Archery, Girl Frightenned of Horse, A Suicidal Priest

I was giving my horse, Whitepatch, a stroll in Khemi, when I saw a girl standing in the shadow of a large warehouse on the dock. I tried openning up a conversation with her, but she ran off when told her that Whitepatch didn't like having his bum sniffed by bear shamans.

Gwalchgwn was near, so I went and said hello to him. He helped me escape from a guard that was chasing me. And gave me some archery tips, though I was soon distracted by a brother wolf who required aid.

Later on I met Vakz, a suicidal Stygian Priest, who was standing in the middle of the street waiting to get run over by a wagon. Like Montaya, he liked snakes. We were soon joined by Anathae, a strange Stygian lass, who also liked snakes. What a strange people.

[Misnaefus] *smiles at Vakz*
[Vakz] *nods politely*
[Misnaefus] If you aren't careful, a passing wagon might run you over.
[Vakz] *chuckles* if such a thing can happen to a priest in this fair city then certainly my day would have gone terrible wrong
[Misnaefus] There are ignorant foreigners in this port.
[Misnaefus] See!
[Misnaefus] *giggles*
[Vakz] *laughs*
[Vakz] so who might you be miss?
[Misnaefus] Is there a philosophical reason for standing here? Are you trying to understand the common man by letting them brush you?
[Misnaefus] I am misnaufus, of no clan
[Vakz] no not exactly I was merely distracted contemplating various mysteries I am sure you know how that can be
[Vakz] pleased to meet you Misnaefus, I am Vakzihetep but call me Vakz everyone does
[Misnaefus] Are you a local here?
[Vakz] *nods* I suppose so if I can be called a local to anywhere I travel into the wilds often seeking artifacts and scriptures of ancient lore
[Vakz] what of you? someone of such a fair complexion surely does not reside here?
[Misnaefus] I was brought up here. And now seek to work for Set, earn a living, and maybe find adventure.
[Vakz] ah well these are dangerous streets for the unwary adventure is never far away if you seek it, or if it seeks you
[Misnaefus] These streets? The cobra's are cute.
[Misnaefus] *pats the King Cobra on the head*
[Vakz] so long as you do not stand upon them
[Misnaefus] In foreign lands, they say that these cobra's prey on locals at night. But I have yet to see it happen.
[Vakz] an ancient Stygian blessing is "may Set guide your steps but keep one eye upon the floor"
[Misnaefus] *giggles* Optimistic. And probably wise. Have you seen the great red snake north of here?
[Vakz] some of the snakes will take an inquisitive or careless child now and then an adult would have to be given to one or very weak to fall prey easily
[Vakz] mmmmm not recently would you care to show me?
[Misnaefus] I'd rather not. It's terryfing. I was just wondering whether or not you find it as beautiful as other priests do.
[Vakz] beautiful? not a word I would use, I respect the serpents of course but I do not admire them
[Misnaefus] *giggles, looking Vakz up and down* You are quite different to some of your brothers.
[Vakz] *chuckles and smiles* oh?
[Misnaefus] I've met Priests who adore that great serpent. Lord Montaya wanted me to strip naked and pose next to it.
[Vakz] he did? well perhaps he had an ulterior motive for wanting you naked...*smirks playfully*
[Misnaefus] *giggles* Surely you jest, I am rather old for that kind of thing. And Montaya is twice my age!
[Vakz] well do not judge a stygian man just by his age, perhaps he still has fire in his blood *looks Misnaefus up and down*
[Misnaefus] *Misnaefus glances at Vakz, with her soft yellow eyes that can't have seen 20 summers* I judge him by his peers too. When I enquired into his interests, she just said "But He's just so old"
[Vakz] so old? he is still spending time with young women he cannot feel that old
[Misnaefus] *looks up in surprise* Young women? Am I not the only... erm... *stutters and looks confused*
[Vakz] oh er perhaps I have spoken out of turn
[Misnaefus] *eyes harden* Well, he is always telling me how disinterested he is, and how he won't judge me. He's probably trying to get me chasing him. And here I am thinking about him......
[Vakz] well it seems his plan is working *chuckles again*
[Misnaefus] So... do you have many ladies in your life?
[Anathae] hm...
[Vakz] in fact I do and one I cherish but unfortunately she loves another
[Misnaefus] *looks down in sadness* A sad tale. Are you going to do something to win her heart?
[Vakz] I have done so, she tells me that our moments together are like no other but she cannot give me her heart for it would break her vows
[Vakz] but who can say what the future might hold and bring
[Misnaefus] She's betrothed?
[Vakz] not exactly more wedded to Derketo
[Misnaefus] The Whore of Set! I'm never quite sure what to make of her.
[Vakz] *laughs*
[Misnaefus] Well, she is Set's whore. But then why does Montaya disapprove of whores?
[Misnaefus] *blushes* Oops
[Misnaefus] *smiles at Minhokas*
[Vakz] perhaps he dislikes paying for them
[Vakz] *turns noticing Minhokas and smiles*
[Misnaefus] I do not think it is that. His first words to me were "You are suitably dressed".
[Minhokas] *glances at them carefully and curiously at time... with bright frown on her face...*
[Vakz] *peers at Minhokas curiously*
[Misnaefus] *licks her lips, as she admires the play of light on Monhokas's skin*
[Minhokas] ... *looks in between them carefully, up and down each of 'em... without any special expression on her's face, just slight frown*
[Vakz] can we help you sister?
[Minhokas] "sister?" ... No, thank you sir... *speaks low with rough but sweet and young voice*
[Vakz] a term since I do not know your name, share it with us?
[Misnaefus] *giggles* Minhokas, why are you being so shy! Has this man captured your tongue?
[Minhokas] There's no need of it sir, is there anything i can help with? *smirks slighty, light frown can be noticed on her's face*
[Minhokas] Pff, not shy at all...
[Misnaefus] *looks at Minhokas* what is wrong? You left the inn rather suddenly the other day?
[Vakz] help me with? I do not think so unless you had something specific in mind?
[Minhokas] Not really on my mind, sir... *coughs slighty* Too many naked people was there other night... *nods*
[Vakz] *raises an eyebrow*
[Misnaefus] *raises an eyebrow at Minhokas' comment and giggles*
[Vakz] when? where? and how come I was not invited? *laughs*
[Minhokas] *smiles slighty* Few days ago in Serpent's Inn.
[Misnaefus] They were common ladies of the street. You would not have wanted to be associated with them. Even I was appalled.
[Vakz] truly that bad?
[Misnaefus] *blushes as she speaks* They danced naked on the tables, kick food and goblets of wine all over, while their red robed men clapped to the music.
[Misnaefus] *winks at Cyhl*
[Vakz] that does not sound as though they were skilled dancers
[Vakz] *frowns slightly*
[Misnaefus] A skilled dancer does not walk in undressed. She removes her silks over 10 turns of a glass.
[Misnaefus] And rolling around in the food just made them look like dressed hogs waiting for the oven.
[Vakz] still wish I had been there at least to be able to throw scorn at them
[Minhokas] ...yeah
[Misnaefus] Where does the Set Priesthood stand on issues of the flesh? I have yet to understand the matter comprehensively....
[Vakz] well there are two thoughts about that really
[Vakz] the first is that priests are supposed to hold themselves aloof from the flesh of the commoners
[Vakz] the second is you cannot stop a man with lust in his heart *smirks*
[Misnaefus] *giggles* truly wise words suitable for all!
[Misnaefus] For those of the first school of thought, if they must be aloof from commoners, what about courtesans?
[Vakz] hmmmmmm
[Misnaefus] *smiles at Anathae*
[Anathae] What a nice snake!
[Vakz] well that would depend on the courtesan
[Vakz] *smiles at Anathae* you like the snakes of Khemi sister?
[Anathae] Well, isnt possible to dont like them, brother.
[Vakz] we kind of were talking abuot that earlier
[Anathae] They are like... like... rabbits.
[Vakz] not everyone adores the local serpents
[Anathae] Cimmerians don't understand them... I think they also don't understand what is beauty.
[Misnaefus] Would priests of Set be able to have relations with courtesans wearing grey strippy outfits?
[Vakz] *peers at Misnaefus* are you asking me? if I would or?
[Vakz] Cimmerians and beauty? they understand a good looking piece of livestock
[Misnaefus] I am seeking the view of the priesthood
[Anathae] *Caress Serpents*
[Vakz] I am sure it would depend on the priest and the courtesan in question
[Vakz] it seems you really do like the serpents, what is your name?
[Misnaefus] *shakes her head* I really should stop thinking about him.
[Anathae] My name? I'm Anathae *Smiles lightly to Vakz* and how they call you, brother?
[Vakz] perhaps you need a drink to help you think about something else
[Misnaefus] *looks at Vakz* Can your healers provide potions to clear thoughts?
[Vakz] I am Vakzihetep but call me Vakz *smiles*
[Misnaefus] *smiles at Anathae* Nice to met you Anathae, I and Misnaefus, of No Clan.
[Anathae] Cimmerian without Clan? *shocked*
[Vakz] as for potions to make you forget? our healers perhaps not but I am sure some of the potion dealers can make you something so you do not mind remembering
[Misnaefus] *with sadness on her face, speaks to Anatae* I was brought up as a slave, here in Khemi. And so I have no family. I therefore carve out what happiness I can in this port, as it is my home.
[Vakz] you were a slave?
[Misnaefus] Yes, I was a slave for fifteen summers.
[Vakz] you did not tell me that
[Misnaefus] *hangs head in shame*
[Anathae] My friend told me once... that you dont need born in Clan to be part of it...
[Misnaefus] Perhaps you are right Anathae, but I do not know how I might trace my origins.
[Vakz] hrmmmm perhaps by dint of actions you can become part of a clan
[Misnaefus] They accept people who are not of their blood?
[Anathae] I think for sure not in Khemi, unless you want sacrifice yourself for Set and become Priestess.
[Vakz] but not having such an affiliation is not always a bad thing it leaves you free to make decisions for yourself, especially in a young woman wanting to seek adventure
[Misnaefus] Perhaps, but families provide security and love....
[Anathae] Same as Set... *smiles*
[Vakz] and is that what you are seeking Misnaefus?
[Misnaefus] Seeking? What do you mean?
[Vakz] you told me you were seeking adventure
[Misnaefus] Yes, adventure, fame and glory to Set.
[Vakz] you did not mention security or love? *looks at Misnaefus*
[Misnaefus] That is for when I am old. Must a girl list every one of her hearts desires?
[Vakz] I suppose not
[Vakz] *gazes at Anathae* so what brings you to Khemi this evening?
[Misnaefus] *looks at the two of them* You two would make a great couple.
[Anathae] *smiles* I just live here...
[Vakz] *chokes and blinks* oh really?...!
[Misnaefus] *looks at the sun* Alas I have an appointment, and must be off. See you soon my friends!
[Misnaefus] *giggles and waves*
[Vakz] it has been a pleasure meeting you, perhaps another time we can share a drink
[Misnaefus] yes, I look forward to it. bye!