Log Date: 11/5/95 Log Intro: At last, although the effort was perhaps as monumental as the Palace War, Ekuar has convinced Rayek to emerge from the shelter of Savah's hut to experience, at least for a little while, the sights and sounds of the Festival of Flood and Flower. Rayek allows himself to be hauled out, but only grudgingly, and without knowing that three of the healers present -- Ynderra of Lostholt, Startoucher of the Cavedwellers, and Brightfire, who had already healed his ankle -- were at that very moment discussing what might be done to improve his nervous state.... ---------- You enter the dancing square. Dancing Square A wide paved square surrounded by brightly colored pavilions and canopied platforms. Gaily colored banners and paper lanterns hang from poles at the corners in the setting sun. Warm spring winds dip to ground level from time to time. In the warm spring evening the elves gather to rest and chat. Soft laughter is heard from a hut. FESTIVAL: The Festival is an occation for fun and celebration, and should progress peacefully. Fighting and similar angstful activites are not permitted, please respect this. Contents: DriftStalker Startoucher Sun-Toucher Ynderra Brightfire Gelnah Yatek Azeure Drynnyan Telia Bramble Starstreak large wooden cask Kissing Booth Gambling Pavilion Balancing Game Tables Shimmer(#7746Jeops) Drum Obvious exits: Garden Canopy Savah's House Boundary Path Crossroads Ekuar steps out of Savah's house. Ekuar has arrived. Ekuar is humming to himself, an old Sorrow's End dancing tune, as he hobbles out. Drynnyan says "Bramble, come over here with me." Rayek, a brief slim shadow, can be spotted near the door of Savah's hut, as Ekuar precedes him out into the square. Azeure smiles and nods to Ekuar and Rayek Starstreak looks into her now empty mug of wine. Bramble wanders over to Drynnyan, "Why?" Ynderra's eyes go round at the pair emerging from Savah's hut. Oh! Sorrow arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Sorrow has arrived. Brightfire looks at you for a moment. Brightfire locksends ** You don't look too much better, Goldeneyes. ** Ekuar smiles-- no, beams, in fact-- at the sight of so many faces. Yatek relaxes against the gambling tent's main support and covertly keeps an eye on the two magic-users. Sorrow smiles a greeting to those she recognises as she approaches. Rayek hangs back near the Mother of Memory's house, his mouth tightened slightly in a look that might be irritation. Rayek glances at Brightfire, briefly. Ekuar looks back to Rayek, his large eyes gentle. Sorrow looks at you for a moment. Startoucher smiles at Rayek and Ekuar. ** Heya, you two! Been a long time! ** Drynnyan turns to Starstreak. "I don't think they will come back. It is not because they are shy, though.. Ekuar locksends ** Eh-- food, Brownskin? Water? There's so much here... ** Starstreak shakes her empty mug upside down as she tries to get to the last drop. Bricchana arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Bricchana has arrived. Bricchana shuffles in, arms outstretched before her. Starstreak ohs as she looks at Drynnyan, "then why?" Azeure sips slowly at his wine as he watches, quite entertained with the goings on Drynnyan's head snaps up, and a smile comes to his face immediately. You locksend ** I am... adequate. ** to Brightfire. Bramble tugs on Drynnyan's tunic, "What you want?" Rayek glances then to Ekuar, and rolls his shoulders slightly, indifferently. He doesn't move far away from Savah's hut, and his amber gaze on the activity in the square is veiled. Starstreak hiccups and thinks of going to that food table again for a refill... hrm.. but it's so FAR away. Yatek watches Drynnyan and Starstreak with a cockeyed grin. You sense in a locksend, Brightfire snorts faintly. ** 'Adequate' isn't good enough. ** You, of all people, should appreciate that. Bricchana blinks and stops at a send. Drynnyan says "You were asking.." He stops. "It is all right. Go ahead." Startoucher locksends ** Greetings, Master of the Palace... How are you? ** Ekuar begins to carefully make his way across the square, leaning easily on his staff. He looks toward the Cavedweller chieftain, and smiles blissfully. "Eh, far too long, indeed." Sorrow makes her way over to the tabe and serves herself a jug of water. Drynnyan looks at you for a moment. Brightfire watches Rayek critically. Startoucher nods at Ekuar and grins. ** I agree, Ekuar... how were things at the Palace? ** Ynderra blinkblinkblinks, peering at Rayek, too, beside Brightfire. She steps up to whisper to her. Bricchana sends openly ** Hello? ** Ekuar locksends ** Well, my dear... I'll fetch something for us both. Eh? ** You locksend ** I am adequate. ** to Startoucher. Brightfire looks at Ynderra, and makes a small, snorting chuckle sound. ** I know. ** Bricchana stands at the edge of the square, folding her hands before her and cocking her head to listen. Starstreak starts to stand agian, wobbling a bit as she tries to make her way to the table agian, using Dry's head for a moment to supportt herself before moving on. Rayek leans against the ornately decorated wall of Savah's hut, returning what gazes meet his grimly. Ynderra bites her lip in consideration, then determinedly flounces over to Ekuar, curls bouncing behind her. "Hello! Do you need help getting food or water?" Ekuar approaches the tables, eagerly looking over the food. "Mm-- well, things are well, in the home of the High Ones. Eh, yes. So much work has been done!" Bricchana finally turns her face towards Drynnyan. ** Hello, lifemate. How many are here? ** Startoucher locksends ** Oh my... you sounds tense! You need to relax... ** Bramble shrugs, looking a bit confused and looks around for something to do. Starstreak hiccups softly between the soft verses of a tender song she begins to hum to herslef as she tries to make it across... then finally reaches out for the end of the table.. and it moves.. well.. didn't it? and she falls forward, giggling to herself. Drynnyan looks after Starstreak worriedly. Ekuar turns and regards the pretty young maiden at his side, beaming with delight. "Oh! Why, my dear, that would be very helpful." A hand pops out of the gambling pavilion and taps Yatek on the shoulder. A moment later, a head pops out and whispers something before disappearing back behind the screen. Rayek frowns in Startoucher's direction, and shifts his gaze away, slightly, as if not willing to look at him. Ynderra bobs her head cutely. "What can I help you get?" Starstreak ohs and giggles as she looks up at the table, "the tables move here too" Startoucher tsks a bit to Rayek and sighs... Yatek's eyes light up in suprise. He takes off into the gamblin' tent. Bramble sees Rayek looking so upset and decides to go over and cheer him up. Yatek has left. Bricchana listens closely to the activity around her. FInally she raises her hands again and shuffles forward reaching to feel for obstacles. Ynderra glances at Startoucher, thinking. Not ready to give up, quite yet! Bramble A pretty little elf cub of about seven turns old. Her thick, blood red hair is braided with green leather with a green feather on the end of the braid, and her sparkling grey eyes look out on the world with curiosity. She is wearing a green tunic with a tiny black belt around her waist. Soft black leather ankle boots adorn her feet. Carrying: Grass Wolf Doll named Ruff Ekuar peers at the tables, hmmming thoughtfully, tipping his bare head to one side. "Well! Eh, me, let me see." He ponders some more. "You're a clever maiden, to be sure... why not pick me out some of the things that -you- like best, hm? Some for me, and some for Brownskin." His eyes twinkle. Yatek has arrived. Sorrow watches Bricchana carefully. Rayek, not seeing the child approach, keeps most of his attention on Ekuar. Yatek comes out of the Gambling Pavilion and sits down on his stool. The bag he's carrying over his shoulder is... well... quite a bit bigger... Sun-Toucher smiles at the voice, and moves slowly towards it, "Welcome, welcome Ekuar, back to the Village!" Bramble wanders over and gives Rayek a nice tight cub hug, "Hello. Be Happy!" Bricchana stops again and a soft smile passes her face. Rayek blinks, then, and stares down in startlement. Eh? For an instant, his harsh expression softens. "I... hello." His words come out low and gruff. Ekuar perks up and turns his head, finding the village elder. "Oh, Sun-Toucher! My boy, how are you, eh? How goes the Daystar?" Starstreak slowly tries to get up and only manages to fall over again. Starstreak oofs Azeure smiles ** Hello Sun-Toucher ** Drynnyan stands and moves over to Bricchana, taking her hand gently. Yatek smiles at the look on Rayek's face, then turns his attention to the main crowd. Brightfire locksends ** You look like a cornered ravvit, Goldeneyes. ** Ynderra grins to Ekuar, and nods agreeably, flurrying around and scooping up various delectable snacks and trying to figure out how to best arrange them on a plate. Gelnah gazes again at Startoucher, as if there is something odd about him Sorrow smiles and makes her way towards Bricchana, reaching out a hand to hold her arm. Bricchana smiles as Drynnyan takes one hand and Sorrow the other. ** Thank you, both... ** Starstreak thinks she likes the floor suddenly and just sits near the table. Rayek abruptly blushes, and glares in Brightfire's direction, but does not shove the child away. Sun-Toucher smiles at the voice. "Azeure. WElcome back to the village. "He turns his blind head towards Ekuar with a slight smile, serene." It is good, friend, it is the same as it ever is, unchaging and reliable. How are you?" Sorrow smiles up at Drynnyan. You locksend ** I do not recall asking you for an opinion. ** to Brightfire. Bramble grins up at Rayek, "I'm Bramble, who you?" Yatek takes the bag off of his shoulder, sets it down in front of him, and opens it. Ynderra looks pleased at what she's gathered, then turns to tap Ekuar on the shoulder. "Bread?" she offers. Bricchana sends openly ** Is there somewhere in shade I may sit so that I can take this mask off? ** Drynnyan looks from Bricchana to Sun-Toucher. Startoucher glances towards Gelnah and smiles a bit. Starstreak hums softly to herself as she tries to brush the dust from her top. Rayek looks down at the child again, somewhat nervously. "Rayek," he answers lowly, shortly. Sorrow helps Drynnayan lead Bricchana over to sit under a canopy. Ekuar smiles, the joy evident in his voice as it is on his ancient face. He watches the lovely dark-haired Ynderra appreciatively as she helps gather food for him. "Well, well, indeed! The home of my parents is rising again from the ground, and all my dear ones are safe." He tips his head as Ynderra offers him bread. "Please, my dear. That's something we haven't tasted in... oh, far too long!" Yatek's hands seem to be busy handing each other small shiny things. His eyes light up again, and you can hear soft counting from his lips. Bricchana smiles softly at Sorrow. Drynnyan looks at Bricchana. "Soon the sun will be down, and you will not need to worry." Yatek holds something shiny up to the torchlight, grins, then puts it back into his bag. Ynderra, beaming, places the plate on a cloth next to Ekuar. Then, blue eyes taking on a stubborn glint, she turns and eyes Rayek. Sorrow smiles happily at Bricchana, asking, *Now that you have shade, would you like something to drink, or perhaps eat?* Sun-Toucher smiles kindly at Ekuar's words, 'This is well. Good news of the Palace reassures my heart deeply." Drynnyan smiles. "Or perhaps something els?" Bricchana feels for the bench and turns to sit. She reaches up and removes her mask slowly. SHe clears her throat, "Something to drink would be wonderful, thank you." Her voice is soft and pleasant, like the chiming of small bells. Ekuar wedges his staff against his body and leans toward Ynderra, his thin hand reaching out to take hers. He whispers to her, a sparkle in his eyes. Ekuar smiles conspiratorially to the raven-haired maiden beside him. Rayek, well aware that he is under scrutiny, frowns at Ekuar and the black-haired maiden beside him. Wait. Does he know that maiden? She doesn't look familiar.... Sorrow makes her way through the crowd and back to the table. Bricchana reaches up and gently pushes her hood back as well. Ekuar chuckles, and bobs his head at Ynderra. Bramble looks at you for a moment. Ynderra flashes a grin to Ekuar, then turns and strides over to Rayek, where he is still cub-entangled. Drynnyan places his arms around Bricchana, one after the other, gently. Sorrow sniffs at the various containers. WolfFlame arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from her shoulder. WolfFlame has arrived. Yatek points towards the large wooden cask, "If you truly wish something to drink, try some of Zemmil's.. ahh... drink." Rayek looks narrowly at Ynderra as she approaches, regarding her slightly out of the corner of one eye. Ekuar takes a piece of bread in his hand, admiring its savory odor, before nibbling at the crust with evident enjoyment. Bramble giggles, "Why you so grumpy?" She asks Rayek. Bricchana hugs Drynnyan gently and then turns her face towards Sorrow. "You pick then!" She giggles softly. Ynderra stops before Rayek, and announces cheerfully, "It is the considered opinion of the healers present in the square that YOU need to eat." She winks down at the cub. "Want to help me take him to food?" Startoucher nods in agreement with Ynderra. ** Definately. ** Yatek quickly finishes counting and slings the bag back over his shoulder. Sorrow picks one of the jugs and fills one of the containers. WolfFlame wanders in with a smile and moves over to Azeure Ekuar gives a mild shrug in Rayek's general direction. "What can I do, Brownskin?" he asks innocently. "They're healers... they, eh, know best!" Bramble nods vigoriously, "Me help!" Sun-Toucher chuckles at Ekuar's mischief. ""You speak truly." Azeure looks up from his now empty cup and grins at Wolfie ** How's Star? ** Rayek blinks, and flashes a critical glare from Startoucher to Ynderra to Brightfire and back again, and finally to Ekuar. He starts to protest.... Bramble takes Rayek's hand and starts to tug him towards the food. Ekuar takes another bite of the fresh-baked bread. Mm, it smells delicious. Yatek stands up and walks over to the table, then grins to himself at seeing Rayek get double-teamed. Ynderra, however, does not give Rayek a chance, and leans in deftly to grab his other hand. Sorrow pours another small containor. Bricchana turns to Drynnyan. "Drynnyan? Is that blind elf you told me about here?" Rayek, tugged, scowls... but allows himself to be hauled, more hungry than he'd like to admit. Ekuar swallows and mmmms. "Sun-Toucher, your folk-- eh, they've only improved their skills at preparing food since last I was here." Drynnyan kisses Bricchana softly, quieting her pleasantly. Yatek shakes his head, and fills himself a mug of "Sgood" from the large wooden cask. Sorrow makes her way back towards Bricchana and Drynnyan, carefull not to spill the cups contents. Bricchana giggles and pulls back from the kiss after returning it for a moment. "Is he?" Drynnyan smiles. "Would you like to meet him?" WolfFlame grins at Azeure, ** Star's sleeping...must have gotten worn out earlier ** Starstreak tries to stand again and leans on the table as she tries to make her way past. Bricchana blinks and nearly bounces. "He is?! Where? WHere?" Bricchana turns as Sorrow approaches and smiles. "Thank you... what did you pick?" Azeure smiles ** The young ones tend to get worn down early here eh? ** Yatek walks back to the Gambling Pavilion and sits down at his normal stool, nursing the drink and watching the festivities. Sun-Toucher smiles at that, gently. "High praise from a connoseur of your rank, Ekuar." Ynderra leads Rayek, with Bramble's assistance, to Ekuar's side. "Sit! Eat! Relax!" She giggles, then. "Or else I'm going to have to tickle you, and Brightfire said you wouldn't like that." Sorrow sends openly ** Something that looks like the fiery orange of the sunset. ** Sorrow grins. Sorrow hands Bricchana and Dry thier cups. WolfFlame grins adn nods to Az, ** Gives me more time to myself ** Rayek turns a dull shade of scarlet, and grudgingly sits down beside the rockshaper, not meeting anyone's eyes. Bricchana says "MMmmmmm... sounds wonderful! I can't see colors - well, I can't see anything, but thank you!" Whitling arrives from the south boundary path. Whitling has arrived. Bricchana takes the cup from Sorrow with both hands and smiles up at her. Drynnyan notices Sun-Toucher involved in conversation suddenly, and is at once apologetic. Whitling walks into the dancing square, following the sound of the dancers. Ekuar laughs cheerfully at Sun-Toucher's comment, and pats Rayek's leg as he settles down nearby. Azeure chuckles and nods ** Ah.. there are benefits then too ** Whitling grins at the sounds. "Heyla, all." Ynderra beams. Hah! That wasn't so hard! "Eat!" she says sternly to Rayek, and waggles a slim finger at him, looking rather like a kitten scolding a jaguar. Sun-Toucher smiles in the direction of the send from Drynnyan, warmly. Bricchana takes a sip of the liquid and then licks her lips. Her eyes light up and she grins and tips the cup up again, drinking greedily. Starstreak oofs as she falls over again and just sits again, yup.. right here.. nice hard ground.. perfect. Ekuar gestures at the platter, heaped with delicious and tempting morsels. "Brownskin, just -look- at what the lovely young maiden has gathered for you, eh?" Bramble plops down in Rayek's lap when he sits down. She then giggles, "Eat!" she says in a fair imitation of Ynderra. Rayek blinks, as his lap is suddenly occupied. His attempted scowl wavers. Whitling giggles, moving over in towards the shade. Ekuar admires the collection of food, lifting his piece of bread and nibbling at it. He winks at Bramble. Sun-Toucher moves towards Drynnyan sedately, smiling at the send. Inside the Gambling Pavilion, the Glowlamps slowly lighten up. WolfFlame grins and nods to a send Azeure chuckles and arches a brow to Wolfie Bricchana smiles and licks her lips, an orange moustache graces her upper lip for a moment before she wipes it away with the back of her hand. Whitling leans back against the bench, listening to the voices and trying to pick out ones she recognises. Ynderra cheers! "You tell him, cub!" she encourages Bramble, and adds knowingly, "The boar is VERY tender!" Bramble giggles when Ekuar winks at her. Bricchana blinks and holds her cup out to Sorrow. "May I have some more, Sorrow? Something different?" Solstice emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Solstice has arrived. Sorrow chuckles softly at Bricchana and nods, "Allright. Sun-Toucher smiles at Drynnyan, "Please. Introduce me.' He says quietly. Yatek finishes his drink and walks over to the cask to get a refill. Whitling listens to the sounds of people dancing, then half-turns towards the different talkers, hoping someone'll invite her to dance... Sorrow takes the cup and makes her way back through the crowd. Ekuar leans down a bit, speaking to Bramble perched in Rayek's lap. "What's -your- favorite bit of the food, eh, little one?" Bricchana grins at Sorrow and then turns towards Sun-Toucher's voice. "Hi! I'm Bricchana!" Gelnah looks carefully across at the table, the wine pitcher tipping of its own accord to fill a mug, then righting itself. The cup drifts over to Gelnah carefully, not a drop spilling as she concentrates Gelnah plucks it from the air and sips Solstice wanders in yawning, and looks around at all the stranger-types. Yatek stops in mid-stride to see Gelnah's balancing act. He does a double take, then looks at his mug. He shakes his head and returns the mug to it's place. Startoucher grins as he sees Whitling. ** Heyas, tribesmate! ** Drynnyan smiles up at Sun-Toucher, seeing his indroduction is not needed. Bramble grins, "I like the fruit. We don't have any like it at home." Whitling grins at the send, turning towards it. ** Heyla Startoucher! Glad to see you're back again. ** Sun-Toucher smiles gently at the voice and inclines his head, "I am Sun-Toucher, Bricchana. A pleasure to meet you." Yatek walks back to his stool, thinking seriously about swearing off Sgood. Azeure chuckles a bit as he watches the mug Bricchana stands up and reaches out towards Sun-Toucher, suddenly hugging herself to him. "No! The pleasure is MINE!" Startoucher sends openly ** I'm back for the Festival. ** Startoucher smiles. Rayek surreptitiously reaches for whatever's nearest on the platter before him and Ekuar. If he HAS to be in view of everyone, High Ones, he will bear with it... Whitling giggles at that, tilting her head towards Sun-Toucher. "Got yourself an admirer, Sun-Toucher?" Ekuar mms and nods, smiling happily at the child. "I like it too," he confides. "Where is your home, then, eh?" Whitling turns towards Startoucher's send and grins. ** Of course...I've never known you to miss a festival. ** Sun-Toucher blinks, his composure and serenity broken for an instant by surprise at Bricchana's warmth, and then with a chuckle he returns the hug gently, "And mine, leave some for me. "He *almost* blushes at Whitling's remark, but manages to studiously not respond. Ynderra grins at Bramble, and suggests, "Make sure Rayek eats some, okay? All the healers say so!" With that, she bounces up, and starts taking in more of the activity around her. Starstreak seems to come out of her stupor as she begins to sober up. Startoucher grins. Sorrow pads back over towards Bricchana and takes hold of her hand, placing the cup there. Bricchana giggles softly and steps back from Sun-Toucher. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you... It's just... I've never really met anyone else who's blind." Whitling chuckles, extending her hand. "Mind pouring me a glass of dreamberry wine?" Bricchana smiles as Sorrow hands her a cup. "What's this one look like?" Bramble tilts her head to one side, "We live on the plateau. Maybe I can take some back for my momma." Whitling turns towards Briccana's words, grinning even more broadly. "You're blind too?" Startoucher takes up a glass and pours Whitling some wine. He hands it to her and gives her a hug. Sorrow says "It's as red as a hot burning fire." Bricchana blinks and turns towards Whitling's voice. "Yes, since I was born! Are you blind TOO?!" Whitling Whitling is a pleasant looking elf maiden. Her eyes are a clouded blue, and she seems to stare blankly in front of her. Her hair is shoulder length and red, held out of her eyes by a thin, gold band. She is wearing a fine dancing outfit, made for her by her lifemate Terlis. The top is a light pink gauze cloth, hanging from her neck by a gold band and tied about her breasts. It is edged with gold weave, leaving her shoulders and midriff bare. Her pants are of the same material, full legged and loose, swirling around her as she moves. They have the same gold edging as the top. A long scar cuts across her chest and belly, disappearing into the pants at her hip. Her wrists are both decorated by bands of bone, sparkling lightly with a few inlaid jewels. Four gold bracelets hang from each wrist as well, and jingle lightly against each other. A necklace of claws hangs from her neck. A pair of golden hoop earrings glisten at her ears, swinging as she moves. On her ankles are tied small strings of bells, which jingle as she moves. Carrying: Fan for Whitling dagger Whitling snugs Startoucher back, sneaking a quick nuzzle when she thinks no one is looking. (yeah right). But pays far more attention to Bric at the moment. Whitling nods at that. "Yes." She grins broadly at the kindred spirit. Ekuar pats Bramble's hair gently. "I know she'd like that, eh, yes. That's a thoughtful thing, my dear." WolfFlame looks around at everyone curiously as if looking for something to do Bricchana holds the cup for a moment and between all her chatter she downs whatever liquid is in it, then blinks and makes a face. "Bleah!" Ynderra blinkblinks, looking from Sun-Toucher to Bricchana to Whitling, and squeaks, "All of you?" Azeure glances to Wolfie. Whitling takes a deep drink of her wine. Drynnyan smiles. "What was it?" Brightfire heads for the shelter of the canopy. Brightfire has left. Whitling nods towards Ynderra. Whitling says "It seems that way." Bramble grins happily and then turns to look up at Rayek, "Did you eat?" Bricchana says "Dunno, but it was bitter." Starstreak finally stands and wobbles off quietly. Starstreak goes north. Starstreak has left. Bricchana turns towards Ynderra's voice. "Blind as a blind cave fish." WolfFlame meeps then bites her lip and giggles Ynderra tentatively approaches Whitling and Bricchana, her own functional eyes wide. "Did I hear your right? Born that way?" Whitling nods at that, too. "Yes. Both of us, I guess..." Azeure smiles innocnetly Whitling giggles at a send. Bricchana nods at Ynderra. "Yep!" Rayek blinks at Bramble, caught in the act of swallowing something. ** Trying, ** he sends, gruffly. Yatek stretches out on his stool, keeping an eye on both the talking and the gambling. Ekuar half-turns and unobtrusively attempts to slip a bit more of the bread onto Rayek's platter. Bramble nods solemnly, "Good." Ynderra starts to lift a hand, then catches herself, and ohs. Well, they don't seem unhappy about it... She grins, then, and says cheerfully, "I... didn't know about anybody blind besides Sun-Toucher, and he did that on purpose...!" Whitling takes another mouthful of the wine, ears cocked to the sound of the dancers. Bricchana giggles at first and then blinks at Ynderra's words. She turns towards SUn-Toucher. "You MADE yourself blind?!" Whitling giggles and shakes her head. "Not me...I would probably trade them for _working_ eyes, if I ever had the chance. But Startoucher's tried so many times..." She indicates the healer-chief with a sweet grin. Startoucher nods and sighs a bit. Solstice makes a face when she finally realizes she doesn't know ANY of you, then spots Bramble. She tries to get over to where the other cub is. Whitling shrugs a bit at the audible sigh, turning back towards Ynderra. Ynderra looks from Whitling to Startoucher. "I bet... I bet Leetah could do it! Don't think I could, though.... huh...." Sun-Toucher nods to Bricchana sedately, "I did." Bricchana's brow furrows at Sun-Toucher. "Why?" Startoucher shakes his head. ** I doubt Leetah could... I didn't even come CLOSE... ** Whitling shrugs again, smiling. "I've never met Leetah, myself..." She nods a bit to Startoucher's words. Sun-Toucher smiles softly, "For the inner sight it has ggiven me." Rayek's scowl lessens, a bit, and he gruffly allows Ekuar to pass him tidbits of this and that. He eats slowly, with almost hesitant motions. Azeure smiles as he watches Wolfie, mischief in his eyes WolfFlame giggles, "Well with Leetah, Delenbae, Ynderra, Mender and you Star here, I bet something could be done!" Ynderra says "And Brightfire! And Skybow! A whole tribe of healers, almost!" Bricchana smiles brightly. "You can see and hear and smell and feel so much more when you're blind can't ya? I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING!" WolfFlame giggles even more WolfFlame meeps and hops up Yatek turns his attention to the group near the food court for a second, then shrugs and goes back to scanning da party. WolfFlame blushes fiercely as she settles to her feet, a soft blush on her cheeks and she sits down again Bramble snatches a few bits of food since she's hungry too. Azeure arches a brow Whitling nods at Bric with that. "True...but you can't _see_ anything. Imight have my bond-animal's eyes to help...but it isn't the same." Rayek, whose lap is currently full of Bramble, blinks over the child's red head as he sees another youngling headed his way. And his eyes widen. What? Ekuar watches little Solstice approach Bramble (who is perched on Rayek's lap). He beams. "Hello, little one! Have you come to help us make sure Brownskin gets enough to eat, eh?" Bricchana sighs and looks down at her feet. "I saw once... when... when Aendru helped me... I saw the High Ones..." Drynnyan sits quietly, listening. Bramble twists around at Ekuar's words, "HiHi Solstice." Solstice giggles at Bramble, then smiles at Ekuar and Rayek. ** ! ** Rayek coughs a little and says roughly to Bramble, "Perhaps... you want to play with your friend?" Azeure watches Wolfie curiously Whitling finishes off the mug of wine, putting it aside and licking the rest of the stain from her lips. Gelnah drifts away from her seat, disinterest and perhaps even boredom passing through her gaze as she departs, the mug still in hand. Gelnah goes south. Gelnah has left. Sun-Toucher chuckles softly at the enjoyable pandemonium. Ekuar gives a merry wave at Solstice, waggling his thin fingers. Bramble shakes her head, "No, I like it just where I am." She then reaches up and pats Rayek's cheek. WolfFlame giggles and settles down again next to Azeure Bricchana cocks her head and listens for Sorrow again. "Sorrow?" Solstice looks at you for a moment. Azeure raises a brow curiously Azeure chuckles a bit Ynderra shakes with barely suppressed laughter at the sight of the children swarming around Rayek, and she scarfs a few snacks for herself. Azeure brings his hand gently back to Wolfie's shoulder Sorrow hms, "Yes? WolfFlame makes a face at Azeure then giggles Bricchana turns her eyes towards Sorrow and grins. She holds her mug out. "More?" Rayek blinks at Bramble, taken aback, and he blushes a little more visibly at the small hand's caress. "Um..." Azeure arches a brow and grins Sorrow blinks, then laughs, "Of course, my friend. Bricchana giggles merrily as Sorrow calls her a friend and her spirits soar. Ekuar leans down a bit toward Solstice. "Want to come sit with us, eh, dear child?" Bricchana says "Thank you!" Sorrow takes the cup, making her way back towards the table and sincerely hoping that Dry will be the one leading Bricchana to the bushes. ;) Solstice peers up at Ekuar, and nods! Rayek flicks Ekuar a startled and perhaps even panicked glance over Bramble's head. You locksend ** Ekuar... what are you....? ** to Ekuar. Bricchana turns back to look at Sun-Toucher. "Can I see what you look like, Sun-Toucher? Telia goes north. Telia has left. Sun-Toucher cocks his head at Bricchana, "See what I look like, child?" WolfFlame giggles Bricchana nods and raises her hands towards his face. "I touch faces... then I know what you look like. Unless someone wants to send me an image of you, but that's not as fun." Azeure raises a brow in mock shock to Wolfie Drynnyan smiles, watching his lifemate. Sun-Toucher smiles at that. "Of course you may.' He says with a calm demenor, "I am more than willing to let you do that." Startoucher grins. ** Touching is always more fun. ** Sorrow returns with the cup for Bricchana, filled with something new. Ynderra comes back over to Ekuar, offers him a goblet of fruit juice, and giggles. "They're not going to bite you, Rayek," she teases, and beams at the little ones. Ekuar reaches out with his slender arm to scoop up tiny Solstice. His gaze sparkles warmly. "Up you go!" WolfFlame slips her arm around Azeure's and leans into him nodding, a huge grin on her lips Bricchana smiles brightly and reaches gently to begin tracing Sun-Toucher's features. "Close your eyes so I don't hurt them. What color are your hair and eyes?" Azeure chuckles and shakes his head as he hugs Wolfie gently Sun-Toucher's eyes close, "My eyes are colourless.' He says, matter of factly, "And my hair is silver." Solstice giggles silently and hugs Ekuar as best she can. She looks at him curiously, then. ** Who? ** You sense in a locksend, Ekuar sends, mildly, ** Why, Brownskin, I'm making new friends. Aren't they the dearest little things? ** Bramble nods, "I don't bite, 'less someone bites me first." Bricchana smiles. "Like my eyes... They have no color either." She traces her fingertips expertly around his jawline, and ears. She encounters his headdress and arches an eyebrow. "What's that?" Startoucher grins at something... Whitling giggles at a send, looking at Startoucher out of the corner of one eye. Rayek ums, and looks from Bramble to Solstice, off-guard. Sun-Toucher chuckles softly, "My headdress, Bricchana. It is to keep the sun from my head." Ekuar smiles affectionately at Solstice. "Eh-- I'm-- ah-- Papa Ekuar. Yes, that's me. And this--" He hugs the child close, carrying her to sit with Bramble on Rayek's other knee-- "This is Rayek, my dear friend." Bricchana giggles softly. "But ya do have hair huh?" Sun-Toucher chuckles very softly and nods, careful of your fingers, "I do have hair indeed." Bricchana brings her fingers back down to finish tracing his features after gently and carefully investigating his headdress. Solstice thinks about that for a bit, looking first at Ekuar then at Rayek, then back. After a bit she nods. Rayek almost, _almost_ gulps as the smaller cub is given to him. He freezes, as if half-worried that if he moves, one of these small creatures will break. Yatek yawns with boredom, then walks into the Gambling Pavilion to gamble a bit... WindStorm arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. WindStorm has arrived. Yatek has left. Azeure grins a bit as he watches Rayek, hugging Wolfie gently Ynderra taptaps Ekuar's shoulder, and tries to offer her juice again. "Juice, old one?" she asks brightly. Bricchana smiles softly and beckons Sun-Toucher to her. Bramble giggles, "Having fun, Sol?" Solstice smiles brightly at Rayek. ** Rayek my dear friend! ** (Hey, that's what he said his name was..) Ekuar scoots in closer to Rayek, pressing gently against the dark-skinned elf as if in reassurance. This also, happily enough, keeps him close enough to help with the cubs. He looks up brightly at lovely Ynderra. "Oh! Eh, yes, please! Thank you, my dear." Azeure locksends ** Do not be so tense my friend.. the children should be a comfort and a joy to you.. see their youth in their eyes.. and remember your own.. and that happiness. ** Sun-Toucher does not see Bricchana beckon, of course, so does nothing :} Rayek blinks a few times at the tiny sending. "Just.... Rayek," he croaks. Solstice nodnods to Bramble, then peers at Rayek. ** ? ** Whitling laughs at a send. Bricchana blinks and then laughs softly, reaching up to cup Sun-Toucher's cheeks gently and pull his face towards hers. She pulls one hand away and places a gentle kiss on his cheek. Ynderra passes off the juice, and beams, inordinately pleased with herself. Bricchana sends openly ** Sorry, I forgot you can't see either! ** Bramble giggles and pats Rayek's cheek again, "You're silly." Whitling grins towards Rayek. "The local cub-sitter, are you?" Sun-Toucher smiles a bit embarssedly at the attention from Bricchana, but doesn't stop her, merely nodding and smiling. "It is allright." Trollkiller emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Trollkiller has arrived. Startoucher smiles. Bricchana giggles softly and turns towards Sorrow. "Can I see YOU too?" Ekuar sips contentedly at his cup of juice, his eyes twinkling over the rim of the cup at Ynderra. Mender arrives from the south boundary path. Mender has arrived. Rayek looks askance at Whitling, as if to yelp, 'This wasn't _my_ idea....' WolfFlame can't help but giggle at the sight of Rayek with a cub on each knee Trollkiller blinks at the new one. Trollkiller might also be blinking at the sunlight. Hard to say. Ekuar lowers the cup for a moment, and says gently to Whitling, "Eh-- Brownskin's helping me look after my new little friends. Isn't that right, my dears?" He smiles paternally at Solstice and Bramble. Ynderra hees! and waves cheerfully at Mender and Trollkiller and anybody else she spies arriving. WolfFlame grins and waves to Mender Mender nods a pleasant greeting to all Whitling grins at Sun-Toucher, then Rayek with a giggle. Azeure grins as he looks back to Wolfie and then to Mender, inclining his head ** Hello again Mender ** Bramble shakes her head, "No, me looking after him." Drynnyan stands, to move over to the cusions under the canopy. TideChaser arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. TideChaser has arrived. Ekuar ohs and bobs his head to Bramble. "Quite right, quite right, my dear! My old head-- eh-- I got it wrong, didn't I?" Mender nods to Azeure and quirks an inquisitive brow at Trllkiller Ekuar winks at Bramble. Solstice hmms thoughtfully. ** Bramble? Keep? ** She rather obviously means poor Rayek. TideChaser goes south. TideChaser has left. Trollkiller grins at Mender. Startoucher grins and waves to Mender. Whitling laughs at _that_ send. "I think they like you, Rayek..." Rayek blinks, coughs, and says belatedly to Whitling, "This... was not my idea..." He turns another interesting shade of red at Bramble's declaration, AND at Solstice's. WindStorm pours a jugful of dreamberry wine from the cask on the table WindStorm returns to his seat. Drynnyan walks under the canopy and relaxes on the cusions there. Whitling laughs at that, nodding slightly. "Of course not...*giggle*" Drynnyan heads for the shelter of the canopy. Drynnyan has left. WindStorm smiles widely and drinks some more wine. Mender chuckles softly and shakes his head at the festivities and begins making his way to the tables Ynderra giggles merrily! "Perhaps you should start having a few of your own, Rayek?" she teases, bright-eyed. Drynnyan emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Drynnyan has arrived. Whitling giggles at that. Rayek, visibly discomfited, says awkwardly, "No... I, ah, think not..." Ekuar ahs! "A baby Brownskin, what fun that would be!" Drynnyan psses through on his way somewhere else instead. Startoucher laughs. ** That would be... ** Whitling turns her head thoughtfully back towards the people in the square. Drynnyan leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Drynnyan has left. Mender begins pouring himself some wine and glances over his shoulder at Trollkiller, winking quickly Bramble hmms and peers at Rayek and then looks at Solstice, "We'd have to ask your mother." Overhead, Gelnah rises up from below. Ynderra hees! "I'll help, Brownskin," she says to Rayek, grinning widely. Overhead, Gelnah flies down. Whitling laughs! Trollkiller goes to get some of this "wine" stuff, at last. Bramble giggles and gives Rayek a hug, "But if she says yes, then yes, lets keep him." Azeure can't help but chuckle at Rayek's lil problem.. Solstice nods to Bramble and grins. ** Will ask. ** Ekuar leans over and offers a small piece of sweet fruit to Bramble. "Give this to him, eh? You're doing a fine job." He smiles warmly. Rayek, between Ynderra's mischievous glance and the cubs' embracing arms, wilts. And finally manages to say to the children, "I... children... I don't think I can return with you...." Startoucher giggles at a send. Whitling grins sweetly. What send? Startoucher LAUGHS! for no apparent reason. WolfFlame wrinkles her nose slightly at something Startoucher swats Whitling lightly on the arm. Azeure raises a brow to Wolfie Trollkiller looks to Mender. ** Um... do you have a spare wineskin, or a... what's it called... a cup? ** Whitling grins and giggles at that. Ynderra, beaming, hops up and ambles over to Mender and Trollkiller. Bramble puts the fruit up to Rayek's mouth, "Open up." Azeure chuckles a bit and hugs Wolfie close nodding Mender glances up at Trollkiller as he comes over and nods, smiling softly. "Here, take mine." Whitling can only guess what's happening to poor Rayek. Sun-Toucher settles bcack down upon a nearby bench, finding another fruit on the table and munching on it. Rayek protests weakly -- Spirit of Orolin, must he be fed by a child? -- but then, he doesn't dare tell her no. "I'm... not very hungry..." Whitling locksends ** Getting fed by the cubs, are you? ** Bramble tilts her head to one side, "Why not? We'd take good care of you." Azeure smiles "Oh Rayek.. you need to eat.. at least enjoy yourself!" Trollkiller smiles. ** Thanks... I've not had much of this - any, at the festival, so far... ** Ynderra purrs to Trollkiller, "I remember you! From when I was at Willowholt before." Admiringly, she pats Trollkiller's furry shoulder. Trollkiller blinks, and looks over at Ynderra. ** ! Oh! Yes. I would have been. It's our holt. ** Sun-Toucher chuckles low in his throat at the sounds of Rayek being badgered. You say "I... have work that I must do, little ones... when Ekuar and I are done, here...." Drynnyan arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from his shoulder. Drynnyan has arrived. Solstice awwws and pouts. Ynderra grins at Mender and Trollkiller, and adds wisely, "Don't have too much wine, it'll go to your head really fast!" Mender chuckles softly and winks at Ynderra. "Or on your belly." Trollkiller looks back at Mender, taking the offered windskin. He sips a little from it. Bramble grins, "But you can just bring your work with you." Trollkiller giggles. ** And in my case, that'd be hard to wash off... ** You sense in a locksend, Whitling teases further. ** Or would you prefer someone a bit older holding the fruit instead? ** Ynderra's eyes sparkle at Mender. But, impulsively, she buries her fingers in Trollkiller's fur. Soft! Ekuar pats the tiny cub softly. "There, now. Eh-- can't you two keep him during Festivals? I'll look after him, ah, for the rest of the time. And report back to you." Azeure smiles softly to Wolfie and nods in agreement Rayek looks over the cubs at Whitling, and pales, forgetting the offered fruit for a moment. You locksend ** I... ah... no, thank you... ** to Whitling. Trollkiller rrrrrrr!s Trollkiller adds, that it's in a good way. :-) Whitling tries to keep a straight face as she sends. It doesn't look like it's easy... Mender nods once to WolfFlame. Whitling locksends ** Are you sure? After all, the healers _did_ say you had to eat. ** Bricchana stands, listening to the activity around her for a moment and then begins to shuffle about. "Who else is here?" Ynderra's hands glimmer a little, as she beams, and commences to skitch Trollkiller thoroughly. "This is like skitching Mirrormoons," she pipes happily, seeming to sparkle more than usual in Mender's immediate vicinity. Solstice gets another idea, and she looks up at Ekuar. ** Keep you? ** Trollkiller sips a little more of the wine. ** It doesn't act as quickly as Sweetleaf's mushrooms... ** Trollkiller rrrr!s Behtor emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Behtor has arrived. Azeure chuckles softly and looks to Ekuar Bramble giggles, "Good idea. But you have to promise to take really good care of him." Mender chuckles at Trollkiller. "Give it time." Rayek ahems. "Ekuar... helps me with my work... and I fear... it is not mobile." Ekuar tousles Solstice's hair playfully, and nods at Bramble. "Oh, my dear, I promise. I'll-- eh-- make sure you'd approve." Azeure smiles to Rayek ** Given time.. perhaps we could fix that.. ** You sense in a locksend, Whitling waits for your answerm teasingly. Bricchana shuffles towards what sounds like the center of the activity, towards Rayek and the cubs. You locksend ** I am.... fine.... ** to Whitling. Trollkiller plans to. ** Want to find a place to sit - or at least, get out of the way from the wine? ** Whitling giggles at a send and nods. Behtor smirks at all the noisy non-gobacks. hmf. and looks about to see if there are any opprotunities for her to prove how macho she is. Solstice sighs rather dramatically, if quietly. Trollkiller sips a great deal more from the skin, and refills it quickly. Rayek blinkblinks at Azeure, and frowns a little, again taken aback. Then he reddens, and looks down. Whitling locksends ** Alright. As long as you're sure, Rayek. ** Bramble hmms, "If I didn't think my momma would get lonely I'd stay with you." Mender smirks slightly at Trollkiller and finds an empty bench to sit on Azeure raises a brow curiously. Bricchana stops as close to the small group as she can and pipes up softly. "Hello, I'm Bricchana, who are you?" Terlis arrives from the south boundary path. Terlis has arrived. Whitling grins, eyes flickering towards Startoucher briefly. WindStorm slowly looks up.. Terlis wanders in, hands clasped behind his back and whistling softly. Azeure turns back to Wolfie quietly and smiles. Ynderra bounces after Trollkiller, and giggles. "Hey, don't you want to be skitched?" Whitling turns towards the whistle, grinning. "I hear you, Terlis." Ekuar nods to Bramble, thoughtfully. "Well, I'm sure she needs you, sweet cubling. Don't worry, you can look after us, eh, next time we meet here." He looks up at Bricchana's approach, and smiles cheerfully. Solstice hmmms. She looks at Bramble. ** Leave Thyme? ** Ynderra's eyes take on a brighter shine. She might almost have been sampling that wine herself, but she doesn't smell like alcohol, and her slim form glimmers just a bit as she moves. Trollkiller walks over with Ynderra and Mender. ** Why would I ever say something silly like that? ** WindStorm quietly murmur's "Hello, Bricchana. I'm... WindStorm." Terlis chuckles and looks to Whitling. "Hello, Lifemate..." Ekuar patpats at Bricchana's arm. "Hello!" Behtor practices looking bored and indifferent as it doesn't look like any fights are going to break out... after all Lursa's not here. Azeure chuckles softly at something. Drynnyan watches everyone from the edge of the square, smiling occasionally. Rayek looks up over the children at Bricchana and says warily, "Rayek..." WolfFlame leans into Azeure and slips her arm around his waist Startoucher chuckles... Bricchana smiles at WindStorm. "Hello, WindStorm." SHe looks towards Ekuar and her hand moves to cover his. "Hello, who are you?" She turns to Rayek and frowns. "There's anger in your voice, why?" Whitling locksends ** Of cours,e maybe you'd prefer a mug of wine? ** Azeure grins and hugs Wolfie close. Rayek blinks, startled yet again by the question. "It is of no consequence," he mutters, frowning at himself and lowering his gaze. Ekuar grasps Bricchana's hand gently in his own ancient one, his voice joyful. "Eh, I'm-- mm, Ekuar. Yes. And don't fret about Brownskin. He's been resting, but now he's come out to join us." Bramble pats Solstice on the head, "Why would you want to leave Thyme?" Terlis nods a greeting to everyone else, glides over to kiss Whitling's cheek and then begins to wind through the crowd, getting to know faces. Behtor cleans her nails with her knife. Mender smiles softly at a send, eyes twinkling mischievouslyy Bricchana cocks her head. "Hello, Ekuar." She pats his hand and her brow furrows. "What happened to your fingers?" Whitling grins, snuggling Terlis quickly, but maybe a bit destractedly. Solstice grins impishly at Bramble. Whitling locksends ** Perhaps I can get you a mug of wine? ** Rayek blinks, distractedly, at Whitling. You locksend ** No... thank you.... ** to Whitling. Terlis wanders towards Behtor. Bramble ruffles Solstice's hair, "But if you leave Thyme you leave your momma too." WindStorm suddenly becomes quite absorbed in his 'wine'. Ekuar regards his own hand, his eyes blinking wonderingly. "Hm? My fingers, yes. Mmm-- ah. Well, one of them was cut off, my dear." Ekuar's voice is still happy and matter of fact. Behtor glances at Terlis "What do you want?" (she's practicing being arrogant too) Trollkiller gives Mender some of the wine to drink. ** How about you, Ynderra? ** Terlis says "Hmmmm... A Goback... I'm Terlis..." Solstice shakes her head. ** Keep! ** Ynderra plops down happily between Mender and Trollkiller. "I'd LOVE it!" Mender smiles warmly, still chuckling, and pours himself some more wine Bricchana blinks! "Cut off?! I'm sorry!" Azeure smiles to Wolfie for a moment Whitling moves carefully over towards the cask. "Can someone help me get a drink? I don't want to spill it all over." Behtor tries not to smirk too proudly at being noted as a Goback. "Behtor" Ekuar ohs softly and lifts Bricchana's hand to his gaunt cheek, his eyes shining sympathetically. "Pretty maiden-- eh, don't worry so! It's all right, my dear, truly." Trollkiller shakes his head a little at nothing in particular. Rayek falls stoically, and perhaps relievedly, silent. WolfFlame looks up at Azeure and nods giving him a gentle hug before slipping away Trollkiller looks at Mender and Ynderra and rearranges himself behind the two of them. At which point he starts giving parallel backrubs. Terlis chuckles and nods to Behtor. "You from Lursa's tribe?" Ynderra's face lights up! Azeure smiles to Wolfie and nods to all as he departs Azeure leaps into the air. Azeure has left. Overhead, Azeure soars upward from the dancing square below. Overhead, Azeure has left downwards towards Tyldak's nest, flying almost out of sight underneath the bridge. Bricchana brings both hands to Ekuar's face and begins to trace his features now, looking at him. "You're old!" Mender half smiels and closes his eyes at the backrub, moving back and forth with it Rayek worriedly glances at Ekuar as Bricchana's hands play over his face... but if Ekuar looks unworried, he holds his peace. Sun-Toucher sips at his drink, smiling to himself. Trollkiller blinkblinkblinks. Bramble looks down and realizes she's still holding that piece of fruit, so she holds it up to Rayek's mouth again, "Eat!" Ynderra MMMMMMMMMMMMMs, nearly swaying sideways into Mender. Ekuar chuckles merrily! As Bricchana touches his face, he lets his own hand drop to rest lightly on the maiden's waist. "Old? Oh, yes, indeed." His voice sounds proud. Behtor says "Hmf Am I from Lursa's tribe? It so happens I'm fortunate enough to be her sister." Bricchana smiles. "Close your eyes, so I don't hurt you. What color are your eyes and hair?" Whitling shrugs a bit, reaching out to the cask to feel around it, trying to figure out how to tip it without spilling too badly. Startoucher grins a bit... Rayek suddenly shoots a look to Behtor, and freezes. Startoucher helps Whitling out with the cask, pouring her more wine. Terlis raises both eyebrows and grins. "Sister huh? WEll, nice to meet you..." Whitling grins thanks towards Startoucher. Starstreak arrives from the crossroads, looking around to see who is here. Starstreak has arrived. Ekuar closes his eyes obediently, dreamily. "Eh-- ah-- brown eyes. Last time I saw them." He chuckles. "And my hair is... gone!" Starstreak comes in looking around, seeming slightly shy. Bricchana blinks and slides her hand up to caress the top of Ekuar's head. "It IS! Oh my! Was it cut off too?" Bramble feels Rayek freeze, "What's wrong?" Behtor says "I'm sure... look.. .do you know where she's gotten herself?" WindStorm heads for the shelter of the canopy. WindStorm has left. Trollkiller looks between Ynderra and Mender. Solstice snuggles up next to Rayek, and watches everybody. Firststrike emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Firststrike has arrived. Ekuar mms and leans into Bricchana's hands, comfortably. "Eh... no, no, not as such, my dear. It just... fell out, and never came back." He sighs happily. Rayek, evidently not hearing Bramble's question, stares at Behtor. An odd mournful look crosses his gaze, as he seems to hang on the Go-Back's statement. Starstreak slowly looks around and glances over at Mender and seems to send, seeming to look worried. Terlis shakes his head. "No, she took off and didn;t tell me anything. And I still have a piece of clothing I made for her, as well as some jewelry." Mender shakes his head at a send, eyes still pleasurably closed Drynnyan keeps an eye on Starstreak, the other roving. Ekuar finally, belatedly, feels his pupil tense next to him. He opens one eye, blinking carefully. "Eh? Brownskin?" Bricchana giggles and begins using both hands to rub Ekuar's head. "It feels funny!" Mender opens his eyes slightly, just barely, and peeks around for a face. Ynderra audibly purrs, curling closer to Trollkiller and Mender. She shimmers again, randomly, up and down her slender form. Whitling laughs aloud at a send. Ekuar oos and laughs, high and piping, as Bricchana rubs his bald skull. Behtor shakes her head "Figures... she could tell me on occaison when she takes off ya know. I've walked farther than I knew existed after that girl!" Starstreak scratches at her neck nearvouly and motions Mender with her hand, as if saying, 'here..right here.. this spot' Terlis chuckles deeply. "Yeah, well, your sister's hard headed." Behtor says "Jewlry eh?" Ynderra shimmers more brightly, then opens one bright blue eye and follows Mender's gaze. "Hmm? Somebody need you, Mender?" Mender eyes Starstreak and sighs softly, and slowly, reluctantly, gets up, nodding quickly to Ynderra. "It seems that way, yes." Whitling sips the new mug of wine she was just poured, grinning. Bricchana giggles merrily and then goes back to tracing Ekuar's features. Trollkiller hrm?s and looks up. ** Awwwww... ** Terlis nods to Behtor. "Yes, I make jewelry." Rayek looks nervously from Ekuar to Behtor, then mutters, "I am... fine...." Trollkiller considers. ** Well, somebody hurt must needs more... ** Mender strolls slowly over to Starstreak, standing before her. Starstreak looks around nervously and smiles shyly as Mender starts to move. Trollkiller uses both hands on Ynderra for a while, then. Ynderra awwwws, too, and holds up a glowing hand, for a moment, as if to protest Mender's departure. Then she squints at her own fingers. Hey! Behtor glances over non-chalantly at Rayek, and assumes that this is evidence of yet another one of the males her sister got to before she could. Trollkiller hms? Startoucher grins. Mender tilts his head softly at Starstreak. "Hm?" Starstreak gulps softly and smiles timidly at Mender. Ynderra blinkblinks, then beams radiantly at Trollkiller, and holds up the same glowing hand. "I think somebody turned me up," she confides, starting to giggle. Terlis arches an eyebrow. "Why do you ask, Behtor?" Trollkiller giggles. ** Yow! ** Ekuar is smiling with pleasure, his thin lips curved gently. He sends, so as not to disturb the maiden 'looking' at him. ** Eh-- ah, me. Someone was looking for the GoBack warrior-lass? ** Trollkiller sends openly ** Woodhawk looks like that, sometimes... ** Whitling grins and nods at a send, moving over towards Startoucher. Behtor shrugs "No reason.. I guess you sunfolk have to find Something to do with your time... you make little useless baubles and things then." Overhead, Gelnah rises up from below. Whitling grins at Behtor's words, tugging her mothcloth outfit. "True, but they're such NICE baubles and things!" Mender frowns softly at Starstreak. Starstreak figits quiet a bit as she looks up to Mender. Sorrow stands up, smiling towards the unseeing Bricchana as she makes her way out of the square. Terlis chuckles and shoots a glance to WHitling, folding his large arms across his chest. "Aye..." Trollkiller notices Mender's frown. Rayek, trying to find some way to extricate himself from an increasingly nervous situation, glances at the glimmering Ynderra and blinks. Something makes him blush, and he finally remembers the cubs on his lap. "Ah... children.... I'd... like to get up, please...." Firststrike sends openly ** Hi all! ** Starstreak ums and scratches at her neck again. Behtor looks over at the old dude "Yeah, I'm looking for Lursa... do you know where the troll-brained elk chaser went?" Sorrow goes north. Sorrow has left. Bricchana finishes 'looking ' at Ekuar and leans down to kiss his bald head, the feeling so odd, she lingers, nuzzling her lips against it. Whitling finishes off her mug of wine, perring into it thoughtfully. Hardly muddle-headed at all...maybe another one? Bramble ponders Rayek's request for a moment. Ekuar nods carefully, trying not to dislodge the gentle fingers on his face. "Oh, yes, my dear. She's fine... Windkin took her with him, eh, back to his home." He is nuzzled, and mmms delightedly. Ynderra murrs and pouts cutely at Trollkiller, trying to grab a hand to return it to her shoulder. Don't stop! Solstice looks up at Rayek, and nods, clinging to him so she won't fall off when he moves. Ekuar leans against Bricchana, sighing happily. "Oh, my," he murmurs. Trollkiller giggles, returning both hands, and also nuzzling at the back of Ynderra's neck. ** Better? ** You locksend ** Ekuar... the healers, they... ** to Ekuar. Behtor smirks at the jewlry maker "I work with weapons myself... a more useful way to adorn, eh?" Firststrike heads for the shelter of the canopy. Firststrike has left. Bramble wraps her arms around Rayek's neck, "You can get up if you want to." Mender outright frowns and takes Starstreak by the hand, leading her away to the south. "Come with me." Terlis chuckles and turns to reguard Ekuar for a moment. "I think she likes ya, Ekuar." He turns back to Behtor. "Perhaps, if you like to kill." Trollkiller blinks. ** What? ** Mender goes south. Mender has left. Starstreak eeps... Firststrike emerges from the shelter of the canopy. Firststrike has arrived. Starstreak goes south. Starstreak has left. Firststrike leaves the dancing square, heading for the peaceful cool green of the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water. Firststrike has left. Ynderra curls back against Trollkiller and beams at him, though her attention follows after Mender. Firststrike arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant leaf from his shoulder. Firststrike has arrived. Bricchana smiles softly and rests her cheek against Ekuar's head. Firststrike looks over at wolfflame Behtor scowls over at the person sending to her... damn magicky elves "I fix weapons that're broken mostly... sharpen them, re-string bows... that sort of thing" Rayek, with the two cubs still clinging to him, murmurs unsteadily, "Please, children... I... need to leave...." Whitling grins over at Terlis' words. "Only about your weapons..." Bramble giggles, "So, leave. We come with you." Firststrike eyes the children around Rayek... Solstice nodnods and clings. Bricchana giggles softly and kisses Ekuar's head again. "Thank you, Ekuar." Trollkiller ahs. ** Well, given that they make new things about metal and you can't, maybe you should be learning from them, huh? ** Behtor raises her respect for the jewlry maker a notch "Really?" [%%% A line lost somewhere in the log. Rayek sends to Ekuar, something about the healers making the air feel strange.] From afar, Ekuar's own send is fuzzy and sparkling with some sort of reaction to the energy in the air. ** Hmm? Ohh. Yes. The healers... ** Whitling turns to look over at poor Rayek and the cubs. "Here...Bramble and Solstice? Want me to teach you to dance?" Terlis looks to Whitling. "Only about my weapons?" Terlis nods to Behtor's question. "Aye." Ekuar looks up at Bricchana, smiling affectionately. "Thank -you- my dear. Your touch, eh, is very gentle." Whitling grins at Terlis. "Your clothes and jewelry are something special." Whitling jingles the bracelets on her arms, then turnds back to Rayek and his cling-ons. Startoucher gently touches Whitling's hand, giving her a smile. Bramble shakes her head, "Me wanna stay with Rayek." Bricchana smiles and pats Ekuar's cheeks before turning about a little and looking towards Terlis. "You make clothes and jewelry?" Behtor gives Trollkiller a look to show just how grateful she is for the advice... Sarcasem_on ;) Drynnyan smiles at Ekuar's words, his face hidden by his hood. Trollkiller goes back to giving his full attention to Ynderra's musculature. Rayek glances briefly, embarrassedly, at Ynderra's still-glimmering form in Trollkiller's furry embrace, and then to the refuge of Savah's hut. He can't stay out here, not with... whatever it is the healers are putting into the air. As gently as he can, he tries to disengage small arms from him. "Please... I need to... lie down..." Whitling grins at the cubs again. "Are you sure you won't come?" Firststrike begins to approach Rayek and the children. Terlis chuckles and turns to look towards Bricchana. "Aye. I do." He glances over the elfs dark clothing. Whitling shivers slightly at the touch, eyes closing for a second before re-opening and turning her blind gaze towards Startoucher. Ynderra cheerfully glimmers, and gleams, and nuzzles against Trollkiller's furry fingers. Terlis looks to Trollkiller and nods. Ekuar sighs happily, looking after Bricchana with a smile. With the maiden's attention elsewhere, the old elf finally notices Rayek's-- distress. Firststrike finally reaches the children & Rayek Solstice sighs silently and lets go, landing with a *plop*. Spoilsport grownups. Trollkiller locksends ** Are you alright, prettyhair? ** Firststrike says "Children." Bricchana smiles brightly and shuffles towards Terlis. "Could you make me some clothes? Something brightly colored?" Bramble pouts a bit as she gets off of Rayek. Behtor says "Wait a minute... I was talking to him... what kind of weapons do you make?" Rayek smiles weakly at Solstice, and at Bramble, then turns and flees. His steps are unsteady, and his face strangely flushed. Startoucher smiles pleasantly. Ekuar heh hehs. "Don't worry, my dears," he tells Bramble and Solstice. "I'll make sure he You sense in a locksend, Whitling notes the sounds of the children falling off. ** There. A little less heavy? ** [Rayek flees into Savah's house.] You locksend to Whitling, Rayek's sending feels odd as he gruffly answers, ** Yes... I'm... fine... ** It's farther away, too, all of a sudden. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar sends, gently and muzzily, floating in a cloud of healer-influenced pleasure, ** Eh? My dear? Are you all right? ** You locksend to Trollkiller, Rayek's sending, when he finally answers you, sounds odd, almost as if he'd been trying the wine. But you didn't see him do so... ** I'm... fine... I think... ** Trollkiller locksends ** There are plenty of healers here - don't forget if you need one... ** You locksend ** I... have... noticed the healers. Thank you. ** to Trollkiller. Trollkiller locksends ** There is something in the air, though, isn't there... it's kinda nice... ** Whitling locksends ** I'm teaching your 'friends' how to dance. Perhaps you'd like to come and help with the lesson? ** You locksend ** No. Thank you... ** to Whitling. You sense in a locksend, Whitling at first doesn't understand the send, then realizes it has something to do with the healers. Her send turns apologetic. ** I'm sorry...had I known... ** You locksend ** It is not your fault, maiden... ** to Whitling. Whitling locksends ** Hope I didn't hurt you by keeping you around... ** You locksend ** No... I am... fine, thank... you... ** to Whitling. You sense in a locksend, Whitling leaves you alone now, turning her attention to your 'friends' the cubs. [Rayek then flees into Savah's private chambers.] You sense in a locksend, Ekuar's mind, swirling with delight, touches yours warmly. ** Dear one... don't you want to come and dance with us? Eh? ** You locksend ** I.... I.... ** to Ekuar. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar's mind, even caught up in such sensual happiness, is concerned. ** Oh-- my dear-- the magic is only stronger in there, isn't it? ** A heady rush of pleasure sparkles through his thoughts, and dies down again; he continues: ** Perhaps it would be, eh, easier for you out here? So many pretty lads and lasses to dance with! ** You locksend ** I... I do not... want any of them, Ekuar.... ** to Ekuar. Trollkiller locksends ** Hey, prettyhair! Everybody's dancing, you too! ** You locksend ** I... no... ** to Trollkiller. [Agitated by the magical energy he can sense in the air -- which is made all the sharper to his psyche by the presence of the Little Palace -- Rayek tries desperately to calm himself down, burying himself in the silks and pillows of Savah's sleeping pit. For a time, he is left alone, unaware that Ynderra and Trollkiller have planned to come and help him... and unaware, further, that Leetah has been convinced by Ekuar and her father, Sun-Toucher, to try to come see him as well. The older healer runs into the younger and Trollkiller on the way in... and although Ekuar tries his best to convince Ynderra and Trollkiller to let Leetah see Rayek alone, Leetah has other ideas, wanting the younger elves as assistance, or perhaps a shield...] Trollkiller has arrived. Ynderra has arrived. Leetah has arrived. Trollkiller looks at you for a moment. Rayek lies curled up in the sleeping pit, hugging a pillow to himself fiercely. Ynderra senses in a locksend, Ekuar sends, gently but insistently, ** Dear child... she's fine as she is. My, yes. But I need you... and your friend. Out here. ** The mind-touch is soft, but determined, even within the ancient elder's usual whirl and scatter of thoughts. Ynderra pauses behind the other two elves coming into the chamber, uncertainly glancing over her shoulder. Trollkiller nods. ** Yep, he needs people. ** Ynderra locksends ** Um... you sure? Leetah asked... ** to Ekuar. Rayek stiffens, aware of the entry of the others before Trollkiller sends. Ekuar locksends ** I'm sure, pretty one. I've seldom been more sure in my lon$ life-- eh, believe me. ** to Ynderra. Trollkiller looks a lot more sober Trollkiller looks a lot more sober 'way more quickly than you might expect. ** He's _not_ well, is he... even I can tell that. ** Rayek lifts his head slightly, but his face is turned towards the opposite wall. He doesn't look around; the set of his curled body tenses even more, as he mutters unsteadily, irritably, "I... do _not_... want... visitors..." Leetah stops near the doorway, though far enough away that anyone else can come in. She watches Rayek for a moment or three, not sure whether she should turn and leave now while it's still safe, or to continue. Trollkiller looks Rayek over. ** Tough, you're getting them. Leetah, Ynderra, how bad is he? ** Rayek _now_ looks over his shoulder, face draining of all its color. His eyes are wet -- has he been crying? Rayek starts, "Lee..." and doesn't finish. Ynderra ums, and squints over at the black-haired elf. "He's really tired," she observes wisely. Trollkiller climbs down into the sleeping pit with Rayek, looking over him extensively. ** You didn't look nearly this ill in the daylight... ** He looks over at Ynderra. ** Just tired? For all this? ** Rayek stares at Leetah, then growls, "Back...!" at Trollkiller, sounding strangely frightened. He lunges backwards, visibly trembling. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar's mind-touch is stronger now, a cloud of fuzzy energy shot through with anxious concern and protectiveness. ** Little one... please.... I ask you for an important reason. My dear... Come out, and I'll-- eh-- explain. ** Leetah stays rather quietly near the wall, frowning. Ynderra locksends ** Um... I'm... not sure we should leave... um... ** to Ekuar. Ynderra nibbles at her lip, visibly torn, but then she pouts at Rayek. "Look, we just want to help, okay?" She glances at Leetah, hoping for support. Ekuar locksends ** There is a reason for that, pretty healer. Eh, me. It's important that he face that fear, and move through it. He needs to... and only he and Leetah must be there. Eh? Please$ Trust me. Come out. ** to Ynderra. Ynderra senses in a locksend, Ekuar's mental touch is enfolding, gently tugging and coaxing, deep with age and wisdom. Trollkiller looks _right at_ Rayek, and sends, ** Sit! Down! ** Ynderra blinks, and eeks at Trollkiller... Trollkiller sends openly ** I am _not_ here to yell at you, and I am _not_ here to beat you up. I've never seen an elf as tightly overstrung as you, and I _can_ do something about it, so I _am_. ** Rayek gets to his feet, starting to scowl. ** Do _not_ order me, ** he sends raggedly, eyes glinting, gaze hard and brittle. ** I... did not ask for your... help! Get out! ** Trollkiller sends openly ** Look at yourself. ** Trollkiller isn't tense, just _very firm_. He also lets a little bit of a smile leak out, suddenly. ** Though I suppose yelling at me is a better sign than cringing from me. ** Rayek presses his eyes closed, pained, backed up now against the far wall, where the Little Palace gleams. Not daring to look at Leetah -- has she retreated? Is he relieved, or bitterly disappointed, that she is no longer in view? -- he growls roughly, lowly, "Please. Leave. Me." Ynderra erms. Leetah's gone? Eek? She looks around, feeling suddenly out of her depth, and blinking in more than a little surprise at Trollkiller, and how his sending seems brighter in here. Trollkiller thinks. ** Not until you're not so stressed that I can feel it all the way out on the dancing square. ** Trollkiller sighs. ** I'm sorry. You don't know me. I don't know you. But I can help you to sleep, or at least to relax your body, if nothing else. ** Ynderra steps closer, squaring her shoulders, her earlier giggling demeanor having drained out of her, though oddly, she still shimmers. And more brightly, when she nears the Palace-shaped sculpture. Trollkiller composes himself a little. ** My name is Trollkiller. I am from the Willowholt. I can ease the pain you're causing your body, if you'll just come and lie down. ** Ynderra says "And I'm Ynderra... I'm from Cutter's tribe, I was born after the Palace War. I'm a healer." Ynderra takes unvoiced comfort from Trollkiller's suddenly solid attitude, and tries very hard to look adult. Rayek slits open his eyes, looking past the two elves to where Leetah... was. His head sags. Trollkiller holds out his hand. ** I don't know why she left. But I know you can be in a better state to greet her than you are now.** Rayek says lowly, voice thick, "I... would prefer... to... relieve her of the burden of... greeting me." Trollkiller shakes his head at _those_ words. ** Oh no. None of that. You don't have to see her if you don't want to, but none of where that thought's going. ** Trollkiller walks over to Rayek and puts an arm around him, supporting him. ** C'mere. ** Rayek faces Trollkiller now, amber gaze bleak. His mouth tightens, and he tenses at the contact... Trollkiller will, if allowed, lead Rayek back to the cushons in the sleeping pit. Trollkiller leads Rayek back to the bedding. Ekuar enters from the hall. Ekuar has arrived. Ynderra ums! And straightens, briskly accompanying Trollkiller. "C'mon," she says to Rayek, trying to match her earlier stern tone when she got him to eat. Well, almost. Rayek stumbles between the healer and the furred elf, features twisted. "Do not --" He cuts off, when Ekuar comes in. Trollkiller locksends ** I think a little more space is better. I can handle him, he's not heavy. ** to Ynderra. Trollkiller locksends ** He's far too light, even. ** to Ynderra. Ekuar enters, very slowly. His face is bleak with unhappiness. Trollkiller sends, ** None of that. Come on. ** Ekuar looks from Ynderra to Trollkiller, his eyes gentle and dark with sadness... Finally, his ancient gaze drifts to Rayek. Ynderra glances at Ekuar, nibbling her lip, eyes turning liquid. She's not quite sure whether she's going to get scolded for this. Ynderra bobs her head to Trollkiller, and steps back. Rayek, tugged, stumbles after the larger elf, disgruntedly. His mental voice testy, he snaps, ** I am not a bag of greens, to be hauled...! ** Ekuar shuffles forward one step, looking at Rayek intently... his thin body is bowed forward, somehow making the usually-cheerful elder seem smaller. More fragile. Trollkiller isn't tugging, he's _leading_. He's good at that. ** Bed. Soft, comfortable, bed. Trollkiller looks up at Ekuar. Ekuar looks at the brawny throwback, smiling faintly. Rayek balks, seeming, at least, to consider himself tugged. He pauses, though, as Ekuar draws nearer, his features nervous. Ynderra rocks restlessly from foot to foot, thinking maybe she'd better let Ekuar and Trollkiller handle this, Rayek'll probably take her hand off if she touches him.... Trollkiller glances over at Ynderra. Trollkiller locksends ** Please don't leave, he does need more than I can offer... ** to Ynderra. Ynderra locksends ** I, uh, won't.... ** to Trollkiller. Ekuar turns his head slightly, and looks at Ynderra with a wise and gentle smile... there is gratitude in his face, as much as reassurance. Ynderra senses in a locksend, Ekuar sends, tenderly, ** You've done your best, pretty healer maiden. Let old Ekuar take over now, eh? ** Ynderra locksends ** He, uh, doesn't look very good... shouldn't I stay? ** to Ekuar. Ekuar shakes his head very, very slightly at Ynderra, his smile still warm. Ynderra looks worriedly from Ekuar to Trollkiller, confused. One says leave, the other says go... Rayek, distracted by Ekuar's arrival, looks at him almost... ashamedly. Trollkiller does movement tricks that slowly cause Rayek to find himself in his cushions again. Trollkiller locksends ** Much better... wise, smart, intelligent choice... ** You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Trollkiller: Ekuar's send expands to enfold the both of you within its depth and warmth. ** My dears... He doesn't forgive himself easily. If-- eh, if at all. Perhaps it wojuld be easier for him if he and I were alone. ** Rayek blinks, and starts as Trollkiller maneuvers him, the scowl beginning to return to his face. You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Trollkiller: Ekuar follows the other send with a mild addendum. ** It isn't lying down that he needs, children. Not really. Bodily rest he's-- eh, he's had in abundance. Ever since we arrived here. ** Ynderra locksends, to Ekuar, Trollkiller: ** He's... wound up inside, though. I can feel it. ** You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Ekuar: Trollkiller sends, gently, ** He may have been lying down. If what I saw when I came here is any indication, he hasn't _rested_ in months. ** You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Ekuar: Trollkiller adds, ** And his body shows it. And _that_ will return to foul anyone's spirit. ** You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Trollkiller: Ekuar replies, quietly, ** It's true... Ah, what you both send, it's true. But what can be done, eh? Leetah could have helped... Because her forgiveness would have filled the empty place in his heart. But to be-- eh, forgive me, but to be wrestled down? To be sent into a healer's sleep? Brightfire did that, already. It left him as you see him. ** Rayek, fully aware that sendings are filling the air, frowns warily at the three elves, propping himself on one arm in the sleeping pit. You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Ekuar: Trollkiller plans neither of these things. ** I have no intention of asking Ynderra to knock him out. There ar$ better ways to help his body want to take better care of itself. I... have $ lot of experience in this. ** Ekuar takes another hobbling step forward, slowly, toward Rayek. His eyes glimmer. "Easy, Brownskin," he murmurs. "Please... be easy." He begins to lower himself to a sitting position at the side of the sleeping pit. Trollkiller keeps one arm on Rayek's back, throughout, after helping Rayek's body want to return here. Ekuar seems to be not so much sitting as caving, slumping down, soul-tired. He turns and looks into Rayek's eyes, unhappily. Ekuar locksends ** Dear one... Forgive your old Ekuar. Eh? This is my fault, and I'm sorry. ** Rayek looks back at Ekuar, taken aback, and gaze suddenly losing something of its brittle hardness. Ekuar drops his staff, which rolls to one side with a muted chime of bells from the dancing-string tied to it. He reaches tentatively toward Rayek, opening his hand. You locksend ** It... is not your fault. ** to Ekuar. You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Trollkiller: Ekuar's mind, alternately powerful/ancient and fragmented/weary, sends a soft wave of worry. ** I don't know... Ah, me. I don't. It's not for me to decide... ** His mind-touch fades, drifting elsewhere, as he blinks at Rayek steadily. Trollkiller moves his arm, gently but firmly and without concealment, along Rayek's spine. Ekuar searches Rayek's face, earnestly. Trollkiller locksends ** The entire lower half of his back muscle set just stopped hurting. The tension is _off_. This doesn't mean he can't put it back, or that he can't control it. But it's an "AH! Oh...." type feeling. ** Rayek starts, hesitantly, to glance up at his mentor... and then his eyes go wide, startled. Ekuar locksends ** Sweet Brownskin... I won't let them do anything to do, without your agreement. I don't know... ... I don't know what is best, here. Tell me... tell me. As I asked you before... How can I help? ** Ynderra's eyes widen, too. _She_ can sense, particularly _here_, the sudden cessation of pain. Awed, she stares at Trollkiller, wondering what in the name of the High Ones he just did. Trollkiller's hand moves up Rayek's spine, working quickly. Those watching Trollkiller's face see tremendous concentration and effort - most of which is purely physical. You locksend to Ekuar, Rayek's thoughts reel a little, in surprise, at something Trollkiller just did.... and is doing. Ekuar glances from Rayek to Trollkiller, and quickly back. His brow wrinkles just a bit, inquiringly. Trollkiller locksends ** The feeling moves up your back, with his hand. ** Ekuar locksends ** If he can take the pain away... Eh, not just a pain like your ankle, but the pain that goes deeper... will you let him? ** Rayek blinks several times, expression utterly flabbergasted, now, and he starts to slump as a number of previously tense muscles suddenly inform him that they've relaxed. You locksend ** I... he... he is no... healer... ** to Ekuar. Ynderra steps forward, amazed, looking from elf to elf as she tries to fathom what just happened. Trollkiller locksends, to Ynderra, Ekuar: ** Anyone can do this with practice and lots of it. All I'm doing i$ letting his body do what it really wants to do already. ** You sense in a locksend, Ekuar sends, simply and gently, ** No... Perhaps a healer is not what you need, right now, dear one. Hm? Perhaps he has what you need. ** He pauses, and a light, warm mental touch caresses you hopefully. ** Please? To see you in such pain... it's so hard, Brownskin. ** Trollkiller catches Rayek, lowering him gently on the cushions, and shifts to two hands. Rayek continues to look dumbfounded, feeling as if, suddenly, he's forgotten how to move. Rayek mumbles, "What... have you done.....?" Ynderra's mouth makes a soundless 'o'. Ynderra locksends ** With all that what do you need _me_ for? ** to Trollkiller. Trollkiller locksends, to Ynderra, Ekuar: ** He's been in so much pain he's thinking that this much relief is actual release from it. It's not. He's still sore, but it's so much less that he's not even noticing it. I can't repair damage, Ynderra. I can just stop him from making it worse. ** Ekuar eyes turn to Trollkiller for a moment, warm and thankful, before he peers into Rayek's eyes again. Trollkiller sends openly ** Nothing that your body didn't want to do already. Nothing magic. ** Ekuar murmurs, on the tail end of the furred elf's sending: "Maybe you've had enough magic for now, eh, Brownskin?" Ekuar smiles with great gentleness and encouragement. Trollkiller continues working, quickly, hands digging into flesh and rock-hard but desperately brittle muscles, up to the neck and down to the hips and buttocks. Rayek looks up from where he lies, with some difficulty... his gaze is suddenly muzzy, as if he's on the fringe of fainting. You locksend ** I... feel... strange... ** to Ekuar. Ynderra lingers on the edge of the sleeping pit, watching Trollkiller's big hands at work, wonderingly. Trollkiller's hands work back down to the spine, and out from the centre of the back, following ridges of musculature, adding point pressure _so_, and _so_... You sense in a locksend, Ekuar's mind catches yours, supports it in a familiar warmth. ** He's showing your body what it already knows, my dear. He's untying knots that you had forgotten were there. Eh-- it's how you're -supposed- to feel. Without so much weight... so much pain. Hm? ** Ekuar's shining eyes shift their gaze to Trollkiller. He nods his bare head once, slowly. Ynderra, fascinated, watches what Trollkiller's fingers do, and she flexes her own thoughtfully. Healing, without magic! Rayek's eyes tear over out of simple reaction to Trollkiller's ministration... and to the overpowering physical relief subsuming his limbs. Embarrassed, he tries to blink his gaze clear, realizing groggily that he's not entirely certain he can lift his hand to scrub the water out of his vision. Ekuar leans over, his thin hand moving in delicately to brush the tears away. Trollkiller sends openly ** If you think _this_ is healing without magic, you should see what Sweetleaf can do with his mushrooms and plants. _That's_ healing. _This_... well, it's comfort. Which could be the first step. ** Ynderra locksends, to Ekuar, Trollkiller: ** He... feels like rope that's been tied up too long in knots! Like it's going to snap or something.... Ynderra smiles, awed. "I know a little," she begins, "I shape trees, too... I was going to learn from him...." She lifts a hand that glimmers, slightly, but doesn't touch Rayek, simply holds it towards him, as if she might 'touch' him from her short distance away. You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Ekuar: Trollkiller nods. ** I'm giving some slack back to that rope. But somebody will have to fix the real problem. ** Ekuar moves his hand from Rayek's brimming eyes to his forehead, lightly caressing his dark brow. Trollkiller moves to arms, working out towards fingers... Ekuar locksends, to Ynderra, Trollkiller: ** Eh, children. Leetah could find the deeper hurt and soothe it... even without her magic. It's Leetah. If only, somehow... ** Ynderra locksends, to Ekuar, Trollkiller: ** It's like... he's fraying, right? I can feel it. Leetah left. I'm, um, not a$ good as she is.... ** Trollkiller finishes the first pass along Rayek's arms, and moves down to his thighs; fists, now, rather than fingertips... Rayek's eyelids flicker at Ekuar's gentle touch. You sense in a locksend to Ynderra, Trollkiller: Ekuar's thoughts flow on a current of wise understanding. ** Pretty one... it's not you. Or your powers. You are not lacking. It's just that-- eh-- Leetah, herself, is the balm for this wound. All the magic in the world would not be enough. ** Trollkiller reaches the feet, and moves back up along the body, always keeping at least one hand in touch, back up the legs, the spine, the neck, to the head, where he returns to fingertip massage, finding all the tiny muscles of the skull and face. This touch is the most gentle, and careful - and precise. Ekuar withdraws his hand, moving carefully out of Trollkiller's way, sighing softly and happily at the relief he sees in Rayek's posture. Rayek occasionally trembles, residual flashes of nervous tension flaring up when Trollkiller's dextrous fingers find a particularly stubborn knot in his muscles. At the contact of those fingertips to his cheeks and temples, he trembles more, eyelids shivering closed. Trollkiller locksends, to Ynderra, Ekuar: ** Unless the real causes of all this are dealt with, it'll just start building back up. I'll spend the day here with him... his body wants another body around, and his mind doesn't want to confuse any subsitutes with Leetah, I suspect, so... ** Ekuar rests his hand lightly on Rayek's arm for a moment, anxious eyes scanning the slender body and finding relief there... The tension is broken, for once in a long while. He turns to Trollkiller. Rayek after a time goes utterly still, as his consciousness finally tips over into a surprisingly pleasant blankness. Ynderra locksends, to Ekuar, Trollkiller: ** He just fell asleep... ** Trollkiller locksends, to Ynderra, Ekuar: ** Good. ** Ekuar smiles at Trollkiller, his weariness having shifted into hope, and thankfulness. He nods, and turns his gentle smile on Ynderra. In a near-whisper, he says, "Come, then. Perhaps you and I, we'll find another place to rest?" Trollkiller snuggles down beside Rayek, hands still working Rayek's back, now chasing fleeting remnants and occasional new spots... Ekuar takes up his staff, easing carefully to his feet to ring the dancing-bell string as little as possible. Rayek does not twitch, indeed he almost barely seems to breathe, as the larger elf curls in beside him. Ynderra smiles shyly to Ekuar, and creeps out with him. Ynderra leaves the room. Ynderra has left. Ekuar leaves the room. Ekuar has left. [End log.]