Log Date: 11/27/95 Log Intro: The strain of recent days is beginning to wear again on Rayek. Between his pledge to return the Palace to the Go-Backs, the insistent demands of Azeure and Delenbae that he must do no such thing and should return to claiming the mantle of Palace master, and his own conviction that he is no longer worthy of such a position, Rayek is becoming increasingly moody, tormented, and irrational. But he is also continuing to get unexpected visitors.... ---------- Azeure locksends ** Still hiding? ** Ktai locksends ** Rayek? ** You locksend, to Ktai, Azeure: Rayek, as you both send to him, can be felt to sleep. Fitfully and restlessly. Out in the corridor, Ktai muses. Wake him from that sleep? It cannot be better than being awake? Ktai locksends ** ** You locksend to Ktai, Rayek's mind flinches; you catch a sense of... panic. A memory of falling, of blindingly white light, and pain. Out in the corridor, Ktai blinks, swallows, then looks at the door. Out in the corridor, Ktai has left. Ktai has arrived. Ktai steps quietly in, her eyes seeking. Rayek writhes on the sleepfurs by the wall, his head tossing back and forth, eyes tightly clamped closed; his face is beaded in sweat. Ktai frowns slightly, then walks closer. Ktai sends openly ** Rayek? ** Azeure locksends ** She beckons.. We must move quickly ** His lean, slight form twists, and there's a glimmer of his magic, suddenly, flaring up around him; his features twist in unconscious desperation. You locksend ** ** to Azeure. Ktai kneels, and gently reaches out. ** Rayek? Waken. ** Azeure locksends ** Wake up curse you.. this is not time to wallow in the past. ** Rayek's arms fling up, suddenly, as if to protect him from some unseen, falling obstacle. With a strangled groan, he jerks into sitting up... Ktai moves to help. ** Easy.... slowly now. ** Rayek looks frantically, frightenedly, in all directions, muttering hoarsely, "In pieces... no... I can't stop it... I..." Ktai makes no sound, only pulls you towards her, trying to get you into her arms. ** Everything is all right... you're safe... ** Azeure locksends ** Be alert master of the palace.. ** Rayek, aware of very little besides his racing pulse, frowns vaguely as you embrace him. "I... wha...." Out in the corridor, Win_Spirit has arrived. Out in the corridor, Win_Spirit has left. Win_Spirit has arrived. You locksend ** ...... Wha... ** to Azeure. Win_Spirit looks at you for a moment. Ktai frowns, blinking. ** Who is there? ** Win_Spirit locksends ** You have several visitors I see. ** Rayek, embraced by Ktai, frowns groggily, trying to rally his senses. The Palace... is here. Is whole, mostly. He struggles to remind himself of this. And abruptly stiffens, in Ktai's arms, his expression going distracted. Winnowill The Lord of Blue Mountain, Winnowill, commands attention and an uneasy respect for her position and power with a dark, unruly glare from shimmering, crystalline eyes of blue. Neatly brushed and trimmed raven black hair, parted in the center and adorned with a crown over her forehead, falls down in a neat cascade against her back and shoulders. Her lithe, nimble and tall body is regal and elegant, masked with a constant sinister and dry smirk. Bonny in a flowing skirt slashed up to her waist, the deep purple dye of the fine leathers adds hue to her otherwise pale skin. Her arms are sleeved to the wrist; her blouse providing a high collar though revealing an open space at her stomach. Her shoulders are slightly slouched down in an elegant feminine form, supporting a deep purple cape, trimmed with white, leopard spotted fur. From her ankles to toes, her feet are well supported for walking with black ankle boots. Black ankle boots are firmly laced against her slender feet and ankles, adorned with decorations made from feathers affixed to small pieces of metal. Her crown, sitting firmly on her head, has similar articles at her temples and several more hanging from her ears. Lord Winnowill holds herself with a cold certainty. Her face is as smooth as glass - just as sharp, just as precise. Azeure locksends ** Be alert Rayek.. we may need to move quickly.. despite your reluctance to help ** Rayek breathes, "She...." Win_Spirit locksends ** And the needs of healing I have heard is not exaggerated, twin of my heart. ** Out in the corridor, Azeure has arrived. Out in the corridor, Azeure has left. Azeure has arrived. Rayek says into the air, huskily, "What... are you doing here?" Azeure enters quietly ** Will you help or no?.. I must know ** Ktai looks at Rayek. ** Who she? ** Ktai looks at Azeure. Win_Spirit locksends ** I have come to help you. We are one, and should you wither, you will hurt more than yourself. ** Azeure blinks and looks to Ktai Rayek seems barely aware of Azeure's arrival, as he sits, loosely embraced by Ktai -- but barely aware of her, either, as he stares into the air with narrowed amber eyes. Azeure locksends ** What is it? ** Azeure turns to Rayek, apparantly sending Win_Spirit locksends ** What has brought you to this state, my Rayek. ** Rayek mutters, mouth tightening, "There is nothing you can do, Winnowill..." Ktai's eyes widen. ** Winnowill? ** Win_Spirit locksends ** You say that so quickly... without even telling me your problem. I have dealt with so many in my years. ** Azeure frowns, pulling down the hood of his cloak ** Ah.. well then perhaps she should stay awhile.. I'm sure she could learn much from spirits housed in these hallowed halls ** Ktai looks at Azeure. ** I'd rather she join them. ** Azeure nods to ktai ** In many ways she already has ** In an open send, Win_Spirit alows a chuckle to bubble through the various minds in the room. Ktai muffles a snarl, and offers Rayek strength. Rayek frowns, his voice low and ragged as he replies to whatever unseen entity he is addressing, "It is my burden to bear." Azeure nods "Yes Rayek.. but not alone.. you know this" Ktai sends openly ** Perhaps she has, Azeure, but I'd rather her body not be there to return to. ** Win_Spirit locksends ** You will not share it with me, your other half? I am stunned. ** Azeure sends openly ** Were it only that simple we would have been done with her long ago.. ** Rayek frowns slightly... uncertainly. A look very much like need flickers through his face. Ktai sends openly ** No doubt one of the leftover Chosen guards her. ** Azeure nods "True enough" Ktai locksends ** I am here... take my support... Let your freedom be what keeps her away... ** You sense in a locksend, Win_Spirit allows an outpouring of comfort to flow from her to you. ** Let me be your healer, your lifemate. Let me share your burden. ** Azeure says "Rayek.. remember what I have told you.. we can succeed.. together." Azeure says "You know it as well as I" Rayek stiffens, sucking in a startled breath; momentarily, his expression shifts to one of desperate relief. You sense in a locksend, Suntop sends tentatively, ** Rayek? ** Ktai locksends ** I'm here... and Suntop is near... ** You sense in a locksend, Win_Spirit continues the enfolding comfort like a warm heavy blanket. ** If you can not trust your other soul, whom can you trust? ** Azeure offers his hand to Rayek "You know my motive is pure.. do not trust this one wh seeks only to decieve you as she has done to us all for so many turns.. you and I can set things right and you know it" Rayek mumbles, "I... can't... no, I must..." His gaze goes glassy, and, distractedly, he frowns up at Azeure and Ktai. For an instant, he seems to barely recognize them. Azeure says "Presicely.. you must.. and we will." Ktai locksends ** Rayek, take my hand, and take strength. I can fight her. ** Win_Spirit locksends ** Rayek, my mate in power. You know that sendings hold only truth. I want to help you, to remove the pain in your heart and soul. To do so, you must trust me. You must tell me what is wrong. ** Out in the corridor, Suntop has arrived. Out in the corridor, Suntop has left. Suntop has arrived. Suntop virtually races down the hall and skids to a halt, at the door. Rayek frowns absently, whispering, "I... cannot trust... anyone with this..." Rayek is sitting loosely embraced by Ktai, on the sleepfurs by one wall. He's starting blankly into the air. Azeure is standing before Rayek, his hand outstretched. You locksend ** ** to Win_Spirit. Ktai locksends ** I am not anyone, but my strength is here for you. All that needs is you take my hand. ** Azeure raises a brow "Oh?.. Even one who sees these things as clearly as you once did?" Win_Spirit locksends ** Allow me to help you, second-soul. You need never be alone. I will always be with you. ** Ktai seems to be rocking Rayek in her arms, sending to him almost constantly. Azeure says "Let me help you Rayek.. If it was only the power of the palace I sought.. why then would I be here for you now?" Suntop looks at Rayek, then stares into the air, himself. Out in the corridor, WolfFlame has arrived. Out in the corridor, WolfFlame has left. WolfFlame has arrived. Suntop sends openly ** What are you doing? ** Suntop seems to be sending to anyone who can hear his sends.. WolfFlame darts in arfter Suntop as if she was forcing herself to come in You locksend ** ** to Win_Spirit. Ktai very gently rests her forehead against Rayek's temple. She kisses him lightly, sending the entire time. Suntop arches a brow, and shakes his head. ** Oh? ** Ktai locksends ** I love you, Rayek. Though it may get me killed, I will help you. ** You sense in a locksend, Win_Spirit seems touched by your lonliness. She shares with you her own solitude in the mountain as she became distant from all within. Even her LifeMate Voll. WolfFlame meeps and looks about worriedly as she hurries to Azeure's side Azeure looks to Rayek "Indeed Rayek.. listen to her obvious deceptions.. neglect the uncomfortable truth of things.. neglect all you were meant to be.. indeed.. become another of her pawns.. but you can be more.. " Azeure doesn't seem to notice, his attention focused on Rayek Rayek shivers, staring up and out past Ktai's closely leaning head. Her physical contact makes him blink slowly and heavily, as if sleep-fogged. Suntop's lips curl into a small smile of amusement. Azeure locksends ** You know I mean you no deceptions.. I am here to aid you.. together we can succeed in the High One's dream of returning home ** Azeure locksends ** I only do this.. because I consider you.. A dear dear friend. ** Rayek mutters slurrily, staring at Azeure, or perhaps through him, "I... couldn't do it with Tilia..." His mouth twists, pained. Azeure says "So you will not make the attempt with me?" Ktai locksends ** ** That is what I see, Rayek. Use that strength... ** ** Azeure's eyes watch Rayek with gentleness as his hand remains outstretched Suntop chuckles softly to himself, then nods. ** I accept. ** Win_Spirit locksends ** Who is this Tilia? What were you trying? ** Azeure says "Did she see as well what you have taught me?" Azeure says "Or was she blinded by the restrictions none but you have placed here?" In an open send, Win_Spirit fills the room with her presense. ** We await your comming with anticipation, WolfChild. Ride to Blue Mountain with my scattered Children. ** Ktai sends out suddenly, searching for Winnowill's spirit. ** Face me if you dare. ** Rayek mumbles -- to whom is uncertain -- "The Palace... will not answer me...!" He scowls, pained, his gaze completely bereft. He snaps his gaze up, then, at the open sending, and blinks several times at Suntop. Azeure says "Come Rayek.. you know in your soul of souls we can succeed" WolfFlame blinks at the send and frowns as she looks to Suntop Suntop's send is soft in response. ** I will be there. ** Azeure says "It responded to you once before.. you are meerly looking in the wrong place.. with your ability.. and my guidance.. can we not make another attempt?" Win_Spirit locksends ** You are sick. You are hurt. With a healing, the mountain again will sing with your power. Come to the mountain with Leetahs wolf-cub. I will be waiting with a healing hand. ** Azeure looks off for a moment Ktai smiles darkly. ** No, Winnowill. -=You=- seek me. Sar and Eveshka played the game well. Let's see how -=you=- play it. ** Suntop continues to stare at the 'open air,' still smiling. WolfFlame keeps behind Azeure as much as possible, while trying not to seem too nervous with this all Rayek gasps, suddenly, hoarsely, "No... you... can't help, Winnowill... you... can't." He sounds strangely confused and unsure, though. You sense in a locksend, Suntop's send is strong and sure: ** Do not let her win you over easily, my friend.. ** Azeure locksends ** Believe me friend.. my heart is pure.. look deep.. I open myself to your pryings.. seek whatever youlike.. I am open to you. ** Ktai locksends ** She can't help... she cannot love... only love for the High Ones, love for the Palace... those are that which will help you. ** Win_Spirit locksends ** If you come and I can not heal you. Nothing is lost, but we will be together and you will not be lonely. ** Azeure locksends ** I only wish to help you.. to help all of the High One's children. ** Ktai smiles. ** No Winnowill. I have no anger. ** Azeure locksends ** Together we can succeed. ** Rayek frowns, trembling, eyes closing as if in pain or dizziness. Win_Spirit locksends ** I must go, my twin. This is too taxing for me to maintain. I can be found in the mountain. ** Win_Spirit takes wing through the spirit world and departs. Azeure locksends ** Together.. you and I.. you are not alone. ** Win_Spirit goes home. Win_Spirit has left. Suntop suddenly looks vastly relieved.. "She is gone." You locksend ** ** to Win_Spirit. WolfFlame sighs in relief Rayek abruptly slumps, trembling violently. Azeure doesn't seem to notice Winny leaving, his eyes intent on Rayek as he kneels next to him and Ktai, offering a gentle hand. Suntop turns and smiles warmly at WolfFlame, sending this time, rather than speaking. ** Of her powers, there is no doubt. But she has no control over me. ** Azeure says "My dear friend.." Azeure says "We have much work to do you and I" Ktai holds Rayek gently. Rayek groans more or less to Azeure, in a tone that suggests his vocal cords are being forcibly ripped out of his throat, "Have... you not... heard a word I've told you? The Palace will not answer me...!" For a few moments, his voice _almost_ gains a hint of his usual passion, before he trails off, anguished, broken. "It won't..." Suntop turns around, hearing that comment from Rayek, shaking his head.. ** You have not tried hard enough, old friend. ** Ktai holds Rayek gently. Azeure smiles softly, a gentle hand moving to Rayek's cheek "Then perhaps instead of guiding the palace my dear friend.. you should allow the palace to once again guide you" Rayek doesn't look at anyone. Ktai, nearest, can hear his breath rattling in his throat. Azeure says "Please Rayek.. there is no other way." Ktai locksends ** Rayek, please.... You are highly upset... justt take a few deep breaths, and relax... ** WolfFlame leans back against the wall as she watches everyone silently, wishing she could help but not knowing how Azeure offers a soft smile to Rayek, withdrawing his hand from his cheek as he stands "Think on it well my friend.. you know I am not mistaken" Azeure, with that, turns from the room Azeure steps out into the corridor. Azeure has left. Out in the corridor, Azeure steps out from Rayek's chamber. Out in the corridor, Azeure has arrived. Out in the corridor, Azeure has left. You sense in a locksend, Azeure presents himself to you, perched in front of the scrolls, his very soul pleading for your help as you feel the familiar surge of the palace, the scrolls turning incomprehensively under his novice control Ktai holds Rayek gently, rocking him, trying to soothe him. Suddenly the surges stop and the scrolls are quiet. Rayek mutters slowly, frowning, "Don't need me... " Suntop locksends ** WE need you..No..You need yourself..Find yourself again, Rayek! ** WolfFlame moves slowly over to Rayek Ktai locksends ** There is one who needs you most of all, and that is yourself. ** Suntop turns around and smiles softly. You locksend ** And if my self is a worm, Suntop? ** to Suntop. Ktai looks to Wolfflame sadly. ** He doesn't answer my sends. ** WolfFlame looks to Ktai and sighs softly Suntop suddenly looks like he swallowed a sour dreamberry. Suntop locksends ** You are hardly a worm, Rayek. You are good, inside..A well-intentioned being..Why do you fight yourself so very hard? ** Ktai sends openly ** Suntop? ** Suntop sighs softly, shaking his head. He looks to Ktai. ** Yes? ** Ktai sends openly ** What is it? ** Rayek, abashed, still doesn't look at anyone. WolfFlame locksends ** Of course you are needed...you are the master of this wonderful place! From you made it fly...you protect the spirits of those who live here, so what if you can't make it fly anymore, it must take so much to make this wonderful place fly! The highones worked together to do it..that is if I understood the scrolls right, to make it fly yourself is amazing! no wonder you're burned out ** Suntop sends openly ** He needs to find himself again..and regain his pride. but he fights any help that is offered to him.. ** Rayek whispers, "Nothing... can help, Suntop." Ktai locksends ** There is one who could help.... ** You locksend ** She wants nothing to do with me... ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** No, there is another who would help you, and gladly. ** Rayek looks up tentatively at Ktai, brow furrowed. Ktai's dark eyes reveal nothing. Suntop looks around, curiously. "I'll..be right back.." Suntop turns and leaves, quickly. Suntop steps out into the corridor. Suntop has left. Out in the corridor, Suntop steps out from Rayek's chamber. Out in the corridor, Suntop has arrived. Out in the corridor, Suntop has left. Ktai merely looks back to Rayek. Rayek glances with an embarrassed frown at WolfFlame , then peers at Ktai uncertainly. You locksend ** What... are you offering? ** to Ktai. WolfFlame smiles softly to Rayek Ktai locksends ** I told you before... I love you, whether you can believe it or not. I offer you everything within my realm of abilities, as well as my love. ** Rayek blinks several times, then abruptly turns scarlet under his tan. Ktai's face remains totally unreadable, her eyes focused on Rayek. You locksend ** It... is no longer... m-my place to accept help, with the Palace... ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Then what is it your place to accept? ** Rayek blushes more deeply. Ktai begins to smile softly. You locksend ** I... cannot take what you're offering. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** What keeps you from enjoying life? What keeps you from accepting? ** Ember locksends ** Rayek? ** Rayek frowns at Ktai, eyes shadowed... then exhaustedly, distractedly, blinks out of the chamber. Ktai looks at Rayek. ** She's back again? ** You locksend to Ember, Rayek is there, but exhausted, strained. He is strangely slow to acknowledge your presence. Rayek mumbles, "No... Ember..." Ktai nods. ** Good. ** Ember locksends ** High Ones, Rayek, you sound exhausted. ** You locksend ** It's... just been... ** to Ember. Ktai locksends ** What keeps you from accepting, Rayek? ** Ember locksends ** ** You locksend ** I... do not deserve what you're offering... ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I think you do deserve it, and besides, I cannot help but love you. ** You locksend ** ... ** to Ember. You locksend ** I... cannot love you in return. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Did I ever ask you to? ** Rayek, apparently dumbfounded, frowns, and does not meet Ktai's gaze. WolfFlame steps out into the corridor. WolfFlame has left. Out in the corridor, WolfFlame steps out from Rayek's chamber. Out in the corridor, WolfFlame has arrived. Out in the corridor, WolfFlame has left. Eren smiles gently. ** I shall help you as I can... ** Rayek freezes, shooting his gaze up at Ktai all at once, and staring at her in wide-eyed, startled shock. Ktai remains as she has been, her face unreadable, only her eyes betray a glimmer of inner light. Rayek, his eyes gone huge in his thin face, stares up at the serene she-elf, and finally croaks, "Wh... what... what have you given me?" Ktai smiles faintly. ** A secret. ** Rayek's mouth works without sound, for several moments, as he wrestles with the sudden unnerving feeling that Ktai has stripped him bare. Or herself. He's not sure which. Rayek croaks, "Wh.... why?" Ktai sends openly ** Becaase I felt you needed to know someone had faith in you. ** Rayek's eyes glimmer, damply; again, he blushes, and again, he trembles. Ktai shakes her head. ** Shhh.... Everything is going to be all right... ** Rayek, looking overwhelmed, just... shakes, and blinks rapidly, embarrassed by the moisture in his eyes and the constriction in his throat... unable to admit how badly he needed to hear that, and nevertheless astonished that he has. Ktai hugs Rayek closely, hercalming sends full of love and soothingness. ** Shhh.... ** Rayek crumples into the embrace, shaking with the sheer effort to keep from crying. He is unsuccessful... but, perhaps, this is not a bad thing. [End log.]