#Melati : The Shaman

[askthemanorresidents]

The Siblings Finally Talk

(TW! Descriptions of violence and death, along with attempted sororicide and a mental breakdown)

Melati stands right on the dining table, Keris (Alya) in hand as she stared down at Aditya, bound in white string.

"Ayo" Aditya began, avoiding eye contact, "Rampungake aku. Iku sing dikarepake, ta?". Melati sighed, "Aditya-" "Opo? Arep nyoba lan alesan karo kula? ngethok, Nur".

"kowe ngerti Nur, aku biyen kepingin weruh kowe mati. Aku tansah kepéngin ndelok kowé keselak getihmu déwé sing nyuwun pangaksama. Aku biyen kepingin nempelake tanganku ing wetengmu lan njabut njeromu siji-siji……." still avoiding eye contact, Aditya turned his head towards his older sister, scowling. "…… nanging kayane ora bakal kelakon, ora karo sampeyan ngapusi lan njebak aku. Dadi, ayo, rampungake apa sing wis diwiwiti Nur"

After a brief moment of silence, Melati finally took a deep breath.....

And cut the string keeping Aditya at bay.

Aditya, who was half expecting Melati to either cut his neck or seal him away, was stunned. And right before he could say anything, Melati tossed the sacred dagger hosting Alya to him, leaving the Kuyang confused.

"ayo dik, mateni aku kaya sing tansah diimpi-impi"

Aditya was still shocked, but gradually he became suspicious. "Nur, apa rencanamu?" he asked, eyeing both the Keris and Melati. "Ora ana apa-apa" Melati replied, "sampeyan ngerti yen akeh kekuwatanku asale saka Alya. Ora ana sing bisa daklakoni saiki"

Aditya was still doubtful, still, he took the dagger (and Alya) in his hands. Yep, it wasn't a fake, it's Alya alright. "Kenging punapa?" Aditya asked, in complete disbelief, "A kurban tentrem. Ing ijol-ijolan kanggo safety kabeh wong kene, Aku bakal menehi sampeyan urip. Getih kanggo getih, urip kanggo akeh … "

Aditya, after a brief pause, finally steps forward, gripping Alya harshly. "Yen ngono….." he said, right before dashing towards Melati and stabbing her in the stomach with the dagger three times. Not once during the event did Melati flinch, if anything the shaman simply stepped forward, burying the blade deeper into her stomach. After the third stab, Melati collapsed onto the floor, blood pouring from the open wound, Aditya standing over her with..... nothing in his eyes.

Staring at the blood-stained dagger, Aditya was silent, and then, he laughed uncontrollably. "Aku…. akhire tak lakoni…. aku nyuduk adhikku dhewe, getih dagingku dhewe…. nanging kok?" Aditya falls onto his knees.

"kok……. kok rasane dadi….. kosong. Peteng, sengsara, sepi, pathetic, njijiki, jijik. Akhire aku bisa mbales kabeh kasangsaran sing ditimbulake dening dheweke…… kenapa? kok koyo ngene iki? kok ora krasa mardika lan bebas? Kok aku krasa luwih elek? Kenging punapa kasangsaran punika taksih wonten? Kenapa?"

"NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA NGAPA"

With a ear-piercing shriek, Aditya crumbled onto the floor and disappeared, along with Alya. Leaving Melati to bleed out onto the floor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translation :

Aditya : Go ahead, finish me, that's your plan isn't it?

Melati : Aditya-

A : What? Still trying to reason with me? Cut the crap. You know Nur, I've always wanted to see you dead. I've always wanted to watch you as you choke on your own blood, I've always wanted to stick my hands into your stomach and pull out all your organs bit by bit. Alas, that isn't happening is it? Go ahead, finish what you started.

M : Go on, dik (short for adik, a term used to refer to younger sibling), kill me like you have always dreamed.

A : Nur, what are you planning?

M : Nothing. You know most of my power is from Alya (the dagger). There is nothing I can do now

A : Why?

M : A peace offering, In exchange for everyone here, you can kill me. Blood for blood, a life for many.

A : Is that so?

A : I... I finally dit it. I harmed my own sister, my flesh and blood.... why?

A : Why does it feel so wrong? Why does it feel so empty? Why? Where is the feeling of satisfaction, freedom? Why do I feel so horrible?

A : WHY? (X Multiple times)

[ask-archer-idv]

"Selamat Siang. I've heard that you're in an excruciating amount of pain" Melati said, walking up to the archer, "Something that feels like needles and pins stabbing you over and over again, right?" she asked.

"Ah, I forgot. My names is Melati, a shaman and witch-doctor. I can cure you of your pain" she said, taking out her Keris.

(@askthemanorresidents)

Hearing about what they had been experiencing that wasn't told to anyone, Archer visibly bristled up at first. Their complexion was paler than it was before as it seemed they were doing their best to not let their ailment be known. Eyes narrowed a bit without answering - at least not until they heard her mentioning her occupation. Hands tightened around their bow before they nodded their head a little.

"Yes... it's as you said," Archer grimaced with having to fight the pain out of their voice. "I would be thankful for your help," Archer said with respect.

[askthemanorresidents]

"Melati. My name is Melati, a witch-doctor and shaman" she lifted ger Keris, "And this is Alya, the spirit who resides in my Keris"

On command, a young lady materialized from the Keris, and landed on the floor. "Selamat pagi" Alya greeted.

(This is what Alya looks like)

"Permisi" Melati greeted, "My name is Melati, and I was wondering if you-" she stopped. "Wait a minute, there's negative energy coming from you. Stand still, I'll take care of it" she said, taking out her Keris

Tatya, with bags under her eyes and a lollipop hanging out of her mouth, eyes the newcomer with a curious expression. “Uh hi? I’m getting a sense of deja vu.” She looks at the items with suspicion but ultimately does nothing to move away.

[hogwartslessons-blog]

POTIONS | October 4th | Lesson #14 | Eastern Potions

The Chinese are perhaps best-known in the magical world for specializations in two fields: firstly, for their powerful love potions, and secondly, for their efficacious healing practices. Important to both of these endeavors is the Liondragon, more commonly known as the Chinese Fireball. In the 15th century, the famous Chinese dragonologist Quong Po discovered the many uses of powdered Chinese Fireball eggs, including luck, fertility, love, and healing potions. The trade of Chinese Fireball eggs was thus a very lucrative business until 1709, when breeding dragons was declared illegal at the Warlocks’ Convention. However, there are still dragon sanctuaries that operate with permission by the Internation Ministry.

Soonafter this regulation on breeding was enacted, the British Ministry of Magic declared Chinese Fireball - and all dragon eggs - a Class A Non-Tradeable Material. However, there is still a relatively booming black market trade on Chinese Fireball eggs. I caution young Potioneers not to be lured by the lucrative aspects of this illicit trade, for being caught buying and selling such materials can lead to hefty sentences in Azkaban prison as well as monumental fines.

Pao zhi (炮制) refers to the Chinese alchemical practice of altering the properties of medicines in Chinese herbology. This process can include anything from brewing to roasting, calcining, wine frying, honey frying, or other means - most often combined with magic in the magical world - in order to bring out magical and mundane ingredients’ healing abilities. As an example, the special preparation of aconite or monkshood or fu zi (附子) in Mandarin, known as pao fu zi (炮附子) involves a special magical roasting method that can treat liver dysfunction, including cirrhosis.

In ancient times, many Potioneers worked with both magical and non-magical clientele to provide not only healing potions, but fertility solutions, as well as luck and love potions. As such, the Muggle tradition of Chinese herbology still reflects some magical understanding and knowledge of plants and other ingredients. Muggles throughout the world often seek these Eastern healing remedies, although they are no longer dispensed by magical Healers or Shamans.

As a last note on Chinese potions, it has long been a quest of Potioneers in China, as elsewhere, to discover the Elixir of Life, or a potion that would allow the drinker to attain immortality. It is rumored that the famous Chinese alchemist Sun Simiao, often called the King of Medicine, may have uncovered the secret. However, despite his own incredible and intuitive magical and healing talents, Sun passed away in the year 682, disproving his success in finding the famous elixir.

In India, Potioneers have also sought a potion granting the drinker immortality, known as amrit or amrita(अमृत) in Sanskrit. Some Muggle legends claim that amrita was the elixir or ambrosia that made the gods immortal. As wizarding kind has no proof of the discovery of a potion of immortality or any truly immortal Witches or Wizards in India, it cannot be proven whether this is merely associated with faith, or whether the deities mentioned are, in fact, early powerful Magical beings who were deified by non-magical people. Of course, a secret potion granting immortality is not necessarily something that magical beings would advertise having in their possession, owing to the danger in which they would place themselves as others tried to manipulate and steal the power.

While there is a small history of potions and Potioneering in India, the country has been most well-known for its very powerful charms and spellwork as well as very talented students of divinatory practices. There is a small group of talented Potioneers, particularly in the region of Karnataka and Kerala, and other parts of Southwestern India, particularly the Wizarding community in Kalale. They are very well-known for their advances in strength and endurance potions in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

In Tibet, Potioneers often use the liver and toenails of the Tibetan Fox in potions that promote sanity and mental well-being. In fact, St. Mungo’s Hospital regularly sends cases of mental disturbance for which they have no remedy to Tibet and the Witches and Wizards in the Himalayan Mountains for additional treatment. These potions have known to retrieve the sanity of those who have experienced severe trauma and disturbance.

The horns of a breed of magical goat named a Tsewangra (ཚེ་དབངར), which is native to the Himalayan Mountains, are also used in calming potions and pacifying potions. They can also be used in a forgetfulness potion that appears to be safe for Muggle consumption, interestingly. This potion is occasionally used by the International Wizarding Task Force that is permanently stationed in the Himalayas in order to cope with frequent breaches of Clause 73 of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, owing to the Yeti making its home in these mountains and often making itself known to Muggles.

Although students of Mahoutokoro are best-known for their valuable and powerful cherry wood wands, petals of the sakura, or cherry blossom, is also a characteristic of Japanese potions. These petals are often used in powerful dreamless sleep potions, as well as some which are similar to the well-known Draught of Living Death. They are also used in mood-altering potions, particularly Yuutsu no Kusuri (憂鬱の薬) or the Draught of Melancholia. This is a potion that was often used by magical Japanese philosophers who felt that the profound melancholy produced by the potion allowed them to better understand and contemplate with the transience of life and the fleeting nature of the world. It was also used as a weapon by some who sought to subtly impact their enemies to bring about downfall through depression and hopelessness.

Japanese potions also make a good deal of use of the flying fox, particularly the Ryukyu flying fox, in brewing practices. Their wings are often used in potions that enable one to see through fog and in the dark, while their toenails are used in swiftness potions. Japanese bats and flying foxes also make spectacular pets, I am told, and are often used in place of owls to deliver mail and messages.

In Thailand, it is said that Thai Wizards are able to create a potion that they call Ya Phi (ยาผี), often called Ghost’s Brew by Westerners. This potion enables the drinker to ensure that, when they pass away, they will join the living spirit realm, or that is to say, become a ghost. In some Magical Thai communities, this is seen as a way of achieving immortality, although the body will inevitably wither away and die.

Potioneering in Thailand, Nepal, and Vietnam also utilizes the flowers and wood shavings of a tree known as Wightia, particularly for luck potions and potions that increase a sense of well-being.

Indonesia is known for its rich diversity of flora, many of which are used in Indonesian potions. For example, there are 270 species of orchid on the island of Java alone, which holds over 25,000 different species of plant overall. The orchids of Java are collected and sold internationally to be used in some very powerful aphrodisiacs and lust potions. They can also be used in certain fertility and birth control potions. The Sumatran Striped Rabbit as well, native to the Barisan Mountains on the island of Sumatra, is also harvested and used in potions for family planning. The rabbit is also a relatively popular and supposedly wonderful and loyal pet for Witches and Wizards.

The national flower of Indonesia, the melati flower (Jasminum sambac), is also used in a Truth Serum that is exported throughout the magical world. This serum is not only very strong, but it is also almost undetectable, being clear and having nearly no scent or taste at all. In fact, this potion is so powerful and dangerous, many local Ministries have classified it as a Non-Tradeable substance. The potion also utilizes the eyes of a Siau scops owl, found only on Siau Island.

The magical communities of Central Asia, including nations such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, show a fascinating blend of influences, receiving a good deal of healing and medicinal Potioneering from further east in China. They are also inspired by the manipulation and psychological potions from the great expanse of Russia as well as the specialized flight and beautification potions of the Middle East. Tashkent and Samarkand, cities in Uzbekistan which boast large magical communities not far from the cities, have long been retreats for Witches and Wizards who were exiled from other parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Unsurprisingly, as there is a large number of wild cat species native to the Central Asia region, many of the potions that are native to the area involve varying forms of cat hair, cat’s claws, and cat blood. These potions have varying effects, from warming and cooling potions, stealth and silencing potions, as well as cloaking potions. Witches and Wizards in this region also seem to have a close relationship with these cunning cats, and are often gifted with these parts willingly rather than having to kill or harm the animals in order to gather the ingredients.

[askthemanorresidents]

Chatting over food

The smell of grilled meat waves through the air from the kitchen. Hunched over the stove, Melati can be seen fanning a large amount of Satay skewers while grilling them.

"....Seratus lima belas" the Shaman said, moving the freshly cooked Satay onto a plate. After that, she took about 15 skewers of raw Satay and began grilling them. When they began to smoke Melati fanned the skewers until they were done.

After setting them aside, Melati walked over to the large pot with boiling peanut sauce and gave it a good stir. After checking the consistency, she proceeded to turn the stove off. "Moga-moga ini cukup" she said to herself as she grilled another 15 Satay skewers.

---------------------------------------------------------------SMALL EVENT!

Melati is busy making Satay for both Aditya and the rest of the manor! During this event you can ask Melati and interact with her while she makes her brother's favorite meal! If you're careful enough, you might be able to learn more about her and possibly Aditya as well!

C'mon! What are you waiting for? Lets get to know our shaman and eat some delicious Satay!

[askthemanorresidents]

Rampaging Aditya Event : Over

Suddenly, as if like magic, "Aditya" vanished. Now, he's back to his normal self, curled into the corner shaking, and crying out of fear thanks to his older sister!

Melati is also in an equally shitty condition, crying and hyperventilating out of horror and guilt!

Don't worry, they'll be alright physically soon!

Asks are back to normal!

[askthemanorresidents]

GIVE ME THE SATAY I CRAVE THE MEAT ON STAKES anyways how r you guys hehe

Melati : Here you go

*Hands over a plate of Satay*

Melati :......... I still couldn't find Aditya. I'm hoping he'll come running in when he smells my cooking. He used to do that as a kid....

[askthemanorresidents]

Yeah,,,,, they’ve been causing a bit of a stirr with that needle of theirs

Melati : I understand. I'll go and fix this mess

[askthemanorresidents]

"Good evening, have you seen my brother?"

Name : Nuri "Nur Melati

Age : 42

Nationality : Indonesian (Javanese)

Occupation : Shaman and Witch doctor

Faction : Survivor

Title : The shaman

[askthemanorresidents]

Before the Conversation

"Ngapunten, sampeyan pengin kula APA?!"

Alya gaped at her master. I mean, who wouldn't when your master essentially asks you to let her get murdered.

"OPO KOWE KEJADIAN?!"

"Aku ngerti iki muni rada ...... aneh" Melati spoke, "Nanging iki mung cara sing bisa daklakoni" she calmly explained.

That did nothing to ease the horror.

"Nanging Melati, ana cara sing luwih apik kanggo nindakake iki, ora perlu adoh iki!" The spirit begged her master, "Mikir! Ana kudu-" "Alya, aku wis mutusake. Ora ana sing diomongke sing bakal ngowahi pikiranku"

"..........."

"kowe yakin?"

"Mesthi wae"

----------------------------------------------------

Translation :

Alya : Excuse me, you want me to do WHAT?!

A : HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!

Melati : I'm aware that it's an........ odd request. However, this is the only way.

A : Melati, there are better ways to resolve this. You don't have to do this! There has to be-

M : Alya, I've already decided. Nothing you say will change my mind.

A : ...........

A : Are you sure about this?

M : Of course.

[askthemanorresidents]

The continuation on what happened after Melati abandoned Aditya.

After effectively abandoning him and leaving him to die with their mother, Melati collapsed from exhaustion and was discovered by a bunch of servants who took her to their master's home.

When Melati woke up, she was questioned about her origins and at that point, Melati decided to leave her past as 'Nur' behind (along with her brother) and live on as Melati, the orphan girl with noble blood whose family tragically died in a plague. Taking pity on the girl, the master allowed her to live in his house, and this is where the man's oldest son met Melati and it was love at first sight for the both of them. Thus, Melati subjected herself self-induced amnesia, causing her to forget all about Aditya as she didn't want to feel the burden of guilt in her heart. Soon, she got married with the love of her life and went on to have 3 beautiful children.

And then the tragedy struck.

The family's fruit garden, which at the time was their main source of income, suddenly burned down into ash. It was unknown where or how the fire started, however, some suspected that there were supernatural influences at play (*cough*). Doesn't matter in the end, for the family soon fell into poverty and everything went downhill from there.

Melati, either due to the stress, the pressure, or the burden of having to raise a family in those conditions, she became IMPATIENT, SNAPPY, AND SHORT-TEMPERED, just like her mother. It was often that she would yell at her children and even get physical with them, and it was even WORSE for her husband. Her in-laws wanted her husband to divorce her, but the man refused to. Sensing that her relationship is gping to crash down, Melati decides to help out financially, believing that it was the poverty that drove her to this point.

How did she do that?

With a forbidden and taboo ritual, of course!

Persugihan Sate Gagak, a ritual where someone would sell crow satays to supernatural entities for money. This was incredibly taboo and could have serious consequences..... but in the end, Melati still continued.

After a few years of wealth and luxury, her in-laws began to get suspicious of Melati and one night, they caught her doing the ritual. Naturally, they were disgusted and wanted nothing to do with her anymore, however, even though he was pressured, her husband still remained at Melati's side and made her promise to never dp the ritual ever again. Melati obliged, as she didn't want to lose her family.

This proved to be a bad desicion.

One morning, Melati woke up and saw her husband unmoving next to her. He had no pulse, no heartbeat, no breath. Panicked, she went to the front door trying to get help, only to see her three children lying there with the same condition as her husband. As Melati silently wept the loss of her family, she heard them softly chanting two words over and over again.

"Crow Satay"

In the end, her family died, and word spread that she was a user of black magic, making her a sosial outcast and denying her a chance at a connection.

It was only after all of this did Melati began to remember. Her past, her mother, and mkst importantly, her brother Aditya, whom she abandoned in order to live a better life.

Poor, poor Melati. In her foolish attempt at a better life, she became just like her mother, abusive, greedy, and morally corrupt. How pitiful. She already had the burden of carrying her mother's face, I wonder how she was able to even look at herself in the mirror? Oh well.

In the end, this was her punishment.

After all, she could've had returned for her brother after she got rich. Or better yet, should've turned around and reached for his hand on the night she abandoned him.

Everything Aditya did, it was all the result of Melati's actions.

In other words, Aditya only followed the steps his big sis showed to him.

[askthemanorresidents]

Bonding Over Food Event : End

Melati gets thrown into a closet and will stay there for over 2 weeks.

[askthemanorresidents]

I START GATHERING THE FOOD IN MY ARMS I FRICKING LOVE PEANUT SAUCE

Melati : Don't waste any of it.

[askthemanorresidents]

I heard there’s food?

Melati : Take as much as you want. It's best with peanut sauce.

[askthemanorresidents]

Melati, how are you doing today? What are your thoughts of the people in the manor/your stay thus far? And more importantly: May I have some food? :0

Melati : *Hands over a plate of satay* I'm doing fine. The residents here are quite something. My stay has been alright, though I still couldn't find Aditya.

[askthemanorresidents]

"Argh!" Aditya yelled as he sensed that another one of his curses had been broken.

"Siapa bedebah yang berani menganggu saya!" He screamed, "Kalau saya tau, saya bakal mencabik-cabiknya dan menggunakan tulang belulangnya sebagai kaldu!"

Closing his eyes, he begins to chant an old spell in order to find out who the sabotager is. After a while, he finally starts to get a vision of who it is.

"Kak Nur?!" Aditya yelled, opening his eyes. "Kenapa dia ada disini?!" Aditya is incredibly disgusted at the thought of his sister being here within the manor. In fact, if he finds out that the reason she's here is to find him, Aditya would much rather gut himself than talk to his sister.

"Kakak, kamu berani sekali ya datang. Kakak kira Kakak pantas untuk bertemu lagi dengan saya setelah semua yang telah terjadi? Setelah kakak pergi meninggalkan saya?"