2/24/98 Summary: The trading of Tsoran for two wolfriders of Ravenholt continued after logging back in. Characters: Winnowill, Larias, WolfFlame/Ekana, ShadeWater, Greyriver, Savith, Songbird/Myanna, Reesath, Quickstorm & Aranee 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. Winnowill takes a breath, holds it, then releases it slowly. ** Tell the children to behave themselves, or I'll see to it that QuickStorm -doesn't- wake. ** You locksend ** Then tell Savith to release her. ** to Winnowill. WolfFlame locksends, to Larias, ShadeWater, Greyriver: ** Hold for now...please... ** Winnowill locksends ** You are not to order Me, child. Especially when your loyalty is questionable at best. If you wish her safety, come to My side. ** Greyriver locksends, to Larias, ShadeWater, WolfFlame: ** I'm the one being assaulted here! ** >From a hallway above, a dark blot emerges with a dry rustle. A glider wearing a feathered cape decends slowly to a position beside and behind Winnowill, his expression one of distaste. Larias glances down at Winnowill, then back to Greyriver. Greyriver glares at Savith, still demanding to be set loose WolfFlame gazes up at the others as she sends to them Larias with obvious effore, she glides a away from Greyriver and savith, obviously not happy about it. Winnowill simply stands where she is, waiting and watching. WolfFlame sends openly ** We came here for our tribemates, not to give you more "guests". Where is SongBird and we shall leave you be. ** Winnowill appears to ponder for a moment. ** Ah yes. SongBird. ** She sends openly and without words, a summons of sorts. ShadeWater locksends, to Larias, WolfFlame, Greyriver: ** Alright...I'll stay under her if she's dropped though. If he moves to do that, bets are off... ** Greyriver is still glaring at Savith, demanding to be set loose. Larias lands silently on the Aerie floor, near the edge, where she had been before. Greyriver locksends, to Larias, ShadeWater, WolfFlame: ** No...if he looses me, let him be ** >From around the corner, a bit away from the group, a teal and blonde puff of glider shape and motion emerges from the wide staircase. ** My Lord... you summoned? ** she sends softly, a sweet-voiced and light tone. Savith lowers to the ground as well though keeps a hold of Greyriver WolfFlame's eyes go to the sound of the voice WolfFlame eyes Myanna momentarily. Winnowill looks over to the arrival and nods. ** There are some here to see you. ** So said, she returns her gaze to WolfFlame. Savith smiles cruely as he watches with obvious ammusement. Hands clasped just so before her, the blonde one seems to half-walk, half drift towards the group. ** Hello. Is there something I can do for you? ** Greyriver looks over at the send and her mouth drops open a bit as she stares at the newly arrived elf female. WolfFlame tilts her head slightly, ** Songbird? ** Savith patpats Greyriver's shoulder but keeps a hold of her The teal eyes blink once, a thin smile overtaking the softly pink lips. ** Oh, she's quite gone. I'm Myanna. My Lord was kind enough to help me clear my mind of all the confusion. Are you Ekana? ** Greyriver snaps her head to Savith at his pat ans jerks her shoulder from his grip, glaring again **I said let me loose** Winnowill's send is sharp. ** Be still. ** Larias stands there quietly, watching. Winnowill locksends ** Are you coming, or shall this be messier than it needs to be? ** WolfFlame moves forward with towards Songbird, her mind racing, ** I am WolfFlame...Myanna...what has she done to you? ** Greyriver turns towards Reesath's send, eyed flaring in anger as she backs away from Savith You locksend ** I do not fit in inside the Mountain, I am more suited to life outside. Do not place the blame on me if you chose to kill. ** to Winnowill. Myanna blinks several times. ** I... she has done nothing more than aid me in what needed to be done. I'm free, finally, of the mind-numbing pain and confusionthat held me trapped. ** Savith chuckles softly at Reesath Winnowill locksends ** They twist your mind, Larias. Did you forget our discussions? Your loyalties? They killed those you love. You would bed with them? ** Greyriver locksends ** ** Larias glances at Winnowill, then at Grey. WolfFlame frowns, ** The pain and confusion was likely caused by the same elf that cured it ** You locksend ** They have killed none that I love, and the rules of me are the same.. I bed with no one. though Tsoran seems intent on forcing me to bed with him in the future. ** to Winnowill. Greyriver glares narrow eyed towards WolfFLame and Songbird, ignoring taunting sends Myanna shakes her head. ** No... it had been there since my birth... you do remember how lost little SongBird was, don't you? ** Greyriver locksends ** WHat have they done... ** WolfFlame frowns but nods, ** But is loosing who you were really worth it? ** Winnowill locksends ** Indeed. He seems of the mind to bed them all. They killed Azeure... did you not care for him? ** Myanna draws forth something thin and wooden from her sleeve, offering it to the red-haired tall one. ** I haven't lost who I am... but perhaps the owner of this arrow lost himself? ** Larias quirks a light brow, maintaining the cool facade Az forced her again and again to learn. WolfFlame takes the arrow in her hand almost reluctant to have the proof of what she has suspected for some time, she holds the arrow but does not look down at it yet. You locksend ** I took great pleasure in killing his bird. He seemed to think he was my mentor, he was no more than an arrogant child. I mourn for him not at all. ** to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** Indeed. Then you have a higher place waiting for you here. ** Savith watches WolfFlame with his piercing eyes when she does not respond he presses, ** Speak up child, you know what punishments come from your silence when asked a question. ** Myanna clasps her hands back together quietly, watching with teal eyes. You locksend ** I belong here, in the Mountain as much as you belong Outside, among them. ** to Winnowill. WolfFlame takes a breath at the send, the words bringing back obviously painful memories and she responds almost before thinking, ** I know....** Winnowill locksends ** They have twisted your mind. Do return to your rooms. We shall discuss this later. ** You locksend ** I will not. I will leave, with them. ** to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** You might come to an interesting end, first. ** Another smile quirks Reesath's mouth and he raises and eyebrow at Savith's captive. Savith smiles softly at the send and nods to WolfFlame,**And tell us who it is child..come on now, no secrets anymore ** You locksend ** Whatever changed in me once was re-opened Winnowill, Lovemate to Vol, healer of the injured, now Lord of the Mountain. I am healing in a new way.. I will not go without a fight if it is my death you wish, or my remaining here. ** to Winnowill. WolfFlame shakes her head firmly, ** I will not ** Myanna sends quite flatly. ** It's his arrow, isn't it? ** You locksend, to ShadeWater, WolfFlame, Greyriver: ** We have to get out of here.. soon... ** WolfFlame locksends ** Grab who you can and get out now...it's too quiet. ** Greyriver locksends ** What's wrong? ** Greyriver glances over at Larias ShadeWater locksends, to Larias, WolfFlame, Greyriver: ** No kidding...chieftess, are there others besides QuickStorm and Songbird? ** WolfFlame chews on her lip in silence Greyriver growls at a send and turns her eyes on Reesath WolfFlame locksends, to Larias, ShadeWater, Greyriver: ** Only they that I ever saw... ** Myanna sends so passionately, yet without the WolfRider fire. ** Stormfire's, yes? He's the one who betrayed me, who betrayed you? Who killed the only one who ever loved you? Ekana... how could you lose control of him?! ** You locksend ** Walk over to me.. quietly, carefully... ** to ShadeWater. ShadeWater locksends, to Larias, WolfFlame, Greyriver: ** We have QuickStorm, and it seems that Songbird is lost to us... ** Winnowill smiles faintly at something. Larias watches everyone in the room very carefully, her eyes flickering about WolfFlame closes her eyes at Myanna's words, her expression and lack of response is answer enough, the pain obvious that these words speak so true. ShadeWater blinks once, looking around at the scene, stepping quietly toward Larias, keeping his eyes on WolfFlame. Myanna turns to slip closer to Winnowill. ** And so he died. And you failed. That is why I choose to stay. ** Savith smiles ever so faintly, could it be approval of Myanna's words? Probably, he enjoys such painful honesty he adds on, ** Really Ekana, you belong here with us, these beasts you call your tribemates only bring you pain. ** Greyriver sends openly ** at least we do not harm without reason or provocation ** Reesath takes a breath as if to say something and pauses. Greyriver locksends ** He will not tell me... ** Those teal eyes look to Greyriver. ** Winnowill did not harm. Stormfire did. ** Myanna stops just beside the Lord of Blue Mountain. You locksend ** Come to me if you can... please.. we will find out at another time ** to Greyriver. WolfFlame locksends ** Grab who you can...get them out of here. ** You locksend ** Shade is near.. I'm waiting for Greriver.. then I will go ** to WolfFlame. Greyriver goes to send something to Myanna but then whips about to face Reesath **Filthy coldhearted coward. NO one posesses me NO ONE. If you have my name then speak it now** You locksend ** Come to me.. please, NOW ** to Greyriver. Myanna raises a brow at the outburst. It's almost a side comment that she sends to Winnowill. ** They truly -are- barbaric. Thank you, Lord. ** There is a deperation tinging the anger in Grey's send and she takes a step towards Reesath, hand going for her dagger. Winnowill simply watches, offering a nod to Myanna. ** Now. Before this becomes out of hand, take your sleeper and depart. Larias, you shall stay here. ** Larias steps away from the edge of the Aerie, to place a hand on Grey's shoulder, ** We are going. Now. ** ** Would you kill me, wolf child? ** Reesath asks, smiling now. ** Spill my blood upon the stones as your mate did? Tear my life away and send me forever to the Palace of the High Ones?**Reesath steps forward. ** I await it, eagerly. ** Savith rises into the air and moves forward towards the group Greyriver looks about sharply at the touch but calms when she sees Larias. SHe turns to glare one last time at Reesath and then follows Larias to the edge. Aranee makes it to the top of the long, wide stairs. You locksend ** I will return for you. ** to WolfFlame. Aranee moves quickly up the stairs. Reesath rises into the air, cloak billowing about him as he nears the wolf-elf. Faster and faster he approaches as he spreads the cloak out to either side. Larias takes both Greyriver and Shadewater to the edge of the Aerie with her, backing there so as to keep an eye on everyone. Larias takes to the air, and leaves, the two wolfriders with her., You fly up into the sky. 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 twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Winnowill locksends ** ** Savith flies out of the aerie. Reesath flies out of the aerie. Savith glides to the side, moving off the ledge of the Aierie grabing her from behind 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 flies down from the sky. Reesath flies down from the sky. Larias gets only so far before she falls, crying out aloud in pain, holding her head. Winnowill locksends ** Did you think I would let you go? Did you think I had forgotten the oath you swore to Me? Did you? ** Winnowill remains impassive, watching with darkly angered eyes now. Savith takes hold of Larias as she falls Aranee hasn't got the power to fly. Instead, she moves quickly to where she's falling, grabbing for her as well. Reesath pulls his dreadfully heavy cloak and throws it, net-like over Larias. Larias gives little resistance to Savith, clutching at her head. You locksend ** If I stay.. let them go ** to Winnowill. You locksend to Winnowill, Larias nearly begs and pleads, ** Please.. ** Winnowill locksends ** That was the arrangement, Larias. ** You locksend to Winnowill, Larias attempts to be mildly defiant, ** I do not belong here.. And you can not keep me here forever. ** Winnowill looks to Savith for a moment, then back to the WolfRiders. ** You may go. ** Winnowill locksends ** We shall see about that. ** Greyriver yelps and tries to move for Larias Savith nods to Winnowill, taking a firm hold of Larias and begins to leave the Aerie Larias shivers slightly, attempting to pull an arm or two free. Not very strong, but the attempt is there. Aranee lets go of Larias, moving further into the Aerie, so Savith can pass. Greyriver locksends ** Fight it Larias..Please ** Myanna simply watches the whole fiasco with only a slight touch of amusement. You locksend to Greyriver, Larias desperatly, ** Go.. get out.. NOW... ** WolfFlame steps forward, ** No! She does not wish to be here! You claim you do not force anyone to stay yet you are taking her without reason anyway! ** Greyriver locksends ** I won't leave you Larias! ** Reesath snatches at Greyriver's arm and pulls her into the sky. You locksend ** GET OUT.. please... ** to WolfFlame. Winnowill sends openly ** Ask her yourself. ** WolfFlame curses under her breath, ** Greyriver! ** ShadeWater growls at Reesath and immediately flips his dagger out. ** Let her go! ** Myanna sends softly. ** It falls apart, Ekana. You're failing again. ** Larias again weakly attempts to free herself of Savith's grip. Winnowill locksends ** Enough. Go with him. ** WolfFlame turns her eyes on Winnowill, anger now sparkling now her eyes Aranee looks quickly at Winnowill, caught in the confusion of things. Elf with a dagger? The first place to go...she quickly moves that way, her own hand falling to her dagger. ** Don't think it, wolf-blood. ** WolfFlame sends openly ** And how are we to leave without assistance, Larias brought us here, allow her to take us back ** Reesath flies down from the sky. Reesath returns and hovers at the entrance to the aerie. Winnowill sends openly ** Aranee and Reesath are more than capable of that. Harm them... and I think you have very little doubt what will happen to him. ** Reesath floats to Ekana and, smiling, offers her his hand. You locksend ** I will not leave til they are safely gone.. ** to Winnowill. Quickstorm twitches slightly, but nothing more. WolfFlame moves to Quickstorm's side, ** And you call us savages ** Aranee glances at the nesting ledge, where her bird is, then back at the wolfriders. Larias pulls again to break free from Savith's grip, some of her strength returning a bit. ShadeWater growls and pounces right behind WolfFlame, in a protective mode. Winnowill locksends ** Stop it ** Savith's grip grows stronger on Larias's shoulder now as he feels her stir Larias grits her teeth as a send hits her, ceasing her struggles, some. Myanna turns, nodding to her Lord, and moves down the stairs. ** Oh... Ekana...? Tell Stormfire... Tell him that little Nili sends her love. ** A cryptic smile crosses her lips, and she turns and exits. Myanna moves down the stairs into the twilight below. Savith nods to Reesath before hefting Larias up a little more and heading for Larias's new home. Greyriver locksends ** I will always be your friend and love you Larias.... ** Larias isn't the greatest of prisoners, but moves as directed. WolfFlame sighs and lifts Quickstorm up, wincing at how light he is, she then moves to the others shooting a glare at Winnowill and Savith as she does. Savith moves down the stairs into the twilight below. Reesath offers WolfFlame a hand again. You start the long path down into the Mountain. Around the Cage As the narrow, railing?less stair winds through the wast emptiness of the Mountain, it briefly touches the naked surface of a vertical wall. Where wall and stair meet there is a break in the emptiness, a dark and jagged gap in the smooth wall. Separated from the wide empty space with stone bars from which jagged stone thorns jut, this small alcove is crude and unshaped, a distinctly foreign element in the intricately woven pattern of the Mountain. It seems almost an afterthought ? or perhaps a remnant from times far past. The crouched birdlike shape holding the flame that lights the winding stair sheds a pale radiance on the ledge in front of the cage, but leaves the interior shaded in darkness. You locksend to Greyriver, Larias distant, quiet her send narrow to you, ** You are my friend... I know. And more to the point, I will remember, even when they send me to the palace. ** Greyriver locksends ** No!! Fight Larias....please! ** Larias glances at her surroundings and struggles wildly. Savith smiles faintly and with the help of unnamed NPC glider type carries you to the cage, ** Now now, struggling while making it more ammusing, will not help you at all ** You locksend to Savith, Larias sends to you and the unnamed glider, ** I will not! ** With that, pushes as best she can with both her gliding and brute strength, such physical contact unheard from her before she left. Savith grins at the fighting and takes his talonwhip and with the pommel whacks you across the head, ** Now what did I just tell you? ** Larias ooofs and slumps a bit, not unconcious, but her struggles cease. The stone bars shape themselves away as you enter, then melt closed behind you. The Cage Shadows, dark and dank and cold, flicker in the dim torch light that sheds faint light in the place beyond you. Twisted, thorn?laced bars keep you from that, and keep you locked in a small cavern which gives you no place to hide. All you do is visable, though you are probably so broken by now that you do not care. >From outside the cage, Savith ahhs, ** That's more like it, the little lost bird is back in her cage. ** Larias holds a hand to the back of her head, her eyes ablaze with wild fury, ** Just wait til the little birdie flies away again.. She won't be so easy to round up next time. ** >From outside the cage, Savith smiles faintly as he looks his talonwhip back attaching it to his belt,**I look forward to it ** Larias checks her hand for blood, ** Considering I have plans for you of my own.. I doubt it. ** >From outside the cage, Savith chuckles softly, ** When you are able to leave here, you'll not care anymore I suspect ** Larias smirks, pacing restlessly in her small cage, ** If that is the case. The only time I will leave this place, is when my spirit has fled to the Palace. ** >From outside the cage, Savith tsks at this, ** Oh you are so sure of that? ** Larias smiles darkly, a rather decent impression of Winnowill actually, ** I broke free once. I f I can not do so again, I will die trying. Your Lord already knows this. ** >From outside the cage, Savith returns the smile, an evil gleam in his eyes, ** Then this will prove more interesting then I first thought ** Larias gets as close to the bars as she dares, sneering defiantly, ** Interesting won't even begin to cover what you might touch upon when dealing with me. Its best you leave well enough alone. ** >From outside the cage, Savith smiles faintly, ** Perhaps I'll simply collect a new pet from my Daugther's tribe...that little Greyriver perhaps. ** You locksend ** Harm one hair on her head, or send one malicious thought to her, and -I- will be more than happy to do a repeat performance of what I did to the birds, to you. ** to Savith. Larias smiles oh so sweetly as she sends that little thought. >From outside the cage, Savith chuckles softly at this now, ** My dear Larias, you'll not have the opportunity for such, nor will you ever have me trust you as those unfortunate birds did ** Larias smiles sweetly, ** I am more resourceful than you might think. ** >From outside the cage, Savith smiles faintly, ** As am I. ** Larias snorts softly, ** We shall see. ** >From outside the cage, Savith just smiles now and nods, ** Enjoy your stay in there, leaving will be far less pleasant then entering I believe ** Larias walks over and gracefully sits in a corner, fully composed, that smoothe, Chosen-esque face the one she presents. >From outside the cage, Aranee arrives from the Rock Garden. >From outside the cage, Savith floats just off the ground beside the cage, "chatting" with Larias who now calls the cage home. >From outside the cage, Aranee walks into the room, gazing up towards the elf caught in the cage. Larias glances at the new arrival, politely nodding her head as if welcoming you to her humble abode. >From outside the cage, Aranee chuckles, turning about to leave again, leaving the two elves to their quiet discussion. >From outside the cage, Aranee heads down the stairs. Larias shrugs at Aranee's abrupt departure. >From outside the cage, Savith studies you a moment longer before nodding, certain that you are quite settled then turns to go, ** Do try and get some rest, you'll want to be in reasonable shape when Our Lord decides to heal you ** Larias smirks lightly, ** There is nothing for which your Lord to heal, else Greyriver would have seen to it before we came. ** >From outside the cage, Savith shrugs slightly, ** So you say. **