3rd Circle Lay-Priest of Ksarul; Sorceror
"La! I am simply trying to insinuate myself where I am not wanted..."
Ohe! Noble Father and Mother,
Sorry it took me so long to write but I have been kept extremely
busy of late and a trip to the docks to find a ship headed out to the
islands is a full day's effort here in Jakalla. Note that I really did
promise the merchant a generous tip upon delivery, so this letter
should get to you within the three weeks he promised. Lately I have been lending
aid to
Mikusa hiNashomai
of Jade Diadem, a merchant friend of mine, in the planning of a
sea voyage, so I was down here at the docks anyway.
Life here in Jakalla is quite different than it is out in the
islands. Everything moves at a faster pace and even though Jakallani
have the habit of three or more slaves each, they still seem to be extremely
busy. Jakallani are also very particular on points of etiquette and use
titles and pronouns I have never even heard before. After several
unintentional slights delivered to the wrong people I decided to take
etiquette lessons from the clan etiquette master out here. After a conversation
with him he placed me in a class of pre-temple school younglings and you
can imagine my embarrassment! My knees stuck out from the writing desk
and I had to move to the back row (despite my adult status) so that the
children could see past me. I made up for this slur on my reputation by
studying very hard and he was forced to advance me after the unheard of
period of less than a week. Since then I have constantly had my nose in
etiquette texts and hope to be up to the "local" standards very soon.
I mentioned that Jakallani were very touchy about such matters,
but I have been fortunate that some are very gracious. I was invited to
a grand party given by the local Tlakotani clan and I knew I was out of
my league. It would have been insulting for me to decline despite the
fact that the clan etiquette master felt I was unready for such a social
setting. So I borrowed a twelfth form (Do we even have a tenth in the
island clanhouse?) and off I went. I addressed someone incorrectly in
the receiving line and he made an issue out of correcting me. Despite
this shame, I stood proudly, accepted the correction, and apologized. He
took this well and even smiled "beneficiently". Sometimes natural pride
can be misplaced and a well-executed acceptance of fault can increase
face. But later I was introduced to Prince Rereshqala, and I knew that I
was out of my depth. Luckily we are all taught the Imperial pronouns as
a matter of course and I brought no embarrasment to myself or my clan.
As well the Prince is a very kind man and chose to avert his eyes so as
not to be offended when I made my unpractised obesieance. Since then I
have brushed up on all such matters and could enter the same situation
with some confidence. He must have liked me because I was invited to
guest at his villa, which I intend to take him up on after I return from
this sea voyage. The prince is a great scholar and his library which I
visited once with my friend
Shekkara Tlakotani
is without peer.
I was also invited to a Sea Blue party the next week. I met some
very fine people there as well. My friend
Akhan
(he's a Ketkolel too but
Might of Ganga clan) dragged me (almost literally, he's a very large man
even for a soldier) to a Tsahlten table. I've never played and he wanted
to embarrass me (but in a friendly way I think). All my new friends are
extremely wealthy and he placed a bet for me equal to my year's
allowance. Well, I could not back down without losing face and really
what good is money anyway? I know you don't like to hear about
my
religious beliefs but I said a prayer to "Him" and gave the money away.
At least it could be a sacrifice. I threw the sticks and repeated a bet
from the man who went just before me. As it turned out that was the most
difficult bet to make, a "Triple Dragon", and against incredible odds I
made the pattern. A pile of chips representing a vast sum of money was
pushed in front of me. My "friend" Akhan to whom even this sum was as
nothing proceeded to help me lose it, to which I cooperated as the money
had already been made a sacrifice and I did not consider the winnings
mine. However it seemed that "He" had other plans for me. Whatever I
bet, I could not lose that night and Akhan and other players even began
to bet on my throws making vast sums themselves. So when the evening was
concluded and it was time to go, I found myself in possession of what
seemed to be a fortune. This I took and invested sensibly. I also
learned to play Tsahlten, so I would not find myself in the same position
again. Besides no one believed that I had not played before. Such whims
of fortune seem to be my lot in life, it is hard to believe that I
became a penurious castaway for the second time less than 2 months ago.
Soon I hope to to have built upon my investments until the returns can
be a support to my clan and I can bring honor to my lineage name.
Speaking of the clan, the clanhouse is huge and ornate. I live in
a dormitory of about 60 unmarried young men and there are hundreds of
apartments for others. When I arrived I knew that I had no way to
support myself, so instead of being a burden on the clan (though from
the opulence and splendor evidenced in the clanhouse, I'm not sure they
would notice) I made myself available for guard duty. I know it may
sound a little below my station, but many other young men do this
service as well. I am glad that I am not held to too much military style
discipline (you know how I dislike that) and they use me mostly for my
abilities as a sorcerer. My religious beliefs are an oddity in the
clanhouse in Jakalla, just as they were at home. There are only two
other priests of Ksarul in Golden Sunburst and neither of them live in
the clanhouse. I know that the clan elders like to keep an eye on me. So
far I have gone out of my way to be useful and not to bring any trouble
home. I know I shall never be able to keep this up (trouble does seem
to dog at my footsteps, eh?) but I am the new fellow here so I should at
least make an attempt for a while. Other than that I have a few plans
underway at the temple, with my friends, and so on, but I know you don't
really want to hear about such things. Suffice it to say that I continue
to serve "Him" in my own humble way.
So how are things on the island? How are you both and all my
brothers and sisters? Is our clan cousin that I sent to visit getting
along well? Has Sayi returned or is she still out at Temple school? I
miss everyone and I hope to be able to visit home as soon as my affairs
permit. If anyone wishes to come out and visit Jakalla I would be more
than happy to see them and to show them around. (Just suggest that they
study up on etiqutte before leaving, I know I needed to) I think I
intend to stay in Jakalla for a while, I have become quite attached to
the spicy food here. Besides, where on the islands would I ever be able
to find the occasional Chr-melon?
Your Loving Son,
Arkhane
Here it is, John:
