2/24/98 Summary: After holding Tsoran captive in Ravenholt, the time to trade him for the wolfriders Quickstorm and Songbird comes. Characters: WolfFlame, Larias, Tsoran, ShadeWater, Firelight, Greyriver, Savith, Banyl, Myanna & Quickstorm 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. WolfFlame stands at the base of the Mountain, eyes gazing up as she sends silently Larias stares at the Mountain as well, nervous, perhaps, but it shows not in her stance. Tsoran locksends ** It seems we are back at the Mountain after all. ** Larias pulls the rope attached to Tsoran a bit hard, enough to pull him slightly off balance. You locksend ** And we are here to put you back where you belong, and take those in the Mountain that don't belong there.. out ** to Tsoran. WolfFlame smirks at the response. Tsoran hovers at about snow-level, and thus doesn't as much stumble as drift slightly. Tsoran locksends ** We will see, won't we? ** Larias smirks lightly at Tsoran, hrmm.. to pull this or that knot and make him all that much more uincomfortable. Tsoran suffers through it all stoically. WolfFlame locksends ** Things might get ugly my friend Winnowill insists you be returned. ** Tsoran locksends ** I never did get a chance to give you that massage, did I? ** You locksend ** No one can return what does not belong to them ** to WolfFlame. Larias pulls one of Tsorans knots, the ropes getting that much tighter around his healing shoulder. ** And you never will either. ** WolfFlame locksends ** I told her as much. ** Tsoran winces, but makes no sound. Firelight stands near the group, studying the mountain making sure to see any sign of attack Tsoran locksends ** As I attempted to tell Ekana's offspring, gliders live a long time. It is merely a matter of patience before I can repay each little... attention. ** You locksend to Tsoran, Larias smirking, ** I have survived a long time in much harsher conditions than even you could create Tsoran. And the Wolfriders have taught me more then you would want to know, especially since I bear little of the remorse they tend to feel. ** Tsoran locksends ** If not you, then your friends. Remember that, Larias, and sleep with an eye open. ** WolfFlame keeps her eyes on the mountain silently waiting for a response. Larias tugs at another one of his knots, it to pulling that much tighter. You locksend ** You touch them, and I will come after you personally. ** to Tsoran. Tsoran winces again, closing his eyes briefly. Tsoran locksends ** Is that a promise? Seems I won't need to look for you after all, then. ** WolfFlame locksends ** No need to take off his hands my friend. ** You locksend ** I have no intentions of that.. yet ** to WolfFlame. You locksend to Tsoran, Larias smirking lightly, ** You leave them alone and leave me alone, and we will have no need to ever be near one another again.. As I'm sure my presence sickens you nearly as much as yours does me. ** Tsoran locksends ** On the contrary, dear. I will spend much time considering the things to do with that lovely body of yours, when next we meet. ** Larias glares at Tsoran's back, giving him another rough tug. Tsoran locksends ** Of course, I might delay that until I've gotten propely aquainted with Ekana's child. Such a... trusting young soul. ** Tsoran breathes in through his teeth. You locksend ** She will learn to avoid you.. and I will be her teacher if I need to. Another word and you'll go back to the Mountain if your Lord will have you, with a broken hand. ** to Tsoran. Tsoran locksends ** Stark, staring insane. But in a very interesting way. I think I would just start by... stroking. Yes. Nothing more advanced than that. ** Tsoran locksends ** And then kisses, perhaps. Starting at the shoulder. ** Larias grips one of Tsoran's hands, ** I warned you. ** WolfFlame stares up at the mountain waiting then blinks at a send WolfFlame sends openly ** She comes herself.... ** ShadeWater sends openly ** She's that interested? ** Larias glances at WolfFlame. Firelight chews on her lower lip eyes squinting up at the mountain wondering if she really wants to meet this Lord she's heard so much about. You locksend ** Thats bad... ** to WolfFlame. WolfFlame's eyes widen slightly and she fidgets at a send noding to Larias. Larias gives Tsoran's hand a quixck twist, not causing what she intended, but causing pain at the very least. Tsoran bites his lip, shuddering. WolfFlame locksends ** She has the arrow that killed Azeure...says I will recognize it. Dares me to enter ** Larias shakes her head at WolfFlame. You locksend ** Don't go.. else we'll have to go in and get you out. ** to WolfFlame. You locksend ** And if I can avoid it, I won't go ** to WolfFlame. Winnowill locksends, to Larias, Tsoran: ** Bring the others to the Aerie. Now. ** Larias jerks her head up at the Mountain, a nervous bead of sweat forming on her brow. Tsoran mutters, "And then lower." WolfFlame locksends ** I will not enter there either again, not unless there is no other way to get my tribemates out. ** You locksend to Winnowill, Larias defiantly, but very nervously, ** No. ** Tsoran locksends ** You heard our Lord. This is your chance to clear yourself. ** Winnowill locksends ** No? Then you do not wish them to see thier kin again? You would have them die because you refused? ** You locksend ** She.. She wants Tsoran and I to bring you into the Mountain... Your kin may die if I do not take you in... ** to WolfFlame. WolfFlame locksends ** You stay near me, we won't leave the Airie then if possible. ** Larias frowns a bit and nods, ** Then decide who goes and who satys down here... We'll only be able to take a few." You locksend ** I bring those who chose... ** to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** Azeure is dead, Larias. The wolfriders that you love so dearly have killed him. Did you know that? That they tore him from the world like a wolf tears out the heart of its prey? Left him broken and dying, in no ability to save himself, but watched as his life's blood slowly ebbed? ** WolfFlame looks at the group, ** Alright, you know the drill...only a few will go with me. Firelight, you stay, Greyriver? ShadeWater? ** Larias handles Tsoran roughly, ** You will glide them with skill and crae, understand? ** ShadeWater sends openly ** I'm with you, chieftess... ** Firelight does not look the least bit concerned about staying behind, if anything she is quite relieved. Greyriver looks around grimly **I will go as well if you will allow** WolfFlame studies Greyriver a moment Tsoran stumbles, the smiles grimly to Larias. ** I will bring you and the outsider into the Mountain, as my Lord commands. ** Greyriver nods once WolfFlame nods slowly to Greyriver, ** Alright then, Greyriver and Shadewater. Firelight, you wait until moonfall, no longer, if we do not return by then you get the tribe here. Understand me? ** Firelight nods quickly, "Moonfall no later and I will ride." WolfFlame looks to the gliders then nodding, ** Lets get this over with then. ** Greyriver nods **Be well my Friends** You push the air aside and climb higher, much higher, items below tiny parodies of their true selves. Sky Above Blue Mountain(#415RLS) The top of Blue Mountain is shrouded in clouds, the circling hawks mere specks. Below are the meadows surrounding the Mountain, and a short distance away the huts of the Hoan village. The brightness of noon fills the chill winter skies. You fly down to the Aerie. Aerie At the very summit of the Mountain you find the clearest signs of the transformation initiated by the Dreaming gliders at Winnowills bidding. The rocky surface is still shaped in intricate loops and whirls, echoing the wonder of the great Egg. Half familiar shapes can be sensed as much as felt among the twisting and folding surfaces..some utterly alien, other of a disturbing familiarity. Pain cries from the walls, but so do joy, and wonder, and the dizzying echoes of the long gone Dreams. The gargantuan latticework forms a dome to crown the Mountain with shapes that from afar might seem to be the roots of some twisted tree. Even here, the tiny cracks can be seen criss?crossing all surfaces. The loops and folds open out to the open sky in unexpected places, and ways. Though none of the openings are larger than the armspan of a glider, and most much smaller, there are still few places left shadowed. The light of the sun and the moons weaves intricate shadows, that changes in fascinating ways as time passes. In some nooks and crevices there have been placed furs or pillows, telltale traces of the gliders spending hours and days in dreamy contemplation of the sky. A winding stairway leads Down to the main parts of the Mountain. Savith floats nearby, arms crossed as he watches. Greyriver locksends ** Be careful dearest ** Larias glides in, staying near the edge of the Aerie, glancing about at all those gathered. Tsoran remains hovering after depositing WolfFlame. Banyl stands some strides from Winnowill, eyes flickering to the new arrivals. WolfFlame glances from Savith to Winnowill and back again before taking a breath and striding forward, ** I want my tribemates ** Tsoran sends openly ** Welcome home, Larias. ** Winnowill tilts her head slightly. ** As I want mine. ** Myanna makes it to the top of the long, wide stairs. Savith smiles faintly and floats foward, ** Ahh WolfFlame, welcome home my child...** Tsoran eyes SongBird momentarily. WolfFlame eyes SongBird momentarily. Tsoran cradles one hand in the other, watching. Winnowill looks to Tsoran. ** You are injured? ** WolfFlame frowns at Savith and meets his gaze as firmly as she could, ** I am here for my tribemates only Savith, not to see you. ** Savith tsks softly as he moves closer, ** I'm hurt child. ** Tsoran sends openly ** Yes, Lord. It does not matter. ** Winnowill sends firmly at Tsoran, one hand extending from her towards him. ** It matters. Come. ** Greyriver grumbles and moves towards her Chieftess protectively, staring around with dark rimmed eyes. Larias keeps a watchful eye on Greyriver as she hovers silently near the edge of the Aerie. Tsoran floats over to Winnowill. WolfFlame sends openly ** Where are my tribemates? ** Banyl still stands off to the side, both hands coming together to clasp in front of her. Her eyes flicker over each face, familiar or otherwise, then flicker over to Winnowill. WolfFlame's send is slightly unsure as she is distracted by another. Winnowill sends openly ** Tribesmates... ah yes. You mean...? ** Savith smiles faintly as he draws yet nearer to the edge of the Airie and towards WolfFlame, his eyes meeting hers. WolfFlame sends openly ** Quickstorm and Songbird...I am tired of these games. ** Banyl's feet lift from the ground just slightly to glide in Winnowill and Tsoran's direction, eyes lingering on the pale-clad maiden a moment more before shifting to Tsoran. Winnowill clasps Tsoran's hand, a single sendril assessing before pulling Tsoran's hand to Banyl's. ** Go with her. She will help, and I will tend to you shortly. ** Tsoran looks generally run-down, but the only visible injuries are his shoulder and hand. He inclines his head. ** Yes, Lord. ** Banyl tilts her head slightly, silver-blue eyes regarding Tsoran as Winnowill speaks, then lifting her hand as his is pulled to hers. She nods as well to Winnowill. WolfFlame takes a step back from Savith. Banyl's eyes rest on Tsoran for a brief moment, then tugs his hand just slightly, guiding him to the staircase. Tsoran moves down the stairs into the twilight below. You locksend ** They are stalling... We need to get your kin and leave. As sooon as possible, I do not like this. AT ALL ** to WolfFlame. Banyl moves down the stairs into the twilight below. Greyriver steps between Savith and her chieftess, glaring at the glider Savith smiles faintly at Greyriver, ** And who is this little one? A pet Larias? ** WolfFlame looks to Larias and nods Larias sneers at Savith. WolfFlame locksends ** I did not know he was going to be here.... ** Winnowill sends archly. ** Ah yes. Reesath's... friend. I believe we know more than she would like... don't we now...? ** You locksend ** She is no pet, she is an elf, and a friend. ** to Savith. WolfFlame sends openly ** I am tired of these games Winnowill, my tribemates? ** Greyrivers eyes narrow slightly, but she manages to hold her composure..for the moment You locksend ** Please.. step back, come closer to me.. If something happens.. I -have- to be able to get you out. ** to Greyriver. Savith chuckles softly at Larias's expression and send. Winnowill tuts softly. ** Ah yes... where are my manners? ** In a more open send, ** Bring him. ** ShadeWater takes up position behind WolfFlame, since it just makes sense for him. Greyriver locksends ** I won't leave WolfFlame ungaurded.... ** A rather non-descript (read NPC) Glider comes down from above with a ragged and limp bundle. No sends of outrage, no sense of awareness... just an obviously unconsicous QuickStorm. WolfFlame pushes over towards Quickstorm the moment she catches his scent. WolfFlame sends to Quickstorm, desperate for some hint of self The Glider backs away, both hands spread mockingly as he almost seems to chuckle low. Greyriver turns her eyes toward the bundle as she too scents her tribesmate, following her Chieftess, a grave and concerned look on her face as she kneels near him. Savith smiles faintly at Greyriver as she passes him and places a hand on her shoulder Greyriver pauses and turns her glare on Savith again. **Take your hand from me** WolfFlame is lost in her sending, desperately trying to reach Quickstorm The WolfRider QuickStorm is unresponsive, semeing to be caught deeply in sleep. Winnowill sends amusedly. ** He will wake in time. Do not fear, he is unharmed. ** Larias lasnds qietly, taking two steps nearer Savith as he touches Greyriver. Savith graps Greyriver all the more firmly,**You left too quickly the last time, I did not get the pleasure of meeting you** ShadeWater sees WolfFlame has her piece in hand for the moment, turning to face Savith from behind Greyriver. ** She said let her go. ** WolfFlame ignore's Winnowill's send and continues her sending until she gets the slightest flicker of his spirit. You locksend ** I would suggest doing as she asks. ** to Savith. Savith locksends ** I am merely doing my Lord's bidding as you should do more often if you want your friends to remain unharmed. ** Greyriver glares up at Savith, eyes hardening and narrowing more as a low growl begins deep in her throat **Should you wish to keep that hand I suggest you remove it Glider** Savith smiles faintly, ** My dear, I would think it would be your lovely hands you would be worrying about ** Larias glares over at Savith, ** Let her be... ** Greyriver twists herself away to break the Glider's hold on her, glaring with a furious anger. WolfFlame brushes Quickstorm's cheek with her fingers still not convinced he is well Savith merely uses his other hand to grab her as he lifts off the ground, ** Larias really, you know better than that ** WolfFlame looks about with a growl, ** Savith I will not let you hurt anyone else, NO ONE you hear me? ** Greyriver locksends ** My patience wears thin and my dagger calls to me ** Savith tsks at WolfFlame, ** Now now, is that anyway to speak to your sire? ** You locksend ** Come nearer to me... Please, NOW ** to Greyriver. Greyriver moves her hand for her dagger, but fumbles as she is held at the shoulders and being lifted. **Let me down Glider ** Savith loosens his hold on Greyriver as he gets quite high, ** You reall wish that little one? ** Banyl makes it to the top of the long, wide stairs. Greyriver sends openly ** let me loose from your filthy grasp ** Banyl makes her way up the stairway once more, returning without Tsoran. WolfFlame steps forward, her eyes darkening, a growl faint in her throat, ** Set her down!!! ** Savith raises an eyebrow and looks to WolfFlame ShadeWater gets in a position where he can break Greyriver's fall, or throw a knife into a strategic, and bad, spot... Larias takes to the air, nearing Grey and Savith, her eyes attempting to catch his. Banyl's eyes flicker and blink, gliding up a few inches as her own eyebrows lift curiously at the scne. Savith locksends ** Take her place I will set her down unharmed. ** You locksend ** Her place is with her kin, down, Outside, where they belong.. where I am more suited to living ** to Savith. Savith locksends ** You belong here in the Mountain with your kin, in the air, in the mountain. ** Larias smirks lightly at Savith. You locksend ** More turns of my life have been spent out there.. I may as well spend the rest of them there, where I understand and know how to survive. ** to Savith. <>