Ever quick to note alterations in a companion's demeanor, Azthri'Zhan'kel forces herself to ignore the sadistic punishment Derog is inflicting upon her nervous system and answer Ya'shenn.
"Then I shall speak no more of it. I do not wish to offend anyone-" Her charcoal grey eyes settle briefly on the knight. "-nor reignite painful memories."
She walks over to Ya'shenn, sitting cross-legged on the floor near her, her expression set in the carefully cultivated neutral expression she perfected during her youth to avoid unwanted questions. Not for the first time, Azthri'Zhan'kel debates removing her spectacles to permit the psion to scry her mind. Even if Ya'shenn decided to execute the Plague-healer on the spot, Azthri'Zhan'kel feels it would be an act of mercy to die free as a daughter of Gith than continue to live as the unwilling host to a githzerai spirit as warped as Derog. However, the spectacles remain in their place as she grins at her potential friend.
"Sister, you seem to be somewhat preoccupied. May I assist you? I had intended to ask this as soon as I saw you today: who precisely is in charge here and have they decided which portal we will use to return to Git'riban?"
(OOC: Oh Azthri you pooooor ignorant gith.)
Ya'shenn is not, at least at first, inclined to interfere with Azthri'zhan'kel's introduction to the Git'ribani. Her mind is still somewhat distracted by her own nightmares. The psion is thankful, not for the first time, that she is not one of the precognitives of her Order. The most skilled senja'si often went mad, took their own lives, or were assassinated with distressing frequency. What illithid or githzerai would want its plans unraveled by a clairsentient?
It is easy to dismiss the earlier dreams as more symbolic than literal anyway. If Mist-of-the-Mind truly sought her elimination, the undead psion would undoubtedly seek to mind-probe her first. Ya'shenn would be willing to throw herself on her own blade to prevent such an occurrence. Besides, K'tch is no swordsgith.
The Sigilian githyanki also have more in common with each other than with her, in some ways. It occurs to the psion, not for the first time, that many of them would envy something that she had eventually come to loathe -- growing up within the rigid orthodoxy of a varsh'isk in Tu'narath. The conversation also gives her more of a chance to observe the Git'ribani themselves...
Ya'shenn mentally kicks herself for not having noticed this simple detail before. Her mentors would be displeased. Lahar's warband... most interesting. Are you one of that band's assassins, sister? The Band of Bloodstone is well known for using sadistic cruelty -- even by githyanki standards -- as a weapon of warfare.
The others observe Ya'shenn browsing through the books here, though old graith mercantile records and law tomes do not seem to be the focus of her interest. It has occurred to her that a map of the sewer system, or other underground areas of Starmantle, might be useful. And why did this never occur to you before? Because you hate crawling through sewers, or because so many graith live in the most disgusting filth and thus lack sewers in their cities?
While definitely not a sterling example of the githyanki virtues, even Ya'shenn has a little honor -- in her twisted fashion -- and does not want to simply abandon these Apocalytes, especially after having risked so much to court them. It might be a useful way to send messengers outside the city, at a minimum. It is also a reminder that she should visit Styrrn sometime soon. Though she does not intend to accuse him of cowardice (not least because she does not want to be challenged to a duel), the psion would like to convince him that it is in his best interest to stay with the other captains.
Azthri'Zhan'kel gives Ha'kan'a an elegant bow, grinning broadly behind her spectacles. She straightens quickly, spots of colour appearing on her high cheekbones
Ya'shenn smirks briefly at this point, though she has the good grace to conceal it by keeping her face turned away and focused on the books.
"While we're on the subject, why not see if we can acquire a list of any recently deceased brothers and sisters and I'll do it for all of them!" Glancing at Ha'kan'a she added; "I will do this for your father as well if you wish."
This alters Ya'shenn's mood. She is a telepath, after all, and is aware of the emotional pain of the githyanki in this room. Not to mention her own. She almost never speaks of her own losses related to the Void Bombs. She turns back to the group.
"Sister, if you have never learned the khiin-chast ritual, you are most fortunate." She looks at Ha'kan'a for a moment. "I would imagine that it has been performed for Ha'kan'a's guardian* long since."
Though she does not say so, she also wonders if Azthri'Zhan'kel might have picked up some bit of barbarian mummery in the Hive, and does not want the newcomer to do something sacriligeous in nature -- especially with a knight around.
[Flavor note: Ya'shenn uses a word for a varsh who raises and trains hatchlings to maturity, not the word for a biological parent. This is obviously intended as a politeness -- being raised by one's own parent is probably looked down upon by typical githyanki.]
BoGr Guide to Missile Combat:
1) Equip a bow or crossbow.
2) Roll a natural 1 on d20.
3) ?????
4) Profit!