Log Date: April 1994 Log Cast: Savah, Mender, Clearsight, Blackmorn, Lilia, Silentrunner Log Explanation: So that Clearsight might fast and meditate in reasonable privacy for her coming Seeking, a worried and protective Blackmorn escorts her to the Wolfrider caves on the edge of the village. There, in darkness and relative coolness, she settles down to try to direct her attention inward past the hunger of her unsatisfied Recognition, to try to find her soulname and to reach the frame of mind she must have to find her Sign. Blackmorn, dazed himself by the Recognition's demands, nevertheless obstinately keeps a stubborn watch on the girl. Villagers - Lilia and Skybow the healer - come to see how they are and what is going on; much dismay is expressed when it is learned that slender, fragile Clearsight is going to attempt a walk across the Bridge of Destiny. The rumors fly fast across the Sun Village, and other visitors are drawn to the cave as well..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Savah clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Savah has arrived. Mender clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Mender has arrived. Savah looks at you for a moment. Savah pauses, looking at Clearsight and Blackmorn intently. Clearsight sits quietly, eyes closed, legs crossed... a pale and shaken-looking Blackmorn clasps her hand tightly in his, and looks up at the new arrivals startledly. Mender murmurs something astonished-sounding under his breath and moves forward impulsively to the two. "Great Sun, how long has it been since either of you ate or slept?!" Savah murmurs a quiet greeting at Blackmorn, and smiles at Mender. Blackmorn says gruffly, "Someone... brought something earlier, I'm fine... " Clearsight opens her eyes slowly, and regards the two newcomers with an almost utterly absent gaze, her eyes full of reflected starlight... Mender starts to tell Blackmorn quite flatly that he doesn't _look_ fine, but Clearsight's regard startles him again. "Timmorn's Blood," he breathes, backpedaling a bit. Savah says "I offered once, to assist in this search. It seems to me a difficult one, my dear." Clearsight says distantly, "I... must walk on the bridge alone... " Blackmorn flashes a pained and eloquent look up to the tall robed elf. Savah nods, quietly. Clearsight's thin face is white, drawn. Mender rallies his composure, and kneels to face the two other elves. "Maiden," he tells Clearsight, "if this is some kind of vigil you need to do, please don't kill yourself before you're ready to do it...!" He adds to Blackmorn, "And _you_, surely, don't need to kill yourself over this either?" Blackmorn blushes a bit, but maintains, randomly slipping into sending, ** I will guard her on the vigil... ** Mender glances up to Savah as if seeking support... Savah says "Your customs are your own, but I concur with Mender that you should recover your strength before attempting the Bridge of Destiny." Savah looks solemnly at Blackmorn. "It is not an easy deed, even for those at the height of their strength." Mender says earnestly, facing them both forthrightly, "Let me give you that, at least." Clearsight fixes Mender with her starlit, absent regard, and whispers, "Blackmorn first... " Mender unconsciously shivers as that blue glance seems to go right through him, and he turns to the dark-haired Wolfrider. Blackmorn shifts uncomfortably, but finally, tersely, nods. Mender nods back, and stretches forth a lean brown hand to Blackmorn's wounded shoulder. His fingertips begin to shimmer lightly, as he attempts to hasten and complete the healing of the days-old injury. But as soon as contact is made, Mender's grey eyes widen, and he snaps his gaze first from Blackmorn, to Clearsight, and at last up to Savah again. "Wait! You've... " Savah smiles, her golden eyes warm. "They have." Savah says "A coming of age, in more than one way. Troubled times, for our silvery cousin." Blackmorn shifts again, uncertainly, his gaze returning to Clearsight's face - his eyes full of barely-repressed need. Obstinately, he mutters in send, ** She has to... do the Seeking, first... ** Clearsight looks up and up to Savah's face, murmuring, "How... would you help....?" Mender mutters, "Roll me in honey and call me beesweet...!" But he briskly returns his attention to Blackmorn's shoulder, and the light shimmers forth from his hand again. Slowly, as the wound's healing is finished, a hint of the strain in Blackmorn's features subsides. Savah kneels by Clearsight, looking into her eyes. Clearsight meets the maternal amber regard with her own wide guileless eyes, though it is almost as if she looks right past Savah, and through her.... Savah slowly reaches out, touching slender brown fingers to the pale face. Blackmorn starts a bit, not knowing what Savah intends, and apparently intending to protest.... but Mender gently silences him. Starlight, is what is visible in Clearsight's eyes... an impression of silver radiance shimmering in her thoughts, from a deep place *within*. There is hunger, there, but dimly, barely felt... more potent is the amber fire that speaks of *Blackmorn* just behind the starlight in the maiden's gaze. You sense in a locksend, Savah touches your mind with gentle, amber light, barely felt. As Savah looks deeper, and as Blackmorn watches with a clear ache in his eyes, Clearsight seems to _look_ more intently up at the ancient elf.... You locksend ** ** to Savah. Mender keeps a lean hand on Blackmorn's shoulder, doing what he can to mute the other Wolfrider's distress without sending him headlong into a healing-induced slumber. Savah looks into Clearsight's eyes, as she reaches into her mind in gentle searching. You locksend ** ** to Savah. You sense in a locksend, Savah's warm touch acknowledges the hunger, and the pull of Recognition. Not for her, to interfer with either. But the inner self...She follows the silvery hawk, a golden presence. You locksend ** ** to Savah. You sense in a locksend, Savah smiles quietly to herself. So many distractions..so many choices, and glittering lights. She can help, in that. Mentally, she reaches out, folding her hands around the hawk without ever touching it. Blackmorn whispers, "Fledgel... " He watches, dimly perceiving something of the exchange through his own link with the girl. Mender murmurs as soothingly as he can to Blackmorn, "Hush... it'll help her." At some point during the day, some villager must have brought more water; there's a jar or two nearby, and the blond-haired healer tries to persuade Blackmorn to drink. You locksend ** ** to Savah. Savah locksends ** Around the hawk, some of the distant stars dim, then are hidden, by the shielding mind-touch. The brightest distractions must be dealt with, in the body...but now, the hawk flies through a velvet sky in which the stars are fewer...and those that are left shine with renewed strength and clarity. ** Savah locksends ** ** You locksend ** ** to Blackmorn. You locksend ** ** to Savah. Blackmorn looks from Clearsight to Savah, to Clearsight again. Mender, at last assured that Blackmorn has regained a measure of strength, removes his lightly glowing touch. Savah smiles quietly, gently removing her hands from Clearsights face. "Fly now, hawk, to your destination." Clearsight blinkblinks, the sheen in her eyes growing brighter, if anything... but in a way, she is more _alert_. "Now...?" she whispers. Mender says intently, looking Clearsight's slender frame up and down, "This _still_ worries me, Savah...!" Savah looks at Mender and Blackmorn as she rises. "Though she should eat first..and attend to the needs of the body. Mender.." Blackmorn nods a silent thanks to Mender, and takes up Clearsight's hand again. Clearsight shakes her head slowly. "No... no food." Savah nods quietly to Mender. "Yes..if she will not eat..could you lend her strength, for her ordeal?" Mender frowns, clearly distressed by the maiden's refusal. But at Savah's request, he sighs, and kneels before Clearsight. "Maiden?" Clearsight turns her starglimmer gaze to Mender - and the healer's jaw sets as he looks back at her rather dauntedly. But she simply nods to him. Savah nods, quietly. "I think..she should not delay much longer. Clearsight, child..are you ready?" Mender lifts a brown hand to Clearsight's face, and once more, his fingers gently glow. Under the attention, Clearsight straightens, barely perceptibly, and the sheen in her gaze strengthens.... Clearsight says softly, her voice barely above a whisper yet intent, "I am... ready... " Blackmorn nods, in agreement and acknowledgement, both, eyes on Clearsight. Mender pulls back his hand at last, and nods, a little fretfully. Savah places a hand on Blackmorns shoulder in quiet support, then stands aside. Mender says "I _will_ not be going far, maiden...!" Blackmorn looks up to Savah and manages a light, wry smile. Clearsight nods with absent gravity to Savah and Mender, as she slowly begins to climb to her feet. Blackmorn climbs to his own feet, offering Clearsight his own strength to help her up. Clearsight clasps Blackmorn's hand instinctively as she makes it to her feet, her carriage grave and utterly earnest. Lilia steps inside the cave again, tentatively. Mender looks over as Lilia arrives, and he nods as warmly as he can manage to her as he steps aside to leave the way clear for the young Plainsrunner. Lilia looks at the elves on their feet, and then to the jug of water of her hip. "The time has come?" Clearsight says softly, "I am ready... " Mender shoves a hand through his wavy pale hair, and lets out a breath. Lilia chews her lip, and looks to Savah. Savah looks solemnly at Lilia, nodding briefly. Clearsight fixes Lilia with her solemn eyes, and says simply, "You want to help." Lilia blinks, and her eyes widen, nodding. "I thought... some fresher silks.. or leathers, perhaps.. I have some, in my hut.. You will fit them, I think.." Mender smiles a little, lopsidedly, muttering, "Might as well... " Clearsight considers... and nods at last, somberly. "I need a feather, for my hair... " Mender blinkblinks at that, and frowns ponderingly. He murmurs to Lilia, "Do you have a feather?" Savah smiles warmly. "It is well..I will wait for you, my children." Lilia smiles, lightly, nods once. "From Silentrunner's holt." She turns and runs out without another word. Lilia leaves the cave. Lilia has left. Savah leaves you to prepare. Savah leaves the cave. Savah has left. Mender straightens, and simply nods. "Um... I will wait for you, just outside," he tells you both. Mender leaves the cave. Mender has left. Clearsight turns to Blackmorn, now... You say "You... will wait... as I seek?" Blackmorn searches your eyes, brushing a lock of hair from your face, gently. "So... it is now." He nods, albeit hesitantly. "I will follow.. and wait." Clearsight lifts a hand to your cheek, eyes full of silver starlight and amber fire behind the blue.... You locksend ** Verit.... ** to Blackmorn. Blackmorn closes his eyes, bowing his head, and placing his own hand over yours. Clearsight clasps the hand gently, softly.... Blackmorn shudders lightly, as the name rings true. ** Will wait for you.. as long as need be. ** Lilia clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Lilia has arrived. Clearsight embraces Blackmorn, a feather-light touch like the brush of wings... and looks up again as Lilia enters. Silentrunner clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Silentrunner has arrived. QuietFang has arrived. Silentrunner follows Lilia in and looks to Clearsight and Blackmorn. Clearsight turns her glimmering gaze back to Lilia, her regard surprisingly gentle, quietly expectant. Lilia carries an armload of leathers, charcoal grey, and purple. She holds a feather delicately between two fingers. Speaking quietly, she ventures "These are mine.. made by my own hand.. but they will fit, I think..." Lilia steps up close. Silentrunner moves up beside Lilia. Clearsight inclines her head gravely to Lilia, and says, her tone formal, "You do me honor for my Seeking." Blackmorn looks to Lilia, and then back to Clearsight, giving her hand a last squeeze, and then pulling back. "I will wait, outside." Clearsight quickly returns the clasp... and nods to Blackmorn. Blackmorn leaves the cave. Blackmorn has left. Silentrunner looks after Blackmorn, "I am glad he is well..." Lilia glances over her shoulder to Silentrunner.."Will you follow, him, my wolf? Only for a moment?" Clearsight as if in an absent dream begins to remove her travel-stained leathers. Silentrunner ohs and turns to leave, "sorry, Love" Silentrunner leaves the cave. Silentrunner has left. QuietFang goes home. QuietFang has left. Lilia smiles softly, helping with gentle hands to remove old worn leathers, and replace them with the new. Lilia lays the breeches, dark and smooth charcoal grey out on the floor of the cave, and holds the deep purple tunic up against you, nodding. "Fit well enough at least, I think...." Clearsight allows you to assist her in dressing, not uttering a word. Lilia holds the feather up again, to either side of your face, considering, and finally sets to work, braiding the feather in amongst the pewter streaked strands. Clearsight then looks up and nods quietly. Clearsight(#769POce) There is something elusive about this elfin female: she seems prosaic enough at first glance, unobtrusive and quiet, careful and considering of movement. Something catches the eye about her, though: perhaps the sheen of her golden-tanned skin, that seems to reflect a glow as if it were newly made... or the odd, streaked-pewter shade of the tumbled hair that dangles in her eyes and to her shoulderblades. Or her dusky blue eyes, with their guileless yet somehow _knowing_ gaze, and a glimmer in their depths of something like starlight... She is clad in new leathers, petal-soft and skillfully made. The tunic, cut low and exposing her golden-hued shoulders, is of a deep twilight purple shade; the breeches are charcoal grey, and criss-crossed at the seams with lighter grey ties. On her feet are boots of a slightly lighter shade. Her hair has been combed until it gleams, and the feather of a hawk has been braided into the pewter strands on one side of her thin face. She is distant of expression, her attention seemingly directed _inward_.... Clearsight says softly, "Now." Lilia smiles, and breathes. "There.. much better..." Clearsight says solemnly, "Thank you... " Lilia's cheeks darken slightly. "You do my stitching, honor, maiden..to wear them on one as lovely as you. Are you ready?" Clearsight's shoulders settle... and she nods softly. Lilia takes hold of your hand, if you permit, and leads you out. Clearsight follows, moving in a gait almost as if she were floating. Lilia leaves the cave. Lilia has left. You leave the cave. Boundary Path The sheltered valley gathers you close in rocky arms. The village is nestled in a hidden canyon of red-yellow sandstone and prickly cactus turned garden oasis by the precious well that brings water from the depths of the earth. Little Moon is a barely visible crescent as the dimming red light of sunset fills in the hot summer skies. Contents: Lilia Obvious exits: Lookout Ridge(UP) South BoundaryPath(S) Wolfrider Cave(W) Crossroads Clearsight's gaze lifts to the lofty curve of the Bridge, shadowed against the evening sky. [And Lilia escorts Clearsight to the Bridge of Destiny... ] You finish your trek up the steep path, and step on the ledge next to the Bridge of Destiny. Ledge of Trials The trail widens here and levels momentarily. Before you is the narrow rainbow of stone that is the Bridge of Destiny. The followers of Sun Toucher sometimes gather here, to hear his wise words..or to witness the sunrise. Little Moon is a barely visible crescent as the dimming red light of sunset fills in the hot summer skies. The Bridge is to the North, while the path descends the side of the mountain, Contents: Lilia QuietFang Blackmorn Kirran Mender Silentrunner Obvious exits: Steep Path(SP) Bridge(N) Lilia wanders in, Clearsight's hand clasped lightly in her own, the maiden in new leathers. Savah smiles warmly at Lilia and Clearsight. Clearsight moves in a gait almost as if she were floating, her feet seemingly barely brushing the ground. Her thin features are solemnly composed, and her gaze drifts out across the Bridge; her hair begins to toss lightly in the breeze. Lilia smiles a bit, and steps aside, moving over to Silentrunner. Mender leans against a rock, his lean handsome face gone business-ike. Silentrunner stands and holds Lilia's hand, looking both worried and hopeful. Savah says "Thank you, Lilia..a most suitable clothing. Clearsight..for generations, the Bridge of Destiny has been used by my children.." Clearsight stands quietly, listening to the aged elf with respectful attention. Savah says "When they faced their trials. Yours is just about to begin." Blackmorn steps closer to Clearsight, eyes only on her. Clearsight inclines her head solemnly, murmuring, "It is time for the Seeking." Silentrunner smiles slightly and warmly, watching Blackmorn and Clearsight. Kirran, violet eyes holding puzzlement, simply watches wordlessly. Savah says "On the other side of the Bridge is the Heart of the Sun. It is for you to cross the Bridge, to touch the heart of the Sun, and to return. The Sun..will guide you to what you seek." Savah smiles enouragement, and steps back leaving Clearsight alone at the start of the Bridge. Blackmorn locksends ** ** Clearsight looks at the assembled elves, each in turn... her gaze falling last on Blackmorn. She does not speak, but her gaze utters much, as she clasps his hands in hers. Blackmorn nods once, slowly, and then pulls back and away. You locksend to Blackmorn, Clearsight reaches to clasp that strength to her... brushing against it with a feather-light touch. Clearsight then pulls in a solemn breath, and turns to regard her path. You start out onto the bridge of destiny, testing your courage first on the wider, begining portion. Bridge of Destiny - The beginning Wide at first, the Bridge of destiny is a remnant of wind sculptured sandstone that soars high above the desert. This is the only approach to the Ledge of Truth, where the symbol of the Sun Folk has been erected, and where Sun Toucher waits each morning to greet the daystar. You can look in all directions here. Little Moon is a barely visible crescent as the dimming red light of sunset fills in the hot summer skies. Obvious exits: Middle(N) Ledge(S) From Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner holds Lilia's hand, half to support her and half to be supported. He anxiously watches Blackmorn and Clearsight. Clearsight treads cautiously, the twilight winds tossing her hair faintly as she ventures out, and up... You carefully make your way to the thin center of the bridge. Your arm rise instinctivly to keep you balanced. Bridge of Destiny - The center Narrow now, the Bridge of Destiny arches through the sky only a few inches wide. Precarious footing in the best of times, the incessant wind makes walking here a hazard most days... The wind howls like an angry wolf, sweeping in sudden heavy gusts! Obvious exits: Beginning(S) End(N) From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn watches, eyes narrow, and only on the girl. From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia's hand closes a bit on Silentrunner's. From the Ledge of Trials, Mender observes the progress the maiden makes, murmuring instinctively, "Balance, pretty maid, balance....!" Blackmorn locksends ** ** You sense in a locksend, Silentrunner worriedly watches you, his thoughts audible to your sensitive mind, ** Take care, Friend... please take care ** You locksend to Blackmorn, Clearsight latches onto the advice, seeking within _Verit_ the instinctive knowledge of how it is for wolf-blooded feet to tread the branches of trees.... Clearsight looks about her... slender frame swaying slightly, as she stretches forth her arms to either side, seeking support that isn't there. From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn frowns lightly. You locksend ** ** to Silentrunner. The maiden keeps her gaze focused deliberately forward... and slowly proceeds. You walk cautiously north, balancing with great care. Bridge of Destiny - The end Widening slightly, the bridge slopes back downward. The footing is wider, but steeper here. There is a ledge ahead, where the Sun Folk have created a monument to honor the Daystar, symbol of life and light. Obvious exits: Ledge(N) Middle(s) You arrive from the center of the bridge, quivering with the effort of balancing in the wind. From the Ledge of Trials, Mender exhales slowly. "She's almost there... " From the Ledge of Trials, Savah watches, tall and silent. From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia holds her breath, unconsciously. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner gasps a little in surprise, as if suddenly surprised and reassured by something unseen. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner holds Lilia, smiling slightly. From the Ledge of Trials, Kirran nibbles at his lip, and looks about nervously as he remembers that Skitterpaw could not make the ascent with him.... You walk slowly towards the end of the bridge and safety. Ledge of Truth This wide ledge contains three obelisks of stone carved from the living rock that supports the bridge. The center one is surmounted by a sunburst and is called the Sun's Heart. The ledge is protected on one side from the wind by the top of the peak, where it extends almost 15 feet higher than the level of the ledge. Little Moon is a barely visible crescent as the dimming red light of sunset fills in the hot summer skies. Contents: Sun's Heart Obvious exits: Bridge's End(S) You complete the crossing, still marveling at the sights below,. and forgetting to be afraid of the heights. Clearsight's slim form moves off the slim causeway and onto the ledge where stands the shaped symbol of the daystar. She pauses, panting.... From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia smiles brightly. "There!." From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner smiles brightly and broadly, hugging Lilia unconciously. By the sun-heart symbol, Clearsight slowly looks up, and raises a hand to the carving. For a long, seemingly endless moment, she remains thus.... Sun's Heart An obelisk that rises from the very substance of the stone that supports the northern end of the bridge. It is perhaps 5' tall, and surmounted with the starburst symbol of the sun, and of the SunFolk. Here, high above the desert and stone of their dwellings, SunToucher and the members of his people come to commune with the life-giving orb that warms their adopted world. _/\_ Sun's Heart ____/~ ~\____ \_ __ _/ ~\ //\\ /~ _/ \\// \_ /~ ~~ ~\ ~~~~\_ _/~~~~ (~\/~) / \ ( / ) ) ( x ) (( )) \ ( / ( ) /\ ( / X ) ( ) ( ) _ ( ) ( v \ ) (~\ ( / ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )( | ) _/ ) ) ( X \/ \/~ ) ( ( ) > x ) \ ) _______(_________( )________)_____ You sense in a locksend, Silentrunner sendwhispers, ** You have made it friend... ** You locksend ** ** to Blackmorn. From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn takes an unconscious step forward. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner watches happily, his thoughts overflowing with happiness. Some time passes... and as the daystar makes its descent in the skies, the brightest of the stars begin to emerge overhead. There is the faintest of sounds high overhead in the sky: a cry like a night-hunting hawk, perhaps. From the Ledge of Trials, Mender whoas, and reaches a hand to Blackmorn. "Steady there... " From the Ledge of Trials, Savah smiles, looking up to the sky. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner holds Lilia closely, ** I think her journey has ended, my Love... ** Blackmorn locksends ** ** Clearsight slowly turns... and looks up. The cry of a hawk sounds again... nearer this time, somehow. From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn nods.. From the Ledge of Trials, Mender blinkblinks... "What's she looking at....?" What, indeed, is not readily apparent for several minutes. But the hawk's cry sounds again, a third time... and, towards Sun-Goes-Down, where a single glimmering star is visible against the sunset, a winged shape soars. From the Ledge of Trials, Savah looks out over the Bridge again. "The daystar is but one star among many..but to those who live under its light, the most important." From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn's eyes do not waver from the elfin figure on the far side of the bridge. From the Ledge of Trials, Savah murmurs "Find your star, little hawk." From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner holds Lilia closely, closing his eyes, watching Clearsight with something more. You locksend ** <_Faan_, it blazes, _Faan_... and in her mind, the hawk shrills its triumph as it soars into the starlight.... > ** to Blackmorn. You locksend to Blackmorn, Clearsight's eyes... in body and in mind... lift skyward, as something calls, a light that glows enough to rival the amber flare of _Verit_ within her thoughts. You sense in a locksend, Blackmorn follows her gaze, searching for this new flare... From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn glances finally away from the girl on the bridge, and to the sky. High above, the small winged shape lets off a shrill "KREEEEE!"... and glides on a thermal down towards the far end of the Bridge. From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia looks to the new bird. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner smiles and hugs Lilia reassuringly. Clearsight's gaze lifts... and the bird soars down to meet her. It shrieks again... and lands on the slender arm that rises to meet it. From the Ledge of Trials, Mender's eyes widen as the bird flies down to meet the distant figure. "Timmorn's Blood," he breathes. You locksend ** ** to Blackmorn. Blackmorn locksends ** ** From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn smiles slowly. "Starwing.." he murmurs. A winged shape mantles and shrieks on Clearsight's arm... and she looks up and across the bridge, again. From the Ledge of Trials, Savah says "Starwing..yes." From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner nods and looks towards the figure on the bridge. From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia smiles softly. "Starwing.. it suits her, I think." The maiden with the hawk on her arm takes a cautious step out onto the thread of rock once more. She steps carefully out onto the Bridge of Destiny, homeward bound. She begins crossing the bridge, the return trip more enjoyable than the first crossing, but not without danger. From the Ledge of Trials, Savah looks solemn. "There is still..the return." From the Ledge of Trials, Mender winces a little, grey eyes going back out to the dusk-shadowed bridge as the maiden slowly makes her way across... From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn sends openly ** She.. will do well. ** [She reaches the center of the Bridge, and.... ] She pauses... the hawk on her arm slowing her, subtly alerting her balance. From the Ledge of Trials, Blackmorn is confident, for the undertone of concern that colors it. From the Ledge of Trials, Kirran, his eyes huge in his brown face, simply watches the proceedings in mute awe. The young Plainsrunner pauses... her hair whipping about her in the evening wind. From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner hugs Lilia, smiling broadly towards the elfmaiden on the bridge. From the Ledge of Trials, Lilia murmurs "Why is she.. why does she stop?" The maiden sways a bit, lifting the arm with the hawk perched upon it. From the Ledge of Trials, Savah holds her breath, almost unnoticeably. The bird shrieks, as if in protest, mantling... again, subtly altering the maiden's balance. But at last, it takes wing, to circle slowly about the Bridge..... From the Ledge of Trials, Silentrunner watches, worriedly and hopefully. .... and with that, trembling, she proceeds.... [From the center of the Bridge to the beginning, and at last once more on to the Ledge of Trials... ] Starwing stumbles the last few remaining steps onto the safety of the ledge... Savah smiles, joy in her amber eyes. "Welcome...Starwing." Kirran gasps softly. Blackmorn moves quickly, for him, and steps close to the girl, reaching to catch her, brace her steps. Silentrunner smiles softly at Starwing and Blackmorn. Starwing looks up, and there is a new surety in her gaze as she half-slumps into Blackmorn's arms. She pulls in a breath, and whispers, "The Seeking is done.... " You sense in a locksend, Silentrunner sends happily, ** It is over cousin... your journey is over... ** Blackmorn draws her close, holding her and supporting her weight easily. "Aye, fledgling.. Starwing." Mender, clearly relieved that the ethereal maiden wasn't whipped right off the side of the Bridge by a passing breeze, moves to the side of Cl - Starwing and Blackmorn, one hand going to each of their shoulders and glowing lightly, to provide a small measure of strength. "I believe now you two have something else to fullfill, aye...?" Lilia breathes, looking up at Savah. "So it is true.. what I was told of them?" Starwing looks around, and nods in serene acknowledgement to Silentrunner... as well as to Mender. To Savah, she sends openly - and with a new certainty, now - ** Mother of Memory, thank you... ** Kirran blinkblinks, confused yet again, and he looks up to Savah for clarification...? In an open send, Savah sends warmly. ** You found what you sought, my dear...on your own strength. ** Blackmorn looks to Mender, his eyes lighter. Savah smiles and nods to Lilia. Lilia grins widely. Silentrunner smiles and holds Lilia closer to him. Just above, there is another hawk's cry... and the winged companion that accompanied the maiden across the bridge suddenly wings down into view again. Savah sends openly ** And Mender is right..It is not over, yet. ** Starwing looks up, and murmurs, "Vree... " Savah looks to the hawk. "And does this one have a name, as well?" Savah smiles. The hawk cries an acknowledgement, winging just overhead. Blackmorn looks up to the bird as well. **** Starwing returns her gaze to Blackmorn, and whispers to him, "Vree will... wait... " Starwing's arms have found their way around Blackmorn's neck, and her eyes are achingly bright now in her delicate face. Lilia , still grinning, takes Silentrunner's hand, and tugs lightly on it. "Come.." Silentrunner takes Lilia's hand and begins to lead her away. Savah smiles, and motions to the others gathered. [They depart, Starwing and Blackmorn being the last to go. And, on the steep path leading down from the Bridge.... ] Mender grins to the two here, and says, "I should hope that hawk will wait... you two need a private place." Starwing considers for a moment... and then smiles, looking back to Blackmorn.... You locksend ** Where....? ** to Blackmorn. Blackmorn, not taking his eyes from Clearsight, murmursends **A private place..** Mender hrmms, and smiles quietly, and says, "Well, there must be a nice private cottage around here somewhere... come....!" Starwing clasps your hand in hers tightly.... Blackmorn clasps back, and follows. [The small party reaches the bottom of the winding path, by the Well... ] Starwing follows with Blackmorn, after Mender, quietly... to Silentrunner in passing, she says softly, "You honored me with your faith... thank you." Mender smiles to that, and strides onward. [Mender amusedly escorts Starwing and Blackmorn to the courtyard near the guest cottages.... ] You turn away from the sunlit crossroads and enter the painted gateway marking the Visitor's Courtyard. Visitors' Courtyard(#668RJ) This walled courtyard is paved with several sizes of circular tiles scattered in seemingly random patterns. Between the stones moss and thyme grow, creating a pleasing contrast with the cream and brown colored tiles. In the center of the court, a small live-oak grows, gracefully sheltering a small fountain and pool. Planters full of bright colored flowers alternate with wide stone benches along the edges of the courtyard. Clinging vines of grape and wisteria veil the walls and along the south edge of the court the covered arches of a shaded pavilion beckon you out of the sun. Contents: Mender Obvious exits: Guest Cottages(N) Crossroad(W) You arrive in the shaded courtyard, your eyes adjusting quickly to the soft shadows cast by the huge tree in the court and the covered walkways. Blackmorn arrives in the shaded courtyard from the crossroads. Mender chuckles quietly, and tells you both, "I think you can take it from here without the healer." He winks warmly, and slips off. Mender turns to leave the Visitors' Court. You sense in a locksend, Silentrunner sends warmly, ** Go forth, friend... you earned my respect...** Starwing, perhaps a little breathlessly, takes your hand to pull you forward.... [She hurries him on towards the guest cottages of the village.... ] Blackmorn walks in from the Visitors' Courtyard to the South. Blackmorn has arrived. Starwing points northward... "There.... " Starwing looks at you hopefully.... Blackmorn nods. "There.." You head towards the Small Cottage. Small Cottage This small cottage is a small distance away from the other guest cottages, partially covered from sight by a cluster of tall prickle-plants that still tingle with the magic of shaping. A single room with a ledge around the wall and a deep sleeping pit, it is clearly not meant for long stays. In honor of Starwing and Blackmorn, the villagers have collected brightly colored cushions and blankets for the otherwise spartan sleeping pit, and fresh flowers from the garden decorate the room. Food and water in abundance has been placed nearby, gifts from villagers. The scent of flowers fills the air, and soft light falls in through the beaded curtain in the window. Obvious exits: Out You locksend ** ** to Silentrunner. Blackmorn arrives from the Guest Cottages. Blackmorn has arrived. Starwing looks around, softly overcome with the profusion of gifts here... and at last she turns, to look up at you, her heart and soul radiant in her eyes.... Blackmorn smiles genuinely, and warmly, the same warmth deepening his eyes, and coloring his send as he steps close, arms slipping around your waist. ** Starwing..._Faan_..** _Verit_ gleams in her face as she whispers shyly, "I... do not know how... " Starwing touches your face in wonder, and goes on, "I have never... done this, before... " Blackmorn studies the curve of your cheek, and the edge of your ear, looking and touching gently, everywhere on your face, fingers soft. "Before or after, matters little.." Starwing quivers delicately at the touch, her head leaning instinctively towards the contact; her pulse quickens in the hollow of her throat. Blackmorn's hands slip from your face, down along the sides of your neck, and over bare shoulders, fingers burning at the touch.. Starwing runs her hand along the line of your shoulders... down your chest. Her fingers shiver feather-light, while her eyes drink in your face as if for the first time. A light flush begins to creep across her cheeks. Blackmorn's fingers drop down to your sides, fingers curling in the fabric of the new tunic, and drawing you firmly closer, his forehead resting against yours, eyes slipping closed, his send betraying the reason he shudders, the flame, out of control now. You locksend ** <_Faan_ fills your mind like liquid swirling starglow... all the brighter, now, as the gleam is solidly rooted within her consciousness.... > ** to Blackmorn. Blackmorn locksends ** <_Verit_ is bathed in amber fire, reaching for the gleam, not hesitantly, but.. carefully.> ** Starwing gasps softly as she is drawn to you, her body curving to meld against yours. Her hands move round behind you; one buries itself in your hair, the other wanders at random across the muscles of your back. In a movement, silent as it is strong, he stoops and catches you behind the knees, pressing his face tightly against your shoulder, a quiet, harsh gasp coming from him.. Starwing's breath catches in her throat as she is swung off her feet. Both her arms come up to encircle your neck; her heart flutters in her chest. Blackmorn drops slowly to his knees, more a lowering than anything sudden, leaning forward to lay you back gently in the mounds of pillows, flower scents, not like those of the grove before, but softer, stirred up by your slight weight. You locksend ** <_Faan_'s thoughts are open and bright with trust and wonder, as the demands on her body are now given their way... > ** to Blackmorn. Starwing's hair falls back in a streaked-silver tumble from her face, the hawk's feather pale against the strands. Her eyes are immeasurably blue..... Blackmorn's fingers brush over the pulse at the hollow of your throat, then over a shoulder and down your side again, as he eases into the pillows as well.. [End log.]