"A Little Marketplace Excursion"

Log Date:
	6/27/00

Log Cast:
	Jillin, Jibril, Benja, Kaiulani, Kasia, Rayhan, Deianyra

Log Intro:
	For most of her young life, Pandion Kaiulani has lived in the 
relative obscurity and safety of her family's home waters. But for most of
her life, she's also been trailed by a mysterious guardian who has repeatedly
saved her from danger -- yet without ever revealing his face or name to her,
or even communicating with her in any fashion. Up until recently her family
has dismissed this guardian as Kaiulani's childish fancy -- but as she's
grown older, they've grown to be at least somewhat convinced of his existence,
enough to send her and her sister Alamoana to provide help to the Pandion
fleet which blockaded Haven earlier in the year.
	While there, Kaiulani was attacked by a young shark, from which
she was yet again mysteriously saved by her unknown guardian. And now, 
determined to keep the girl out of trouble and away from a 'savior' who might 
not be a blessing but rather a bane, the Pandion royals have sent Kaiulani and 
her sister ashore to the direct keeping of the Decemvir, Sarojin. 
	But Kaiulani is on fire with curiosity about the lander city of 
Haven. This night is one of the first she has spent ashore within the grand
embassy called the Korallion -- and, certain that she'll be denied such a 
chance later on, Kaiulani has sneaked out of the embassy to look upon Haven
for the very first time, up close and personal rather than from offshore.
	Little does she know that her long-loyal... and increasingly devoted...
guardian is still on the job...

*===========================< In Character Time >===========================*
             Time of day:  Evening
          Date on Aether:  Wednesday, September 10, 3906.
           Year on Earth:  1506 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  Waxing Gibbous
                  Season:  Late Summer
                 Weather:  Sprinkling Rain
             Temperature:  Comfortable
*==========================================================================*

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:
Jibril 
Jillin                 
A wooden fence      
Obvious Exits:
Streets <N,S,E,W,NE,NW,SE,SW>  Delphic Citadel <DC>   The Smithy <TS>        

Jillin grins, looking down to hide the expression.

Jibril grins broader, nudging the other girl in the side, and offering his 
  closed fist to her.

Jillin blinks down at the fist. "What?" Feeling rather stupid.

Benja is drawn in from the southeast by the hubbub of the Rialto.
Benja has arrived.

Jibril opens his fingers a bit to show. A flash of silver. It's the charm. He 
  offers it to her again. Take it.

In the midst of the sprinkling rain falling down upon the marketplace, a small 
  figure in a loose-fitting, flowing dark green cloak makes its way into view 
  -- and from the look of the shapely, befinned wrist that reaches up to pull 
  aside the cloak's hood for a better view of her surroundings, this small 
  figure is an Atlantean female. Kaiulani does not exactly _gawk_, per se, at 
  the booths she passes -- but still, there is a glimmer of something like 
  eagerness and excitement in the sea-green eyes that scan the place. So 
  _this_ is the lander marketplace. Exploring it will be _much_ more fun at 
  this hour -- even though her sister might not necessarily forgive her for 
  coming here without her.

Kaiulani
With skin just a shade or two darker than the clearest, palest moonlight, and 
  with delicate webbing between her fingers and gossamer fins accentuating her 
  wrists and ankles, this young maiden can be nothing but an Atlantean -- and 
  a noble-born one, if the confidence of her bearing and the beauty of her 
  features is any indication. Her hair is long and flowing, the exact shade of 
  the inside of an oyster's shell: pearlescent white at first glance, gleaming 
  with subtle shades of pink and blue and violet in the right light. Eyes of a 
  deep, rich sea-green meet the world with a regard as apt to change as 
  weather over the ocean, sometimes moody, sometimes gay, but always full of a 
  fearless, vibrant life. When she is actually standing still, she might be 
  noted to stand no taller than five foot two, but her every word and action 
  speaks of a spirit unbounded by her diminutive frame.
Like most of the Children of Water, she wears very little. At the moment she's 
  clad in a halter and breechclout of foam-green, around which she's wrapped a 
  loose leyang of coral-colored gauze. A coral headpiece decorated with a 
  single pearl keeps most of her mane of hair out of her face, guiding it 
  backwards to spill in a glimmering wave down past her shoulders. On her 
  feet, in deference to the need to walk upon the land, she sports fine, thin 
  sandals.

Jillin blinks. "Oh. No, it's yours." Shaking her head, even taking a step back.

Jibril frowns as though hurt, and puts the charm away again, nodding.

Lurking might be the best term to use in describing Benja's actions. For that 
  is what he does. Without making it obvious that he is attempting to hide 
  himself, he keeps to the shadows of the Rialto and watches. Pale green eyes 
  weigh heavily upon the slender Atlantean woman with a secretive, protective 
  air. He slinks among the darker shades and keeps well out of her view as he 
  guards her from the night streets of Haven.

Jillin blinks. Guiltily. Didn't mean to hurt his feelings. Um.

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

Jibril shrugs faintly, looking about the Rialto. All shy all of a sudden. If 
  his lack of speech before didn't constitute that.

Enter Empyrean. Though not one of a true enough breed, Kasia indeed looks 
  every bit the Empyrean. From hher draping garments to the two angelic wings 
  that arch clumsily from her back. Imperiously, the diminuitive girl makes 
  her way through the crowd, threading less-than-easily through it with those 
  wings on her back. Seems she hasn't got the hang of 'em yet -- but the 
  little thief'll learn, she'll learn. Having wings is something interesting, 
  something completely foreign, though she does manage to handle most of the 
  wonder, her clumsiness at having such things on her back, hiding that 
  clumsiness as well as possible.

There -- that must be a Sylvan, surely, the woman with the pointed ears and 
  the braid hurrying past, a scowl set upon her features and a basket balanced 
  precariously upon her shoulders. And _that_, surely, is a Varati, that 
  bulky, brown-skinned man dressed in colors so vivid that they draw 
  Kaiulani's eyes along with his sheer _size_. She smiles to herself as she 
  studies each person she passes, discreetly observing them from beneath her 
  hood, striding gracefully through the evening crowd. And then as the child 
  with the... wings?... catches her eye, the Atlantean slows her steps, 
  lowering her hood down to give her a better view of this fascinating small 
  person.

Kasia
Pure ebony locks, cropped short so as to curl under her chin, frames the 
  girl's slender, almost gaunt face, all sign of baby-fat long since vanished. 
  Crystal, almost sapphire eyes accent the tanned face, breaking up the smooth 
  cleanliness that is now a part of the girl, something that, before recently, 
  was never an option. Despite her still obviously emaciated body, full lips 
  part to rows of beautiful white teeth that have miraculously stayed clean 
  and now reflect a uniform cleanliness about the girl, sitting just above a 
  lovely, rounded chin. 
The body of the girl is just the opposite, the body more of a working boy than 
  a girl. A flat chest is a telltale sign of the girl's less-than obvious 
  youth for despite her height, she's extremely wiry, her face giving way to 
  horrors many have never been witness to. This gives way to an 
  almost-too-slender waist, the whole of her torso looking far too like a 
  boy's of an age at least 2 years older than she of 8.5. Still developing, 
  slender hips sit atop long legs, though long at her age is relative for 
  they're a good proportion to her stretched out body but seem to do nothing 
  to assuage the short height she holds as her own. Long, lanky arms to match 
  the legs below them are adorned with dexterous looking fingers at the end 
  one of the few signs that this girl is a girl, all of which one would have 
  to look closely to see. Clothes that now show signs of femininity still hang 
  in sheets off her too-slender body. 
Replacing a grungy tunic and trousers, the girl now sports a sari of deep 
  purple, draped elegantly across her body despite the fact that it seems far 
  too large for her slight frame. Down and across it goes, falling near to the 
  floor, unfitted to her short stature. Underneath, a layer of light gossamer 
  in the form of pale azure just peeks out from under the flowing sari, the 
  edge of it falling on the girl's zoris, ones that actually look fairly new 
  and unsuited to her uncommonly dainty feet for they almost flop off of the 
  appendages. Over top it all, Kas wears a haik, one of rough wool that 
  disguises the girl as something not out of the ordinary, something she would 
  much rather be. It covers the almost bright colors, to her, of her garb, 
  only the merest hints visible through the dour, gray shroud. Over her face, 
  just as any self-respecting Varati woman would wear, there's a veil of the 
  same azure as her under-sari. It sheets her face so that only two 
  glimmering, sapphire optics are discernible above its rim. The one ornate 
  piece on her would be the golden chain that holds the shrouding veil in 
  place, a glimmer among deep sapphire.

Jillin shrugs, herself. Quietly, "I'd better go...nice to..." Meet? Well, sort 
  of. "...meet you."

Jibril nods, flashing another small smile, then turns to hurry off. No doubt 
  the jeweler is soon to notice.

Jillin makes her way south, toward Seaside.
Jillin has left.

Jibril travels east to the intersection of Main and Vicina.
Jibril has left.

Haven's mysteries have become second nature to Benja, over the years, and yet 
  he watches the interest and intrigue within Kaiulani's eyes, and nearly 
  mimicks it with his own features. Caught up in her experience, sharing it 
  from afar as he always has, he savors every expression, every movement she 
  makes. As she stops he sneaks to a position which will allow him a clearer 
  view of her face. It is the first chance he's had to look upon her without 
  the water vaguely altering her features. Finding his breath caught within 
  his throat, he swallows, and merely continues watching, from his own 
  personal haven, the shadows.

How _very_ peculiar...! The child looks dark of appearance, as Kaiulani's 
  education has suggested Varati are -- however, what Varati child would be 
  wearing _wings_ upon her back? Her pale head tilts curiously, strands of her 
  hair escaping to gleam damply in the rain, and the Atlantean maiden lifts a 
  hand to gesture intriguedly towards Kasia. "Good evening," she calls out in 
  slightly accented, musical tones. "Pardon my curiosity, little one -- but if 
  you do not mind my asking... what kind of lander _are_ you?"
Kaiulani, if she is aware of the lurker in the shadows watching her so 
  intently, gives absolutely no sign of it. Her attention is now fully focused 
  upon the apparently winged _and_ darkly-complected small individual. A 
  girl-child, surely, though to be honest the Atlantean maiden is not entirely 
  certain.

Benja's lips part. That voice, /her/ voice. The sweet sound echoes softly 
  against his ears and twines its way along his bloodstream. It is the first 
  he's heard spoken from her lips. So many years he's teased himself with 
  dreams of hearing his name upon her lips, that voice caressing the syllables 
  in a way that only she could. A swallow runs down his throat as he watches, 
  silently urging the child to answer so that the woman might speak again.

Kasia nearly jumps at the woman's attention to her physical appearance, or, 
  rather, with her attention to Kasia herself. After all, in her society, 
  she's a mere shudra, not the haughty Empyrean that she personifies. Slender, 
  near-pale nose is lifted loftily into the air despite the fact that the girl 
  is rather more shorter than the atlantean with whom she speaks. "And what is 
  it to you?" She asks, no particular inflection marking her voice as from one 
  species or another. Comes from living on the streets and being exposed to 
  all of them. Sternly, the girl manages to stop herself from fidgeting with 
  the fine gossamer that drapes her rather artistically. One shoulder is 
  jerked and the ivory feathers that coat the girl's wings ruffle. Still, 
  those wings have a slightly dead-feel to them. Wonder why...

Kaiulani seems hardly offended -- if anything, her eyes spark with amusement 
  and a rather broad smile curves her fine lips, the barest touch of 
  coral against her near-white complexion. She inclines her head graciously, 
  saying, "Merely curiosity, little one; I beg your pardon, if I offend. I am 
  new to Haven, and have never seen anyone quite so fascinating of appearance 
  as you before."

Kasia manages a calculated sniff, closing her eyes slightly and managing to 
  affect looking down her nose at Kaiulani without actually performing the 
  feat. "Well. I could say the same about you, /miss/." And, against her usual 
  manner, Kas affects a rather peevish, caustic tone as she speaks with the 
  woman oh-so-much older than herself. With only a deft jerk of her shoulder 
  -- barely noticable 'lest someone look for it -- the wings manage a little 
  ruffle, near enough to that of a true Empyrean that it doesn't look 
  /completely/ unnatural. To the casual observer. Absently, sapphire optics 
  examine the slender, miraculously uncalloused hands which are a shade darker 
  than those of mose empyreans, but certainly a far cry from her true, dark 
  tan.

The tone the girl chooses may not have affected Kaiulani, but a soft growl 
  begins within Benja's throat as he watches from concealment. If that child 
  ruins this experience for her, he'll have her hide.

Strange, how Kasia's affecting of haughty, noble manners don't appear to 
  intimidate this pearl-haired Daughter of Water in the slightest. Kaiulani is 
  far too well-bred to laugh out loud, and for all that _she_ is arguably the 
  most physically expressive of her entire immediate family, all this means is 
  that she's still smiling, amused and bizarrely charmed. The child can't know 
  she reminds her, after all, of one of her haughtiest aunts. Kai doesn't care 
  much for the aunt in question, mind you -- but strangely enough, seeing 
  someone of Kasia's apparent tender years behaving this way births amuses, 
  rather than irritates. Moreover, Kaiulani's amusement is a sunny thing, 
  without malice, and her expression remains open and kind despite the merry 
  gleam in her sea-green eyes. "If that means you find me fascinating of 
  appearance," she returns in a light tone that contradicts her rather formal 
  enunciation, "I shall take that as a compliment, and thank you."

The growl from the shadow -- from the old Kasia -- would have been met with a 
  jump and an immediate guard to throw up her defenses. Here, the girl has 
  drilled herself in self-control. On the scene, however, is a completely 
  different thing. The menace in the growl -- for it comes before the woman 
  can reassure /anything/ with amusement -- startles the heat-bubble to happen 
  around the girl, causing others to shy away from her in the 
  already-diminishing crowd of the Rialto. It's hot enough as it is, even if 
  it is raining ever so slightly. A few sparks spring to life just around her, 
  but nothing else comes to view -- after all, she's not a strong elemental 
  /and/ it's raining. Forcing them to, the sapphire optics flicker with anger 
  and pent-up frustration. Good actress, no? "That is /not/ what I meant." Kas 
  reminds the Atlantean, her voice low and as menacing as a 9 year old girl 
  can make it.

The amusement he can see upon Kaiulani's features is memorized, and the growl 
  dies within his throat. She does not seem to be losing any of the wonder of 
  her first land-side visit, so Benja will reliquish his threat upon the 
  insolent child. He's seen that tone used by those wingers before, and he's 
  seen the pain on the faces of those it is used on. If this little winger was 
  not so young, perhaps she'd learn a lesson right now that would last 
  throughout her life. But as it is, the dark figure only continues to lurk 
  and observe.

Kai is not particularly skilled at interpreting lander expressions -- but this 
  child's anger is obvious enough. The Atlantean maiden's smile ebbs down, and 
  at the sight of the sparks that crackle momentarily around the wing-bedecked 
  youngster, she takes an involuntarily step backwards, instinctively troubled 
  by the rise in warmth around her. "I beg your pardon for misinterpreting 
  your words, then," she says, managing to retain a polite tone despite the 
  dismay in her eyes. "And I shall not detain you any further. Good evening." 
  With that, Kaiulani once more inclines her head, unwilling to pursue 
  conversation if she has managed to anger the little girl.

Yes! She /has/ acheived the proper snooty-ness of an Empyrean. Though annoyed 
  with her elemental's lovely choice of times to spring up, the girl seems to 
  be self-satisfied enough and, to go along with her part, she allows that to 
  show rather obviously on her features -- applied to the fact that she 
  managed to divert a full-grown woman. Any other empy child would be 
  /radiating/ that ego at this point. Still the crowds thin and the 'Empyrean' 
  moves off through them after but a moment's concentration. Some of those 
  jittering around her subside as the warmth that envelopes them dies down and 
  Kasia gets her magic under the proper control. Khalid bless Ranjeet for 
  /that/! Still, the girl moves awkwardly through the crowd -- but that could 
  be attributed to moving on the ground, could it not? After all, she's 'on 
  her first visit to the earth from the havens above'. That's her story and 
  she's sticking with it. Eventually, the girl's path brings her a little 
  closer to a clothing stall -- her wardrobe /does/ need updating...

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

Benja cannot feel the heat from where he is and the sparking of her magic he 
  dismissed as tricks of his eyes, but the expression of trepidation upon 
  Kaiulani's face is not missed. Another soft growl emerges in his throat for 
  the little girl as she moves away. He'll remember that face.

All right, so perhaps just a small bit of her excitement at her first time 
  ashore has been swept off in the current of the encounter with that 
  apparently temperamental child. Kaiulani glances after Kasia as she stalks 
  away, her pale brow furrowed; what, exactly, had she said to annoy the 
  youngster? Inquiring about her appearance in general, perhaps? Is there some 
  sort of lander custom she has violated? Frowning now, the young woman pivots 
  about upon one sandaled heel. She is _not_ going to let the encounter ruin 
  her mood, she tells herself vehemently -- she's crept out tonight to see 
  this marketplace, and see it Kaiulani shall. Even if it has apparently 
  become obvious that she needs more practice speaking with the landers.

Rayhan
Inviting eyes of powder blue are often blocked by a lock of ebon curls. His 
  hair is cut at a medium length, just long enough to cover his ears. The 
  curls of ebon are interrupted by streaks of bright coral blue. His skin is 
  the color of a dark sand, not quite brown in color, but almost a tan. He is, 
  by no doubt, Atlantean, as the gills on his neck and fins on his arms and 
  calves indicate. His feet and hands are slightly webbed. He stands at just 
  above six feet tall, and he has a slender build, though fit. He wears a 
  simple blue sarong which is tied around his waist.

If the Atlantean's growl is heard in the least, Kasia ignores it, sapphire 
  gaze running dispassionately over the wares that are housed int he paricular 
  stall tha Kas patronizes. Besides, it's doubtful that Benja will remember 
  her face, seeing as it's disguised. Not that it's something the girl 
  conciously thinks of. Second nature and all of that. Unfortunately, 
  torchlight is already beginning to flicker across the scene and more and 
  more stalls close for the night even as people pack in their conversations 
  and leave as more shadows close in around the Rialto and more torches are 
  added to keep them away.
A true empy wings in from the sky and, seeing the danger in a close 
  confrontation with 'her' kind, the girl surruptitiously joins in the packing 
  up of this particular stall. At some point, the winged one dissapears from 
  view -- probably around behind the closing stall -- and a girl, garbed in a 
  huge tunic, too-large, cropped trowsers and /far/-too-big boots slides, like 
  a shadow, from behind it. This girl isn't Empyrean at all -- but assuredly 
  varati, and a burlap bag is clutched to her chest, keeping it dear as if 
  there were no tomorrow.

From the eastern row, there comes the loud banging of shutters opening, wood 
  smacking against wood. The colorful countenance of the Dyer, Deianyra, peers 
  out from her garishly painted stall, and peers at the clouds above, weeping 
  once more. Although it cools the air, it confines her to her stall. "Tyche 
  take it." She grumbles and settles once more on her stool in a suitably 
  put-out manner, watching the passerbys.

Rayhan enters the marketplace, his bare feet padding over the stone. He 
  quietly watches those in the marketplace, unsure of whether he should be 
  here at this time of night.

Well, there is _one_ good thing about this night, thus far -- aside from her 
  illicitly seized freedom, that is. Water is falling from the sky, and as far 
  as Kaiulani is concerned, this is simply adding a bit of a homey touch to 
  the otherwise alien environment she is exploring. Let that lander child be 
  ill-tempered if she wishes; with raindrops caressing her face, Kai cannot be 
  low-spirited for long. She even pauses for a moment to turn her countenance 
  up to the sky and spin slowly about in place, all the better to let the 
  falling droplets brush her cheeks. Her cloak flares out around her as she 
  does, and a bit more of her hair spills free of her hood, gleaming damply in 
  spluttering torchlight. As she returns her attention to her surroundings, 
  though, the first thing that meets her eye is Deianyra's stall... and 
  Deianyra. Let's try the Greet the Landers game again, shall we? Squaring her 
  shoulders, the Atlantean maiden heads in that direction.

Deianyra
Poised at 5'9", Deianyra radiates an aura of aloof calmness and quiet pride in 
  every lithe movement of her subtly exotic form. Gentle cascades of loose, 
  coppery hair frame her heart-shaped face, curling and tumbling down to her 
  hip. A few small braids trickle through the slippery mass in arrays of hues 
  - today sapphire and amethyst grace the plaits. They accentuate the vivid 
  coloring of Deia's clear violet-blue eyes, shrouded by thin bangs. The mold 
  of her facial features is a shade too strong to be beautiful, but the clean 
  angles and laugh lines dancing about her mouth hold their own appeal. A 
  light sprinkling of freckles dance across the bridge of her nose, and toned 
  muscle slides beneath tanned skin. The tips of her fingers are stained 
  rainbow hues.
Three black spheres the size of a woman's smallest fingertip grace the right 
  side of her face in a descending line, from lower temple to upper cheekbone. 
  This odd tattoo is not alone; a vine trails down her left arm, a butterfly 
  pauses in flight on her right ankle, and a rune-like knot, like those found 
  on locks, stretches over the back of her right hand, only half there, 
  suggesting half might be found on another's hand.
Large white wings arch from the strong curve of her back, denoting her racial 
  heritage as Empyrean. Myriad feathers have also been dyed or painted in the 
  froth of white wings - currently royal and pastel blue and an intense 
  lavender wink like jewels in the sands, from coverts to primaries. 
Her sari adds to the feast of color she is, being a rich malachite green, 
  swirled with more blue hues. A small knife is secured to her side, as is a 
  sizable pouch. Feet are clad in sturdy sandals, a bit tougher and more 
  supportive than the simple zoris.
If one can catch it, the slightly throaty quality of her contralto voice is 
  rather pleasant to the ear, and the nose can pick up a slight perfume about 
  Deia, a fresh wind and flower smell.

Keeping easily within the night's shadows, Benja slips around the stalls in an 
  effort to keep the Atlantean maiden in clear view, while concealing himself. 
  His features take on a mesmerised demeanor as he watches her whirl about in 
  the glory of the rain. A smile of admiration and humor upon his lips. He 
  waits close enough to hear what she would say to the next lander, but far 
  enough away so that he will not be noticed.

Rayhan's eyes fall upon the atlantean and he begins to take a few steps toward 
  her until she begins to walk off in another direction. He begins to follow 
  her towards the shop, letting the rain wet his hair down, though his simple 
  bit of clothing seems to be getting soaked. Perhaps he should purchase more.

The now transformed girl slinks about behind the dismantling stalls for the 
  most part, a shadow among a world of flickering shadows that all the torches 
  in the world simply couldn't eradicate. Despite the clever shields put to 
  the flames, many gutter and die and there simply aren't enough maintenace 
  personel to keep them going, thus sending more shadows like herself out into 
  the Rialto. Not like Atesh-Gah where endless naraki are on 
  hand...Invariably, a child's curiosity and the fact that Deianyra's is about 
  the only stall worth shopping at anymore brings Kas forward toward the 
  Empyrean's wares. The rain doesn't seem to slow the little varati child down 
  in the least even as her short-cropped hair of shadow-ebony is plastered to 
  her skull. The burlap gets damp, but never wet. Trick of the body shelter, 
  probably.

Deianyra sits still within her stall, head propping up her head. The other 
  hand, tattooed and stained, drums a staccato beat in harmony with the 
  accursed rain. The sight of figures approaching, perhaps possible customers, 
  rouses her into something more like polite hope.

Trailed by one -- no, _two_ men, Kaiulani does not notice either. The lurker 
  in shadows is assuredly out of her line of sight, though perhaps Rayhan 
  might be in range to divert her attention in a few more steps. At the 
  moment, however, the maiden's attention is entirely with the woman with the 
  colorful wings. Another winged lander -- but this one, at least, is grown. 
  Perhaps she will be of a more easygoing temperament than the child? "Good 
  evening," Kai speaks up, her earlier pleasant politeness returning to her 
  formally enunciated tones. "May I look at your wares a moment" -- what's the 
  proper term of respect, for the winged landers? Ah yes! -- "domina? The 
  colors caught my eye...!" And her gaze roves appreciatively around what she 
  can see of Deianyra's stall, beneath the roofing that protects it from the 
  elements.

Ah but to be able to march up to a stall just like that. Even in proper varati 
  clothing, Kas would not be able to even /dream/ of such a feat. Sigh. Ah 
  well, she'll grow into it. Instead, the shadow remains silent, slipping up 
  to the stand in the hopefully unnocticed manner of any shadow. Odd, sapphire 
  optics flicker of that of the Empyrean, sparkling with intrigue and 
  interest. Who's even /seen/ an Empyrean with such lovely colors all about 
  her. Optics flicker only once to the Atlantean, but nothing more. Anything 
  more would certainly attract attenion. Nuh uh. Badbad. The shadows -- namely 
  the two atlantean men -- are noted but ignored -- outwardly. Ah, Kasia, the 
  body of discretion.

Benja is, indeed, out of her line of sight, but she is never long out of his. 
  Pale green eyes watch Kaiulani intently, while at the same time keeping 
  a close eye on the other denizens of Haven's nights who come anywhere near 
  her. This means that Rayhan's approach is observed warily. Should anyone 
  chance to glance into the hidden place that Benja has found for himself, and 
  somehow be able to look into his eyes, they would be treated to an obvious 
  display of possessiveness as he watches over the Atlantean woman.

Rayhan stops about six feet behind Kaiulani and telepaths ahead toward the 
  empyrean, not expecting anything much except to make her aware of his 
  presence. He sees movement from the corner of his eye and glances in the 
  direction but sees nothing. He again pays attention toward the atlantean and 
  speaks to her mentally.

Deianyra smiles widely at Kaiulani, giving her a moment's perusal before 
  nodding. "Ave, Domina." She greets in return. "Yes, colors seem to work well 
  that way. WHat can I interest you in?" She asks, gesturing to the myriad 
  items in her stall, the dyes most prominent. Bedyed wings flare for balance 
  as she shifts upon her stool. The hovering Atlanteans are duly noted, Rayhan 
  given a lingering glance of wariness, but Kaiulani retains Deia's attention 
  for the most part.

Telepathy>> Rayhan thinks, "Good evening.. My name is Ashtar Rayhan.."

Rayhan's unspoken message does in fact attract Kaiulani's attention, and the 
  young woman glances over her shoulder, fine pale brows crooking up over her 
  sea-green eyes as her gaze seeks out and locates the fellow some feet behind 
  her. Ah! The man's greeting wins him a smile and a gracious inclination of 
  the maiden's damp and slightly tousled head, along with an airily tossed off 
  reply even as she turns back to vocally address the woman in the stall, "You 
  are a seller of cloth? And dyes, perhaps?" One delicately finned hand 
  gestures at the bottles in view.

Dyes! The word tickles something in Kasia's oh-so-brilliant mind and that 
  perfect memory snaps to attention. Her eyes. The shadow that Kas has become 
  steps a little closer to the Atlantean -- perhaps that way she can get some 
  attention. Though unobtrusive, those shining optics do flicker all over the 
  empy's wears, as if sizing them up. Though, how she can size up such foreign 
  things is rather quizzical. Though Kai tosses a glance over her shoulder, 
  the varati manages to resist the temptation to follow the atlantean's gaze, 
  instead, her optics attempting to lock with those of the wing-ed woman so 
  that the diminuitive girl might actually get some attention.

Telepathy to Rayhan>> Kaiulani's answer flares up, primarily wordless for an 
  instant: <greeting><identification: a name-signature, royal-sacred-height, 
  which appears to signify _her_>. Then she catches herself, apparently 
  thinking it polite to reply in the form of words as that is how you have 
  addressed her. "Greetings to you; I am called Kaiulani."

The movement catches Rayhan's eyes again as he spots the young girl. He tilts 
  his head quizzically, watching her a moment before walking over to the shop. 
  Clothes, something he needs as his own are getting heavy enough because of 
  the rain to cling.

Deianyra bobs her head gently to Kaiulani, smiling widely. "Yes, Domina. Dyes 
  of all sorts and anything else you'd like. I dye hair, wings and skin as 
  well. And cloth is always popular." Violet eyes do skim down a tad, 
  alighting upon Kasia with an arched brow.

Benja frowns, edging deep crevices for more shadows to linger about his angled 
  face. He fights any further reaction that might give away his presence, but 
  his stare is heavy upon the group.

Now, Kasia's small form creeping up nearby can hardly fail to escape 
  Kaiulani's notice, and the Atlantean maiden casts an amiable enough glance 
  down to the youngster -- but doesn't address her, not yet. Annoying one 
  child tonight was enough for Kai, even if she is unaware that this Varati 
  waif is actually the same child as the 'Empyrean' with whom she had clashed 
  before. And besides, Deianyra's suddenly piqued her interest. "I noticed 
  your wings; they are most lovely!" she says, her expression warming. "You 
  can do such coloration to _hair_, as well?" As if pondering exactly how her 
  own pale locks might look with sunrise streaks within them, Kai takes a 
  handful of her own hair in hand, peering back and forth between it and the 
  bottles on display. Great Water, what a thought!

Kasia bobs her head, almost bubbling over with enthusiasm that finds its 
  release in the eyes of brillian azure. "Domina." The girl manages without 
  actually squealing the word. This may be the answers to the troubles she's 
  having with that /one/ disguise! "D'y' 'appen t' be ableta change eye 
  color?" That spark of interest, oh-so-bright transfers to her voice and, 
  though Domina was spoken in almost a perfect accent, as she asks her 
  question, Kas reverts to street-speech, the stilted slang that those native 
  to the streets of Haven tend to use. A slight gulp slides down the 
  raven-dark throat, but nothing more than that and the slight shuffling of 
  her feet on the getting-muddy ground before the Empy's tent betrays her 
  nervousness and excitement at the ideas that swirl around that clever head 
  of her's. And, as always when she concentrates and becomes excited, 
  externals like Kai's momentary notice are discarded.

Deianyra chuckles in regard to the young Varati and shakes her head. "I'm 
  afraid not, Imphada." She says quietly. "That's the only thing I've failed 
  to dye yet. But I can do hair, yes." She angles her glance up at Kai, 
  smiling more widely. "You have lovely hair already, but with such a pale 
  color, it would take any dye."

Benja listens to the conversation and his muscles tense as Kaiulani fondles 
  her hair thoughtfully. Silently, he shakes his head, concern in his eyes. 
  No, do not change those glorious pearlish locks! Images of how those 
  irridescent strands might feel within his hands, look against the copper of 
  his arms, they float through his mind as he pleads silently that she not 
  change this aspect of her being... or any other.

Rayhan moves over, looking over the wares of the shop. Dying skin, a thought. 
  He smiles gently at the others and glances up at the empyrean, not wanting 
  to interrupt the others.

Does she hear him, perhaps, silent though his plea might be? As Kasia eagerly 
  questions the winged woman, Kaiulani's attention drifts off into the 
  torchlight-dappled, rain-strewn darkness. Her expression has turned 
  thoughtful, distracted, and although her inward-directed gaze might suggest 
  she isn't actually _seeing_ the shadows out there, she is nevertheless now 
  looking towards them.

Benja sinks further within the depths of the darkness that conceals him, 
  though his pale green eyes do not leave the captivating visage that is now 
  held fully toward him. All his effort is given to stop the soft gasp that 
  threatens at his newly parted lips. It is as if she were looking directly at 
  him, though he knows she cannot see him. Still. He can pretend.

Deianyra sighs, casting a glance up at the rainy sky. "Forgive me, folks, but 
  I must be calling it a night. If you'd like to purchase something or talk 
  further, please come by again tomorrow. Thank you!" Chimes the contralto of 
  the merchant, who nods to them and promptly closes up shop. Apparently, she 
  does not leave it for the night either. Lights go out and silence reigns 
  within.

Sapphire eyes fall, the rain dripping off long, onyx lashes as it falls 
  mercilessly from the heavens. For all of that, it remains pleasently warm. 
  Drat it. As denial is delivered her, the varati girl turns whilst her eyes 
  drop, head bent against both rain and with disillusionment. A sneer forms on 
  the girl's lips whilst she starts forward into the rain and darkness that is 
  silently prayed to envelope her as the merchant's voice rings so very merily 
  out over the rain-swept Rialto. How can she be so happy? Ah well...a girl as 
  young as she is likely to be hurt by such a defeat. Despite that, the very 
  first thoughts of gray light begin to leak out into the drizzling sky and 
  Kas is due back to escort Vrsa on a round of the lower district. As loudly 
  and prominently as she arrived as an empyrean, the varati she now resembles 
  exits silently, a fluttering shadow in the inky blackness of the night. Exit 
  Varati.
Kasia travels along North, toward the Fairway.
Kasia has left.

For just a fraction of an instant, Kaiulani's delicate features crinkle into 
  an expression of bemusement; for just a fraction of an instant, it seems to 
  her that she is being... watched. It is a not entirely unfamiliar feeling to 
  her, and as it seizes her, Kai peers uncertainly towards the shadows. 
  Something out there? Some_one_ out there? But -- wait! The dyer is closing, 
  _now_? But she barely had a chance to speak with her! The maiden whirls back 
  around, a gasp rather far more audible than Benja's escaping her.

Rayhan glances up at Kaiulani then over in the direction she's looking, "Is 
  something wrong?" he asks.

Benja remains absolutely still, not even breathing. He knows they cannot feel 
  him there, and so his sanctuary is this blackness into which he's melted. 
  Still, he looks on, not wishing to miss even a moment.

It's just a trifle puzzling to the maiden that one who is obviously one of her 
  kind chooses to address her aloud, but Kaiulani takes this in stride and 
  replies in kind. "I... thought I saw something," she admits ruefully, which 
  is truth enough for the moment. Then she smiles, casting a regretful glance 
  at the now-closed dyer's stall. "And my attention wandered at precisely the 
  wrong moment, it seems. But I suppose that this is my penance for coming out 
  into the market at this hour."

Rayhan nods slightly, then glances back at her.
Telepathy>> Rayhan gives a sense of warning, that perhaps this place is not as 
  safe as some would have it seem. "Perhaps you should find your way back.. to 
  wherever it is you stay." He has no place at this moment.

Benja breathes a slow, inaudible sigh of relief, as glad that she did not ask 
  the man to investigate as he is that the shop closed before she could have 
  her hair changed. His lips curl upward as he continues to watch.

From the silence of the man at her side and the shift in Kaiulani's 
  countenance, one might guess that the Son of Water has _now_ reverted to 
  addressing her mind-to-mind -- and a strange little smile quirks her mouth 
  for a moment, as she gives another of her graceful nods. She can be seen to 
  gesture southward, as well.
Telepathy to Rayhan>> Kaiulani's answering thoughts, for some reason, feel 
  strangely assured. "I... have a habit of getting out of danger, but I thank 
  you for your kindness at the suggestion. I should in fact return to where I 
  am staying, lest I be missed."

Rayhan brushes a lock from his face, at least when he swims it keeps from his 
  eyes. He nods in return, a kind smile given.
Telepathy>> Rayhan's answer is warm and offered in friendship. "Perhaps we 
  shall meet again. Until then, take care."

Benja's coppery brow dips downward as he watches the silent conversation, the 
  gestures, the expressions. And all at once the gleam that has ridden in his 
  clear green eyes begins to fade. For the first time since his damsel graced 
  the shores of Haven, the guardian's eyes leave her face to peruse the ground 
  at their feet, awaiting the end of the conversation so that he may see that 
  she is safely home before slinking off to his secret, underwater nook. Alone.

Telepathy to Rayhan>> Kaiulani's reply is colored, like sunlight across the 
  sky and ocean waves, with her pleasure at finding someone of her own kind 
  here in this strange lander place, a spot of welcome familiarity amidst all 
  of the bizarre new experiences that a maiden on land for the first time 
  might encounter in the Rialto. "Perhaps she shall," she agrees, with warmth. 
  "And likewise, to you."

Rayhan nods and walks away.
Rayhan ambles toward the northwest.
Rayhan has left.

The silent conversation, at least, does appear to be brief. For Kaiulani's 
  part it is concluded by a clasp of one hand at her breast and another 
  mannerly nod of her tousled head to the man who's introduced himself to her 
  -- and with that farewell made, she is left alone to turn back towards the 
  south. And left alone, too, to glance at the shadows one more time, 
  wondering about that strangely familiar sense of _presence_ that had nagged 
  at her senses.

As the other man starts off, Benja's head and eyes raise once more, expecting 
  to see that his beloved has accompanied the man away. It is in that mistake 
  that he raises his head a bit higher than it was before, and thus the torch 
  which has angled itself over the stall he hides near, is able to spill its 
  light down upon the pale green eyes that look back at her from the shadows. 
  The expression within them is sad affection and longing. Realizing his 
  mistake quickly, Benja ducks his head again into the cover of shadown and 
  darts away, once more out of her line of sight. He will be more careful as 
  he follows her home....

[End log.]