Log file from Cutter.

2/28/2000 10:07:28 PM

Title: Into the Snake's Lair.. Again

Characters: Windkin, Cutter, Strongbow, Ekana, Zyreen, Viresse, Winnowill, Dusk 
and Trollkiller

Synopsis: Cutter and Strongbow arrive at Blue Mountain to check on the fates of 
the Willowholt elves and are invited in by the Lord herself.


Field before Blue Mountain
   A single mountain stands almost unnaturally into the air before you, grand 
and solid. Boulders and uneven, sheer rock faces threaten those who wander too 
close. Huge cracks split the mountain's roots, down to the assortment of rubble 
at its feet and up, hundreds of heights toward the mountain's spindly peak. In 
either the brightness of day or under the light of twin moons, the entire 
mountain and all the rocks about it have a definite blue tint.
   The field, dotted with boulders, seems to end at the mountain itself. One of 
the larger cracks obviously delves in deeper, forming a short, narrowing cave.

While the Gliders within the Mountain sleep or enjoy their revels, one that is 
not a full Glider chooses this time to hunt. Also, he was brought up hunting at 
night and it pretty much stuck. But this night wasn't really for hunting. He did 
take his garotte with him, but it was more to enjoy the air and the flight than 
anything else. Windkin appears near the Mountain and almost drops to the ground 
to rest. But his boots would not like the frozen ground so he remains airborne.

Cutter moves carefully through the forest, keeping a wary eye out for any sign 
of a Glider or their human pets. Rainrunner, for once, pads quietly at his 
bond's side instead of displaying his normal whitecold activities such as trip 
the chief and Cutter bowling. The wolfchief glances over toward Strongbow with 
an expression that seems to become more grim with each passing step. There is 
not a send or a word from him but, with that look, there's really no need.

Strongbow hasn't said a thing for a while now, save for keeping Cutter abreast 
of how safe their path is. He walks next to his wolf-friend, a cape-like 
addition to his usual threads hung tied about his shoulders and neck for a 
little extra warmth, soft leg-boots high as always. The path is clear enough, 
but he carries his bow in a ready position, one hand just waiting to reach 
behind him for an arrow if need be.

Windkin is actually quite warm from flying and the cooler air is invigorating. 
Anything is better than going back into that Mountain right now. Pushing some 
hair out of his eyes he looks out at the landscape and frowns slightly. 
Something is going to happen...he can feel it...

Strongbow pauses at a nearby treeline, stepping out slowly from around some 
shrubbery, lifting a hand behind him. ** Hold. ** Something's caught the 
archer's eye, up in the sky. Glider? The figure is flying, at least. The 
moonlight doesn't shine off the elf, so he doesn't place it as a member of the 
Chosen. Regardless, they're not here to sneak in. Rather, it's time to let their 
presence be known, at least to the one in flight. ** Who is that, up there? ** 
he sends, straight at the floater.

Cutter looks up, noting the flying figure about the same time that Strongbow 
does but, since the archer's send is gotten off first, he waits for an answer as 
he watches the figure in the darkened sky, glancing over at Strongbow and then 
back up.

Before entering the Mountain, Windkin pauses, turnning at the send. Could it be? 
If it is who he thinks it is...why in Timmorn's name is he here? ** 
Strongbow...is that you? ** He begins to float gently down closer to the ground.

Strongbow's head snaps towards Cutter at Windkin's send, then back towards the 
elf, gone from Lostholt for some time now. ** Windkin? What are -you- doing 
here? ** he prompts, perhaps forgetting that Windkin had come here. That, or 
he's surprised he's still here.

Cutter's brows lift at the familiar send voice, **Windkin..? I thought you would 
have left here by now. What's kept you in the mountain for so long?** he queries 
as a hand reaches to idly scratch the top of Rainrunner's head.

Who cares about his boots...or the wet feet he'll get! Windkin follows the sends 
and lands, his smile brighter than it's been in turns. ** High Ones, it's good 
to see you two! But...** his brows crease, ** What are you doing here? ** He 
hasn't answered the question directed at him yet.

** To find out why the Willowholt is still here, when they were supposed to have 
arrived in the holt already. ** Strongbow answers, not the type to play the 'you 
first!' game. He'll answer, then press. ** Now, you. ** He doesn't relax, in 
spite of seeing a familiar face.

Willowholt -is- still here, aren't they? Windkin didn't know they were supposed 
to go on. But then again, he tries to pay as little attention to the politics of 
the Mountain as it is. As for himself, ** I Recognized someone here... ** His 
smile fades as this is sent. But it's been nearly two turns and Zyreen has been 
hiding. He hasn't heard a whit about any cub.

Cutter simply nods in agreement with Strongbow's statement and waits patiently 
for an answer to his question, though there is a slight dip to his brows as 
Windkin seems to avoid the question. Idly, his fingers scratch behind 
Rainrunner's ears as he settles his free hand on his hip, just above New Moon's 
hilt.

Willowholt -is- still here, aren't they? Windkin didn't know they were supposed 
to go on. But then again, he tries to pay as little attention to the politics of 
the Mountain as it is. As for himself, ** I Recognized someone here... ** His 
smile fades as this is sent. But it's been nearly two turns and Zyreen has been 
hiding. He hasn't heard a whit about any cub.

Strongbow doesn't exactly see how that really answers the question, though. ** 
Aye, but why are you still here? Scouter and Dewshine have been concerned. ** he 
explains, glancing past Windkin towards the Mountain itself. It's as large and 
imposing as ever, and he's still not too eager to actually go in there. Has to 
be done, though.

Cutter's brows shoot straight upward, **Recogized..? A cub might do you some 
good.** he sends to Windkin with a shaking of his shoulders that seems to 
indicate an inward chuckle, no matter that he's this close to the mountain. New 
of a new life, is always something to smile about, right? Now, why isn't Windkin 
smiling? Hmmm.. His expression suddenly turns thoughtful. **Why are you still 
here?** he questions as he watches the smile fade away.

Windkin sighs heavily and casts a glance to the Mountain, ** Because I refused 
to have any cub of mine raised in the Mountain...but she insists. So I told her 
we would wait until the cub has been born...but it has been over two turns, I am 
thinking. ** That doesn't bode well.

Strongbow's eyes darken, narrowing swiftly. ** She? Winnowill? ** If it is... ** 
She has no right to demand where a cub will grow up. **

Cutter's brows shoot straight upward, **Recogized..? A cub might do you some 
good.** he sends to Windkin with a shaking of his shoulders that seems to 
indicate an inward chuckle, no matter that he's this close to the mountain. New 
of a new life, is always something to smile about, right? Now, why isn't Windkin 
smiling? Hmmm.. His expression suddenly turns thoughtful. **Why are you still 
here?** he questions as he watches the smile fade away.

Windkin sighs heavily and casts a glance to the Mountain, ** Because I refused 
to have any cub of mine raised in the Mountain...but she insists. So I told her 
we would wait until the cub has been born...but it has been over two turns, I am 
thinking. ** That doesn't bode well.

Strongbow's eyes darken, narrowing swiftly. ** She? Winnowill? ** If it is... ** 
She has no right to demand where a cub will grow up. **
Cutter doesn't seem to quite follow which /she/ Windkin refers to but, his hand 
unconciously falls to New Moon's hilt anyway, **She? You mean Winnowill?** he 
asks, definately growing uneasy over this. Inwardly he hopes that his insticts 
are wrong on this one.

Windkin shakes his head, ** No...Zyreen. The one I Recognized. ** He really 
doesn't seem pleased about the whole situation. In fact, he looks quite 
uncomfortable. At least his mother and Tyldak got released...

Ekana arrives from Blue Mountain just as the door quietly melts back into place.
Ekana has arrived.

Yeyeen flies down from above.
Yeyeen has arrived.

Yeyeen flows down hovering over the field from high up on the Mountain.

If Winnowill's not the one making Windkin's cub stay and Zyreen is..maybe 
Winnowill's still involved with that somehow. Strongbow maintains a hold on his 
bow as he listens to Windkin's answer, sharing that displeased look. ** Not 
right..your cub shouldn't grow up in this place. **

Ekana steps out of the cave with bow over her shoulder, and well wrapped up in 
her furs, the look of one on her way to do some hunting. THe furs covering her 
are more wolfrider than glider and the weapons definately are, though her height 
and slender frame would suggest glider. She pauses to allow her eyes to adjust 
to the light outside the mountain though her eyes turn towards the gathering if 
they are close enough to scent.

Yeyeen stares at Windkin from her perch midair, her eyes cutting right into him.

Cutter's expression looses a bit of its wariness as he thinks on that answer for 
a few moments before nodding, ** And she is the only one insisting..? ** he 
presses Windkin just a bit further, hoping that the Snake hasn't gotten hold of 
the younger elf's wits somehow.

Windkin slumps against the face of the Mountain, ** I'm beginning to wonder even 
-if- there is a cub...Zyreen has been hiding for moons. ** And if there is, 
indeed a cub they might just hide it. He glances to Cutter, ** On, Winnowill 
wants me to stay and be one of the Hunters or something...but I don't wish to. 
** Yet he is still here...and he -was- out hunting. Something then causes him to 
straighten, amber eyes flashing as he searches the darkness.

Windkin locksends, to Strongbow, Cutter: ** Gliders...hide... **

You sense in a locksend to Windkin, Cutter: Strongbow's answer is firm. ** No. 
No hiding. **

** If you don't want to be here, then leave. ** Strongbow answers Windkin, 
scowling not at his inability to do so, but at what he believes are attempts to 
make him stay. Suspicious, isn't he? At a send from Windkin Strongbow's eyes 
snap upwards, alerted to the presence of others. He and Cutter aren't far from 
Windkin at all. Close enough to be within verbal speaking distance. ** Who's up 
there? ** he sends, seeking.

Yeyeen straightens in the air and calls out to windkin, in a loud deep voice, "I 
am NOT mad!" she then seems to tense and fall several feet before regaining her 
ability to glide, frustration causes her breathing to become harsh.

Ekana stands on a boulder near the entrance, not hiding at all from the group. 
At the send she starts climbing carefully down the rock, though she's made that 
trip now so many times she's gotten quite good at it.

Cutter nods in agreement with something then glances up at Windkin's send. He 
gives a firm shake of his pale-maned head and smiles, **We came to enter the 
moutain, not hide from the Gliders.** he replies to Windkin. His expression 
turns into something close to amusement at the outburst from the floating elf, 
though his blue gaze shifts to follow the elf that moves along the ground.

Windkin frowns first at Yeyeen and dismisses her. The expression is then turned 
to his two tribesmates, ** You're wishing to enter... ** He seems to have a hard 
time comprehending that. ** Why? **

Ekana hears that bit and seems mildly surprised as well as she jumps off the 
last bit of rubble and stands on solid ground.

Yeyeen locksends ** I will not allow Windkin to leave this mountain without 
me...he is mine, and I am his, I will not allow it! <agonizing 
anger/frustration/fear> **

Yeyeen locksends, to Strongbow, Cutter: ** I will not allow Windkin to leave 
this mountain without me...he is mine, and I am his, I will not allow it! 
<agonizing anger/frustration/fear> **

With a wince, a hand goes to the Windkin's temple, as if trying to stave off a 
send.

Strongbow is caught faintly off-guard by a send from Yeyeen, and his eyes snap 
her way. ** Whether Windkin leaves this place or not is not your decision to 
make, glider. ** he answers coldly, staving off a low growl at the frantic way 
it sounds. High Ones...

Yeyeen gives a light yelp, and falls another few feet in the air, before 
regaining her control over her flight slightly, she slowly lands on a boulder at 
the side of the mountain, 20 yards up from the base. She pales slightly upon 
beginning to rest.

Both hands raise to his temples and Windkin is almost driven to his knees. It's 
not a blacksend, but it's darned close.

Ekana sighs softly as she finds she's likely going to have to play the 
peacekeeper again and she steps forward, no longer the quiet observer, ** No one 
is going or staying anywhere they don't want to. Yeyeen, do you want me to tell 
Lord Winnowill of your behavior? She would not take kindly to this. **

Yeyeen tries to calm herself on the boulder, ** I care not what you say to her, 
I am sure she knows my feelings on this, and my reasons for it..let them take 
the cub, but -I- will not let Windkin leave this place without me again**

Ekana looks apologetically to the others, ** That is his decision to make, not 
yours Yeyeen. **

Windkin manages a harsh laugh at Yeyeen's open send, "If I had known how you 
would react the first time," he all but hisses, "I wouldn't have taken you at 
all."

Yeyeen stands dizzily from her spot, and lifts herself off of the ground, ** You 
leave, and I will come and find you... ** she sends, not so much as a threat, 
but as a promise...then she begins to rise back towards the top of the mountain.

Strongbow's eyes narrow harshly on Yeyeen, returning to her after he finds a 
thing or two out from Windkin. ** You. Yeyeen. Get out of his head and STAY out. 
** The send is hot and heavy, bordering on an unspoken threat, as if just 
challenging her to defy his order. ** Leave him alone. ** Sorry Cutter.

Viresse flies down from above.
Viresse has arrived.

Cutter's gaze narrows as he catches the open parts of Yeyeen's sends and the 
private ones to himself, of course. A low growl rumbles from his chest as he 
watches her go. He keeps his thoughts to himself, refusing to let the Black 
Snake catch all of his thoughts. He glances to Strongbow, sending in a low but, 
final send voice, **Quiet, you know she can probably hear you.**

Ekana's eyes follow Yeyeen as she departs back to the Mountain. Her eyes don't 
leave the floating form until she disappears
Yeyeen floats out of sight of those on the ground, and enters the mountain.

Yeyeen pushes the air away and lifts higher... and higher...
Yeyeen has left.

Windkin manages to find his balance and lifts slightly off the ground. It's more 
comfortable for him to float anyhow. High Ones, what has he gotten himself into. 
Taking a shaky deep breath he looks over to his tribesmates and offers, "Welcome 
to Blue Mountain."

High up at the mountain's pinnacle, a dark speck detaches itself and spirals 
around in the air before descending towards the small group along the rocky 
surface. The speck grows larger before turning into the figure of a tall female 
glider, gray cloak billowing behind her as she nears the ground. Viresse slows 
her descent towards the last score or so, touching down on a rocky spot near the 
slope of the Mountain and to one side of the group gathered. Her dark raven 
tresses settle about her shoulders as translucent eyes turn towards the 
wolfriders, and their chieftain in particular...

** Good. ** Strongbow turns back to face Cutter as Yeyeen flies off. ** The 
sooner we go in and make sure the Willowholt is well and coming with us, the 
sooner we leave. ** He's not afraid of hiding anything from Winnowill. Let her 
hear. Still holding his bow, he folds his arms over his chest and his gaze 
shifts towards Viresse, passing over Ekana along the way. He'd noted her 
already, but hadn't had cause to really acknowledge her as of yet.

Ekana sends openly ** The Willowholters are all well. ** she sends with some 
certainty, ** They have been taken good care of, and are unharmed. ** **

The rock walls slide apart as 'Door' uses her powers, and a slight figure in 
flowing robes of glider make appears. "Be wary of where you step. The plants 
have a bite to them." The soft, whispering voice is almost eerily calm, and is 
accompanied by a pair of large, luminous violet eyes and a moon-pale face, 
crowned by characteristically messy strawberry-blonde locks of hair. Zyreen 
looks around with an almost bored expression, then takes a few more steps 
outward. Her arms are serenly clasped just below her breasts, her long sleeves 
trailing.

Now firmly settled on the ground, Viresse steps over a jagged rock and 
approaches the group at an even pace. Her colourless eyes flicker over 
Cutter's expressive face before looking to Strongbow's stony gaze. ** Well, 
well... this is a pleasant occurrance. To be so far from home... welcome, Lost 
Holt. ** she sends quietly.

Windkin whirls about in the air at the familiar voice. Where has she been?! 
Windkin seems to ignore most of what is going on as Zyreen makes her entrance, 
although he does send, somewhat sarcastically, ** Oh, aye...strangleweed does 
tend to have that, doesn't it? **
From afar, to Strongbow, Cutter: Viresse laughs. "Of that, I know. You don't 
have to trust me... but you know of me from my visits, and 
Ynderra likes me. You can form your own opinions, of course. **

Strongbow hasn't likely forgotten the strangleweed, given the first time he was 
at this place. Some things tend to stick, even for Wolfriders. He doesn't 
actually answer Zyreen, but rather nods, a brow lifting at Windkin's whirling 
towards her. Clearly, she's someone he knows. To Ekana, he answers, ** The 
Willowholt was to have come to Lostholt some time ago. ** This noted, it should 
hopefully be evident that they're here because the Willowholt still is. At 
Viresse's greeting, he then eyes her, sifting through memories to place the 
face.

Cutter looks up as another figure settles onto a nearby rock and yet another 
comes from the doorway. He glances toward Ekana, offering her a slight nod in 
greeting then his gaze shifts back to the other two maidens. His brows lift 
slightly at hearing that Willowholt is well, and he crosses his arms over his 
chest. He holds his thoughts for a moment as Viresse welcomes himself and 
Strongbow and then he steps forward, glancing once to the archer as if sending, 
**We have come to see Rillwhisper and her tribe.** he sends rather flatly.

You locksend ** Will the Snake herself come out next? ** to Strongbow.

Viresse inclines her head rather gracefully, acknowledging the chieftain's 
request. ** Of course, Cutter. There is one by that name here, as well as some 
of her tribe. I see no problem in you seeing them. **

You sense in a locksend, Strongbow isn't amused, though his words may hint 
otherwise. ** Quite the welcoming party already. **

Ekana sends openly ** They are hardly prisoners...Send to them if you question 
that. **

Viresse stiffens slightly, her sky-blue eyes turning towards the Mountain for a 
brief instant of concentration before looking back to the group.

** We prefer seeing that ourselves, with our own eyes. ** Strongbow replies to 
Ekana, not exactly looking any more relieved in spite of the generally good 
news. Whatever the case, this is enemy territory as far as he's concerned.

"Hello, lifemate." Zyreen seems to deliberately brush aside Windkin's sends, not 
deigning to respond. Rather, her gaze seems focused more on the new arrivals, 
and a flick of interest sparks in her eyes. "Who are these elves?" She 
deliberately avoids sending, though more out of obstinacy than fear. "Surely not 
Briarholt again?" The small nose wrinkles in dainty distaste.

Winnowill arrives from Blue Mountain just as the door quietly melts back into 
place.
Winnowill has arrived.

Cutter glances at the archer as if to shh him then looks back to Viresse, **I 
would see Rillwhisper and the rest of Willowholt.** he replies then glances 
toward Zyreen and shakes his head, **Hardly, Briarholt..** he replies looking 
quite serious about the matter.

Windkin rankles at being brushed aside so easily. He won't let her get away that 
easily. Taking hold of her arm he starts to say something...but then switches 
it. "These are my tribesmates, Zyreen...Strongbow, and my chief, Cutter." Oh, 
no...he's not about to say he's allied himself with the Mountain.

Viresse turns and bows as the Lord of Blue Mountain emerges from within, her 
attitude one of respect.

Winnowill emerges from the rock of the Mountainside with a wash of stone-shaping 
magic around her. She is flanked by several who might be recognized as wearing 
the garb of the Chosen Eight. She appears much changed from those who have seen 
her in the past. Almost an ivory-cool echo of the Mother of Memory's serenity 
enshrouding her. At least until you catch a glimpse of those sharp, glinting 
eyes.

Zyreen's eyes widen in surprise at Windkin's words. "Your tribe? Really?" Her 
hands go protectively to her very flat stomach, and her eyes narrow. "They're 
only here for Willowholt, then?"

Strongbow stands beside Cutter, the two Lostholters so bold as to have come 
right up to the Mountain in the interest of actually coming inside. As Winnowill 
herself shows herself along with her entourage, he stands firm and simply 
switches the positions of his folded arms, continuing to hold his bow in one 
hand. So, now to see what will happen.

Ekana looks up as WInnowill appears and she looks more than mildly surprised. 
She stands back to let them handle things =
Flat stomach. Windkin grips Zyreen's arm a little tighter. He noticed 
Winnowill's entrance, but she is not important now. "Where's the cub?"

Winnowill's peacock eyes settle on Windkin. "Child, if you please, there are 
matters of import for us to discuss here. Please continue your own privately."

Cutter stands beside Strongbow with his arms crossed over his chest. He looks up 
as the door opens again and the Snake appears. His brow furrows momentarily 
before he glances toward Strongbow with an 'I told you so' look. That done, he 
looks back to Winnowill and fights down the urge to snarl at her as the hackles 
stand up on the back of his neck. He seems outwardly unimpressed by the 
appearance of the Chosen behind their lord and he straightens to gaze directly 
into those glinting eyes.. yep.. a snake in sheep's clothing he concludes to 
himself. He's not about to bow to her and well she should know it by now **We've 
come to see the Willowholt elves and their chieftess.** he sends keeping it 
short, sweet and to the point.

Zyreen's lips curl into a smile. "Cub? What cub? I'm sure I don't know what you 
mean." She gives Windkin a sly look, masked by a newly blank expression. She 
struggles to yank her arm out of his grasp. "You are embarassing me in front of 
the Lord." She hisses at him, glancing over at Winnowill apologetically, trying 
to move out of her way.

Winnowill turns to Cutter and gazes softly at him, before her eyes flick to 
Strongbow with what appears to be a touch of amusement. At Cutter's blunt words, 
her lips curve. "It will be difficult indeed to remain here and see them. Will 
you not accept our hospitality Inside?"

If the intent of having the Chosen along was supposed to intimidate Strongbow, 
nothing doing. He locks eyes with Winnowill for a passing moment as 
he's..greeted by her, then his lips tug into a frown. ** Winnowill. If there is 
a cub, that is not a minor matter. ** A thoroughly disapproving glare lands upon 
Zyreen. ** Is there a cub, or isn't there? You Recognized, did you not? ** They 
may be here to see the Willowholt, but Windkin's problem isn't something he 
would see ignored. ** Where are they? ** he sends again, this time in answer to 
the..invitation inside.
\
Viresse does not repeat her earlier comment on the availability of the 
Willowholt chieftess or her tribe. Instead, she remains in a posture of respect, 
deferring the conversation to Lord Winnowill.

You locksend ** We're here now. We'll help you find your cub if /She's/ done 
something with your cub.. <<growls>> ** to Windkin.

Zyreen's eyes are locked on Windkin, as fast and furious sends are felt passing 
through the two of them. Zyreen glances occasionally at Strongbow, her lip 
curling in disdain.

Windkin's eyes flick to his tribesmate and chief before turning back to Zyreen. 
It seems they have been taking their discussion private. But he doesn't look too 
pleased.

Cutter lets his gaze shift to Windkin as he lets the archer fire of questions at 
Zyreen. His attention rapidly returns to Winnowill and he straightens, letting 
his hands fall to his hips as he nods, **We will.** he replies to her offer of 
hospitality though it's clear in his expression that he doesn't trust Winnowill 
any more now than he did the last time they crossed paths.

Windkin looks about ready to rip someone's throat out...even though he's not a 
wolfrider by blood, he seemed to inherit -someone's- temper. If she's not 
careful, he might just go for Zyreen.

Ekana leans back against a boulder a slight distance away and basically keeps 
out of the way. There's Lord Winnowill and the Chosen to handle matters after 
all. She'll just keep an eye on things just in cae

Zyreen jerks her arm away from Windkin, pausing to glare at Strongbow. Her lips 
curl into a smirk. "There is no cub. You are right, of course. I'm simply 
dragging Windkin along for the fun of it. Are we done now?" She arches one 
blonde eyebrow at Windkin, a bored expression on her face. "I had not realized 
that I was going to be submitted to such....blatant cries for attention. Had I 
known, I would have stayed with my plants for another turn or so."

Winnowill ignores the archer's uncouth demands and smiles to Cutter. "You will, 
of course, be expected to leave your weapons Outside with your wolves. I am sure 
you understand. Your safety Inside is ensured so long as you do not precipitate 
trouble yourselves. Please, consider yourselves our guests." She guestures 
lightly to the yawning chasm open within the mountain and you are well aware how 
once foot has been set inside, it will close again. A cage within a cage, 
perhaps.

You sense in a locksend, Strongbow roils at this. ** I am not leaving my bow 
behind. **

No cub...? For the FUN of it? Windkin can hardly believe what he hears. "Send 
that..." he demands. No...he can't believe it. His soulname...

You locksend ** I don't like it any more than you but, if we want to see 
Rillwhisper and the rest.. it's got to be done. <<not at all 
pleased with this turn of events>> ** to Strongbow.

Strongbow locksends ** It is a trap. <<sure of it>> **

Strongbow rather ignores Zyreen, quickly deeming her insignificant and not worth 
the wasted energy at this point in time. The truth will come out. At the news 
that the weapons are to be left behind, he scowls again, well aware that it is 
not he and Cutter who hold the cards here, but Winnowill. Still.. ** We're not 
here to cause trouble. But you keep yours away from our wolves and weapons. ** 
Then he warns, ** Windkin... **

Cutter's attention is drawn toward the fighting couple, **You would toy with one 
that you have Recognized?** he asks sounding entirely shocked at that. Worse 
than the Go-Backs that's what the Gliders are.. at least the GoBacks remember 
what it is to be an elf.. well, sort of. His gaze shifts to Winnowill and he 
nods as he unfastens the belt holding the familiar weight of New Moon against 
his hip. Once the sword is off, he turns and holds it out to Rainrunner, sending 
to his bond to hide it and keep it safe while he's in the mountain.

Winnowill inclines her head. "I shall set the Hunters to be your guards, if you 
wish..." She turns to Ekana, raising her brows slightly.

Ekana nods at this, ** So long as they do not get into any fights with the bonds 
of some of the other Hunters, they'll be well. **

Her expression unreadable, Viresse turns towards the entrance and gestures to 
the wolfriders to follow her and the others back into the Mountain.

"Send it? You think to dictate to me what I should do?" Zyreen looks briefly 
furious, her calm mien disappearing. Her small hands clench into fists, then 
relax again, as she responds icily. "I will not. You will obviously believe 
whatever drivel your tribesmates spew forth, so what does it matter what I say?" 
She levels an irritated look at Cutter. "Who is toying here? Myself....or you?" 
She looks blatantly at Winnowill, then back to Cutter, smirking.

Strongbow doesn't like this. Not one single bit. But like Cutter, he relents and 
gives up his bow, arrows, and blade to his bond, sending the wolf off 
afterwards. He doesn't think much of having others guard him, but may consider 
it. Zyreen, however, highly tries whatever patience he has left. ** Winnowill. 
Hush her, please. ** he requests, pointing at Zyreen. If she won't, he just 
might...

Winnowill raises her brows, "Ah, but my dear Strongbow, was it not enforcing my 
will upon others which caused your tribe to hate me so in the past? I have been 
enlightened and now view there to be better ways." Her lips twitch slightly with 
veiled amusement.

Cutter's gaze shifts to Zyreen and then to Windkin. He shakes his head, 
apparently feeling sorry for Dewshine's son. He then looks back to Winnowill and 
shakes his head, "I don't think we'll need a guard, we didn't come to start a 
fight," he replies to the dark-haired Lord, then moves to follow Viresse into 
the mountain.

Strongbow's teeth clench together at Winnowill's send, the Mountain Lord 
essentially correct this time. He'll just have to ignore Zyreen, it seems. 
Timmorn only knows what may happen if he tried to shut her up himself. Hands 
settle into fists and he starts after Cutter.

Winnowill slips through the magically shaped cave wall into Blue Mountain before 
the rock melts back into place.
Winnowill has left.

Viresse slips through the magically shaped cave wall into Blue Mountain before 
the rock melts back into place.
Viresse has left.

Windkin is stunned. He has been here for all these turns, offering Zyreen so 
much of himself...and there is no cub. His eyes close a moment...she has his 
soulname. Well, if Strongbow won't shut her up, 
Windkin just might.

A wave of green shaping magic washes over the solid rock wall, causing it to 
melt away and reveal a murky depth within.

Blue Mountain Catacombs
	High above the smooth stone floor, a chair shaped of the very stuff of the 
mountain stands solemn guard, empty of the keeper that once rested motionless 
within it. Beneath the chair, the smooth oval of the door for which its keeper 
was named stretches within arched wings of stone. To the left, a dark tunnel is 
outlined in a rim of berry-wine light; overhead, a broad opening leads, 
stairless, into twining, claustrophobic darkness.
Disoriented, you peer around; numerous hallways, corridors and shafts open from 
the room in all directions. Some, you must fly or 'climb' to reach.

Strongbow enters through the door, the magically shaped rock melting back into 
place as he arrives.
Strongbow has arrived.

Ekana enters through the door, the magically shaped rock melting back into place 
as she arrives.
Ekana has arrived.


Windkin enters through the door, the magically shaped rock melting back into 
place as he arrives.
Windkin has arrived.

Zyreen enters through the door, the magically shaped rock melting back into 
place as she arrives.
Zyreen has arrived.

As he moves by, Strongbow reaches out and takes hold of one of Windkin's arms, 
firmly but not painfully. Enough to catch his attention, he hopes. ** Windkin. 
Not now. ** he sends sternly, somewhat protectively. ** Any elf who would do 
that is NOT worth it. You'll just get yourself in trouble. ** He sends it all 
openly, caring little about who hears it or not.

Is he done ranting? He's barely begun! If Zyreen would show, just once, that she 
actually hurts...or is pleased...anything but this insufferable, arrogant, 
impartiality! As his arm is taken he floats closer to the ground, unable to look 
the archer in the eyes, ** It was for her I stayed here all these turns... ** He 
is still, his feet finally landing heavily on the floor, ** For her I came back. 
** And for what?

Zyreen's face might be carved out of pretty marble for all the expression she 
shows. She merely watches Strongbow with a placid look, then turns the same 
unwavering gaze on Windkin. **I am sorry for you, Windkin, that you feel that I 
have forced you into staying here at my home.** She sends at last, a sharp, 
bitter tang tinging her thoughts. **Perhaps next time you recognize, you will 
find your mate more to your liking.**

** Then if it's her you came back for, you can return home with us. ** Strongbow 
answers Windkin, a simple solution in theory. Now then...

Cutter follows along, keeping quiet as he watches the shadows and lets Strongbow 
help Windkin. It's all he can do to keep from growling at the Gliders around him 
as he moves into the mountain, proper. The hair on the back of his neck stands 
up and he wonders once more, why he agreed to put his tail into a sling by 
coming here again.

Viresse floats up into the catacombs.
Viresse has left.

Winnowill has left north into the Southern Hall.
Winnowill has left.

Strongbow has left north into the Southern Hall.
Strongbow has left.

Windkin floats up into the catacombs.
Windkin has left.

Zyreen has left north into the Southern Hall.
Zyreen has left.

You move north, into the Southern Hall.

Southern Hall(#280RJa)
	Sheer elegance of size unfolds before you. The Southern Hall, entrance to 
Blue Mountain, expands upwards into a dark indigo, slowly falling back down in 
lighter hues, mauve just overhead and a damp pink at foot. Carved and shaped 
from the stone, hawks and falcons adorn the walls near the entrance. Stone ivy, 
tainted with a vibrant green and brown of shaping magic, slowly progresses 
towards the north, first intermingling with real flora, then disappearing behind 
what could only be lush vegetation for a cavern. 
	To the west, a staircase forms an octagon as it angles down in a colorful 
and playful design of color. Although the bottom step shares the same rich blue 
stone as the floor, each consecutive step shifts hues until the last reaches a 
deep green, leading into the shadows of an arch. To the southeast, another arch 
decends into a grotto, night-sky blue pillars shouldering either side. 
	The air is fresh and clean, a breeze blowing through unseen places high 
above. A rich sweetness of vegetation rolls in through the northern arch. 
Overhead, shadowy bridges span the eastern and western walls, drawn from the 
very stone. Although lit well enough to make out the distinct details of the 
hall, the huge space echoes voices and footsteps several times, contributing to 
the immenseness of Blue Mountain.

Windkin glides down from above.
Windkin has arrived.

High Ones. Is this how Dewshine felt when she discovered she Recognized Tyldak? 
Did history have to repeat itself?

Zyreen continues to follow the small party of wolfriders, hands tucked into here 
sleeves, a serene look upon her face. She pauses occasionally to watch Windkin, 
though beneath a veil of lashes, as if she could hide her curiousity from the 
others.

Strongbow feels very much like things may turn sour sometime during Cutter and 
his stay here, but come what may. That the Willowholt has not even left yet is 
reason enough to be concerned over what may or may not be happening. Alongside 
Cutter he paces, making sure Windkin doesn't stray far.

Dusk walks down the stairs from above.
Dusk has arrived.

Dusk looks up from cleaning a variety of bits of leather and weaponry from the 
last hunt, and staggers backwards a little. ** ...I... ** He blinks again. ** 
Cutter? Strongbow?! **

Trollkiller looks up from cleaning a variety of bits of leather and weaponry 
from the last hunt, and staggers backwards a little. ** ...I... ** He blinks 
again. ** Cutter? Strongbow?! **