Insert Cludge's response here. (I assume AGFlynn's celebrating the holiday season, as am I!)
Hayder looks thoughtful at the mention of Tandi. "Tandi di Lune? Strange name for a Sairundani." Gram crinkles his nose, "Sounds like a newfangled Haboob name. Lune, huh! Probably the name o' some star or some big rock somewhere, not Tandi's mother or father at all. That tribe's barely even Sairundani anymore."
Rais counters, "Gram, the Haboob are as noble a tribe as any of the Sairundani. I traveled with several of their number these past months, they were courageous and steadfast." Shadya's older brother seems rather upset over Gram's harsh assessment.
[sblock=Shadya and Lasair: ]Rais is more than upset, he's downright offended.
[sblock=Shadya: ]Something in his eyes, as he talks about the Haboob's nobility and bravery... You've seen that look before, in the eyes of lovestruck boys and girls. But you know your brother well enough to see that this is no puppy love.[/sblock][/sblock]
Gram just grunts and fills his mouth with food. Hayder raises his eyebrows and changes the subject. "Well then, if you have not seen her, I cannot say I am surprised. But Sabil's time is up. After Rais' trials, the Rites will begin, when Dervishes are blessed and marriages are entered. Arumina's marriage to Fariq would have been celebrated, but instead Kaida yn Jamil will marry Abdar ai Typhoon. To be honest, I think it is a good turn of events. Arumina never seemed happy with Fariq, and Kaida is absolutely enamored with her husband to be."
Gram, finished chewing, comments, "Mmm. Abdar's a good man, but Kadar, I don't like 'im. I bet Abdar was relieved when Sabil made 'im son of Typhoon, I'd 'ate to 'ave that man's name attached to mine." Hayder shakes his head but does not disagree, Rais continues eating.
You notice a tenseness descend upon the table. Even Amin and Rafiq no longer wear smiles on their faces. Most of your meals are finished. Hayder says, "The orc tribe that you encountered on the way here. Can you tell us more about them?" He provides no comment on Shadya's mention of an unprovoked attack. His tone has changed from lighthearted small talk to a more businesslike manner.
[sblock=Minor OOC: ]I've been trying to do my homework on this one, I really have, but I've managed to confuse more names. =P Sabil is Sabil ai Habul, not whatever I said a few posts back. If you notice a funky discrepancy, please bring it to my attention, because getting the names straight will probably be more important in this adventure than in other, more dungeon-delve oriented adventures.[/sblock]