Log file from Cutter. 2/2/2000 11:27:52 PM Title: Into the Ground Characters: Ember, Suntop, Naeblis, Silah, Ebondune, Kiahn, Cutter (Pellon is an NPC puppet) Synopsis: Cutter and Suntop arrive in the UnderWorld. In the cave You are standing inside the cave..The whole area in here is warm, but not hot..And is blackened from previous explosions. In the middle of this huge area is a glittering lake, which is surrounded by black soot which serves as sand. There are various plants which thrive here on the warmth and the tiny amounts of light that reach this far down. At the exit from the cavern to the outside world is a large metal gate, with double doors. A large bar seals the gate closed to the outside world. Shaped next to the gate is a post for the guard of the gate. The gate itself has been shaped out of metal and is covered with delicate filigree work. There are no marks, hinting that any tool was used in its making, scarring its surface, but radiates strongly of magic, announcing, to those with the magic to do so, the real manner in which the maker used to construct the gate. Ember suddenly appears as though she seperated herself from the wall. Ember has arrived. Suntop is fully awake now, as he follows his father into the Underworld. The dreams are set in the back of his mind as he has other things to concern himself with...such as trying to see, and the continual sense of magic all about him. Fascinating place, but he wouldn't want to live here. Not at all. Cutter walks to the side and just a little in front of Suntop. Fierce lupine eyes narrow in the deepening gloom as the light fades with each passing step. Tenatively, he reaches out with his mind to find his daughter, the last one he heard from, **Ember..?**. Ember emerges from the shadows, a taller elf beside her. Each hold glowmoss baskets, the maiden one, the other two. ** Father! ** she sends, joy there. ** Suntop. You made it! ** She rushes forward to embrace both. Suntop thought he felt something...someone else too. ** Ember! ** He embraces his twin, ** We were so worried...High Ones, why did you come down here?** And willingly too! Pellon stands deferentially to one side, the two glowmoss baskets in his hands held loosely, attending. Cutter lets a hint of a relieved smile brighten his features as he embraces Ember. **Have you been treated well here?** he asks as he glances up at the elf carrying two baskets in his hands. Ebondune arrives from the Beach. Ebondune has arrived. Ember nods. ** Aye. Quite well. Lady Ieyl has been very gractious. More than most of the others, really. ** That doesn't mean she entirely /trusts/ her. She just doesn't have an overt problem with her. She's seen /much/ worse. She looks at Suntop. ** We came because Ieyl needed Mother's help. They asked nicely. <> And, besides, I /still/ have to meet with their <> Council! ** Kiahn arrives from the Beach. Kiahn has arrived. Suntop shakes his head, not really understanding the reasons, ** But -why-? ** Is it because of whatever happened when he was still at Sorrow's End? But he'll cut to the chase, ** When can you come home? ** Ebondune walks into the area with Kiahn, glancing at the others as he passes on by.. his attitude is one of 'i don't care if Kiahn's following along with me or not', but he doesn't seem to mind the other elf's presence either. Kiahn is, for a lack of something better to do, following Ebondune. He hasn't explored the underworld, and hadn't felt a need to, until now.. So he's taking the time now to learn about the area near the temporary encampment where he's residing. Cutter nods in reply to Ember's sends as his gaze shifts to the new arrivals, thankful that those glowing baskets are here, though he's not adverse to using his sense of smell, it's still nice to be able to see. **When will the Council meet?** he asks Ember as bright eyes follow the progression of Kiahn and Ebondune into the dim light. Ebondune carries a glowmoss basket of his own, as well. He nods to the others, not wanting to 'butt into' their conversation... he just goes on his way. Ember frowns. ** I don't know. ** she says, backing away from her father and brother, now. She turns to Pellon and takes the glow baskets, giving them to her kin. ** There was to be a meeting earlier, but it was cancelled. ** Something that evidently frustrates her. ** We've been in the dark so long, I almost don't remember what the daystar looks like. ** Well, okay. That's a bit of an exaggeration. She does, however, stop to turn and regard Ebondune and Kiahn as they pass. Ebondune remains silent, not speaking or sending as he passes by... Ebondune disappears from sight, seeming to meld with the wall. Ebondune has left. Kiahn stops at one point, a little oblivious to the presence of Cutter & company. Ebondune is left to go off on his own, if he wishes it.. for the area about interests the Catelf more. Holding his basket of glowmoss, he examining the area about him with a kitling's curiosity. Eventually, his gaze falls upon the others standing there, and he realizes he's the target of watchful eyes. ** Forgive me.. I.. didn't realize.. ** Suntop also looks to the others as the walk by. His attention does drift off as he rubs at his arms. All that magic is giving him goosebumps...and he can't say if it's good magic or bad. He does take the basket and looks in, ** They use this instead of fire for light? ** Do they eat food raw then too? Cutter nods in Kiahn's direction, **There's nothing to forgive.** he replies as he glances curiously at the basket, even going so far as to hesitantly stick a finger into the glowing stuff. **Hmmm.. it's not even warm..** he observes more to himself than anyone else before looking up to wait for the answer to Suntop's question. Kiahn nods.. just a little. ** Nothing down here ever is, it seems.. ** he replies, though understands that the sending wasn't meant for him, and was just an observation. Ember smiles a bit ruefully. ** They don't eat meat. ** she tells her brother. ** If you can believe it. They eat mushrooms. And almost nothing else. ** It's obvious that she hasn't overly enjoyed that. ** Quenlyn hunts, though, so he's brought us down some ravvits on occassion. ** Suntop wrinkles his nose, not liking the sound of that either. But that would account for the funny glowing moss. He glances to Kiahn, acknowldging his statement before looking back to his sister, ** Must you stay down here until the meeting? ** Or can she come back up to the surface and be fetched later? Cutter's nose wrinkles at that thought and is suddenly glad for the dried meat he brought with him. He glances at Suntop and Ember and shakes his head, **At least one of them hunts..** he sends then waits to see what Suntop's question brings up. You locksend ** No meat..? ** to Suntop. Ember frowns. ** I think that as soon as mother and Ieyl have finished, we'll come home. I'm tired of this place and I dont care if I /ever/ make it to their Council. ** Suntop locksends ** <> It's the 'only mushroom' part that bothers me... ** Cutter nods as he steps back a little from the twins, **Where is this, Lady Ieyl, then?** he seems to ask of anyone in the room though his gaze lands directly on the only one whose gaze is level with his own. Pellon steps forward now, nodding courteously. ** She is not far from here. If you would care to follow me, I will lead you to her. ** He begins to move in a southerly direction and, though the passage is not readily apparent, pauses just shy of the deepening shadows so that you can see where he means. Kiahn gives Suntop a slight, return nod, before continuing on a few feet. ** These tunnels must going on forever... ** he murmur/sends, more thinking in amazement then anything. He blinks once, then realizes Ebondune is nowhere to be seen. ** Ebon? ** he sends out, looking for the Kymian. Ember turns when Pellon begins to lead down the passage. ** Here. ** she says. ** He's right. It's only a little ways from here. ** Cutter nods, gives a glance to Ember and then one to Suntop before straightening and walking proudly, if carefully after the Underworlder. Suntop follows as well, still rubbing at the goosebumps on his arm. It's not like the feeling the Mountain has...but it's also not that dissimilar. Pellon disappears from sight, seeming to meld with the wall. Pellon has left. River Tunnel(#4111RJL) It is dark here below. Your eyes are unaccustomed to the lack of light, and sounds echoing through the many passages and chambers make hearing an unreliable guide. The smell of dampness and fungus, strange underworld scent make things near impossible to sense that way as well. By feeling along the walls, and moving slowly one can find openings and passages to other areas... Cutter follows closely behind Pellon. Clear, blue eyes scan the darkness as flared nostrils catch the varied scents that fill the area. His bearing is proud, and though he stands as tall as an UnderWorlder, it is blatantly obvious that he is the Wolfrider chief: Cutter, Kinseeker, Blood of Ten Chiefs. Pellon leads the trio of Lostholters down the corridor, pausing before the entrance to the caverns of the House Elessardo. ** My Lady is just within. ** he says defferentially. Ember, a little more accustomed to the route than the others, follows closely behind her father, but beside her brother. Suntop follows as well, keeping pace with his sister, his voice whispering oddly in the tunnels, "How many others are down here? That aren't Underworlders, I mean..." Obviously Kiahn and Ebondune weren't... The Lord of the House Juraido walks quietly towards the beach. Under one arm he carries a stringed instrument, and as he approaches, his brows lift. ** Neither female nor red-haired, either of you... And I do not recall you among the Kymians. ** He glances at Ember. ** From your holt, then I should imagine? ** Ember shakes her head. ** A lot more than there were supposed to be. ** She looks up at Naeblis, slipping then in front of her father. ** Aye, Lord. This is Cutter, my Father and Chief. The other is my brother, Suntop. ** Naeblis studies each in turn, and then nods. ** How... unexpected. No matter... You are both welcome within our caverns, and it is good to have a chance to meet you at last. I am Naeblis, Lord of the House Juraido. ** Cutter's steps slow as he nods in reply to Pellon but, at the send from the darkness, his lips quirk into a slightly lop-sided smile as he props his hands on his hips, one just above the hilt of his curved, troll forged sword. His stance is neither aggressive nor is it submissive as he waits to see how this particular UnderWorlder acts. He opts for the neutral greeting of **Shade..** that Leetah's folk use, instead of the typical Wolfrider send-howl. Naeblis turns to look at Cutter. ** Tell me... What brings you to my home? After all, it is rare that wolfriders come to visit us. ** Cutter shifts his stance until most of his weight rests on his left leg. He glances after Ember and Suntop as they disappear through the door that Pellon pointed out and then looks back to Naeblis, **My family..** he replies. Sounding neither clipped nor overly nice either. It seems he's just feeling out the situation, though he does keep a close eye on the shadows around him. Naeblis raises a brow slightly. ** Your family? ** He too keeps his tone studiously neutral, but he spends far less time watching the shadows, and far more time watching the wolfrider. Cutter's head dips in a nod that would have at one time been quick and concise but, now is more along the lines of smooth and graceful, **Leetah, Ember and ShenShen.. my family...** he sends, sounding a bit possessive and very protective as his gaze shifts to lock fully on the Juraido elf. Naeblis smiles. Patience. ** I see... They are guests, and the House Elessardo has volunteered to see to their needs... But... Why does this surprise you? Were you not informed of their departure for our caverns?** Cutter nods, **Yes, I was informed that they were coming here. Very quickly and very abruptly. I wasn't told why, or how long they'd be gone.. and after a visitor passed through the holt last night, I thought I'd come down and check on them myself.** he replies, still regarding you with a level gaze as he shrugs his shoulders. Naeblis continues to smile. To the heart, then. ** And you have become worried that our hospitality may be lacking? ** Tarrant arrives from the Underground Forest. Tarrant has arrived. Tarrant comes up the tunnel way headed for Elessardo when he pauses a moment to inspect who is here. ** Clear tunnels, Lord Naeblis. ** He then eyes the guest in the politest manner able, ** And who is your companion? ** Cutter's brows lift a bit, **The thought crossed my mind.** he replies to Naeblis as another send voice comes from the darkness and he falls silent, keeping his hands settled on his hips as he watches the tall elf come into focus. Naeblis is obviously familiar with the new arrival, for he spares only a brief glance in that direction. ** Clear tunnels, Tarrant. ** He makes a small motion with one hand. ** This is Cutter, chief of LostHolt. ** His face however, manages to show something akin to hurt. ** I would be offended, were I not used to such things issuing from surface dwellers. As the situation lies, however, they are being treated as is appropriate for guests of the Underworld. ** Tarrant allows a slight smile to play across his features, ** Cutter..., you are the sire of a gallant child. ** He then takes a step back to allow the conversation to continue. Cutter frowns a little at that, **Would you find it so easy to trust if one group of elves had done to you what your tribe did to Sorrow's End?** he asks. And though his tone is level, there is a hint of anger behind it. Silah arrives from the Lava Tunnel. Silah has arrived. Naeblis shrugs. ** Perhaps not. I merely grow weary of being assigned to the same category as those who participated in the raid, when I neither participated nor condoned it. I have yet to meet more than a hand's worth of surface dwellers willing to judge me fairly at our first meeting. ** Cutter's attention is suddenly drawn to Tarrant as his brows drop into an incomprehending frown, **Ember?** he asks, knowing that she's the only child of his that's been down here until tonight. He stands near the door to Elessardo, most of his weight resting on his left leg and his hands settled lightly upon his hips and a fairly relaxed stance. His gaze shifts to Naeblis and he shakes his head, sending his pale mane flying, **I said your tribe.. I didn't say /you/.** he sends, emphasizing it with a pointed look. The soft tapping of bone on rock is mostly all that announces Silah's passage. Okay, so she probably makes a lot more noise to very sensitive ears. Of course the glowmoss basket helps make her stand out like a sore thumb too. Her eyes flicker towards the sends she picks up, and recognizing at least one mindvoice, moves towards the gathering. **Cool winds to you Naeblis..** SHe sends softly. Tarrant nods softly at Cutter, as he retraces a few steps backward. He keeps very silent at this point. So this Cutter is a chief... perhaps Naeblis should deal with him first. Thats what standard protocol would dictate anyway. Naeblis smiles again, patiently. ** All say tribe, and yet speak with only one. If the issue of the raid was not integral to how you perceived me, you would not have mentioned it. ** He shakes his head slightly and holds one hand aloft, palm outwards. ** It is of no consequence. I have begun to grow accustomed to such. But why have you arrived in person, rather than simply sending a messenger to see? What has disturbed you so greatly? ** Cutter's cerulean gaze never leaves Naeblis' countenance as he sends, **If your whole tribe were standing here, I'd say the same. As for sending a messenger... What's the point in doing that? The holt's in good hands for the few days that I'll be here so, why not do my own poking around?** Ah..so, someone else from above that sees much more than is evident on the surface here. Silah inclines her head, however unseen, to Naeblis and the others. She continues her slowm careful pace through the cavern, finally reaching a place where she sits, settling her glowmoss beside her. Naeblis's smile never wavers. ** If my whole tribe were standing before you, would you be any more correct in associating me with the raiders of Sorrow's End? ** He shakes his head. ** It does not matter. ** He tilts his head slightly to one side. ** I do not question your judgement in leaving your holt in the hands of others, merely the need for having done so. ** Tarrant decides this is not the time or the place to explain why he ended up having to use Ember for assistance in a certain event. Cutter seems to be not that accecpting to such news at this point and time. ** I beg your forgiveness, but my attention is needed elswehere. ** And with that the Master of weapons, turns and leaves from where he came from. Silah watches and listens quietly for now, settling in where she has sat herself. One hand holds the shaft of her javelin, the butt end against the stone at her feet. The other, arranges her cloak around her before stilling to rest against her knee. Cutter watches the mysterious elf, Tarrant, leave then shifts his gaze back to Naeblis, **Have you never felt concern for someone in your family, regarless of whether it was founded or not?** he asks and then glances toward the elf maid. **Shade, cousin.** he sends to her, then glances back to Naeblis. Naeblis nods very slightly. ** Of course... Forgive me... It is merely that your unexpected arrival was curious. You mention that you plan to stay in the caverns as well? ** Silah smiles at the new face..watching curiously, but trying not to appear so, or nosey. **Shade to you as well, cousin..** She murmersends, then sends a smile Naeblis' way before commenting.. **Ah..another kinsman of missing kin..** A hint of a smile catches at the corners of Cutter's mouth as Naeblis sends, **I didn't expect to be here either until that visitor passed through.** he replies then glances toward Silah and chuckling at her send. Naeblis frowns slightly. ** Visitor? ** Silah's fingers lightly play over some of the symbols on her javelin, an idle sort of thing, and she seems a bit thoughtful now and again. Her own chuckle rises to join Cutter's in the air for a short time. Cutter glances back and forth between the two of you, as if not quite understanding the visitor reference. With a lifting of his shoulders, he shrugs it off and shakes his head again, giving a snort of laughter at this whole crazy situation. You locksend ** So, what was it that Leetah was needed for anyway? ** to Naeblis. Naeblis locksends ** She is a Healer. The House Elessardo had need of her talent. ** Naeblis's eyes narrow very slightly, and he looks from one to the other. Surface worlders. ** What visitor passed through your holt? ** Okay, so maybe Cutter was a little distracted on that one. It would seem so as his gaze snaps over to Naeblis, giving him his full attention, **Oh.. Bramble, was her name.** he finally replies. Naeblis nods slightly. ** And? What relation is she to your sudden visit? ** Silah tsks in her mind..the wolfchief ought to pay better attention, down here of all places. Silah turns a glance around the area..after all, it's so dark down here, she might miss someone like that Adalia elf, were she to sneak in. Cutter shrugs his shoulders in a nonchalant gesture, **Her visit made me curious.** he replies, giving a short answer not wanting to reveal that what she had to say also made him worry. Naeblis smiles patiently. ** Curious? My... That makes two of us. What did she relate to raise your interest so quickly? ** Silah locksends **