Sapphire:Sessions:20161008

Sybonne, the seer who is currently a "guest" at the Dolyenan Embassy, believes she must have been unconscious for 8-10 days to have traveled from Mallow Bay all the way to Sapphire. Chalker leads her to the Bicarn Embassy and asks to join the ambassador for supper. After ten minutes, Chalker and Sybonne are led to a small dining room. Chalker is seated to the ambassador's left.

Chalker asks after news from the Coastal Kingdoms. The ambassador says he is aware that Prince Frederick is on his way to Sapphire to replace Chalker as the Dolyenan Ambassador. Chalker: "I'm sure you're going to be good friends... 'Freddie' might expand the embassy." Chalker asks if a certain property is still for sale, but the ambassador has no information. The ambassador is familiar with Mallow Bay, giving the impression he had been posted there at one time.

Branamin is getting feedback from the icon he created, and gains insight into the connection among the icons. He has studied some of the amulets -- two linked to Cor (one of which makes it easier to research magic), two linked to Ven (who was slain centuries ago by Aaoo), and one with a connection to Mensep. The other amulets are "blank," prepared for blessing or enchantment.

Branamin offers to pay some kids to run errands for him. "Let me know how much the Copper King wants for your service." He gives them small created items and explains that they are lovers' tokens. "They will vanish as soon as they are let go." Branamin takes a walk to relax and clear his mind, then returns to his rooms and begins writing.

Chalker and Sybonne proceed toward the Temple of Zeph. Sybonne reveals her divination of the Bicarn ambassador: "He is a dangerous individual with a bloody future... no more than a month from now." Chalker replies, "Freddie is 6'6", 350, and he's not fat." Sybonne relates that back in Mallow Bay, a man wanted to hire her for a reading on an artifact belonging to Frederick; she sensed danger to herself if she accepted, so she turned the commission down. The man was accompanied by a two-swords.

Sybonne: "I want to convince you that I am not a danger." Chalker: "Sung is like you, but I trust her more -- which is not a lot. If you attempt to hurt me in her presence, she will kill you."

They enter the Temple of Zeph. Sung's injuries have almost healed, and she will be ready to travel tomorrow. Chalker gives observance to Zeph, then as is his way, begins walking the perimeter of the main sanctuary, speaking aloud. "If I proceed rightly, I have a 50% chance of being killed. If I proceed wrongly, I have a 90% chance of being killed. Those don't seem to be good odds." A young acolyte appears beside him and says, Your petition finds my favor. Chalker: "Why was Ven not your consort, rather than Aaoo's? I feel the two of you are a better match." Things change and responsibilities differ. Some of us are more constant than others. Ven was a center point around which most of the Chosen moved. I was not totally aligned with Ven.

Chalker: "What did the Venettians do that you stopped them? I am getting close to the answer." It is dangerous. Knowledge must be gained and interpreted for healing to occur.

Chalker writes in his journey book, "How about we leave at 9:00 tomorrow?" Shawna and Branamin acknowledge; Ahn-Lee has a mandatory assignment from his guildmaster.

Chalker instructs Sung, "Be at the embassy by 7:00am; I will have duties for you tomorrow... Zeph gave me life advice -- about keeping mine. Whenever they tell you you'll get what you deserve, be afraid." He tells Sybonne, "Go introduce yourself to Rory Borealis, but don't do a divination. Then introduce yourself to Bajeeter at the Boar's Head. Then join the Mage Guild, find Trace Dreygon, and tell him your situation."