Log Date: 11/21, 11/22/96 Log Cast: Azeure, Ktai, Sothel Log Intro: Azeure, recently re-Chosen by Winnowill, has returned to the Mountain on two missions: the one, to retrieve Neela, and the other, to fetch both Ktai and Ekuar to Blue Mountain, with the purpose of drawing Rayek himself there. But for all that he is acting under Winnowill's orders, those are not all the motives that drive him, and he reaches the Palace with a kinder intent.... [NOTE: This log was contributed by Ktai.] ---------- You sense in a locksend, Azeure's send is close, almost suprisingly so ** Sister? ** You locksend ** Azeure? ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Ah.. you are about.. good.. I recieved word that my lifemate's brother was about... ** You locksend ** He's in the Scroll Room. I understand he's been asking Rayek to move the Scrolls. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** I see.. and how do you fare.. and of your mate?.. I've been.. concerned. ** You locksend ** I am well, Azeure. And you seem to forget that I have no mate. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** But of Rayek? ** You locksend ** Rayek is... well. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Good.. I'm pleased to hear.. I take it Neela has been making a nusance of himself? ** You locksend ** Indeed he has. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** My most humble of apologies.. ** Azeure locksends ** So where do you keep yourself these days sister?..It has been too long since we have had an opportunity to talk.. freely.. ** You locksend ** I am... trying to aid Rayek... ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** Oh?.. Hmm.. where.. I shall offer my assistance if I can.. ** You locksend ** No... it's harder than that. Where are you? ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** In the main hall of the palace.. waiting on my 'brother' of sorts.. ** You locksend ** I... dare not go too far while he sleeps. Meet me in the Corridor. ** to Azeure. Out in the corridor, Azeure has arrived. Ktai makes certain that Rayek is sleeping well before stepping out. You step out into the corridor. Side Corridor(#6192RFL) Contents: Azeure Obvious exits: Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Ktai slips out of the room, looking nervous. Azeure hovers at the archway, clad in something unseen for a good many turns now ** Something the matter with our master of the palace? ** Ktai looks to you, then takes a step back. ** So. You gave in. ** Azeure shakes his head ** Hardly.. ** ** I would have thought you know me far better than that sister.. ** Ktai waves to your clothing. ** You're dressed as one of Them. ** Azeure nods ** Indeed.. I am once more Chosen.. I have always dressed as a Glider Ktai.. and I am a Glider.. so I would say it stands to reason.. but it has never done anything to change the set of my mind my dear dear sister ** Ktai's send is dripping with sarcasm. ** Such that you join her in bed? ** Azeure's smile is none too slow to spread ** Have you ever made love to a healer Ktai? ** Azeure snaps his figners ** Ahh.. of course you have.. then you know.. ** Azeure smiles a bit again ** But that is hardly the rhyme of my reason ** Ktai's eyes darken, and she turns abruptly. ** If you've come to taunt me, then you can go. ** Azeure shakes his head and glides towards you ** I've hardly come for that Ktai.. honestly.. you judge me by my clothing?.. Shall I remove it? ** Ktai turns, her eyes cool, and send tight. ** Then what are you here for? ** Azeure's features soften as he alights before you ** The reason I am here is to retrieve Neela.. what I do betwixt now and then are for me to decide.. I have simply come to find what was left of what we were forming in Sorrow's End.. not so many turns ago.. ** Azeure frowns thoughtfully ** Though it would seem we have not.. why have I earned your hatred Ktai? ** Ktai looks at you, a fragment of her old coldness returned to her. Azeure raises a brow, extending his hands, palms up ** There was a time.. you believed I was not so dark. ** Ktai sighs softly. ** What can I believe? Look at the path where I stand. I've been standing here alone for so long... but now there's someone with me. I can't risk that. What do I believe? ** Azeure shakes his head ** I swear to you sister.. I have come to do your love no harm.. nor have I come to take him or you back.. I am not Sar ** Azeure sighs softly ** You judge harshly sister.. ** Ktai sighs. ** I have no choice. ** Azeure shakes his head, looking down ** I understand.. ** You locksend to Azeure, Ktai's mind touches yours in a soft send. ** Rayek... grows weary. I have to protect him. I'm sorry, Azeure. ** Azeure smiles faintly ** We are not so different you and I.. at least in some respects.. ** Ktai sends openly ** Oh? ** Azeure nods ** Aye.. just recently.. Eveshka.. I don't believe she knows just what I would do to protect her.. she is deathly afraid of Sar once more.. ** Ktai hisses. Ktai sends openly ** What now? ** Azeure shakes his head ** I wish I knew.. perhaps it has something to do with his memory.. ** Ktai sighs. ** Everything we do, Azeure. She is winning. ** Azeure watches you ** I pray I am helping.. she was not always so.. dark.. you remember Ktai? ** Ktai sends openly ** I remember. I remember more than you can. ** Azeure nods ** Indeed.. but it was not always like it is ** Ktai sends openly ** No... it wasn't. ** Azeure sends openly ** Once.. long ago.. Egg tells stories of how she loved like Voll did.. maybe it can be so again.. ** Ktai turns her back on you. ** I doubt that. ** Azeure nods ** I did.. for a long while.. but not now.. ** Azeure sends openly ** She has love in her.. but she is afraid.. I can feel it.. ** Ktai lowers her chin, looking down. Azeure's send is soft ** Sister.. what would you say if I told you.. that I was teaching her to love again ** Ktai looks up. ** I would laugh at you. ** Azeure looks at you, his minds touch soft and caressive ** Then laugh sister.. ** Azeure sends openly ** It has been so long since I have heard that blessed sound.. ** Ktai sends openly ** Well, you won't find it here. ** Azeure sighs softly ** Sister.. ** Ktai lowers her chin again, looking down. Azeure sends openly ** Is it so different to convince him to love you? ** Ktai sends openly ** I'm not trying. ** Azeure sends openly ** But he loves you.. doesn't he.. ** Azeure sends openly ** When you thought he never would.. he loves you.. ** Ktai looks to the curtain. ** Perhaps. ** Azeure watches you ** Then are my chances so slim? ** Ktai sends openly ** Rayek isn't Winnowill. ** Azeure shakes his head ** No.. he's not.. Winnowill has only lost.. Rayek had taken from him.. ** Ktai is silent. Azeure's fingers lightly take your shoulders ** You lost too.. but you've loved again.. is it so impossible? ** Ktai is thin beneath your hands, more fragile than before. She does not answer. Azeure's fingers glide softly halfway down your arms ** Ktai.. I'm trying to make it better.. for Eveshka.. for all of them that are there.. even for you, and Rayek.. A visionary to the end perhaps.. but it is not foolhardy goals I chase after ** Azeure sends openly ** Now..Ktai... I am no nightmare.. and simply due to my clothing.. or my bedmates.. I am still Azeure.. father to your daughter.. ** Ktai doesn't move. ** There are many paths, Azeure. You know the path I walk. The path where you are pushed, moulded into being what I wasn't. You know what happens then. You run from it. Run from it all. And then, when you finally learn the truth, it is the harshest of all. You haven't gone anywhere, and you're still as lost to yourself as when you started. ** Azeure draws his arms around your shoulders ** I'm not going to run Ktai.. I do not do this for myself alone.. but for all that matters to me.. ** ** You're already running. ** Azeure raises a brow ** Am I? ** Ktai sends openly ** You're standing here, in that, aren't you? ** Azeure shakes his head, his hands leaving you for a moment, a soft *whosh* follows, and then his fingers fall back into place ** Aye.. I am standing here.. does it matter what I wear? ** Ktai sends openly ** You are Chosen. ** Azeure sends openly ** No.. I am Azeure.. ** Ktai hasn't moved, doesn't move. Indeed, she remains silent, and still. Azeure sighs softly ** Ktai.. see past me.. as you did on the bridge at Sorrow's End.. I know there is warmth still in your heart.. and you let me see a piece of that.. ** Ktai turns now, her eyes dark and tired. ** Azeure... I am tired, but I dare not show him. I can't let Rayek see that I fail. So I have to be cold. I do what I have to. I always have. Otherwise, I would be exactly like my daughter: afraid at every turn. ** Azeure smiles softly, seeming unchanged by his lack of attire ** Ktai, my dear sister.. do you love him still? ** Ktai's send whispers. ** I would give my soul for him. ** Azeure's smile softens even more as he gazes into your eyes ** Then you are far from failing him ** ** I am not protecting him. ** Azeure draws you into his arms ** He's not a child Ktai.. and you being here.. and your love is more strength than he knows what to do with ** Ktai seems to feel the weight of her over 6000 years, and looks frail and small... smaller than Rayek. ** Yet it is not enough to help. ** Azeure hugs you gently ** Sister.. when did you last eat? ** Azeure watches you ** It seems as if you've eaten hardly a thing since last I saw you my dear sister? ** Ktai sighs. ** It has been some time. ** Azeure smiles softly, ** here.. in my pouch I have some freshly cooked meat.. if you'd like some for you and your love.. ** Azeure sends openly ** I hadn't eaten myself in a good while.. and it is my duty.. even though you are not within the mountain Ktai.. I have not forgotten that being chosen is loyalty to the mountain.. not to her.. ** Ktai shakes her head. ** I couldn't. But Rayek might. ** Azeure watches you ** I insist.. you must be starving.. if you want to protect him you'll need your strength sister.. ** Sothel locksends ** Sister? ** Ktai frowns slightly. ** Oh no. Not him. ** Azeure arches a brow.. Sothel glides in. You locksend ** What? ** to Sothel. Sothel locksends ** You seem ... worried. Is all alright? ** You locksend ** ** to Sothel. Azeure sends openly ** Something the matter? ** Sothel pauses to look Az Up and down. What a pretty picture this is. Ktai stands, in the arms of Azeure. Unfortunately, Azeure seems to have left his clothing behind him. Azeure stands.. his clothing at his feet thanks much Azeure arches a brow ** Ah.. Sothel.. ** Azeure locksends ** You could have warned me.. you realize.. ** Ktai smiles almost coldly at Azeure. The old Glider just stands, ** Forgive me, I did not mean to intrude ** He turns away with a smile. Sothel locksends ** Did your taste change that quickly? ** Azeure chuckles a bit, watching Ktai, and then Sothel ** Hardly Sothel.. simply proving a point.. ** Ktai disentangles herself from Azeure rather cooly, stepping to look at Sothel. With little warning, she reaches out and slaps him, turning to stalk angrily into Rayek's room. Rayek's Chamber(#7481RAFJL) Azeure locksends ** Sister? ** Sothel locksends ** Your sense of humor is still rough I see. ** You locksend ** What? ** to Azeure. You locksend ** ** to Sothel. Ktai does her best to settle herself, and sits beside Rayek. She mustn't let her anger spill to him. Azeure locksends ** I'm sorry.. ** You locksend ** You aren't at fault. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** I'm certain Sothel was meerly ribbing.. as a child might.. ** Sothel locksends ** FOrgive sister, I meant only too tease I know that you would never join with a Chosen freely. Your taste is better. < A mental image of Rayek getting out of the Baths> ** You locksend ** ** to Azeure. You locksend ** ** to Sothel. Ktai looks quietly to Rayek before standing and moving out yet again. You step out into the corridor. Side Corridor(#6192RFL) Sothel Azeure Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Sothel bows to Ktai. Ktai remains cooly silent. Ktai finally breaks the silence. ** Well? ** Sothel sighs. ** I am sorry friend. I could think of no other way to hide my ...** He seems to swallow hard. ** Embarassment. I felt like an intruder and was confused. ** Ktai looks at you. ** It's over now. What did you want? ** Sothel shakes his head. " I saw the uniform, not who it was as he came in. I was worried that Sar had returned, or one of HER new Chosen. I feared for Rayek, and you." Ktai sends openly ** He is Chosen again. ** ** Has he come to cause you harm? ** Ktai sighs. ** He's come... to take Neela away. ** Azeure wanders back in, now clad, a brow arched ** Hmm? ** Sothel glances to the now clad Az, and seems faintly dissappointed. ** Perhaps then Rayek will have time to heal completely before her next game begins. ** Ktai looks back to the curtain for a moment. Azeure arches a brow ** I assure you.. Sar has more on his mind now.. than Rayek ** Ktai sighs softly, looking back to you two. Sothel smiles, thinly, He reaches his hand out to Ktai in a subtle gesture. ** I am brash and crude. But I AM your friend. I forget to think at times. ** Ktai waits for a moment. Sothel begins to withdraw his hand, taking her silence for a refusal. Ktai steps forward, her slim cool hand reaching out for Sothel's. Sothel takes the offered hand gently. Sothel locksends ** I am sorry sister, I meant no disrespect. ** Azeure folds his arms across his chest ** That having been said.. what brings you Sothel? ** Sothel looks to AZ. ** Oh.. I saw a Chosen come here. I thought you meant trouble for Rayek and Ktai. I came to watch over them. ** You locksend ** ** to Sothel. Azeure chuckles softly and shakes his head ** Must I remove the uniform to prove a point to you as well Sothel? ** Ktai pulls slightly at her hand with a sigh. Sothel blinks, ** Only if your point is that you look far better without it. But I do not fear you Azeure. You will not Hurt my family. ** He releases Ktai's hand with a squeeze. Azeure arches a brow ** Indeed.. ** Ktai steps back, leaning against the wall. Azeure stands almost awkwardly, casting a wryly amused glance at Sothel. Sothel sends openly ** You are Kin to Vesh, in a way I never can be, and though you are young I feel that you have seen more then me. ** Sothel sends openly ** I can not trust you fully so long as you serve HER, but I can trust you far more then many others. ** Azeure sends openly ** Perhaps Sothel.. perhaps.. ** Azeure shakes his head, a soft chuckle ** Sothel.. as always you..like many others ignore my words.. I serve the mountain.. not her.. ** Sothel smiles. ** THAT is why Itrust you at all. ** Ktai remains quiet, looking through the threads of the curtain to see Rayek as she leans on the wall. Sothel begins to hum quietly to himself. Azeure locksends ** How is he? ** You locksend ** He sleeps. For now. ** to Azeure. Azeure locksends ** It sounds as if you could use sleep yourself my dear.. ** You locksend ** I can't. ** to Azeure. Sothel sends openly ** Well as I can see now immediate danger, Ibid you both sweet dreams, Rest Well. ** Ktai glances to Sothel, and nods. Azeure locksends ** Of course you can.. I'll watch over you both till morning.. then I will take Neela home.. once you wake.. ** Sothel pulls several dreamberries from the pouch on his belt and pops one into his mouth as he turns away. ** Peace to you both. ** You locksend ** I can't. Please... don't ask again. ** to Azeure. Azeure nods belatedly to Sothel Azeure looks to you ** Ktai.. sister.. you have my word.. on all that I hold dear to my heart.. that I shall allow no harm to come to either of you.. you need rest.. please ** Ktai shakes her head. ** I'll be fine. Meditation is all I need. ** Azeure moves to you once more ** Ktai.. sleep.. you are so wonderful to him.. let me give a little to you both that it seems my fellows have taken so away ** Ktai steps away from the wall, obviously forcing herself to stand straight. ** No... I just need to meditate. ** Azeure sends openly ** Then do.. peacefully..I'll watch you both.. ** Azeure locksends ** Sister.. my sends do not lie.. and I mince no words to twist them to you.. I wil allow no harm to pass to either of you.. ** Ktai sighs. ** I know, Azeure. But I cannot allow myself to let go. Not yet. ** Azeure nods ** I understand.. ** Ktai smiles thinly, then she frowns slightly. Azeure raises a brow, watching you ** Ktai? ** Ktai shakes her head, as if to clear it. ** I'll be fine. ** As she sends, she falls. Azeure moves, sweeping you up in his arms ** Come my dear sister.. ** Ktai protests only weakly. ** Must... not leave him unprotected... ** Azeure softly kisses your eyes closed ** Gently now Ktai.. I swear you will both be safe ** Ktai blinks up at you, barely focusing, she is so tired. ** Keep him... safe. Don't worry about me. ** Azeure strokes your hair softly as he carries you into Rayek's room, ** I swear to you sister ** Rayek's Chamber(#7481RAFJL) Ktai, barely conscious now, can only send a wordless plea for you not to wake Rayek. Azeure places you gently on the bed beside Rayek, a soft smile curling his lips, a send only to your mind caresses softly not to rouse your sleepfulness ** Rest well my dear sister.. you've earned it ** Azeure settles near the bed, ever vigilant.. he rarely sleeps anyhow.. Ktai is too tired to move, else she would no doubt curl about Rayek. As it is, she gives in to unconsciousness. Azeure smiles softly, the air tingling only for the briefest of seconds as the senses of his magic feeling surround the chamber.. should anyone approach.. gliding.. sending.. or otherwise.. he will know.. Ktai's mind is nearby, oddly open, unshielded. It does not truly sleep, for she will not allow such a total abandon. It remains, ever vigilant, about Rayek, shielding and guarding. [And, later....] Ktai stirs faintly, a soft whispery breath escaping her lips. Azeure smiles softly, turning his gaze towards you from the doorway. Ktai sits up ever so carefully, keenly aware that Rayek still sleeps. She looks over to you, her eyes not as tired as before, but still carrying tiredness. Azeure smiles, his mind's touch soft, so only you can feel ** Looks as if the rest did you well my dear sister ** Ktai looks to Rayek, quiet for the moment. Then, ** I suppose... ** Azeure notes the pouch sitting at the bedside, the cooked meat still within ** Now perhaps you will accept my offer? ** Ktai looks to you quietly, just the hint of a smile on her lips. ** You know I never could start a fire, Azeure. I got used to it raw. ** Azeure grins a bit ** Then this shall be a treat no? ** Ktai shrugs, standing now to step over to you. ** It should really be saved... ** Azeure looks up at you, the faintest of smiles touching his lips ** I can think of no better use for it.. if any more is needed I shall hunt.. ** Ktai sends openly ** Hunting is grim out here. ** Azeure nods ** Aye.. but I think I can manage ** Azeure smiles, his fingers moving to pat your thigh lightly ** Eat sister.. I'll get more.. ** Ktai looks down to blink mildly at your hand. Azeure smiles a bit, withdrawing his hand, glancing out into the hall as he has been given habit over the course of the evening to do. Ktai sits, looking to you piercingly for a moment. Azeure This tall and thin elf's narrow lips curl into a knowing smile as he turns to see you. His eyes seem to sparkle as if he hides some dark secret. He wears a midnight black softleather body suit with white ravvit fur trim, and feathers of many shades of blue and dark grey adorn his long flowing white hair. His boots arch up to mid calf and are adorned smilarly with feathers and ravvit fur. Eyes of the deepest blue examine you over a gently sloped hawklike nose. as he raises his arms you notice a winglike leather and ravvit fur fringe from underneath his arms. He glides only inches from the ground and watches you with slightly more than mild curiosity Talon Whip Azeure raises a brow as he turns back to you ** ? ** Ktai sends openly ** Does She know you aren't one of Hers? ** Azeure arches a brow ** Winnowill?.. I'm certain she'd like to think I am.. and in many ways it may be true.. but no.. I don't think she believes she owns me.. ** Azeure sends openly ** I would say she is awfully nieve if she believes so.. and that is something I do not discredit her.. ** Ktai sends calmly. ** You do know that she has won Kaia. ** Azeure nods, looking down ** I know.. ** Ktai now looks out of that door. ** I suppose it was inevitable. ** Azeure sighs softly ** Sometimes I wonder..** Ktai looks back to you. ** Wonder what, Azeure? ** Azeure looks up at you ** Sometimes I wonder why Eveshka does many of the things she does.. ** Ktai smiles wryly. ** And what does she do, Azeure? Remember what little I know of her. ** Azeure sighs softly ** She makes so many things harder on herself than they really are.. ** Ktai laughs softly. ** She always did, Azeure. I suppose that was one of the things she got from being my daughter. ** Azeure nods, biting his lip softly ** Perhaps.. ** Ktai shakes her head. ** You'd best be careful around her. ** Azeure looks over to you ** Eveshka? ** Ktai nods. Azeure shakes his head ** I've never hid myself away Ktai ** Azeure is seated in the archway, Ktai sitting at his side.. they appear to be conversing quietly Ktai sighs, sending quietly. ** You know what danger lies in the Mountain. With Kaia inder Winnowill's control, you and I are even more in danger. You know what my daughter can do when she puts her mind to it. ** Rayek sleeps the sleep of one who desperately needs it, and spends most of his waking time pretending he doesn't. Azeure nods ** I know Ktai.. I know.. my danger looms more as I sleep than when I am with my daughter. ** Ktai sighs faintly. ** Azeure... she's a killer. And part of that is my fault. When Winnowill refused to help find.... ** There is a pause here, as she struggles with an old memory, but she takes a deep breath, and continues. ** ...refused to help find Daia, I turned that anger to Kaia. ** Azeure nods, his fingers softly sweeping Ktai's cheek ** I know the story.. believe me.. your daughter and I are not so different it seems ** Ktai leans back, eyes flashing darkly. ** Then perhaps you are a good selection for Chosen. I remember you. I remember what you did. I had hoped that you had changed enough to keep Kaia from that path I opened for her. I suppose I was, like all previous times, wrong. ** Azeure shakes his head and sighs ** Ktai.. after all you've known me.. you again judge so quickly.. ** Azeure sighs softly, withdrawing his hand ** Kaia will follow her path as she choses.... and it is for her to decide and none else ** Ktai sends openly ** I don't have to judge too quickly when my own daughter attacks me under Winnowill's command. ** Azeure's brow furrows ** I did not know.. ** Ktai looks away from Azeure, and in the process, glances to Rayek to ascertain he is well. ** Now you do. ** As she sends, her temper subsides to quietness. ** Indeed.. ** The send comes genuinly disturbed. Ktai looks back to Azeure. ** No matter what happens, I will not go back. This is where I belong now. ** She looks back to Rayek, send softening. ** Where-ever he is. Until he tells me to go. ** Azeure nods ** I know.. I would not ask you to return with me.. ** Ktai sends openly ** Good. Because you'd have to leave like Sar did. Disgraced and having failed. ** Azeure sighs softly and shakes his head ** I am disgraced you see me so Ktai.. ** Ktai looks back at Azeure, her eyes unreadable for the first time since you have arrived. ** I'm not the same elf as was in Sorrow's End, Azeure. That... spark and anger is gone. ** Then, she sends it. If Rayek is awake, then she'll most likely hear about it later... or sooner. ** I'm tired. I'm lost to what I once knew, and found to something I hardly understand. The facade doesn't hold forever, Azeure. You know that. ** Azeure watches Ktai, he shakes his head ** I make no pretense of a facade Ktai.. perhaps that is what threatens.. but that is me.. for better or worse.. so now that the facade has fallen.. and you need your rest.. you find yourself capable to judge me by the clothing on my back and the whip at my side? ** Ktai turns tired eyes back to Rayek. ** When your presence threatens all that I hold dear, yes. I have lost so much Azeure, that the thought of losing more sends me into a blind panic. What did I know before you and I talked? Only that you were again Chosen, and had been known to bed with Winnowill. While that may not mean you are loyal, it certainly gives one as - renegade as I a reason to pause. I haven't been a glider for over two thousand turns, Azeure. I don't want to remember what it was to be one, either. ** Azeure shakes his head and sighs ** Then judge me as Azeure.. not as Chosen Ktai.. as I have been from without as well more than once ** Ktai looks now to Azeure, a weary sort of resigned sigh on her lips. ** I am an elf, Azeure. More, I am an elf with a lot to keep safe. The old habits die very hard. ** Azeure sends openly ** And you are also in desperate need of friends.. or will be soon Ktai.. should you keep wearing on yourself like this ** ** Ktai smiles faintly. ** I do what I do out of love, Azeure. ** With that, she stands, slipping out for a moment. [End log.]