Lotus and the Cobra [IC]

[Daiymo]

"Yes, I welcome your company on the road. The horse is a good friend but not a stimulating companion. It would be good to have another soul to speak with"

"A Baladhara? Excellent." Jval smiles warmly." The Devi themselves must have put me in your path. For too long I have wandered without purpose. Lead on Arjay Bharanda, of the steppe and mountain. Hopefully you will not tire too quickly of my simple company. I would like to hear more of your land and your training, if you wish to tell of them. "

Jval prepares to follow the horseman toward the village.

 

[Tonguez]

"Gladly" Arjay grins broadly as the three (including the horse) begin walking south together "though I suspect that I shall learn more from you than you learn from me.

So what do you want to know?"

 

[Daiymo]

Jval looks down the path. "I have many questions-I have not been in the company of another student of the mind for some time. Who was your teacher, Arjay? Do many of your kind study these arts?"

Jval pauses."Why if I may ask, do you seek a yogi now? Are you continuing your training?"

The yogi pulls his shawl around his face as it begins to fall. He stops speaking though his golden eyes betray evident, though cautious curiosity.

 

[Tonguez]

"Minbahadur Raji is the father of my wife" Arjay explains "and also my teacher in the arts of the Baladhara.

I do not know how many of my people pursue this path, but there are a few. I myself came to it through good fortune more than by deisgn - I met my esteemed wife first and only then did her father agree to teach me.

As for how many he teaches, there are some in the village whom he teaches and one or two of my clansman also, assessing whether they have the discipline and skill to progress further. He is also headman of the village and so sometimes his attention is taken up on other business, as such he does not offer formal training to those he does not know.

It is also my esteemed father-in-law who has sent me to find Sukarman Yogi - as yet I do not know exactly why."

 

[Mirth]

After the groan has subsided, Zhangyong reins in his small laughter and says to Aditya Balava, "My apologies, most enlightened father. It would seem that my body has won the battle with my mind this day. But is not honey one of the bear's great motivators?" He hopes that his humor will distract from his unexpected and rude bodily functions.

 

[Robbert Raets]

Making no real effort to hide his annoyance and impatience, Adus turns his gaze from his troublesome companions-to-be to the Brahmin he is supposed to obey. Straightening his shoulders and crossing his arms, the cloaked man takes a poise that conveyes his desire to get on with things as quickly as possible.

 

[Yellow Sign]

The Lama's eyes open and he looks about the room. With the a clap of his hands a young priest appears at this side. "Gutpa, bring us some honey cakes and tea." He looks to Zhangyong and says "One must be aware of the body's needs as well as the mind's. Though with a properly trained spirit, the desires of the body are easily controlled." His gaze then rests upon the young Muni Adus. "A huntsman with no patience is a poor huntsman indeed."
A pair of acolytes brings a plate of bread, fruits, butter, and honey and a plate carrying a pot of hot tea and cups.
The lama begins to speak after everyone has gotten their tea and any food they wish. "The Raja, Rani Ushas Dathik, has brought a matter to my attention and she has graciously allowed me to hand the matter in my own way. While it seems to be a purely temporal matter and thus under the authority of the Kshatriyas, I have recieved a vision from the devatas that there is a grave spiritial danger involved. In the villiage of Peoket, some 5 days ride from here, there has been a several deaths. The headman of the villiage, Ranja, had sent word to the Raja requesting help in the matter. He believes it to be the work of a rogue elephant, but none has seen the animal. Through my visions I have seen a dark cloud over the villiage which seems to boil and grow in strength with a pair of red eyes in the middle of it. I felt great hate and anger." He pauses to take a drink of tea and look about the room.
"So, I am sending you to the villiage to investigate and stop the deaths. My good friend Surya Tapan, has graciously lent me the services of one of his most skilled bowmen, Yudhistra Mustaranak." He gestures to the seated bowmen. "While Zhangyong, will provide spiritral guidance and Adus Chwain his hunting expertise. Lastely, Mira Inushka, one of my most gifted Devapala will lead the group and act as my representative." He looks at Mira with a long steady gaze. "You will leave in the morning. Rooms will be made available to those who do not have them." With that the aged Brahmin stands to leave. "Suraya may I speak with you a moment." With that the two men begin to walk out.

 

[Yellow Sign]

As Jval and Arjay round a bend in the road, they see a ruined cottage by the side of the road. The home, a wooden hut, lies broken and in pieces. Three newly dug graves, one large and two small, can be seen by the hut. Fresh flowers have been placed on them. A thick cloud of flies can be seen swarming about a broken cart beside a well. The smell of rotting flesh is thick in the air.

 

[National Acrobat]

Me, lead? Am I ready for this? Mira turns to her master, "I am honored beyond words, wise one. Thank you for placing your trust in me." She bows, then turns to her new companions, "I must make preparations for the journey. We shall depart at first light." Mira will then exit and make sure that there are enough mounts and supplies available to support the 5 day expedition to the village.

 

[Daiymo]

As Jval and Arjay round a bend in the road, they see a ruined cottage by the side of the road. The home, a wooden hut, lies broken and in pieces. Three newly dug graves, one large and two small, can be seen by the hut. Fresh flowers have been placed on them. A thick cloud of flies can be seen swarming about a broken cart beside a well. The smell of rotting flesh is thick in the air.

The yogi walks to the graves. Shielding his mouth with his shawl against the stench, he bows his head in prayer.

Finishing, he studies the ruined structure before speaking."Arjay, you know nothing of this area? It seems some calamity has befallen this household."