Log Date: 10/21/96 Log Cast: Ktai, Rayek, Sar, Zirek, WolfFlame, Tilia, PaleMoon, Kytek, Adi, Silverfox, Rigar, Youngblood Log Intro: Having returned at last to the Palace from his quest with Ekuar and Youngblood to seek the missing PaleMoon, Rayek brings with him the elves that actually found her wrapstuffed in a cave north of the desert: the Underworlder rockshaper Kytek, and the Sun Village maiden Lasaar. With the party comes Kytek's troll slave, GrayEyes, as well. But upon return to the Palace, Rayek, disgruntled by the influx of visitors -- nearly three eights of them -- retreats to his private shelter that he shares with Ekuar, up in the surrounding hills. But, after a few days of calm.... ---------- Ktai locksends ** ** You locksend to Ktai, Rayek, from off in the surrounding peaks, rouses. His send is tightly aimed, as though he's not interested in being overheard. ** Ktai? ** Ktai locksends ** ** Ktai locksends ** ** Ktai locksends ** >silence< ** Among the Mountains This rocky nook among the peaks of the World's Spine mountains gives a breathtaking view of the pass below. The air here is pure, clear, and clean; sound carries with very little effort, and often the sounds of winds and distant hunting birds ring across this expanse of stone. Oddly, for all its starkness, the place doesn't seem nearly as forbidding as it should... the ground bears an obvious trail, and in more than one spot, rocks appear to have a strangely smooth and restful shape, almost as if one could climb onto them and be quite comfortable. The sun is high in the cool autumn skies. Contents: Sar Talon Ktai Obvious exits: Sheltered Doorway Pass Rayek comes shooting up out of the rocks, expression alert, golden gaze seeking... Sar is elfhandling a tied and unconscious Ktai onto Talon's back, with Zireks help. Ktai, unconscious, offers no protests as Sar and Zirek start to carry her off. Rayek stiffens, then shoots immediately towards the bondbird. He is armed with a spear, and he sends, bright and hot, ** _Sar_! ** Rayek sendshouts ** _SAR!_ ** Sar drops Ktai, whirling around, then skimming up into the air with a speed to match Rayeks. Ktai falls to the ground, a silent and tied figure. Sar hovers above Ktai, ready to dodge the spear. ** Back off, outsider. This is none of your concern. ** Rayek snarls, ** I say it is. Ktai is under my protection, and I see her here, _harmed_. What, by the Living High One, do you think you're doing? ** His amber gaze blazes, with more than just anger; there is a crackle of magic about him. Sar hovers calmly, if guardedly. "The Outside is dangerous, and damage occurs all too easily. She will be far safer and happier within Blue Mountain, with her family." Talon squawks, unfurling mighty wings behind Sar. ** That, ** lashes out Rayek's sending, ** is for _her_ to say. Not you. I do not hear her agreeing with you. You will not take her until she says she wishes to go. ** Sar sends to Zirek, who drops down from Talon to kneel over Ktai. Something glitters in his hand. Sar suggests, as he floats between Rayek and the two. ** She can be hurt worse, yet. Back off, Outsider. ** Ktai is in no position to voice her opinion, sadly. Sar locksends ** Or shall I fight you over another lovelorn female? ** Ktai locksends ** ** Sar locksends ** The other one was lucky. She lived. ** Ktai opens her eyes slowly, blinking above her. Rayek's mouth curls in a humorless smirk. ** I will fight you over any female -- or male -- you choose to harm and carry to places they do not wish to go, ** he send back, aloud, eyes still blazing. If he can only get a good stare into his eyes... Sar is quite unaware that it is not a good thing to meet Rayeks gaze, and does so with a sneer of his own. ** Ktai is a glider. It is for Lord Winnowill to decide her fate, not you. ** Zirek places a knife at Ktai's throat. Eren soulsends ** ** ** Ktai, ** replies the airwalker, still smirking thinly, ** has repudiated your Lord. Until I hear Ktai send otherwise, I defend her right to stay here. ** And, all at once, his amber regard flashes with an otherworldly glitter: a compelling one, that surges forth to surround consciousness and limbs in a blanket of paralyzing light. Slowly, as Ktai regains herself, she becomes aware of the blade, and even slower still, brings out her magic, building it about the blade little by painful little. WolfFlame climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. WolfFlame has arrived. Tilia climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. Tilia has arrived. Tilia runs from the typical direction with a long spear in her hands. Ktai lies beneath Sar and Zirek, slightly conscious, Zirek's blade held at her throat. As the others come up the trail, Rayek can be seen hanging in the air, clenching his spear -- and gazing fixedly at Sar, with a stare hot with anger, and glittering with power. Sar stares at Rayek, his face slowly going blank. Zirek looks nervously at the newcomers, his knife wavering near Ktai's neck. WolfFlame follows up after Tilia dagger in hand, she stops briefly to see just what is happening Rayek repeats, sending with the snap of a skyfire bolt, ** I defend Ktai's right to stay here. ** And with that, the smirk still playing about his lean mouth, Rayek leaves Sar immobile, and whirls to Ktai, noting the others as he does so. Tilia stops at a distance and leans on her staff with a sigh. She glances at Rayek. "You made it sound important." WolfFlame whews quietly and carefully makes her way over to help where she can Sar hovers somewhere above, still staring blankly. Zirek looks up in horror at Sar, then scrambles away from Ktai, calling. "Sar!" Nearby, the giant bondsbird hisses at the arriving crowd, wings spread as it prepares to launch itself. Rayek lands, then, and looks to Tilia with a gaze that has veiled its magic, but not its fury. ** This one, ** he sends contemptuously, flicking his empty hand at Sar, ** harmed Ktai, and would have taken her back to Blue Mountain. I will not allow it until I hear that Ktai wishes this. ** WolfFlame moves to Ktai's side and looks to see what she can do to help Ktai manages a soft whispery sound, but nothing else, disoriented and barely aware of what is passing around her. That which she knows is within two or three inches of her, and is all fire and pain. Rayek turns to Ktai, and kneels beside her, expression grim. You locksend ** Ktai? ** to Ktai. Zirek looks from one face to the other... and runs, leaping onto Talon's back just as the bird flies up, cawing angrily. WolfFlame looks warily up at the bondbird Tilia looks up at the huge, imposing bird, quietly uncertain inside. Talon circles protectively around Sar, squawking and hissing warningly at any who make any sign of approaching. Ktai locksends ** ** With some difficulty, Zirek manages to drag Sar onto Talon's back, just as the Chosen starts to stir. Tilia rests against her spear like a staff, breathing heavily from the run. Sar moves onto Talon's back. Sar has left. Rayek glances at WolfFlame, briefly, as if startled; she, here? But it is clear that his attention is primarily upon the fallen Ktai, on whose forehead he rests a brown hand, looking for some sign of hurt. To Tilia, he adds, shortly, ** I have done no more than stun him. I will release him if you see it fit. ** Under his sending runs a bubbling, but restrained, wrath, perhaps a conquered impulse to slam Sar's body into the rocks as Sar did Ember's. But as Zirek's movement catches his eye, Rayek glances up, and smirks once more. Ktai lies limply, blood trickling from the gash across her temple. Her eyes are open, but unfocused and unseeing. Talon moves off down the trail into the pass to the east. Talon has left. Tilia says "It is your choice." Rayek adds, bitterly, mostly to himself, "Or not." He sighs, then; once the bondbird is out of sight, Rayek gives a single shudder. Then he frowns at Ktai's blood along her temple, and looks up to the remaining elves. WolfFlame digs into her pouch briefly before pulling out some leather strips, **does anyone have a waterskin? We need to clean these wounds and wrap them...** Rayek nods, briefly. He floats up, then abruptly vanishes down through a hole into the rocks; when he returns, he bears a skin. This he presents to WolfFlame, saying only, "It is fresh, from the fountain below." His voice, now that he is speaking, is gruff with lingering tension, but yielding now to evident worry. Ktai neither moves, nor sees. Her eyes are open, and blinking faintly, yet they remain blank and unseeing. Tilia says "Rayek, my son is here." Tilia's comment is as simple a statement as the sun and cold and hunger. WolfFlame takes the skin and gently begins to clean the wounds as best she can Simple as Tilia's statement is, the effect on Rayek is galvanizing. The airwalker freezes where he's resumed kneeling by Ktai, but his gaze wings to Tilia and locks there. His eyes widen. After a moment he finally says, in a strangely removed sort of fashion, "....Vale?" Tilia nods slowly, meeting Rayek's eyes with the complex appearance of someone trying to hold a number of emotions inside. WolfFlame glances up for a moment at the comments then returns to work on the wounds, hoping she can do enough until one of the many healers arrive to do the mending If Ktai's head is turned, a second, and far nastier gash is found across the back of her head, just above her neck. WolfFlame frowns at the headwounds and does her best to stop the bleeding from them, ** These need a healer quickly, even if they're not deep, she'll be bled to death from them ** For a long moment it appears that Tilia must have stunned Rayek almost the same way he'd done Sar. But Rayek's face is hardly blank: indeed, his earlier anger crumbles entirely under a tangle of emotion not unlike the little Go-Back's. But WolfFlame's interjection distracts him, and he blinks round at her, dazed. Then he rises. "A healer," he echoes. "Yes. Quickly." WolfFlame nods as she rises after doing what she could, and uses the remaining water on her hands to rinse them off and looks to the others Ktai merely lays there, lost to everything. [Stunned now by the news of Vale's arrival to the Palace, Rayek somewhat numbly allows the other elves to let Ktai be taken to the healers. Rayek himself lingers up in the peaks that overlook the Palace, worried for Ktai, yet too thunderstruck by the notion of the presence of Tilia's son that he is paralyzed for a time into inaction. And in the meantime....] PaleMoon climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. Ktai lies on the ground, bound hand and foot, unconscious and bleeding. She is being tended to by WolfFlame. WolfFlame sits near Ktai, checking the bandages on Ktai's head, she looks up with relief, "thank the high ones!" PaleMoon appears in the distance, gaze seeming lost in thought. She turns her head at hearing voices and slows her steps. Ktai's glazed eyes blink slightly. WolfFlame motions Palemoon over, "She's hurt pretty badly...two nasty gashes in her head." PaleMoon hurries her steps, eyes widening. She asks in concern, "What's happened? PaleMoon kneels beside Ktai, reaching out a hand to her, fingers lightly resting on her forhead. PaleMoon locksends ** *Ktai?* ** Ktai seems only vaguely aware of anything beyond 3 inches away from her. WolfFlame frowns slightly, "A Glider called Sar is what happened, and another elf..." You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon bites her lip, frowning slightly at a send. PaleMoon locksends ** *I'm here, Ktai. I will help you.* ** You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon closes her eyes, then hesitates...she looks up at Wolfflame for a moment. WolfFlame looks hopefully to Palemoon, ** Is there anything I can do? ** WolfFlame frowns and chews on her lower lip You locksend ** ** to Kytek. PaleMoon takes hold of Ktai's hand, biting her lip she closes her eyes, though the look she gives Wolfflame is one of uncertainty. Kytek locksends ** Eren? What's wrong? ** WolfFlame nods slowly and sits down nearby to keep out of the way You locksend ** ** to Kytek. PaleMoon locksends ** The send deepens...as the healing trance begins. ** PaleMoon's hands begin to glow softly with a soft light. Kytek locksends ** Eren, it's me Yulr! ** WolfFlame chews on her lower lip and watches in silence You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. You locksend ** ** to Kytek. Warmth flows from her hands into you, starting at the edges of the hurt, taking the bite of pain from most of it...the healing begins to deepen as it begins to mend the smaller injuries at first. The healing searches out and begins to mend the injury to your head, pain becoming something like a dull throbbing in the distance. You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon remains motionless, the only movement you see is that of her even breathing. PaleMoon locksends ** Her mind cradles you as if you were a child. ** WolfFlame watches hopefully, her eyes skirting the sky in fear of the return of the bondbird and its master Ever so gently, the healing reaches throughout the hurt like fingers, slowly but surely mending the wounds. Kytek locksends ** Eren.. please? ** You locksend ** ** to Kytek. The warmth spreads out, most of the damage to your head begining to heal under her touch....the swelling lessons, bruises seem to become smaller. PaleMoon moves slightly, lowering her head but does not break her concentration...her face wears a determined look suddenly. Healing the worse of the damage....she now begins to look elsewhere and finds the hurt of your back....a slight hesitation at what feels like a daunting task but the healing does not stop. WolfFlame leans forward slightly to see how the healing is coming You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon locksends ** ** You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon sets her jaw, her brow suddenly breaking into a light sweat...your skin begins to prickle at the sensation eminating from the healer...and also from the direction where the palace lies. WolfFlame bites her lip a touch harder, hoping that when this is done she won't have two wounded elves to care for Ktai makes a soft sound, a half-ragged cry. Kytek locksends ** Eren.. no, please live. I.. I need you. ** You sense in a locksend, PaleMoon urges you to relax, soothing once again. *Shh....it's allright...* You locksend ** ** to Kytek. The healing hesitates...for a moment...something isn't right...the bones aren't set right...a moment to consider...then a sudden flare of intense pressure as the spine straightens. Kytek locksends ** Please? Eren! ** Ktai cries out again as her spine is straightened. You locksend ** ** to Kytek. WolfFlame winces at the cry and gives Ktai her hand to hold, hoping to help PaleMoon bites her lip, drawing some blood as she falls even deeper into the healing trance. Kytek locksends ** NOOOOO! Eren, give me your pain. Give it to me! ** Rigar wanders onto the scene, his eyes survey the scene and a brow arches "Eh?" You locksend ** ** to Kytek. WolfFlame kneels near Ktai as Palemoon tries to heal her PaleMoon is kneeling beside Ktai, deep in a healing trance, eyes closed and head loward. Rigar moves towards the three "What.. what happened to her?" WolfFlame looks up in surprise, "A glider..." Ktai cries out again softly, unable to place much more together in her mind. PaleMoon makes no move as she does not seem to notice the new arrival. Rigar shakes his head, kneeling on the other side of Ktai, looking her over "Ktai is no glider.." PaleMoon locksends ** She hurts for you now...trying to ease the pain of the healing. ** You locksend ** ** to Kytek. WolfFlame turns quickly back at the cry and sends softly, ** A glider did this...the one called Sar. ** You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. Rigar's brow arches "Ahh.. the quiet fool.. I remember him" Rigar looks to the other healer a moment, his fingers coming to rest on hers, a soft glow, a golden hue about his fingertips. Rigar's eyes close slowly, lending his magic to be guided by his counterpart You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. WolfFlame just sits back on her heels watching the healing, though her eyes go up to the skies occationally searching for the bond bird that had left the area a little whiles back Kytek locksends ** Tell me you'll be all right? Please tell me you'll be allright.. ** Rigar's power is not great, but lent by the palace, having resided here for so long.. and the pure intent of giving life, given freely as he always has. The pain fades now, leaving behind nothing more than a strange tingling sensation that too, will fade in time. You locksend ** ** to Kytek. Ktai eases physically, muscles relaxing. Zirek climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. Adi climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. Zirek gulps. He runs back off. Zirek moves off down the trail into the pass to the east. Adi had been following Zirek and continues to do so Adi moves off down the trail into the pass to the east. PaleMoon lets her hand drop, the healing done and her shoulders slump forward in weariness. WolfFlame frowns deeply at the elf's appearance and disappearance but does not leave her post no matter how much she wants to go after the elf that did this Rigar's fingers slowly lose their hue, his eyes opening to study Ktai and PaleMoon quietly "Healer?" PaleMoon mmmms? softly in response. Ktai sighs softly, making a soft, almost whimpering sound as her hand rises slowly to her head. You sense in a locksend, Kytek senses your need to be left alone, after all you are being healed and need your strength. WolfFlame sends quietly, not wanting to disturb anything, ** How is she? ** You locksend ** Ky... Yulr....? ** to Kytek. Rigar nods "She'll be well.. healer?.. Do you need my help?" Kytek locksends ** Eren.. yes, it's me.. ** You locksend ** Hurts... ** to Kytek. PaleMoon says softly, her voice sounding distracted, "Just tired mother." Kytek locksends ** Shh, I know. I know. Who did this to you, Eren. Tell me who. ** You locksend ** Sar.... and Zirek.... ** to Kytek. WolfFlame moves to PaleMoon's side, ** here Petal, let me help ** Kytek locksends ** If, if I ever meet them, Eren. They will not live. ** You locksend ** No elf must kill another... ** to Kytek. PaleMoon reaches up a hand to rub at her temple, then looks up bleary eyed. Rigar chuckles softly "Easy now.. come.." Kytek locksends ** I know Eren.. But an elf has been known to have accidents. ** WolfFlame smiles softly and holds out an arm for support Rigar holds out his arms for PaleMoon. Ktai stirs, moving slightly, groaning. PaleMoon blinks, looking down at hearing Ktai...she smiles softly, though she still seems distracted as she is supported by both elves. You sense in a locksend, Rigar's send is soft and warm, touched with his healing magic ** Ktai? ** PaleMoon locksends ** ** You locksend ** ** to Rigar. You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. WolfFlame looks back to Ktai and relief flashes in her eyes, "We should get her to safety in the Palace...suppose the glider returns..." Rigar's thin fingers lightly press to PaleMoon's temples, the soft glow returning "How I wish I could have someone there to heal -me- afterwards at times" PaleMoon locksends ** *Time to wake up, my friend.* ** You locksend ** ** to PaleMoon. PaleMoon's eyelids flutter open as she takes a deep cleansing breath...her lips form into a smile as she turns to look at Rigar. PaleMoon locksends ** *Open your eyes...come...see. You're all better now.* ** WolfFlame lets go of Palemoon and kneels again by Ktai Youngblood climbs up the trail from the pass to the east. Youngblood wanders down the mountain trail and grins towards his sister. Rigar smiles, nodding to Palemoon, his fingers slipping from the sides of her head as he rises. PaleMoon is kneeling beside Ktai, Rigar next to her and Wolfflame tending to Ktai. Ktai stirs now, opening her eyes, and after a moment, focusing. Rigar smiles now to Ktai "How do you feel my friend?" WolfFlame smiles softly to Ktai, "You had us scared there for a while" PaleMoon hasn't noticed her brothers arrival as she watches Ktai. Ktai's first words are whispered. "What... happened?" You locksend ** ** to Kytek. Youngblood hugs Palemoon from behind, grinning. Rigar says "The one called Sar.. from what I hear." PaleMoon raises both brows, then catches her brothers scent and smiles, reaching up a hand to touch his face. WolfFlame shakes her head slowly, "It's does not matter right now..what does matter is you're alright, and safe...We need to get you back into the Palace where it is even safer though" Kytek locksends ** Eren, you will be alright.. won't you? ** You locksend ** I... ** to Kytek. PaleMoon stands, a bit steady on her feet as she says, "Brother, can you help get Ktai back to the palace? Ktai tries to sit. "No... I can walk..." Rigar offers his hand to Ktai "At least allow me to help" Ktai nods quietly. WolfFlame brushes herself off slightly, and after looking up again to the sky says, "We really should hurry off...there is no telling when they will return" You locksend ** Yes... ** to Kytek. Rigar's fingers move to take Ktai's hand "Come my friend" Kytek locksends ** Thank the High Ones. ** Ktai nods slowly, noticing that her head spins. You locksend ** ** to Kytek. Kytek locksends ** Come to the Underworld, Eren. Please? ** You locksend ** I... cannot... ** to Kytek. Maybe nobody but you sees or notices the glow and the healing warmth that flows through you from his hand.. helping to clear your head Rigar turns to make his way to the palace Kytek locksends ** Eren, please. Let me look after you. ** PaleMoon straightens, brushing the hair from her eyes as she says, "You will feel better once we return to the palace, Ktai. Ktai stands, faltering slightly, following Rigar on foot. She smiles faintly at the send. WolfFlame head back towards the Palace, looking back occationally to be sure everyone is alright You locksend ** I... cannot leave... ** to Kytek. Rigar moves off down the trail into the pass to the east. You descend the trail into the pass. Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains(#356RJ) Rigar(#4594PJOXce) Adi Zirek(#10641PJXc) Silverfox(#6153PJXc) Talon fire Darksky's tent Lasaar's tent(#7510Je) Hadeshorn Humbugger(#9936Jaop) Silvie's tent(#8012JLe) Palace(#500Jae) Mountains Northwest South Rigar wanders down into the pass with the contingent WolfFlame comes down the trail from the peaks to the west. PaleMoon comes down the trail from the peaks to the west. Kytek locksends ** Cannot? Or will not? ** Zirek sees Ktai and bolts behind a rock. Ktai follows slowly behind Rigar. Silverfox looks up as people come down the path. WolfFlame frowns at the sight of Zirek and move in front of Ktai protectively You locksend ** I... lost my magic time ago... you know that. Zirek. ** to Kytek. Adi glances at Ktai, "You gonna be okay?" Zirek gets up and RUNS away. Ktai has seen Zirek, and she draws to an uncertain halt. PaleMoon looks at Zirek. WolfFlame nods to Palemoon, ** That's what I was told ** Youngblood comes down the trail from the peaks to the west. Zirek races over to a spot, whistles for Talon, and makes good his escape. Silverfox blinks at Zirek runs away. Zirek moves onto Talon's back. Rigar stops with Ktai, watching the scene Kytek locksends ** What? Eren? What's happening?! ** Adi curses loudly at Zirek's departure. You locksend ** He... is running from me... ** to Kytek. Kytek locksends ** Do not fallow. Leave him be. It might be a trap! ** Ktai looks to the Palace, and moves slightly towards it. Youngblood slides his arm around Palemoon's. WolfFlame glances up at the bird and rider and shakes her head PaleMoon keeps close to Ktai, just in case. Adi walks over to Ktai, an almost apologetic expression replacing her scowl. "Ktai... Sorry about what the desert bra.. err.. Zirek did. Sar's mucked with him, I don't know how or even why but he'd never would've pulled something like that back North. His ma and the other elders would skin him." Rigar guides Ktai towards the palace, keeping a sharp eye on the bird Ktai shakes her head, mute. Perhaps she doesn't understand all of it. Kytek locksends ** Eren? You're alright? ** You locksend ** I... think so... ** to Kytek. Adi sighs uncertain as to anything else to say, "He's never done anything like that before... never." Kytek locksends ** Eren, please come to the Underworld! ** Ktai raises a hand to her head, gingerly touching the back at the base of her skull. WolfFlame just shakes her head, "It's what happens when an elf is corrupted by that mountain.." You locksend ** I... cannot... ** to Kytek. Rigar draws his arm around Ktai's waist "Come my friend" Kytek locksends ** Why not? Afraid? I hope not. ** Youngblood blinks, 'Corrupted by the mountain?" You locksend ** I... cannot leave... my magic would be gone... ** to Kytek. PaleMoon listens quietly. Ktai nods to Rigar. WolfFlame nods absently, then shrugs, "Then again, some of my best friends live there...but still...it can corrupt" Kytek locksends ** I.. I will protect you. ** You locksend ** I... can't leave... not for any extended periods of time... if I did... it would be a week... maybe two... ** to Kytek. Rigar moves off with Ktai Rigar approaches the huge stone structure. Kytek locksends ** Then what? ** Palace(#500Jae) Rigar(#4594PJOXce) Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Rigar steps through the doorway into the Palace. Rigar moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. You locksend ** I will have to go back... ** to Kytek. Kytek locksends ** Then.. we shall never see each other again. ** You locksend ** You... could come here... again.... ** to Kytek. You step through the doorway into... Entry Hall(#8823RAF) Youngblood PaleMoon(#2230PIJXce) Rigar(#4594PJOXce) Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) WolfFlame steps in from outside. WolfFlame moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Ktai moves in with Rigar, walking slowly. WolfFlame sits down on a step and runs her fingers lovingly over the stone beneath Rigar looks to Ktai "Where do you wish to be placed my dear friend?" Ktai shakes her head. ** Here... is good... ** Ktai blinks. She hadn't meant to send. It just... happened. Kytek locksends ** I.. I don't know if I should.. ** You locksend ** ** to Kytek. Rigar nods, smiling a bit, letting Ktai down and making certain she is comfortable Ktai sits, leaning against the wall of the Palace, fingers gingerly touching her head. Rigar kneels with Ktai "Your head still aches?" Ktai frowns as if unsure. Kytek locksends ** Take care, Eren. ** Rigar looks off, the air tingling around him as he sends. You locksend ** ** to Kytek. [And in the meantime, as Rayek broods over Sar's attack, scouting to make sure Sar has indeed left, and broods further over the arrival of Vale...] Ktai locksends ** ** You descend the trail into the pass. Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains(#356RJ) 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. The starry outlines of the Human Hunter begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the cool autumn skies. Contents: Adi Silverfox(#6153PJXc) Talon OOC SIGN: Palace visitors, please read me! fire Darksky's tent Lasaar's tent(#7510Je) Hadeshorn Humbugger(#9936Jaop) Silvie's tent(#8012JLe) Palace(#500Jae) Obvious exits: Mountains Northwest South Rayek comes walking down out of the surrounding hills, frowning to himself as though perhaps he is disturbed by the mere fact that he isn't floating. His amber gaze is on the Palace; he seems to barely notice the extensive collection of campsites in the place's general vicinity. Rigar locksends ** Rayek.. Ktai needs you.. ** Rayek, moving as though in a dream, walks towards the Palace's doors. Palace(#500Jae) You see before you a tall stone structure, taller by far than any elf or human or troll. There is something odd about its appearance -- it almost seems to blend in with its surroundings, at least if you are not close to it. But the closer you get, the more it seems to *tug* at you, and show to you its battered towers and spires. The nearest wall sports a long, winding ripple that might once have been a mighty crack, and the nearest visible entryway, a doorway at least as tall as two elves, sports a pair of heavy, ornate doors. Obvious exits: Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Some distance away, Silverfox looks up as she sees the elusive 'brownskin' but doesn't say anything, he looks troubled enough. You step through the doorway into... Entry Hall(#8823RAF) High-ceilinged, airy, this chamber widens out from the doorway that serves as its entrance from outside to an expansive room, filled with little more than strangely ornate walls and the occasional column, rising up to the ceiling far overhead. Closer inspection of the walls reveals patterns shaped into their surfaces, sometimes of wings, or flowers, or the lithe forms of elves -- and sometimes of images that defy description. The air is full of a subliminal shimmer that plays at the edge of elfin senses, a tingle that feels welcoming even in its eldritch oddness. Among the fanciful shapings in this wide chamber can be viewed a 'black spiral' of rock resting on a low column. A long winding stairway twines its way up out of this chamber and into the upper heights of this place; you might be able to find other ways out of here, but the only other exit in immediate sight is the archway and doors that lead outside. Contents: WolfFlame Ktai Youngblood Rigar(#4594PJOXce) Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Rayek appears after a time at the great doorway, expression troubled. His tread on the crystalline floor makes scarcely a sound. Rigar smiles faintly, kneeling with Ktai against the wall of the Palace, he rises as he sees Rayek. WolfFlame looks up as Rayek appears and smiles Ktai leans against the wall of the Palace, her eyes closed in a sort of frown. Rayek says gruffly, "She is... healed?" Rigar nods "She is.." Rigar looks to her "I believe so at least.." WolfFlame nods Rayek approaches the others but not without a slight flick of his yellow regard to either side, as though checking the Palace's hall for signs of others present. When he reaches where Ktai reposes, he kneels, studying her anxiously. Ktai remains still, her eyes closed in that half-frown. Rigar watches the two, a pensive look on his face Rayek says at last, "You are the healer, not I... she needs rest, I assume?" Ktai opens her eyes slowly. That voice... it is as welcome to her as the Spring breeze. Rigar nods "I think it should do her well.. though I think it is you she requires moreso" Rigar says "Your company has a healing power with her I could never posess" Ktai blinks once or twice, turning her head along the wall slowly to look for Rayek. A soft smile touches her lips when she sees he is so close. Rayek blinks up at Rigar, bemusedly, then down at the tall floater. "Are you well?" he asks, the gruff edge still softening his voice. Ktai pauses before answering, as if not everything has fallen into place. ** I... think so... ** Again, she sends without thinking. Rigar smiles, watching the two of you. Rayek nods, slowly, still looking unchararistically unsettled. He reaches for Ktai's hand with his own brown ones, and suggests huskily, "Rest. You're safe, and none in the Palace will allow you to come to harm again." Ktai nods slowly, her eyes watching him. Rigar nods "Indeed.. my spears are yours Rayek.. if you wish my aid" Ktai locksends ** What.... happened? ** Rigar says "I may be a healer.. but I was a hunter first.." Rayek, perhaps taken aback by Rigar's forthright offer of assistance, stares at him perplexedly for the briefest of instants; then, perhaps hastily regaining his usual surety, the airwalker nods, once. Then his gaze returns to Ktai, and flickers, concerned. You locksend ** You do not remember? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I... remember Sar approaching... as I was cleaning my kill... there was a - discussion... and then pain and blackness... ** Ktai's hand strays back up to the back of her head. Rigar arches a brow "Hmm?" Rigar nods "Perhaps we should get her to bed.. to rest" Silverfox steps in from outside. Silverfox moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Silverfox has arrived. Silverfox slips in, and stands just inside. Rayek sighs, then looks up to Rigar and nods. "My... chamber," he says, slightly distracted. "If none have been using it, while I have been away...." Rigar nods "It has been kept free to my knowledge" Ktai's fingers reach to her temple now, gingerly exploring the pink skin there. Relievedly, perhaps -- it is difficult to say exactly, for so seldom is Rayek's face so oddly open of expression that to tell what emotions he's broadcasting is a chancy proposition at best -- Rayek nods to Rigar, then lingers where he kneels by Ktai. Her other hand remaining draped in his, he waits, then offers, "A place to rest, Ktai?" Ktai blinks quietly to Rayek, then she nods. Ktai locksends ** Will... you stay close...? ** Rigar smiles faintly, kneeling to help if needed. Rayek's eyes turn gentle, all at once, resting on Ktai's face. You locksend ** I will remain with you. ** to Ktai. Ktai smiles faintly. Ktai locksends ** Thank you... my beloved... ** Only now does Ktai show signs of exhaustion, and other strain, her eyes slipping closed, then reopening, and a tightening about her lips as she touches her temple. With that, his features still softened, Rayek leans in to loop an arm about Ktai's fragile form. He glows, and the glow wraps lightly about her, buoying her up so that both Rayek and Rigar can better lift her. With the healer's aid, Rayek guides the wounded one off through the shining corridors. Side Corridor(#6192RFL) This is one of the smaller corridors through the Palace, and gives less of a feeling of airy, open space than the larger passageways do. The damage that the Palace suffered is no longer in evidence here; translucent walls and columns once again swoop smoothly and gracefully to a delicately arched ceiling. Obvious exits: Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Rigar has arrived. Rayek's Chamber(#7481RAFL) Smaller than many of the other chambers of the Palace of the High Ones, this quiet nook is the place Rayek has appropriated for what passes as his rest. Like the rest of the Palace, it is a room of oddly rippling walls and ceiling and floor, a room where a flicker out of the corner of your eye might be a shadow -- or perhaps a lingering spirit. Ekuar's deft and ancient touch is everywhere you look, in softly smoothed stone and gently curving walls. Shaped torch-holders bathe the chamber with a warm glow when the tapers are lit. The old rockshaper has crafted this place to be restful for the spirit, radiating the care he feels for his Brownskin. Obvious exits: Corridor Out in the corridor, Ktai has arrived. Out in the corridor, Ktai has left. Ktai has arrived. Out in the corridor, Rigar has left. Rigar has arrived. Ktai sinks into a fur, weakly now, curling up against herself. Her eyes search for Rayek's. Ktai locksends ** Don't leave me... please... ** Rigar helps Rayek get Ktai to the furs, he smiles softly to her, and then to the noble master of the Palace "Rayek.. if I can help in any way.. send to me and I will come.." You locksend ** I will be here, in mind and body. Rest, dear one. ** to Ktai. Rayek, again, gives Rigar that strangely bemused look, as though startled to hear cordial tones coming out of the healer. "My... thanks," he manages after a beat. "I will." With that, he settles down beside Ktai, to remain in vigil over her. [End log.]