Picture from here: https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/illustrations/silence-sea/
(Sorjurn: Strong Hit)
A great blizzard hit Great Mount a day after Kato Steel Path's funeral. Kiah and her people stayed in their halls and weathered it just fine. The next morning they dug out. The work brought some cheer. Clearing snow was something substantial the people could do. Honest labor keeping at bay fear of starvation and war.
Kiah was not idle. She had the servants account for every scrap of food in the Great Hall. She had the various great men and women see her in her hall. She heard their concerns and shared some of the hall's food with those who really needed it.
This return to normalcy did Amara Deep Laugh a world of good. On the evening of the third night, he joined Kiah for a modest dinner of thin stew.
"Thank you so much," he said, "for saving me from that imp's madness."
"Of course," Song Hood responded with a smile, "I need you Amara, Great Mount needs you. Together we'll lift our people's hearts and keep them safe."
"As you say," he responded with genuine warmth.
----
Two days later, Kiah gathered Great Mount and Brokenhelm's fisherfolk into the Great Hall. There was only a handful, most of them had set off with the warband, those who stayed behind were also wardens, very young apprentices, and veterans too old to fight.
"Thank you for coming," she stated.
(Oracle - An Ocean Diety: Slith Wave Shaker (Assault, Vow).
(Oracle - The Story: Impress History)
(Oracle - The Hero: Maura - Oblivious, Friendly)
Kiah sat back on her grandmother's throne, her hood shrouding her eyes. Her silky voice started with a story, "Long ago, Maura the Fool found themselves stranded on a remote island, food and water were running out, and our hero would soon die. All seemed hopeless, but they refused to give up.
One terrible night a hurricane struck their island. The Fool thought this would wash fish up on the shore. So rather than hiding, they took their spear and rushed into the terrifying wind.
Silth Wave Shaker found this very amusing. So, he tossed a tear whale on shore. Mura found it and killed it. After the storm had subsided, they ate like a King."
She let the lesson sink in for a moment. She then said, "We are no fools. However, we can be bold just like Maura. Gather your boats and nets, and we'll all march to the western ice shore. It's my hope that Silth Wave Shaker will be pleased with our efforts and provide us a bountiful catch."
(Oracle: Sorria Sleep Talker - Oppressed, Attractive, Incompetent)
"Please Overseer," huffed Sorria Sleep Talker, a beautiful fisherwoman, who focused more on vanity than her job. "why go to all that effort when your father will just come back with White Haven's stores?"
"Because," replied Kiah brightly, "our town is worthy of their efforts. When they return, I want to throw a feast."
The other fisherfolk murmured in approval. (Note: Given that Sorria is incompetent, they side with Kiah without her having to roll.)
To the rest of the hall, Kiah said, "I'm glad you're with me. Prepare today, tomorrow we go."
The fisherfolk agreed and struck off to get ready and then rest before a long day's work on the morn.
When they were alone Amara asked, "Are you afraid your father will not return?"
Kiah bit her lip, sighed, and answered, "I pray to the gods he does. I don't want to think about him not returning, but as Overseer I must."
Deep Laugh considered that and opened his arms. "This is all I have in my power to do."
Kiah hugged him, "It's enough, thank you Amara."
-----
(Secure Advantage: Strong Hit)
That night, in the temple, Kiah poured the Great Hall's sweetest mead into the bowl built into Silth Wave Shaker's altar. She then knelt and whispered the old songs to him. She did so until the sun crested in the east. She then pulled herself up. The mead vanished. The Overseer let out a sigh and smiled.
The quick breakfast Kiah had with Amara dispelled her wearyness. The Overseer met with the fisherfolk, already gathered outside her hall. Sorria Sleep Talker wasn't there. However, numerous small boats were loaded on sleds. The fisherfolk were bundled up and carried their nets, ready.
Kiah Song Hood smiled and said, "Thank you all for trusting me. Now, let's go, we will refill our larders."
With that, she and them made the arduous march to the western ice shore. Kiah strode ahead, while the fisherfolk dragged their boats behind. When the edge of the ice was spotted, the sleds were then pushed. It was grueling work, rewarded by the cracking ice, and then the boats were free; they sailed onto the frigid sea.
Kiah stood on the bow of the lead boat, staring into the depths. The Bright Woman was hesitant. If this failed, they'd have wasted a day for nothing. The fisherfolk would grumble about her, and rightfully so. This in turn would...
Her gaze turned fierce. "No," she stated. "Be bold."
(Compel: Strong Hit )
Kiah Song Hood drew in a breath and belted out a haunting song that echoed across the sea. It was the Saga of Maura the Fool's journey across the Barrier Islands.
(Start of their Story: Manipulate, Secret)
(Middle of the Story: Leave, Leader)
(End of the Story: Deflect, Decay)
She sang about Maura's happy childhood until Othos the Wise whispered a dread secret that caused them to flee their home. She sang about Maura's long wanderings, where they would bring both salvation and chaos. Each time their antics caused overseers to chase them. She finished with the final song, about Mura finding the Mead of the Sea, drinking it, and sinking to the deep, to take their place in Wave Shaker's kingdom.
The music possessed Kiah completely. The tale sparked in heart, swirled in her head, and flowed out of her breath. Her world was Maura's for a while. She wasn't a single part of it, she was the whole world. She was the story itself.
When Song Hood finished she staggered but, strong, comforting hands held her up. Kiah turned to see Elri Hearth Heart, his smile was dazzling, and his laughter rich.
"Look Overseer," his tone was full of wonder, "your song drew them to us. It's the finest catch I've ever seen."
Kiah glanced to see their, boat, and every other boat, was weighed low with fish.
-----
The march back was cold but pleasant. This time, it was the fisherfolks who sang, a joyful shanty that warmed their hearts. The Overseer marched with them, this time silent, but all smiles.
Those in town were drawn by the music and waited at the Great Mount's boundary. Seeing their loved ones full of cheer, was infectious. They rushed and embraced the fisherfolk.
The rest of the evening was spent gutting and hanging the fish, letting the chilly wind dry them out.
Despite Kiah's desire to work with them, Amara, and several of the fisherfolk, insisted she rest. As beaming as her smile was, Kiah was barely able to stand on her own two feet.
Thus Song Hood had the first good night's sleep she had in a while.
I figured I'd leave this session on a good note. Next one, Kiah learns what happened during the battle of White Haven.
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