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Realms: Taps Logs

Enter Suraksha

San Francisco has been clinging to the edges of the San Francisco Bay for centuries. Even through the disaster, one very large earthquake and several small ones, it has retained its status. The area which used to be a sweeping multi-city metropolitan area has shrunk drastically until only The City (as it has been called for as long as anyone can remember) survives. Modern San Francisco is centered around the wharves, since it is in great part the shipping which keeps the place running. Los Angeles has long since returned to beach and forest, and Portland is often not navigable in winter. But San Francisco is still as welcoming as ever, opening her arms to the brave shippers who will come across the wide and treacherous Pacific.

From the docks, caravans and adventurers set out to cross the continent. Gone are the rumored days when you could cross the mountains in any season. Back are the times you time your trips carefully so as not to catch yourself in the mountains in December. This hub status means The City is about as cosmopolitan as it gets in these latter days. If one wants to find a way from the West Coast to the Eastern Seaboard, one comes to The City.

Suraksha is a privileged young woman, born of San Francisco's new nobility. Raised gently in the manner befitting such a scion, she knows how to calm the spooky, battle the cruel, sweet-talk the reluctant, and read the ancient texts. Consequently she stands now on the threshold of adulthood, a shining example of her ancient people's beauty and wisdom. At this point in time Suraksha is also, however... bored! She has finagled permission from both her glint-eyed Mother and her Fearsome Grandmother to go forth and find some adventure before she must settle down and assume the mantle of dutiful daughter of the family. She is not that fond of the ocean, but she does have a strong desire to see more of the world. It is her consequent determination to cross the continent! She has dressed for the trail and is now down by the ports, excitedly searching out a likely caravaneer with whom she might hire on.

    A diminutive woman with dusky skin turns to glance at you, as if she feels the weight of your gaze. Her tilted, almond-shaped eyes are bright, slitted gold, and she smiles easily. Her curling black hair is pulled back in a thick braid, the tufted end swinging below her hips as she walks. She moves with near-uncanny grace, and she uses her entire body to talk, waving her hands and talking faster the more excited she is. Her voice sounds like black velvet when she speaks, and she's in sturdy and pragmatic clothing: a loose silken top decorated with embroidery, and gathered with a wide leather belt festooned with several pouches; fitted leather breeches; and soft, well-worn boots.

There are always caravans at the docks; they vary widely. There are very strict religious caravans. There are very mercenary caravans. There are caravans that are more a group of people traveling together. One in particular looks like it has been built out of scraps along the way. The wagons are of nearly every imaginable type. Most are oxen-drawn. The animals look well-fed and fit, and the people climbing over the wagons, carts, and Conestogas seem to work together easily and with good-will. Even better, they are as varied as their vehicles.

Suraksha strolls slowly along the docks, carefully dodging out of the way of the busy, shouting workers. There are a lot of types there: sweating dockworkers, rough-voiced animal handlers working with their nervously bawling animals, buskers and shouting salesfolk, families gathering themselves together for the trail... Suraksha grins happily, her eyes alight as she chews on an apple. Which kind of caravan shall she join? She pauses with interest to study the scrappy caravan, her gaze flicking alertly back and forth.

The leader of the caravan -- or at least the one that seems to be answering most of the questions from the members of the caravan and the harbormaster at the same time -- is a man who could be described in terms of tanning: sinewy. Leathery. Tough. Tanned. His hair is a brilliant white and thick as that of a boy, braided in a long queue down his back. His beard is likewise braided and actually tucked into his belt to keep it out of the way. Denim, leather, and canvas figure heavily in his clothes. He looks from the outside like he could be very unpleasant. Suraksha grins sunnily -- she's spotted the guy to watch; excellent! She glances around, then scrambles lightly up onto a tarp-covered stack of crates which no one is shifting for the moment. From that vantage point she can see better, carefully observing the leader, and checking to see if there's some point or job in the caravan where they seem 'weak' or in need of another worker.

Standing just behind the man is a short, broad-shouldered woman with silver-shot chestnut hair and an impassive face. She's got a broad-bladed knife and a small hatchet on her belt. As Surashka watches, she can see the caravan seems to be a little short on runners -- people to go back and forth between the major tasks, and keep people organized and on-track. The one lad who's doing it looks like he's being run ragged. Suraksha grins excitedly at sight of that, shifting restlessly in place. She can do that! Now to watch them all carefully with the Sight. She wants to make sure these are good people. She knows she'll have to concentrate carefully, since there are a lot of people around and that makes for a lot of interference. She is vulnerable to attack like this -- in order not to be she'd have to be within about ten feet of the person she was studying -- but she's up on top of a stack of crates and feels relatively safe currently.

It takes her a few minutes to really sort out the caravan leader's chakras, but once she tunes in she gets a pleasant surprise. The two energy flows are very balanced around seven very healthy chakras. Unlike many, who have at least one very weak spot and one very bright, this man shines almost equally all along from the sacrum to the crown. Two, the Heart and the Sacral chakras, are slightly stronger than the other two. From this she can tell he is quite practical and very compassionate, despite his shrewd dealing with the harbormaster. Suraksha sighs happily and wriggles a bit in place -- that's a relief! Now to check his second: the sturdy woman. If the both of them have such healthy chakras, she'll gladly offer service in their employ.

As she's trying to concentrate on the second, a gaggle of laughing sailors comes between her and the woman -- and her impressions are all of sex and money and adventure. Suraksha winces slightly at that, shaking her head in amused disgust. She sighs, not able to spot the woman any more... but then decides happily that surely such a man would not hire a backstabber? She'll go see if she can help right away! She slides easily down the tarp, landing lightly on the ground, and glances around thoughtfully. Where's that breathless kid? She'll see if she can just slide right on in and help him. Once she's proven herself useful, hopefully her apparent youth won't be a mark against her in the caravan leader's eyes.

The youngster that's running messages between the wagons is slender and swift, wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy boots. He pauses at a bucket to scoop up several ladles of cold water and catch his breath. His hair is plastered to his head with sweat and he splashes some of the water over the back of his neck. He looks to be around twelve or thirteen years of age, a bit young to be traveling with a group that doesn't seem to be his family. Suraksha sidles up next to the boy and grins, "Hey. They're running you ragged, eh? Can I help?" She keeps it short, not wanting to delay him at all. She's shorter than he, even though she looks (incorrectly) to be about his age.

The boy jerks in startlement and then laughs nervously, "Wow. Uhm. You're a quiet one, huh?" He grins crookedly and adds, "I'm Joe. There's usually two of us, but Bridget has hied off to get married and she's settling in The City with her husband." The boy's eyes are brown and incisive, "You looking for a berth?"

Suraksha nods eagerly, her eyes shining, "Yes! I want to travel with a good caravan too, and your leader seems a good one." She hesitates, then decides to keep talking -- if he thinks it's all right to pause then she'll go ahead and ask questions. "How's the second? She good too?" She laughs as she realizes she forgot to introduce herself, and offers her hand, "I'm Suraksha."

Joe shakes her hand; the handshake is firm and sure, "She's hell on wheels if she catches us being lazy in port, but that's just because she feels responsible for everybody. If you want to help, you can take this," he hands her a canvas sack of dried beans, "down to the chuckwagon. You'll recognize it from the smell of fresh bread. The cook's name's Buddy. Tell him you're helping me out."

Suraksha grins delightedly, holding the sack of beans close to her body, "Thanks, Joe! I'll be quick as the wind, promise!" She nods as he points out where to go, then darts off in that direction. She dodges fleetly between drovers, pack animals, and carts, swiftly out of Joe's sight. She sniffs carefully, flicking her tongue out once or twice, then grins -- the scent is easy for her to follow, with her keen senses. She trots up to the chuckwagon, calling, "Hello, Buddy? Delivery!"

Buddy turns out to be built rather like a bull, with massive shoulders and a thick neck. He eyes Suraksha and says, "Who're you?" He does take the beans, however, heaving them up into a cabinet built into the side of the chuckwagon.

Suraksha says cheerfully, "Suraksha! Helping Joe out, and he said deliver this to you. What should I take back? Anything?" She wonders thoughtfully about Joe. For a child, he's sure got a steady gaze. She ponders whether he too could be more than he seems.

Buddy looks Suraksha up and down and says, "Take this to Corbett." 'This' turns out to be an inventory list that has been written in ink on canvas. Beside each item is a checkmark or an X in charcoal. "Corbett's the one with the long, braided beard. If you're looking for a berth, it's him you'll have to convince."

Suraksha grins up at the big man, "You got it. See you later!" She carefully rolls the inventory list, tucking it into her tunic as she darts off. A few seconds later she's pulling up in front of Corbett, waiting her turn to talk to him. As an angry drover and a snarling dockworker -- both of whom are being held apart from the other -- pour out their complaints to the caravan leader, Suraksha takes that opportunity to glance around for the woman who seems to be Corbett's second. She wants to check her out with the Sight too. She grins, noticing the drover has a black eye, and the dockworker's shirt is torn.

Corbett's second is the one holding the two workers apart. She does have to work to do it, but not too hard. Perhaps it's because the woman is exerting herself when Suraksha looks, but her chakras are bright as fires to the supernatural's senses. Climbing up and down her spine are the twin serpents of chakra energy, both of them quite powerful. The things that stand out most, however, are the woman's third-eye and Will chakras. The others are healthy, but those two are quite powerful. This is a woman who sees a lot and is not afraid to push herself forward in the world. Suraksha can tell this woman will be quick on the uptake and fast of thought. She will also likely be the one more likely to object to a stranger.

Suraksha's eyes widen in awe -- this woman looks a bit like Fearsome Grandmother! The young woman wonders why this person isn't the leader, as she waits for Corbett to conclude judgment on the argument of the two angry men. She takes that moment to tug her tunic into place, then push back a few loose strands of her curling hair that have escaped her braid. She straightens -- she'll look her best when it's her turn to be spoken to. She also pulls out the inventory sheet for Corbett. As she waits she takes a quick glance at it, curious to see what's missing -- and if it's something she can help with.

Corbett says something quietly and the two men flush with shame, the fight going out of them. His expression is almost mournful as he shakes his head over their behavior and the men straighten up, tugging their own shirts into place and mumbling apologies to the caravan leader and his broad-shouldered second. Her name appears to be Joan. The drover and the dockworker slink off in opposite directions, leaving Corbett behind. For the most part his bushy facial hair conceals the little half-smile on his face. Suraksha steps up smartly now there's no one else in the way, offering the inventory sheet. Her voice is crisp, "From Buddy, sir."

Corbett and Joan give Suraksha similar amused glances as the caravan leader takes the list from her. "You're not a familiar face," he rumbles as he looks over the list, frowning, "Well, most of this is stuff that's pretty easily attainable, but I ain't found nary a merchant with paprika, and we can live without it for a few months."

Suraksha clasps her hands behind her back, her feet slightly spread as she falls easily into the parade rest stance she's seen used by some of the warriors who work for her family. She smiles sunnily, "I'm Suraksha, sir, helping Joe and looking for a berth with your caravan." She grins as she adds, "Also, I know where you can buy some paprika." She mentally upgrades her assessment of the caravaneer's smarts -- not only can he, but also his cook can read!

Corbett's mustache twitches as he says, "That so? Well, tell you what, Suraksha." He gets it right the first time, right down to inflection, "You get Buddy six ounces of paprika, and we'll talk about giving you a berth. He's a pain in the ass when he can't have his spice."

Suraksha grins at that, her eyes lighting up, "What's my upper price limit, please?" Corbett gives her an upper price limit that is going to require some mean bargaining. The twinkle in his eyes tells her he knows he's set her a hard task and he's looking forward to seeing the results. Suraksha frowns thoughtfully, then nods briskly once, "All right, I'll see what I can do. Later!" She whirls and dashes off, her braid bouncing behind her as she darts agilely through the crowd. She does know where to find paprika -- this is the ancient lady who supplies her family, in fact -- but she's not sure she can get the price that low. Still, she'll give it her best shot!

Suraksha is panting softly about 20 minutes later as she comes trotting up to the tiny storefront in what used to be called Japantown. The young woman takes a moment to catch her breath and straighten her clothing, since she knows the Venerable Ying is quite particular about propriety in her old age. After that Suraksha knocks lightly on the doorjamb before pushing aside the decorated cotton cloth hanging in the doorway and stepping through. Ying greets Suraksha as a familiar customer and seems to be in a more forgiving mood than normal. The shop always smells so rich and dusty with spices and herbs. The store sells them not only for culinary purposes, but for medicinal ones as well. The ancient proprietress is a practitioner of a type of Chinese medicine that was old when the young supernatural's Grandmother was still in India. Suraksha actually manages to bargain her down to well under Corbett's top price.

Suraksha is delighted, and accepts the package with many thanks and proper bows and blessings wished on the Venerable Ying and her family. She promises to return as soon as possible with the money; she's well aware she is being heavily trusted because she is well-known to the shopwoman. Shortly thereafter she's scampering excitedly through the city, the precious packet carefully tucked into her tunic as she heads swiftly for the docks. She zips neatly between two bellowing camels, ducks under a high-wheeled cart, and skids to a panting halt near to Corbett and Joan. She catches her breath, straightening her tunic and waiting her turn again.

Corbett's caravan is in the finishing stages of their preparations when Suraksha returns. Final invoices are being signed over; various tarps and hatches are being fastened down. Joan and Corbett are still near where she left them, and there are three or four people before Suraksha can speak with the man and woman. The last of them clears away in just a few minutes, leaving only the young supernatural. Suraksha's eyes are sparkling, but her demeanor is solemn as she steps forward. Almost apologetically she murmurs, "Forgive me, please; I did not get the price you named, sir. But I did arrange the sale of six ounces of paprika!"

Corbett says, "That so? What sort of price did you pay?" He's cautious, keeping his tone neutral as he waits for Suraksha's answer. His body language is also relaxed. Joan isn't quite glowering. Quite.

Suraksha looks a bit surprised, "I did not pay, sir. I came back for the money from you to finish the sale." She can't help the grin as she adds, "It will cost you less than you asked for, actually," and then names the price she bargained. She bounces on her toes a bit as she adds, "Is that sufficient for our agreement?" She knows the leader is likely to assume this is a clever attempt to filch him out of the money... which is why she bargained to also bring the paprika to him. That should convince him, she hopes!

Corbett grunts and says, "That ain't a bad bargain at all -- and I said we'd talk about it. So, I'll talk first. You take a berth with me, and you'll be expected to work. We don't hold with nosiness. Long as people ain't stealin' from you or hurtin' you, you leave 'em be. We're a motley bunch and if you've got city sensibilities, you might find 'em a mite bruised. Now, where's this shop so I can go get Buddy his paprika?"

Suraksha listens carefully, nodding a bit. She's pleased to hear nosiness isn't condoned; that should help her protect her own secrets. At the query, however, she beams and stands as tall as she can. Fishing the little package from her tunic, she holds it out, "Actually, the paprika is here, and I would be happy to lead you or your representative to the shop." Her tilted eyes are slitted with excitement, nearly glowing golden at her pleasure.

Corbett chuckles as she produces the paprika, "Well, let's get going, then." He nods to Joan, who nods back and strides off, calling for the caravan to get ready to pull out and hollering for Joe to bring Corbett's horse and one of the mares. Suraksha hesitates, unsure if the mare will spook at her scent -- then takes a deep breath. She can always run ahead if necessary, and she doesn't want to give away her true nature to Corbett just yet. Maybe someday, possibly soon... but not now, not here in the City.

The mare seems surprisingly mellow about Suraksha's scent; she's already saddled to be ridden. Corbett swings up onto his horse's back and says, "I ain't gonna have to have a fight with your daddy or husband, am I?"

Suraksha sighs in relief at the mare's calmness even when offered a small hand to sniff. She laughs as she swings easily up into the saddle and gathers the reins, "I'm not married and have no intention of doing so any time soon... and if any of my family were going to fight with you, it would be Fearsome Grandmother!" She grins, her eyes sparkling with excitement again as she nudges her mount forward to lead the way, adding over her shoulder, "And I got her permission before I headed out -- I'm not stupid enough to fight with her!"

Suraksha leads the way to Venerable Ying's shop, and without even thinking about it she performs what are to her the usual duties of a good negotiator: she makes sure the shopkeeper and the caravan leader are in a good mood and pleased with the bargain and each other. It doesn't occur to her that she's showing skills unlikely in a 13 year old, or that Corbett is regarding her in silent thoughtfulness; she's currently more perplexed over the mare. It's as they're clopping relaxedly through a small traffic jam of carts that Suraksha glances curiously over at Corbett and inquires, "This is a very calm mare! Usually horses spook around me for some reason. Who trained her, if I may ask?"

Corbett's mustache twitches as he grins for a moment, "Joan. She's my wrangler. She's a big believer in making sure young horses get exposed to all sorts of things. After all, no tellin' what you'll encounter on the trail." He glances at her out of the corner of his eye and adds, "Pay don't start out much. And you'll be bunking down with several other folks. Most don't have private quarters. You'll ride with us to Baton Rouge, then we'll see how things stand. They ain't workin' out, you're on your own to get back here."

Suraksha nods, then smiles in quiet confidence, "Joan is the wrangler? Interesting. I think we'll be fine. You and Joan are good people."

Corbett snorts, "You're sure of that?"

Suraksha grins at Corbett, "What, that you and Joan are good folk? Yes, I'm sure."

Corbett mms as if he finds that interesting, "Well then, Suraksha, looks like we got a deal." He turns slightly in his saddle to offer her his hand.

Suraksha laughs and leans to shake his hand, then settles back into the saddle. She pats the mare's shoulder as she explains, "Everything you do tells me that. Your horses do, the way you stop fights does. Joe's behavior does, the condition of your wagons..." She grins, concluding simply with, "I'm sure." She doesn't bother adding the main reason she's sure, of course... but she is indeed positive.

Corbett chuckles and says, "Well, I figure me and my people, we're all each other've got out on the trail. The better I treat them, the better they'll treat me. We're going to meet them a little ways out of the city. Harbormaster needed the space we were takin' up."

Suraksha beams excitedly, brushing a few wisps of wind-blown sable hair out of her face, "Lead the way then!" Corbett nods and gently clucks his mount to move a little faster, winding through the city and out toward the outskirts. He doesn't seem to have a need to ask a lot of questions or fill up the quiet spaces with talk.

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Last modified: 2010-Aug-28 20:29:49

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