think your command of the language is quite good. Misunderstandings happen even among those who are fluent."

He continues, "Friendships can be forged without a common language. This exchange of food, sharing a meal, it's a good start if we want to see him again. Let's see how the night goes."

Kavian detects a flicker of impatience in Asherah's eyes, a subtle shift in her posture suggesting she might be ready to move on without further delay or additional company. The urgency of their unique situation weighed heavily on his mind; he couldn't afford to lose the opportunity to shed light on their mysterious connection or to establish a link between all present.

He couldn't risk losing contact with anyone here, not after everything he had experienced today. The strange familiarity binding them together, the bizarre events, and now this new arrival—they all felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't yet see in its entirety. He looked at Asherah apologetically, his brow furrowed with concern as he did his best to keep everyone together.

Kavian redoubles his efforts to convince Li Hua to join them. "Join us tonight. We have a rare opportunity here. Your presence would be most welcome."

He gestures towards the well, where he had planned to gather with Asherah. "Don't worry about your dress," he says with a reassuring smile. "Once we're in the well, I can make arrangements to keep you clean and safe. Your sword is welcome too, if you don't mind peace bonding it."

Sigismund takes a moment but his eyes light up as he understands Kavian's intentions.

Then, a bit of a thoughtful frown crosses his face, before he puts away his satchel and takes two others.

One of the satchels is empty, and the other is much fuller than the one he just put away.

Kavian realizes the new satchel has more unfamiliar seeds and spices than the previous one. Kavian's observational abilities allow him to work through the complex scents that linger around the man - and quickly deduce that the bag in which he placed the olive was mainly filled with familiar spices and seeds.

This new satchel has stranger scents and seems to be the spices and seeds of this man's homeland, which he seems to believe Kavian is interested in - rather than the minute samples he had collected from the local area.

Sigismund offers generous samples of his homeland's spices, and excitedly stares at Kavian's pouch of goodies, though he is showing clear restraint.

-

After some time, Sigismund seems to pick up that he's being talked about, despite how engrossed he is with all the new ideas for delicacies he has with these new spices!

However, he's not able to understand what is being said.

As the group discuss stopping for dinner, Sigismund's ears perk up and he begins to pay very close attention to the conversation.

Eventually, he stands up and speaks for himself, "Food, yes? I... cook. Am cook, will."

It's horribly broken speech, and the accent is so thick that Asherah can't make it out due to her lack of diverse linguistic experiences.

However, ultimately it becomes clear he's offering to serve the meal. He has a big goofy smile, but his eyes are filled with a lowkey confidence. Clearly, this Sigismund has some experience with cooking.

"Wise words Asherah of Hakirash" Li Hua agreed. "Perhaps he was as surprised as we were. The God I met was surprised to meet me. While I could sense him, he couldn't sense me until I was in his presence. You two feel difference to the God, and he feels different again. You two feel similar to each other. I would like to know how I feel to you. Do I feel like each other, like this man or different?"

She listend to Kavian before shaking her head "I won't peace bond my sword, sorry" Li Hua said. "I am willing to take the enormous risk of going with you out of interest. But only if you show trust too. I will remind you that you are a man, and I am not, and you don't really understand the emotions that request causes"

"I want you to think about what that you are actually asking, and what it means. Asking me to peace bond my sword means one of two things. You don't trust me not to use it or you have something nasty planned. You are asking me to go to an unknown place, with a person who all we know about is he is supernaturally powerful, and you are saying you don't trust me, but want me to trust you and put my life in your hands"

"Now I think we all want to explore what has just happened. But if we do that we will do that as equals. As people that can trust each other. If you are unable to extend that trust, then the offer of breakfast still stands. And if you feel not peacebonding means 'I don't trust you' be aware that trust is a journey. My first step is being willing to accompany you, protect you and eat the food that is being prepared. Can you make a step too?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Today.

Asherah immediately felt guilty when she saw the concern written on Kavian's face. It was clear he was juggling a lot more than she was right now, so why should she be in such a rush? Well mostly because she was tired. Assumed near death experiences really took the energy out of somebody. Asherah would shrug at Kavian and smile in a 'oh well' sort of gesture.

Asherah was dying to ask Li Hua more about this encounter. As their converstaion wore on, it became evident that Li Hu would be forthcoming answers about it, so long as no questions were asked. A rather frustrating tactic. Though really, what other choice did Asherah have other than to push through? "You two feel" Asherah would quickly correct herself "Mystically, in the sense all three of us have of been noticing, everybody here feels the same to me. Not really bound, more loosely woven together, using durable threads." Asherah would muse that last part aloud.

When Sigismund spoke it sounded different from before, but still untranslatable. Asherah would give the other two a questioning look in case she missed something. "Did that make any sense? Sounded different to me." Maybe he was trying out another language? Seeing if Li Hua did actually know something he could speak.

Asherah would nod to Li Hua in a silent thank you as Li Hua plowed on. Asherah felt that she had said what she could to ease the arising situation between Kavian and Li Hua. So she decided that meant it was her time to take a breather. Carefully Asherah would sit on the ground cross legged; her dress long enough not to sho anything. There she'd simply watch the trees. When there was a lull in the conversation Asherah would mommentarily interject. "Oh and by the way Li Hua, you don't have to add 'of Hakirash' to the end of my name. I simply did so since I noticed you were using titles."

After Asherah responds to Li Hua's question about how she feels connected to everyone, Kavian nods, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before adding his perspective. "I think Asherah's right, but there's more to it. This bond between us, it's not an actual bond in the traditional sense. It’s more of an implicated quality. It feels like we are the same... kind of person. By implication, we are bound together as the same class of being, maybe?"

He glances at Li Hua, his expression thoughtful. "It’s strange to consider, especially with you spreading the idea of divinity and your experiences of such. It makes everything more complicated. But the feeling is undeniable. We share something profound, something beyond mere coincidence."

Kavian listens patiently as Li Hua speaks about her concerns regarding trust and her refusal to peace bond her weapon. He understands her need for safety but also recognizes the need to move forward without getting bogged down in debate.

"Li Hua," Kavian begins, his tone measured and calm, "I understand your hesitation. Trust is not something given lightly, especially in our circumstances. However, let me point out a few things. I suggested we meet at a neutral location, like your inn, precisely to avoid this kind of debate."

He pauses, making sure she is listening. "By inviting you to join us here, I’ve already extended a significant amount of trust. You’re armed with a weapon of war, whereas we are unarmed. This requires a greater degree of trust from us than from you. I risk more than just my life; I risk the safety and secrecy of those I care about, my entire network."

Kavian's eyes lock with Li Hua's, his expression earnest. "If we are to compare degrees of trust, asking you to make the small concession of peace bonding your weapon doesn’t seem out of place or excessive. It’s a gesture of goodwill, a sign that you trust us as much as we’re willing to trust you."

He sighs, not wanting to force her but needing to ensure everyone's safety. "We want to include you, to understand this connection we share. But we also need to ensure we all feel secure. If peace bonding your weapon is too much to ask, then perhaps we can find another way to build this trust. But standing around debating won’t get us any closer to that."

Kavian looks at Asherah, who seems ready to move on, and then back at Li Hua. "The choice is yours, but understand that trust is a two-way street. We’re willing to meet you halfway, but we need some assurance in return. If you change your mind, you're welcome to join us. Otherwise, we can meet in the morning as you suggested."

OOC: Just to put things in perspective consider that your sword is the bronze age equivalent of carrying around an assault rifle. All Kavian is asking is that you at least unload it.

"I see you are the kind of man that wishes to remove a woman's means of protection. It's wrong in your eyes for a woman to be capable of defending herself from an attack, and you would take that away from any women in your presence." Li Hua shrugged "I asked you to listen, and have empathy. You responded with words of control, and clearly don't trust me."

"Well I was hoping we could share what we know. You two have already shared. You say you know nothing about this supernatural effect. I do know something, but I am unwilling to share with a man who will not trust me. Since Asherah" this time she didn't use the full name in respect of Asherah's wishes "has been polite I will share a little something. Perhaps enough to help you avoid going through one of the experiences I did. I would not wish it on anyone"

"There are beings we call Gods. You will be able to sense them, if you are as I. It is a 'pulling' a sense of 'there is something there'. The God I met feared us. Fear leads to unpleasant actions, so I recommend not giving them a chance" There was clearly more that she could have said, but also pretty clear she didn't like and wasn't going to put up with Kavian's controlling nature

"Now since you are unwilling to let a woman keep her means of defence, Kavian, it appears that we will not be going to your place" she turned to Asherah "I can just about make out his meaning. He wants to cook something. I suggest we go somewhere to cook. Do you know somewhere suitable? "


OOC A sword is a belt weapon designed for self defence not a weapon of mass destruction capable of killing 10s of people through brick walls at a range of hundreds of yards. A copper sword is a little better than a baseball bat. Only a little
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Today.

Asherah would meet eyes with Li Hua. She’d blink a silent for a momment. And then, Asherah would burst into laughter. This was not a happy laugh though, it was weary, even pained at the end. Kavian would probably recognize this since he’s heard Asherah genuinely laugh before. The others might not. “I think we are in the midst of another misunderstanding. I’m not going any where but that well and my inn tonight. Li Hua, you are a  stranger to us. To be invited to some one’s home is an honor and while there, one is expected to respect the host’s customs. Now I understand that we are not quite in Kavian’s home yet, but traditionally the respect begins as soon as the invite is extended.” Asherah would let that sink in a momment.

“That said, the host should still respect the guest’s customs. Which is why I think Kavian was willing to let you keep your sword with you. Even though, traditionally, one does not bring a weapon into another’s home. Now, obviously Kavian would like some reassurance that you aren’t about to hurt the people he cares about with your really big knife. Hence the peace bond. This makes sense traditionally because while host and guest should respect each other’s customs, a host shouldn’t have to bend over backward to cater to a guest’s traditions unless they are very important.” Asherah would say all of this as if she was reciting it from a book. It was not the energetic way she was speaking in earlier.

Asherah would rub her eyes, seemingly exhausted. “Also, if the real reason for keeping your sword is protection from men, frankly that doesn’t seem very smart. I mean it’s huge! How could a man with plans to do things to a woman not notice it. Sure, it’ll probably scare them off, but the possible dangerous situation we’re discussing is ambush. We’ll enter Kavian’s home and his people will jump us. The first thing they’ll do is take away your giant, obvious weapon. So what’s the point of bringing it? If you really want to protect yourself in such situations you should be carrying a small concealed weapon.”

“Lastly I can see how you might think Kavian is being controlling. Seeing as how he keeps giving two options, instead of opening up to other ideas. In reality though, he’s just being devoted. We don’t want to go to another place tonight because we had plans to have dinner here. We still want answers though so we are happy to chat over breakfast if you still don’t find Kavian’s request reasonable.” Asherah would finish putting her head in hand as she waited for Li Hua’s answer. She hoped she had interpreted Kavian’s intentions correctly. Asherah always hated this diplomacy nonsense. Why couldn’t people just be straight with each other?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Today.

"But I am as I am. I didn't ask to go to your house. I have no great desire to do so. Especially now." Li Hua said "I would observe that I have traveled further than yourself. Many thousands of Li. Through many different places and cultures and prior to this meeting have had precisely zero problems with the very reasonable desire to have a means of protecting myself" she smiled and shook her head at Asherah's description of what would happen. Clearly Li Hua felt that the outcome would be very different

"So what now? It seems to me that both of you are trying to ask me to trust you without giving any trust in return. I have offered to take the first step, but it has been rejected. I have given information to you and received only a request to disarm myself back. Apparently in your culture it is normal for people to randomly kill other people or something, and for some bizarre reason you feel that I may do the same. If my being able to defend myself is such a barrier for you that you cannot bear to communicate with me, then I suppose we should say goodbye. If you can overcome it then perhaps we can talk further"

Sensing the tension in the air despite not understanding any of the words, Sigismund is rather uncomfortable.

"You... want I no cook?"

He seems to be half-joking and half-unsure if it's his offer that's causing this big commotion. Maybe he's just trying to lighten the mood.

--

As the atmosphere is tense for a bit, it is broken by a sudden belt of laughter.
Everyone looks to Sigismund, where the laughter is coming from.

But his mouth isn't open.

A new figure is standing next to Sigismund. An old man with a grey beard to his waist, his liver-spotted skin is so sunken and tanned that it takes on the appearance of burnt rawhide. One of his eyes is cloudy; blind, and his dome is totally bald, reflecting the glare of the setting sun.

He's the source of the creaking laughter, and he pats Sigismund on the back jovially. Li Hua's eyes narrow as the decrepit elder's friendly pats low-key jostle the bearlike Sigismund.

The two exchange some words in their native tongue, and then the old man turns towards the three.

He has a carefree expression on his face, but Kavian, Li Hua and Asherah are all able to recognize the absolutely piercing gaze in his golden-green eyes. They feel as if they are being read completely.

Li Hua relates it to the few times her father has gotten serious,

Kavian feels incredibly tense - as someone who survives off his secrets and control over information, this is terrifying

Asherah isn't really uncomfortable, Nahur has given everyone in the village and beyond this kind of look more than a few times. It even feels a little bit like home. Nostalgic, in a way.

The man's smile eventually becomes a bit more genuine, after he has finished expecting the three of them.

He clears his throat, and speaks in a voice as ancient as it sounds, though filled with mirth and playfulness unfitting of his age.

"Huuu.... Friends of Sigismund? Why the fighting? Life is short, you know? Come, Sigismund will cook for you all."

The man's words are subtly commanding. It's phrased as a kind offer, but clearly refusing might be difficult.

The old man turns around and begins to leave the olive tree. Sigismund rubs his neck awkwardly. He seems both embarassed and a bit guilty. Kavian can tell his emotions are directed to the group of three, as well as the old man.

He turns to the group of three and struggles to find words before eventually saying, "If want, come. I cook good food for you" then he turns to follow the old man.