"FallingStar to the Rescue"

Log Date:
	10/6/00

Log Cast:
	Tanith, Axel, Faanshi, Jana, Fox, FallingStar, Vanora, Ghaliya

Log Intro:
	Faanshi has received the news of the death of the person dearest to
her in the world -- Lyre Talespinner, the Mongrel bard she has called her
beloved. Devastated, she has been able to do nothing but stoically adhere
to her daily duties, certain that if she lets herself vary once from her
routine she will be consumed by her own despair. And so she has told no one
of what she has learned, neither those she serves nor those out in the city
who care about her. But her daily routine inevitably brings her into contact 
with those who cannot help but be worried for her, and so although the shudra 
might will it otherwise, her teacher is about to discover the state into
which she has fallen....

*===========================< In Character Time >===========================* 
             Time of day:  Night (Dawnside) 
          Date on Aether:  Friday, March 14, 3907. 
           Year on Earth:  1507 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  Waning Crescent 
                  Season:  Early Spring 
                 Weather:  Breeze 
             Temperature:  Cool 
*==========================================================================*

The aroma of baked goods lures you south toward the Rialto.
The Rialto - Haven(#159RDJM$)
     Reigning over the Rialto is the very heart of Haven: the Delphic Citadel. 
  It dwarfs the other buildings, which cluster around it like so many children 
  seeking a parent's protection. Day or night, rain or shine, its walls seem 
  to glimmer with a light of their own, as if, over the centuries, the magic 
  within had slowly permeated the entire structure. The main tower soars 
  higher than the tallest tree, and each side tapers inward so that it 
  resembles a giant obelisk. Four smaller towers stand at the four points of 
  the compass, representing the unification of each race under Delphi's 
  government.
     And here is where they all gather. The Rialto is the famed marketplace of 
  Haven, full of shops, stalls, and brightly colored tents. The shouts of 
  merchants, the haggling of patrons, the music of entertainers, and the 
  laughter of children create a nigh-constant cacophony that assaults the 
  senses. But the Rialto is nothing if not exciting, and crowds often gather 
  here for important events and public addresses.
                      (Note: 'places' are enabled here.)                      
Contents:
FallingStar 
Axel 
Jana 
Fox 
Tanith        
Alexandria                
Obvious Exits:
Streets <N,S,E,W,NE,NW,SE,SW>  Delphic Citadel <DC>   The Smithy <TS>        

Kosha is lured in from the north by the aroma of baked goods.

Tanith is amused by the Aesir. His smell no more bothers her as those who 
  travel the tunnels. She will not tell him this, of course, but she bows her 
  head at him a little. "Chinchookma," she falls back on her tongue to give 
  him the proper respect. "You may call me Tanith. Most do."

To the Aesir, respect is in actions not words. Thus do they curse their 
  friends as hartily as they curse their gods. "Chookma, Tanith." That's as 
  close as he knows of the Aelflings traditions. Not that it would matter 
  much. He two orders a meat pie, flipping a coin with his thumb toward the 
  vendor. Laughing when the man must fumble to make the catch. He wraps a 
  meaty hand around the meaty pie and chomps down. "As Jana has said..I am 
  called Axel." He speaks with an almost full mouth. By the gods, that's good 
  food.

It can never be really argued that Faanshi has much in the way of pride -- but 
  she has enough, just enough, that after being awakened six nights running by 
  nightmares, she will not ask the chief servant of Atesh-Gah for assistance. 
  Or, for that matter, the Sylvan who has been her teacher for some time now. 
  And thus, gritty-eyed from lack of sleep, the movements of her dainty frame 
  turned heavy with the concentration she's having to exert to keep her steps 
  even, the shudra girl slips into the marketplace in its earliest hours. Her 
  ever-loyal hound trots at her side, drowsy but willing to follow his 
  mistress wherever she goes; Kosha's ears are up, and he periodically sniffs 
  inquiringly at the air.

And by the gods, that's a disgusting display of machismo on the rampage. Jana 
  silently thanks the Powers That Be that the Aesir and Najada have cleared 
  out of Delphi. Smiling wanly, she takes the position of silent observer, 
  casting quick glances about the area. It is then that FallingStar is 
  noticed, and an old, old memory is awakened in the girl's brain. 
  "Rainmaker," she whispers to herself, thoughtfully.

Fox takes both meat pies he ordered and moves to a table. HIs nose is all but 
  quivering at the scent of the meat so close, but he can't attack the food 
  just yet. Once Tanith is sitting, however, then he will. His hands -might- 
  be left free for conversation.

Although for a moment FallingStar had lost track of where she was in arguing 
  over prices and goods with the stallkeeper, in favor of staring Axel-wards, 
  she finally shakes her head sharply and turns back to business. She hasn't 
  noticed Jana in turn, although with the black hair and wings, she might not 
  recognize her anyway. Now back to more pressing matters, she starts in on a 
  good-natured tirade against the stallkeeper about how he's going to cheat 
  her out of everything she owns.

Jana
        As slight and frail as a bird, with features similar to such a 
  creature, this young maiden is progressing steadily over the threshold into 
  womanhood. Her eyes, large and grey in colour, hold within them a soul that 
  is both torn and mended. Highly pronounced cheekbones and chin are typical 
  of her Empyrean race, her lips carry a sheen of pink gloss. Purity, however, 
  appears to be a fleeting dream for this young one. Her hair is pitch black, 
  tightly braided in a waist-length plait down her back. There is something 
  odd about the colouring, however. Something.. unnatural. Perhaps it's the 
  fact that the roots are a pale, silver-grey.
        The maiden wears a loose-fitting kaftan of soft, indigo wool. Its 
  long, wide sleeves nearly conceal her ink-stained fingers, and a thick sash 
  of the same colour binds her wasp-thin waist. On the kaftan's collar, a pin 
  of three opal studs has been secured. Occasionally glimpsed is a fragile 
  silver bracelet around her wrist. Because of her youth and softening 
  features, some might consider this one pretty, however few are the Empyrean 
  men who would choose her for a wife. The wings upon her back are large 
  enough to enfold her completely, but they are sable, dark as winter's night 
  skies. Like her hair, there is an unnatural, dingy, and faded quality about 
  that colouring. The occasional pure white feather may be glimpsed, 
  interspersed amongst the black.
        Worn for outdoor weather is a thick, heavy peplos of almost immense 
  proportions. Its colour is that of aged ivory, and it is wrapped about the 
  young Empyrean's head and shoulders, allowed to drape down nearly to her 
  waist. It is quite effective in concealing her hair, and some of the time, 
  it helps to hide her face.

Vanora steps from the gates of Delphi and into the Rialto.
Vanora has arrived.

Tanith's eyes wrinkle at the corner in her good humor. She nods to the Aesir, 
  side steps some falling 'crumbs' and follows Fox to a table. Once seated, 
  however, she looses some of her innate laughter, the thoughts of earlier 
  coming back upon her. The 'seeking' of something that first drew her to the 
  Rialto on this day pulling at her once more. Her mind reaches and she 
  withdraws slightly, then with a sigh, she looks to her meatpie.

Absorbed by the meatpie, and noisily eating what doesn't find habitation 
  amongst the hairs of his beard, Axel gives a wave to the trio. "I'll not 
  disturb your breaking of the night's fast that comes from sleep." Chew, 
  chew, chew..he takes a slow look around, wings flicking out and nearly 
  thwacking another passerby. Absentmindedly searching for something to catch 
  his fancy.

Following in their footsteps, Jana plods over to one of the tables and seats 
  herself as carefully as possible, rearranging her drab, black wings more 
  comfortably. Remaining silent, her attention is drawn back towards Tanith, 
  and the contemplative look re-enters her own eyes. Her brow furrows lightly, 
  and now somewhat troubled, she distracts herself by studying the obnoxiously 
  gross Aesir.

It's difficult for Faanshi to be truly unobtrusive even in pre-dawn hours when 
  she's clad in the vibrant colors of Clan Khalida, scarlet and gold and 
  richest blue. Her movements are those of a bird of much more dowdy plumage, 
  but when she wears the colors of the God-King's own Clan, even when her 
  silks are fading from months of much use and careful washing, she cannot 
  exactly fade into her surroundings. Nor can her big hound, who trots out a 
  bit of ahead of her as his sensitive nose picks up... oh my yes. FOOD. 
  Someone is cooking food, and he lets out a hopeful bark. Perhaps his beloved 
  two-footed companion will take them to get something to eat, yes? Yes? Look, 
  look, Faanshi, smell the FOOD!

Fox seems to be focused completely on his own meat pie, removing his gloves so 
  he can eat it better. This does mean, however, that he has to make sure 
  nothing gets under his claws...that's always a pain. His manners aren't the 
  best either as he tries to eat as much as possible as quickly as possible...

The Sylvan and the stallkeeper, after assuring the other that they are 
  certainly beggared by the exchange, smile and trade the goods being 
  bartered. FallingStar stows her new acquisitions in the satchel and turns 
  away again, absently adjusting the strap over her shoulder, and pauses at 
  the sound of the dog's bark. Yes, that does look like Kosha, and where there 
  is Kosha, there is...yes, that's Faanshi. Out this early?

Ghaliya enters the Rialto from the northwestern intersection of Fairway and 
  Border.
Ghaliya has arrived.

Tanith sighs, it was not a vision after all. She has been waiting. There has 
  been... something for her, she is sure of it. She picks up the pie and goes 
  to take a bite of it when she feels it... the sudden ripple of information. 
  To those close to her, perhaps watching the elder sylvan, they may see her 
  stiffen and pause as though she is holding her breath... anticipation...

Like an ethereal vision, Vanora glides silently from between the imposing 
  gates of the Citadel. The translucent material which ripples along her 
  golden limbs seems to move as if caught in currents of its own, and the 
  chains of silver which thread through her dark hair gleam with a cool, icy 
  light. Pausing for a moment, the priestess then wanders forward, her 
  statuesque form sliding through the gathered townsfolk as if they were water.

The Aesir knows little of visions and oracles, having seen them rarely. But 
  the bark of a hound he knows, and that does draw his attention. He smiles 
  and turns quickly, his ashen wings coming catastrophicaly close to wiping 
  all the garments from another vendor's table. He settles down on his 
  haunches, holding out part of his meatpie to the dog. "Come here fella, yes, 
  that's a good puppy." He croons, coaxing the animal toward him with the 
  tempting offer of a treat.

As silent and uncertain as if she were a beggarchild afraid of being randomly 
  cuffed, Ghaliya follows behind her slightly bolder shudra, the servant woman 
  cutting a path through the crowd to guide her mistress. Eyes wide above her 
  concealing veil, the Mahisi of clan Messala tries to keep in line with the 
  shorter shudra, but finds it hard with so many dsitracting sights abounding. 
  Yes, she has been here before, but never before was she willing to risk 
  distraction from her duties to actually enjoy herself. And as Ghaliya finds 
  distractions at nearly every stall passed, the shudra waits silently, eyes 
  downcast.

The apparent stiffening of the elder before her sharply draws Jana's 
  attention, yet she does nothing to interfere. Not one thing. She only 
  watches now, the Delphic Adept inclining her head forward as her eyes 
  narrow. Perhaps she knows what is going on. Bone-white fingers interlace in 
  the hollow of her lap, then begin to tightly wring at each other.

Fox is concentrated on finishing up his meat pie. It's gone just too quickly. 
  Licking his fingers of the gravy he glances to Tanith's pie...is she going 
  to eat hers? Looking up at the Shaman he starts to ask but his hands freeze 
  and then relax back into his lap. Call it a sense, but something isn't 
  right. He may not know what, but he can feel a buzz in the air that sets the 
  hair at the back of his neck standing up.

Well, you don't have to tell Kosha twice. As he comes into range of Axel's 
  well-carrying voice, the hound snaps his head around and veritably lights 
  up, as much as a creature of the four-footed canine persuasion can be said 
  to do. Never mind, either, that Kosha weighs a good hundred pounds. He comes 
  scampering over towards the Aesir warrior, ready, willing, and able to 
  practically tackle the man in his interest in that offered tidbit. En route, 
  his tail starts wagging with every thud of his paws against the ground, 
  until by the time he's in range to scarf the meat that proud plume is waving 
  back and forth so quickly that you'd think it was being buffeted by a storm.
"Kosha--" Faanshi has just enough time to see him bound off before she 
  realizes that someone has distracted him. And the halfbreed girl freezes in 
  startlement for a moment, torn between her need to find that herbalist she 
  was seeking as quickly as possible... and the need to make sure her dog 
  isn't about to mow down some hapless early-morning marketgoer. Oh, aye, 
  she's trained Kosha to obey her in a number of helpful fashions... but she 
  hasn't managed to persuade the creature that he isn't still a puppy small 
  enough to fit in her lap.

Puppy. Kosha. Riiiight. FallingStar chuckles slightly as she watches him go 
  after the Aesir's offering, shakes her head slightly, and starts to head 
  toward Faanshi. She may not find the herbalist she was seeking, but another 
  one is about to find her. And she's quite curious about why her student 
  would be wandering the Rialto this early in the morning, anyway.

It is mere moments later when the Elder shakes her head to clear her mind. The 
  meat pie drops back to the table, forgotten. Tanith stands and takes a few 
  steps... Her gray eyes, misted by cataracts, scan the Rialto for someone 
  even though she could not possibly see more than a few feet in front of her 
  with any clarity.

A swirl in the crowd as Vanora moves slowly forward reveals a pair of 
  Atlanteans, standing next to a merchant's stall. The priestess pauses 
  nearby, exchanging what must be a telepathic greeting, though it is only 
  identifiable as such from a great deal of head-nodding and the occasional 
  smile from all concerned. And then she moves on, gracefully moving around 
  obstacles without appearing to be heading in any particular direction.

The pups enthusiasm (And to an Aesir, a pup he is. He's battled ice wolves 
  unarmed.) is returned. Axel allows Kosha to gobble up the treat, heedless of 
  the dog accidently biting his thick fingers. When the dog leaps at him, Axel 
  simply places his hands on the animals legs, supporting it and keeping the 
  large hound from bowling him backward. "Hei! Your a friendly fellow. The 
  two-legged folk around here should follow your example, by Idun's apples 
  they should!" He even lets the animal lick his face and beard, booming out 
  amused laughter. It seems he's a puppy with wings.

Fox jumps up, ready to follow the Shaman should she need assistance. He too 
  has forgotten the pie as his concern for the Elder overwhelms the leftover 
  hunger. He looks to find Jana in the crowd...she's of Delphi...maybe she can 
  help? He doesn't like this...the hair still stands up at the back of his 
  neck.

The Oracle looks hesitant, but at last she herself drifts up to her feet. Jana 
  doesn't seem to be too concerned over what is happening. Looking to Fox at 
  roughly the same time he glances to her, she instructs, "She is in a vision. 
  Make certain she does not fall and hurt herself." Like she's done on many 
  occasion.

Piers is lured in from the north by the aroma of baked goods.
Piers has arrived.

Tanith does wander, as through a haze. Where is ManySmiles when you need him? 
  is a vague thought. She looks and then turns sharply as Jana speaks behind 
  her. If there is any focus it is odd. "You," she says softly, moving to the 
  Oracle. "You?"

Kosha bellows out an enthused bark again, delighted that this big winged 
  fellow not only gives him food but also likes to wrestle! The dog happily 
  paws at Axel's broad chest while licking his face in a show of boisterous 
  gratitude. And his tail keeps going, wag wag waggity wag wag wag wag. It 
  would seem that Kosha has made himself a new friend -- but then again, 
  that's not exactly difficult. Axel, after all, offered him FOOD!
In the meantime, biting her lip behind her veil, Faanshi espies where her 
  canine's managed to get to and turns towards that direction, her thoughts 
  spinning as she tries to figure out what exactly she might have to say to 
  the Imphadi from the north. But before she can reach Axel she catches sight 
  of FallingStar as well heading her way... and the shudra girl stops dead, 
  eyes going wide over her veil. And, strangely enough, just a trifle alarmed, 
  as though the sight of her own teacher is almost something to fear.

Fox follows right behind Tanith, ready to catch her should she falter just one 
  step. At least his magic is tangible...this vision stuff always creeps him 
  out. First with Brighid and now with her...hopefully he didn't bring this 
  vision on.

Snarls, of the human variety, erupt from Axel's throat. His voice deep and 
  rumbling. He wrestles with the big dog; steering him this way or that with 
  his heavily muscled arms. His wings spred a little farther, helping him keep 
  his balance and steady against the playful onslaught. "And what is your 
  name, hmm?" He inquires of Kosha, as if expecting an answer.

"Faanshi?" FallingStar frowns slightly as she approaches her student, tilting 
  her head to one side just a little. "Are you all right, child?" She's 
  certainly acting somewhat odd.

No, the graisha is not the cause of the visions. It is, instead, that little 
  drab-winged Oracle. Jana's expression slowly melts into something akin to 
  guilt and concern, and as she now steps forward, she lays a hand upon the 
  elderly woman's shoulder, murmuring a quiet, "Elder." Perhaps it's time to 
  intervene now.

Completely oblivious to the various dramas playing out around her, Ghaliya, in 
  fact, attempts to keep herself out of them, her shudra helping in the effort 
  at keeping a respectable distance between the Mahisi and the Candala. The 
  pair have now stopped at a textile vendors stall, delicate fingers gliding 
  over fine silks and velvets.

Vanora manages to suddenly find herself standing quite close to Jana and the 
  two Sylvans. The priestess is examining a series of coral sculptures 
  displayed in a nearby merchant's stall, but she loses interest eventually 
  and drifts onwards, recognizing Jana only as she is about to wander past. 
  Unfortunately, so engaged is she in watching the Empyrean Adept that she 
  stumbles on a loose paving stone and pitches towards Fox, arms windmilling 
  helplessly. So much for the vaunted Atlantean grace.

Fox turns upon hearing a scuffle and manages to brace himself before an 
  Atlantean nearly falls on him. Reaching out he tries to catch the woman 
  before she pulls them both down onto the cobblestones. Hopefully Jana can 
  handle Tanith for the time being.

Tanith trips and reaches towards Jana. Eyes close suddenly, and she arches her 
  back slightly before collapsing. The magic begins to fade from her and she 
  rests her hands on her knees, head bowed forward. For all her age and 
  petiteness, she looks like a collapsed marionette. After a moment, a shaking 
  hand raises to her temple.

The Empyrean move surprisingly quickly, reaching out her arms to catch the 
  Elder before she falls to the ground. Jana quietly gasps, then presses her 
  lips into a thin, tight line of concentration. "Tanith?" she asks gently, 
  only lifting her eyes moments later towards the odd and erratic movements 
  from Fox and Vanora. There's a blink of surprise there as she recognises the 
  Atlantean. "Vanora!" she gently exclaims, but little more is said as she 
  again looks to the older Sylvan woman.

"I... namaste', Acarya," Faanshi blurts out, managing a semblance of her 
  habitual formal bow as FallingStar comes up to her. "I am... I..." She 
  cannot quite meet the Sylvan woman's concerned gaze, however. Not only is 
  the shudra maiden extremely shy, she's also an extremely poor liar.

Untroubled by whatever appears to be haunting Faanshi this morning, Kosha 
  gleefully tussles with Axel, before deciding that he needs to acquire either 
  further Food or further Skitches from the big winged fellow. Another bark 
  pipes forth from him, while he busies himself sniffing the Aesir all over 
  and then butting his head against his nearest hand.

Vanora stumbles into Fox with a small gasp of dismay, but manages to keep 
  herself on her feet after a momentary balancing act. Dark blotches bloom 
  across her cheeks as she hurriedly straightens, flowing back from the Sylvan 
  so quickly she almost trips over the hem of her gown. Obviously, this isn't 
  her day. Her head snaps around at Jana's soft exclamation, but it is to Fox 
  that she breathily murmurs, "Please forgive me. I....I'm not sure what 
  happened."

Big hands move to scratch the dog behind his ears. Axel laughs gain, gripping 
  tightly and worrying the dogs head back and forth in a fashion that is 
  gentle. At least to such a large beast. He glances up at the small ruckus, 
  but seems unperturbed. No one is bleading after all. Why, Kosha's more fun 
  then half his scrawny cousins!

Tanith is most fragile at these moments after a series of visions. Without the 
  Aether element, the control has changed and as she is no youth, she has not 
  easily conquered the ability without it. Steadying breaths calm her beating 
  heart and she looks up to thank the dark-haired empyrean. She looks at Jana 
  a moment, then takes a strong hold on the woman's wrist.

FallingStar reaches out one hand to touch Faanshi's shoulder gently, concern 
  easing not one whit. In fact, it seems to be getting more intense. "Faanshi? 
  Whatever is the matter?" she asks, with a frown.

Fox offers a nod at the apology...it happens. Patting her arm before letting 
  go he then turns to Tanith, concern heavy in his eyes. What a morning this 
  has turned out to be. No wonder so many prefer to remain in the tunnels.

And no wonder Jana often prefers to remain in her own chamber. Blinking at the 
  woman as her wrist is seized, she again echoes a quiet, "Tanith?" Her weight 
  is shifted from one foot to the other uneasily, skirt of indigo swirling 
  gently about her ankles in the chilly breeze. Vanora has not been forgotten, 
  nor has Fox, for the little Oracle briefly raises her gaze to them both 
  before returning to the filmy eyes of a cataract grey.

Vanora suddenly seems rather taken aback as she studies Fox, crystalline eyes 
  narrowing just slightly at something. A small shake of her head is followed 
  by a series of brisk movements as the Atlantean tries to straighten her 
  clothing and regain some of her lost dignity. As she does so, she eyes the 
  other Sylvan -- Tanith, Jana called her -- with some curiosity.

"You must not," rasps the elder. "I should not be done. We all have our 
  personal tortures, Jana, but look at me... I have survived them." Tanith 
  coughs then and lets the Empyrean go. She looks around and decides to stand 
  up. "It... it is cold. Very cold now." She murmurs to neither Fox, Jana, nor 
  Vanora - all three so very nearby. "I... I need," her gaze rests again on 
  the Oracle curious and concerned. "Why is it so with some, you think to 
  yourself, and the answer is 'It is the same with all' just differently."

Even though she towers several inches over the little Sylvan who has trained 
  her in the control of her magic, half the time Faanshi still nevertheless 
  manages to keep her gaze demurely lowered away from FallingStar's. Now, 
  though, her teacher's urgent question prompts her to look reflexively up, 
  enough to let the older woman see a stricken, hollow look in green eyes so 
  exhausted that one might wonder if she hasn't slept in a week. The halfbreed 
  girl opens her mouth behind her veil, but nothing comes out; instead, under 
  FallingStar's sharply concerned attention, she simply starts to tremble, 
  violently.

Fox seems to scent Vanora's repulsion and merely sighs. At Tanith's words he 
  whips his cloak off of his shoulders to wrap her up in it. It's probably too 
  long, but maybe it will be that much warmer. He doesn't understand her words 
  though...is she still caught in the vision? Placing a hand on her shoulder 
  he seems to ask if she is all right now.

Most would likely be confused beyond hope by the Sylvan elder's advice, but so 
  used to the convolutions and unpleasantness of visions is she that Jana 
  assumes whatever the woman saw dealt with her personally. She lightly lifts 
  her hands from the elder, allowing her to stand alone and unaided on her own 
  two feet, before she murmurs, "I am sorry, Tanith."

The ashen-winged Aesir stands, searching for a handhold on Kosha, and finding 
  his collar. "Let's get you back to your mistress. I'm certain she's 
  worried." He does uses his wings to scritch the dogs back as he looks 
  around. Ah! There's one of those Jotan women with those silly veils. By 
  Freya's pendulous breasts, what a ridiculous custom. He half-drags the dog 
  toward Ghaliya.

"Mm. I think...perhaps you should sit down, child." FallingStar casts about 
  quickly for the nearest place to sit, spots a bench at a table not too far 
  away, and turns the hand resting on Faanshi's shoulder into a gentle 
  pressure in that direction.

Vanora's brow furrows as she studies Tanith, her recent mishap submerged now 
  in frank curiosity. Lifting her gaze to Jana, the Elementalist studies her 
  as well, perhaps wondering what connection lies between the two 
  Clairvoyants. And then, her eyes dart back to Fox, studying the graisha 
  furtively. She hardly notices that she's standing right beside all these 
  people, intruding on a moment which has nothing whatsoever to do with her.

Tanith accepts the cloak with grace and smiles to the foxling. She closes her 
  eyes briefly. "You should not aplogize for your sorrow, Jana." The old woman 
  sighs softly and looks up to the Oracle. "You are young. Be young. And when 
  you wish to learn of what I have seen, send our young Fox here to fetch me." 
  She pauses, the humor returning, "I believe I am still welcome in the 
  Citadel..."

Huh? Send him into the Citadel? But graisha can't be there! Has Tanith 
  forgotten? Fox goes to remind her, signing rapidly. Besides, he isn't sure 
  if Jana hates him now for trying to steal from her. Glances are given to the 
  Atlantean who stands so close by.

"Kosha," Faanshi mumbles helplessly, but now that she has in fact been found 
  by her teacher the halfbreed girl is easily guided away. Pride or no pride, 
  the maiden is in desperate need of comfort, and FallingStar is arguably the 
  best person in Haven to give it to her. Part of her knows this, and so the 
  young shudra lets the smaller Sylvan briskly guide her to the closest bench. 
  Even as she half-sits and half-collapses onto the bench, she keeps 
  trembling. And now that her gaze has made it to FallingStar's, it stays 
  there in pleading supplication, the gaze of someone whose entire world 
  appears to have shattered about her.

Though Ghaliya is completely oblivious to the erroneous and bold approach, her 
  shudra is not. The woman's eyes immediately glue themselves to the ground, 
  and she nudges gently at her mistress, attempting quietly to get her 
  attention, and receiving only a puzzled glance for her troubles.

"Perhaps I shall, Elder, if you are amenable to it," replies the young Oracle, 
  inclining her head briefly. Jana then lifts her gaze to Vanora, the sight of 
  the Delphic Adept rather comforting at the moment. A long sigh causes 
  several dark strands of hair around her face to be stirred. "Ave, Adept 
  Vanora," she says in a more proper greeting than her earlier exclamation.

Tanith has warmed some and turns to hand the cloak back to Fox. "I will be 
  going home now," she tells him. "And no, we are not going into the Citadel." 
  She ruffles his hair slightly. Past his shoulder she smiles and whispers a 
  kindly 'chookma' to Vanora as well. She turns back to Jana when she speaks, 
  nodding. "Oh, I believe I will be," is her cryptic answer. A little stronger 
  than before, Tanith begins her slow walk home. She hums a sylvan tune to 
  keep her company.
Tanith ambles toward the northwest.
Tanith has left.

Shudra ignored, Axel steps right up to Ghaliya. "Hei, jotan. I've brought your 
  pup back to you. He's a pleasant animal, a proud beast." He then lets go of 
  Kosha's collar to allow him to properly greet his mistress. Or who Axel 
  thinks is the dogs mistress. Before she can protest that Kosha is not hers, 
  Axel bends his legs and leaps skyward, wings flapping in a rush. He has 
  other places to be.

FallingStar settles down on the bench beside Faanshi, sliding her arm around 
  the girl's shoulders. "Kosha is fine, I'm sure," she replies. He tends to be 
  able to take care of himself, especially when he's found a food-friend. "Now 
  what has happened, child?"

Jana's greeting comes as Vanora is trying to watch Fox without anyone 
  noticing. So much for that. Clearing her throat softly, the Elementalist 
  attempts to look as if she were simply gazing off into space, and her head 
  swings around towards the Empyrean Oracle as if she'd completely forgotten 
  the other woman was there. Pausing to intone a soft, "Blessings," to Tanith 
  as the elderly Sylvan moves away, she then lifts her gaze to her fellow 
  Adept. "Blessings, Jana," she murmurs. "That was....unusual, was it not? The 
  Sylvan, I mean."

Wait a minute. Who's this new person? Kosha's romped over to Ghaliya 
  apparently willingly enough, but as Axel leaps into the air, it's one 
  confused hound indeed who finds himself right next to a couple of women he 
  doesn't recognize. There's only one remedy for this. He promptly thrusts his 
  muzzle at Ghaliya, to commence the obligatory thorough sniffing.
And Faanshi sits and shivers under FallingStar's maternal arm. For the longest 
  moment she can't seem to manage to answer, and when she finally does, her 
  voice is dull and wan. The whisper of it is almost too soft even for the 
  Sylvan healer to hear: "He's... dead, acarya... I-I think he's dead..."

Fox gives a bit of a frown as his Shaman is called unusual, but he doesn't 
  want her to try and make it back by herself. A nod is given to both before 
  he turns to leave as well, following the elder Sylvan. Besides, she can't 
  translate for him anymore...and trying to communicate would just get 
  frustrating.

What? Someone's bringing her Sumai? Has he been scuffling again? Ahem... Bad 
  Varati. Turning slowly, confusion all over the furrowed brow, and surely in 
  the eyes too downcast to allow one ot tell for sure. "I'm sorry," she says, 
  quietly, "I believe you've made a mistake. I've never seen this dog 
  before..."

Fox has left.

But the Empyrean is gone before she can finish the thought. So now, Ghaliya is 
  faced wit ha hundred pound dog happily wagging his tail, and likely about to 
  pounce her. With much more distrastrous effect than was found with the Aesir.

"She is a clairvoyant," replies Jana, as if that should provide answer enough 
  to any question about the situation. But the Empyrean elaborates as she 
  slowly turns from watching the departing figures of the Sylvans, "And one 
  might say we are an unusual breed." Narrow shoulders lift in a shrug, and 
  she asks, "What brings you out to the Rialto, Adept?"

Well, that certainly sounds like bad news. FallingStar frowns a little, 
  giving the shudra girl a one-armed kind of hug, in an attempt to be 
  comforting. "Who is, child?"

Vanora considers Jana's words for a long moment, before replying quietly, "I 
  find the confines of the Citadel a little stifling at times. Not that the 
  Rialto is much better." Her nose wrinkles slightly as she gazes at the 
  throngs of people around them both. "I usually spend some time here, 
  wandering from stall to stall, before continuing on to one of the beaches. 
  It is really quite soothing."

"Ah, yes, that is.. understandable," replies the Empyrean at length. Jana 
  likewise glances about the thickening crowds, the trickle of newcomers 
  steadily increasing as the newborn day waxes towards full morning. Inhaling 
  sharply, she retrieves her mind from the temptation of reveries before 
  asking, "Might I accompany you? I.. I originally came here to purchase a 
  crystal, but I think I shall simply leave it for another time."

Faanshi's gaze, already hollow, goes strangely distant. Her veiled countenance 
  is still turned to her teacher, but now it might seem perhaps as if the 
  halfbreed girl is looking past her rather than at her, her presence making 
  only a partial impact upon her now. So too does FallingStar's question seem 
  to only partially affect her, for Faanshi doesn't directly answer it. 
  Instead she murmurs in that same stricken tone, "A-A girl... in Atesh-Gah, a 
  girl with the sight... she came to me, acarya... she said... she had seen I 
  had lost someone and it would break my heart and... Kosha is here... and you 
  are here... and... he... he has been gone so long and I-I-I cannot think of 
  who else it could be..." She keeps trembling all the while, the words 
  beginning to go higher in pitch as they come out of her, turning childlike 
  and utterly bereft.
Entirely in contrast to his young mistress, Kosha carries out his duty of 
  sniffing every available portion of Ghaliya's person, only encourage every 
  time she squirms or seems to pull away. In the world according to Kosha, 
  that only means an encouragement to play! But the woman doesn't seem to WANT 
  to play, he finally realizes. Neither does she appear to have any FOOD. With 
  a disappointed little yrf, the big dog bounds around and promptly pounces 
  Ghaliya's shudra. Maybe SHE has food?

And here the little shudra thought herself immune. With a squeal very 
  un-Varati-like, she goes down hard, squirming and kicking in a manner in 
  danger of being indecent. Ghaliya just stares, wide-eyed, any shock relieved 
  by the exit of the unfortunate sniffing, has been replaced by shock at her 
  shudra's position and actions.

Another moment of silence passes, before Vanora inclines her head slowly. Her 
  cool self-possession has returned, and she watches the other Adept closely 
  as she half-turns, preparing to move on. "I would appreciate the company," 
  she assures the Empyrean, lips curving with a faint smile. "Have you been 
  well of late? I heard some sort of rumour involving yourself and a Varati 
  woman, but I could hardly believe it."

"Ssshhh. Faanshi, child. You don't know for certain, do you? There's no reason 
  to grieve before you know for sure." FallingStar's concerned frown deepens 
  still more. "And you haven't been sleeping, have you? That will only make 
  things worse, you need to take care of yourself."

"Ahhh.... um," is Jana's initial reply. Her black-haired, grey-rooted head 
  briefly ducks in a nod, and she does not attempt to lie to the Elementalist. 
  "The rumours are likely to be true, unfortunately," she says. Somehow she 
  refrains from adding the statement 'but it was the other woman's fault.' 
  Walking at the Atlantean's side, she lifts her eyes once more to cast a 
  glance at the older woman's face. "Otherwise, I am as well as can be 
  expected. How have you fared?"

"I have been well," is Vanora's serene response. Her slim fingers are 
  interlaced, hands clasped in front of her as she moves slowly across the 
  cool paving stones. "You likely did not notice, but I was absent from Delphi 
  for some months recently. I had a need to cleanse myself, spiritually. My 
  time in Haven has not been as smooth as I would have liked, and it left me 
  feeling....tired."

Kasia is lured in from the north by the aroma of baked goods.
Kasia has arrived.

"Oh, no, I fear I had not noticed," mumbles the Oracle, a little sheepishly. 
  She again bends her head, but quickly trots to keep pace after a brief 
  moment of slacking. Jana adds, "I am sorry for that, but I suppose I have 
  been ... tremendously occupied." And that is quite the understatement. Yet 
  she falls quiet again, thoughts turning inwards towards the matter of 
  Tanith's visions. What had she seen of her future? She is going to have to 
  ask her rather soon. For the moment, however, she continues to walk at 
  Vanora's side.

FallingStar doesn't exactly need her power to tell that Faanshi is exhausted; 
  it's obvious enough by the bruised look of her eyes and the way the girl 
  seems to list sideways even as she's trying to sit upright. But the evidence 
  of simple sight is also augmented by the senses of a healer. The halfbreed 
  needs sleep, and she needs it now. Unthinkingly and tinily she babbles, "I 
  know that... I-I rested when I got ill, but since the M-Maharani left 
  Atesh-Gah I-I have had to ask to talk to the Amir-al and ask His will about 
  the Syl-Sylvans..." The words begin to tumble out of her faster now, still 
  too high-pitched, as if she were only five years old. But then she seems to 
  catch herself, her gaze abruptly re-focusing upon her teacher with a 
  terrible clarity. And she concludes mournfully, "Everyone I loves d-dies, 
  acarya... it only makes sense...!"

Awww. This other woman doesn't have any food either? After thoroughly sniffing 
  the person of Ghaliya's shudra, giving her veiled face a lick or two for 
  good measure and then making a little *chf* noise of dismay -- ptui! silk on 
  the tongue! -- the dog seems to take mercy upon the startled woman and 
  bounds off her, tail still a-wag. Hey! Where'd his mistress get to?

"We are all occupied with our studies," Vanora agrees quietly. "This life 
  consumes so much of our time, and yet sometimes we hardly seem to notice it. 
  It has its rewards, however, as well as its trials." And with that sage 
  observation, she falls silent, content to simply watch those around her as 
  she glides along beside the Empyrean.

There is only so much scandalous behaviour a kshatri lass can take. And so she 
  grabs her shudra at the first opportunity, dragging her up bodily, and takes 
  her off towards Atesh Gah.

Jana has left.

"That's your fatigue talking," FallingStar replies, firmly, draping Faanshi's 
  arm about her shoulders and moving to rise, bringing the shudra girl with 
  her. "I'm still very much alive, and I intend to stay that way for some 
  time. Come on, child. I'm going to make sure you get some rest."

The pair of Adepts eventually disappear back within Delphi's grounds, leaving 
  behind the bustle of ordinary life for the moment.
Vanora steps through a tall set of gates and enters Delphi's grounds.
Vanora has left.

"The Amir-al might summon me," Faanshi mumbles in protest, even as FallingStar 
  hauls her, height difference or no height difference, up into a standing 
  position. "I must be present... if they choose to permit me into His 
  presence..."

Oh. There's Faanshi! The two strange food-less women having fled, his winged 
  playmate departed into the air, the hound sniffs about until he recovers his 
  mistress' scent... and just as playfully as he'd bounded to Ghaliya and her 
  shudra, Kosha comes scampering over to the pair of healers.

FallingStar chuckles dryly and starts to walk, moving in the direction of her 
  shop. "In the condition you're in now, child, I doubt you would want to be 
  in his presence. I doubt you'd be able to string words together well enough 
  to give a good impression. You wouldn't want to come before him all tired 
  and tongue-tied, would you?" She just hopes Kosha will keep the bounding and 
  pouncing down to a minimum, while she's trying to direct the taller girl.

Strangely enough, that makes sense to Faanshi even in her desperately weary 
  state. A ripple of startlement shoots through her slender frame as she 
  considers this, stumbling along with her acarya's support, and then she 
  answers absently, "It would not be good to shame m-myself before the Most 
  High. You are very wise, acarya...!" Still that childlike, haunted tone 
  dominates her voice, and her gaze as well conveys the impression that she's 
  almost half-asleep on her feet as the two of them make their way northward 
  out of the marketplace. Kosha does bound along beside them, tail 
  periodically wagging, but something of his doggish enthusiasm has died down 
  a bit at the way Faanshi is moving.

[And soon enough...]

You open the door to the herbseller's shop, entering admist the soft sound of 
  chimes.
A Moment in Thyme - Haven
     A multitude of smells mingle in the air of the small shop, combining from 
  plants hanging from the ceiling or sitting on the shelves, or concoctions 
  simmering over the hearth set into the side wall, or any of a number of 
  sources. The wall opposite the hearth appears to be a work area of some 
  sort, with a scarred table covered with tools, containers, and partially 
  finished projects. The back of the shop is where all the finished goods are 
  kept, it seems, judging from the full shelves - all organized with careful 
  precision, despite how full they are. In fact, the entire shop is kept 
  clean, the wooden floor well-scrubbed to an almost glossy shine. A set of 
  chimes hangs near the door, jangling softly whenever the door is opened.
Contents:
FallingStar
Obvious exits:
Private Quarters <PQ>  Out <O>

What with the number of strays and people seeking healing that come to the 
  shop, FallingStar has added a cot to an unobtrusive corner of the room, and 
  it's there that she directs Faanshi after nudging the door closed behind 
  them and Kosha. "Hopefully you'll feel a bit better after getting some good 
  rest," the Sylvan observes.

Only when the safety of the shop has been reached does a fractional portion of 
  Faanshi's tension seem to leave her, just enough for her to stop and stare 
  at the cot, and then turn half-uncomprehending eyes to her little teacher. 
  In doleful accents she then says, "But I... I can't sleep, acarya." Kosha in 
  the meantime, as comfortable in this place as he is anywhere in Atesh-Gah, 
  contentedly ambles into the room and proceeds straight to his favorite 
  comfortable corner. Either he or Faanshi must have left a toy of his there, 
  for he finds a large half-chewed strap of knotted leather already lying 
  there, and this the dog takes up and happily begins to gnaw.

"Faanshi, you're in the middle of an herb shop. If there's nothing here that 
  can help you sleep, then I'm in sore need of supplies." FallingStar's voice 
  is gentle, though she teases just a little. "Just have a seat, child. Rest 
  your feet, if not your mind."

Obediently the shudra sits down in the very center of the cot, but her liquid, 
  pleading gaze is still following FallingStar about the room. "I k-keep 
  having bad dreams," she says, her voice extremely small. "I can't make them 
  stop...!"

FallingStar nods thoughtfully, moving to fetch some of the aforementioned 
  supplies and giving Kosha an absent pat as she wanders by. "So since you're 
  having the dreams, they disturb your sleep? Is that it?"

Abashedly Faanshi hangs her head, but she also bobs it up and down a single 
  time. As always, even in the grip of complete exhaustion, she seems bent on 
  trying to sit with perfect posture -- shudra's habits and shudra's learning 
  still trying to manifest itself. Slowly, inexorably, she's nevertheless 
  started to list sideways again; her eyes, too, seem to lose their focus 
  every so often. "Yes, acarya," she whispers. "I-I... did not want to tell 
  you..."

"Mm? Didn't want to tell me? Whyever not?" The clink of jars is followed by 
  the sound of liquid pouring into a cup, coming from the direction of 
  FallingStar's workbench. But since she has her back to her student, it's 
  hard to see just what she's doing.

"I... I am... I am supposed to be strong," Faanshi blurts out, her childlike 
  tone taking on a bit of a desperate rasp now. She doesn't elaborate, but 
  then again, she doesn't really need to; it's never been anything less than 
  obvious that the stoic, stubborn ways of the Varati command all the 
  halfbreed girl's thoughts of how she should behave. And never mind whether 
  her gentle soul is at all suited for it. "I-I thought... if I just got the 
  right herbs myself... I-I could make the dreams go away... sh-show there's 
  something I can do w-with strength... take care of myself...!"

FallingStar turns away from the table again, cup in hand, and moves across the 
  room back to Faanshi. "Ah, but you are strong. You're strong and brave and 
  good, child, but sometimes strength means being able to ask for help." The 
  Sylvan smiles slightly, settling down on the cot beside her student and 
  offering the cup to her. "I've learned that lesson. Remember...remember how 
  I hurt my eyes? I had to seek another's help to fix it, but I was so 
  stubborn about it that it took a very long time."

"I remember," Faanshi breathes, even as she numbly accepts the cup proffered 
  her. Tired enough -- and trusting enough of the Sylvan who's taught her for 
  many, many months now -- that she does not bother to pause to sniff at or 
  taste the contents of the mixture within it, the shudra lifts up one hand to 
  loose the chain that holds her veil in place. Difficult to drink with the 
  silk in the way, after all. With the other, though it shakes with effort, 
  she lifts up the cup and begins sipping down the herbal concoction. As she 
  does, she adds embarrassedly, "I don't... feel very brave or strong...!"

"Then I'll just have to keep telling you that you are, until you believe me," 
  FallingStar replies, firmly. Very matter-of-fact, that's the way it is and 
  you'd better believe it sort of attitude. "Because you are. /I/ think that 
  you're a wonderful young lady, gifted and strong, able to deal with things I 
  wouldn't want to imagine, and with a giving heart. Child, if you truly were 
  my own daughter I couldn't be more proud of you."

The cup begins to quiver harder in Faanshi's hand now, and awkwardly, she 
  lowers it down as FallingStar's words roll over her. Those words, that firm 
  loving assurance, is exactly why a small corner of her mind knew she needed 
  to be here; already proven chronically starved for any kind of approval and 
  affection whatsoever, the maiden's heart drinks them in. It is not the same 
  kind of affection a certain ruggedly handsome Mongrel bard had given her -- 
  and nor is it a replacement for it. But it is enough to make something shift 
  in Faanshi's thoughts, enough to bring a sharp upswelling of tears in her 
  eyes. Unveiled, her face can be seen to be as haggard from weariness as her 
  shadowed eyes, her expression lost, hopeless. And only now that she is here 
  in her trusted teacher's presence does she let herself wail tinily, "W-what 
  am I going to do withouut him...? What am I going to do...?"

"Oh, Faanshi." Both of FallingStar's arms go about the younger girl, drawing 
  her into an embrace should she allow it. "You go on living, it's the only 
  thing to do. It's not a comfortable answer, or a comfortable thing to live 
  through, I know, but if I tried to tell you that everything would be fine 
  and happy...I think telling a lie would be worse. The best thing I can do is 
  tell you that I know what it feels like, and I'm always here for you."

It would possibly be wise to take the cup away from the girl before embracing 
  her, but this little tidbit of wisdom eludes Faanshi for the moment. She 
  crumples into her teacher's arms, dizzy from her exhaustion, desperately 
  craving consolation for what has left her inconsolable. "D-d-don't even have 
  his b-body," she sobs. "A-and didn't m-marry him... cannot carry out the 
  suttee...!"

Well, if the cup falls and possibly breaks, it's no big deal. Really. 
  FallingStar can always clean it up later. "Ssshhh...ssshh, Faanshi, 
  child..." Someday, it will feel better. Not soon enough for either of them, 
  certainly, for in the face of Faanshi's distress the Sylvan can but echo it 
  as she tries to soothe the girl.

Indeed, the cup drops out of the halfbreed's fingers, landing with a clatter 
  on the floor, sending what's left of its contents to spill out around it, 
  and making the dog in the corner look up. Kosha whines softly, but for once 
  Faanshi gives no sign of awareness of his attention as she wraps violently 
  trembling arms about the smaller woman, curling herself into a tight little 
  ball of misery in FallingStar's embrace. A thousand thoughts shoot through 
  her now, of how she'd wanted to be a good wife to Lyre, to live peacefully 
  with him in a small house in Avalon, bearing him many strong Mongrel sons 
  who would live as free men. Of how she had never felt happier than when his 
  arms had held her close. Ofhow his rich voice had rumbled in her hearing 
  like gravel wrapped in velvet. A thousand thoughts... none of which make it 
  into her voice. Perhaps later, she might be coaxed to speak them. For now, 
  all she can seem to do is sob.

FallingStar, for her part, doesn't manage to stay dry-eyed either - as though 
  she were empathic rather than a healer and were thus echoing the feelings of 
  the crying girl she so desperately tries to provide comfort for, tears leak 
  from her eyes and down freckle-dusted cheeks. She murmurs basically 
  nonsensical words in a soothing tone, stroking Faanshi's hair through its 
  fabric cover without breaking the embrace. What the girl drank of the cup's 
  contents should help her to at least sleep the night through...and perhaps 
  things will look a little bit better in the morning. A little.

And at last, finally, somewhere in the midst of her weeping the herbs finally 
  seem to take hold -- or is it the comforting, wordless nonsense the Sylvan 
  is crooning to her? Or the simple fact that she's bone-tired? Whichever of 
  these is responsible -- perhaps all three of them -- it makes Faanshi's body 
  begin to go slack, albeit in fits and starts. Her torrent of weeping begins 
  to subside down to trickles, and the frantic hold of her arms about 
  FallingStar's small frame eases. Even now, though, Faanshi cries. "Love 
  him," she mumbles, delicate features squeezed up tightly in her agony. The 
  Varati might try to be stoic and strong to the rest of the world, but though 
  they might put a veil upon this healer maiden, still they have not taught 
  her how to keep her pain from searing itself into her face.

"I know," FallingStar whispers, breathing out a soft sigh. "I know." She hugs 
  the girl a little bit tighter for a moment, then loosens one hand to fish a 
  clean square of cloth from a pouch at her belt. She begins to delicately dry 
  Faanshi's tear-wet face, or at least do what she can. "Try to sleep, child. 
  I'll do what I can to keep the dreams away."

Slowly, Faanshi's head slides downward until it more or less rests in her 
  teacher's lap. "Keep dreaming he goes a-away," she moans, voice losing what 
  little strength it had had left. "Killed. Don't wanna dream he's killed... 
  he's not coming back, a-acarya, he's not coming..." The tears keep coming, 
  even as FallingStar dabs them away from Faanshi's sungolden cheeks. But now 
  the halfbreed's dulled, wet eyes are beginning to drift shut, her trembling 
  at last to drain out of her system.

It may be a losing battle for the moment, but FallingStar still persists with 
  the handkerchief. Once she falls asleep, the tears should stop coming for 
  the time being. "Ssshhh. Sleep, child. Sleep," she murmurs. "I'll be here."

Silently, Kosha rises up from the corner in which he'd been gnawing upon his 
  leather toy and pads over to the cot where the women are sitting. Another 
  tiny whine sounds from him as he gazes at Faanshi; then, he cranes his head 
  over and nuzzles at her side. As if this is the final assurance the girl 
  needs, she lets out a single shuddering breath... and goes still at last, 
  her breathing slowing and softening.

FallingStar silently finishes drying the girl's face, then knuckles absently 
  at her own eyes and manages a small smile for Kosha. "Aye, and you'll be 
  here too," she whispers, for fear of waking the sleeping Faanshi. Now how to 
  work herself out from underneath her without doing the same.

[End log.]