Log Date: 10/26/95 Log Intro: It is the morning after Rayek's enraged, fevered escape attempt that resulted in his eventual collapse -- and his being hauled back to the cave of the Cat Elf healer Rigar. There, Rigar had tied Rayek with vines, and left him hanging near a hot, roaring fire, trying to burn the fever he'd caught out of his system. Rayek knew on some level that something was wrong, and he hung in fitful not-quite sleep until at last he dropped into unconsciousness.... ---------- Rigar sits quietly using a rock to crush some stems and roots together Rayek hangs in the vines... exhausted... covered with sweat. At some time during the night he must have fainted, for his struggles in his bindings ceased. Ktai locksends ** Are you there? ** Rigar smiles, satisfied with the mixture and sets the bowl aside before moving to you, a soft glow to his fingers as he reaches to your forehead, his magic prodding you as he searches for any remaining illness. Rayek's head is cool and damp, at last, the flames -- cool, now, after the passage of the night -- having done their appointed task. Rayek nevertheless does not rouse, not yet, hanging there in what appears to be honest sleep, albeit uncomfortable. Ktai locksends ** Can you hear me? ** You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Ktai has arrived. Rigar moves to the vine holding your wrists, and begins to unfasten the binding from it's hold, lowering you carefully to the soft furs Ktai peeks her head in, then walks the rest of the way. Quietly, her voice whispers. "Can I help?" Rayek crumples the moment he is free, as if there remain no bones to give shape to his limbs. Ktai swallows, and moves to Rayek's side. She looks to Rigar. Rigar seems exhausted from a long night of work, but nevertheless works to fasten the vine on another hold, this time allowing Rayek to lie flat on his back in the furs. Rigar looks to Ktai speaking softly "Let him rest.. he is exhausted" Ktai nods. ** So are you... ** Rigar settles back finally in his furs with a soft sigh, pulling the bowl back into his lap "I have my work.." Ktai brushes a strand of Rayek's hair out of his face. "You need to rest, Healer... I know that much." Rigar shrugs "I have been far greater exhausted than this.. Did you rest?" Ktai nods. "I did." Rigar nods as he slowly begins to add water to the mixture, stirring it with the bone blade of his knife. Rigar says "Good.. you're going to have your hands full with this one when he wakes up." Ktai nods, smiling faintly. "So I surmise..." Rigar picks up another stick and skewers what looks to be a skinned and drained rodent of some sort that he must have cought during the night and tosses it into the cooling fire "Hungry?" Ktai pales a bit, but she knows she hasn't eaten in a while. So long, in fact, that the mere thought of food makes her slightly ill. Mute, she nods. She must eat. Rigar chuckles a bit at that, but nevertheless does the same with a second small creature before going back to his mixture. Ktai sighs softly, and looks to Rayek, searching for any signs of health. Rayek's face is bathed in sweat -- a difference from last night, when the fire under his skin seemed nearly about to immolate him. Ktai picks up her cloth, wrinkles her nose at it, and looks for a new one. Rigar looks up and grins a bit "A day or so of rest and he should be good as new.." Ktai nods. "Have you a new cloth?" Rigar grins and shuffles through a pouch, retrieving some organic clothlike substance before handing it to Ktai "This should soak some of that sweat up.. but be careful not to wake him.. he shouldn't be disturbed" Ktai takes the cloth, and only slightly dampens the cloth before patting Rayek's face gently with it. Ktai looks back at the - rodents cooking. Rigar grins as he moves back over to the fire, pulling the cooked rodents from the flames and offering one to Ktai "It may not taste great.. but it is edible.." Ktai takes one quietly and sniffs at it Ktai takes a small bite, wincing a bit at the taste. ** You weren't kidding. ** Rigar chuckles softly "No.. I wasn't" Rigar takes a hearty bite from the tender flesh, making a slight face as he attempts to digest it Ktai eats, trying not to taste, knowing if she doesn't, she'll end up worse that Rayek. Ktai finishes the rodent, and puts the stick down. She watches Rayek quietly. Rigar chuckles softly as he watches on, finishing up the mixture quietly Rayek lies unmoving, his head turned to one side. Damp strands of black hair fall loosely across his face. Ktai gently brushes Rayek's hair out of his face. Rigar grins a bit, glancing up at Ktai. Ktai stops, stunned. Rigar arches a brow towards Ktai Ktai reels, shocked by a send. She sits, mute, her eyes wide. Rigar nods quietly as he sinks back into the furs. Ktai stares down at Rayek, shocked. Can it be? No! She shakes her head firmly. Rigar grins a bit to himself as he lies back, sort of a smug smile on the healers face Ktai finds comfort in the assumption that Rayek will hate her when he wakes, and settles her face into an unreadable distant look. Rigar nestles into the furs, his body finally catching up with him as he allows an exhausted sigh. Ktai looks over. ** Rest, Healer. ** Rigar smiles softly "Wake me when he rouses would you?" Ktai nods. ** I will. ** Rigar nods and grins, nestling down to sleep Ktai smiles sadly. How did she fall into this? She followed Dolanth to the Palace... that was it. That was her mistake. Or was it? She shakes her head. [Time passes... Rayek remains asleep for the next several hours, with the patient Ktai watching over him...] Rayek lies where Rigar had placed him, the sweat from the fire of the previous night having dried on his face. Rigar rouses lightly, taking in teh surroundings once.. Nuitari looks at Ktai warningly, sitting guard over both elves. Ktai walks quietly over, and peers at Rayek. ** How is he? ** Milar has arrived. Milar steps in quietly. Rigar scratches his head as he looks at Rayek groggily "Looks fine to me..." Rigar stretches a bit and yawns, sitting up finally. Ktai smiles faintly. ** Be careful, for when he wakes... ** Milar says "Oh, I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Healer.'" Rigar grins at Milar "It's no problem at all.. just a long night.. Ktai locksends ** ? ** Nuitari adds Ktai to his group of elves to be guarded with a twitch of one ear. Ktai smiles to herself. Ekuar will be pleased. You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Ktai smiles at a send. Ktai looks to Rigar. ** How can I ever thank you? ** Rigar arches a brow as if to speak, but insted smiles quietly as he pushes the bowl towards Ktai "Give him this when he wakes.. he'll need nourishment" Ktai takes the bowl and curiously peers into it. Ktai mumbles. "I hope I don't end up wearing it...." Milar says "If everything's okay, Healer, I'll go ahead and stay out of the way." Rigar grins at Milar "Thank you Milar.. you help has been much appreciated" Milar nods. 'I was glad to help.' Milar smiles slightly at a send. Milar walks quietly toward the exit. 'Send Nuit home if he starts getting in the way, would you please, Healer?' Rigar chuckles "I'm sure he'll be fine" Milar nods. 'Well...' She smiles, then steps outside. Milar slips out of the warm cavern Milar has left. Ktai smiles faintly, and flushes at a send. Ktai looks back to Rayek. ** If he's half as angry as I fear he will be.... ** Her send trails off. She knows she's not nearly strong enough to stop Rayek. She prays she can get him to listen... Rigar looks up for a moment ** I'll return in a moment.. ** Rigar slips out of the warm cavern Rigar has left. Ktai looks at Rayek. What now? Rayek, as if on cue, moves his mouth very slightly. Ktai shakes her head at herself. She'll take him back, of course... if he doesn't kill her first... but He'll not want anyone to know -she- helped him.... ok, that's fine. Nuitari looks at Rayek more alertly, noticing the elf move. Ktai watches Rayek carefully. Ktai locksends ** How do you feel? ** Rayek's mouth works slowly for a moment; then, just as slowly, his eyes start to slide open. His gaze is very dull, browned. Ktai swallows, and looks at the bowl that Rigar had handed her. Nourishment.... Ktai speaks softly. "Are you awake?" Rayek considers frowning vaguely before the thought occurs to him that it'd be too much trouble. But gradually, his surroundings blur into focus. A... cave? And someone leaning over him? Rigar has arrived. Rigar frowns thoughtfully as he returns "You say he wakes?" Ktai nods. "His eyes are half-open..." Rigar kneels near Rayek, looking him over closely. Rayek tries to blink; that, too, seems far more trouble than it's worth. Spirit of Orolin, but he is... tired. The low voices around him gradually makes his way into his consciousness. Nuitari moves back a little to give Rigar room, but still keeps a very alert eye on the strange elves. Ktai looks at Rayek. "Can you hear me?" Rigar looks over Rayek quietly, waiting for signs of conciousness. Rayek's mouth moves, and he gives the barest hint of a frown. ** ...? ** Ktai smiles. ** You are safe... ** Ktai puts a wet clean cloth to Rayek's lips, moistening them. Rigar sends openly ** Easy brownskinned one.. You've had a long day.. ** Rayek becomes aware of an overpowering thirst, and the presence of water so near him momentarily blocks out everything else from his immediate awareness. Rigar motions to the bowl ** Perhaps he should have some of that.. ** Ktai looks to Rigar. ** Can he hear us? ** Rigar sends openly ** He should be able to drink it now.. ** Rigar nods ** I should hope so.. ** Rayek's head slumps back. Barely audibly, he sends, ** I... hear.... where... am I? ** Ktai nods, and carefully puts the bowl to Rayek's lips. She helps hold his head so that drinking is easier. ** Drink slowly... not too much, or too fast... ** Rigar sends openly ** You are in my cave.. and you will be well soon.. go ahead and drink.. it will give you your strength back.. ** Rayek blinks... water. Distracted again from anything else, he sips, greedily. Rigar sends openly ** Easy.. not too much at once ** Ktai smiles. ** Slowly... don't get sick again... ** Rayek falls back, shivering a little as his water-starved frame is shocked briefly by the cold moisture. ** I... am... sick? I... have to get back... can't stay... ** Rigar sends openly ** Easy.. just drink.. and get a little rest while you can.. You'll be back wherever you came from soon enough ** Ktai shakes her head. ** We'll go - as soon as I am sure my promise to Ekuar has been kept. ** Rayek jerks, his eyes taking on a little more alertness. ** Ekuar... I-I left him? No! I... ** He starts to sit up, then reels. Rigar notes yer still bound :) Nuitari leans forward slightly at Rayek's sudden attempt to sit up. Ktai gently pulls Rayek back down. ** Azeure and Gelnah are with him... and Petalwing too.... ** Rigar places a hand on his chest ** Easy.. now finish the broth.. then we'll see just how fit you are to travel.. ** Rayek tries to move his hands to keep himself upright -- and abruptly realizes he cannot. ** ! ** A scowl darkens his features. ** My hands -- you bound -- let me go! ** Rayek starts to glow, just barely, as he glares groggily up at the two elves leaning over him. Nuitari growls lowly when Rayek's expression darkens. Rigar shakes his head ** Now.. is that any way to act?.. Just lie there and heal some more.. we'll see about freeing you when I see you're all better ** Ktai bites her lip, sighing. ** Rayek... please, listen to me. Ekuar told me to take you safely away... you yourself said it too... ** Rayek sends openly ** I recall giving no leave to bind me! Let me _go_! ** Rayek writhes angrily, at least as much as his exhausted frame can manage, trying to sit up. Or float up. Or something. Ktai holds Rayek's hands. ** Please... untie him... ** Nuitari stands and slinks slightly closer, still growling. His amber eyes and arched whiskers enter Rayek's field of vision. Rigar arches a brow thoughtfully ** I think he'd better calm himself first.. ** Rayek's face sheens over in sweat from the effort, but he struggles weakly, still incensed. Then he stiffens, as the cat draws near, and to Rigar he sends, the attempted sharp lash of mental contact blunted by obvious weariness, ** I... will be no one's... captive! ** Ktai looks to Rigar. ** Please? ** Rigar sends openly ** I am not holding you captive.. I am holding you so you don't go out and hurt yourself again.. I won't waste my time to keep healing you.. ** Nuitari growls a little louder when the other strange elf starts looking angry. Ktai locksends ** If I can get him to release your hands, will you please promise not to try to escape? ** Rigar looks to Ktai ** He will behave himself first.. I won't go having him go off half witted like last time.. ** Rayek sendsnarls at Rigar, ** I do not recall giving you control over my welfare! ** Still struggling, trying to break free, he snaps his gaze up to Ktai and adds, ** If I am no captive, I can leave as I will! ** Ktai sighs at both of you. Ktai locksends ** You. I should have left you alone to die in the desert. ** Ktai's lips thin, her face going cool. Rayek glares, slit-eyed, at Rigar, then at Ktai, and obstinately bunches his arms, clearly to determined to do anything he can to get himself loose. Rigar looks to Rayek "Just rest.. let me remind you that you are nowhere near well if you keep acting like this.. I will not tolerate this behavior here.. this is my home.. you are a guest and will remain so untill you are well.." Rigar says "I am a healer.. I assure you.. there is naught to fear from me.. now if we can all be civil here I will consider releasing the bindings.. but untill you act like more than a wolfrider I'll have to keep an eye on you.." Ktai looks at Rayek. Rayek growls, sending, ** _Guests_ are _not_ bound -- and a Wolfrider would have more honor than you, if you treat your own 'guests' no better than trolls! _Release me_! ** Ktai winces, then sends sharply. ** Both of you stop this! I didn't come here to have a fight! I came because my daughter told me to, and because Ekuar made me promise! Will you keep me from that promise stubborn one? ** Rigar sighs softly and shakes his head "Do not waste your energy on such anger dark skinned one.. I have no use for such expendetures.. nore do you.. rest" Rigar says "Calm yourself or I will have no recourse than to keep you bound.. for your safety" Ktai sends openly ** Let his hands free. If he had truly wanted to escape, he'd be gone by now. ** Rayek snarls at Ktai, ** Ekuar better than anyone else would know what it is to be _bound_! ** Then he laughs harshly at Rigar, and abruptly turns his face from both of them, drawing his arms to himself. If he has to use his magic to push at every single fiber of these vines, by Timmain, he'll do it! And his hands start to glow. Ktai adds quietly in her spoken voice. "You saw what he did to the tree... Rayek! Stop!" Ktai reaches out and takes Rayek's hands. She grimaces at the tingle, but stares at him. Nuitari growls low, moving defensively towards Rayek Rayek ignores her, eyes clenching shut, as he focuses his will in as tightly as possible. Then, the moment his fingers are taken, his eyes fly open. ** You. Will. _NOT_. TOUCH ME! ** His gaze turns fiery, as he stares straight at Ktai, and the magic about him abruptly increases... Ktai's hands fly back, her face pale. Rigar settles back in his furs and goes quiet Ktai leans right back over Rayek. ** Will you stop acting like a child glider who cannot have a ride on a bondbird? I had hoped that the master of the Palace was older than that! ** Rayek's thin mouth tightens, and by way of reply, he hits Ktai again with his magic. Raw, bright, and powerful. Ktai is knocked back, but only for a moment. She was ready, and supported with her own magic. Rayek promptly floats himself up, prepared to float himself out of here bound if he has to. Ktai locksends ** You fear being alone so, why want it so badly? ** Ktai hisses at Rayek, her magic trying to shove him back down. Nuitari hisses low, crouching as if to strike at any moment. Rayek wrestles magic to magic with the Glider, his power building, more steadily than it had the previous night. ** Release me! Or by the High Ones I'll blast this chamber a new exit hole! ** Rigar sends openly ** Oh that'll solve a bunch.. bring the whole cavern down upon us.. ** Ktai releases her magic suddenly, letting Rayek rise sharply and painfully against his bindings. ** And then what> ** Rayek snorts, not wasting his breath or his sending on this so-called healer. And the moment Ktai backs off he shoots out, like an arrow fired, towards the exit. The bindings snap, Nuitari lurches, striking out as you fly towards the exit Ktai leaps up and glides to the door, trying to block it... Rayek, throw off-course, snaps his gaze immediately around to the cat. He knows how how to handle predators with teeth and claws -- and he does so, his eyes taking on that eldritch glitter again.... Nuitari stops short, stunned Rayek whirls around once more, not wasting the time to look pleased, not when he needs every second. Seeing the Glider in his way, he darts towards her, trying to dart past.... Ktai knows better than to look in his eyes. She stands firm, and looks just past Rayek. ** I can't let you go... ** Ktai locksends ** Please... will you calm down and talk to me... I have things to tell you... ** Rayek, venomous, thunders, ** I will talk to _no one_ who makes a prisoner of me! ** And if Ktai won't move, he'll move her! Cocking back his hands, he prepares to blast her with the same force he'd been using to shatter boulders.... Ktai's eyes, suddenly dull from countless turns look into Rayek's. ** Go ahead. But when you see Ekuar... tell him I kept my promise. ** Rayek's lip curls -- and the bolt falls, but not on the Glider. Rather, it zips past her, grazing its way along the one side of the stone entryway. And immediately in its wake, Rayek zips past it. You slip back through the narrow pass leading out of Rigar's Cave Long Pathway behind the Waterfall(#2607RJL) The long pathway walls are damp and almost clamy as you move slowly deeper. The darkness seems to overtake you as a glimpse of light seems to touch your face... like a simple cascade of light. You see several openings in the cave wall once you reach the end and realize it branches off, as if more like catacombs. You can tell by the sweet scents that elves stay here and wander these dark and damp ways. +view caves to see a list of caves Contents: Timmer Softpurr ShadowWalker(#4553Jaepqs) Shado's Cave(#9925ALh) Obvious exits: Out Ktai locksends ** Why? ** You leave the long pathway behind the waterfall and move to the world outside, squinting slightly in the sudden light. Bottom of the Waterfall As you move down the steep cliff your eyes befall the most beautiful sight in the jungles. A cascding waterfall of brilliance tumbles down the rock face with a great force and seems to sparkle as the light touches the raging waters. Lush vine covered green trees to keep this place hidden and only add to it's beauty. At the base of the waterfall is a large pool of crystal clear waters. As you move closer in, you see that bright multicolored 'fireplumes' fill the trees and seem to cry out to one another in song. Far to your right you notice two 'longtails' grooming each other on a high branch, seemingly lost in each other. You can't help but smile as small 'fish' shine just under the water's surface waiting for someone to 'fish' them out, if one wished to. As your gaze moves around the area you see several swinging vines, that look perfect for play or dramatic jumps, perhaps if you 'grab the vine' and then 'swing' it might set your blood rushing. The mood it gives you here is wonderous and joyous.. as the soft mist touches your face.. in the jungles. type +view list to see items of interest Contents: Large Shimering Pool (P)(#8745Je) Obvious exits: Up the cliff(U) Ktai suddenly emerges from the shadows. Ktai has arrived. Ktai looks at Rayek, just standing there. Rayek, with a lot more determined alertness in his gaze than he'd had before, follows the fastest course he can to get out of his place. If he sees the Glider behind him, he gives no sign of it, but rather, stays focused on his flight -- refusing to show the slightest sign of exactly how much it's wearying him. You carefully move up the side of the cliff to the top of the waterfall. Top of the Waterfall You are standing at the top of a magnificent waterfall, which rushes and rages to the east before dropping off into the chasm. Rainbows play in the mist stirred up but the river's action. All around you are half burnt trees and branches as they litter the small area. The great trees, older than the very elves here seem beyond what nature could mend. The greatest of these trees lays towards the south, joining both sides for the first time. The smell of the burning trees and elven flesh still lingers here, as if kept here by magic. You can see to the other side of the river bank and see jungles on the other side, seeming fresh and new. A tree branch rushes past and tumbles over the waterfall. Contents: Nightshade Larkus GlitterEyes Pool by the Waterfall Obvious exits: Bottom of the Waterfall(B) West(W) North(N) Ktai emerges from a pathway around the side of the cliff and joins you from the bottom of the waterfall. Ktai has arrived. Ktai follows, mute, by foot. Nightshade sits in a tree, and looks down curiously Rayek floats, grimly scanning his surroundings and looking for the fastest way into the sky. Rork follows the riverbank down from the north. Rork has arrived. Rork raises a brow as he sees you two. Ktai stands, looking sadly at Rayek. She neither sends, nor tries to catch him. Rayek, as he shoots up and clear of the waterfall, ignores any of the figures on the ground. There'll be a way up and out of these trees, and he'll find it.... Ktai sighs and floats up to Rayek. She looks him in the eyes. Ktai locksends ** Go on, stun me. Or listen ** Rayek zips around the Glider, climbing higher, towards the canopy high overhead. Ktai locksends ** I was asked to do a job. Here I am. ** Rork looks up at the two floaters with an annoyed look, feeling quite unable to catch Rayek even if he'd want it Ktai glides after, trying to ensnare him with her magic, to slow him down, even Ktai sendshouts ** Will you just listen to me?????!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!? ** Rork winces! Rayek feels himself tugged, and he shoots an angry glare down at Ktai. ** _I will _NOT_ be tied like a troll's slave! ** Ktai sends openly ** Fine! Just - come down here.... please? ** Ktai lands quietly. Rayek halts, eyes narrowed, wary. ** Why? ** he snarls. ** So I can be bound again? ** He doesn't come anywhere near the ground. Ktai shakes her head. ** So I can tell you of the things that I know... I won't let them bind you again - as long as there is peace. ** Rayek sends openly ** I am returning to the Palace, Glider. All I need to know is there. ** Rork looks up at the bickering elves in the air Ktai shakes her head. ** My name is Ktai... at least get that right. ** Rayek turns in mid-air. When his face is turned away he halts, for just a moment, swallowing hard as his body starts protesting the demands he's putting on i. Great Sun, he can't be dizzy _now_. Ignoring Ktai's sending, he obstinately glides upward and out. Ktai locksends ** Go back to be alone again? Alone, yet driven mad by voices you cannot control? ** You follow the river upstream to the north. Bend in the River(#416RJh) The river bends nearly ninety degrees here, completely blocking your progress to the north or east. It appears to be gaining speed rapidly as it rounds the turn, rushing off to the south. From that direction, you hear a dull roaring sound. You notice the 'great' fire reached this point as the once beautiful trees now look nothing more than black embers. The water is clearly picking up mud from the bank, as it appears more brown than at points upstream. Contents: Seastar, Ryonin's and their cub Seafur's Abode(#4144AIJOe) Obvious exits: Pathway to the Encampment(C) NorthWest(NW) South(S) Ktai comes walking up the riverbank from the south. Ktai has arrived. Ktai sends openly ** I'll follow you back. I swear it by the High Ones. ** Rayek continues to ignore his pursuer, and snarls at himself, now, as his throbbing head threatens to block out the subtler perceptions he needs to get a bearing on the direction of the Palace. Ktai locksends ** If you must go... will you at least land, and let my guide you? ** You locksend ** I want no help from you! ** to Ktai. You follow the river upstream. Riverbank The riverbank here becomes even more muddy, making movement difficult. The river itself continues its languid pace to the north, flowing off to the east. To the south, the jungle blocks all sight. You step gingerly along the muddy bank, listening to the quiet trickle of the water. Obvious exits: South(S) SouthEast(SE) West(W) Ktai locksends ** I'm not offering help. I just don;t want you to get lost. ** Ktai follows the river up from the southeast. Ktai has arrived. Rayek, still in flight, clenches his teeth as the world tilts around him. No, curse it, no... he wobbles in mid-air, and flails out for the first support he can grab. Ktai glides fast, catching Rayek. ** Easy! ** Ktai's arms lock around your waist, and she lands you both lightly. Rayek mutters tightly, ** Let... m.... me go.... ** Ktai turns you around, teary shock in her eyes. ** Please.... ** Rayek starts to glare at you, but it's clear he's extremely dizzy. Ktai's eyes are shadowed, and in your state, you may or may not see her shock. ** Please? You aren't quite rested.... ** Rayek, teeth gritted, raises a hand to his head. "Fine," he mutters. The Dreadclaw follows the river up from the southeast. The Dreadclaw has arrived. The Dreadclaw is in the bushes You hear a sound that sounds much like a chirping bird.. it must be a big bird though. The Dreadclaw(#3032MOVp) The ultimate hunter, the dreadclaw towers 8 feet high, its body reaching 11 feet long from nose to tail. Cunning eyes glance around under heavy, scaled eyebrows, and its nostrils flare angrily as it bares it's 4 inch long stiletto-like teeth, set in strong jaws. Its powerful, hunched back goes over in the tail which it uses to balance it's muscular body as it walks on it's hind legs. A scaled hide, colored in a brown and green camouflage pattern, covers its body completely. It has relatively short forelegs, which end in small, clawed paws, but the powerful hind legs on which it walks make up for that. Their muscular thighs seem to give the dreadclaw a potential of enormous running and jumping power. Its scaled feet end in three toes, from which a set of horrible claws protrude. The outer claws are straight, curving down only slightly at the end, while the middle claw is formed like a 10 inch long sickle. This is not an adversary to be taken lightly. The Dreadclaw looks around, scanning the area and the two sources of food Ktai frowns, blinking. Something is not right... she senses, reaches out with her mind... what is wrong.....? Ktai locksends ** Go up, hover. Something... is wrong..... ** Ktai looks around, letting Rayek go. Rayek frowns, looking up muzzily. ** I am returning to the Palace, ** he sends again, but with somewhat less force than before, as he struggles to orient his lopsided senses. You notice a form of something in the bushes.. but.. could jungle animals get that big? Ktai's eyes widen. Ktai locksends ** Hover. Do it! Something is stalking us! ** The Dreadclaw drops his cover, and raises his head, looking down on you two with rage in his eyes. It opens its jaws and lets out a deafening screach! Rayek frowns again, baffled. The Glider isn't _acting_ like a captor. That thought occupies him, and at least for the moment, his hunter's senses dulled by his weariness, Rayek doesn't notice the shadow. But then, Ktai sends -- and the thing roars -- and he jerks back into alertness. Ktai gives Rayek no choice, she grabs him and glides up. The Dreadclaw lowers its head again, and suddenly jerks forward, speeding towards you two. As you gain altitude, it jumps up a frightening height, and snaps at the closest of you with its jaws filled with dagger-like teeth Rayek blinks glassily as the ground suddenly drops away from him. Aie, what _is_ that? He has only enough time to realize, chagrined, that he doesn't have the strength to deal with it right now.... Ktai tucks up her feet, pulling Rayek up with her. ** Can you do anything? ** Rayek by way of reply adds his magic to Ktai's, trying to give her a boost of speed. ** Not... sure I can stun it, ** he sends tightly, grudgingly. Ktai nods grimly. ** Try... and I'll try something else... ** Rayek adds quickly, ** Up... it can't.... ** "Ooooh..." He starts to slump, his head whirling again. The Dreadclaw lands with a thud, its middle claws rending through the jungle soil. It looks up with a reptilian jerk of its head, and bends through its knees for another jump. Ktai pulls upwards, holding Rayek tightly so he won't fall. How long can she keep this up? The Dreadclaw leaps up again, even higher this time as it had time to prepare its jump, and snaps at the nearest pair of feet >>> SNAP! <<< Ktai nearly shoves Rayek higher than she, gliding up, losing a peice of leather to the -thing- down there. Ktai sends openly ** Back? To the catelves? Or stay here? ** Rayek's face twists in strain. He has _got_ to be alert. And as if the question prods him, he sends raggedly, insistently, ** I must... return to the Palace...! ** The Dreadclaw lands again, ruining a few bushes by crushing it under its weight. It lets out a deafening screech of rage, as it starts stalking you through the bushes, its head raised to keep an eye on you.. somehow, it knows you're in trouble, and it waits.. having all the time of the world for a dinner as juicy as this Ktai, not used to carrying twice her weight, can only hope that her magic can work the reverse on the -thing- She pushes -down- with all her ability while keeping then safely up. Rayek sends as clearly as he can manage, ** Can... you... outfly it? With me? ** He glows head to foot, but sporadically. Ktai sends openly ** I don't know! ** The glow of magic surrounds the swordfoot, as telekinesis starts pushing it down.. It looks around startledly, and starts fighting the sudden increase of gravity, swinging its tail towards the left, slamming down a young tree that's in the way. Ktai nearly screams in her efforts, trying to keep herself and Rayek safe. ** Can you keep it away? Push it down? ** Rayek scowls. He's keeping himself aloft, just barely, and Ktai's extra glow around him is not particularly steadying to his already battered senses. But, never one to flee, he rallies as much of his strength as he can. "Away, lizard!" he barks out roughly, hauling back his fists and then letting fly with a flash not unlike skyfire. The Dreadclaw glares up at the shouting glider, deciding the unknown force originates from her, raises its head, and screeches again as it prepares for another attack As the dreadclaw prepares its jump, the soil next to it erupts in flames of explosion. It screeches, this time in pain and surprise, and leaps away from the blackened bushes and earth. Rayek's eyes nearly clamp shut as that blast of his comes close to making him black out. As it is, he does waver, losing a few feet of his altitude... Ktai yanks Rayek back up, grimacing. He must not fall! The Dreadclaw gets its wits back together as you slide somewhat lower when rayek loses altitude, and quickly leaps up, rocks flying away under its claws as it pushes itself off the ground. When reaching its highest point, it snaps at the brown elf. The Dreadclaw doesn't quite reach the flying elves though. The Dreadclaw lands again with a thud, and screeches in frustration Ktai snarls, her patience long tried, and she lashes out mentally, sending fierce images of even larger creatures. She can't blacksend, but she's angry and desperate. Rayek gives the creature a dark, dizzy glare, and starts by reflex to blast it again. The dreadclaw isn't sending sensitive, and can't pick up your angry sends. It notices hate sending out from you tho, and it glares one red eye upwards at you. Rayek, though, as Ktai goes on the offensive, drops unsteadily, like a rock falling through honey. His arms feeling as heavy as if they'd been turned to granite, he slings out a weaker bolt. *ZZZZZAT!* The Dreadclaw screeches again as the blast bursts out just above him, and the next in front of him. Partially dazes and stunned from light and pain, it doesn't notice Rayek falling for a few valuable seconds as it shakes its head to regain its wits Ktai yelps, and dives for Rayek. She loops one arm around him, and swings wide, not attempting to gain speed, but altitude. Rayek, seeming as stunned as the creature on the ground, is during those same seconds a dead weight in Ktai's magic as she strains to lift them both higher. Ktai sends openly ** Rayek! Help me! We're falling!!! ** The Dreadclaw blinks, and notices the two flying elves, this time considerable lower. It jerks itself forward, and speeds towards the elves. With a mighty jump it leaps upwards, and snaps its jaws at them Ktai strains, pulling away. Rayek groggily lifts his head -- then lets out a raw-edged scream as for an instant, his right ankle feels as if a knife grazes past it. Ktai, seeing no other options, heads back to the Cat Elves... He's hurt, she's tired... She can't let Ekuar down! Ktai drags Rayek with her... swearing softly. The Dreadclaw lands again, ripping up the soil with its horrible claws, and prepares for an immediate next jump, intending to do as much damage as possible while the flying critters are in reach. It leaps in the air again, and snaps his jaws at anything he can get. Rayek tries to whirl, intent on doing damage or dropping trying -- but Ktai's outmatching him in strength, and he is quickly hauled off. You follow the curve of the river's path... Bend in the River(#416RJh) The river bends nearly ninety degrees here, completely blocking your progress to the north or east. It appears to be gaining speed rapidly as it rounds the turn, rushing off to the south. From that direction, you hear a dull roaring sound. You notice the 'great' fire reached this point as the once beautiful trees now look nothing more than black embers. The water is clearly picking up mud from the bank, as it appears more brown than at points upstream. Contents: Seastar, Ryonin's and their cub Seafur's Abode(#4144AIJOe) Obvious exits: Pathway to the Encampment(C) NorthWest(NW) South(S) Ktai approaches from upstream. Ktai has arrived. Rork appears out of the encampment. Rork has arrived. Ktai hovers weakly, Rayek in her arms. ** He's hurt! ** The Dreadclaw approaches from upstream. The Dreadclaw has arrived. Rayek, most of his attention still occupied by the immediate memory of the thing he'd been about to blast, is still looking back the way they'd come. And abruptly, he hauls off with that blast, eyes groggy, but bright. Rork's eyes go wide The Dreadclaw gets hit squarely in the chest, and screeches in pain. It pulls back, shaking its head again, and decides to go off and find prey that doesn't fire bolts of lightning The Dreadclaw follows the river upstream. The Dreadclaw has left. Ktai flinches at the blast, trying to keep Rayek safe... She promised! Rayek shoots off another for good measure, just to make his point... then abruptly crumples, as his vision fills with sparks of red fire. Ktai is tugged downwards as Rayek crumples. ** No! ** Rork shouts, "I told you not to show that beast where we are!", as he rushes closer, a bit more worried about Rayek's wounds than he'd like to show Ktai lands weakly, holding Rayek afloat. ** I'm sorry..... I couldn't help it..... ** Rork checks Rayek for wounds Rayek hovers, probably to collapse if Ktai lets go out of him. He looks much more drained than he did when he'd stormed out of the caves earlier -- and his right ankle is streaked and scraped, redly. Rork binds the wound with a few pieces of cloth to stop the bleeding, and says, "Let's take him to Rigar.. if he still wants to heal this rockhead" Ktai nods, her attention is focused on Rayek, and something else... she floats him wordlessly. Rayek groans out hoarsely, ** I have... to return... Palace.... ** Ktai winces sharply as she sends. ** Not until you are better and can stop that thing! ** [End log, as players had to go to bed.]