Log's POV: Treestump Log Date: 4/28, 4/29/1998 Log Intro: The Underworld has released its captives, one of which being Treestump of Lostholt. During his time spent beneath the ground as a captive, he forged a close friendship with a lass named Jaylorra and a youth named Flashfire; only two of the three escaped, though, and Jaylorra was left behind, Treestump bearing heavy mental damage that has temporarily inhibited his ability to send. Though anxious to return home, Treestump sits in wait, hoping to catch the Village's healer, Mender, at next oppurtunity.. Dancing Square(#574RFIMV) A wide paved square surrounded by brightly colored pavilions and canopied platforms. Gaily colored banners and paper lanterns hang from poles at the corners of the square. Cool winter winds dip to ground level from time to time. Clear and warm for a winter afternoon, only a high mare's tail wisp of clouds indicates the season..and the subtle caress of moisture in the air. Children and pets scamper through the square and the scents of something cooking in the pavilion entice you on the soft breeze. Lost objects might be found in the stables in the canyon to the north and east. Check the 'placehelp'. Obvious exits: Garden Canopy Savah's House Boundary Path Crossroads Neimah emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Neimah has arrived. Neimah slips out from under the canopy, brushing the sleep from her eyes. [Neimah looked at you.] Treestump has found a seat towards the edge of the square on one of the many benches that encircle it. At the sound of someone approaching, the old wolf lifts his head, glancing in the direction. As his tired blue eyes fall on Neimah, he nods slightly to her, a polite smile pulling at the edges of his lips. "G'day, lass." [Neimah] She's is a dancer in all aspects, she moves with the unconcious grace of someone who has pushed their body to the limit. She stands at 4" and is dark of skin like most her people. Her face is heart shaped and framed black long black braids, her silky black hair has been braided into dozens of tiny braids, not a strand left behind. Her large, almond shaped eyes are a liquid gold, rimmed by thick lashes, they seem to always look scared or shy, even if the situation is normal, and there is no danger. Her lips are full and pouty, set beneath a small, delicate nose, slightly upturned at the end. When she moves her jewlery jingles against it's self, around her neck is a gold circlet with a small golden charm resting against her breastbone, the charm is in the shape of the well. Around both her wrists are several slim, gold bangles, which are the cause of her jangling, above those, around both her upper arms are wide gold bands etched with the symbol of the sun. In her delicately pointed ears are a pair of gold hoops, or more acurately three strands of gold twisted together. She is dressed for comfort more then looks. A dark red-brown vest covers her upper body, hugging her curves and giving her a fine amount of cleavage, lacing the vest tightly are dark blue leather straps, standing out from the vest itself. The vest leaves her flat, tanned stomach bare, on her hips is a matching skirt, the skirt comes to her upper thigh and is slit up both sides, it is made for easy movements. On her feet are a simple pair of sandals, laced up to her knees. [Treestump] His eyes are a pale blue, yet they darken or lighten with his moods. A lupine shade, the blue of his irises calls up memories of summer skies or crystal waters, calm and serene one moment, then wolfishly flaring with anger, clouded and narrowed. They are set on a bluntly chiseled face with a powerful jaw and a nose that slopes downwards. His chin sprouts facefur, yellow-blonde curls the same color and texture as the unkept hair that curls just over his brow. His form is one that whispers of power in brute strength, his shoulders broad and his frame muscled. He stands no taller than the average Wolfrider, yet he carries himself with a lupine grace and inward pride that gives a touch of dignity to the old wolf. He is bound in attire made almost entirely of fur and leather. A bear-skin vest serves as his top, open-chest with the shoulders lined in thick tufts of shagback fur. The vest tucks into a leather belt with a metal buckle, troll-forged, that holds it in place, another length of fur-cloth escaping out below to cover his groin and rear. A pair of form-fitting breeches bind his legs, leather and a dark brown. They disappear as well, into a pair of fur boots, their toes scuffed and their heels worn, looking old and well-used. Neimah smiles a bit and brushes a few braids over her shoulders, "Shade." "..And sweet water," Treestump adds with a sort of half-smile, his hands resting on his knees. He watches Neimah for a moment, then quirks a curious brow. "Face is familiar, I think, lass, but been down in that dark so long, probably forgot you if I met you. What's your name?" Neimah tilts her head to the side, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, "Neimah." Treestump nods, perhaps not noticing the blush, or perhaps not choosing to acknowledge it, instead smiling warmly. "My name's Treestump, 'case you didn't know that already.." His head tilts slightly as well, eyebrows lifting a bit. "Tell me.. you seen Mender about?" Neimah shakes her head, her braids bouncing around, "No..Haven't seen him lately." That earns a frown, though it is small and slight. Treestump nods, pulling at the end of his beard thoughtfully. "You see him about.. tell him I'm looking for him, would you?" Neimah nods, h3er eyes wide, "Yes..You need a healing?" "Aye." The smile returns, but it is a wistful one. Treestump taps his head with his index finger, the smile turning crooked. "Got in between an ill-tempered Underworlder and a cub who didn't deserve what he was getting. Haven't been able to send since." Neimah tilts her head to the side again, "It's not so bad, not being able to send. I can't, only fuzzy words.." Treestump chuckles softly. "I just get headaches. I still hear 'em, but.." The old wolf rolls his shoulders a bit, his hands coming together to clasp, then settle in his lap. "Can't send to save my life and get a headache if I even try." He falls silent, watching Neimah for a moment, then offering the crooked smile again. "Not many Sun Folk can send, aye. That's all right. But when you -can- send, and then you can't.." Again, he falls quiet, but this time he tries to string words together so that they could be understood. After a few long moments, he says: "No matter what you lose, once its lost you miss it. Always been able to send and now that I can't.." He lets the sentence trail off, ending it with a simple, single shrug. Neimah frowns slightly, trying to puzzle this out before nodding, "I think I understand. Like..if I couldn't dance anymore.." Treestump cracks a grin. "Aye. I can't dance worth two shakes of a wolf's tail, but that doesn't mean -you- wouldn't miss it if you didn't have it anymore." Neimah nods and smiles, "I love dancing. It's as easy for me as breathing..I don't know what I would do with out it." Treestump snaps his fingers, then tucks his hand to his chest. "See? There you go then. Can't say its the same for me and sending.. I could certainly live without it." He pauses, then grins again, his voice touched with dry humor. "Though, I'm not sure I could live with the twice-cursed headaches that come with it." Neimah smiles, "I'll tell Mender your looking for him." Aurora emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Aurora has arrived. [Aurora looked at you.] Treestump nods once, returning the smile. "I'd appreciate that, lass. Thank you." Tyleet arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Tyleet has arrived. Treestump is seated on a bench, talking to Neimah. A smile is etched across his face and his voice is touched with dry humor. Tyleet makes her way into the square, looking a little tired, as if probably just have woken up from a nap, or sleeping from the day. Aurora leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Aurora has left. Aurora arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from her shoulder. Aurora has arrived. Treestump's attention is drawn from Neimah briefly at the scent and sound of a familiar approach. He scans the Square for a moment before his blue eyes fall on Tyleet. Soft crinkles appear about his eyes and a smile spreads across his face, lifting a hand to wave to the red-golden haired lass. "G'day, Tyleet!" Tyleet blinks slowly, lifting her gaze and brushing her hair from her eyes. Her sight settles on Treestump, and a soft, gentle smile touches her lips as her direction heads towards her Elder. "Hello Treestump..." Rainor emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Rainor has arrived. Treestump smiles and rises from his seat, nodding slightly to Neimah before gesturing Tyleet forward. "How are you, lass? Haven't seen you about." Rainor looks around "Shade my friends" [Rainor looked at you.] Treestump glances towards Rainor at a new voice and smiles to him, inclining his head in a slight nod. "G'day there, lad." [Rainor] A handsome young elf looking to be eagerly aproaching adulthood though his true age appears to be somewhere around 16. His skin is a smooth even dark tan color, he is of average height for those of his tribe.. His sparkling violet eyes are round, wide and glint cheerfully and thoughtfully in the light. His long black hair is braided down his back a little past his waist, and around his forehead is a metal circlet. He wears a loose but open vest on his smooth well muscled chest. On each of his upper arms he wears a golden arm band with intricate patterns and pictures on them. In addition he wears light blue, loose silk pants that bunch at the ankles, on his feet are sturdy but comfortable sandals that are tied up his ankles. Rainor smiles at Treestump "Shade" Tyleet tilts her head back a little, smiling to Rainor, looking like she just woke up before finally making her way closer to Treestump. "I've been resting, when I came back up I realized just how tired I really was." Aurora goes north. Aurora has left. Treestump nods again to Rainor, then looks back to Tyleet, smiling gently. "Well, things like that can really take it out of you," he answers, tone light with amusement before it darkens slightly with concern. "But.. you all right? They didn't mistreat you or anything, did they, lass?" Odd, he thinks, that he did not speak with her on this earlier. Or with Spidersilk for that matter. But, since arriving here, things have been somewhat hectic and has only recently finally caught up. Neimah has disconnected. Neimah heads for the shelter of the canopy. Neimah has left. Rainor says "how are you Treestump?" Tyleet shakes her head slowly, sitting down next to Treestump and sighing quietly. "No..." She says softly. "I was lucky." Treestump lifts a hand to squeeze Tyleet's shoulder gently, reassuringly. "That's good," he answers, his voice echoing her own soft tone, then lifting his gaze as he hears his name, looking back to Rainor. His smile becomes a bit lopsided in shape. "Heh.. As well as can be expected, lad. As well as can be expected." [Tyleet] The age of the young Wolfrider Maiden you look at is rather undeterminable. She has a slender, lean build with gentle, soft curves, and she moves with a simple, easy grace. When she speaks she has a calm, soothing voice, and something about her smile is oddly disarming. She has an assuring, friendly air about her, most sure of herself as well. Soft, downy hair is pulled up into a high ponytail, falling to just at her shoulder blades, held in place with a moth-cloth wrap, her locks are a rich, reddish-gold color, with strands that reach her cheeks framing her childlike, serene face and bangs brushing just under her brows. She has deep, mossy-green eyes that can easily catch anyone's gaze, quite enchanting when she smiles. She has a slender, round face with a small, slightly down-turned nose and smooth, glowing skin. She's donned in airy, loose clothing, made of the moth-cloth that is only found in Sorrow's End. The sleeves of her shirt are fitted to her arms until they flair out past her elbows, it hugs her torso gently where it falls to mid-thighs, where it tapers out a fit after her waist. The neckline falls down to a low curve, falling just below rise full rise of her breasts. A loose, willowly skirt rests low on her hips, tying at her right hip and leaving most of her slender legs visible. It falls down to just past her knees, colored to soft greens, violets and pinks. And on her feet are a pair of sandals, straps wrapping around her legs up to her mid-calves with pale green ribbon. Rainor says "That is good I guess" Tyleet glances up slightly, her gaze settling on Rainor as her tribemate speaks to him, she offers him a soft smile, falling quiet. Rainor smiles at Tyleet "have we been introduced? Tyleet tilts her head a bit, her smile widening faintly as she lowers her hands to her legs and rests her palms against her knees gently. "I don't think so...Rainor...? I'm presuming..." She says, smiling warmly. "My name is Tyleet." "I guess so too, eh? Heh-heh.." Treestump's smile is suddenly tired and he lifts a hand to brush some hair from his eyes, moving it back then over his scalp and finally resting it on the back of his neck, scratching. As Rainor speaks to Tyleet, the old wolf's sky-blue gaze shifts to her, then back again as she introduces herself. Rainor says "Well met Tyleet" Rainor smiles at her Treestump makes a noise that's a sort of rumbling yawn, soft and half -heartedly released, then glances to Tyleet again. "Oh yes.. by the way, Tyleet. We're going to be bringing someone back with us to Lostholt when we leave." Tyleet nods a bit to Rainor, smiling gently, she tilts her head to look at Treestump, blinking a bit. "We will...? Who is it?" Rainor looks at Treestump as well curious "Flashfire," the elder answers, fingering the end of his beard for a moment. "You know.. that Briarholt lad. He was down in the tunnels too.." Treestump chuckles a bit, the edge of his mouth quirking up. "Lad and I got along rather well down there. He's also the reason I got my brains tangled up in a knot," he adds a heart-beat later, tapping his head again. An obvious expression of relief quickly laces itself over Tyleet's delicate features, the ends of her lips quirk in a soft smile, her leaf-green eyes lightening some. "Yes, Flashfire, I remember him very well...He's well then?" Treestump's crooked smile broadens some at seeing that the Wolfrider maiden knows who he speaks of. "Aye, lass. He's well." Tavha has arrived. Tavha leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Tavha has left. Tavha arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from her shoulder. Tavha has arrived. Tavha goes north. Tavha has left. Tavha arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Tavha has arrived. Tavha leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Tavha has left. Rainor says "Would either of you like some water?" moving to the jars to get some for himself" Tyleet has disconnected. Treestump glances back to Rainor and smiles agreeably, nodding his head in reply. "Aye. Some water would do nice right now." Rainor pours out two cups of water and returns handing one to Treestump Tavha arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from her shoulder. Tavha has arrived. Tavha says "hi,Rainor" Treestump lifts a hand to accept the cup, nodding to Rainor. "Thank you, lad," he says gratefully before lifting the cup to his lips, sipping it. At another voice, he glances to the new arrival through the corners of his eyes. Rainor says "Shade Tavha" Treestump swallows what little water he took from the cup, clears his throat, and smiles at the one Rainor identified as 'Tavha'. "G'day, lass." [Tavha] This cub's eyes show a look of sorrow. her curly dark hair falls mid shoulder.her headband of stars is the last memry of her beloved Mother,who died in labor.her shorts being the last of her father from which came from his pants. She surprises you acting so adult like,for a cub her age. This orphan asks nothing more of you than a friend.please be my friend? Tavha says "i've gots a house now so i'm a big cub,at least that's what Savah says" [Tavha looked at you.] Tavha says "Have we met b'fore?" Tavha smiles Tyleet heads for the shelter of the canopy. Tyleet has left. Tavha nods, and asks, "have you talked to Savah b'fore? Treestump quirks a brow to himself. . o O (Lass has a house to herself? Bit young for that..) But he doesn't voice his uncertainty, instead tilting his head to one side at Tavha's query. "Who, us?" he asks, spreading his fingers against his chest, then shakes his head. "Don't think so, cub. I'm Treestump." Treestump looks somewhat puzzled by her second question, glancing to Rainor, assuming she was speaking to him. Rainor says "Ever? yes..." Rainor sips his water Tavha goes home. Tavha has left. Rainor says "So what are you doing today?" Treestump sips his water as well, then lowers it, resting the cup on his knee. As the conversation slowly starts to hit a lull, he glances around, then back to Rainor as he speaks to him. "Relaxing," he answers, a hint of dry amusement in his voice. "You?" Rainor shrugs "whatever I find to do" Treestump nods thoughtfully, lifting the cup again to sip from it. When he lowers it again, he clears his throat and quirks a brow. "Don't s'pose you know where I could find Mender at this time, would you?" Rainor says "Have you tried his hut?" Treestump smiles wryly. "If I knew where it was." Rainor points to the southern pathes "There..If hes not home hes either helping one of the freed elves or relaxing with a maiden so I wouldn't know where to send you Treestump glances in the direction that Rainor gestured and nods thoughtfully to himself. "I'll check that out.." He glances to the water in his hand and hehs softly, glancing back. "..in a bit." He smiles faintly, then lifts the cup back up to drain it of its contents in a single, hearty gulp. Rainor chuckles Rainor smiles "Well I sure won't object to your company for a bit longer" Treestump sets the cup down next to him, then quirks a brow and chuckles. "Oh? Glad I haven't turned into -that- much of a grumpy old wolf yet then.." Rainor says "you don't seem grumpy at all to me tonight" "I -hope- not!" Treestump answers quickly, his grin broad and spread out across his face, then he waves a hand dismissively. "Ach, I'm just enjoying being out and about again. Tell you one thing, lad, that Daystar here takes some getting used to after spending so much time in the dark!" As if to emphasise his sentence, he pokes his forearm almost critically, the skin bearing a slight pinkish tone. Rainor examines the skin "after all I hear about the strong and tough wolfriders they all come and complain about a bit of heat or the daystar burning them Rainor chuckles with a wink Treestump quirks a brow and reaches over to poke Rainor's side, smirking in reply. "Hey now! You try spending more days than you can count in pitch black and then -you- can tell me about the sun and heat!" Rainor laughs and bats his hand at the poking finger "I'm just playing Treestump smirks and draws his hand back, letting it rest on his knee like the other. "Better be. Hrmf." Rainor says "now you seem kind of grumpy" chuckles "but not much" Treestump arches an eyebrow, then reaches beside him to pick up his cup again, rolling it in the palm of his hand. "Hrm.. you know, lad.. t'ain't good to tease grumpy old wolves.." Rainor says "Aw you just pretend to be grumpy. Inside I bet you more like one of those playfull lovable cub wolves" "Hah!" Treestump's expression is dry, but grinning. "I wish, lad. I'm too old for that." Rainor says "I bet you could do anything you set your mind to, You aren't to old" Treestump chuckles, his gaze shifting to regard the cup, almost curiously as he rolls it about in his hand, then shifts his grip so that he holds it normally. "Oh, never said I couldn't, lad. Anyone can do anything they put their mind to." Rainor says "then what makes you be too old?" Treestump glances back to Rainor and chuckles softly. "I was just teasing." Rainor laughs "So why do you pretend your a grumpy old wolf? Treestump arches an eyebrow and grins. His voice, though, is half -warning and half-tease. "I can be that way, lad, if I mean to be." Rainor says "who would /want/ to be a grumpy old anything?" Treestump shrugs silently, watching Rainor for a moment, then shifting his gaze to the ground. Thoughts start to stray across his mind and his light blue eyes darken. Slowly, the old wolf lowers his chin to rest it in his palm, tapping the cup against his knee in idle rhythm. "I dunno, lad," he finally answers, his voice strangely distracted. "I just don't know." Rainor says "neither do I" Treestump glances back to Rainor and blinks. Did he forget the Villager was there already? Difficult to tell, for the startled expression is wiped quickly from the old wolf's face and he offers the familiar crooked smile. "So.. ah.. what have -you- been up to, Rainor?" Rainor says "Not much, I finished a sculpture of one of those big cats..." Treestump quirks a brow, then furrows his brows, looking puzzled. "'Sculpture'..?" he repeats softly. Rainor nods "Clay" Treestump still looks puzzled, a soft wrinkle appearing between his brows. "What about it?" Obviously, 'sculpture' is a new word for the aged Wolfrider. Rainor says "Its a clay sculpture, shaped like one of those big cats and glazed to make the color of his fur...I put it in one of my friends garden....its holding his paw up and I positioned it so it looks like its batting at a flower" Treestump still looks perplexed. "But what -is- a sculpture, lad?" he repeats, a note of exasperation touching his voice before something clicks. "Is it a carving..?" Rainor says "Sometimes, but its hard to sculpt stone with out magic, So usually its clay shaped like something rather then carved, at least mine are" If anything, that served to confuse Treestump even more. A few moments pass with barely a blink in reply before the old wolf nods his head slowly. "I.. see.." he repeats slowly, lifting a hand to scratch his head. Its plain that he doesn't. Rainor says "would you like to see it?" Treestump tilts his head and nods. "Aye.." A wry smile touches his lips. "Might figure out what under the moons you're talking about." Rainor runs off and courtisy of magical timelapses returns carrying a housecat sized sculpture of a Catelf's cat Rainor holds it out for Treestump's inspection Treestump waits patiently for Rainor's return, then nods as he holds it out, eyeing it curiously for a long moment before he reaches out to take it from him, though gingerly. "May I..?" Rainor nods Treestump takes it into his hands gingerly, turning all about so that he can look at each corner curiously. After a long moment, he nods to himself and reaches to place it back into the Villager's hands. "Its very good," he compliments. Rainor says "Thank you," sets it down "I enjoy creating them" Treestump nods in reply, folding his hands in his lap once they're empty, the cup discarded somewheres about. "They're good," he repeats, then tilts his head slightly, brows lifting. "But what do you use them for?" Rainor says "just to decorate gardens mostly" Ktai arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Ktai has arrived. ColdFire arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. ColdFire has arrived. A tall figure, lithe and yet somehow... not as fragile as most of her kin wanders in quietly, musing on the sands that shift beneath her feet as she walks with an almost too-light tread. ColdFire enters the square, strangely without his spear for once. His face is still as troubled as ever, though, and he seems to be in search of -something-. Treestump is seated on the bench, looking at Rainor quietly. In reply, the old wolf nods his head slowly, blinking. "I.. see.." he repeats again. Again, its plain he doesn't, but then the Wolfrider never did think that much of the decorations in the Gardens. They're just.. there. Something in the background that he never really looked at that closely. He scratches at the back of his head for a moment, then looks over at the approach of others. "G'day!" he greets, lifting that self -same hand to wave. Tel-tela arrives from the south boundary path. Tel-tela has arrived. Tel-tela smiles and wavies Rainor waves to Tela Tel-tela smiles, and walks over, behind rainor and hugs him "hihi" Treestump's eyes flicker at yet another approach. . o O (Getting.. crowded in here.) As crowded as it can get, considering that it is the Square. Nonetheless, the old wolf shifts slightly in his seat and nods slightly to Tel-tela as she appears. "G'day, lass.." Tel-tela giggles softly "Hello and welcome back" Rainor says "hello Tel-tela, Do you know Treestump?" The dark eyes of the tall female glance over, then she nods quietly, almost reclusively in response to the greeting. Then, she seems to drift over to a table, taking up a mug of water. Rainor says "guess so" ColdFire flicks a glance over at the greeter, then stops in his tracks, seeming to remember something. Then he shakes his head and makes his way to a bench, flopping down with little more grace than a five finger. Tel-tela smiles "not as such, but I've seen him around.. I ave been here all my life you know hon :) Rainor says "I know, just checking" If the aged Wolfrider takes note of ColdFire's halted glance, he makes no sign. Treestump smiles politely at Tel-tela and nods his head, though more to himself than to her. "Thanks. Glad to be back," he answers easily enough, then rises slowly to his feet. He nods absently in agreement with Tel-tela, then flicks his glance over to the other new arrivals, pale blue gaze settling on each for a brief moment. ColdFire locksends ** <> You were taken, were you not? ** The glider, for it is clear that she is now as she has risen slightly from the ground, drifts towards the aforementioned garden, one hand resting lightly on her stomach, the other carrying the water. Rainor says "Hello Ktai" Treestump glances briefly to Coldfire again and starts to move towards him before something stops him. He flinches in mid-step, a hand lifting to press his fingertips to his forehead, hissing softly in pain. "Don't," he growls aloud, but to who he speaks is not immediately obvious. When addressed, the glider pauses, then replies in a soft voice "Shade, Rainor -" She turns, breaking off in startlement at the growl. Tel-tela blinkies ColdFire flinches slightly, wondering why he can't seem to keep from causing people pain, and he rises to his feet swiftly and stalks over to Treestump, to converse with him quietly. ColdFire whispers "My apologies Elder, but I feel the need to speak with you." Ktai watches in quiet contemplation, not sending, not reacting to anything openly. Treestump stands there, quite aware of all the eyes that now rest on him, and his cheeks brighten in a flush in reply. As ColdFire approaches, his hand slowly moves away from his face and, at first, his voice is ragged. "Don't send. Hurts like nothing else and not exactly fond of it either. Just.. don't." When the younger elf whispers to him, his brows furrow slightly, and he emits a soft grunt of acknowledgement. You whisper "Aye?" to ColdFire. [Ktai] A tall and thin elf with deep golden sun-toasted skin stands before you. Finely muscled, yet delicate and long legs are as soft a golden brownas the rest of her, and the golden tone is offset by the blue-green of the revealing bodysuit. True to its SunFolkish design, there is little to the cloth, and the short teal moth-cloth skirt offers little distraction. Her black hair is held back with a thin golden clasp, and around her neck hangs a matching necklace of gold. The softest of blue-green slippers are on her feet, and the thin laces tie up about her ankles. Her deep black eyes look to yours for a moment, a secret and hidden smile within them. A small half-smile tugs at her mouth, and she looks off slightly, the smile lingering softly. You sense ColdFire sighs softly. "I feel I don't have the right to ask, but there was a maiden, who tried to fight for me, and was taken. Would you know where she is. I owe her my thanks." ColdFire shifts uncomfortably in his stance beside the elder. A pained look slowly creeps across Treestump look and his pale face turns paler still. He mutters something inaudible and abruptly pulls away from ColdFire, pale blue eyes dark. . o O (....) His back turned to the worried Wolfrider, the elder retreats to a shadier section of the Square, his face lined with emotion. What particular emotion it is, though, cannot be told for instantly a mask settles over the old wolf's face and his expression becomes disturbingly blank. Ktai's voice is chilled, a whisper carried across the Square. "I've seen that look on those Winnowill has touched..." Then she turns and moves more quickly into the Garden. Ktai leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Ktai has left. Treestump's head snaps around quickly at the Glider's comment and his eyes widen. He moves towards her, as if to say something, but she disappears more quickly than he can speak. Rainor locksends ** Are you well? ** ColdFire gets a cold look on his face, and his hand wanders up to touch his throat, and the vivid handprint there. He flinches at the Glider's words, thinking nothing could be worse than what he has experienced, but she's older, right? The young wolfrider kicks at the sand disconsolately, obviously unhappy, but feeling he has no right to approach Treestump again, so he returns to a bench to think, or rather, try not to. Rainor says "Treestump?" And just as quickly, Treestump's head jerks around, flinching again. He glares at Rainor, but his blue eyes are pained again. "I said, don't send!" he rumbles, perhaps too loudly; snapping too irritably. His gaze is taken again by ColdFire, glancing at him with a worried expression that shifts to guilt, and then just as quickly, all expression erases itself. Without answering Rainor, the old wolf disappears into the Gardens as well, following the Glider. Garden of Shade and Sweet Water Nestled in the rocky canyon, this area has been turned into an oasis. Rows of herbs and flowers, blooming bright blue and white, dance in the breeze. Mature sticker-plants are bursting with yellow and red blossoms. A row of woody shrubs lines the the stone path. They blaze with orange-pink blooms. Clustered back near the rock walls several short, gnarled trees provide shade for the benches below: most are covered in puffy pink flowers, but one sports round,orange fruit peeking out from beneath its glossy leaves. You can hear the gentle burble of water. The twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. The explosion of colors is fading as plants dry up and go dormant, waiting for the next rainfall. Contents: Ktai Hot Pool Shaded Stone Benches Dreamberry Bush Obvious exits: Dancing Square Ktai is sitting quietly in a shaded corner, directly on the grass and sipping from her mug of water. The soft footfalls of the Wolfrider's approach announce Treestump before he appears. As it is, he hesitates just outside stepping into the Garden fully. With skill taught by a long, forest-born life, he scans the Garden and quickly finds the Glider. He clears his throat awkwardly. She looks up, onyx eyes hiding any surprise, if there is any at all. "Yes?" she asks quietly. "What you said back there.." Without so much as a greeting, the aged Wolfrider steps fully into the Garden, but hesitates some distance from the Glider herself. "..What did you mean, lass?" Ktai sets her mug down, looking the stockier elf over for a moment before replying. "I have seen that very same expression on my face." The frown that had settled on Treestump's face deepens and his arms lift to cross over his chest and he moves forward a step or two, but no more. "What expression?" the old wolf presses, looking awkwardly uncertain. Ktai says "The wince of pain at sending, the forced reminder of someone elses mind shoving into yours with no hope of beating it back and surviving...." She says slowly, looking off to a bush before looking back up. "The unexpected and total loss of self..." Softwind arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the path. Softwind has arrived. Softwind heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves fluttering in her wake. Softwind has left. Long silence answers the Glider's words. Uncertainty of how to reply? or perhaps her reply hit a little too close to home? All the same, when her eyes come back up to look at the bearded elder, his arms have rearranged themselves so that they seem to be hugging more than simply being folded over one another, and the frown on his face is deep enough so that soft crinkles have appeared about his eyes. "I've felt the Black Snake's touch before," he finally says, his voice significantly weighted. "But she never.." He falls silent, then shrugs, finally just settling with a quiet: "Aye." Ktai indicates the grass. "Tell me?" Treestump's pale blue gaze flicks to the grass and blinks, as if confused by its very presence. Only after a few moments pass does it click with the Wolfrider. "Oh! Ach.." He shakes his head quickly, arms unfolding to spread his hands in front of him. "Aah.. nay, lass, that's.. all right. Don't need to trouble you with that sort of thing." Ktai chuckles quietly. "If I had thought it trouble, I'd not have asked." The old wolf hesitates, looking uncomfortable. He shoots a glance back the way he came, then back to Ktai. A moment passes in silence, and then he finds himself slowly taking a seat at the grass she indicated. But instead of pouring out his troubles, Treestump shoots her a quizzical glance. "You've run into trouble with the Snake, then..?" Ktai laughs. "Have I ever. But this was not Her, I take it?" Treestump smirks in reply, his own voice touched with dry humor. "'Fraid not, lass.. You just arrive here? You hear about the Raid some time back?" Ktai nods. "My... lovemate went to the rescue..." Treestump arches an eyebrow curiously. "'Lovemate'?" he repeats curiously. Ktai nods, as if having .him. as a lovemate is perfectly normal. "Yes, he is of Sorrow's End when he chooses to be... and Rayek rarely chooses to be." Treestump blinks twice. He suddenly eyes Ktai warily, as if expecting -her- to sprout copper-toned skin and bright yellow eyes, but offers a somewhat crooked smile in reply. "Aye.. ah.. I.. saw him there.. Deser.. erm." He clears his throat again. "-Airwalker- was busy flying about and chattering with Savah though." Ktai laughs softly. "Go ahead, call him a desert brat... or rat... but he's kind and gentle when you break through to him. Ask Leetah." "I was going to say 'rat', but 'brat' fits too.." Treestump cannot help but answer, his smile relaxed into one of dry amusement. After a moment, he chuckles faintly and adds, "And I'll take your word on -that-, lass." Ktai smiles fondly, resting her hand across her stomach as pregnant females often do. "So who was this.. other?" Treestump's expression quickly darkens as the conversation works backwards again to the difficult subject he'd rather not discuss. "Lor.." He suddenly bites his tongue, as if stopping himself from saying something, and clears his throat for a third time. "Morganthe. He's Lord down there in the muck. He.." Another moment of silence and the old wolf shakes his head to clear a disturbing thought and says instead: "He's not the one that did it though. Well, not the one time it tangled up my brains so badly I couldn't send worth a handful of treewee scat." Ktai watches quietly, tilting her head. "And who did that?" Rena arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the path. Rena has arrived. "High Ones curse it if I know!" The sudden vehemence in Treestump's voice is as bitter and scornful as the twisted expression on his face. "She was playing back-up for Malandor and she starts flicking send -daggers about as if were nothing!" He pushes himself up, folding his hands behind his back, and glares at the ground at his feet. "Flashfire said her name a while back, but wouldn't want to remember it if I tried anyway." Rena heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves fluttering in her wake. Rena has left. Ktai sits up thoughtfully. "So he plays to a female. That means he has a weakness, doesn't it? Tell me what these two look like, so that I might know them if I saw them?" "If you saw the way he hurt the cub, lass, you wouldn't think anything of his weakness.." Treestump answers softly, his voice dry. At her query, he pauses, arms arranging themselves over his chest once more, a disturbed look falling over his brow. "Tall.. pale.. snooty air and a voice that made your teeth grit. Scented like.." At that, he pauses and casts a blue-eyed glance back to the Glider maiden, faintly apologetic. "Ach, but you're not a Wolfrider, are you? Can't go by the likes of that.." His voice runs soft, trailing off, and he finally just shakes his head. "To be honest, lass, was so hard to make out anything in the dark, even after our eyes adjusted. Other senses were more often coming into play." Ktai's voice is quiet, as though she were admitting to some great crime. "No... by blood, I am a Glider... and at a disadvantage..." Treestump's head nods, having guessed as much already, if only by her height and build, and the grace with which she carried herself that seems inherit in all Gliders. He watches her curiously for a time, then nods again, his shoulders lifting and falling in a shrug. "But I can tell you much," he notes with a faint, dry grin. "Once you meet 'im, you won't forget 'im quickly." Ktai nods slowly. "I had heard there were other Gliders in the Underworld. Did you perchance meet any?" Treestump's eyebrows knit together. "There was one I saw.. when we first were down there.. 'Silk seemed to know him.." He puzzles for a moment, then remembers the name. "She called him 'Nummi.'" Ktai blinks once, then twice. "So he lives... like me, against odds. Perhaps he will be able to assist." Treestump eyes the Glider with a mixture of curiousity and uncertainty. "You know him?" Ktai's voice is soft, yet carries a certain touch of sadness to it. "Know of him... I was young when I had to leave the Mountain... but if he does not live within the Mountain, then he may be reasonable." Treestump's nod inclines in the slightet of nods, lost on what to say. The Elder met the Glider once, maybe twice at best, down there in the dark and, to be honest, he is already struggling to lose the events that took place in the blurry pool of Now. Some things are better left forgotten. "He seemed like a nice enough lad," he finally says carefully. Ktai sighs almost softly. "If I only knew where Kytek was..." When a name that is unfamiliar to the Elder is mentioned, he falls silent. Treestump once more watches her, as if uncertain of what to make of her. She seems to be a nice enough lass, even if she -is- lovemate to that puffed-up desert rat.. He makes a soft noise beneath his breath, then lifts a hand to rub his nose - did he sneeze? - and queries bluntly, "He a Glider too?" Ktai looks up and over. "No... he's an Underworlder... more or less." Treestump quirks a curious brow. "'More or less..?'" Ktai smiles thinly. "He... claimed to be more civilised." Treestump ahs softly and offers a silent nod in reply. After a moment, he notes: "'Fraid I didn't meet anyone down there by the name of 'Kytek', lass." Ktai nods slowly. "If it is anything like as you say, I fear he may be dead... or worse." Treestump hmfs! softly, lifting a hand to pull at the end of his beard thoughtfully. "Well, I dunno.. they seemed rather possessive of each other down there.. Don't know if they'd go -that- far with one of their own." Beyond that, however, the old wolf offers no arguement one way or the other. Ktai nods quietly, turning to take up her mug of water and sip at it. Treestump falls quiet as well, curling the wisps at the end of his beard about his index finger. Moments pass between the two in silence, and suddenly the elder quirks a half-smile. "Ach! We make a morbid pair, don't we?" Ktai lifts both eyebrows and looks over. "Pardon?" Treestump spreads his hands about in gesture, the crooked smile unwavering from his face. "You'd think this whole mess was still up -and-about instead of done-and-over-with, eh? No use moaning over things like this. Whatever happened, it happened. Nothing we can do about it now." Ktai smiles faintly. "I... find it hard to live psat what has happened. I never quite learned the art of Now." "Then you need to stop sitting about idle-like, lass," Treestump answers simply, his hands coming to rest over his belt, his thumbs hooking along its inside. "I have the same problem at times, but not that often. Heh.. Only times, though, I have the problem is when I can't do anything." His light blue eyes watch her almost amusedly. "Rather than mucking about, why not live a little, aye?" Ktai looks up and blinks. "How?" Treestump blinks as well, looking startled. "How?" he repeats dumbly, then clears his throat quickly, gathering his wits. "Um.. well, I dunno.." The Wolfrider tugs at his beard again - bad habit, that - and thinks for a long moment before reaching for the answers within easy reach. "Hunt. Howl. Romp about. I -don't know-.. Find something you like to do and do it! Get in a spot of trouble and have fun getting out of it!" Smiling lopsidedly, the grizzled Wolfrider chuckles softly. "Problem with folks with problems like yours is that they get into this rut and refuse to get out." Dreamingarrow arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the path. Dreamingarrow has arrived. [Dreamingarrow looked at you.] Dreamingarrow moves towards the shade trees, and sits on a stone bench. Dreamingarrow has left. Ktai's cheeks brighten, perhaps in indignance, perhaps in embarassment. "I don't know how to live. I tried once. It ended... badly." Treestump blinks once, then approaches her again. "What happened?" Ktai takes a breath, holds it, then releases it. "I lost two daughters and thier father." Treestump winces visibly. That one hit a little too close to home. For a brief moment, he thinks of his own daughter and life-mate waiting back home in Lostholt, then just as quickly shoves the thought away. He'll see them soon. The Wolfrider stands awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck, then makes a small noise in his throat. "Well.. ah.. somehow I doubt.. Living your life to its fullest doesn't mean that you should shirk your responsibilities." Ktai's smile turns wistful. "And now I have Rayek... and my son-to-be... can I be blamed for being terrified to lose them as well?" Treestump finds himself retaking that seat upon the grass, tucking his knees to his chest and folding his arms over them, looking back to Ktai. "Nay.. You can't. But life becomes pretty hard to live if you spend it worrying over What Was and What Could Be when none of that really matters." Ktai shakes her head. "That's the Now, isn't it?" Treestump nods once. "Aye." Ktai sets the cup down, looking to you. "How can the Now be? I see how my actions will ripple out and effect others... so I have to take that into account, yes?" Treestump considers that, combing his fingers through his beard slowly and thoughtfully. "Aye, aye.." he murmurs, then quirks a brow. "But that's part of the Now too. Its a worry that needs worrying. But why worry over things that Could happen? Over decisions you haven't made yet?" Ktai struggles with that for a moment. "I'm trying... but for a long time... I simply exsisted. I remember it, but I simply did. I wasn't anything or anyone." Treestump's brows knit together slowly, trying to follow her, and failing. "That's not the Now," he finally says. "I'm afraid of falling back into that," is her simple reply. "That's not the Now," Treestump repeats, watching her steadily. "There's a difference between not worrying about What If's and What Were's, and just forgetting yourself all together." Ktai says "But how can I know the difference?" "How can't you?" Treestump replies easily enough. Ktai sighs. "I am a Glider. I tried not to be once. Sadly, I failed." "But I'm not telling you to -not- be a Glider, lass!" Treestump's voice takes a note of exasperation into it, a note that is quickly suppressed and replaced with practiced patience. "Look. All I'm telling you is this: You're in a rut. I barely know you and I already can see this. You're in a rut and its a bad one. You.. dwell on things." He cracks a half-hearted attempt at a smile. "Maybe you've been hanging about that Black-Hair of yours too long.. but even Gliders can learn to live. I know. I've seen it." Ktai smiles softly. "I love that 'black-hair of mine.' He's the only reason that I've become what I am now from what I was then." Treestump hur-rumphs softly in reply to that and, though he smiles, he shakes his head slightly. "Aye.. well.. Rayek always had his problems.. and one of them is he likes to think too much. He carries grudges and he dwells on things when they're done and over with." Ktai laughs softly. "'Two of a kind', Ekuar said once..." Treestump chuckles a bit as well, but his voice is as quiet and solemn as ever. "Its not a good habit of his, that one though.." Ktai nods slowly. "It's hard, though... to battle the fear that I could lose him to anything..." Treestump snorts softly and smirks dryly, but not unkindly. "Kind of hard to lose -that- one, lass.. Rayek will stick to a mate like a burr on a wolf's behind." Ktai looks up. "He seems so unsure, though... so... shy..." Treestump arches an eyebrow slowly. . o O (....) "-Rayek-?" he repeats, perhaps a bit disbelievingly. Ktai nods. "Rayek." Treestump's expression is a strange blend of amusement, bewilderment, and puzzlement. "Hunh.." is all that he can think of in response for the longest time, then shakes his head. "Well.. I never professed to be the greatest expert on Airwalkers, so.." He shrugs, a faintly lopsided grin on his face. Ktai leans back, relaxing in the grass. "It was worse... I was so upset over the thought of losing them that I was constantly ill, so I must be making some progress, yes?" Treestump's smile is a dry one. "Aye. But I think you should stop worrying over whether or not you'll lose him and worry about whether or not you're enjoying the time you -are- spending with him." Ktai says "Ember said we thought too much. At the risk of an insult, how much -do- your kin think?" Treestump blinks once in response, pausing. "We aren't stupid, if that's what you're asking," he answers, unable to block out .all. of the tightness in his tone. He clears his throat quickly, then a second time, struggling on how to answer that without making himself, his kin, or the Glider herself look stupid. "We.. think when we have to. There are times for thinking and worrying and wondering.. and then there are times to just take things as they come." Ktai is quick to reply: "I didn't mean that you were!" Then she sighs and nods. "But when are those times?" Treestump heh's softly in answer to her first comment, then pauses once more at her second. "You just.. know. You know when trouble's coming its way and then its time to worry. You know when to act and when not to, or you take time to think on it. Its.." He pauses again. "Its.. the times when you worry on -if- the trouble's coming.. or -if- you might lose someone.. or -if- this or -if- that.. That's when it becomes a tangled mess." Ktai looks almost as if she's beginning to understand the whole concept. "So... it means letting go of fear..." "In a way.." Treestump allows grudgingly, but there is a noticeable touch of approval in his voice. "It means letting go of the fear of what isn't there." Ktai nods, sipping from the mug. "It's starting to make sense... slowly." Treestump smiles crookedly in response, eyebrows lifting some. "Ah? Good. It isn't that hard, lass, to understand. Not as hard as so many make it out to be." Ktai laughs faintly. "I think that might be the key: don't try." Treestump lets a soft chuckle of his own escape, the edges of his lips quirking up. "Aye. If you think too hard on it, you'll miss it completely." Ktai muses on this quietly for a few moments. Treestump takes to picking at the lining of his boots idly, falling quiet as well and waiting for her to say something with what seems to be an endless fountain of patience. His pale blue eyes regard her curiously, his thoughts his own for the time being. Eventually, she does speak. "It's frightening, the thought of living for the moment." In response, the elder's brows fly up. "How so?" "There are so many moments." Treestump's eyebrows drop, furrowing deeply. "Aye.." he answers slowly, uncertain of what she means. Ktai smiles. "It's hard to know which to live for." "Live for each moment as it comes," Treestump offers gently. "And keep the ones that are precious close to you, and the ones that aren't, let them come and go, and just go on without them?" [At this point, Treestump's player had to disconnect, so the two were assumed to have gone their seperate ways. End log.]