"Nial Awakens" 2/25/97 Cast: Winnowill, Nial, Azeure Event: Winnowill awakens Nial from his 5000+ turn slumber, and Azeure is unsettled by the seeming closeness between Winnowill and Nial. A banter of wills begins, setting Azeure against Nial for Winnowill's affections and trust. The Lord of the Mountain enters the room, a dark figure in the darkened room. A send of the cool darkness threads through, laced with fire. ** Nial... ** High in a niche on the wall sits Nial, in the same place he's been for so very many years, little more than a shadow midst many more shadows. The sending has no visable effect on him. Winnowill casts a dark look around the room before ascending the almost-invisible steps to Nial's niche. Upon reaching the niche, she extends one glowing hand to lightly brush at his temple. ** Nial... ** One pale hand twitches almost imperceptibly, long fingers curling slightly where they rest on dark stone. Still the other elf does not answer, his expression blank. Firey feeling twinges through the one who has sat so long, a call to return to sense... to return to the Mountain... The fire slowly stirs sluggish circulation, creeping up into thoughts that whirl with endless, distant slowness -- drugged thoughts, heavy with the Dreaming -- thoughts that hear the call and rouse faintly. ** Nial... come to me... return to your Mountain... and your Lord... ** The Dream-coloured fog begins to disperse, pushed away by the flame and that mind's touch. His eyelids flicker for a moment, then open slowly. The Lord of Blue Mountain smiles thoughtfully. ** I trust you slept well, Nial? ** Pupils, dark against the white-green that surrounds them, narrow and focus on the elf before them. He takes his time in answering, the sending coming slowly through from the corners of his mind. ** . . .yes. . . ** She smiles. ** Good. It is time to awaken, and see what these new minds have to offer us. ** The other blinks again, slowly, his gaze shifting to look slowly about the chamber. ** . . . How long have I slept? ** Thin and dark lips curl into a soft smile as she offers her hand to you. ** A while. Long enough. ** Several moments elapse before the other does anything, at which point his gaze drifts down to his left hand, head tilting slightly to allow for it. Again his slender fingers twitch, one lifting from the rock. ** I . . . I do not believe I am able. It has been . . . too long, perhaps. ** Winnowill chuckles softly. ** Nial... you should not have slept so deeply... I warned you what might happen... ** She extends her reach, sending ripples of healing through your body, tracing every muscle, every nerve... Nial shivers faintly, closing his eyes once again and leaning back against the wall that has supported his frail form for so long. His thoughts never even approach pulling away from it -- in fact, if anything, they embrace it as would a plant long been denied the sun. The healing swirls around every fiber of your being, thrilling it into life, returning motion and control, even passion of blood... for age has passion of the mind and blood... After a time, the other elf again moves his hand. This time though, he raises it fully off the stone ledge, holding it up nearly to eyelevel and turning it over slowly, moving each finger slowly and seperately. He does this several times before looking at you again, the pupils of his eyes widening only slightly. The dark one smiles thoughtfully. ** How do you feel? ** Azeure arrives from the Winnowill's Room. Winnowill stands on a slender ledge high above the floor, leaning into a small niche where sits a figure of great presence. Azeure glides into view, a brow arching as he finds Winnowill with company -here-.. in his hands a platter with portions of meat and root upon it ** Ahhh.. I had hoped to find you here.. ** Winnowill turns, looking down, yet somehow doing so without releasing the form which sits in the niche. The dark figure in the niche turns his gaze back to his hand, watching his fingertips for just a bit longer before lowering it back to rest on a narrow stone ledge. He begins to answer, the soft, rustling tones of his sending trailing off almost before they've begun as he looks toward the new arrival. One black brow lifts, the only trace of expression showing on his features. Azeure arches a brow now, bowing slightly before gliding upwards to join you both ** Lord..I thought you might wish to partake of Tylek's newest conquest.. a rather large beast with good meat.. enough to sustain us for a few days.. ** Azeure's thin lips curl a bit ** Even the Lord of the Gliders must eat you know.. ** Winnowill almost waves Azeure aside, as her healing magic flows to the other figure. ** I... do not hunger. ** Azeure peers quietly at the dark figure for a moment, tilting his head to the side a bit, his brows knitting now as he sets the platter down ** Then perhaps later.. what is it you tend to now then?.. I do not recognize this one.. ** Winnowill laughs softly. ** Ask him yourself. ** Azeure moves to Winnowill's side now, looking at the dark figure ** Indeed.. you must have been here for quite some time to have escaped my memory.. ** Azeure locksends ** My mate, how long have you kept this one here?.. I know I would have remembered his face.. ** A gentle note of curiosity hangs like an unseen questionmark in the air, lingering for a moment before fading as the third elf returns the look. A moment of silence passes, then the soft rustling solidifies, becoming instead something comparable to an echo, soft and dark. ** I have, ** he sends simply, leaning again into the stone behind him. Winnowill continues to send waves of healing to the other elf, her hands glowing in a faint violet-black-gold haze. Azeure's thin lips curl as he nods, once ** Very well then.. ** he nods slightly to the dark figure, ** For one who has been dreaming past my years.. an introduction it seems in order.. I am Azeure.. son of Melanthe and Tyndel.. and honored as one of our Lord's Chosen.. ** ** Melanthe. And Tyndel. ** The so-far nameless elf considers this, closing his eyes for a moment as the wash of magic runs through his thoughts. ** I am afraid those names mean nothing to me. I, Chosen, am Nial, son of Faedak and Nasaia. ** Winnowill smiles thinly as she continues to aid the other. Azeure's arms fold before his chest, frowning thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing slightly, calculating ** Even the deepest dreamers were not in dreaming when mother and father lived among these halls openly.. hmmm.. interesting that you do not know them Nial.. but nonetheless.. it appears you have a long recovery ahead dreamer ** Azeure tilts his head a bit ** As perhaps an extension of my duties.. should our kind and wise Lord see fit.. I will assist in whatever way I can to re-assimilate you to life here amongst those of us who do not dream.. such as you have been. ** Azeure glances to Winnowill. Azeure locksends ** My dark lover, do please grant me this one.. he intrigues me so.. ** Winnowill sends darkly. ** Azeure. Nial has Dreamed far longer than you think... for he and Aurek... were once... ** Her send trails off as she smiles darkly. ** For that honour, I think you had best ask Nial himself. ** ** Perhaps, ** the dark one, Nial, turns his gaze back to Azeure, the pupils of his eyes narrowing slightly as he focuses them. ** Recovery has never been difficult for me. ** His other brow lifts now slightly. ** Ah yes. ** The soft tone of his mind's voice slowly acquires an almost fond sense, almost as an afterthought. ** Aurek. . . ** Azeure grins, nodding slowly ** I see Lord Winnowill.. hmmm.. well then Nial...** Azeure locksends ** Indeed... he does grow more intriguing by the moment... ** You locksend ** /Darkly/ Have fun... ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Hmmm.. an invitation such as that and I might reconsider a love for you... /darkly as well.. but in an almost playful manner.. though he keeps himself at less distance.. humor may be able to be felt as a defense/ ** A slow, dark smile plays at one corner of Nial's thin lips -- a smile almost familiar. He shakes his head once or twice slowly, his gaze flitting to the dark Healer for a heartbeat. ** Another time. ** You locksend ** /She finds it amusing herself./ ** to Azeure. Azeure arches a brow now, his own dark grin spreading on colorless lips ** Indeed Nial.. another time.. ** Winnowill chuckles softly, sending another wash of healing over Nial. Azeure locksends ** An interesting trait in you, mate... despite the years I've known you.. there is still something.. ** You locksend ** /Archly/ Something what, Azeure? ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Something we can discuss another time.. when you are not so.. distracted.. ** You locksend ** Indeed... ** to Azeure. ** Indeed. ** Almost colourless grey-green eyes move between the two of you slowly, pausing for several heartbeats on Azeure. ** Another time. ** Azeure nods slowly to Nial, almost a wry dark grin planted upon his lips ** I do look forward to it Nial.. ** Azeure locksends ** Oh he plays the games.. one of yours, my mate? ** You locksend ** Many times. ** to Azeure. Azeure arches a brow at Winnowill and chuckles to himself for a moment. Winnowill's dark lips curl, but no laugh accompanies. Azeure locksends ** I see.. hmm.. I've never dealt favorably with competition.. and even without one must compete for your affections, lover.. this shall indead prove interesting at that... ** Nial lifts his chin slightly, sitting up. One hand reaches up to brush a lock of hair over one ear, his almost deathly pale skin in sharp contrast to the black-blue hair. What might pass for amusement finds its way into his thoughts now, and again he glances at Winnowill. ** Oh, you will. ** You locksend ** My dear Chosen... Nial is more than a lover... and less than a soulmate. ** to Azeure. You locksend ** /Thoughtfully/ Will you play with him as you have the others? ** to Nial. Azeure locksends ** And you imply that I should simply give up given that knowledge?.. Hmm.. and once more I am only Chosen to you?.. You puzzle me, lover.. never have you promised but that which you have given me.. it would seem as yet our commitment is unfulfilled.. ** You sense in a locksend, Nial's answer is slow in coming, as it requires him to focus his thoughts enough to locksend. Not as slow as it could be, however -- he learned well, when he did. ** I might. ** Azeure locksends ** Another time for the old argument.. now is not the place nor time for such.. ** Azeure waves off a thought, turning a bit, moving slightly down the ledge. You locksend ** I give and I take. So do we all. ** to Azeure. You locksend ** Good. ** to Nial. Azeure locksends ** Do you wish to persue me in this now? ** You locksend ** I shall persue anything, given time. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Time... it seems time only not when I need you the most.. ** Again that trace of a smile tugs at Nial's features as he glances after Azeure, nodding almost imperceptibly to something. You sense in a locksend, Nial sends now a wordless thought, something that again lingers as an unworded inquiry. Azeure locksends ** Tell me Lord... in all truthfulness.. what ever shall I be to you? ** You locksend ** /She listens./ ** to Nial. Winnowill continues to send healing to Nial, the sendrils slowly finishing what was long begun. Azeure doesn't seem to notice, simply watching Winnowill in her work. You locksend ** You? Shall be... as you shall be, shall you not? ** to Azeure. You sense in a locksend, Nial sends slowly, as it were, more thoughtful than hindered by his Dreaming. ** Good? ** Azeure locksends ** You played at being hurt at my reluctance to love you once more.. I only thought.. ** Winnowill's black eyes snap to Azeure, a spark flaring in them. She is silent, but the electricity of her locksend crackles. You locksend ** Played at being hurt? Is that the extent of your belief in me? That I do not care, but simply play? ** to Azeure. The healing has indeed completed its work, at least to the point where its reciever shifts on his ledge, slowly slipping off of it and onto the floor. Heavy cloth brushes over stone, stirred at long last by its wearer's voluntary movement. Once on the floor, Nial closes his eyes, one hand going out to steady himself. And, once more, a brow arches slightly. Azeure's eyes close, he winces, drifting back into the air of the hall as if recoiling from the send. Winnowill allows her hand to fall to her side, straightening on the thin ledge, no matter how percarious her position is... Azeure locksends ** I did not mean... I beg you forgive my youth and impetuousness Winnowill.. for I do love you.. but in your words.. your quiet mockery of that love that nearly rent me to insanity.. I.. perhaps I have not yet recovered.. ** You locksend ** And perhaps, neither have I. ** to Azeure. Azeure's eyes open slowly as he straightens, looking to Winnowill. The Lord of the Mountain turns slightly, careful steps taking her to the step at the edge of the ledge. You locksend ** /After some thought./ Very good. ** to Nial. Azeure locksends ** Then let us make to ammends.. no more games nor lies between our souls.. were that what I felt touch that night in your arms.. that which you showed me that nearly swept me from life in its darkness.. there is much unsaid between us.. perhaps time soon to come it will be said.. ** Nial's eyes re-open, pupils shifting dialation in response as he again focuses his attention on the other occupants of the hall. His fingers remain in contact with the rock wall, and he leans there ever so slightly for support as he watches. Azeure turns in the air, watching Winnowill as she descends, drifting towards her slowly You locksend ** /Quietly, and it reveals that she concentrates./ Perhaps. ** to Azeure. Winnowill steps carefully down the steps, for falling would not prove prudent. You sense in a locksend, Nial recalls that he knows better than to ask questions and thus does not, but not before he's begun to send again. Instead, he re-directs it, turning it instead into wordless assent. Azeure offers his hand quietly as he drifts nearer, casting a glance up at Nial. Winnowill looks to Azeure sharply, then nods, and takes his hand. Azeure locksends ** My love.. ** You locksend ** /Amusement/ You alone may question, Nial... for you alone know how. ** to Nial. Nial merely watches, still as he was not all that long ago and with as much of an expression as any of the other statues in the Mountain's depths. Azeure nods once, slowly drifting with Winnowill, until her feet are firmly on the floor of the chamber. Winnowill nods to Azeure when she is once again on the ground. Azeure locksends ** I've nowhere in good confidance to turn for the companionship you bring me.. for what is to come.. forgive me if I need you too much to love me.. ** Winnowill leans to Azeure, placing her lips against his left cheek. She straightens with a thin smile. Nial locksends ** Then tell me. ** Something about the tone sets it just on the line between petition and command. ** Who is this? ** Azeure stiffens slightly and turns an arched brow towards Nial, pausing for a heartbeat before nodding once, turning back to Winnowill, his questioning look replaced with more of the same. You locksend ** This... is Azeure. One who seeks to be my lover... and mate. ** to Nial. Nial's attention, however, has shifted back to the dark Healer for the moment, and so perhaps he misses the arched brow. Still no flicker of emotion betrays anything he might be thinking. You sense in a locksend, Nial considers before replying. And when he does, it is a simple statement of fact. ** Foolish. ** Azeure locksends to to Nial: ** Soon... I'm certain we will come to know each other -well-.. Nial. ** Nial locksends to Azeure: ** Quite well. ** His mind's touch, when he sends this way, is darkly familiar. . . but not so much that you can identify it. ** Quite well, indeed. ** You locksend ** Yes. But amusing. ** to Nial. Winnowill simply watches both. Nial locksends ** Of that I have no doubt. ** Then, the Lord chuckles softly. Azeure turns back to Winnowill, a brow arching ** Amusement seems to suit you of late.. it almost leads one to inquire.. ** Winnowill smiles. ** Fools rush in... ** You sense in a locksend, Nial has, somewhere in his Bag of Tricks, a license for making others.. ah.. I believe the term is indeed frustrated. And in Azeure's case, it shouldn't be too hard. Azeure chuckles darkly ** And linger to comment ** Winnowill's lips thin. ** Indeed they do. ** Nial chuckles softly now, though it is harsh from so long a period of disuse. He looks again at Azeure, gaze skimming thoughtfully over the Chosen's figure. You locksend ** Do you find him attractive? ** to Nial. Azeure levitates the platter to his hand and turns again to Winnowill, inquiring ** Shall I tend to you then, my Lord?.. You seem generally welcoming after your workings.. perhaps now you will gain a hunger? ** Nial locksends ** He has potential. ** Winnowill ponders for a moment. You locksend ** He does. ** to Nial. ** Lord. . .? ** Nial echoes that thought, any trace of amusement gone, replaced by only the faintest hint of surprise. His pale gaze turns once more to Winnowill as he straightens. ** Intriguing. ** Winnowill turns her gaze to Nial, nodding. ** I am Lord of Blue Mountain, Nial. ** Azeure opens his mouth as if to speak, but then closes it quietly. You locksend ** You thought? ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Hmm?.. Oh.. I had simply taken for granted that you had told him already.. or that he had noted from my reference to you before.. ** You locksend ** Take nothing for granted where Nial is concerned. ** to Azeure. If anything, Nial pales from nearly death white to wraith white. ** Then, Voll. . . ** He takes a breath, closing his eyes again for several moments. ** I see. Many, many things have changed. There is comfort in that, perhaps. ** He lifts his gaze once more to Winnowill, slowly holding out a fragile-looking hand. ** Very well. . .Lord. . .allow me the honour? It has been many turns. . . ** Winnowill extends her hand to Nial. Azeure arches a brow, still holding Winnowill's other hand in his own, remaining silent but to nod once to something. Azeure locksends ** Indeed.. ** You locksend ** /Quiet thoughtfulness./ ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Might I inquire what it is that graces your mind? ** You locksend ** Your sends. ** to Azeure. Nial looks thoughtfully at the floor, then slowly moves away from the wall and down to the main level, not really walking, but not gliding, either. Only slightly unsteady, he manages to keep his elegance when he comes to stand just beside Winnowill. Winnowill regards Nial thoughtfully, her hand still extended to his. Azeure locksends ** Oh?.. Hmmm.. well.. I beg you not take them for granted.. for perhaps I question where I should not.. but lest I have more of substance.. how am I to know?.. I do not deal well it seems not knowing.. especially when I love so... it is your forgiveness for impatience I beg.. not for lack of love.. you said he was not quite a soulmate.. though once you elluded to me as being so.. I simply... wondered.. ** Azeure's lips curl a bit, his attention obviously divided, but he nods once to Nial. You locksend ** Azeure... you sound like a fledgling who has just opened his eyes to a new dawn. Am I that new dawn you see? ** to Azeure. Nial's hand finds Winnowill's, closing lightly over it as he glances over Her at Azeure. The nod is returned with a faint incline of the chin. Winnowill nods to Nial, a faint motion really. Azeure locksends ** It would be a lie to say that I am not filled with wonder at every turn with you.. were that I could say you were a new dawn in and of yourself.. but I cannot.. it is the hope that one day.. your admission of love.. be it that you shall.. but my hopes for the sun to rise over the horizon.. for in you I seek the love of a mate.. perhaps even my soul's mate.. not simply the love you deign upon your subjects.. I pray it is not too much to ask.. but in the same breath I fear that it is.. and it rends me... ** Azeure's thin lips curl at Nial, then his gaze rests intently upon Winnowill for a long moment, before he looks back to Nial, thoughtful. You locksend ** Wonder? Of me? I am flattered, Azeure. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Flattery?.. It was not my intention.. though intentions aren't so clear any longer.. are they?.. ** You locksend ** Indeed they are not. ** to Azeure. You locksend ** So you swear to Me and Mine? ** to Nial. Azeure inhales deeply, quietly, nodding. Nial only watches, almost colourless gaze missing little, and betraying even less. Only once does it stray, settling on the far wall for an instant before moving back to Winnowill. Nial locksends ** Always. . .Lord. ** Azeure locksends ** And lack of answer leads only to more questions.. you implied me forever your mate.. and time unknowing to discover what? ** You locksend ** /Assent/ Good. ** to Nial. You locksend ** Whatever is to be discovered. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Were it so easy... to be patient.. and needing far too much to be loved by you.. ** You locksend ** You will find the patience. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** My motive perhaps never clear.. but I had a new dream... to be the one to pierce the walls around your heart and touch your love.. and but a taste you gave me.. and it drove me mad.. needing more.. but longing only for another taste... needing to -know-.. that you do.. love.. and that you love me... such a petty thing is it that I beg? ** You locksend ** /Quiet/ Then do not forsake me. ** to Azeure. Azeure looks now to Winnowill, nodding once. Winnowill smiles once to Azeure, somewhat closer to a real smile. You sense in a locksend, Nial, once privy to such things, again sends out a whisper of thought, still coloured faintly by the Dreaming. ** Your thoughts? ** Azeure locksends ** I swear it.. that you no longer forsake my love and in somuch I shall not forsake you.. my mate.. in humble prayer that soon.. I shall feel that I know my life ebbs without feeling.. ** You locksend ** How nice it would be to see Azeure Loyal to his Lord... ** to Nial. Azeure's lips curl, almost unconsciously at such unfamiliar but welcome countenance. Nial glances again at the wall, pupils widening slightly as he does. He remains relatively still otherwise, however, save for a slight lifting of one brow. Nial locksends ** He is not loyal? ** You locksend ** Not quite, no. ** to Nial. Winnowill offers a thinner smile towards Nial. You locksend ** Yet your mate Alorn... what shall she do? ** to Azeure. Nial manages a thoughtful look finally, looking first at Azeure and then at Winnowill. He offers the faintest trace of a smile, but it lacks any warmth at all. Nial locksends ** And he is Chosen? ** Questioning taints this. ** Is there not present the chance that he will cause dissent? ** Come to think, the room is rather cool. The Lord draws her robe closer. ** Nial... the springs are warm, and you should bathe to remind your body that it is once again awake. ** You locksend ** I keep him close to keep him reined. ** to Nial. Nial locksends ** And that which is closest has most opportunity to bite. . . ** You locksend ** Indeed. Yet he dares not. I have one he loves close to me as well. ** to Nial. Azeure locksends ** When I am away from her?.. She notes my absence with little hallmark.. Saeros will be glad to have her more to his own.. and my soul distant from the childs.. but as you requested of me.. I shall keep her to me.. my mate.. inasmuch as necessary.. but think you not that I feel of what -I- require?.. Selfish be it may.. but I require the constant love of a true mate.. not one who forgets the moment I am from her sight..that which she cannot provide is what I seek.. and unworthy perhaps is the reason I fear I have not felt it more from you.. but it is with that desire.. with that need I have come to be your Chosen.. and your lover.. and now to Choose you.. that a choice is made that I wish to bond my soul to.. to share something deeper.. for I put little stock into lifemate.. for that is simply not in emotion but life only.. I require more.. ** Wordless agreement threads through Nial's send, accompanying his very faintest of nods. ** Very well. ** Again he looks to Azeure, hints of a smile that does not reach his eyes still toying with the corner of his lips. Nial locksends ** Oh. . .? ** You locksend ** His daughter. ** to Nial. Nial locksends ** I see. ** Azeure nods once to Nial, offering the untouched plate ** And perhaps our Lord's draught was enough to sustain one dreaming.. here.. partake of what sustains the awakened.. ** Nial shakes his head slowly, shifting his attention to the plate. ** I thank you for the offer, Chosen, but I fear I could not eat such things in my. . .current state. ** Azeure nods again ** Well.. of course.. gain your strength at your own pace Nial.. little will change between now and then.. ** Winnowill smiles thinly at the exchange. The hint of a smile becomes more definite, and again Nial shakes his head. ** It seems only yesterday that I sat on that ledge. . .everything has changed since then. ** Azeure inclines his head once more ** Indeed.. ** Azeure looks back to Winnowill, noting something and nodding to himself, looking off, thoughtful. Azeure locksends ** I take it you will tend to him tonight then? ** You locksend ** He needs care... unless you wish to join in the springs...? ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** I tire.. perhaps I shall await you to join in my arms to slumber? ** Once more Nial looks to his Lord, bowing his head slightly to look at Her. And, once more, he goes rather quiet, again waiting. You locksend ** If you so wish it. ** to Azeure. Winnowill looks to Azeure for a moment. Azeure locksends ** I do... my mate. ** Azeure looks to Winnowill, nodding slightly. Winnowill nods then to Azeure. ** Then I dismiss you, Chosen. ** Winnowill turns to look to Nial. ** To the springs? ** Azeure nods, once, releasing Winnowill's hand ** Indeed my Lord.. ** ** Chosen, ** Nial echoes with only a hint of dismissal. He nods twice, both times lightly, once to each of you. Azeure locksends ** Shall I await in your bed.. or shall you steal yourself away to me? ** You locksend ** My room is always open... I shall send when ready. ** to Azeure. [As Winnowill leads Nial away, the most loyal of Gliders recieves a thorough detailing of events... and the names of those Winnowill knows are disloyal.]