Chapter 6: Bring on the fifth course.
Copyright © 2000 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-05-08 21:30:57]
Subject: Flashbacks
I thank you for your kind words, most noble Darmkula. It is true that I have sought to leave behind the horrors that I have witnessed in persuit of a life of learning and healing. How easy it is to forget that the tranquility of times of peace is most often purchaced with the blood of patriots and the Noble-born. Your kindness shames me; of course I will shoulder any burden that will facilitate the successful completion of our common goals. I only wish to ask that I may call on the wisdom and experience of those among us more adept at small unit combat tactics.

From: Game Master [2000-05-09 15:09:50]
Subject: I'm full....
Darmkula turn to Neshkriuma. " At first I have no takers who would wish to command the forces, now I have three. Unless Orun also wishes to put his bid in as well?" He says motioning to Orun who is sitting quietly, nodding his head no. "I understand the burden that this lot will lay upon the unlucky (it would seem) recipient, however, I will no longer be the one to make that decision. All three of you have the ability to lead these men in one capacity or another and so I leave the choice to you. I will look forward to hearing your selection by morning. As for now, I hope that you are all well fed and satisfied. Your lists will be filled to the best of our abilities and at this moment, I am looking forward to sharing some interesting information and ideas with Ssrivan." Darmkula motions to Ssrivan to follow him as he is lifted to his feet by his escorts. The woman stands next to him and with grace and poise takes his arm and the two of them turn to walk away.

Aijom steps forward presenting himself in a flamboyant manner and, with a loud voice proclaims. "My house is your house! You are welcome to wander around and enjoy the rest of the evening. Walk through the herb or flower gardens, make your lists known, ask questions of those you meet, stay here and continue to enjoy the feast and entertainment, or even have the entertainment sent to your apartment. You will each be given three of the servants here this evening, who will remain with you untill your departure at midday tomarrow. They are here for your service and are at your call, use them as you wish. All I ask is that they are returned to me in one piece." he says with a chuckle. He bows and steps back into the corner where he will remain for any of you who would have need of him.

[ooc-unless you have something to say now while the whole group is still here, then send me your lists, if you have not already, and tell me what it is that you wish to do, where you are going and what you would like to seek out in a private post. Please remember to do this in private post form for now, we will return to public posting when we are back together as a unit or something relevant happens to the members of the group. If you still have actions that you are taking while the group is all still here, then feel free to post them. Thanks]

From: Game Master [2000-04-25 14:52:03]
Subject: More fun.
" I believe that we were discussing the many and varied benefits which are to be bestowed to you and yours upon the successful completion of this mission." Darmkula says. "I can assure you we have every intention on being generous, very generous to those who decide to accept this journey. I had assumed that you had already accepted, or why would you be here? But I can understand some trepidation on your parts. This is, after all, the first time you have heard anything of what is to be expected of you or the risk involved. I can understand some hesitancy on your behalf. I hope that I have made things a bit more clear for you?

"I am also willing to quench your thirst, both for wines and knowledge, if you are in need of greater clarification. Let me reiterate that we have land and titles, money and items with which to pay you with. If you are looking for something in particular then please write it down and have it sent to me this evening. I am sure that we will acquire what we can. If you wish to barter for you services....... I am afraid that I don't have a lot to bargain with outside of my own coffers and what has been set aside already. But I am willing to speak to you on such matters and try to reach agreements which will be admirable for you and your clan." With that Darmkula once again leans back into his cushions and sips from his glass.

From: Game Master [2000-05-02 10:18:09]
Subject: To choose another.
"Noble Chúrisan," Darmkula starts. "I make you the offer out of courtesy for your rank and Clan. If you would feel better having another shoulder the responsibility that is understandable and I thank you for your honesty. It is a simple matter to ask another. You are correct that Neshkriuma has experience and that he has commanded our warriors before, the evening that he brought them out to meet you. However, he serves me as you serve me, in that you are paid for this journey. Some confusion may come because he was brought here before you arrived and because we sent him to assist you in your arrival to Monru. But he is, indeed, just as you are. A chosen member of this party, and with that he has a choice."

Darmkula then turns to Neshkriuma and says, " Noble Neshkriuma, the responsibility for these warriors would now fall upon you. Are you willing to take on the responsibility for them and become their leader in our behalf?"

From: Game Master [2000-05-05 11:25:58]
Subject: Orun speaks
You notice Orun perk up a bit at Hrissu's declaration. Setting his glass to the side he says. "Now is not the time to try and force men to choose command positions Hrissu. I am sure that Darmkula is thankful for your efforts to coerce others by making your offer. But I am afraid, Noble Priest, that it is a transparent gesture. No warrior would allow a non-military oriented priest to take command of a soldiers unit, and fewer soldiers would follow such a person. But I am sure that you understand that and your offer was made simply to fire up the warrior spirit and have one of us lay claim to these men quickly. A noble and valiant effort, I applaud your ingenuity and your quick thinking abilities, and take to heart your request that we settle this quickly."
With that Orun raises his glass in a toast type manner toward Hrissu and then drinks deeply.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-04-30 05:40:21]
Subject: A question from Adzul
Adzul sits back and says, "I for one am looking forward to the trip if not the journey. I was however wondering if the trip will take a day or two to organize, would it be possible to see this azure stone? I can only think that seeing an object can give us a better idea what we are lookig for. Also I confess to just plain curiosity to see such a wonder. Also would it be possible to visit our own temples in town before we leave? I for one always feel better with a travellers blessing from my temple.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-04-30 15:43:20]
Subject: haste makes waste
"Learned Darmkula, thank you for explaining the situation so clearly. It's very interesting that inter-Temple cooperation has been so productive.

I believe Adzul's request has wisdom. I too would like to visit my temple and clanhouse before departure, and see the Azure Sphere. We could also use some time to equip ourselves, allow the loading our supplies, and aquaint ourselves with our companions.

Indeed I am a bit confused about transportation: if we have a magic underground passway, then why be concerned about pursuit, and why such a big hurry to depart? Let us take a day or two, prepare properly, and get several decoy groups ready to go. Then we all depart at once, either by road or magic path, and confound our watchers with many targets.

As to commanding troops, I will of course do my best if you wish it, but are there not others better suited? Neshkriuma is clearly an experienced battle-sorceror, he has already commanded your warriors, and he serves you along with Orun and Dlarumei, does he not? It was he who came looking for us on the road. And what of Vrodlan? Clearly a skilled warrior of high status and veteran of an excellent legion. Both are members of a Temple more closely related to your own mighty Ksarul, and so likely to have better rapport with your warriors as well. Not to mention that my own humble experience was limited to archers and engineers, not front-line fighters, and it has been some time since I held even my lowly sergeant's command"

From: Game Master [2000-04-30 00:04:06]
Subject: More answers.
"Noble Chúrisan," Darmkula starts. " I can appreciate your strong Clan and Temple ties and the way in which these links make your life more easily
defined. However, here in Monru, you may have noticed a lack of definition. Not that we are not bound to our Clans and by our Temples, we welcome the same ties that you do. We have, however, learned to blur the finer lines and create a more peaceful, less structured life. I will agree that this is not for everyone, and we have encountered much in the way of disapproval and scorn. We ride a sharp edge here, but we enjoy the benefits as well. This is one of the reasons why we have cut across the conventional lines of Clan and Temple with your group. One of the other reasons, and probably more important, is that through our study of the ancients we have discovered that a single Temples' philosophy and dogma is not enough to comprehend and benefit from the wisdom left behind. This is why so much of the Ancients magic and machines do not work for so many. They try to apply only their beliefs and ideals, knowledge and know how and that is truly not enough. Only through many Temples working together have we unlocked some of the secrets of the Ancients. This is why your group is also so varied. It will take the different perspectives and knowledge that your group possesses in order for you to be successful. You may not see it now, as you look around the room, but there are reasons beyond your
comprehension as to why you are assembled thus."

"Your estimations on time and Tsan are fairly correct. We estimate about 980 Tsan will need to be covered before reaching your destination, and yes 6 months would be a good guess as to the duration of your trip. Except for this small factor." With that Darmkula slides his hand into his robes and produces a small round disc. It reflects the candlelight causing multi-colored lines to appear on the walls. You notice that he holds it from a small line which is passed through a tiny hole in the center of the disc.

"This," he says, "is a device which the Ancients used to operate transportation devices located under ground. We have several of these and know how they
are to be used. We have also located several underground passageways where these (pointing to the disc) can be used. Using this should cut several
weeks if not months off of the travel time."

You watch as Darmkula ponders his next response. After several moments he says. "Your plan of ensured payments is a sound one. We shall deliver 200 Suors to your Clan houses in drafts this evening. If you wish to add any messages to them we will send that along with the drafts. I must ask that you not mention the specifics of this journey to you Clan, for both your safety and that of you Clan houses. Also we shall send promissory notes for 1500 Suors to be paid upon your death, which we pray will not happen, or if you are Permanently crippled while performing your duties for us on this journey. I would wish to discuss other compensations in a more private manner, as you suggest."

"As to your other questions," Darmkula continues, "The Emerald Sphere of Sighs is a perfect Sphere of a green stone of an unknown origin and crystal. It is
without a single flaw and thus it is able to hold and order outerplanier powers. We have unearthed a similar Sphere constructed of an Azure stone and crystal. Unfortunately, it was found in a rather imperfect state. We tried to reassemble it and found that it would emanate light and some sort of magnetic field. But because we did not have all of the pieces we were unable to bring the Sphere to its full potential and have not yet been able to ascertain its purpose or function. We have great hopes that the Emerald Sphere is intact. Apparently there is a third Sphere, a Crimson Sphere, but we are unaware of its location at this time. As I have said before, we are not sure what it's size is, but the Azure Sphere was about so." Darmkula holds an imaginary ball in his hand about the size of a medium weight bowling ball. "There is nothing that indicates that this is a standard size," he continues, "so we can not foretell what the Emerald Sphere of Sighs will weigh in at. As we have not determined what the Sphere will react to it is hard to say who will be able to use it, control it, or even touch it. Yet another reason for the diversity of your group. As for slaves, you will be assigned a sufficient amount to perform the labors that you will need. But we are not willing nor able to give you a
work force by any means. 10 to 20 slaves in total will be all that we will offer for your journey. As for warriors, we have a contingent of well trained veteran warriors who will be accompanying you. Because Orun will be busy with the other affairs of the party, the command of these men will fall on your shoulders, Chúrisan Sóruna of the High Pinnacle Clan. Your command and battle experience will serve us well in this capacity. Are you willing to command these men?

You watch as Darmkula waves a finger and a servant takes a glass of liquid to Deshnah and encourages him to drink.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-04-27 15:54:36]
Subject: An Offer; More Questions
"Noble Darmkula, your desire for haste is understandable, but adds considerably to the burden we must take on to accomplish your goals. Your unconventional recruitment has brought you persons of unique talents, but has also cut across the conventional lines of clan and temple. All of us have obligations to our kindred, duties that will be costly to walk away from for so long. Our destination is still not clear, but could easily be 900 Tsan to the north, and will require significant travel off the sakbe-road. To go so far, explore the Ancient ruins, and then return could easily require 6 months. May I suggest that you provide us each with two items to begin. First, drafts for 200 Suors, these we can send to our clans immediately to ease the pain of our absence; second, promissory notes for 1500 Suors, to be paid only if we die or are permanently crippled on the journey, and to be redeemed no sooner than a year after we depart. Naturally, if we return successfully, we would expect significantly larger rewards, but those details could perhaps be left for individual communication this evening, or until we return.

If these suggestions are acceptable, then I will be pleased to go north, and would like to hear more of the Emerald Sphere itself. How big could it be? Will any of our companions, perhaps Dlarumei or the mysterious old fellow, know how to use its powers? Also, you say that the places of the Ancients are likely to be intact, very good, but such places are said to be deep in the Underworlds, and may require excavation to reach. Hence our need for strong slaves. Do you have warriors available to accompany us? No merchant caravan would go through the mountains without some guards, and while Orun and Vrodlan are clearly powerful champions, we will need more than three swords for protection. And you have said that one group was killed near the City of Sarku. How did they die?

[ooc: I'm assuming 1 Suor=10 Kaitars. The Suor is described as a much larger coin than the slim little Kaitar, but I figure most of it's value in 2nd Empire times (150-250 Kaitars) is due to age/rarity. Please adjust my numbers if you want to use a different value for Suors.]

From: Deshnah [2000-04-28 22:06:43]
Subject: As the world spins
After the stress of his most recent eloquence, Deshnah can be seen to drift further and further into a foggy stupor: chin on chest with a long, thin, thread of spittle winding its way from lip to navel.

At the passing mention of "Pelesar" howeverDeshnah twists erect and slowly aware. His eyes open. The fog is there still, but it is profoundly different: it is the fog through which mortals glimpse the immanent.

With words strange to the knowledgeable, he says:

"So dry, so very dry....the sea is gone....how can this be?"

With that, Deshnah slumps into a slumber that bodes ill for the morning.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-05-05 10:26:00]
Subject: the horror...the horror...
Chúrisan visibly pales, and words come tumbling out as he shoots to his feet...

"No No!...er, that is, ah, while noble Hrissu was a very fine adornment to our great Legion of Serqu, I'm sure it would not be a good use of his gifts to have to tend to a lowly squad of guards. Great Scholar Darmkula, I have reconsidered, and I will gladly lead the warriors you are so generously providing to the mission, if you wish. I will gladly work to ensure the safety of all members of the expedition, and I look forward to collaborating with the noble Orún." (to whom he looks, somewhat pleadingly)

Chúrisan, pauses, and suddenly realizing that he is standing, tries to regain his composure as he addresses Darmkula again:

"Noble ecclesiarch, you mentioned that the nearest, ah, 'loading station'? is a day and a half away. Then perhaps it would be best if we left by midday tomorrow. To leave in the night would not be customary conduct for a trading caravan, even if it was in a hurry. By delaying 'til midday we will have a chance to attend clanhouses and temples, and see that we have proper supplies. This will mean we will have much to accomplish in the morning, but I think it might be the best way. I think also that we should, conclude this fine feast soon, so that we may see to our various tasks."

From: Game Master [2000-05-04 23:53:11]
Subject: A POST FOR NESHKRIUMA
ooc-this is really Neshkriuma's post, he is having a problem with the system]

"Command troops?...Forgive me, I seemed to have lost the thread of the conversation. I have seen battle, yes. More than I care to recall, but surely you see the difference in the role I have played in the past and the one you now wish me to assume. I had thought my time for violence and the company of violent men had passed. Surely I seek what is best for all, but is there no way that this bitter cup can pass from my lips to those of another?

From: Game Master [2000-05-05 09:02:51]
Subject: Thoughts
"Noble Neshkriuma," Darmkula says softly. "I have no intention of disturbing your inner peace or of forcing you to do something that is so abhorrent to you. But let me share a thought with you. I can understand your less than enthusiastic response to this request. For I know that you have chosen to turn your life to the more passive ways of the healer. I know that your thoughts dwell on healing rather than destroying, but just as the Tlokiriqaluyal (the five lords of Change) need the Tlomitlanyal (the five Lords of Stability) to truly create harmony, we too must see and deal with both sides to have our own inner harmony."

"If you truly seek what is best for all, then I can think of no better man to carry the burden of these warriors. Who else would have the restraint to use them in only the most appropriate situations? Who else would have the knowledge of their use coupled with the knowledge of how to avoid their use? I too am a man of peace, but I recognize the necessity of violence as well. We must all drink bitter wine from time to time. But that wine, harsh as it is, still fortifies us and builds our strength and creates a mellowing effect. So I would ask you to reconsider your decision and to command these troops for the betterment of your party and of yourself."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-05-05 09:07:31]
Subject: Strange Noises
A high, nasal giggle comes from the direction of Hrissu as he looks up from his food and motions for a servant to bring him another glass of wine.

"Gentle Nobles, if no one can decide, then I, unskilled as I am, will have to command the troops. I will sing to them sweetly and set them to the composition of hymns to the glory of N'allal. I have learned that anyone can gain some proficiency in singing, if one is patient enough."

He smiles again, reaching for a plate of powders.

"No doubt an expedient as well as excellent decision will be forthcoming."

From: Game Master [2000-05-04 15:36:31]
Subject: A sip in time...
Just a few moments after Deshnah laps up the drink offered to him, you see his bobbing head and droopy eye lids become less so. Thought the sparkle of his eye has not returned it is apparent that some of the Dlel curtains have been removed and that a bit more light is able to seep past into the clouded interior of his mind.

Darmkula then turns back to Chúrisan and says. "Noble warrior, I would truly enjoy your company here in Monru for several days more, however, one of the reasons for having you depart hastily is that the high celebration cycle of Sarku is but a few days away. Already many Priests and temple guards are searching willing and unwilling participants for the great celebration day. I am assured that this celebration will be one of the best in years, though I am sure that I will give it a miss, no offense to you Noble Kunur," he mentions in a low tone.

"The Temple and high Priests are very strict as to what sacrifices and celebrations are made. But there are those lesser individuals who seek to impress the higher level priests and even hope to impress Sarku himself with their deeds. These are the ones who need to be avoided, and passing through the city during this time could be very dangerous for any group. We will give you papers of course, and you will have a Sarkuvian Priest with you." Once again acknowledging Kunur.

"These two things and the added advantage of traveling under the city in the transports system should get you through with little to no obstructions. But one never knows, and because the celebrations last for several weeks, even a month if things really get going, I think that it would be prudent to make a point to get past Sarku City as soon as possible."

Darmkula takes another pull from his glass and speaks again after several moments of quiet contemplation. "If it would be more convenient for you in arranging you affairs then I could see letting you wait until tomorrow evening before you depart. It too would provide some cover, the darkness that is, but it would also make it harder to use anything other than magic to defend yourselves. Correct me if I am wrong, but I would think it hard to hit a target in the dark? Would this meet with some satisifation Chúrisan, or am I not understanding your request? I do think that if you leave much later than that, you will have greater problems when near Sarku City."

The woman sitting next to Darmkula pulls out a cloth and wipes his lips and chin of the drink which has trickled down into his beard. She then sits back and takes a small delicate sip from her own wine glass and looks out into the room.

From: Deshnah [2000-05-04 09:36:14]
Subject: night cap
Some long moments after the drink is placed in front of him, Deshnah grogily raises his head. He stares at the cup without recognition for a long breath before finally reaching out and imbibing it.

From: Game Master [2000-05-03 14:16:23]
Subject: Hummmm.
"Noble Ssrivan, I will be more that willing to discuss all of the finer details with you, but in a much more private place. As for providing copies of our findings, I am sure that you can understand the enormous task it would be to copy all that information before you leave. Not only that, but all that information is well guarded and we are not about to hand out documents on findings that only a select few persons know of. I am sure that you can understand our possession on this matter."

Darmluka face takes on a bit of a serious tone. "As for our research into the discs, or keys as you call them. We do understand how they work and how to use them. In fact, we have used them quite extensively and with great success."

You can see that he is somewhat offended by Ssrivan's conjecture of flawed and incomplete information regarding the discs. "There are no loading stations in Monru and the nearest is perhaps a day and a half's travel from here. The disc itself has all the information on it and tells the transport where to go. You will have to do nothing except for placing the disc in the slot and then removing it once you reach the end. We will give you two discs. One you can use to pass beneath Sarku city, the second you will need to pass through parts of the mountains. We will supply Adzul with the information as to the locations of the entrances.

As for the Azure sphere, any of you which wish to examine it are welcome to do so after this feast is over (or before if you wish) we are here to supply you with as much information as possible to make your journey a success. We want you to succeed, that is our goal.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-05-02 18:43:44]
Subject: Azure Spheres and Sorcerous Energies
Ssrivan carefully stands up to look at the assemblage in the room.

"The suspicion comes to my mind that these three spheres were used as sorcerous keys of some kind. If you could provide copies of the researches conducted to date on the Azure sphere as well as the conjectures you have relating to the other two spheres, that data would be of prime importance to those of us on this expedition. I would also have explanation of what you know of these keys to the underground ways, as it is entirely likely your information is incomplete or even flawed, and it would be a fatal mistake to send us out using them without some knowledge of their uses and also the true extent of our available knowledge. Darkness in a place that needs to be well-lit is like a well-concealed patch of Food of the Ssu--deadly to all who encounter it. Locks and devices of opening are my specialty, so anything you have on this subject would be pertinent information in my eyes. Please ensure that copies of this information are available to take with us on our journey."

Ssrivan then turns to his companions,

"Neshkriuma seems to be a competent leader of soldiers, and so, I for one, will follow his lead where it comes to matters of battle. I only ask that he leave matters of opening of hidden and sealed ways to me, as that is my specialty. As to travel using the underground ways, I suspect that our hosts' knowledge of the use of these ways is rather recent, and may not have been sufficiently advanced at the time of the last sending to make them useful as a ruse. If we travel by that means now, we will be gone before the remaining groups prepare to leave, and our disappearance may not be noted for some time, especially if our hosts ensure that at least one of the groups contains individuals similar to us in build and demeanor. The majority of the people of Monru had only fleeting glimpses of us as we entered the town, making us relatively unknown quantities. I could see this ruse keeping pursuit completely off our trail for as much as a week, especially if the "secret" preparations of the other groups eats up most of that time. With the head start given by the underground ways and the delay due to the confusion here, we may escape their notice completely."

"I want to investigate this Azure sphere a bit this evening before I retire, so I would also suggest we keep this evening repast relatively short. As I can see from the condition of some of our more uninhibited members, this would not harm their condition at all, and it might, in fact, improve their condition in the morning. A long sleep does wonders to remove the dust of aeons from the corridors of the mind, and our minds need to be as sharp as possible in the morning."

Ssrivan then bows slightly to each of the members of the group in turn, starting with Neshkriuma and ending with Hrissu. He reserves his deepest bow for our host, before resuming his seat.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-05-08 18:11:43]
Subject: Departures and Research
"Esteemed Darmkula, it appears that my evening will be well occupied with the attempt to enlighten my mind with the researches you have accomplished here. So much to learn and so little time to do it in. I expect the exchange to be of benefit to both of us, which is as it should be. I am ready to move on at your pleasure."

He looks around the group thoughtfully,

"No disrespect to present company, but such researches are the wine that makes my blood sing. I have a somewhat different approach to making festive, as that should make clear. Some of you might want to take time to examing the shards of the Azure Sphere this evening, if for no other reason than to get an idea of the possible dimensions of the Emerald one"

Ssrivan then stands up and joins in the toast,

"May our feet be fleet and the shadows merciful, in that they shield us from the eyes of unwanted observers. So too, may our hosts be protected from the ill-will of their opponents as they send us on this journey. Lastly, may the journey be conducted successfully and in the good graces of the gods, for it is their will we must bend to as we move about this den-den board."

He then sits down to await Darmkula.

From: Game Master [2000-05-08 15:18:47]
Subject: As it comes to an end..
Darmkula's expression is somewhat questioning as he peers towards Ssrivan. He pulls on his beard several times in long, slow, thoughtful strokes and with his head tilted ever so slightly to one side he says.

"Noble Ssrivan, perhaps it is true that I have misunderstood your intentions. Words are like the wind, sometimes hard to grasp. It is true that you are with this party due to your skills, and it is my error to have considered your words as anything less than contributions to the whole. The malady from which we both apparently suffer does blind us from time to time, even when we have taken great pains to remained alert to its advances." Darmkula then nods his head to Ssrivan in a slow and meaning filled manner and then continues. "I would be honored if you would allow me to show you what we have discovered on this subject and share with you some of my theories. You are right, it is always best to stir the pot occasionally and let some of the deeper parts surface. A fresh, unencumbered view, as you so aptly put it, would be much appreciated. Your fascination and expertise with such items will surely benefit us all."

He then turns to the group as a whole and raising his glass, states. "Here's to your departure. May the midday on the marrow find you well equipped, sound of mind and satiated with all that you desire. May the god you worship bring you peace of mind, strength, and courage for the tasks which lay ahead, and may you return to Monru in one piece, full of the wisdom you'll have gained and, of course, with the Emerald Sphere of Sighs." Darmkula then salutes you with his glass and drinks deeply.

Orun clambers to an upright position and with a little too much pride and a bit too much wine proclaims rather robustly. "Here's to a sharp blade, a true arrow, a long pike and the knowledge to use them well. May these and the Mighty Lord Karakan protects us from those that would stop us."

"Well said," Darmkula chuckles while wearing a large smile. He watches as Orun sinks back into the cushions a bit red faced. "Spoken like a true warrior! Is there anyone else who would care to join in the toast for the success of this journey?"

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-05-05 12:28:09]
Subject: Oh ho!
Hrissu smiles even more brightly, his eyes slightly unfocused. He samples some orange powder, and then lazily ingests some purple powder.

"La, one thought is as good as another. Thanks be to Noble Chúrisan for his leadership."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-05-06 09:19:39]
Subject: Preparations for Departure
"La, we have successfully chosen our battle leader. Thank you Churisan for taking this difficult burden on your mighty shoulders."

"As to the rest of the discussion, I meant no aspersion when I suggested your knowledge of the discs may have been incomplete--only that an additional specialist's eyes sometimes teases additional details out of a mass of related data that would not be seen by the original investigators. Such investigation takes many years or decades, and those close to it form opinions which are very hard to shake into new patterns. A fresh view is not so encumbered, and can thus sometimes find new information locked in with the old. I too, suffer from this malady, which is why I have one of my peers review new research for potential errors in interpretation. I am most pleased that you have started this research in the first place, for keys and way openers of all kinds interest me."

"As for our departure, it might be good to leave in the latter part of the morning, rather than at midday. We will want to be as far from Monru as possible before the midday heat makes travel difficult. It will also allow us to take a small roadside rest and scout out the possibility of followers without destroying our schedule."