| Logs |
2022 March 04
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Coming Back To You
Oak Ridge was, even after Dying Off standards, a small city. It was, however, extremely well-fortified. It had been a fortified city once in the long-distant past, so it had been easy to do that again once the metaphorical smoke had cleared.
It was one of the few places left on the continent to still have electricity. Most of the very small handful of others got it from hydroelectric or wind generation. Oak Ridge got it from a very small and very stable graphite reactor. It had been created in a time before the thinking machines and so it was meant to be run by people using their minds. A side effect of that was that there were a large number of engineers in the city.
Most of the small amount of electricity created was actually used for very practical things. There was a small steel mill, more along the lines of a slightly more complex blacksmithy. Most of the steel produced was used to make things such as fine weaponry and for some of the few machines left. It was also used in the making of the Tap devices that the engineers created.
The Tap engineers of Oak Ridge had no desire to build out of their city. They were happy there, sheltered in the eastern mountains. When people had come to them wanting them to use their steel mill to create rails for a railroad, they had refused, saying there were better uses for it -- and besides, travel didn't need to be any faster. There were some records left there about what life was like before the disaster and they were adamant that they would have no part in making things like that again.
Their creations were highly prized and dearly bought. Roy's own Le Baton Rouge had been built by one of the engineers from here, but he was one that was occasionally itinerant. He traveled in large part to gather the makings the others needed for their workings. There was quartz in the mountains, but quartz was not the only thing needed -- and even with the vein there, the really fine crystals were still rare. The rutilated ones of particular clarity were highly sought-after, if not actually coveted.
Crystals could be used by most Taps all on their own, but it was a primitive usage. What the Tap engineers knew was that combining the crystals with other stones and with the right metals could refine it and amplify it. Done right, it could even allow non-Taps to use the energy of the leylines. Even done right, however, there was still an enormous risk.
Someone not trained in being a Tap ran the risk of killing themselves using a Tap device. Some weapons had been created, but Oak Ridge had passed rules against them on the premise that the leyline energy should not be used for harm if at all possible. Instead, they concentrated on creating amplifiers of a sort. There were still devices made that would allow non-Taps to do things such as sense storms or feel the movement of the earth in places where quakes were a problem.
Getting their creations out to the world could be difficult, as they were not on any of the major trade routes, but some caravans and traders made it a point to go out of their way to get there -- because even if the devices were expensive for the traders to buy, they could double the cost out in the world.
When Corbett's Cross-Continental Caravan came into the city, there was excitement. A caravan that large was unusual and the fact that they traveled from one coast to the other meant that the city's trade goods would get out to more people. There were folks that found the eagerness of the city's Tap engineers to really use their abilities and their devices to help others a bit odd, but Suraksha thought they sounded charming.
The leader of the city was elected and tended to be a woman more often than not. There was a city advisory council as well, as much of the running of the city was done via town hall meetings. It was this council that came to meet the caravan when it pulled up at the gates.
There were guards, and they were armed, but they seemed more curious than aggressive. They were there to protect people, not to pointlessly stop well-meaning folk from getting in. The Elder was a matronly woman dressed in a simple calico dress with a heavy denim jacket over it. Her hair was iron-and-snow and braided down her back in a complicated plait that reached her waist. The pleasantly seamed face was coppery in color and her eyes were deep brown. She smiled and stepped forward out of the group of nine people, holding out her hands to Sulochana.
"Welcome! Welcome! I am Kamama. I'm Town Elder for now." When Sura took Kamama's hands, the old woman raised them and touched them to her forehead with a smile. "The guards let us know you were on your way after your outriders came to reconnoiter."
Little Joe and Daniel had come back cheerful after they'd done their advance scouting. Their reception had been friendly and the guard captain that had met them had asked questions about things such as their numbers and the types of animals. Unlike some settlements, however, they were only asking so they could suggest good pasturage and camping grounds for the caravan.
Suraksha smiled and returned the gesture with Kamama's hands, "We are glad to be welcomed here, Elder Kamama! We have seen your work out in the world and have trade goods we thought might assist you all in your efforts."
Kamama's smile was warm, "We look forward to seeing what kind of trade we can have with you and your people." She let go of Suraksha's hand and motioned two people forward -- one male and one female. They both seemed to be in healthy young adulthood. The female was an unglamoured sidhe, but seemed unconcerned about it. By her bearing and looks she was a deer of some stripe. The male looked human and had a sturdy build and a comfortable face. "These are Gigesdi and William. They will show you the best place for your wagons and your animals. There's not a good place inside the walls for you, but I assure you that you and your people will be safe."
Gigesdi smiled, "We've got a very good pasture nearby with a stream and some shade. If you need fodder we can find some for you, though I cannot guarantee that you won't have to pay for it."
Sulochana chuckled, "We expect to pay for things like fodder and supplies along the road." Del and Ohkwa were already coming forward to meet the cervine sidhe and the sturdy young human. "Del and Ohkwa take care of our animals except for the dogs. Alg takes care of them." Alg came lolloping up at mention of his name and looks the people over before looking up at Suraksha, "Pretty lady want Alg to bring the pack?"
William spoke; his voice was surprisingly deep for someone that seemed no older than his mid-twenties, "No need. As long as they don't attack any of the townsfolk, they're welcome. We've found that caravans that don't travel with dogs are the ones you have to look out for. Dogs're good watchers and protectors."
Elder Kamama smiled again and said, "Please come find us once you're settled in. If you have trade goods with you, feel free to bring samples of them with you. Gigesdi will be able to help you find the town hall."
After that, the caravaneers were taken to the camping grounds that had been chosen for them. It was a meadow that looked like it might once have been a public park of some sort, as it was quite level and there was a gazebo near the stream. Dom pronounced the ground stable enough to take the weight of even the big wagons and Gigesdi helped Del and Ohkwari set up a corral area for the animals. The oxen and horses were taken in stride, but the deer sidhe was fascinated with Amanda and Gajara. She asked many questions about their upkeep and if they needed anything special.
William worked with getting the main camp set up, even going so far as telling them the best place to gather firewood if they wanted to use wood that had fallen naturally. He also gave some good advice on native plants to avoid. When Little Joe asked William what he did for the town, the young man replied, "Sort of a scout. Me an' Gigesdi run a bit of a patrol around the city, keep folks up on what animals are around and any problems that might be afoot. We're pretty peaceful, but sometimes you get bandits even out here."
Once everything was well on the way to being set up, Sura got together samples of the caravan's goods. She was especially careful in choosing the three finest of the quartzes they had collected on their way up to take care of Lord Crowninshield and his bid to take over the whole of the continent. None were less than stellar quality, but these three were exceptional: large and utterly clear except for the delicate webbings of rutile in them. Sna'tha, Joe, Dom, and Roy had all assured her that those three alone would fetch a king's ransom. Roy had seemed quite impish about using that particular term, in fact -- since they had been found on the trip to win back his city from the incipient invasion of the Boston Brahmins.
The town hall turned out to be a large, airy building with whitewashed walls both inside and out. The outer walls held huge shuttered windows that could be opened or closed to either let air in or keep the weather out. Seating consisted of rows of comfortably padded benches, with a slightly raised dais at one end that held a table and nine chairs. The impression given by the table's placement was that this way everyone in the room could see the council, rather than signaling any sort of being "above" the rest of the population. There were also a couple of tables at the back of the hall -- the sort that might be used to lay out refreshments for a gathering.
Elder Kamama and the other eight members of the council had been joined by a handful of other people who mostly had the look of merchants. One gentleman had more the air of an academic. The group of townies was standing near the back tables rather than up front. Someone had brought in urns of tea and there were plates of biscuits and dishes of jam. One of the tables was left clear for the caravaneers to lay out the samples of their trade goods.
Everyone turned toward the door when caravaneers arrived. Sura had brought along Chanti and Sabrina and the three of them graciously greeted the gathering of locals. There were some handshakes and a couple of the forehead-to-hands greetings. One of the elders -- a plump and cheerful brunette woman -- even offered hugs to the new arrivals.
There was talk and exchange of news from the road as the bundles were laid out and opened. First were samples of woolen, cotton, and linen cloth from various parts of the country. If the town asked, some of the caravan's small store of silk might also be brought out. Then there were dried fruits that did not grow in the area, along with spices and herbs. Crafts and the work of some artisans were also on display.
Everyone looked things over and discussed with one another and the caravaneers what might sell in town. Sura waited until things had settled down a bit before carefully opening the padded pouches and bringing out the three quartzes.
The chatter that had been going on quieted down almost immediately.
The gentleman that looked like a scholar of some sort was the first to speak, "Those are breathtaking." His voice was reverent as he stepped toward the table where they were laid out on a black cloth meant to play up their purity and beauty. The man -- who had been introduced as Harold -- put his hands behind his back as he leaned over to examine them, "In fact, I haven't seen ones of this quality in a few years. Wherever did you get them?"
Sura's smile is a touch grim, "We actually took them from a man who was trying to kill us, Scholar Harold. As a consequence we don't know precisely where they were mined." More gently she adds, "I'm sorry. However, it was our hope you could turn them to some better and more helpful use."
Harold frowns and nods. From his pockets he produces a pair of actual kidskin gloves and asks if he can touch them. When he's given permission, he picks the largest of the crystals and holds it to the light coming through one of the windows, "I would normally frown upon theft, but it sounds as if the man that had them was possibly misusing them... so I cannot say that I am upset he no longer has them." After a moment Harold lays the crystal back down, "We here are careful that the things we know do not get misused. The stories about this city from before the Dying Off are a case in point. They made terrible weapons here -- planet-killing weapons. That will never again happen in this city."
Suraksha wryly replies, "Unfortunately most bandits are not foresighted enough to leave a will tucked into one of their pockets... and so when we... stopped them we simply confiscated their goods. Considering they were trying to rob us of our people... well, I admit I did not consider it theft." She nods gravely at Harold's news, "Yes, this I have heard. It's one of the reasons we chose to bring the quartzes here, in fact." She smiles, tilting her head inquiringly as she adds, "So do you think they might be of use to you?"
"'Of use'? My lady, they will be more than 'of use.' They will be cherished... and we will pay you more than fairly for them," Harold assured her. "I myself have a project geared toward a healing device that could use crystals of this caliber. One of my apprentices has been designing something to be used for finding water in dry climates. Not every town has a water Tap, you see. They used to call the ones that had only an affinity for feeling the water dowsers or water witches. Of course, we understand them better now."
Sura's grin is almost mischievous, "You do? How wonderful! What is it you better understand about the nixes and undines, then -- if I may ask?" She wonders if she's about to hear something she can later tease Roy with!
Elder Kamama is the one to speak up then, "We know they are using the leylines. We know they are some of the more intuitive Taps because the body of humans and most other species is made primarily of water. It also means that they are some of the most dangerous if they are not trained. Floods. Sinkholes. Mudslides. I know that last seems like it would be more an earth Tap, but it is the water that destabilizes the mountainside." There is a murmur of agreement from those gathered as she continues, "Just as those that call themselves storm Taps, who can sense the lightning, sometimes have a strange effect on other beings. It is as if they can use the lightning to stop or start a life."
Abruptly Sura's humor flees her face, and she frowns thoughtfully. After a moment she says quietly, "Actually... we would like to talk with, ahh, with some of you about that. Perhaps... privately? Would a few of you care to come visit us at the caravan, perhaps?"
There is a murmur of conversation and consulting amongst themselves as they decide who will be going. Eventually they send Kamama, Harold, and one of the merchants named Laura with them. It has the feeling of them deciding on who would best represent the town. From the conversation, Sura gets the impression that Kamama and the others of the town council are both spiritual and civic leaders.
Sura invites them to come to the caravan when they're ready. She and her companions return before then with the good news that the town is quite interested in their goods -- and (unsurprisingly) are especially interested in the quartzes! She also quietly lets Roy, Little Joe, and Dominic (as the caravan's strongest Taps) and Sna'thaid (as the caravan's effective security force) know that these folks have some interesting information about Taps -- the undines in particular -- and that she'd like to open up and be honest with them about all the new things the caravan-folk have learned regarding the quartzes and leylines. Are they all comfortable with that?
The three Taps all agree that it would be interesting to hear what the townies know about Taps and that it's probably important for Tap engineers to know about the quartz battery arrays. Roy is particularly interested, rumbling, "Know some'a dat, me -- 'bout de body an' water. Be how I sink dose river pirates dat come after Mary dat time." He clears his throat and adds, "Use it a time or two, me, in de fightin' for de City de firs' time. Can make all de water inna body go to de ches'. Drown 'em." The king-no-long-in-hiding rubs the back of his neck and says, "Feel sick doin' dat, me. Make sense, d'ough, dat we be awful dangerous cause'a dat."
Sura hugs her sweetheart gently, murmuring to them all, "Then let's let them know about what we learned, definitely. If anyone can figure out a means of stopping that ley energy thieving via the quartz battery arrays... it would be the engineers here, I believe." She grins as she adds, "Plus... I'm really curious as to what they'll offer for the three quartzes we showed them!"
When the townies arrive they bring some things of their own: preserves, art, some of the smaller Tapping devices, steel tools, and some truly beautiful jewelry made of native stone. Laura explains that these are the things they'd like to send out as possible trade goods of their own. Kamama brings information about things the caravan might be able to restock on while in the city as well. For example, the water is very clean and there are a lot of staples such as sugar, beans, and cornmeal. There's not a lot of wheat or salt, however.
Harold speaks up then, "These are not what we're offering in trade for the quartzes -- those are a special case." The engineer pulls out a small but heavy-looking sack and pours the contents out on the table. It turns out to contain gold, river pearls, and some gorgeous agates. Agates are part quartz, which makes them quite valuable in some ways but not very good for Tapping devices. Altogether, it's enough to keep the caravan in supplies for six months. "That is for the two best of the ones you have for us."
Buddy rumbles bluntly, "Got any fresh food? Fruit, meat?" Suraksha and some of the other traders within the caravan thoughtfully examine the gemstones -- though the Naga looks up with an intrigued grin at that last comment from Harold, "The two best? You have something else in mind for the third?"
To Buddy's question Laura says, "Oh, yes -- we do! Apples, peaches, and a lot of berries... and for the meat we have venison and pork. Not as much beef here, though we do have some -- and beefalo. We thought the dried goods would be something that would last you longer on the road."
Buddy just grunts, almost sounding dismissive... but Fantine smiles shyly at the woman, "We plan ahead for the staples, but it is harder to find the fresh food. We would love some of that if so, mam'zelle, oui?" She and the big man murmur together a bit, and then ask for two sides of beefalo, and a crate each of apples and peaches... with smaller boxes of blueberries and strawberries.
Harold clears his throat and says hopefully, "You'd really be willing to sell more than just the two?"
Suraksha smiles thoughtfully at the man, "We might. We've got some folks that could really use some help in their work, in the caravan. Would you be willing to trade in that sense? Like our chirurgeon -- she has a quartz, but if it can be either tuned up or... or modified or whatever so it's easier for her to use in healing? That'd be wonderful. Can you do that sort of thing?" She'll have to check with Dominic and Little Joe -- see if they'd like to try quartzes too. Hmm... she glances over inquiringly at Roy, wondering if he wants more than his famous Le Baton Rouge, as well. Of course, he'd likely be paying for that himself... but she's happy to sort of disguise who the purchase is for, if he feels that's necessary.
He's not being as careful to hide that he's the king, in their travels back towards Baton Rouge. Honestly, sometimes she wishes he would, though. She doesn't want someone to think a quick hostage situation or kidnapping from the caravan could be profitable. Roy does try his best to stay incognito in towns and he's kept his hair shorn, but he's begun to let his mustache grow back because Sura does seem to like his facial hair. Still, he doesn't want his beloved or his daughters having to worry about him.
At the question about Suze's quartz being tuned up in some way, Harold replies, "Well, yes; it could be. However, if you've got crystals of this quality you could simply give her one of them. Even then, I could quite likely improve its efficacy and efficiency." The Tap engineer warms to his subject for a moment, "It's physical healing she's doing, yes? The absolute best case would be to get your hands on a star ruby, but other good stones would be garnet or..." He picks up one of the agates with the swirled red inclusions, "One of these paint rock agates. For binding, I would say iron or steel. They're both very earthy, physical metals." He perks up, "Would you be willing to trade that third quartz for such work?"
Sura laughs, her eyes bright, "Very much so, Scholar Harold! If you'd be so kind as to let us know what the best tool for our healer to use would be, and are good with either making or altering one for us, then we're happy to trade quartzes with you!" She pauses, considering for a moment, then adds, "Hmm... do you know what sorts of tools work best for all the different types of Taps? If so, I'm interested in more than just the one." She smiles, holding up a reassuring hand, "We don't want weapons -- please don't worry about that. We want our Taps to be able to do their jobs with more facility." She glances over at where a glamoured Sna'thaid is curiously examining the lovely agates, and adds thoughtfully, "Actually... I would be interested if you know of any of these types of tools which also aid non-Taps. Something that, say... oh, maybe allowed those on watch to sharpen their senses, or strengthened the wood on the wagons, or helped calm animals... things like that, perhaps?"
Sura is also curious as to whether the caravan's news of the quartzes being used in a tool that effectively steals all the ley energy in an area is new to the engineers. She's really hoping they can figure out a way to defeat that, considering that dried-up leylines greatly harm Taps and supernaturals, and cause humans to fall unconscious... maybe even die if they're trapped in a no-energy area! She's also extremely pleased at how ethical these folks seem to be. As a consequence, this is a trading area she'd like to make part of the caravan's regular route.
Harold listens rather grimly to the information about the battery arrays and the way they literally dried up or blocked the ley energy where they were planted, "Things like this are why we try very hard to stay ethical. As far as I know, we've got the best Tap engineers on the continent here, but it's always possible there are others. I feel like we ought to send someone out to track back those leylines, if you haven't already." As he's talking about that, he's making notes in some sort of personal shorthand on a slate he carries around with him.
Sura nods, "We tracked back as far as we could and removed as many as we could... but that was for one town. Honestly, we have no idea if there are other towns doing this as well -- all we know for sure is that it radiated out of Boston, but the... the committee? -entities? -whomever that was organizing it has been... disbanded. So... that's all we know for sure; I'm sorry it's not more."
After a few more minutes' thought the scholar says, "We can do what you're asking. Non-Taps using them have to, well, I don't like to use the word sacrifice... they have to feed it a little bit of blood." Suraksha nods at that -- she remembers the quartz lightning pistol used by the traitorous guard that tried to depose Roy all those years ago. Harold continues, "A very physical connection with the device. As for helping someone sharpen their senses or calm animals... something that's very like a variation on a healing Tap can help calm creatures. Sharpening senses is possible, but it requires fairly constant donations of blood. It lasts for perhaps an hour or two."
Sura nods thoughtfully at that -- she's guessing that's more blood-sacrifice than is actually useful; just working well with animals will make more sense and cost less. The back and forth and haggling takes some time. The townies are not aggressive exactly, but they are very insistent on getting good value for their goods. They are also very happy to give good value in turn, but they have a pretty good idea of a fair price and stick to that.
Once all the palavering is over, Kamama speaks up, "We here agree to these prices, but we do have to take it before the council and the town for the things that are town stores. I don't anticipate any problems." The elder smiles, "You and your people are welcome to come to the meeting. The town hall is half again as large as we need for the current population. And we are not prejudicial about what sorts of people you have, as long as you promise to not break the peace."
Suraksha smiles, "Some of us would very much like to attend, if you don't mind. I'm curious myself as to what you all will do with the news regarding the leyline thieves." She hopes they take that information very seriously, actually. Stealing ley energy could be an extremely effective act of aggression against a town or city, after all. Sura would like to see that potential trend stopped in its tracks as soon as possible. Kamama seems quite happy to hear they'll attend and gives them the time. She also mentions that people tend to bring nibblies or drinks to share to such meetings. It sounds like the community is quite close.
When Sura and the caravaneers she chooses to accompany her arrive, they find the windows have been opened fully to let the air in. Also, there are some candle-like lights that have been raised using a pulley system so the building gets the benefits of the brightness but not so much the problem of the heat. People are still up and milling around a little, talking with one another and taking advantage of the potluck snacks. The members of the council are scattered pretty evenly through the crowd, as if they took pains to get an ear on every group of townies.
More of the obvious academics/engineers are present this time. They don't quite wear a uniform, but they are dressed similarly. Both sexes seem equally represented. Here and there in the crowd -- actually in a greater proportion than in many places the caravan stops -- are folk that are obviously not human. Gigesdi is there, as well as a woman who looks like she might be a kobold. There's even a pair of rather young-looking goblins, and one of the gentlemen seems to be a satyr.
A pair of young folks stand at the door, greeting people and keeping track of the number present by marking another slate there with a tick mark for each person that comes through the door. These two point out where to put any food the caravaneers brought, and introduce themselves as Peggy and Peter Russell.
The group of caravaneers is small but quite intrigued by the assemblage. Sna'thaid wanted to have a moment to talk more with Gigesdi, so she'd come, and Alg had come lolloping relaxedly along because Sura hadn't asked him not to. Roy wanted to check out possible trade with his beloved Baton Rouge, of course, while Dominic and Little Joe were quietly curious as to what these folks were like. Being a scout means you occasionally have to know when to run like hell, after all... but these folks seem almost startlingly friendly and ethical! Plus the possibility of Tap-enhancing quartz tools has both of them quite interested. All three men were 'disguising' their interest behind being the folks tapped to carry the big baskets and trays of nibblies which Buddy had gruffly insisted go with them. Sura introduces everyone to the doorkeepers, then heads on in with them all.
Alg bounds in first, and Sura grins quietly to herself as she watches him come to a screeching halt, eyes wide and hair bristling as he catches sight of the other two goblins. She hopes they all get along well -- poor Alg has had no contact with his own folks in years, as far as she knows! Sna'tha's glamoured eyes swiftly sweep the room, settling on Gigesdi with a thoughtful gleam. Dominic, Little Joe, and Roy are cheerfully guided to set the food on the back tables by a small handful of happily chattering young folks who appear fascinated by the well-traveled men. Sura smiles faintly and steps slowly forward herself as well, looking around carefully. This... should be rather interesting!
The two goblins catch sight of Alg and there is some obviously excited chattering back and forth as they make their way through the crowd toward him. They seem young, perhaps just post-adolescent, and their eyes are huge as they get near the older goblin. There's some chattering back and forth in a language that is most definitely not English and then Alg proudly growls to Sura, "These Crad and Lund -- brothers!" He motions at Suraksha, "This Alg's pretty lady."
Sura beams -- it looks like Alg will be able to get along well with the other goblins! She's very happy for him as she smiles and nods graciously to the goblin brothers, "Crad, Lund, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm so glad you're here, so Alg has a chance to talk to other goblins!" Crad and Lund say hello in that chattery half-English that is apparently common to goblins. Once they all dart off, hooting and chattering excitedly to each other, Sura laughs quietly and straightens, glancing around with a smile to see how things are going.
Roy is his usual charming self and even Little Joe finds that he's getting some attention from the town ladies. Several of the women of the town and even a few of the men make a point of coming over to introduce themselves to the handsome, young-seeming men. Sura herself comes in for much the same treatment in the opposite ratio. Everyone is quite polite, even those that are being overtly flirtatious. Dom keeps himself to himself as he often does, though he's not off-putting. After all, he's a very happily married family man! Once the caravaneers have been spotted, Kamama comes over and introduces herself. She does the same forehead-to-hands greeting as she did in the beginning. Little Joe and Dominic return it in kind, while Roy presses his lips to her hands. It's not the sort of flirtatious hand-kiss he sometimes bestows; instead it seems like a gesture of respect.
Kamama seems charmed by this and squeezes Roy's hands before turning to Sura, "We've got some seats for you and your folk near the front. People will want to have a look at you." Sura raises an eyebrow at that -- what an odd thing to say! Then common sense hits her: well, of course everyone wants a look! This little town is somewhat off the trade trails -- they probably don't get new folks here very often, so the caravaneers are an event, of sorts. She laughs quietly and nods, "Be happy to, Elder Kamama. Lead the way?"
The elder guides them to their seats, then mounts the dais -- which seems to be the signal for things to begin settling down. People start taking their seats and the rest of the council move up to sit at the table. There's no real order to where people sit, apparently. Harold has taken a place about two thirds back and the Tap engineers are scattered here and there through the crowd. Laura is closer to the front, and Gigesdi is sitting right behind the caravaneers, with William. Sna'tha sits on Sura's left, glamoured into the shape of a nondescript human woman. Granted, there are sidhe here, so they likely see through the glamour, but it makes her nigh invisible to humans. Roy sits on Sura's right and puts his arm around her shoulders in a very natural, affectionate gesture. This is not his 'back off, she's mine' body language. It's just the sort of thing one would expect from a long-term loving couple -- and it's just the kind of thing that causes Sura to sigh happily and lean into her beloved and Chosen. It just melts her inside when he's sweet and comfortable like this!
Once everyone is seated, things quiet down and Elder Kamama stands, smiling out at the crowd. The woman has the distinct air of a loving maternal being, "Thank you, everyone, for coming. We have a few things to discuss tonight and some of them are quite important." She gestures with one hand at the caravaneers, "We have visitors who have come for trade and to bring us some news. First, let's talk of the trade." There is some discussion of the prices that had been agreed on and then there is a general vote. All of the adults vote and they seem to be speaking to the children, explaining what's going on, even if the kids can't actually vote. Apparently this settlement wants all of its citizens to understand anything that affects the whole. The vote is quite overwhelmingly in favor of the trade agreement and that's noted down. Sura beams with relief -- this is a trade partner she definitely wishes to have! She's pleased they're willing to trust her and her people as well.
Once that's done, Kamama's voice gets a little more solemn, "Now we speak of the troubling news that our visitors brought us. As you all know, our city is greatly concerned with the workings of the leylines and those that can use the energy. There has been research here on the subject dating back to the time that it was realized that some humans could manipulate the world through tapping into it. Our engineers work on devices that can aid those who have that gift. Others, in other places, also use this knowledge... to create weapons and other harmful devices."
The elder takes a deep breath and then goes on, "The caravan brought in some very fine quartzes that were apparently taken from battery arrays that had been set up on leyline tributaries. We know that crystals can be used to store ley energy, but these devices were set up not simply to let a quartz or two recharge, but to charge large numbers of crystals -- and this stopped the flow of the energy." Kamama looks at Sura, "You said it had completely stopped the flow in a major leyline, yes?"
Suraksha stands, turning carefully so everyone can see her as she replies, "Not quite. It dried up all the smaller tributaries and greatly lessened the main flow." Her voice is grave as she continues, "We noticed this because... while we were in a 'dry' area all our Taps were tired and slowed dramatically. Further, one of them accidentally knocked himself out when using the Tapping ability, due to there being no natural ley energy available for him -- and did not recover! Even worse, our 'regular' humans would occasionally fall unconscious if we didn't keep a careful eye on them. Fortunately for us, we had enough stored energy that we could give our, ahh... energy-wounded members a quick, light burst so they could continue to function, and we just slogged on through until we found an area where the ley energy was flowing again."
There's no humor to her voice as she says quietly, "It was... not a good time. I was enormously relieved that we were able to get through it safely... but had we not had some stored energy, or had we all been human... I fear we might have died there." She glances around for a heartbeat, hoping everyone here truly believes her... then she sits silently back down. Roy stays quiet as his incapacitation is mentioned. He's not yet going to tip his hand about being a Tap... much less a very powerful one.
There is utter quiet as Sura speaks and the looks on people's faces are of horror and anger and disgust. There is no hint that they do not believe her. After she's spoken, hands start to go up around the room. Kamama points to one -- a middle-aged woman about halfway back -- and says, "Naomi?"
The woman stands; she looks more than a little worried. She wears the not-quite-uniform that marks her out as one of the Tap engineers. "They were absorbing so much of the ley energy that they were drying up tributaries and blocking major lines? This is worrisome. More than worrisome. This could be disastrous if it begins happening on one of the major flows." Naomi chews her bottom lip for a moment and looks around, then realizes it would not be a huge secret, "We sit atop one of the strongest lines on this side of the continent. If that happened here, we could be in real danger. Every one of us engineers is a Tap and we have several more in the town." There's a murmur of agreement and the woman turns to Sura, "How many of these arrays did you find?"
Suraksha has brought one of the metal supports with her -- or rather, Dom has it upon his person. She nods to him and the burly Earth Tap stands up, pulling the support out of his pack and holding it up so all can see. Sura says clearly over the hum of conversational surprise, "There were a great many of these shoved into the ground so as to soak up the ley energy. If you look carefully you can see that the quartzes can be changed out from this thing, and we later found out it takes roughly about two weeks to fill all the quartzes in one of these." She sighs, adding, "Around one town we found... what was it, about ten of these things?" Her query is addressed to Dominic.
Dom nods solemnly, "Around that one little town. Got several around other little towns. An' the number 'round Boston was..." He holds his hands up as if lost for words. Roy finishes for him, "Terrifyin', dem." Suraksha nods silently, her expression grave.
Naomi nods and looks around, then back at Sura, "Do we need to send out scouts along the lines between Boston and..." The woman tips her head, "Where were they going with these?"
Sura thinks for a moment... then stands and says quietly, "There was a Boston Brahmin who had aspirations of ruling the continent. He'd been breeding Tapping ability into humans for a few generations too, so he was making good progress, from what I was told -- his reach at its height was all the way down to Baton Rouge, and he was planning on expanding into the Great Prairielands soon. It was he who was collecting all the energy from the quartzes, so he could overpower anyone who defied him." She pauses, then looks wry, "To make a long story short... it is generally believed that he, ahh... offended one of the fey Courts." She sighs, adding, "He's dead now. What worries me currently is that there are still some folks out there who know how to make and use these things," she waves at the apparatus Dominic is still holding, "and we don't know any way to keep them from doing so -- and thereby damaging or eventually killing everything sapient downstream of them. We were hoping you folks might figure out some way to do that."
Sna'thaid does not smile as Sura seats herself again, not wishing to implicate her godsdaughter in any manner. Roy does, though, and it's a wryly amused, fond smile as he puts his arm about his beloved again. He's one of the very few who know that Crowninshield died not at the hands of the fey... but due to the poison of a very specific Naga. Admittedly, there was a fey assassin waiting as back-up, if necessary... but it turned out the Hetaera was able to complete the job herself.
There's some discussion and some obvious worry in the voices. Eventually Harold speaks up, "We may be able to do that. Or at least find out who's doing it. I've been working... well, it's not something I'm sure I want getting out. It's basically a detector that tells where and how powerfully a leyline is being tapped... which could lead someone to a Tap, so I'm not sure I want to finish the research." He rubs his hands together nervously, "It wouldn't help find the arrays since they're passive, but it might help you track down someone using the lines heavily...." He trails off only to have another young man pick up there. "However, there's also a device that helps track nodes and strong leylines. Basically dowsing for energy rather than water. That, with a good map of the leylines, could help to figure out where there's a concentration of energy in an unusual place."
The caravaneers listen with great interest, murmuring quietly among themselves. Finally Dominic rumbles thoughtfully, "So... could there be a lower limit on d'tectin' how powerfully a line's bein' tapped, Mr. Harold? Like... higher than a single Tap but lower than one a' these here thangs?" He holds up the metal array again. Little Joe nods, adding, "There a way t' detect any spots where th' energy's flowin' good, but then at some point it jes' goes dry? Kinda like those thangs did?"
Harold thinks about that and says, "There's a way to read the device if you spend a little time learning how to read it." He furrows his brow and says, "It's... basically, it gives non-Taps the ability some of them have to read the leylines. Makes someone into a very specialized sort of earth Tap, and would strengthen an earth Tap."
Roy speaks up then, "Whud 'bout udder Taps? Goan have easier time den non-Taps, dem?"
Again the Tap engineers confer, and Harold is the one to speak again, "I believe so. It's something we can at least test. We have... several Taps in town." He's obviously hedging a little. There are a good dozen of the engineers and it's already been said that they're all Taps. If there are others in town, this may be the highest concentration -- if not actually the highest number -- of Taps the caravan has ever seen.
Dominic frowns thoughtfully, rubbing the back of his head... then tries again, "But... whut I'm sayin' is, like, this tool? If you don' wannit detectin' Taps... cain't 'cha just set it so all it can d'tect is big, uhh... big clumps a' energy bein' used?" He glances at his old friend Little Joe, then adds, "That might let y'all do whut Joe here's talkin' 'bout too -- any place there's a big clump a' energy, but then bam! It goes down to nuthin' a'tall... wouldn't that be on 'ccounta one of these quartz arrays eatin' up alla th' energy?" Joe nods firmly, glancing hopefully back at the engineers.
"Mmmm... perhaps? But that would take months of research. I could have the other for you in three days, given the right materials." After a moment of thought, Harold adds, "I can show you how to read it. There is a difference between a Tap and a leyline unless the tap is, well, extraordinary."
Dominic looks a bit confused, "Uh... have whut fer me, please?"
Harold smiles, "A device that can read the power of a leyline or node. The one that you could use in conjunction with a map of the leylines, of which we have several."
Dominic thinks about that for a bit, so Joe grins hopefully and says, "This would allow us to detect if there's somethin' suddenly cuttin' off th' power of a leyline, right? Like th' quartz arrays do?"
Harold nods, "Oh yes! Leylines don't simply... stop. They trickle. Like rivers. But this device..." He rubs his hands together again, as if this helps him think, "This device can also find traces of ley energy." He moves over to the slate at the doorway and then pauses, "Have the numbers been noted down?" When Kamama nods and smiles, Harold wipes it clean and starts drawing something, "You know how there are things you can look at that will tell you if what you're seeing is a dry streambed or simply a natural or game path? Leylines are the same, but the traces are a bit subtler."
Harold sketches what looks like a rudimentary river system and marks lines across it as if there were dams there, "Where a leyline goes, things... follow. Natural quartz veins. Lusher-than-normal foliage. Sometimes you'll see things like a section of cloud cover moving faster than the clouds around it. But what I'm talking about are earthly, terrestrial signs, like if you run across a quartz vein that looks shattered or dull... or find an area of dead foliage that runs in a line. But even if the flow has been stopped, there are still traces. Ones you can't see but the device will pick up." He rubs his forehead, "I'm not sure I have the words." There's a pause as he gathers his thoughts. "It would be like a scar of sorts. The device would react and even show you the direction of flow of the 'dry' line." He even makes scare quotes with his fingers.
Sna'thaid says slowly, "And this... tool, this quartz ley-energy detector... could be used by anyone?"
"Oh yes! Anyone." Harold nods earnestly, "A non-Tap would require a small blood donation, but since it's already attuned by being crystalline in nature, only a small one -- and it would last quite a long time. Hours, even." By the respect and deference the other engineers seem to give him, he is likely the authority. And if he's a Tap that looks to be sixty years old, it's entirely possible he's a nonagenarian.
Suraksha smiles at Sna'tha, then says firmly, "We'd like one of those, please. Does it also help Earth Taps read the road ahead, or is it specifically just a ley-energy detector?"
"Three days and I can have it for you. I will need to see what we have in store. If you can provide the crystal for it -- if it's of like quality to the ones we traded for -- it will be magnificent." To Sura's question, Harold says, "For an earth Tap, this will be an incredible boon. Leyline reading is an earth Tap specialty. A device like this would boost his or her power significantly. Especially if I can get some iron and pyrite to work with." He looks over toward Naomi with a raised eyebrow. The woman nods and Harold smiles, "Oh, good. Three days, possibly two. Can you stay that long?"
Kamama adds with another smile, "If you stay that long, do you also do entertainment?"
Sura laughs! "Yes, we're happy to stay that long, and yes, we do entertainment!" She's beaming, absolutely delighted that Dominic will get such a marvelous new tool, as she adds, "What about... what was it you called them -- Storm Taps? Can you do anything for them as well?"
"Oh, yes -- definitely!" Harold beams, "That will need copper and amethyst, both of which I know I have in my personal stores. Storm Taps work with electricity, and I am quite good at that."
Sura nods thoughtfully, "Then... yes, we'd like one of those as well, and for our healer's quartz to be, er... was it 'tuned up' that you said you could do? And we're happy to entertain, as well as the trading with the quartzes we'd already discussed." She figures being there for three or so days will give Roy time also to decide if he wants something for himself... and perhaps the very few Friendsville girls left who weren't able to get pregnant yet can enjoy some time with some of the engineer Taps too! That thought makes her grin. She's become rather fond of the small but determined Friendsville group... and she's extremely pleased that Rufus and Rachel, the two werewolves, have decided to stick with the caravan all the way to Baton Rouge, so they can meet Guy, the fey werewolf in Roy's bodyguard.
Harold beams and the rest of the town hall gathering make happy, appreciative sounds. Kamama claps her hands together once, "Well, then. I think we know what we're going to be doing for the next few days. I move that we close the meeting. Do I have a second?" There's a voice that calls out a second, then the vote is called -- an unanimous "Aye!" After that, people start to rise and mill about again. More of them are coming over to say hello to the caravan folk and more of them are flirting a little bit.
Sura laughs quietly -- this is about what she expected for such an isolated group! She's happy her people are able to bring some novelty and entertainment -- as well as trade -- to Oak Ridge. Who knows? Perhaps someday one of them will wish to engage a Hetaera as well! For now, though, she'll finish the last bits of haggling on the quartzes and the entertainment, then return to the caravan. While she does wish there were some simple answer to defusing the few possible remaining Boston individuals who might use the quartz arrays to augment their own personal power, she suspects just being careful and keeping an eye out for them -- and, when necessary, handling them in the same manner as Doris was 'handled' -- will take care of things. Regardless, she's well satisfied with how things have gone here. The caravan will do well here, and it looks like Oak Ridge will welcome them as long-term trading partners. Excellent!
Roy seems relaxed and pleased. These people are... well... civilized and egalitarian. Just because he himself is a king doesn't make him dislike other peaceful methods of governing. He keeps an arm around his beloved as they walk, "Think might talk to dese folks, me, 'bout gettin' somet'in' for our Mary."
Suraksha raises an amused eyebrow at her sweetheart and Chosen, her voice gently teasing, "Nothing for yourself? Gracious, how... noble of you!" She giggles.
Roy grins down at her, dark Creole eyes gleaming, "Cher, got one of de bes' pieces of Tap engineerin' on de continent already, me." He considers and then admits, "Be nice t'have somet'in' li'l more portable."
Suraksha smiles relaxedly, "Sounds fine to me, sweetheart. If you wish, we'll sort of disguise who's ordering the item so it's not clear we have a king in the caravan, all right?" She thoughtfully adds, "Will you gift the new quartz immediately to Mary, when we swing by St. Louis? Or are you saving it for later?"
Roy is still smiling, "Can be emissaries, like." He gives her a squeeze, "Like to be some'a de young townies comin' 'roun' t'night." He thinks about her question, then muses, "Sorta t'ought t' give it to her as a welcome-home present, me. Do a sorta re-investiture." Suraksha nods quietly at all those statements -- she's good with them all. She expects some of the caravaneers will be having as much fun as the townies, after all, tonight! Roy looks thoughtful, "Mebbe jewelry fa' our li'l gal. Somet'in' can wear in public, her." He grins down at his beloved and consort, "Le's git back, us, an' git all freshen up." Suraksha nods quietly again; she's already planning what specific entertainments the caravan can offer the townies... aside from happy tumblings together, of course!
The thought that there would be townies visiting is quite right, but they are polite about it. The caravaneers have a good hour or so to themselves before the first couple of locals show up at the edge of the encampment. It's actually a small group -- only four or five, and none of them look to be over 20 or under 15 -- in other words, young adults. Two of them are the youngsters who kept tally of the meeting's numbers. Suraksha smiles and welcomes the townies in, then lets them mingle with everyone else.
The eldest of the little group -- a young woman who looks perhaps 20 -- lingers as the others greet Suraksha and then get gathered into the group around the communal fire. She's taller than average for a woman and has hair that's so red as to be almost orange. It's tightly curly and barely tamed into a braid that reaches to her hips. She's dressed in a long, flowing skirt and a sleeveless shirt. Her skin is as pale as would be expected with her hair and it's covered densely in freckles. Once her companions have wandered off she introduces herself as Siobhan. Suraksha smiles again, "Welcome, Siobhan. I am Suraksha of Corbett's Cross-Continental Caravan. What might we do for you on this lovely night?" It's still chilly, admittedly, but the cold is heading towards spring by now, thanks to the months spent in Friendsville... rather than the bitter ice of winter.
Siobhan smiles and laces her hands together in front of herself, "It's lovely to meet you, Suraksha. I was wondering..." she makes a motion around the caravan, "you said you're entertainers. Do you ever find yourself in need of others? Musicians perhaps, or dancers?" Despite her forward question she seems to have a slightly diffident manner.
Suraksha grins abruptly as she realizes: Siobhan's possibly looking to travel! "Thank you for asking, Siobhan, rather than simply trying to stow away -- you would not believe how often that happens!" She laughs, then waves Sna'tha over, "You should talk with my godsmother, Sna'thaid. She organizes that sort of thing... and can give you a clear-eyed perspective on what travel is like, and show you through the contracts should you decide to join us."
Siobhan turns to Sna'thaid and curtseys a little, murmuring something in a lilting language that makes the dragonfly sidhe's brows go up. She speaks back in kind to Siobhan, then amusedly adds, "Well, that's a language I haven't heard on a human tongue in rather a long time."
Suraksha hms curiously? -then grins as she adds, "You sure she's entirely human, godsmama?" Idly she checks the girl's chakras, wondering what drives this pretty child-woman to wish to throw herself into the wilderness like this. Indeed, Siobhan's chakras are brilliant in a way that few pure humans are -- specially the heart, throat, and third eye. They aren't as blazing as Suraksha has seen in some of the truly powerful folks she's met, but they are gorgeous.
The question about her humanity makes the young woman blush; it can be seen to climb up her throat and into her face, "I am not entirely human, no."
Suraksha smiles as she gently pats the girl's shoulder, "I was simply teasing, dear. Please do not feel that is an issue, all right?"
Siobhan ducks her head a little. She's a good six inches taller than Sna'thaid, "I didn't think it would be. I'm just not used to it being so quickly apparent. My great grand-mother was a merrow. Apparently there was some consternation that she caught pregnant by a human."
Suraksha chuckles quietly, "Ah, then we have someone you'll perhaps be interested in meeting later. But for now... Sna'tha, if you would, please?" She figures a bit of privacy in the following discussion will likely be appreciated by the partially human girl... and perhaps the fey in the caravan will help Siobhan feel more comfortable too. Sna'tha nods and leads Siobhan off -- not toward the main fire, but rather toward a quieter part of the encampment in order to talk to her and find out what she wants.
That group is just the first of a handful that show up. The town isn't as 'off the beaten path' as Friendsville, but it is not heavily traveled... so there's a lot of curiosity in the natives towards the very exotic (to them) caravaneers. One of the groups consists of three of the Tap engineers who want to know more about the number of Taps traveling with the caravan, as well as the extent of their abilities. Another group turns out to be several of the town elders. Suraksha lets the curious Taps go sit by the fireside -- they'll either learn more or not, depending on how the caravan's Taps feel about self-identifying. The town elders she steps forward to meet, however -- she's curious as to what brings them, and whether they need help with something or mean this as just a social visit.
Kamama is with the elders and they seem just as friendly as everyone else, if a little more serious. Kamama introduces a middle-aged-seeming man as Arnold; he takes both of Suraksha's hands in his if she lets him, "I had something of a possibly... ah... personal question." Suraksha nods encouragingly even as she wonders what's up. Arnold clears his throat, "I know that this Bostonian was breeding for Tapping ability, so I don't wish this to sound worrisome, but are there young men in your caravan that would be amenable to contributing to diversifying our genetic pool? I'd ask about the young women, too, but they would have to stay here for that to work."
Suraksha laughs quietly, turning so she can wave one hand towards the fireside even as she continues to reassuringly hold poor Arnold's hand, "As you can see, your young people are already doing so! I would not worry unduly... they seem to be getting along fine!"
Arnold relaxes and smiles, "Thank you, thank you! I am the town's expert in genetics and breeding, sentient and non-sentient alike. We are a small community and interbreeding too much is not at all good."
The dark figure appearing out of the shadows moves with the grace and ease of someone used to moving through forests and undergrowth in silence. The shoulders are broad and the leather tunic he wears has a hood pulled up to hide the face, though the dusky-skinned arms are bare to mid-forearm. From there to the second knuckle of the hands, the arms are covered in heavy gauntleted gloves with extra layers of leather across the back of the hand and the knuckles. The heavy black canvas pants fit close to the body and have several pockets along the legs. A sturdy belt around the waist serves as an anchor for a leather bag with an ornate buckle closure, secured to the thigh with a thong to keep it from flapping and thumping against the leg. The boots are snugly laced all the way up to the knee and are thick enough to provide protection against snake bites, even though the wearer will never have to worry about snake venom again.
The guard at the edge of the caravan knows the figure but still calls out a challenge. Rattler reaches up and pushes the hood back, exposing his bright and charming smile framed by the well-groomed mustache he's growing back on this last leg of the journey to reach St. Louis. "Jes' me, Aleksander," the former river-rat king drawls... but then he gives the passphrase along with a subtle hand-sign. After all, words might be overheard -- but that signal is only passed on quietly inside the caravan's perimeter.
The eldest Sokoloff son smiles broadly, "Ah. Welcome back! You're late! Your daughters have been fussing for their Papa before bed."
Rattler laughs warmly and pulls his game bag off his shoulder, hefting it as he walks past Aleksander, and turning around to walk backwards once he's past the perimeter, "Get caught up, me. Fin' a whole rabbit warren! Buddy goan be happy, him... an' de furriers." After that, he turns and trots the rest of the way to the chuckwagon to drop off his bounty. The minotaur cook is as pleased as Roy had expected, rumbling contentedly that, with some greens and spices, rabbit makes great stew.
After that the King of Baton Rouge makes his way through the camp, returning greetings and saying his hellos without pausing in his stride. When he reaches the brightly painted vardo he shares with his little family, he pauses and smiles; it's a bittersweet smile on his face. Too soon, this jaunt will be over. The caravan's arrival in St. Louis will be the end of his time incognito. Granted, he'll still have his beloved and all three of his daughters with him on the way down the river back to his City for his triumphant return, but from there his two lamia daughters and 'Chana will head out... leaving the hole in his heart that always remains after they leave.
Sulochana and the girls have all been waiting for Rattler's return. They all have better than human senses, too, so the girls come almost tumbling out of the vardo to pounce on their Papa and drag him toward the caravan. Standing on the vardo's tiny back porch, Sulochana smiles fondly at her little family... then covers her almost lascivious grin with one hand -- rrrowr! Her sweetheart looks mighty fine indeed in that leather outfit!
Roy smiles down at the excited girls and lets himself be pulled along as they tell him about their day and demand stories before bed. Once inside their little home-on-wheels, he leans in to kiss his beloved. If she ever let him, he'd gladly marry 'Chana, but he knows she doesn't want that particular ceremony. It's enough that he is her Chosen. She's already dressed for sleep, wrapped in a dressing gown.
"Sight for sore eyes, you," Roy murmurs against her throat with a happy little sigh before he turns to tuck the girls in and give them their goodnight story. The fairy tales and folktales his girls get are never watered-down. Neither parent thinks it wise to give their daughters a whitewashed view of a world that can be dangerous and dark. On the other hand, they make sure the girls also learn about sweetness, justice, and romance. Not that the two children need outside examples of romance, considering their mother and fathers are all genuinely sweet and loving with one another.
Tonight's story is of Red Riding Hood, but Roy makes a few changes. It isn't a woodsman who saves them. Instead, it's Red Riding Hood herself who has a knife with her when the wolf swallows her -- and she cuts herself and her grandmother free. "De moral of de story, mes 'tites chers: can make a mistake, anyone. Important t'ing be prepared ta git oudda de fix, you." No matter how protective of his girls Roy is, he's also well-aware they'll grow up to be powerful, like their maman. He wants to make sure they have plenty of stories about how they can -- even should -- be their own heroes. He thinks a moment, then solemnly adds, "Udder moral is be real sure 'bout who unner de clothes, you." He actually expects a swat for that one, considering the rather less-innocent ways it can be taken!
Instead of a swat, Roy gets a roll of 'Chana's eyes and a snort as she tartly replies, "You're one to talk about knowing what's under clothes!"
Rattler grins and drawls, "Hard won lesson! Got bit few times, me. Doan mean doan wanna warn mes bébés!" He leans over and kisses his beloved, not quite daring to whisper something naughty about finding out what's under her clothes. When he leans back he adds, "Goan go wash up li'l bit, me. Doan wanna smell de place up for mes chers."
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