Manithan Vaanam

மனிதன் வானம்

Yaans Here, Yaans There, Yaans Everywhere

Session 4
Vanathi's Lightseekers
Yaans . . . what beautiful creatures they are. Some tall, some short, but all loving and protective. I have always had a soft spot for yaans, for their joy and wisdom enriches the lives of Manithan everywhere, just as my dear friend intended.
Mun Mugham
In-Game Time 17th Day of the 4th Dharan Cycle
Played On 11th of October, 2024

After discovering and walking among the falls and the farm, the party takes a much needed bath, and then they share a cup of caapi in a comfortable silence. Each member then go up to their rooms, and a few of them find items left by past guests. Aadhi finds a set of golden bangles adorned in amber gems, and one singular golden hoop earring. Kittu finds a box of letters that was written from both Gambidevi and Maarya. Yet, he chooses to not read them, and puts them back. Shwari find a pair of boots, seemingly normal at first, but the inside is laced with a certain blue pulsating magic. And lastly, Nila finds a spellbook that belonged to someone by the name of Lambodharan, and Nila tosses it flippantly to the side. After resting in their bedrooms, the party then decides to explore the lands of the farmsteads.

Bhavannan and Kittu go to the marble shrine of Pillaiyar and pray for good fortune and safe travels. After their prayers, they discussed their vastly different heritages and origins at length, with both of them remarking how they had not interacted with the likes of the other. They also remarked how they missed their respective homes, and how, after this quest, the plan is to return to home. Meanwhile, at the yaan enclosure, Gambidevi introduces Bhombi, a pregnant vetri-yaan that she is taking care for the Kaverinaadu government. Shwari and Aadhi name their mount after connecting with it and gauging its personality. Gambidevi mentions that their yaan was of the shy type and that it would take some time for him to get used to them—he was mistreated by his previous owners. After much thought, the twins decide to test run the name Sulayman, which their yaan seems indifferent towards. On the other end of the yaan farm, Nila and Gambidevi have a sincere talk about Ashitham, Nila's paati. Gambidevi describes the first memory of Ashitham she has, and Ashitham's need for adventure. Nila listens intently whilst petting Daisy. The conversation leads to an embrace between the gnomes as they both remember the love they had for Ashitham. Afterwards, Gambidevi instructs the yaans to nap; all of the yaans snuggle next to each other, and enter a resting state of sleep.

The group assembles for a dinner, whereat they struggle to cope with repeated onslaughts of food prepared by Gambidevi and Maarya. Shwari's digestive system is overcome by the event, and Bhavannan struggles while Kittu copes relatively well. During the dinner, Aadhi asks about the objects found within the rooms, specifically about the jewelry and the boots. The elderly gnomes explain that the jewelry belongs to the Thalaivi Veyyoni and that the boots belong to a noble high elf by the name of Deepti. Bhavannan, at the mention of Veyyoni, asks about how the couple knew her, and the gnomes explained that many high-ranking officials came to the farmstead as a getaway. After the couple assures that the party is welcome to the items. Aadhi puts the bangles on, and gifts the golden earring to Kittu. Shwari also slips the boots onto her feeet. Afterward, the two hostesses invite the party to play truth or dare, using a yaan-stylized spinner to determine the actor and victim. Mischief ensues; Shwari must serenade Bhavannan, Aadhi is made to roll in the mud, Kittu is compelled to reveal which yaan he thought was the unsightliest (Daisy) as well as stomach another course of food, Bhavannan must ask Aadhi on a date, and Maarya vomits after drinking a concoction of Kittu's. Various truths also pepper the game. After the fun closes, Gambidevi reminds everyone to be at the Pillaiyar shrine tomorrow morning for the divine reading. And then, with the tune of "Yaans Here, Yaans There, Yaans Everywhere" singing through everyone's minds, they fall into a restful and dreamless sleep.