"The Vanished Light Behind Her Eyes"

Log Date:
	2/28, 2/29/00

Log Cast:
	Faanshi, Gaelius, Lailah, Kashtaritu, Thalia, Thalia's secretary
(NPC emitted by Thalia)

Log Intro:
	Up until she had been freed by the proclamation of Khalid Atar and
by the actions of Kiera Khalida from her captivity under the Warlord of
Clan Sarazen, Faanshi had never conceived of what it would be like to have
a father... never, that is, until she met the old arch-magus Samein, who
joined the Sylvan FallingStar in the task of teaching her the control of
her magic. Over a span of many months, Faanshi began to shyly open up to 
the Varati elder, once she discovered that he would not only beat her for
daring to converse with him, he would even encourage her to use her ability
to reason.
	But Samein is a mage of Delphi -- and though he is Varati, the old
man has developed a decidedly untraditional viewpoint of his people's way
of life. He and Faanshi have clashed over the young shudra's gentle 
adherence to the Varati traditions, and with catastrophic results. Provoked
by what he seems to perceive as the need to break the halfbreed girl out
of the chains of how she has been raised, Samein has taken out his anger
upon her dog and very nearly suffocated Kosha with his stone-shaping magic
-- and tried to invoke, albeit without success, the authority of the Hounds
to have Faanshi imprisoned in Delphi.
	Upon hearing of this, Atesh-Gah has naturally become incensed. But
the angry reaction of the Queen-Maharani is far above Faanshi's ken, for
all that _she_ knows is that someone who seemed to love her has turned
against her.
	And it's broken her heart.
	Fortunately for Faanshi, however, there are at least two people in
the Varati citadel uninclined to let that situation stand....

*===========================< In Character Time >===========================*
             Time of day:  Morning
          Date on Aether:  Monday, February 8, 3906.
           Year on Earth:  1506 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  Last Quarter
                  Season:  Waning Winter
                 Weather:  Clear Skies
             Temperature:  Cool
*==========================================================================*

Entrance Foyer - Atesh-Gah - Haven
      The entranceway to Atesh-Gah is a marvel of Varati architecture and art; 
  a half-dome rising from the earth to the heavens, appearing as if solid 
  stone and seemingly made without reinforcing supports. It is but a shell of 
  smooth, solid rock, made unbreakable by a combination of shaping and 
  ingenuity. A long flight of stairs leads up toward the double doors of the 
  throne room, while a smaller door down below and to the right leads to the 
  back hallway. 
      The massive space is acoustically sound, carrying each gurgle of crystal 
  water from the central fountain throughout the entire room. Four couches of 
  rich royal blue upholstery surround the fountain, providing a resting place 
  for any who would wish to sit and speak; though the edge of the fountain 
  itself may function in a similar fashion. Flecks and veins of bright gold 
  streak through the pale marble of the walls, leading the eye ever up... 
  until a breath-taking sight catches the eye. Above all else in the room 
  stands Ashur Masad, the Lord of the ever-rising Sun, and father to Khalid 
  Atar. Surrounding the glorious sun-lord is a vast mural of his son's 
  accomplishments, a millenium and a half of legendary history. 
Contents:
Kosha
Gaelius
Lailah
Obvious exits:
Royal Wing <RW>  Hallway <HW>  Throne Room <TR>  Out <O>

At this particular hour Atesh-Gah is rather quieter than it is in more active 
  times of the day -- but as far as young Faanshi is concerned, that's 
  perfectly fine. Unable to sleep, rousing before dawn, she is equally 
  uninclined to try to face any more people than absolutely necessary. Heavy 
  of heart, disconsolate of carriage, the girl slips like a brightly clad 
  ghost through the corridors down to the foyer, her only thought a 
  surreptitious trek to the shrine of Ushas where if she is lucky she might 
  perchance find some consolation in prayer.
The dog trotting sleepily at her side, however, is far more sanguine. And at 
  this hour, Kosha's rather less alert than a decent guard dog ought to be, 
  and far more distractable. His attention frequently wanders. He sniffs at 
  this and that, and even wags his tail at the occasional stoic Agni-Haidar he 
  and his shudra mistress pass in the halls.

In the shadows, the warrior-bard known as Gaelius to most, and a few as 
  Hesperos Tritonides, comes. He'd just returned from a long night of 
  listening to an Atarvani priest read to him the tales of the Amir-al, and 
  the people of the Neverending Fire. Green eyes flick from here to there, his 
  footsteps and rustling wings having become a distinct, known sound to the 
  guards of Atesh Gah.

Whurf? Kosha, ambling around a corner and aiming his large doggie form for the 
  middle of the foyer -- not for skulking by the walls is this openhearted 
  canine, oh no -- sniffs Empyrean upon the air. The soft pad-clack of his big 
  paws upon the floor pauses. His big furry head swivels in the direction of 
  the brd. And even as the halfbreed primarily responsible for his daily 
  recommended allowance of food, affection, and outdoor romps starts in 
  consternation at his wandering off, Kosha trails Gaelius' scent right up to 
  the bard himself. Why yes, you do smell familiar, don't you? Whurf!

Kashtaritu passes through the grand double doors that lead out into the 
  courtyard and joins you in the entrance foyer.
Kashtaritu has arrived.

Kashtaritu
A tall imposing figure he seems to push the very air aside with his wide 
  shoulders. Out of stark features stare hard unforgiving eyes that seem to 
  hesitate between grey and green. At times there is almost a softness in 
  those eyes, but between one blink and the next it is gone. It is a visage of 
  lines and planes almost no curves touching it whatsoever. Hair as dark as 
  the night between the stars is cut short and combed back out his eyes. Thin 
  almost delicate eyebrows seem odd on this almost brutal face, and a smile, 
  or at least until he brings one to life, seems as if it would cause it 
  physcial pain, as if the very shape of a smile is uncapable of appearing 
  there by the very forces and laws of nature. But if you are there for one of 
  those rare occasions when he does smile a transformation seems to come over 
  him, stone turns to flesh, lifeless eyes glow with vigor and bright white 
  teeth seem to shine in whatever light is avaiable.
Across his wide shoulders sits a sleavless tunic of a dark grey which at first 
  glance seems rather simple, but on closer vewing the cut and make of the 
  material are of a fine quality, from which emerge his thickly corded arms 
  that taper down to surprising long fingered thin hands. There is a strength 
  and power evident in those hands, a competence, but also in evidence is that 
  lack of calouses, a softness that shows he is unused to the rougher sort of 
  work. Tied about his waist with a brightly colored sash,the only real bright 
  color on this imposing figure are breeches of a soft supple material of a 
  soft brown or green, which are tucked into good strudy leather boots that 
  cover his wide feet.

Yet another restless shadow can be discerned slinking along the walls of the 
  Embassy. Must be a trend, or something. Slipping in and out from the various 
  flickering torch lights illuminating her path, the dark visage of Lailah 
  melts in with the shadows in the more obscure corners, making it seem as if 
  those brightly coloured garments float by themselves above the ground. Her 
  usual flowing gait comes a bit hesitantly, and once in a while the girl 
  stops, reaches out one slim arm to lean against the cool stone at her side, 
  before continuing on a moment later.

Lailah
        She could almost pass for pure Varati, this one - at least to the 
  untrained eye. She's got the colouring for it, alright - smooth and soft 
  like expensive satin, her skin is tinted a dark chocolate; a rich, 
  near-black tone which seems made for the sole purpose of melting in with the 
  shadows of a dark night. The hair that crowns her head consists of frizzled 
  ringlets which stand in all directions; an erratic halo of raven black, 
  where the lustruous curls have been cropped to end in line with a dainty 
  chin.
        Seldom you see a Varati this small and thinboned, though - waifish 
  would be the best term used here. Petite, with long, slim limbs, standing by 
  no means taller than 5'4", she carries herself with an unconscious grace; 
  each step arrogant and casual, yet executed with a razor sharp precision, as 
  if months of planning lay behind it. Flowing, flighty - the feral energy of 
  a feline channeled through human form; the spirit of quicksilver evident in 
  each liquid movement. Her features are delicately chiseled; a straight nose, 
  well defined cheekbones, full lips. Large, round eyes, framed by thick 
  sweeps of black lashes provide another proof for mixed heritage - bottomless 
  pools of frosted emerald; twin lanterns in this landscape of night, shining 
  with an icy light and yet capable of burning with such startlingly hot inner 
  fires.
        Swathes the golden hue of ripe wheat wraps about that slight frame; a 
  simple cotton sari, with a semi-transparent veil to match. Thin stripes of 
  red and blue, the colours of Clan Khalida, border the garments; bare brown 
  feet peek out from under the skirts as she moves.

A soft rumbling chuckle from the warrior-bard, his white wings rustling at the 
  approach of the dog. "Ave, dominus." he drawls out towards the dog, even as 
  he ruffles Kosha's scruff. "And where is your pretty mistress?" green eyes 
  glancing up to gaze left and right.

The sound of heavy boot heels echoes down the hallway into the entrance foyer 
  trumpeting the arrival of a rather large man. Soon enough the massive form 
  of Kashtaritu melts out of the darkness and into the well lit landing. 
  Following the wraith like shadow that whispers across the stone. Slivers of 
  green tracking her progress with the knowledge given by practice. It is only 
  as the voice of Gaelius wafts out that he becomes aware of the other 
  occupants. A slow sweeping gaze distributes that habitual scowl to person 
  and stone alike. The boom of his feet dying with his foosteps, but soon 
  replaced by the gravel bass rumble of his voice. "Lailah." Arms folding as 
  he address the brightly colored fiagment of silk and midnight.

Oh good. This bard, like another bard of Kosha's acquaintance, understands the 
  value of a proper scritching! Kosha lets out a deep yurf of approval, tail 
  waggling back and forth at a swifter rate now, even as the figure of Faanshi 
  might be noted to manifest itself on the periphery of Gaelius' immediate 
  range of sight. The shudra maiden does not look up, but she does pause and 
  murmur towards Kosha, "Heel, Kosha, heel..." This earns her a little whine 
  from the dog, though Kosha does skitter back reluctantly in answer to the 
  quiet order. Faanshi appends to this, clearly for the bard's benefit, 
  "Please accept my humble apologies if my hound has disturbed you, dominus." 
  Her words to both the dog and the winged bard are low and almost lifeless in 
  tone.

Conversationally towards the dog, Gaelius' voice comes, "Ah, so that's where 
  your pretty mistress was, dominus Kosha." a grin, and a wink towards the 
  hound, before his green eyes turn towards Faanshi, "Oh, certainly he wasn't 
  being a disturbance. We were having a most gentlemanly conversation." a 
  smile. "It's good to see you again."

Eyes of the palest emerald flit to take the people in the foyer in; one black 
  brow lofts onto the naraki's forehead as the vision of white wings is noted. 
  She has heard stories, but not yet seen the man for himself. Laiah's 
  attention is swiftly whipped off dog, bard and shudra maiden alike, at the 
  sudden rumble behind her, and in a flurry of cloth, she turns around, 
  peering back to the hulking man who just entered. The response is just as 
  short. "Kash." Softly spoken, and there is a hint of curiosity there, of 
  wariness, and worry.

As Faanshi's form evaportes from the murk the green eyed demon of towering 
  size turns to give her thoughtful look. Vaguely familiar from past meetings, 
  and the intimation of a grin cracks the stone fissure sof his visage. The 
  promise of something pleasant adorning this man is lost when Kashtaritu's 
  attention deigns to rest on Gaelius. An Empyrean invasion within these 
  fortified walls, even sactioned by the Queen, is not the sort of thing often 
  met with approval. Only with the trilling trickle of breath that brings his 
  name reaches his ears does the man return his attention to the purpose of 
  his presence. "I just wished to make my goodbye. You have been busy of late 
  within the Royal court." Misty eyes flick down to the exaspratingly eager 
  animal that previously held Gaelius' attentions. Always a welcome source of 
  amusment within the granite stoicism of the fortress.

Gaelius might smile, and his expressive eyes might hold an amiable gleam for 
  the dog and the healer girl, but Faanshi could be made of stone -- as the 
  Children of Fire are sometimes rumored to be -- for all the effect the 
  Empyrean's charm seems to have upon her. Nor, to be sure, does she seem to 
  give any sign of registering Kashtaritu's thoughtful glance. The girl stands 
  with lowered eyes and humble stance, saying in a strangely empty tone to 
  Gaelius, "Thank you for your graciousness, dominus, and if you would permit 
  me to do so I would also like to thank you for your assistance the other 
  night, following my difficulty in the Rialto."

A thoughtful pause, at Faanshi's words. Ah, this warrior-bard, it is said, has 
  not only the sanction of the Queen, but the Amir-al himself. This Empyrean 
  has indeed pleased the God-King of the Varati, and thus why he has free roam 
  in these halls. "I would so permit you. Why would I not?" his voice asking 
  the girl gently.

A miniscule frown passes over the slave's midnight features. "Goodbye?" Lailah 
  sounds rather breathless, all of a sudden, as the word is echoed through 
  trembling lips. She knew this would happen, deep inside, but somehow, she 
  hoped the man would change his mind in the last minute. Selfish. "Are you 
  going already?" The light tones of her voice soften yet more, and a hesitant 
  step is taken towards Kashtaritu, attention fully fixed upon the large 
  Varati. "Now?" The last coming out more as a squeak than the former whisper. 
  She's not desperate; she just got something in her throat, just then. Yeah.

Tree trunk thick legs splay wide in preparation for some asault. Verbal or 
  physical. The myriad possibilities abound for the motivation. The darkness 
  draped in splendor with a rapier for a tongue, or mayhap the infinite 
  exuberance defined in that wagging tail. Nothing of the craggy resolve 
  softens, yet some undefinable element of his aura melts at that breathless 
  query. Almost casually one of Kashtaritu's corded arms relaxes to drift to 
  his side. Holding out a hand for the animal to sniff, while he concentrates 
  on Lailah. "Soon." Curt in nature, the power of his voice still shudders 
  through the air even with only a breif exposure. A thunderous echo from some 
  deep hidden gallery. "But our meetings have been few. Two days time and I will 
  be gone. I decided to burn my bridges while they are still standing." Tilting 
  his head so that void of his hair obscures his features in nothing.

"I did not know if you would wish to receive my thanks, dominus, and I did not 
  want to give offense." What happened to Faanshi's stammer? Somewhere, 
  somehow, she's managed to learned how to speak without the nervous pauses 
  that so frequently haunt her speech... but whether her current manner of 
  speaking is an improvement might be debatable. There is very little 
  inflection in her softly murmured words, that gentle voice of hers turned 
  almost... dull.

Green eyes narrow thoughtfully at the shudra girl speaking to him, as Gaelius 
  nods slowly. "Nothing you could do, would give me offense, imphada." his 
  voice soft. "I am not an easy man to offend." a slight smile, as he asks 
  directly, boldly, "Why are you so dull today? What happened to that light 
  that shone behind your eyes?"

Two days. A sudden chill travels through that thin frame, causing a visible 
  shiver where Lailah stands. The first step taken towards Kashtaritu is 
  followed by a second, but then she slows, and halts, averting that clear 
  green gaze for some obscure point in the distance. No toungue lashing seems 
  to be about to be unleashed; the young woman looks rather lost. Scared, 
  even. "I've had a lot to think about." Well, she sure picks her times for 
  thinking well. "I'll come visiting." Yet again, that half whisper, sure not 
  to carry very far beyond her closest vicinity.

The drabness of tone that weighs down the content of Faanshi's voiced thoughts 
  coaxes his attention towards the speaking pair. Gaelius remains a 
  curiousity. A low visceral rumble reverabates within the expansive space 
  that flesh and bone inhabits. Something to distract eyes and thoughts away 
  from the evocation of pain that his words have brought about. It burns with 
  such palpable intensity that his eyes seem to water from the heat. The 
  sudden moisture glinting like a pair of stars within the devestation of his 
  face. Some rough hewn block that the sculptor abandoned. "I am unsure how 
  much you can visit. They are rather solicitous with new entrants. I am sure 
  we will find a way." False hope quivering within the avlanche of words that 
  tummbles about the spirited naraki. Not a look does she recieve while he 
  speaks, the words gifted to the air in front of Kashtaritu, only after they 
  are done does he see the tragedy he has wrought.

Kosha, as long as his mistress is standing still, decides that this is 
  naturally an excuse for her to occupy one of her hands by picking up the 
  scritching where Gaelius had left off. The big dog butts his head hopefully 
  against the maiden's fingers, and for a moment, Faanshi's summer-leaf gaze 
  swings down to the dog. For a moment, something in her seems to crack enough 
  to let her rest her hand with utmost tenderness upon her beloved hound's 
  head, scritching his ears. And for a moment, even though she does not look 
  up, her head cants in Gaelius's direction; something about his brash question 
  does seem to make her pause. But when she finally answers him, it is still 
  in that same hollow tone of voice. "I do not know what you mean, dominus."

A shake of his head at Faanshi, Gaelius' green eyes narrow thoughtfully. "You 
  do know what I mean, imphada." his voice quiet, white wings rustling in 
  thought once again. "You don't want to admit it, true?" his head canting to 
  one side, causing his silver and gold braid to sway in that direction as 
  well.

"What?" A positive squawk, there, but Lailah stays her ground, awkwardly 
  rooted out of reaching distance from the man she keeps her full attention 
  upon, small hands closing into fists, then relaxing, over and again. "Have 
  you known of this all along?" A look of frustration and a brewing anger 
  flashes past what can be discerned of her features through the veil, and 
  sudden flames surge up in the depths of her eyes. "Why didn't you tell me? 
  What if I can't visit? Can you come here?" So many questions, and pleading 
  in the end. Don't leave her alone.

The grinding of molars lends it awful tone to the melee. Eyes turning to 
  crystal as the frosty breath of her anger freezes those unshed tears. "I have 
  known. As I said, we shall have to find away. I have no choice. You must 
  understand. Life has left few opens doors. I must take what it gives." A 
  rolling shrug of his hilled shoulders. A sea swell of feeling crashing 
  against the shore in suicidal fanticism. The hand that was extended for 
  Kosha's benefit is retracted as the dog finds prettier things to amuse 
  itself with. A slow step backwards is taken. Then another. So very quiet 
  in comparison to his caustic arrival. "You have chores to attend to." A 
  reminder. A dismissal.

Kashtaritu and Lailah... Gaelius and Faanshi. An observer might find a strange 
  symmetry in the two pairs conversing in this wide hall, but while Lailah 
  expresses her deep anxiety to the big Varati with whom she speaks, an 
  anxiety palpable despite her concealing veil, the halfbreed girl seems to 
  shrink in upon herself somehow at the Empyrean bard's prodding. "I have no 
  trouble worthy of your attention, dominus," she whispers, and while 
  Kashtaritu attempts to dismiss the naraki from his sight, Faanshi by 
  contrast seems to want to seek dismissal, now. She turns away ever so 
  slightly, adding, "If there is any way in which I might serve you to repay 
  your for your kindness, will you inform me?"

A shake of Gaelius' head, gold and silver braid, "You might stay, and speak 
  with me, about your worries, imphada?" as he refuses the dismissal that the 
  shudra wants. But carefully canted as a polite question, so that if she has 
  the will to truly refuse, then she might. His weathered expression cracks 
  into a wry smile.

"Is that it?" The brewing anger stirs beneath that soft surface, and Lailah's 
  hands stay closed into fists, now. "Aren't you going to say anything else? 
  Just walk away?" Perhaps she notes the suspiciously wet glitter in his eyes 
  and ignores it; perhaps she is just too caught up in her own misery to see. 
  This one isn't particularly pleased with the dismissal, that's for sure. She 
  stays where she is, but there is a sudden air of alertness about her; a 
  feline ready to leap into motion and pounce its prey. Although how much 
  pouncing she can do here, in the middle of the Entrance Foyer, remains a 
  doubtful question. Perhaps it is all an act.

Kastharitu spins on the balls of his feet. Course cloth and heavy muscle 
  rasping together to conserve what remains of his dignity. Loud foodsteps 
  pound their way into the stone floor with such force, that the ground might 
  seem to quake beneath the channeled weight. Three strides are taken before 
  he comes to a halt. Pulled up short by invisible strings. Slave to some 
  unseen master. Torquing his torse he looks over his shoulder. Dark hair 
  drinking in the light greedily to give nothing in return. Thin lips in a 
  grimace. "If you would like to discuss things. I shall be in my room this 
  evening alone. Good morn naraki." The last growled out with more then 
  meant menace. A voice that was never made for pleasantries personifies pure 
  burtality with the fingers of emotion tightening his throat.

Kashtaritu's ringing strides seem to paralyze Faanshi, across the room; 
  certainly those heavy footfalls are detectable to her ears, though she's 
  discreetly trying to avoid overhearing the words exchanged between those two 
  others across the way, far more spirited and animated words than any she's 
  uttered. For a heartbeat, she steals a nervous glance in that direction, and 
  perhaps without knowing it gives Gaelius an opportunity to catch sight of 
  her eyes. They are hollowed, haunted, and save for the momentary fear that 
  glimmers there, as empty as the tone she's been using to converse with him. 
  Then she swiftly drops her stare towards her hand and the anxious dog upon 
  whose head it rests, murmuring in resignation, "I would not know what to say 
  to you, dominus."

A deep breath, green eyes narrowing slightly at the shudra girl named Faanshi 
  beneath them. And then, boldly, he asks yet again, "What happened to the 
  shining light in your eyes, imphada? Where has it gone? Who has beaten it 
  out of you?" Gaelius leaning in slightly to gaze at her face.

She looks as if she might be about to spring into motion to hunt after the man 
  at any moment; nimble feet have moved up on tip-toe, and the slight frame 
  curls in on itself slightly, as if readying itself for the leap. Then, those 
  large eyes blink several times as Kashtaritu turns around; as his words 
  reach ears hidden beneath silken curls of black. Lailah freezes. She doesn't 
  move after the Varati; she doesn't step back, just goes completely still. 
  His last words hurt her, and you can see it clearly in her gaze. No tears, 
  not yet at least; but the way she stares after the departing man shows her 
  emotions as if she had written them with neon paint in the middle of her 
  forehead. A tiny little granite statue, still upon the cold stone floor.

Kashtaritu leaves the foyer, ascending the stairs toward the hallway.
Kashtaritu has left.

"No one has beaten me..." Is that a hint of uncertainty in the girl's tiny 
  voice? Perhaps, just perhaps, a furrowing of her sungolden brow might be 
  noted beneath the edge of her sari, though her veil hides the bemused frown 
  that crosses her lips. "Not lately... Imphada Kiera would never permit 
  it..." Aye, something's just gotten through whatever shell of stone has 
  engulfed the healer maiden. That's confusion peeking into her gaze, for this 
  talk of light in eyes is somewhat beyond her ken.

Green eyes narrowing at Faanshi, "Then what has people said that your soul's 
  darkening can be seen by these that you speak with, imphada?" Gaelius' voice 
  coming, almost lyrically, as is his natural bent. "What has happened to you, 
  that you flinch from words, that your gaze is dull?"

The dark slave keeps staring after Kashtaritu even a while after he has 
  disappeared beyond a corner; eyes widened to abnormal proportions, freezing 
  cold and scorching hot all the same. Disbelief, raw and stark. Finally, she 
  so eases down from tip-toe; her posture straightens as some sense of dignity 
  attempts seeping back into her visage, with doubtful results. Right. Act 
  normal. A flickering gaze to either side of her; the only people around seem 
  to be quite engulfed in some conversation of their own, so perhaps they 
  didn't notice anything. Slightly haunted, the mongrel so starts making her 
  way out of this place, steps quicker, now. The courtyard seems to be her new 
  goal; perhaps she's heading to hide in one of her favourite bushes.

Lailah steps through the great double doors and emerges into the courtyard.
Lailah has left.

At last, slowly, Gaelius wins a result with his bold questioning: Faanshi 
  looks up at him, needing to see his expression now to ascertain whether his 
  visage is as sincere as his words. Still, though, the shudra girl's gaze 
  retains that stark emptiness, accentuated by the dark hollows left by 
  sleepless nights... or whatever it's been that's settled upon her to crush 
  out that spark of childlike innocence in those twin points of summer's 
  green. "Since you have asked, dominus, I shall answer," she says then. "My 
  eyes have been opened; I understand now my place within this world, as I 
  have never done before." There is no bitterness in her words, no sullen 
  discontent; no, these are instead the words of a maiden who has quite 
  suddenly made the transition from the last stretches of childhood into 
  adulthood... and has found no joy in the change.

A thoughtful pause at that, green eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Suddenly, an 
  impulsive question, "Tell me of this Lyre Talespinner." Gaelius' voice 
  direct, and to the point.

"I... I beg your pardon, dominus?" Faanshi takes a startled step backwards, 
  quite apparently thrown off guard by this seeming non sequitur. But even as 
  she does so, there's another subtle buckling of the shell about her heart. 
  Its outward signs are nothing more than that step of hers and a widening of 
  her haggard eyes -- but they're there. Moreover, at the utterance of the 
  name 'Lyre', Kosha abruptly barks and wags his tail.

That weathered face grows into a larger smile, "Tell me of this Lyre 
  Talespinner." a glance towards Kosha, and then back at the shudra girl. 
  Gaelius' green eyes twinkle, "You love him, do you not?" another direct, 
  blunt question.

Lyre. As if the word is somehow a talisman of earth-magic, or a charm to coax 
  a lost spirit back from the dead, the ghost that is the shudra girl slowly 
  gives way to a flesh-and-blood maiden with anguish and a knife-edged need 
  beginning to fill the void of her eyes. That same charm prompts another bark 
  out of Kosha, who looks this way and that across the room as if hoping that 
  the Mongrel who taught him tricks might be about to appear. Faanshi, 
  stricken, lifts the hand that had been mechanically scritching Kosha's ears; 
  that hand and its mate curl about her body as she hugs herself, trying to 
  ward off a trembling beginning to well up within her. "I-I do not... know," 
  she whispers. No doubt about it... the uttered name is having an effect, for 
  her voice seems to take on a bit more life, immensely confused and bereft 
  life though it might be.

"You're coming with me, imphada." Gaelius' callused hand gestures at Faanshi, 
  while he snaps his fingers at Kosha, summoning him to follow. "We're going 
  to go find this Lyre Talespinner."

We are? What? Wait! Faanshi starts palpably, overcome for a moment by the wave 
  of emotion that crashes over her at the mere simple concept of a particular 
  pair of arms around her, a particular shoulder on which she could lean. 
  "It... is but dawn," she blurts. "I have not said my morning prayers... I..."

Find Lyre! Find Lyre! This concept, at least, is one of which the hound 
  wholeheartedly approves. Already on his feet, Kosha nudges hopefully at 
  Faanshi, trying to get her into suitable Lyre-ward motion. Whurf!

"We're going to find Lyre." the warrior-bard smoothly interrupts the shudra's 
  protests, moving around behind her, to gently nudge her forward with his 
  aura and presence, without touching. "Right, Kosha?" Gaelius glancing at the 
  hound.

How in the world did this conversation move from Gaelius asking her what 
  troubled her to this mysterious demand to go and find the Mongrel bard? 
  Still, though, there does not seem to be much room for the halfbreed healer 
  to try to reason this out -- not with memory of Lyre holding her welling up 
  sharply across her mind, and a budding hope that perhaps there is at least 
  one person who does see her as something more than a servant, someone to 
  order around, someone whose blood is tainted... someone to betray. Someone 
  who... loves her, she realizes all at once, as memory brings her that very 
  sentiment professed in the Mongrel man's gravelly baritone.
Someone that she loves?
Thunderstruck by this last concept, Faanshi seems incapable of movement for 
  the longest time, till at last she turns a stunned, shy gaze upon the winged 
  man behind her. As she speaks, her voice is still tiny... but now, it's got 
  that hint of life again. "I... know where he... lives, dominus... you wish 
  to escort me...?"

"I am going to take you to Lyre Talespinner, aye." Gaelius' hand gently 
  shooing her towards the direction of the exit. His worn face is full of 
  laughter, suddenly so young with the joy of it all. "And we have some things 
  to do."

The dawn is long past and the fullness of day has come upon Atesh-Gah. Those 
  of the Queen's court have marked the passing of the hours with blinks and 
  yawns, but Thalia appears full of pep and vigor as she strides into the 
  entrance foyer. "Yes," she says as if continuing a conversation which had 
  been proceeding for some time before her arrival, "yes, I wish to speak with 
  Faanshi the halfbreed healer." Another woman would sound exasperated, but 
  the Queen's legendary serenity is unmarred.
The Queen's officious secretary, his pinched face easily recognizable, appears 
  quite displeased with this idea and recalcitrant over the prospect of 
  searching out the halfbreed in question. "Your Majesty," he whines, the 
  inherent but heard eventhough unsaid.
At this moment, Thalia spies Faanshi and gestures to the halfbreed. "You need 
  not search far," she says kindly to her secretary. "Luck has provided 
  generously."
With an audible sniff, the secretary patters over toward Faanshi and Gaelius. 
  Lifting his chest and attemtping to make himself appear larger in the 
  presence of the bard, he says pompously, "The Queen-Maharani wishes to speak 
  with the shudra Faanshi."

The footsteps of the others register but dimly in the consciousness of the 
  young healer; it's Kosha, really, who notices the secretary coming first. 
  The big dog yurfs disgruntledly at this officious individual drawing near 
  his young mistress, and paces back and forth even as the maiden starts as if 
  struck. Green eyes, already deeply flustered of gaze by what Gaelius has 
  asked of her, swing their gaze to the secretary and then immediately send it 
  plummeting to her toes. "Sh-she does?" she mumbles timidly. "I am hers to 
  command..."

A blink, dark cloak swirling as Gaelius turns upon himself. A slight annoyed 
  flicker comes over his face as he sees the officious secretary. Arms cross, 
  powerful muscles flexing. white wings spreading. His aura seems to spread, 
  his demeanor shifting, growing bigger, a skill that he's acquired from being 
  a bard, and a trained warrior. He definitely looks intimidating.

Thalia strides across the foyer towards Faanshi and Gaelius rather than making 
  the shudra cross to her. "Hesperos," she says by way of greeting. "What 
  brings you to Atesh-Gah? I hope I am not disturbing anything, but I had 
  desired to speak with Faanshi for some time." She smiles over at the 
  halfbreed.

As soon as Thalia draws near, Faanshi drops immediately to her knees and then 
  bows her head forward to place it upon her hands. Her face drops therefore 
  out of sight, and she offers no greeting to the queen; she simply waits, 
  even as her dog fidgets restlessly behind her.

The officious secretary tries to keep his chest out, but after a moment, he 
  must breath and thus his chest subsides. He steps back after Thalia 
  approaches, apparently quite happy to leave the Queen to the candala. He 
  gives the deeply offended impression of a man who has been soiled after 
  having merely stood in Gaelius' presence.

And slowly, Gaelius' battle-aura subsides into himself, his wings relaxing 
  behind him, green eyes flickering towards his cousin, a smile. "Thalia." 
  that casual greeting perhaps only heard by the Queen's and Faanshi's ears. 
  "I was merely here to conduct some studies, and I happened upon Faanshi 
  here." a thoughtful pause, "I was about to take her out on some tasks and 
  errands."

Thalia says to Gaelius as a small frown takes the place of her smile, "Should 
  you be doing that? She is Kiera's shudra. Is Faanshi really yours to order 
  around?" She looks down at Faanshi. "Please rise, Faanshi. I wanted to have 
  a small chat with you, if you have a moment."

"Yes, Maharani." The maiden's voice is extremely small -- and retreating to 
  the same near-lifeless tone with which she'd been addressing the Empyrean 
  bard before. She rises as bidden, but still somehow might be noted to seem 
  shrunken in upon herself, her head bowed, her gaze lowered. "How may I 
  serve?"

Eyebrows arch, a slight smile crawling across Gaelius' face, "I am hardly 
  ordering Faanshi around." a shake of his head, silver and gold braid swaying 
  behind him. "I am merely taking her where her soul might be healed."

Thalia gives Gaelius an arch look. "Yes, but did you ask her or did you tell 
  her?" She sounds faintly amused despite her look. She glances around the 
  foyer then says to Faanshi, "Would you mind if we had a seat by the 
  fountain?"

"No, Maharani," murmurs the halfbreed girl without inflection.

A faint smile, "Her body mannerisms and language spoke for itself," Gaelius 
  protests, arms still crossed, as he smiles at Thalia.

Thalia moves over toward the fountain and seats herself on a padded bench. She 
  pats the space next to her for Faanshi. "A short moment, if you please. Are 
  you very busy, Faanshi? I shall not keep you if you are extremely busy."

Behind the healer girl, the hound whines impatiently, not quite understanding 
  why the treat of Going to Find Lyre has been suddenly interrupted. The girl 
  herself pauses, still not looking up... and then she steps mechanically 
  after the queen, sinking just as mechanically into the seat to which Thalia 
  gestures her. "I am not busy, Maharani," she murmurs.

A shrug of Gaelius' shoulders, wings rustling, as he follows after as well, a 
  slight quirk on his lips. A silent Empyrean shadow he is now.

Thalia persists in asking, especially as Faanshi's dog whines quite piteously, 
  "Are you sure, Faanshi? We can always speak another time if you would rather 
  go out with Gaelius. I can wait." She sounds entirely understanding.

Kosha lopes towards the halfbreed now that she is sitting, and settles down on 
  his haunches to watch her. This seems to make absolutely no impact upon the 
  girl, who says lowly, "I am certain, Maharani."

A slight roll of Gaelius' eyes, unseen by the pair, as he hovers over the two.

Thalia flicks a look over at Gaelius then returns the focus of her attention 
  on Faanshi. "I know that you have been disturbed by the incident with 
  Samein. I just wanted to make sure that you were recovering from it. Has 
  anyone told you that Samein came to apologize for his actions?"

The maiden is already sitting extremely still, her gaze settled dully upon the 
  hands she's laid in her lap. And there is a distinct pause before Faanshi 
  murmurs at last, with only the barest detectable hint of bemusement, "No, 
  Maharani."

Thalia looks up at Gaelius at Faanshi's reply. One eyebrow goes up 
  questioningly. "Samein said that he wished you to know that he was sorry and 
  that he overreacted in the Rialto," says the Queen in her calm voice.

A faint smile at Thalia's questioning expression, and Gaelius' shoulders shrug 
  once again, wings rustling a bit, as he shakes his head, braid swaying 
  behind him.

"I..." A fraction of a pause, then, in Faanshi's near-toneless voice. "I 
  understand, Maharani, and am grateful that you took the time to inform me." 
  Still she does not raise her gaze, and if anything, seems no more affected 
  by this news than by anything else the Queen has said thus far.

Thalia sounds rather concerned as she leans toward Faanshi. "Are you alright? 
  Is there something wrong?" She peers at Faanshi's face, throwing another 
  glance in Gaelius' direction.

A slow nod towards Thalia from Gaelius, lips quirking once again. A shrug of 
  one shoulder, as he motions towards the exit to Atesh Gah, from behind 
  Faanshi, eyebrows arched.

Faanshi slides her arms about herself, her stance growing troubled, and her 
  gaze as well. She wants to reply in the negative -- but this shudra maiden 
  is far too earnest a girl to lie, despite the profound uneasiness that 
  blooms deep within her at the notion of telling the truth. _I must,_ she 
  tells herself dully. _I have been asked..._ "Yes, Maharani," she murmurs in 
  a monotone, not bothering to specify which question she is answering.

Thalia apparently takes this as an answer to her last question and she 
  continues to give Faanshi the fullness of her attention. "What is wrong? 
  Please tell me. I want you to be happy."

A slight wry smile at that, as Gaelius just continues to hover, wings 
  spreading out slightly, arms crossing.

Kosha sinks his head down to rest upon his front paws, his ears dropping back 
  along his head, liquid brown eyes watching the two seated females. Faanshi's 
  attention, in return, settles upon the hound as the only safe place within 
  the immediate vicinity. "It is nothing worthy of your gracious attention, 
  Maharani, and nothing that you can mend, though I am honored at your 
  concern." From anyone else the words might sound fulsome; from this girl, 
  they are spoken with a stark simplicity. And a lack of what seems to be 
  Faanshi's usual stammer, as well.

Thalia still sounds quite concerned and she says a bit wistfully, "I'm not 
  even allowed to try, Faanshi?" She bends over to let Kosha sniff her fingers 
  while trying to think her way through the situation.

A silver eyebrow arches at the words, as Gaelius' faint smile continues to 
  mark his face. Green eyes glance left and right, before falling back upon 
  Thalia.

The hound lifts up his muzzle in inquiry, even as the halfbreed girl replies 
  bemusedly, "It is not my place to dictate the actions of the queen." Even 
  now Faanshi does not look up -- though her black brows knit together ever so 
  slightly above her summer-green eyes.

Thalia says softly but with certainty, "Only you can decide your place, 
  Faanshi. A person creates her own future by her own present actions. 
  Assuredly, there are limits, but you cause your own destiny by your 
  decisions. No one can force you to obey." At this, she gives Kosha a quick 
  touch on the top of the head and rises from her seat.

"My place is shudra, Maharani, by the will of the Amir-al; my place is to 
  obey." There is nothing sullen or bitter or ill at ease within Faanshi's 
  toneless words... but then, there is no other emotion either. Her hound 
  seems far more animated, sniffing measuringly at the graceful feminine 
  fingers with which he is presented.

"Come, Faanshi." Gaelius speaks softly towards the shudra girl, perhaps 
  sensing a close to the conversation, "And we shall find Lyre Talespinner for 
  you." green eyes flickering back towards Thalia, his arms uncrossing.

Thalia scratches Kosha behind the ears, but doesn't appear to be trying to 
  keep Faanshi. "All people create their own destiny, if only through belief 
  and action. It is a choice, to act or to react. I would like to help you, 
  Faanshi, but I cannot if you are unwilling."

Lyre Talespinner. Again, that name seems to provoke a reaction from the shudra 
  girl; her head lifts slightly, towards Gaelius, and perhaps just enough to 
  give a glimpse of her hollowed, haunted eyes. But then she whispers, still 
  in that same dead, soft voice, "I am halfbreed, Maharani; I am shudra, and I 
  am a woman. My place is to obey. To try to do otherwise is to be candala, 
  and not only will I risk my next life, but the Amir-al will have me put to 
  death, as the Son of the Dawn first decreed when I was delivered from the 
  Warlord Hashim." Slowly, ghost-like, she rises as she makes these quiet 
  statements... and her gaze swings to Gaelius, bringing more of her troubled 
  stare into view.

A glance towards Thalia Tritonides Khalida, from her cousin, Hesperos 
  Tritonides, his wings rustling slightly once again, "Something has crushed 
  this shudra's soul, and I am hoping that Lyre Talespinner might be able to 
  restore the light and joy in her eyes that I've seen." a simple statement 
  towards the Queen.

Thalia nods to Gaelius, but then she does something unexpected. She reaches 
  her hand out and, as the Queen has rarely done, touches Faanshi under the 
  chin, tipping the shudra's head back towards Thalia. It is the only truly 
  forceful action Thalia has performed in the entire time she has spoken with 
  Faanshi. She makes the girl look at her, eye to eye, as she says, "I would 
  be your friend, Faanshi, even if you are a shudra and a halfbreed, but you 
  must decide if it is worth the risk. I want nothing but your happiness. Go 
  to Lyre and may he put joy back in your heart." With this, she releases 
  Faanshi's chin.

Lyre; that name again. It provokes a sudden glimmer of tears within the girl's 
  big green eyes. And even as her head is turned, even as she resists that no 
  more than she had done when Gaelius had made that same gesture, Faanshi 
  raises that wet gaze of hers to the older woman. Something seems to crack 
  behind her veiled countenance, visible despite the silk that hides the lower 
  half of her face. And that dull lifeless tone with which she has been 
  speaking turns almost childlike, confused, as she asks, "But... why do you 
  care?"

Thalia puts her hands behind her back and tips her head to the side. "Why 
  should I not?" returns the Queen simply. "You are a person. You deserve 
  consideration and care." The Queen betrays her heart's largress of love in 
  this simple statement.

"She cares because she is Thalia Tritonides Khalida." Gaelius adds, with a wry 
  smile. "I am a Tritonides as well, and we both have gone through quite 
  educational experiences, Faanshi." he adds.

To have Gaelius expressing his kindness to her was almost too much for the 
  halfbreed girl to easily comprehend; to have Thalia added, saying what she 
  has said, sets off an inexorable reaction within her. Her arms curl more 
  tightly about her, attempting in vain to stop her trembling. Her gaze 
  flashes unsurely between both Empyreans, its prior blank void buckling and 
  giving way to a flash of fear. Childlike her voice might have sounded, but 
  the wariness that floods those expressive eyes now is far too old and far 
  too untrusting for this gentle maiden -- or at least should be. Troubled by 
  her behavior, her hound stands and whines while she herself shakes her head 
  back and forth in unthinking denial. "I... I do not understand... how you 
  could help, Maharani," she whispers then.

Thalia smiles over at Gaelius as he makes his statement. The Queen still 
  appears to be quite attached to her family even if she has acquired a new 
  one. "You can tell me what is wrong," she answers kindly. "I can listen. I 
  can try to help you. I can always try." She does not reach out and touch 
  Faanshi, allowing the girl to make her own decision without physical 
  coercion, though it may be at the moment that Faanshi desires physical 
  comfort. Yet, she is still a Queen and however much her voice invites 
  Faanshi to unload her woes, Thalia cannot reach forward and cuddle the 
  shudra in the middle of the foyer.

A smile back at Thalia, from Gaelius. Queen, or no, of the Varati, no less, 
  she is still his cousin, whom he remembers fondly. Green eyes flicker back 
  towards Faanshi, his arms crossing once again.

Physical contact -- oh, aye, Faanshi desires that more than she can even think 
  of bearing. Two comforting shoulders and two pairs of sheltering arms that 
  leap to her mind, but the owner of one is long dead, passed on to her next 
  life... and the owner of the other is not here. Disturbed by the way the 
  back of her mind is refusing to let go of an achingly clear memory of Lyre 
  embracing her close, disturbed just as powerfully by the fact that she is, 
  indeed, being questioned by the Queen on such a personal topic in such an 
  open and public place, Faanshi turns ever so fractionally away from the 
  Amir-al's consort and her bardly cousin. "What is... wrong," she breathes 
  out then, "is that I... am not happy... as I am, but _that_ is wrong, 
  and..." Ah, _there_ it is, that awkwardness that so often seems to infuse 
  this girl's words. Here and now, though, it seems birthed far more in 
  ragged, barely withheld pain than in anything so simple as shyness. "And I-I 
  do not think that a-anyone can just... make me happy... I must... figure out 
  how to accept what I am, th-the second surah says so, and the ninth."

Silver eyebrows arch, as Gaelius reaches out a hand to touch Faanshi lightly 
  on the shoulder, a featherlight touch, "I know. That you are unhappy with 
  the way that you are." his soft baritone offers soothingly.

Thalia appears quite aware of the fact that she is standing in the middle of 
  the foyer with a fountain at her back, though she does not turn away from 
  Faanshi, not needing to look to know where she is. "Happiness," she says 
  softly, quiet enough that her words only travel the short distance to 
  Faanshi, betraying nothing of the conversation to the few courtiers who have 
  followed the queen this morning nor to the guards which stand attentively 
  just beyond earshot. "It is a precious commodity, more than gold or gems, 
  everyone wants to be happy, but very few people find it often or even for a 
  long time." She takes a breath, pausing for thought before continuing. "I am 
  not the person to know if you are right or wrong, Faanshi, for your 
  feelings. I am only learning all the true and varied meanings of the surahs 
  myself. But, sometimes, it isn't acceptance that is necessary, but finding 
  other joy, other things which make you happy despite the limits imposed. I 
  am not a fool. I know that Oriane is not accepted by Empyrean society, but I 
  love and her loves me and that is enough to make me happy." Her voice falls 
  even softer, like the caress of a lullaby. "It can be little things that 
  make life better, like having friends, or having love. They add up."

Faanshi freezes under Gaelius' light touch, but she does not otherwise move. 
  For the longest of moments, and then she murmurs, "I... thought I loved the 
  Imphadi Samein, f-for I have... never had a father, but... then he... did 
  what he did, and... and...." Her trembling increases, then, and in immediate 
  self-reaction, her entire form goes rigid. Her gaze plummets anew, as she 
  strives to hide her sudden tears. That sobbing makes no sound; indeed, the 
  only hint that she has begun to cry might well be a miniscule hitch of her 
  breathing. What wetness falls does not make it past the silk of her veil.
Kosha, being where he is, has a far more excellent view of Faanshi's face than 
  the two Empyreans. Mournfully, the hound whines and lays himself down at the 
  maiden's feet.

Thalia's face hardens at Faanshi's admission. The look she now gives Gaelius 
  is full of portent and quite ominous. "You can make your own choices, but it 
  is rare that you can make anyone else's choices. Sometimes, it is possible 
  to patch the results of a rash action. Only you can decide if you still want 
  a relationship with Samein. Fathers--," Thalia breaks off and sucks in a 
  breath. "Fathers, even when you have one, are not always the nicest, kindest 
  souls a hundred percent of the time. Fathers make mistakes. Sometimes, they 
  even apologize. Only you can decide if you are willing to forgive and patch 
  the hole left by the mistake." Her voice betrays nothing of her look to 
  Gaelius. It is as if her facial expression and her larynx are divorced.

The warrior-bard's light touch remains on Faanshi's shoulder. "Indeed, and I 
  have met all sorts of fathers." he adds, "Some good, some bad. Some loved 
  their children, some didn't." a glance towards the girl, "I've no doubt that 
  Samein cares about you, but, yes, what he did was rash."

Faanshi's trembling only increases, despite the comfort in both of the 
  Empyreans' tones. Slender hands clench all at once into fists, crossing at 
  her breast -- and then, quite abruptly, she bursts out with far more force 
  than it seems her slender frame can by rights produce, "I don't _want_ to 
  forgive him! I _don't_! He hates my imphada, a-and he hates our ways -- and 
  _he_ _hurt_ _Kosha_!" Immediately on the heels of this, she pivots on her 
  sandaled feet, stricken at her own outburst, panic flaring up in her 
  expression, easily readable despite the veil. The dog skitters out of the 
  way with a startled yelp. "I-I-I'm sorry," she croaks, trying to fall to her 
  knees again before the Queen in her fright. How dare she shout before the 
  Maharani? "I-I'm sorry...!"

While Thalia's secretary appears quite shocked at the outburst and ready to 
  extract blood for Faanshi's outburst, the Queen is unperturbed. She merely 
  extends her hand, grabs Faanshi's elbow, to touch the shudra for the second 
  time, and keep the girl from falling to her knees. Sunnily, she says, as if 
  Faanshi had not shouted mere seconds before, "At least now I know and I 
  prefer that to ignorance." Once it seems that Faanshi will not be 
  prostrating herself, Thalia lets go of Faanshi and returns to her former 
  hands off position. "Though, we probably should have these sorts of 
  conversations in my room or yours in the future." Her attempt to inject 
  levity into the situation is most likely falling sadly amiss, as the 
  secretary appears to be purpling with rage. She bends down to pet Kosha, as 
  if trying to sooth the dog when she cannot sooth his mistress.

A gentle squeeze of Faanshi's shoulder, "I should be taking her to see this 
  Lyre Talespinner, domina." a nod towards Thalia, from Gaelius, braid swaying 
  behind him as he awaits the shudra's rise.

Faanshi visibly cringes at the apoplectic state of the secretary; from the 
  look of her, she's apparently fully expecting the man to start beating her 
  any second now. Only the intervention of Thalia's hand keeps the girl from 
  kneeling, and now, Faanshi's wet green eyes stare at the Queen as though 
  she'd just sprouted a second head, or perhaps transformed into a wyvern. But 
  as Gaelius utters that apparently magic word once more -- 'Lyre' -- her 
  attention jerks to him. And the look she shoots him is almost prayerful.

Thalia nods her head to Gaelius and says to Faanshi without missing a beat, 
  "If you can spare the time, I would like to speak with you later. Go enjoy 
  yourself with Lyre." She says in the same manner that a mother might tell a 
  young child to have a good time at the playground.

A nod towards Thalia from Gaelius, and his aura expands slightly, his wings 
  herding both shudra and dog into the direction of the exit. "We're going to 
  find Lyre Talespinner." he repeats, reassuringly. Large footsteps, smaller 
  footsteps, and even smaller footsteps echo off into the distance.

[End log.]