Log RP Date: 10/23/95 Log Intro: With Rayek returned once more to the Scroll of Colors, the Go-Back Lursa came to that chamber, intending to roust the airwalker out of the Palace if she could, for some sorely needed air and sunshine. Unsurprisingly, Rayek ordered her to leave her be, obsessed as he was on his task of finding the images Ekuar needed to reshape the Palace to its former glory. Lursa asked Rayek why he simply didn't ask the High Ones -- and unknowingly triggered a chord of anguish and grief in him, for Rayek had for some time felt abandoned, unable to maintain the ability to commune with the most ancient spirits in the Palace. Infuriated, Rayek ordered her to avoid telling him his business, which only spurred the Go-Back into sneering that obviously he was too good for even the High Ones' help. Nor did she seem fazed by Rayek's threat to blast her into the side of the pass if he did not give her some peace -- for that'd simply make sure she was in the Palace forever. Rayek blasted her. With enough force to send her hurtling into a wall, and to get a leg broken. And then, he stormed out of the Palace. He proceeded to land some distance away, and to hurl bolt after bolt of his power into random boulders, trying to work out his fury and anguish in violent expenditures of magic. But although Rayek wouldn't admit to anyone, including himself, the past few years since his last departure from the Sun Village were finally catching up with him. Days of barely eating and barely sleeping, as well as grief over his estrangement with Leetah and his inability to really, honestly master the Palace, were taking a toll on his body _and_ mind..... ---------- Foot of the World's Spine Mountains(#350RJ) You are standing at the base of the World's Spine Mountains. To the north is a vast, desolate plain, while your passage to the south is blocked by the mountains themselves. To the southeast you notice a wide pass that may lead you further on. A harsh desert wind blows in from the north. Contents: Nica's travel tent Obvious exits: SouthEast North Windkin arrives from the Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains. Windkin has arrived. Windkin glides by overhead and slows to a stop and a landing at a peak some several hundred elflengths away, perhaps he saw you, perhaps not. Rayek is perched on an outcropping, scowling furiously to himself. He takes aim -- and hurls a bolt of force at a nearby boulder, shattering it into pieces. Windkin hears _that_ however, his head turns quickly and finally notices you, his face falls to a scowl echoing your own and he looks at you for a few moments, deciding. Rayek's features are harsh with a tangle of emotions, primarily rage, but there's a strange hurt look in his eyes, too, as he shoots a hot yellow glare at another boulder. *BLAM!* Shards of rock go flying; Rayek stares at him as they do, apparently indifferent, as he is showered. Windkin shrugs a bit where he sits, wincing as the rock explodes and stands up from his rock, flying back towards the palace, away from the bursting rocks. Rayek for good measure blasts a smaller chunk of rock left over from the second boulder; the fire of his magic flares in a brightness to compete with the glow of the Daystar. Windkin shakes his head slowly as he flies onwards, back up the mountain. Windkin heads towards SouthEast Windkin has left. [And meanwhile, in the Palace, Ekuar has come running as fast as the old rockshaper can run anywhere...] Ekuar> Lursa Flung out prone upon the cool smooth surface of the floor of the Palace, Lursa seems to have been flung with some force, possibly from the direction of Scroll of Color's chamber. Her right leg is twisted in an odd, definately unnatural position, the damage appearing to center on her thigh and knee. This seems to be the point where her body met the floor with greatest impact. Her arms are flung out from her as well, one forearm hanging over the edge of the floor where is descends into the stairs, the back of her head resting on the exact edge. Ekuar> Ekuar> Carrying: Ekuar> Lursa Ekuar> Second Level Ekuar> This wide corridor sports myriad tiny ripples and swirls in its walls and floor, as if once it might have been rife with damage; now, these patterns seem only to add to the ethereal feel of the place, giving your surroundings a flowing, airy look. The air is full of a barely palpable tingle, a sense of welcome, a stronger sense of magic. Ekuar> At one end of the corridor you can see the stairs that wind back down into the lower level of this place; at the opposite end, a tall doorway that glimmers golden in the faint light. Ekuar> Contents: Ekuar> Lursa Ekuar> Obvious exits: Ekuar> Scroll Chamber Winding Stairway Ekuar> Ktai comes up the stairwell from below. Ekuar> Ktai has arrived. Ekuar> Ktai walks in, apparantly looking for someone. Ekuar> Ekuar kneels near Lursa's body, fretfully, inspecting her. Ekuar> Ktai bends down. ** What happened!? ** Ekuar> Ekuar murmurs anxiously, "Dear me... dear me... however are we going to get you to a healer..." He looks up, then, and says sadly, "I am afraid she pushed Brownskin too far... I heard a blast..." Ekuar> Ktai bites her lip. ** I am no Healer... perhaps Sorrow's End.... but how? ** Ekuar> Ekuar finishes, gesturing with his single hand, "And I found the young warrior like this...are there no healers in the elves here? None?" Ekuar> Ktai shakes her head. ** None that I know of... I know of few Healers.... ** Ekuar> Ekuar sighs, and whispers, "I am very afraid to move her -- see how her leg is bent..." Ekuar> Ktai nods. ** I wonder... she might respond... ** Ekuar> Ktai looks up, and sends outward, hoping. Ekuar> Ktai shakes her head. ** Too far... ** Ekuar> Ekuar squints at Ktai, perplexed. "Who...?" Ekuar> Ktai shakes her head. ** It's of no importance now... Lursa is the important one... ** Ekuar> Ekuar shrugs, then, and frowns. "Perhaps... little Petalwing, yes... if it has not already gone after Rayek... we could wrap her...!" Ekuar> Ktai nods. ** Yes... that could help. It might keep damage down... ** Ekuar> Ekuar nods firmly, now. "Little Petalwing, then. We must find the Preserver!" Ekuar> Ktai mutters softly. "Were that I were you, Lursa... I wonder if I should send to him?" Ekuar> Ktai nods, standing. ** Where is Petalwing usually? ** Ekuar> Ekuar sighs. "With Brownskin, unless he chases it off... but the little creature flits its own paths..." Ekuar> Ekuar adds anxiously, "You will find it? Someone should stay, to guard her..." Ekuar> Ktai nods. ** As do most of us.... I shall do my best... Even if it means finding him... ** Ekuar> Ekuar nods, large dark eyes even darker with concern. "He has not answered my own sendings, I fear... go carefully, he may yet be in a rage!" Ekuar> Ktai sets the pouch down. ** If she comes around... it holds fresh water... ** Ekuar> Ekuar nods gratefully, accepting the offering. Ekuar> Ktai's jaw settles. ** I'm not afraid of him. ** Ekuar> Ktai dropped Pouch. Ekuar> Ktai shakes her head. ** We should be so lucky... ** Ekuar> Ktai vanishes down the stairs. Ekuar> Ktai has left. Petalwing> Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains Petalwing> This wide pass is nearly an entire days' ride from one side to the other, from what you can tell. The sun is still hard and heavy here, but the looming presence of the mountains to either side seem to lessen the drain of the barren waste. Petalwing> Contents: Petalwing> Sunny(#8371IJaes) Petalwing> Nightfeather(#2638IJMae) Petalwing> Oiled Leather Tent Petalwing> OOC SIGN: Palace visitors, read me!(#10156) Petalwing> Desert Tent(#6879IJaes) Petalwing> Palace(#500Jae) Petalwing> Obvious exits: Petalwing> Northwest South Petalwing> Near the Palace, Ktai carefully pushes open the door from inside the Palace and joins you. Petalwing> Near the Palace, Ktai has arrived. Petalwing> Petalwing flitflits, aaround and around, in frantic circles. Petalwing> Near the Palace, Ktai has left. Petalwing> Ktai moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Petalwing> Ktai has arrived. Petalwing> Ktai looks at the Preserver. ** Petalwing! I have need of you! ** Petalwing> Petalwing frets, wringing its tiny hands. /Ohnoohno.... naughtybad sharpdark highthing, eep!/ It continues to fret -- unaware of the sending. Petalwing> Ktai walks closer to Petalwing, holding out a comforting hand. ** Shhh... no-one here will hurt you... ** Petalwing> Petalwing eeps in mid-air, at Ktai's hand, and it wails before she sends, /Sharpdark highthing make nastybad bangfires!/ Petalwing> Ktai nods slowly. ** I know... and one has been hurt.... make wrapstuff for hurt highthing?? ** Petalwing> Petalwing, evidently absolutely unaware of the sendings, continues to fret, flitting frantically. Petalwing> Ktai shakes her head. "Petalwing! Make wrapstuff for hurt highthing??" Her voice is not loud, but carries meaning. Petalwing> Petalwing shoots its tiny gaze up, and stares wide-eyedly at the elf. /Want Petalwing do?/ Petalwing> Ktai smiles, nodding. "Lursa is hurt... needs wrapstuff. Come?" Petalwing> Ktai holds up her hand for Petalwing to perch on. Petalwing> Petalwing anxiously flits to the offered hand, over and over wailing about the nastybad bangfires. Petalwing> Ktai nods. "Now you help Lursa?" Petalwing> Ktai moves towards the Palace. Petalwing> Petalwing nodnodnods! /Petalwing do!/ Petalwing> Ktai nods, walking to the Palace. Petalwing> Ktai approaches the huge stone structure. Petalwing> Ktai has left. Petalwing> Near the Palace, Ktai has arrived. [Ktai and Petalwing hasten off to rejoin Ekuar up in the corridor by the Scroll Chamber...] Ekuar> Ktai comes up the stairwell from below. Ekuar> Ktai has arrived. Ekuar> Petalwing comes up the stairwell from below. Ekuar> Petalwing has arrived. Ekuar> Ktai shows Petalwing the still form. ** Preserver... do! ** Ekuar> Ekuar looks up relievedly at the sight of Ktai returning from the Preserver. Ekuar> Ktai smiles. ** This will help, at least... ** Ekuar> Ekuar carefully attempts to straighten Lursa out, and then makes room for the Preserver to do its work. Petalwing, uncharacteristically quiet, sets straight to the task, spewing its shimmering threads. Ekuar> Ktai watches silently. Ekuar> Ktai nods. ** That should help... ** Ekuar> Ekuar murmurs soothingly to the distraught Preserver, until at last Petalwing lands on Ekuar's shoulder, and chatters anxiously tohim. Ekuar> Ekuar sighs heavily. "That should, indeed... perhaps Mender will tend her...." Ekuar> Ktai watches quietly. ** Has anyone tried to tell him what has happened? ** Ekuar> Ekuar does not need to ask who Ktai meant. "I do not know," he says mournfully. "He is not answering my sendings... I think Windkin went after him, but Windkin came back quickly." Ekuar> Ktai nods. ** Do you think I should look for him? ** Ekuar> Ekuar looks up and fixes Ktai with a solemn gaze. "I could not say," he admits. "If... Brownskin is angry.... eh me, I don't know... he has been alone for so long that I have no idea how he will react. But it might be dangerous...!" Ekuar> Ktai nods slowly. ** 2100 turns alone Outside is dangerous as well... I'm not worried... But IF I don't come back..... take care of Azeure and Gelnah... Alorn has left them already.... ** Ekuar> Ekuar blinks... and nods, slowly, with a quiet kind of respect. Ekuar> Ktai picks up the pouch, a grim expression settling on her face. "Take care of him, Petalwing..." Ekuar> Ktai turns, and walks down the stairs. Ekuar> Pouch has left. Ekuar> Ktai vanishes down the stairs. Ekuar> Ktai has left. [Ktai leaves the Palace -- and it does not take her long to follow the sounds of exploding rocks northward, to find the elf she seeks.] Ktai arrives from the Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains. Ktai has arrived. Ktai looks at you for a moment. Rayek crouches, snarling silently to himself, some distance away. Ktai walks silently near. When she is within reach, she offers the pouch of water. Rayek takes aim at the rocky side of a dune -- takes aim -- and hurls a bolt of force that sends shards of stone and dust particles flying. Ktai arches an eyebrow, yet says nothing. Rayek then whirls around, hands still glowing with lambent force. ** Leave me! ** he orders hotly. Ktai drops the pouch calmly. Ktai dropped Pouch. Rayek, when the intruder fails to retreat, scowls. He's sweating, is Rayek, under the Daystar's light, and his face looks strained. But when Ktai doesn't move, he hurls another bolt to the ground where she stands; then, he whirls, and makes his way farther off. Ktai merely lowers her eyebrow. ** Your power is amazing... but your body feels the punishment. Drink. ** Rayek backs off from Ktai, glowering at her, and sending raggedly, ** I do not need help! Leave me! ** Ktai shakes her head. ** If I were a Healer, then I could offer help. I am not a Healer, so I can't. ** Ktai picks up the pouch, walking slowly closer. ** Deny your thirst. ** Rayek's mouth twists, pained. ** I need no healing! ** he roars, and another, smaller rock nearby explodes. He whirls on Ktai, eyeing her suspiciously now. Ktai laughs faintly. ** No, but Winnowill does. Although, I could care less about her. Here. ** Rayek repeats, amber eyes blazing, ** Leave me! ** Ktai shakes her head. ** Sorry, can't do that. ** Ktai shakes her head, looking at the pouch. ** Such nice water... hate to waste it... ** Rayek's gaze takes on an uncanny fire, and he flies at the intruder, enraged. Ktai sidesteps, holding out the pouch. ** If you want it, just ask. ** Rayek's gliding is unsteady, though, and as Ktai sidesteps him, he snarls. Another force-bolt, ill-aimed... Ktai watches a small hill vaporize. Ktai shakes her head. Rayek glides, then... away this time. If she won't leave him, then by Timmain (No! He doesn't want to think about Timmain!), he'll leave her...! Ktai locksends ** Don't go.... ** Ktai looks out over the mountains. ** Each mountain has its own grace... as does each elf... Mountains wear away... but what happens to an elf? ** Rayek ignores the sending, or at least seems to, floating himself unsteadily down the north side of the pass. But his teeth clench at the voice in his head. Curse it, why won't they leave him be? You steel yourself against the harsh desert wind and set off across the barren plain. Barren Wasteland Out here in the desert, the unforgiving sun beats down on the baked earth with an almost tangible malice. The parched sands seem to be home to none of the usual desert creatures, and the shadows of the dunes call to you with irresistable promises of shelter. Once the sun has faded, the peace of the moons will flood the barren dunes with sharp-edged blackness, and the chill desert air will bleed all warmth from the grey sands. You can just barely make out, to the north, the vague shimmering outline of cliffs, although it might just be a mirage. Southwards leads a faint track that could be an old trail of some sort. Obvious exits: North South Ktai arrives from the south, trudging through the sand. Ktai has arrived. Ktai sends openly ** What happens to an elf that has been alone? Do you know? Will you tell? ** Ktai stands quietly, only her sendings betraying her. Rayek wobbles out into the Daystar's blaze... and he whirls, staring incoherently, at the sending and its source. His face twists, anguished, at the reminder of previous solitude -- feared solitude, but cursed if he'll tell _her_ that, and it's better, far better, than all these voices....! Ktai smiles faintly. ** I know what it feels like. ** She shakes her head. ** Just come get the water before you vanish... ** Rayek cries, ** I said LEAVE ME! ** Another force-bolt, but this one weaker than the last, and landing only to blow a small hole in the sand. Ktai shakes her head sadly. She walks closer, holding out a hand. ** Solitude is terrible... the darkness of mind... ** Rayek recoils, like a frightened sand-snake, one hand cocked back and glowing as if he's not quite sure whether to try to backhand this persistent elf, or blast her... Ktai just stands there, her hand outstretched. Rayek, teeth clenched, whirls away. But he's clearly exhausted now, and likely held upright more by his magic than his legs -- though from the erratic flicker about his body, this might not continue to be the case for much longer. Ktai walks closer. ** You wear yourself out, and you -will- need my aid. ** Rayek growls, lowly, ** Go... ** His sending is losing force. Ktai shakes her head softly, and gently touches your shoulder. Her send is soft, yet firm. ** No. ** Rayek flinches, reflexively; the cloth on his shoulder is dark with dust and sweat. But that small motion makes him start to topple over even as he tries to evade the touch. Ktai gently catches him, a combination of her own hands, and levitation. Slowly, she sets Rayek back upright. Rayek tries to wrestle away, exhaustedly, but it's clear he's on his last dregs of strength. Ktai gently holds Rayek still. ** Will you stop that? You wear yourself out, and I'll -have- to help you. ** Rayek mumbles, "Don't... want..." And without further fanfare, he crumples. Ktai gently levitates Rayek to the ground, sighing. Rayek's eyes roll back as his lids fall shut. He lies where Ktai places him, disheveled and dirty, spent. Ktai sits beside him, and opens the water pouch. She takes a cloth and wets it. Placing it on his forehead, she shakes her head. His skin is hot -- no small wonder. But from the sun, or is he ill? From the way he's been blasting everything in sight, either option could be the truth... Ktai gently wipes your face, shaking her head the entire time. "So alike...." Her voice fades off. Rayek stirs slightly at the touch of water to his brow, but moves no more than that. With that wild fury drained out of his face, he looks simply... exhausted. And smaller. Ktai sighs. ** He didn't want my help... but I can't leave him here alone. ** She shivers a bit at the word. Ktai continues to gently wipe your face with the cool cloth, checking to see if the heat in your skin is fading. Rayek's dark face flushes under the coolness of the cloth, but the hot dry air quickly sucks up the moisture -- and the coolness. Ktai gently continues to sooth your face with the damp cloth. She almost seems to be send-singing, light and soft. Ktai sighs softly. Already, she is burying the memories of this deep. No-one will know... but how will he know that? Ktai shakes her head, and continues to try and keep him cool. ** There is no way I can move him... but shade..... ** Heat, still on that sallow brown skin, radiated from the Daystar overhead. And heat from within that skin, as well? It's tough to say. Rayek's face turns slightly towards the coolness. Ktai moves so that her shadow falls mainly on the still form, still trying to draw out the heat. A slight reduction... perhaps. But the longer he lies still, the more the sweat of exertion on his body dries, drawing his skin taut and tight across too-prominent cheekbones. Ktai sighs. ** I have to take him back to the Palace... but he'll hate me for it... Maybe I can wake him... ** Ktai gently touches the side of your face. ** Wake... ** Ktai Ktai is tall and thin, with black hair that reaches her waist. Her dark eyes watch intently, and she smiles frequently. She wears old and faded black leathers, and braids her hair in a single braid down her back. Dispite the lack of colour, she does not seem monochromic. Rayek's brow furrows slightly, as the unexpected respite of quiet in his mind -- blessed quiet! -- is disturbed. Ktai gently brushes your cheek. ** Please... the Palace is not far... you must get out of the daystar's glow. ** Rayek's eyelids flutter. A voice. A voice? Hadn't all the voices left him? Who...? Ktai gently brushes your cheek with the cool damp cloth. Rayek frowns vaguely. Coolness. It feels... marvelous. Gentle fingers... who? He mumbles, voice coming out oddly unguarded, "Leetah....?" Ktai's voice is soft. "Shhh.... no... I am - Ktai." Ktai continues to try to cool your face with the cloth. Rayek swallows dryly. Hot. He's hot. And tired. Why....? He opens his eyes, muzzily, but his gaze is unfocused. Ktai makes no changes in her attempts to cool Rayek. She smiles faintly and offers the water pouch to his lips. ** Careful... drink slowly. ** Rayek stares up at the face over him, without recognition, struggling to identify it. Black hair? Winn...? For an instant, a look of unveiled longing crosses his eyes. But the scent of water distracts him, and he tries to drink. Ktai gently and slowly tips the water so that a small amount falls into your mouth. Rayek nearly coughs up the water, as he tries to focus on Ktai again, memory stirring. Black hair. Winnowill! Ktai, alarmed, pulls the water back. ** Shhhh...... ** Rayek flails out a hand, trying to pull back from the tall elf leaning over him... Ktai smiles gently, her send carrying only truth. ** I am Ktai.... rest..... ** Ktai catches the hand, and gently sets it down on your chest. Rayek frowns. Ktai. He starts to scowl, but there's no strength to it, and he slumps back instead. Ktai sighs softly. ** We need to get you back to the Palace... ** Rayek starts to protest, sending thickly, ** No... too... too many... ** Ktai nods. ** Alright then... but you need to get out of the Daystar... ** Rayek frowns at the mention of the Daystar, and tries to roll over, to turn his face out of the glare, perhaps with a shred of desert-born instinct stirring. Ktai shades you as best she can. ** Where to take you? ** Rayek tries to sit up, on what shreds of strength he yet possesses, though his face drains of color at the effort. Seeming only barely aware of Ktai, he scowls worriedly in the direction of the Palace. Too many there... but he has to fix it, he has too... Ktai allows a tendril of her magic to support you. Ktai locksends ** Rest, then return to fix the damage... ** Rayek mutters roughly, "No... fine... I must..." Ktai leans forward, and rests cool lips on your forehead. Sitting back, she shakes her head. ** You're feverish. ** Rayek blinks, looking dazed, perhaps by the cool contact, perhaps by his condition. But that fleeting touch _does_ confirm: his skin's started to blaze, without the Daystar's help. Ktai sighs. ** Ekuar mentioned Mender... would you go? ** Rayek jerks, looking startled, wary. Mender. Mender's in Sorrow's End... Leetah could be there. "NO!" Ktai shushes you. ** Ok... Shhh.... I know of a catelf healer... ** Ktai gently tries to calm you. Rayek tries to clamber to his feet, shaking violently all the while. "Fine," he insists, gruffly, clenching his eyes shut. "Fine! Needs me... Palace needs me...." Ktai gently holds you. ** Shhh.... the Palace can wait. It has waited how long? If you wear yourself out, who then will fix it? ** Rayek starts to frown, before his head droops, dizzily. Curse it...! Rayek mumbles with as much strength as he can muster, "Leave..." Ktai locksends ** And leave you to die? I think not. ** Rayek sways, and looks strangely pained. "They'd... they'd speak to me, again..." Ktai holds you. ** Then, may I take you to my friend? ** Rayek seems to have barely heard the question. He stares off towards the Palace, a mix of fascination and anguish on his face. Ktai gently turns your face back to her. "Let me take you to my friend?" Rayek barks out weakly, "Can't!" Ktai, startled, looks at you. ** Why not? ** Rayek starts to shake his head, repeatedly, and tries to tug away from you. His face is intent, eyes glittering febrilely. Ktai holds you carefully. ** It calls... I know... but you cannot answer... it will keep. ** Rayek explains distractedly, starting to grin beatifically, "Just have to wait... right here... then I'll be back anyway, and the High Ones will talk to me again... they'll listen....!" Ktai sighs. ** The High Ones cannot protect your body... My friend can do that... please? ** Rayek shakes his head, almost cheerful now, beaming, with a fey light in his face. "It is a shell, nothing more -- a shell! The High Ones can show me how to shape another!" Ktai frowns. Shaking her head slightly, she fears he is delirious. Dare she slap him? Ktai takes you firmly in her hands. ** Get a hold on yourself. -You- will be nothing more than a shell if you keep this up! And who will shape a new you? ** Rayek looks around, disorientedly, out into the barren expanse of sand to the north -- it's hot out there, he knows! But to the south is the Palace, and it tugs incessantly at him.. tugs... almost like the hands gripping him. Tugged from three different directions, or so it seems, he blinks. The shaking makes his head spin... Ktai growls softly at herself. If Eveshka were here... but she isn't... and Ktai must once again work on her own... Rayek shaken, frowns. The Palace. He can't leave the Palace. Why? He has to repair it... help... help Ekuar, yes. He can't leave Ekuar... Through rising heat in his mind, he squints up at the elf holding him, and tries to explain this, but the words can't quite form properly. ** Can't leave him, ** he sends mournfully, and then he frowns uncertainly at the way his own sending comes out. Ktai shakes her head. ** Ekuar is not alone... and you need rest. ** [Ktai disconnected here. End log, for now.]