Mizugami/SessionThree

22nd Day of Descending Air, RY 768

I wish I could say that the zombie menace threatening Cherak has been dealt with. Unfortunately, the situation is worse than expected. We killed the First Pulse master who was training them and destroyed the zombies, as well, but discovered First Age artifacts perverted to the necromantic arts: Perverted by one of the Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible’s infernal Abyssals.

The only positive thing is that this monster wasn’t present. Otherwise the College’s Exalted classes would’ve seen sudden and numerous openings. Virtuous Cloud and Abbott Takgana are no longer on speaking terms, either. I also expect that should any further evidence of an Abyssal or Deathlord appear, the Wyld Hunt won’t be far behind. I only hope that given the current state of the Realm, they’ll have the resources they need to do the job. At least we have men like Chead and Peleps Deled.

7th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

I can’t believe I let that ignorant thug get the better of me. I failed my blood, my House, and the Realm by not refuting his brainless insults immediately. The shock of his words was great, but that’s no excuse. Since the session ended, I’ve thought of a number of rebuttals. Revisiting the issue now, though, would only make me look weaker.

The only legitimate response is to never let it happen again. Thankfully I am still young, this is still school, and he is still the unwanted issue of degenerate mercenaries. It’s a recoverable lapse.

The session wasn’t a complete disaster for me, at least. Kira delivered my report on the clearing of Dunleavy Hall without incident. Judas also nominated Kazuki’s sister to head the Lesser Deliberative’s festival subcommittee. I don’t think the fool even knows she’s his sister.

10th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

The Lesser Deliberative session went without incident. They liked the festival theme and Kazuki’s sister proved popular. That, combined with my recommendation, gave her unanimous approval as subcommittee chair. Had it not been the will of the Greater Deliberative, I would not have presented it. I think it will worry Kazuki to have his sister in a position of prominence.

I have to say, the Lesser Deliberative is probably good practice for my adult life. Despite my best efforts, there is a revolving coterie of sycophants always trying to curry my favor. I’ve discouraged many of them and there are a legitimate few who maintain a proper relationship with me, but many of them just won’t learn. I suppose I understand now how a Dragon Blood can come to abuse his position with respect to mortals.

11th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

J’hanna harassed me at breakfast this morning. She wants to captain our class’ team in the Tournament of Scarlet Grace and apparently Rector Danic has told her she’ll need to actually lead and get everyone on board with the idea if she’s to be made captain. I explained to her that I wasn’t at school to win a competition and I’d devote attention to it when I was able, but it certainly wasn’t going to be a priority. At least she was gracious in accepting my rejection. It was a pleasant change.

12th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

Elin invited me to dinner with Ferem Malkator Yesihau this evening. In an effort, she claimed, to provide neutral ground for us to meet, she hosted it at the principal Cynis estate in town. To further set my mind at ease, she had Chef Huey cater the event. I’m curious if she thinks I’m that suspicious, or just assumes it? Seems clear, either way, that the real goal was to be sure House Cynis heard everything that was said.

With that in mind, I did my best to give them nothing. Malkator obviously feels strong enough that he can afford to be direct. He wanted to know what we were doing running around in the undercity, whether we planned to do it again, and how likely the Wyld Hunt was to ride into his city. His agitation was obvious, but it was clear he knew that he couldn’t simply make demands of us. Not with me among the adventurers and especially not with Kira involved.

I assured him that we had no agenda and were unaware of any other zombie dojos in the city. He knew about the Abyssal and Deathlord, so I confirmed that information without supplying anything else. I also implied that further adventures were all but guaranteed. As for the Wyld Hunt, I told him what I think. If further evidence of Abyssals or the Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible turns up, I think the Hunt will ride. He didn’t want to hear that, but there was no point in lying to him.

All in all, I believe I established cordial relations with Ferem Malkator. As well, I figure I passed the test with Elin. In a few days, I’m going to invite her to dinner to say thank you. Maybe I can better evaluate her intentions then. I need to start working out her connections within Cherak, too.

13th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

Something strange happened at lunch today. Tevaned sat down with Judas and after a few moments, they got up together and left. After the way Judas barked at him about selling drugs, I can’t imagine what they had to go talk about.

15th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

Productive dinner. I took Elin to a local place with a view of the harbor. It didn’t even cost all that much to have it closed for the evening so that we would have privacy. I still don’t know much more about her influence in Cherak, but I am more convinced that she wishes to loyally serve the Realm. It is unfortunate that because of her family, I must remain on my guard. Perhaps in time I can overcome that.

18th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

Well that seems rather abrupt. Kazuki informed us this morning that he would be adopted into the Margard family this weekend and we were all invited. Between classes I asked him if he knew how the ceremony went and if he was prepared. He didn’t and wasn’t. He also hasn’t told his sister or friends yet that he’s a Dragon Blooded. We talked about it for a bit and I told him I’d go over the basics of the ceremony with him this evening.

I skipped Ancient History of the Southern Shogunate to purchase an appropriate set of clothes for him and read up on House Margard’s personalization of the adoption ritual. He seemed quite touched at the gift and I kept the instructions simple, so I think he’ll do alright. He also said he was going to tell his sister and friends the last bit of the truth the night before the ceremony. It seems that as opposed to the Great Houses, House Margard lets adoptees bring servants and family along. I expect this will be a load off Kazuki’s overly taxed mind to have the resources of House Margard looking after them. I still don’t think he understands just how many enemies he already has.

21st Day of Ascending Water, RY 768

Kazuki’s adoption went well. I hadn’t much thought about it before, but seeing much of the House collected there, it’s obvious that a lot of their strength comes from adoption. I also spied what I’m guessing are mortal guards assigned to keep an eye on the Idiots.

After talking to them, the Idiot label certainly fits some more than others. They seemed ill at ease at the ceremony so I did what I could to help Kazuki out. His sister and the other girl started crying when I explained why he’d hidden what he was. I couldn’t tell if the boys were nodding in understanding or just to try and look smart. Despite the tears, I think it helped. I’ll have to ask Kazuki if he plans to move himself and the Idiots into the Palace. It would certainly make life more interesting if he did.