Memory 4: Reunion
Sep. 3rd, 2011 10:35 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
baddecisiondzurI was wrong. This was not the floating castle memory (That's the Battle of Dzur Mountain). But it does have awesome fighting abilities.
What Happened
Tazendra is in the middle of nowhere with Khaavren's son, Piro, Uttrik's son, Kytraan, a Teckla servant (not Mica), some surrendered bandits, and the Empress (who has the Orb circling her head). The Empress is about to Say Something Regal when Khaavren, Aerich, two young ladies (a Tiassa and a Dzur), Mica and another servant show up. Tazendra hasn't seen her two friends in some time, so they get hugged. Aerich jokingly chides her for stepping in front of Her Majesty, and Tazendra is all "Empires come and go, but friendship is rare."
As soon as Tazendra notes that hey, it's all of us except Pel, Pel decides to announce his presence from behind, because he's a sneaky one. And tells them that they are about to be attacked, so maybe should delay the full reunion. Apparently they're after the Orb (the one orbiting Zerika's head) and were sent by someone named Kana. Also, apparently Pel had been working for the other side, but friendship + duty to the proper Empress will conquer even a Yendi's ambition.
They take the higher ground, after Zerika agrees it would not be beneath her dignity to climb a rope. They also take the oaths of the captured bandits, who agree to help in the coming battle. Tazendra and Ibronka, the young Dzur Khaavren had with him, agree to take rear guard because Dzur... but they make it up in a timely fashion.
So, about forty Dragonlords show up, looking a bit displeased about fighting the Empress, but, well duty. Tazendra's side has 17** (well, 13 soldiers, 3 lackeys, and the Empress) and the high ground. Pel attempts to warn them off, but it fails, and he comments that they're about to be charged. He points out that if they don't attack, Kana will probably send larger forces to secure the Orb, which will be bad for their health.
Tazendra is a bit annoyed because, well, it's nearly a fair fight because of their terrain advantage, so not as exciting at all. Yes, 3 to 1 odds against her make her cranky -- better to have 10 to 1. But, you know, it's for duty and friendship. (Also, the author wants to note that Tazendra is probably overconfident, since these are trained soldiers.)
But once the fight starts, she doesn't worry to much about this, because fighting! Yay! The narration indicates Tazendra hadn't started using the Orb again to power her spells, so Elder Sorcery! Yay! She casts some kind of death spell from a wand in her off hand, then goes back to swordplay with her dominant hand.
Eventually the Dragonlord in charge calls a retreat, and Our Heroes take stock. One of the brigands was killed, and Röaana, the young Tiassa lady, was stabbed in the leg. There's some fussing over first aid and getting bandages -- and not stripping the corpses, even if it means tearing up one's good clothing -- when Pel notices that the troops are reforming to ride, and someone named 'Grita'. Who is Trouble.
The friends make plans to head for somewhere called Dzur Mountain. Which is a bit dismaying to Tazendra, because, guys, having a strong mountain fortress to defend from an army is no fun at all. And we've defeated an army before (even if that's because Khaavren is a fast-talker). But, duty. Boo. Zerika also reminds Tazendra that next time she wants to use sorcery, she can use the Orb. She also calls Sethra Lavode at Dzur Mountain to tell her they're coming. But they lack horses and Röaana is wounded enough that walking will be hard. So Zerika suggests they camp for the night and figure out what to do in the morning. And also provide for those enemies who were wounded and unable to retreat.
What Tazendra Learned
-- Current House Count: 7+3 = 10 (Iorich, Tsalmoth, from Wadre's gang†) and an ID on House Phoenix (which had been mentioned by Aerich. She's missing Orca, Chreotha (maybe), Jhegaala, Athyra, Hawk, Vallista, Issola.
-- More about the Orb. Apparently it is singular and important and marks the seated Emperor or Empress. Being linked to the Orb is a mark of citizenship. The Empress can also access other powers of the Orb, but this Empress is new so there's a bit of a learning curve. And can be used for sorcery, and Tazendra probably thinks enough about this to know the difference between sorcery and Elder Sorcery, as well as how to adapt the one to the other.
-- Which she remembered! So, instead of an artifact that is crazy powerful, divinely crafted, and the symbol of the Empire's authority, she can use something that doesn't exist in Sabra (yet) and has a tendency to consume all matter when used improperly. This is an improvement!
-- More sword skills. Also tactics -- namely that it is an improvement to defend a narrow opening when one does not have numbers on one's side.
-- Something about respectful battle behavior. You don't disrespect the dead, and you care for the wounded once they have surrendered.
-- Pluses to friendship, duty (even when it's not fun), love of fighting, and willingness to show affection to friends.
More Thoughts
So, for the people playing at home, Tazendra and Aerich had a whole 'unconsummated love' thing going on. Basically, because they're of different Houses, they couldn't marry*, and Aerich is conservative enough that he wouldn't take a lover, especially one of a different house. Heck, I don't even know if Tazendra realizes it's reciprocated, or just shrugs it off as 'well, Aerich would never act on it, so I won't tell him'. (Hint: he figured it out.)
It's never stated when this starts, but I'd planned on any memory post-TPG where they were interacting would be colored by this because, well, when someone you love beyond all sense shows up, especially if you have been away from home for some time, there's an emotional reaction. So, Tazendra is now definitely aware that Aerich is Special, even if she also is very fond of Khaavren and Pel.
As for the sorcery, well, Tazendra now has the rudiments of the theory. The Orb is a link to power stored in the Greater Sea of Amorphia/Chaos. An elder sorcerer can access the power directly, but this is usually considered unwise (and is also illegal***). There's presumably some mental shift in spellcasting to allow for the fact you don't have a filter between your brain and the raw forces of Chaos, but Tazendra seemingly can make this. She also may be able to invent her own spells now, since an insta-kill will probably be nerfed by her bracer.
Though Lenalee's nightmare has her curious about other sources of power for spells. She may experiment though, unlike Ryner, she'll probably need something actually powerful rather than just 'ambient nature energy'. I would find it hilarious if Tazendra somehow manages to independently develop witchcraft****, if only for the faces of the people back in the Empire.
--
* There are, for lack of a better word, theological reasons for this rule, but mostly it seems to boil down to custom. I could do a short essay on Dragaeran taboos, but even Tazendra, who is a lot more relaxed about things than Aerich, would never fool around with a non-Dzur without some assurances that she wouldn't conceive.
** I don't know if this was done on purpose, and didn't realize it until I had to count the characters.
*** But, well, not always enforced. Aliera's been arrested for it twice, and both times it was politically-motivated.
**** The other big kind of magic. Most Dragaerans look down on it, because it's full of silly-seeming superstition to help support the spell and used by Easterners. It also doesn't have the power of sorcery. OTOH, it is powered by the user's own will (so works without the Orb), can be used in groups, and, as noted by the few people who can do both, often is better suited to certain tasks -- usually more psychic-y things, like tracking and communication. Morrolan also uses it to keep his castle floating because, well, he lost relatives who used sorcery to keep their castle floating when it suddenly Quit Working. Plus, he's a Dragonlord, and if anyone gives him a hard time for using Eastern magic, he can kill them.
† Three members are not identified by House. All we really know about Thong is that he dies in the battle. The wiki speculates Grassfog may be a Chreotha, because his sister is a trapper. No one's certain which house Ritt is, but of the bandits, he's the only one who survives the books so we might actually find out.
What Happened
Tazendra is in the middle of nowhere with Khaavren's son, Piro, Uttrik's son, Kytraan, a Teckla servant (not Mica), some surrendered bandits, and the Empress (who has the Orb circling her head). The Empress is about to Say Something Regal when Khaavren, Aerich, two young ladies (a Tiassa and a Dzur), Mica and another servant show up. Tazendra hasn't seen her two friends in some time, so they get hugged. Aerich jokingly chides her for stepping in front of Her Majesty, and Tazendra is all "Empires come and go, but friendship is rare."
As soon as Tazendra notes that hey, it's all of us except Pel, Pel decides to announce his presence from behind, because he's a sneaky one. And tells them that they are about to be attacked, so maybe should delay the full reunion. Apparently they're after the Orb (the one orbiting Zerika's head) and were sent by someone named Kana. Also, apparently Pel had been working for the other side, but friendship + duty to the proper Empress will conquer even a Yendi's ambition.
They take the higher ground, after Zerika agrees it would not be beneath her dignity to climb a rope. They also take the oaths of the captured bandits, who agree to help in the coming battle. Tazendra and Ibronka, the young Dzur Khaavren had with him, agree to take rear guard because Dzur... but they make it up in a timely fashion.
So, about forty Dragonlords show up, looking a bit displeased about fighting the Empress, but, well duty. Tazendra's side has 17** (well, 13 soldiers, 3 lackeys, and the Empress) and the high ground. Pel attempts to warn them off, but it fails, and he comments that they're about to be charged. He points out that if they don't attack, Kana will probably send larger forces to secure the Orb, which will be bad for their health.
Tazendra is a bit annoyed because, well, it's nearly a fair fight because of their terrain advantage, so not as exciting at all. Yes, 3 to 1 odds against her make her cranky -- better to have 10 to 1. But, you know, it's for duty and friendship. (Also, the author wants to note that Tazendra is probably overconfident, since these are trained soldiers.)
But once the fight starts, she doesn't worry to much about this, because fighting! Yay! The narration indicates Tazendra hadn't started using the Orb again to power her spells, so Elder Sorcery! Yay! She casts some kind of death spell from a wand in her off hand, then goes back to swordplay with her dominant hand.
Eventually the Dragonlord in charge calls a retreat, and Our Heroes take stock. One of the brigands was killed, and Röaana, the young Tiassa lady, was stabbed in the leg. There's some fussing over first aid and getting bandages -- and not stripping the corpses, even if it means tearing up one's good clothing -- when Pel notices that the troops are reforming to ride, and someone named 'Grita'. Who is Trouble.
The friends make plans to head for somewhere called Dzur Mountain. Which is a bit dismaying to Tazendra, because, guys, having a strong mountain fortress to defend from an army is no fun at all. And we've defeated an army before (even if that's because Khaavren is a fast-talker). But, duty. Boo. Zerika also reminds Tazendra that next time she wants to use sorcery, she can use the Orb. She also calls Sethra Lavode at Dzur Mountain to tell her they're coming. But they lack horses and Röaana is wounded enough that walking will be hard. So Zerika suggests they camp for the night and figure out what to do in the morning. And also provide for those enemies who were wounded and unable to retreat.
What Tazendra Learned
-- Current House Count: 7+3 = 10 (Iorich, Tsalmoth, from Wadre's gang†) and an ID on House Phoenix (which had been mentioned by Aerich. She's missing Orca, Chreotha (maybe), Jhegaala, Athyra, Hawk, Vallista, Issola.
-- More about the Orb. Apparently it is singular and important and marks the seated Emperor or Empress. Being linked to the Orb is a mark of citizenship. The Empress can also access other powers of the Orb, but this Empress is new so there's a bit of a learning curve. And can be used for sorcery, and Tazendra probably thinks enough about this to know the difference between sorcery and Elder Sorcery, as well as how to adapt the one to the other.
-- Which she remembered! So, instead of an artifact that is crazy powerful, divinely crafted, and the symbol of the Empire's authority, she can use something that doesn't exist in Sabra (yet) and has a tendency to consume all matter when used improperly. This is an improvement!
-- More sword skills. Also tactics -- namely that it is an improvement to defend a narrow opening when one does not have numbers on one's side.
-- Something about respectful battle behavior. You don't disrespect the dead, and you care for the wounded once they have surrendered.
-- Pluses to friendship, duty (even when it's not fun), love of fighting, and willingness to show affection to friends.
More Thoughts
So, for the people playing at home, Tazendra and Aerich had a whole 'unconsummated love' thing going on. Basically, because they're of different Houses, they couldn't marry*, and Aerich is conservative enough that he wouldn't take a lover, especially one of a different house. Heck, I don't even know if Tazendra realizes it's reciprocated, or just shrugs it off as 'well, Aerich would never act on it, so I won't tell him'. (Hint: he figured it out.)
It's never stated when this starts, but I'd planned on any memory post-TPG where they were interacting would be colored by this because, well, when someone you love beyond all sense shows up, especially if you have been away from home for some time, there's an emotional reaction. So, Tazendra is now definitely aware that Aerich is Special, even if she also is very fond of Khaavren and Pel.
As for the sorcery, well, Tazendra now has the rudiments of the theory. The Orb is a link to power stored in the Greater Sea of Amorphia/Chaos. An elder sorcerer can access the power directly, but this is usually considered unwise (and is also illegal***). There's presumably some mental shift in spellcasting to allow for the fact you don't have a filter between your brain and the raw forces of Chaos, but Tazendra seemingly can make this. She also may be able to invent her own spells now, since an insta-kill will probably be nerfed by her bracer.
Though Lenalee's nightmare has her curious about other sources of power for spells. She may experiment though, unlike Ryner, she'll probably need something actually powerful rather than just 'ambient nature energy'. I would find it hilarious if Tazendra somehow manages to independently develop witchcraft****, if only for the faces of the people back in the Empire.
--
* There are, for lack of a better word, theological reasons for this rule, but mostly it seems to boil down to custom. I could do a short essay on Dragaeran taboos, but even Tazendra, who is a lot more relaxed about things than Aerich, would never fool around with a non-Dzur without some assurances that she wouldn't conceive.
** I don't know if this was done on purpose, and didn't realize it until I had to count the characters.
*** But, well, not always enforced. Aliera's been arrested for it twice, and both times it was politically-motivated.
**** The other big kind of magic. Most Dragaerans look down on it, because it's full of silly-seeming superstition to help support the spell and used by Easterners. It also doesn't have the power of sorcery. OTOH, it is powered by the user's own will (so works without the Orb), can be used in groups, and, as noted by the few people who can do both, often is better suited to certain tasks -- usually more psychic-y things, like tracking and communication. Morrolan also uses it to keep his castle floating because, well, he lost relatives who used sorcery to keep their castle floating when it suddenly Quit Working. Plus, he's a Dragonlord, and if anyone gives him a hard time for using Eastern magic, he can kill them.
† Three members are not identified by House. All we really know about Thong is that he dies in the battle. The wiki speculates Grassfog may be a Chreotha, because his sister is a trapper. No one's certain which house Ritt is, but of the bandits, he's the only one who survives the books so we might actually find out.
