[Intro]
Continuing in the care of Mender in Sorrow's End, Rayek learns from his
old friend and teacher Ekuar that Leetah, too, has come to the village to
provide help for Rayek's condition. Rayek is aghast at this news, all
too vividly remembering the circumstances under which he last saw Leetah -
the healing of Winnowill in this very village - and before, his separation
from her on the Palace's first unsuccessful flight through time to rescue
the High Ones. Now, afraid to face her, Rayek has nevertheless urged
Ekuar to bring her to him quickly, for he cannot stand to remain helpless
much longer.

But as it happens, Rayek's impatience gets the better of him. Unable to
bear being cooped up in Mender's hut any longer, the wounded master of the
Palace chooses his moment and slips out into the village when the setting
of the Daystar provides him sheltering shadows. But this annoys his one
constant guardian, the Preserver Petalwing, who has remained with him
through the last ten years, and who now is not _about_ to let its favorite
highthing be silly....

----------
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.
The village is dry and dusty, the plantlife dormant.
Contents:
Sunny
Kerial
Leetah
Lursa
GentleHeart
Drum
Obvious exits:
Garden<W>  Canopy<E>  Savah's House<NW>  Boundary Path<S>  Crossroads<N>  
  
Petalwing, looking extremely irritated with something, bursts out of 
  the trees off near the garden. /Naughtybad highthing! Petalwing much vexed! 
  Grrrrrr!/

Ember arrives from the south boundary path.
Ember has arrived.

Savah steps out of Savah's house.
Savah has arrived.

Petalwing looklooklooks all around, chattering angrily, but as soon 
  as it spies the elves in the square, it brightens and flits nearer. 
  /Softpretty highthing! Muchmother highthing!/
Petalwing flitflitflits! /Softpretty highthing and muchmother 
  highthing come spank shapdark highthing for Petalwing?/

Lursa laughs!!! in spite of herself.

Lursa
Now once again set out on travels Away-From-Hub, Lursa's skin is 
  regaining its sun-kissed tan. Having shed her warmer leathers and furs for 
  light cloth of woven reed fibers gained from her friend Undertow, Lursa is 
  clad in a pale yellow top and skirt, the skirt angled in its cut to tie at 
  her right hip, allowing a full range of movement. Likewise is her top 
  constructed, with the slanted cut baring her left shoulder and the bottom 
  edge of the top reaching to just below her breasts to bare her midrift, tying 
  at her right shoulder. Her forearms are wrapped in strips of leather, 
  creating bracers, and her knife-bearing belt is slung low over her hips. Her 
  toned, lithe form is readily apparent as she moves with the agile grace of a 
  fighter, her legs bare to the sandals she has managed to construct, the 
  thongs lacing up her calves. Her shoulder-length hair and large, long-lashed 
  eyes are both a deep, deep brown, her full lips engaged in her bad habit of 
  chewing a lock of her hair.

Savah
        Tall and gracefully slender is this aged elf, her skin darkly 
  tanned by countless passes of the sun over her desert home. Warm amber eyes, 
  dominating her delicately featured face, regard you kindly and with a trace 
  of amusement. She wears a pale green mothfabric gown that falls in soft 
  shimmering drapes about her. Tiny glitterstones that are sewn into the 
  material glitter in the light. 
        A tall golden headdress is on her cowled head, and a golden symbol of 
  the sun hangs from her intricate belt. Savah moves with calm dignity, at 
  peace with her world. Long brown fingers seem to move in slow motion as she 
  gestures in quiet accompaniment to her words.

Leetah
  All red and gold and green is this one, both desert and forest come 
  together. Eyes as bright as the Newgreen leaves meet your own, sparkling with 
  joyful radiance. Her thick auburn curls are pulled back from her face, and 
  held in place by a wide gold-and-sunstone band, which just matches the 
  sunstone drops she wears as earrings. Warm golden brown skin glows like 
  burnished copper, still remembering the sands and daystar. She wears a 
  low-cut, long-sleeved tunic the same color as her eyes, and tightly fitting 
  pants a few shades lighter, as well as a wide embroidered belt and boots 
  several shades darker.

Savah smiles to the preserver, holding out her hand to it. "Show me 
  the way, Preserver."

Petalwing lights obediently on Savah's graceful fingers, but, still 
  clearly irritated, it pipes, /Sharpdark highthing go sneak out of cozysoft 
  snugplace! Petalwing show!/
Petalwing with that flits up again and determinedly zips into the garden.

You leave the dancing square, heading for the peaceful garden. 
  Pleasant scents, and soft sounds--wind through leaves, water 
  burbling--envelop you.
Garden of Shade and Sweet Water
Nestled in the rocky canyon, this area has been turned into an 
  oasis. Rows of herbs and flowers, blooming bright blue and white, dance in 
  the breeze. Mature sticker-plants are bursting with yellow and red blossoms. 
  A row of woody shrubs lines the the stone path. They blaze with orange-pink 
  blooms. Clustered back near the rock walls several short, gnarled trees 
  provide shade for the benches below: most are covered in puffy pink flowers, 
  but one sports round,orange fruit peeking out from beneath its glossy leaves. 
  You can hear the gentle burble of water. Mother Moon is a barely visible 
  crescent as the dimming red light of sunset fills the warm spring skies. 
The village is dry and dusty, the plantlife dormant.
Contents:
Rayek(#3218PBXac)
Hot Pool
Shaded Stone Benches
Dreamberry Bush
Obvious exits:
Dancing Square<E>  

Petalwing arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line 
  the path.
Petalwing has arrived.

Ember arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the 
  path.
Ember has arrived.

Kerial arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the 
  path.
Kerial has arrived.

Ember looks at you for a moment.

Rayek crouches near the pool, splashing water on his face.

Petalwing chatters in smug satisfaction, /Naughtybad sharpdark highthing! 
  Petalwing get other highthings now!/

Kerial smirks, "As I live and breath. And I though you were all squashed."

Ember says "What are you doing up, Rayek?"

Rayek stiffens, shoots a glance over his shoulder, and scowls darkly the moment 
  he sees Kerial.

Petalwing flits right to Rayek and waggles a tiny finger at him! /Sharpdark 
  highthing need nap!/

Savah arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the 
  path.
Savah has arrived.

Rayek growls at Petalwing, "I will not argue with you, bug." And to Ember, he 
  adds, "Nor you. I wanted to get up. Do I need to debate my reasons?"

Leetah arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the 
  path.
Leetah has arrived.

Kerial smiles at Rayek's scowl, "Really Rayek...and to think of all the stuff 
  we have shared."

Rayek starts to snap a retort, but as soon as the figures of Savah and Leetah 
  come into view, he stops dead.

Lursa arrives from the dancing square, brushing past the bushes that line the 
  path.
Lursa has arrived.

Ember looks a bit taken aback. "I was concerned, that's all..." she stars to 
  say, then trails off as her mother and Savah arrive.

Petalwing preens! Satisfied that it's taking good care of sharpdark highthing, 
  it lights on one of the trees nearby.

Savah smiles warmly as she walks up to Rayek. "Dear one, you have been missed."

Rayek for an instant seems stricken, amber gaze shooting from Savah's aged face 
  to Leetah's lovely one. The arrival of Lursa does not seem to improve his 
  spirits, either, but as Savah draws nearer, he bows his head to her quietly. 
  "Mother of Memory," he murmurs.

Leetah stays near the edge of the area, and watches quietly.

Kerial watches Rayek's antics with a small grin.

Lursa stays near the entrance, keeping one eye on her mount in the square and 
  the other on Kerial.

Rayek stands, awkwardly, but as straight as he can manage.

Savah moves close to Rayek, though not quite touching, and looks into his eyes.
Savah looks at you for a moment.
Savah pages: Cue Deep Sense :)

Long distance to Savah: Rayek is clearly embarrassed--no doubt because of all 
  these elves here, and his weakened condition. It does not take you very much 
  to sense that. And he is troubled--the presence of Leetah cuing that.

Lursa heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves fluttering in her 
  wake.
Lursa has left.

Rayek meets Savah's gaze with his, pridefully; only those nearest to him can 
  catch the slight tightening around the corners of his eyes and mouth.
Rayek pulls in a breath and says tightly, "Thank you for your welcome, Savah. 
  I... would wish that my arrival might have been under less chaotic 
  circumstances."

Savah says "There has been a great change. For all of us. My dear, you are 
  hardly recovered from your experience yet. Come, sit with me."
Savah moves towards the shade trees, and sits on a stone bench.
Savah has left.

Rayek blinks, but nods once, and settles down on the bench beside the taller 
  elf, striving to hide his relief at sitting down.

Shaded Stone Benches
You are resting on a cool stone bench, surrounded by dappled shade. The trees 
  overhead sway in a light breeze, showering you with pink petals; water 
  trickles into the stone basin; all seems peaceful.
You might 'pick fruit' from the tree here, or even 'eat fruit'.
See 'sbhelp' to learn to use the commands here.
Contents:
Savah
Stone Basin
You sit down on on one of the stone benches, in the pleasant shade of the trees.

In the garden, Kerial says "So Ember...you didn't get hurt in the crash?"

In the garden, Ember glances over. "Not particularly. I got hit on the head."

In the garden, Kerial nods, "You know, I was wondering....why -was- Two-Edge 
  helping you?"

Rayek, even sitting, seems uninclined to let himself relax; his posture and 
  stance are still stiff and wary.

In the garden, Petalwing giggles and flits into the leaves over Rayek's and 
  Savah's heads, playfully dropping petals as it finds them onto Rayek's black 
  hair.

In the garden, Ember shrugs. "No idea. Perhaps he was bored."

Savah watches Rayek carefully. "Will you speak to me of what happened?"

In the garden, Kerial hrms.

Rayek shoots a hot glare up to the Preserver, but restrains himself from 
  snapping at the bug. .oO (He will _not_ be weak in front of Savah... or 
  Leetah... )
Rayek shifts his attention back to Savah, flicking a petal off his hair with as 
  much irritated dignity as he can muster.

Long distance to Savah: Rayek again broadcasts a flicker of... shame? Yes. 
  Hastily and forcefully shoved into the back of his mind, the brief emotion 
  does not even make it to his face.

In the garden, Leetah manuvers to the shade, watching the seated pair.

Rayek says stiffly, "Ember and Suntop have not spoken to you of it, Mother of 
  Memory?"

Savah watches Rayek with warmth and sympathy that is reflected in her melodic 
  voice. "I know only that the Palace is damaged. I..felt it happen. But not 
  how, nor what has transpired since."

In the garden, Petalwing happily flits over to Leetah, offering her beesweets 
  and juiceberries and anything else it happens to think of, and confiding to 
  her in a tiny piping whisper that /Sharpdark highthing need more makebetter 
  magic!/

In the garden, Leetah smiles at the preserver, and speaks quietly to it. "Does 
  he really?"

Grimly avoiding commentary on the Preserver's 'help', Rayek flicks a disdainful 
  glare in Kerial's direction, and replies shortly, "Her tribe came with Ember 
  and Suntop to the Palace. One of them cut open the cocoon which contained 
  Tilia; the Palace crashed. I do not know how I got here."

In the garden, Petalwing nodnodnods, pouting! /Sharpdark highthing walk all 
  wobbly. Should have stayed in cozysoft snugplace. Petalwing said so!/

In the garden, Ember grins at the bug.

In the garden, Leetah holds out a hand to Petalwing, barely keeping a straight 
  face. "You said so? Poor thing.. and he didn't listen?"

Rayek barks in Petalwing's direction, "The interfering bug has elected itself 
  my nursemaid."

Savah considers this, and nods, slowly. "That explains some of what transpired 
  after."
Savah says "Dear one, you are still marked by your ordeal. Allow the healer to 
  help you, now."

In the garden, Petalwing hrmphs! /Silly sharpdark highthing! Petalwing should 
  make wrapstuff till sharpdark highthing all better!/

In the garden, Kerial grins, "I think you are right. Go do it, bug."

In the garden, ShenShen walks in from the dancing square as her zwoot tails 
  bounce with each step.

In the garden, Leetah chuckles at the presever, then walks quietly over to the 
  benches.

In the garden, Ember squints at Petalwing. "Do people heal in wrapstuff? I 
  thought it just made time stand still."

Rayek begins angrily at Petalwing, "Do not dare, bug... " As Savah interjects 
  her soft words, he blinks, taken aback, "Savah, I... "

In the garden, Leetah has left.
Leetah sits on a bench, joining you in the cool shade.
Leetah has arrived.

Rayek's gaze shoots to Leetah, almost frightenedly. He visibly pales.

In the garden, Petalwing says proudly, /Wrapstuff no stop think-do magic!/

In the garden, ShenShen tilts her head slightly as she watches everyone, she 
  holds her basket on her hip as tries to figure out what's happening.

In the garden, Ember says "But healing's not think-do magic, is it? I mean, not 
  when you're healing yourself?"

Leetah sits lightly on the end of the bench. She glances from Rayek to Savah.

In the garden, Ember looks at her mother.

In the garden, Petalwing pouts meaningfully at Rayek. /Sharpdark highthing no 
  squirm in wrapstuff. Softpretty highthing could do makebetter magic on 
  sharpdark highthing then!/

In the garden, ShenShen looks at her sister and smiles brightly, and then looks 
  back to see Ember, walking quietly closer. "What's wrong?"

In the garden, Ember grins, and says, lightly, "I think sharpdark highthing 
  will squirm or not on Mother's command without wrapstuff, Petalwing."

Rayek bristles at Petalwing, then spots ShenShen, and stiffens again as yet 
  another elf finds him here. Suspiciously reddening under his browned skin, 
  Rayek growls, unconvincingly, "I.... am... alright."
Rayek doesn't quite succeed in meeting Leetah's quiet regard.

Leetah looks at you for a moment.

Rayek(#3218PBXac)
Lean and angular--almost too much so, as if he has gone with too little food 
  for too long a time--this elf's form and frame seem made for bold, proud 
  movement and expression. Or at least, when he is healthy, for it is clear he 
  isn't. His skin, the deep golden brown of one born under a hot Daystar, 
  carries a sallow tinge under its tan; when he moves, it is with urgency 
  almost too intense, as if to conceal underlying weakness. Uncompromisingly 
  straight, black as a raven's wing, his waist-length hair is unbound, and 
  uncharacteristically disheveled, with occasional long strands getting in the 
  way of his direct amber gaze.
He is clad only in a silken loincloth of a rich shade of red, with gold-trimmed 
  red panels before and behind. His legs, arms, and torso are bare.

Leetah frowns slightly. "You're -not- alright."

Rayek manages to face Leetah squarely, then...

Leetah meets Rayek's gaze. "You think differently?"

In the garden, Kerial heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves 
  fluttering in her wake.
In the garden, Kerial has left.

Rayek's stance remains wary, proud, with as much of his usual arrogant posture 
  as he can summon. But his eyes suggest otherwise, to anyone close enough to 
  really look at him well--as Leetah is.
Rayek finally glances away, shamed. But all he says is, "I... am not yet 
  prepared for the task to which I must return... "

Leetah speaks softly. "And what task is that?"

Rayek does not look up, though his voice is firm as he replies, "The Palace 
  must be repaired. I must return to it."

Leetah sighs softly. "Of course.." She is almost, but not quite, sarcastic as 
  she replies. "And nothing will change your mind, even if you kill yourself 
  trying."

Savah quietly slips away.
Savah rises from the shaded stone bench.
Savah has left.
In the garden, Savah heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves 
  fluttering in her wake.
In the garden, Savah has left.

Rayek looks up at that, dark brows knitting together. "If it takes my death to 
  repair the Palace, so be it! I would willingly make that sacrifice!"

In the garden, Petalwing flitflits nearer the highthings on the bench, as the 
  other highthings go away.

Leetah nods. "I know.." She smiles sadly.

In the garden, Ember stands up sleepily, stretches, and wanders off.
In the garden, Ember heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves 
  fluttering in her wake.
In the garden, Ember has left.

Rayek finally looks back at Leetah, his demeanor softening, ever so slightly. 
  "I must return to the task... "

Leetah watches Ember leave, then looks back at Rayek. "You will wait until you 
  are fit to continue, though.."

You say "I cannot wait long! I..."

Leetah bites her lower lip, and looks back out across the garden.

Rayek sways slightly to the side, and instantly grabs at the edge of the bench, 
  supporting himself. His eyes clamp shut, and his mouth tightens in 
  exasperation.

In the garden, Petalwing pipes from the leaves, scoldingly, /Sharpdark 
  highthing go wobblewobble!/

Leetah looks at Rayek again in alarm, leaning forward to help him before 
  catching herself.

Rayek embarrassedly glances at Leetah, inwardly cursing himself and his 
  treacherous body's timing. His eyes gone oddly liquid in his haggard face, he 
  stares at her for a moment. Great Sun, he could not bear to ask for her help, 
  but....

Leetah brushes a strand of hair back over one ear, and looks up at the 
  preserver. "I see what you mean.."

In the garden, Petalwing nods knowingly, tiny bright eyes on its chosen 
  highthing.

Rayek says hoarsely, "Suntop... sent for you...?"

Leetah nods. "At Savah's request."

Rayek winces slightly, and finally mutters, "It would be... ungrateful of me... 
  to let the lad's actions... be for nothing... "

Leetah glances at Rayek again, half-hopeful.

Rayek lowers his head, and whispers, barely audibly, "Help me... please."

Leetah tries to not look -too- supprised. "I.. only if you want me to help.."

In the garden, ShenShen heads down the path towards the dancing square, leaves 
  fluttering in her wake.
In the garden, ShenShen has left.

Rayek scowls without looking up at Leetah and says roughly, "_Please_, 
  Leetah...!"

In the garden, Petalwing beams. Well, it's about time.

Rayek's hand tightens reflexively on the edge of the bench.

Leetah scoots over across the bench a little, gently laying a hand on one of 
  Rayek's. "Very well.."

Rayek jerks his head up, and again, his gaze is strangely vulnerable. "Not 
  here... please... "

Leetah nods, and smiles slightly. "Alright.."

Rayek with some effort rises, struggling to suppress a furious blush.

You reluctantly get up, leaving the shady spot.
Garden of Shade and Sweet Water
Nestled in the rocky canyon, this area has been turned into an oasis. Rows of 
  herbs and flowers, blooming bright blue and white, dance in the breeze. 
  Mature sticker-plants are bursting with yellow and red blossoms. A row of 
  woody shrubs lines the the stone path. They blaze with orange-pink blooms. 
  Clustered back near the rock walls several short, gnarled trees provide shade 
  for the benches below: most are covered in puffy pink flowers, but one sports 
  round,orange fruit peeking out from beneath its glossy leaves. You can hear 
  the gentle burble of water. The seven stars of Goodtree's Rest begin to come 
  out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the warm spring skies. 
The village is dry and dusty, the plantlife dormant.
Contents:
Petalwing(#3061)
Hot Pool
Shaded Stone Benches
Dreamberry Bush
Obvious exits:
Dancing Square<E>  

Leetah stands, leaving the stone bench.
Leetah has arrived.

Petalwing hees! And flits to Rayek's shoulder, happily playing with his hair. 
  /Sharpdark highthing be better soon!/

Leetah follows quietly, trying not to be obvious in her watching.

Rayek, as steadily as he can, strides out of the garden.

You leave the peace of the garden for the bustle of 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.
The village is dry and dusty, the plantlife dormant.
Contents:
GentleHeart
Drum
Obvious exits:
Garden<W>  Canopy<E>  Savah's House<NW>  Boundary Path<S>  Crossroads<N>  

Leetah arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant 
  leaf from her shoulder.
Leetah has arrived.

You walk down the southern boundary path.
South Boundary Path
The sheltered valley gathers you close in rocky arms. The village is nestled in 
  a hidden canyon of red-yellow sandstone and prickly cactus turned garden 
  oasis by the precious well that brings water from the depths of the earth. 
  The seven stars of Goodtree's Rest begin to come out as the dimming red light 
  of sunset fills the warm spring skies. 
The village is dry and dusty, the plantlife dormant.
Obvious exits:
Dancing Square<N>  West BoundaryPath<W>  East BoundaryPath<E>  Tygra's 
  House<NE>  Shenshen's Hut<SW>  Rainsong and Woodlock<SE>  Mender's House<NW>  
  Leetah's House<S>  

In the dancing square, Leetah goes south.
Leetah walks down the boundary road from the dancing square.
Leetah has arrived.

Rayek suddenly halts, realizing with a brief sense of dislocation that he no 
  longer has a hut in the village...

Leetah hmms a bit. "My hut, perhaps?"

Rayek glances at the healer, and says lowly, "If you will... "

Leetah heads towards Leetah's House<S>
Leetah has left.

You head towards the Upper chamber.
Upper chamber(#2418RJ)
The sun filters through the beaded curtains hung in the windows, but most of 
  the heat is left outside. As a result, this room is cool and airy, but not 
  dark. The room itself is round, as are most elf dwellings, and off to one 
  side you see a stairwell leading down. A sleeping pit seems to be the chief 
  feature of the room, with soft coverlets and lots of pillows. A few seats are 
  scattered here and there, and as often as not a desert cat that has taken a 
  liking to the house's mistress will pad in, look at you, and depart sometime 
  during your visit. The ceiling is high, drawing the heat upward and away from 
  you. It is a comfortable room, and relaxing both to casual visitors and the 
  occasional elf needing its mistress's talents.
Contents:
Leetah
Desert Cat
Obvious exits:
Out  Main lower chamber (D)  

Rayek pads in after you, trying not to sway on his feet.

Leetah stops near the edge of the pit, and turns to look at you.

Rayek swallows, his gaze tracing slowly about the well-remembered chamber 
  before he finally steps to your side.

Leetah sighs softly, looking first at you, then at the floor, then back, 
  quickly, at you.

Rayek says awkwardly, "Do you... wish me to lie down....?"

Leetah blinks, coming back to the present. She nods. "That.. would be best."

Rayek nods gravely, and carefully lowers himself into the sleeping pit. His 
  stance relaxes slightly with unmistakable relief as he gets off his feet.

Leetah kneels beside you, and looks at her hands for a moment. She sighs 
  softly, then extends them, resting one on your shoulder and one on your 
  forehead.

Rayek pulls in an unsteady breath, and tries to relax. Beside him, Petalwing 
  perches on a pillow, watching with vivid curious interest.
Rayek closes his eyes. The simple touch on his forehead is enough to unnerve 
  him, even without her magic flowing; a look that might be grief, or need, or 
  both, flickers across his face.

Leetah closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, sinking into a trance.

A golden glow begins to radiate from the healer's palms, bathing you in the 
  gentle warmth.

As he feels the healing begin to touch him, Rayek jerks slightly, as if shoved. 
  The look on his face begins to contain more pain than anything else, as the 
  other feelings in his head are overwhelmed.
You locksend ** <Pain! A vivid memory, too much magic searing through his body, 
  his mind... he can't contain it all--> ** to Leetah.

Leetah bites her lip, and almost retracts her hands. The glow fades to a dull 
  half-light.
Leetah locksends ** <questioning..seeking> **

Rayek's teeth have clenched, and a faint sheen of sweat glimmers on his face.

You locksend to Leetah, Rayek's mind is there, the sense of him strong and 
  palpable... but even as he struggles to let you past his psychic shields, his 
  mental pathways seem to writhe at your presence. You can glean a feeling from 
  him as of sunscorched skin that was too long under the Daystar....

Leetah shifts, moving her hands to your temples. The healing magic flows again, 
  gently..
You sense in a locksend, Leetah seeks to aid.. to purge the pain.. to cool the 
  fire.

Rayek's breath turns ragged. A faint hiss escapes him.

You locksend to Leetah, Rayek forcibly makes himself link with you. As he does, 
  his mind twitches with strain.

The light again deepens, trying to seal off the pain and blot it out.
Leetah bites her lower lip until it bleeds.

Rayek's body tightens involuntarily beneath your hands....

You sense in a locksend, Leetah holds to the link, mentally frowning at the 
  strain on the link.
The healing glow pales to white hot intensity, searing, determined to help 
  somehow.

You locksend to Leetah, Rayek, linked with you, cannot help but clearly 
  broadcast his sensations, though he unconsciously tries to suppress 
  them--perhaps feeling he should not distract you. Some massive outpouring of 
  his own magic seared through him, melting his mental pathways; now, weakened, 
  he seems barely able to send, much less float, or call up that odd paralyzing 
  stare.
Rayek's face twists under the healing, agonized....
You locksend ** <So bright... searing... he has to stop it from crashing! 
  Tilia, what are you doing? He can't--too large!><pain!> ** to Leetah.

Petalwing watches, quiet for once, one tiny hand drawn up to its mouth.

Leetah snaps out of her trance, pulling her hands quickly away from you, 
  pressing them to her own head. She sobs in pain.

Rayek shudders, croaking alarmedly, "Lee... "
Rayek scowls as his head spins, and tries to sit up. "Lee*cough*tah...?"

Leetah holds her head, trembling. She manages to whisper one word. "Why?"

Rayek flinches, afraid that sob in her voice is some sort of accusation. 
  Aghast, he stammers, "I... I had to stop it... I could not let it crash... "
Rayek's face darkens in an anguished flush.

Leetah shakes her head a little. "You.. did what was.. best.."

Rayek begins to tremble, realizes it, and glances away, muttering brusquely, 
  "What was best was averting the crash. I... "
Rayek's flush deepens. He is unable to voice the notion that he failed, even to 
  you.

Leetah takes a deep breath, and shakes her head again. She mutters something to 
  herself.
Leetah takes another breath, letting it out slowly. "I.. let me try again..?"

Rayek looks round at you immediately, a mixture of fright and hope flashing 
  through his eyes. He swallows, tries to think of something to say, and 
  finally, shakily, nods.

Leetah reaches out her hands again, still trembling.

Rayek sinks back on the pillows.

Leetah touches her hands to your palms again, and closes her eyes.

Rayek shivers, as he strives to force himself to relax.

Golden light again begins to eminate from Leetah's palms, bathing your head and 
  the pillow in its warm glow.

Rayek's closed eyes tighten with strain. Quivering, he forces himself to lie 
  still.

Leetah bows her head, her breathing becoming shallow. Hair clings damply to her 
  face and neck. The light radiating from her hands deepens in color as it 
  again seeks to repair the damage done to your mind.

Rayek's face once more twists.

You locksend to Leetah, Rayek falteringly reaches for you, aware that he needs 
  your magic if he expects to recover... even if it scalds him even as it tries 
  to heal....

You sense in a locksend, Leetah connects mentally with you. She sends gentle, 
  soothing, comforting patterns.
Leetah's healing tries to rebuild the damaged channels of your mind, blanketing 
  out the memories of the crash, buring them where it can.

Rayek shudders, involuntarily gasping as your power begins to blanket out his 
  consciousness.

The glow fades as Leetah opens her eyes. She trembles, shaking her head.

Rayek pulls open his eyes, and looks up at you frightenedly.

Leetah sends quietly, almost ashamed. ** I.. can't do it. Not now, at least.. **

Rayek's eyes widen, in clearer fright. But he swallows hard, and mumbles, "I... 
  understand... "

Leetah flushes and looks away.

Rayek unsteadily begins to sit up--suspecting on some level that he should not 
  stay, not embarrass you as he expects he would be.

Leetah looks at her hands as though they are not her own, seeming oblivious to 
  you.

Rayek struggles to his feet, muttering, "I... should not stay... "

Leetah looks up finally. "Where will you go?"

Rayek pauses. "I... "

Leetah looks down again, and sighs softly.
Leetah pulls her knees up under her chin, and frowns to herself.

Rayek staggers towards the door, but Petalwing rouses, and pouts. /Sharpdark 
  highthing wobblewalk!/

Leetah looks up at Petalwing, and gives it a "Shush!" look.

Rayek lurches slightly, fumbling for the side of the doorway.

Leetah watches you leave, still frowning.

Petalwing grrrrs softly and flits to Rayek, grabbing at a strand of his hair. 
  /Sharpdark highthing need nap!/

Leetah sighs softly. "You.. don't have to leave.."

Rayek freezes, a look of surprise--and relief--crossing his face before he 
  allows himself to look over his shoulder at you. "I... fear for... my lack of 
  welcome... "

Leetah shakes her head. "You are welcome here.." She pauses, then speaks 
  louder. "..Besides.. I need to make sure your condition doesn't become worse."

Petalwing tugtugs at Rayek insistently. /Sharpdark highthing be cozysnug now?/

Leetah looks up expectantly.

Rayek stares at you painedly, then totters back to the edge of the sleeping 
  pit. Multiple emotions he cannot voice--or send, at least not right now--play 
  across his face. Petalwing flits as it keeps tugging at the black lock of 
  hair it's grabbed.
Rayek asks in an oddly flat voice, "Do you... think... I will be... " He 
  doesn't finish, as he kneels, trembling.

Leetah bows her head, biting her lip. "I.. don't know."

Rayek abruptly looks stricken, one hand fumbling towards you.

Leetah doesn't dare look at you, but focuses her gaze on her hands again.

Petalwing awwws softly, peering up at Rayek's frightened face. It then peers at 
  Leetah, and tries to nudge her to make her look at the other elf.

Rayek grabs your hand quickly, before he talks himself out of it. His own is 
  shaking violently; he brings yours up to his face and presses it desperately 
  against his cheek.

Leetah looks up at you, blinking back tears. "I.."

Rayek whispers, "I have... missed you... "

Leetah laces her fingers through yours. "I.. have missed you.. as well.."

Rayek brings his other hand up and clings to yours with both of his. Ten years, 
  he thinks in a rush, and longer. Scarcely believing the reality of your 
  touch, he turns his face slightly as if hoping to conceal his too-open 
  expression against your fingers.

Leetah leans forward, then stops herself. She instead reaches up her other hand 
  to caress your cheek.

Rayek is still shivering. When he feels your other hand touch him, he makes no 
  sound, but his closed eyelashes have begun to glisten wetly.

Leetah looks away, trembling.

Rayek makes a noise almost like a whimper, and moves closer to you 
  hesitantly--wishing your comfort, but afraid to ask.

Petalwing peers at the two highthings, decides to make itself scarce, and 
  flitflits to go guard the doorway.

Leetah takes a deep breath, then leans forward to embrace you.

Rayek hugs you to him fiercely, pressing his face into your shoulder.

[End log.]