"Comb Through the Currents" Log Date: 7/12/00 Log Cast: Benja, Alamoana, Kaiulani, Yoko, Akane and Ronan (NPC guards emitted by Kaiulani) Log Intro: The safety of Kaiulani's mysterious protector has been put in jeopardy, for Sarojin, Pandion Decemvir and Kaiulani's cousin as well, has declared to her that her guards are under orders to capture her guardian if they can -- and if they can't, to kill him. Deeply horrified, Kaiulani has shied back from dealing with her cousin and has grown sulky and restless with her two guards, especially the older and more arrogant one, Akane. Part of her is nevertheless also convinced that Sarojin means well, for she has felt the worry and concern in her kinsman's thoughts... and part of her is convinced that if she tries at least somewhat to behave, perhaps her guardian will not have to exert himself on her behalf, and will therefore be able to keep himself out of danger. But Kai possesses a restless spirit, and there is only so long she can meekly keep to the Korallion's halls, unaware that more things than just the chance of keeping her out of danger keep Benja at his vigil over her. Things like, for example, the chance to give her a gift, even when she is in the company of her sister and her guards, and all of _them_ are also being watched by someone else lurking in the nearby currents... *===========================< In Character Time >===========================* Time of day: Afternoon Date on Aether: Thursday, October 9, 3906. Year on Earth: 1506 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waxing Gibbous Season: Fall Weather: Rain Temperature: Cool *==========================================================================* Deep Western Bay - Haven Bay - Ocean Gold fills the blue of the ocean fushing it green and aqua from the sunlight above. It is shallow, hardly more than twenty feet of water in some places and the light fills it all easily. Pylons thrust down from above to support the docks and the light is often broken by the slow-moving shadows of ships as they coast by overhead either docking or leaving their bearths for the open ocean. Sand ripples and subtly shifts with unseen currents into a long expanse of undulating ground that draws the eye and captures the mind. To the west and north, the ocean floor rears up to meet the surface along the gentle slopes of Haven's more popular beaches, framing the far western side of the twisting ways of the docks. To the east, one can see the looming bulk of the Korallion's foundation rising from the bay's floor. Contents: Yoko Benja Obvious exits: East Surface Outside the foundation of the korallion, the waters are lit by the sun above, mostly. Yet there are still shadows. Shadows which lurk and wait. Benja is such a shadow. It has been a long time since Kaiulani has been seen, and so, he has narrowed his time above so that he will not be away if they decide that she will no longer be kept here. Sheltering himself in the swaying strands of sea kelp, he blends in almost perfect as he waits and waits. Watching. Always watching. Alamoana forms of the shifting shadows in the blue ocean-haze to the east. Alamoana has arrived. Several days, indeed, since the young Pandion maiden has entered this part of the water -- but today, the finned watcher keeping vigil for her does not watch in vain. The first sign of disturbance comes in the short, dark-skinned figure of the guard Ronan, whose homely face is set in an expression of mild consternation as he comes scouting through the sunlit interplay of gold and aqua and blue. He's armed with a spear lightly lashed across his back, easily hauled over the shoulder if he needs it; for the time being, his arms are free to let him best swim. Only when this stretch of ocean seems clear to him does he cast a glance backwards, sending an all-clear to those who follow -- and one of those who follow is not far behind him. Her thoughts of full of barely suppressed restlessness, a whirlpool of agitation coursing out from them to manifest in her physical movements. Thus Kaiulani comes surging through the water, hair streaming out behind her in a pearlescent cloud, eyes sparking with determination. *I can _see_ that, Ronan!* she calls, just managing not to sound _too_ perturbed. She's forced to accept this young man's presence, but it's not _his_ fault. She must try to remember this, musn't she? He isn't alone, either. No, there is another not-quite-shadow shadow in the water. A young Atlantean drifts somewhat hazardously between and around the pylons of the dock. Allowing no more than currents and little kicks between herself and getting skooshed onto the beforementioned pylons. Though perhaps less shadowlike than the other, she blends quite well into her surroundings. The abrupt entrances of Kaiulani and her guard(s?) earn a more or less unseen stare. And right behind is Alamoana, trailing after her sister with a much more easy pace and expression about her. No swirling thoughts to disturb the others, in spite of the fact that blue-haired Akane keeps insisting that she keep up with the rest of the pod. Apparently something quelling is sent his way in private, considering the quickness with which he turns away and continues on to leave her in peace. Eyes of bright green passion immediately center upon the woman who has grown from the little girl he has protected for so very long. Benja stiffens as his days of waiting finally come to an end and he is finally allowed to see her. Remaining hidden, within the plants, an eager gaze takes in every movement she makes. As yet more people come into view, the lone girl's curiosity finally gets the better of her. She discontinues playing her dangerous game. With one last kick. To a pylon she anchors herself, and large black eyes peer at the 'congregation' out in the sun. Guards, plural, and one sister who herself is a kind of guard -- but Alamoana, at least, gets a kinder regard than Akane and Ronan. _They_ are ordered to follow her, but her sibling is there out of bonds of love, and Kaiulani thrusts herself upward a few feet in the water to turn and smile crookedly towards her sister. Pearly hair swirls out and around her shoulders as she does, catching glints of the sunlight from above. And with more of that barely repressed agitation, Kai sends in challenge to Alamoana, *Come on! Race you?* An almost defiant conviction that she's got enough energy to outswim both sister _and_ guards colors the question, the current of her thoughts as stirred up as the currents of the water displaced each time she strokes backwards with her slender arms. A mental grin works its way towards Kaiulani along with Alamoana's response. This even as her body's curve deepens, causing her to cut through the water at double-time. *I'm not that old, Kai. Not yet. Let's go.* By the time the sentence is finished the two sisters are even with one another. That hair floats about her face and caresses the water with its touch. And oh does he envy that water. Gaze ever upon the visage of this unattainable woman, Benja fancies in his own mind what it might feel like to hear her mind speak. Though he has been denied any such experience throughout his life, from anyone, the only time he finds himself wondering along these lines is when he watches as she obviously speaks to her sister or to the men with her. How fortunate they are to know her thoughts! What does she say to them? Could the sensation of her thoughts be as enticing as the sound of her land voice? Shaking himself of his wandering thoughts, the sudden motion is noted and the guardian's body tenses, ready to follow, though he will wait until they cannot see him, as he always has. Bra-vo! Damn straight, (big) sister. The faint beginnings of a grin touch the younger Atlantean's face. She would approach too, but then, there are those big brawny guards who might...try something. Out of practice with talking to people too. In any case, Yoko remains where she is, 'perched' on her pylon. Watching in similar attention to Benja, though far more casually. Blue-haired Akane and the smaller green-haired Ronan, at the moment, appear primarily inclined with keeping up with the charge appointed to them by the Decemvir. The bigger of the two, Akane lags momentarily behind his brother -- and though he does it discreetly, he can be seen to roll his eyes for a moment, as a lander might, at the evident edgy impulsiveness that's gripped the Pandion girl today. Ronan by contrast follows more complacently, even going so far as to send ahead to the sisters to implore them not to race _too_ far ahead of their protection-- --A request that only makes Kaiulani scowl to herself. By far the most physically expressive of the foursome, the maiden channels her frustration into propelling herself ahead of her sister all the more quickly, with each kick of her feet and each sweep of her delicately webbed hands. *I _won't_ go unprotected, Ronan! Don't _worry_ so much!* Bubbling under that, unvoiced in her effort to shield it from the guards -- but perhaps rather more palpable to Alamoana -- lurks the girl's near-desperate conviction that _another_ guard of hers _must_ surely be near. Does she actually even glance briefly ahead of her as she charges towards the pylons, an impromptu obstacle course, as if she might hope to catch a glimpse of him? Every bit as agile and fast as her younger counterpart, Alamoana not only keeps up, but does so joyously it seems. Well, as joyous as the Noble gets, at any rate. A few pylons are weaved about before she draws up short to look about for Kaiulani. A silent grin comes to the lips of the shadowed stalker. Many times has he watched Kaiulani race off into the dangers of the sea. It was one of her favorite games as a child, and probably still. Benja waits until they are well past him, before he sets out in a wide arch to follow. Is extended fins sweep down and back in the water, propelling him faster than the others, but he stays as close to the ground as he can, ever keeping his beloved in view, but never chancing that her guards might spot him. Oh to be able to stay that close at her side all the time... They must revel in their good fortune daily. Hiding himself against a wall of coral, he watches as she swims toward the dangers she loves to taunt him with. Even if she does not know he is here, he imagines that her choices of play are meant as a teasing game toward him. Keeping him alert for any danger that might befall her, testing him. ...But the game is only in his mind, and deep down, he is aware of it. It is unfortunate that the phrase 'Good Lord!' has not yet come into being. Instead, something she must have picked up in the less desirable corners of Haven bubbles from Yoko's lips. Small, webbed feet lash out into the shadowed water once, perhaps twice as a more concealing...or 'safe' spot is sought. Seeing one Atlantean blow past, it appears she has escaped Alamoana's notice. Very good. The young one's pale face peers about for the other, one narrow hand reaching out to guide an obstructing lock or two out of her eyes as she does so. A quick mental message is apparently sent to Kaiulani in explanation as one of the guards informs Alamoana that she is needed in the Korallion. Without a second glance she's off. It's probably Sarojin, judging from the speed at which she leaves. It actually takes a moment for Kaiulani to react to the fact that her sister has pulled up short behind her -- and by then, she's realized she's actually managed to get ahead of her guards for the time being, with a pylon between her and Akane and Ronan. For just a fraction of an instant, she can't help but feel exultant. Alone! If she could only swim out farther and _stay_ alone for a little while! As tightly focused as she can, she sends acknowledgement back to her sister, a hint of disappointment that they can't actually race right now -- and a bit of reluctance as she stoically and nervously offers to come back with her. A negative is sent back to Kaiulani over Alamoana's shoulder, so to speak, as she disappears towards the central bay. Alamoana disappears into the murky ocean-haze to the east. Alamoana has left. In the distance that Kaiulani has obtained between herself and her guards, Benja's mind races with thoughts. If she manages to elude them a little longer, he might be able to be sure that she receives the gift he's made her. With a curve of his lips, he suddenly swims from his hiding spot, still being careful to be as unseen as possible, and he rushes toward the surface of the water, in the direction that the current is coming from as it pummels those pylons. Yes, the current just might be strong enough to float the gift close enough to catch her eye... if he times it right and the guards stay away long enough. The current pylon dweller has yet to notice Benja's antics, though she's having the time of her life trying to keep an eye on both guards and their charge at the same time. Bah. A hint of irritation on those too-pale features. She slides silently back into the gloom of deeper water with the aid of her 'perch', farther under the dock. *Kaiulani! My lady?* This is Ronan, as he glances after Alamoana and registers her departure, then turns his attention towards keeping tabs on his remaining charge. *Come now, my lady* -- and this is Akane, certainly respectful, but sounding vaguely exasperated. *Your sister has had to return, so may we beg you to do the same? Or do you wish to swim some more?* She _should_ answer them, Kaiulani thinks. But for a moment, just for a few moments, she'd like a bit of time to herself outside the Korallion's walls. And so she looks imploringly upwards, hoping to herself to catch if not a glimpse of her mysterious savior, then at least a way to gain a few precious minutes of liberty. What she sees, however, is... what? What is that, a shadow up there towards the top of the docks? He must try, and if she misses it, he will simply reclaim it from the ocean floor and try again later. Keeping himself afloat in the midst of the heavy currents that are rushing toward the docks and pylons, with broad strokes of his arms, Benja reaches within his sideless tunic. Pulling out the pouch that holds his gift a dainty comb of pearlish hues, made from a polished shell, and decorated with delicate etchings as well as bits of coral, and a shark's tooth. Setting it gently in the water, he waits for the next rush of water to push at him, and just as it does, he releases the present into the water's care. After it has left his fingers, he dives down again to reclaim his shadowed position, and watch as the ocean's fingers carry the token of his love toward a woman he could never hope to have. That sounds absolutely adorable. Anyhow... yes well..shadow..not exactly. No, there's Yoko inching butt-first back into the depths, muttering softly, but quite definitely aloud. Sporadically glancing back over her shoulder at those guard fellows that keep bellowing 'pathically. So far out of water, she carries a close resemblence to a scarecrow: rags hanging off her thin limbs, clinging to her shoulders and making her look far thinner... or skinnier than usual. Her attention is pinged from three different directions: the increasing mental and physical presences of Akane and Ronan as the two brothers start making their way through the pylons at the outermost edge of this particular dock, that shadow she thinks she's seen somewhere just overhead... and all at once, that dainty carven thing that comes sinking down through the currents towards her, touching against her head first, then drifting down towards her hands. Kaiulani starts, then pivots to catch the thing, eyes going wide as she does so. What -- what is this? Benja watches as the comb comes to rest in her hands and a smile spreads his silent lips. He envies the comb for being able to feel her touch, and somewhere in the back of his mind is the warmth of the thought that his fingers have touched, even created, the very thing she holds... It is his only hope of contact, and he revels in it. The movement down below has been sensed. Yoko freezes, partway down to water level. For about, say, two seconds. The girl twists her head around to peer down, ever so slowly. She blanches. So much for solitude of 'secluded' beaches. There is however, -perhaps- a way to escape further mess -- and embarrassment. Quieting her breathing, Yoko can only hope that the comb distracted the Atlantean below enough to go find the person who 'presented' it to her. For a moment, for just a few moments, Kaiulani's expression blossoms forth with a beam of delight almost as distinct as that which lights the face of the comb's hidden giver. Where _has_ Kaiulani learned to smile so freely, at least with no one's eyes -- at least, no one's eyes _she_ knows about -- upon her? The creation of shell and coral and ivory is now cradled in her hands with evident reverence, and she traces some of the etchings upon it, before it seems to occur to her that this gift out of nowhere _must_ have a source. _Him_? Her head shoots up, gaze now shooting here and there with all the vigor she'd displayed swimming in under the pylons in the first place. Those sea-green eyes of hers do not find Benja, but for a moment or two, they _do_ find the other, nearer shadow. And for just a moment, Kaiulani stares straight up towards Yoko, not entirely certain she actually _does_ see someone higher up there, above her in the water. *Hello?* bursts forth her call, full of hope and excitement and that agitation of hers all at once. And that's enough for her guards to pinpoint her position. *Kaiulani! My lady! Come out!* Benja sinks down farther as he sees her looking for a source of the gift. His own taunt back at her. She may swim toward danger with all her heart to risk her life in an effort to make him crazy with concern. She may tease him with the chance that he might again be able to save her. But he returns the gesture with gifts from the blue. No source, no name or face to put to the giver. She would not look at him twice if she did know, but Benja does not dwell upon that. Rather, he grins at the same frustration she causes in him, that will soon be reflected on her face when she realises there is nobody around who could be responsible for the comb. 'Nobody'? Ehh... well, a skinny fifteen-year-old outcast-type isn't much to compare to...anything. In any case, Yoko makes no reply. After all, she does a more-or-less good job of looking inconspicuous everywhere else. Perhaps she will -finally- respond to her guards. To further this valiant endeavour, she attempts to think of nothing, and blankets what little there is. Nothing particularly alive here. *I... I'm here! I'm coming...!* Kaiulani answers Ronan's call with the greatest reluctance, pausing a few hopeful moments more as she scans the water before and above and below her with desperate... and now almost anguished... eyes. Her repetoire of expressions is limited -- but what she has unthinkingly learned to do with her face, she does with free rein. Delicate teeth catch at her lower lip, and her features crinkle up in what can only be profound disappointment. And... oh, Waters, there's Ronan back there, just visible as a shadow out of the corner of her eye! Swiftly, Kai slips her new treasure into her halter, securing it out of sight. As though a weight tugs at her shoulders, she turns with utmost reluctance to face her oncoming guards. But before she does, something else pours forth from her young mind. Uncaring whether Ronan and Akane sense it, the maiden broadcasts an upswelling of intertwined emotions: gratitude. Worry -- not for her, but for the Someone she knows is out there. Curiosity almost too keen to bear. Welcome. And, for a fraction of an instant, in bizarre paradox... a glimmer of warning as well. Warning of what, she does not have time to specify -- but she may well mean her guards, as the two young men come swimming up, Ronan's mind projecting his concern... and Akane's his demand, respectful though it might be, to know to whom she'd just sent. And now the comb receives even more envy... Benja pushes the indecent thought away quickly though, well, at least to a different place in his mind. He watches the expressions upon her face, as well as he can see them from this distance and he /thinks/ she likes it. Now, if she is the same woman he has known all her life, he has no doubts that she will eventually catch the significance in the design on that comb. Remaining still, he will wait until she has gone back to her captivity, before beginning on what she will eventually find at the end of the comb-map. Ahh, lovestruck, starcrossed (or hopefully not starcrossed) lovers. Well, Yoko isn't one of them. She views Kaiulani's exit with a great deal of relief, a deep sigh. Happiness, however, is brief. Kaulani's broadcast is treated with... well, another blanche. Yuck. That was certainly not for her. For the matter, the -comb- certainly was not -from- her. *I was...* A pause, and then the maiden goes on mournfully, *No one, Akane -- there's... there's no one here. I must have been mistaken.* Kaiulani's head drops for a moment, and so do her shoulders, before Pandion pride sweeps in to make her straighten her stance in the eyes of the guardsmen her cousin Sarojin has ordered to watch over her. Perhaps if it were just Ronan, she would let herself give greater leeway... but here is Akane, his mind stiff with disapproval, bringing up her personal hackles in response. She's not going to let this one cow her! *I am done with my swim now. Let us return to the Korallion; I daresay I can be of assistance to my sister.* With that, she sets herself off on a return course through the waves, leaving it to the two young guardsmen to follow her at whatever pace they wish. And as their eyes are upon her, she does not allow herself to steady the small weight of the comb she's hidden in her halter. She _does_ glance once, just once, over her shoulder. It might be interpreted as a casual noting of her escorts' positions in her wake... but then again, it might also be a glance going past them, back towards the pylons, one last hopeful search for a shadow that once again did not answer her call. That glance delivered, Pandion Kaiulani propels herself away, till all that can be glimpsed of her is the kick of white toes, a swirl of pearlescent hair... and then only the bubbles that mark her passing. [End log.]