Log Date: 11/19, 11/20/96 Log Cast: Youngblood, Neela, Ktai, Rayek, Tilia, Bricchana, Ember Log Intro: The atmosphere in the Palace has continued to be a tense one. Rayek has grimly turned the problem of Winnowill -- and her last attempt on him and Ktai -- over and over in his head; it has warred with his own worries about his lack of Purpose in the Palace, and has soured his mood anew. In this frame of mind, he is primed to react badly to any new visitors in the Palace, especially any from Blue Mountain.... ---------- Youngblood glances up at Ktai and smiles Neela nods to both of the elves, quietly. Neela locksends ** Greetings, once again. ** to Ktai. Ktai steps in quietly, breath hissing inwards as she draws back into the archway. Ktai locksends ** Beloved... another has come. Neela... of the Mountain. ** to Rayek. Ktai locksends ** Greetings. ** to Neela. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek's answering sending pinpoints him in the Scroll Chamber. He asks, grimly, ** Does this one seek to bring you back to the Mountain? ** Neela locksends ** You have little to fear of me.. I do not come in malice. ** to Ktai. Ktai sends once, then again, as she steps again fully into the room. Youngblood sends openly ** How do you fare today, Ktai? ** Ktai locksends ** He sends that he does not come in malice... but I have seen him be quite mad at times, and not know his own mind. ** Ktai blinks, opens her mouth, yet seems to startle herself as she sends without intending. ** I am much better without Sar and Winnowill trying to pick my brains. ** You locksend to Ktai, Rayek sends back a tendril of displeasure, and of the vivid memory of Sar. ** I come. ** You make your way down the staircase. 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: Ktai Youngblood Neela Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Rayek floats down the stairs, eyes slightly narrowed, dark face alert. Neela looks at you for a moment. Neela nods politely to Rayek, ** Greetings. ** Ktai almost instinctively moves to Rayek's side, leaving the ground only if need be. Neela raises a brow very slightly as he watches Ktai. Rayek hovers when he comes within ready earshot, his slim figure glittering golden. "Shade and sweet water," he replies, coolly. "Ktai sent that you had come. You are...?" Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela sends very softly, yet strongly. His send warm and pleasant, in no means obtrusive, ** I see your liking of the mountain has decreased even more since our first and only meeting. ** Youngblood nods towards Rayek silently. Neela looks to Rayek, then to Youngblood, not quite sure who he is speaking to. Ktai looks to Rayek for a moment, then turns to face the others. Neela places a slender hand upon his chest, bowing slightly, ** If it is I that you refer to, I am Neela of Blue Mountain. ** Ktai locksends ** It is no longer part of me, Neela. ** to Neela. To Ktai, Neela locksends ** It may be a part of you.. just not at this moment, Ktai. ** Ktai's send comes openly, and probably a touch sharper than she had intended. ** The Mountain is nothing more to me than a large hollow rock that will eventually fall in upon itself and all the evil therein, Neela. ** Ktai belatedly claps her hand to her mouth, a futile gesture indeed. Neela smiles slightly and nods, ** That it _is_, Ktai. That is not what it could be, though such a discussion is one for a more casual gathering, I would say. ** Rayek, who is quite plainly looking at the visiting Glider and not at Youngblood, gives a thin, one-sided smile at the introduction. He gives a single curt nod, then lands. ** You are welcome if you are peaceful; if you are, walk the Palace as you will, but do not profane its halls with blows of magic, mind, or body. If you are not peaceful, I for one have nothing to say to you. ** Neela smiles most politely to Rayek, with a slight sweep of his hands, ** I have no reason for anything but peaceful intentions here. ** Ktai's voice finally makes itself heard, as the words fall from bitter lips. "I wish nothing more to do with that High One-forsaken place." At that, she steps closer to Rayek. Neela nods and sighs softly, ** That is a shame, Ktai, for I would like to one day see all those who have fled Winnowill and her mountain, one day able to once again walk through the stony walls that were once their homes, even if it were for but a visit. ** Ktai locksends ** I cannot. ** to Neela. Neela locksends ** why can you not? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I made a promise, Neela. ** to Neela. Neela's attention seems to be lying on Ktai for the most part. He looks to Rayek, ** I have my own personal reasons for being here, but in truth Winnowill did send me on 'official' errand in her name. ** Neela locksends ** a promise to who? For I may be able to help you, if I can and if you let me. ** to Ktai. Ktai studies the wall opposite her. Ktai locksends ** A promise to one who was once my daughter. ** to Neela. Rayek crosses his arms along his chest, and says, still quite coolly, "And that would be?" Youngblood observes silently, sitting near his tent. Neela takes in a deep breath, ** I was sent here with two agendas for Winnowill. The first is to send Sar back to the mountain for his delay has become unacceptibly long. I obviously cannot do this, considering that Sar returned to Blue Mountain very shortly after I left. ** Neela smiles slightly, ** This technicality is merely that, a technicality which I would not have allowed as an obstruction to me actually seeing the Palace myself. ** Ktai eases only slightly, stepping lightly away from Rayek to near the corridor archway. As usual, her small leather bag rises easily to her hands. Neela takes a few steps, obviously more of a pace than an approach, "The second agenda has much more nefarious undertones, I am afraid." Ktai looks uneasily to Rayek before resting untrusting eyes on Neela. Ktai locksends ** ** to Rayek. Rayek smirks. "Sar can take a leap off the nearest peak so far as I am concerned, and if he'd like, I'll be more than happy to assist him. What more from Winnowill, then?" His brown arms cross along his chest, and he stands there on the stairs now, carriage wary. "If she's sent you for an apology, you may tell her I'm not interested. She has caused enough havoc with me, and with Ktai. Ktai will not return to the Mountain, and I do not want Winnowill. You may tell her both these things, if you wish." Ktai closes her eyes. From what, it is uncertain. Neela chuckles, "I 'wish' to tell her nothing. Though in some aspect you know her well. She sent me to try to charm and woe you and Ktai back into her grace. Well.. in order to tell her that I did try... I must. Rayek.. Ktai.. forget any foolish thoughts you have of Winnowill... she seeks only the good of all and holds your best interest at heart. Okay.. enough of that... I fear that I could stomach it less than you." Neela blinks slightly, "pardon me." Ktai pales quite white under the tan, and swallows. Rayek's cold expression does not waver. "Your point?" Neela walks over to sit by the wall. He takes several deep breaths, before his face pales greatly and his eyes seem to see into a void beyond this one. Ktai's eyes open to seem black orbs in the sun-darkened face, her whisper low. "She sends after yet again." Amber gaze tracking the Glider visitor's movements, Rayek shifts his dark head, waiting expectantly. Eren soulsends ** How can I ever hope to fight her? Her resources are many... and I am but one. A tired one... ** You locksend ** You are not without your own resources, either. ** to Ktai. Ktai's gaze goes to Rayek for a moment before falling to gaze to the floor. Neela closes his eyes for a few seconds, before blinking. Though he seems better, his color is still faded. Neela floats up a standing position, ** My point is... Rayek. That will I share no love for you, neither do I for she who would call herself Lord of Blue Mountain. ** Rayek yet again smirks. "That describes three quarters of the elves of this world, Glider." Ktai's shocked eyes come to narrow on Neela. Neela smirks, ** Yes, but three quarters of the elves of this world, lack the passion in which I feel for her, and I do not refer to any simple carnal desire for her. ** "I still fail," replies the brown-skinned elf, "to see your point. Or your purpose." Neela places his hand on his forehead, then removes it. ** I came here in order to seek the guidance of the wisdom of the High Ones, hoping that you could help me seek their council on something most important. ** Ktai's send is cool and bordering on faked boredom. ** He's mad. Again. She was right at least, in that. ** Neela looks at Ktai, ** Am I? And which she are you referring to? ** Winnowill locksends ** /Was she eavesdropping?/ Mad, Ktai? You have no rights at all to say such a thing of another Glider. Especially one who cares so deeply for your daughter. ** to Ktai. Rayek rolls his shoulders slightly in a shrug. "The spirits of the High Ones," he says, eyes narrowing a bit again, "are here to be sent to by anyone. They simply Are, and you do not need me or anyone else to feel their Presence." Ktai quite suddenly drops the leather bag. Eren soulsends ** ** Neela looks at Rayek, ** That is indeed true, but the Scroll of Colors are another matter all together. I am not so foolish to think that anyone who can will them to move would automatically know how to command them to work. You do. ** Rayek goes on, "Your tribe likes to make a point of how they are the High Ones' heirs; Azeure came here, once, seeking the spirit of Voll. What aid do you need" -- and his tone turns sardonic -- "from one farther removed in time from our forebears?" As Neela goes on, Rayek looks utterly unsurprised. "And what counsel do you think I could summon you in the Scroll?" Ktai frowns, bringing the bag back to her hands with a thought, winding one part of the lacings about her hand. Neela smirks, ** Your arrogance matches that of a glider, at least that much is true of what I have heard. It is not a matter of my tribe, but many individuals of my tribe. I know that I am no more the heir of the High Ones than you are, obviously less in fact. As for Azeure, he is a fool and puppet of Winnowill, though he doesn't see her strings. ** Winnowill locksends ** Dear Ktai... you can try to ignore me, but we both know better, don't we now? I do, after all, have Kaia... and I think we both know that you wouldn't wish anything ill to come of one so lovely. ** to Ktai. Rayek waits, calmly, lean mouth still set in a sardonic smile, for his question to be answered. Neela lands, ** I wish to see if the Scrolls tell of how one such as Winnowill might be beaten. To see if any as she ever existed, and if so, how they were bested. ** Ktai locksends ** Does she lie? Does she have Kaia? Does she?!!!? ** to Neela. Ktai closes her eyes, holding the bag tightly. Neela locksends ** Winnowill has Alorn and Azeure, through that she has Kaia... Even after their return from here, she plotted with me against the black viper. ** to Ktai. Rayek replies unflinchingly, "I can already tell you the answer to that; the closest there has ever been was Tash, once of the Cat Elves, slain by the Wolfrider Strongbow. His spirit now rests in these halls." Ktai locksends ** ** to Winnowill. Neela sends openly ** Tash is the closest there has ever been to Winnowill. There is no mention of before they came here? ** Ktai locksends ** She will turn on you. Winnowill has won that much. I can no longer feel Kaia as I once could. ** to Neela. Neela locksends ** She will not turn upon love, Ktai... not in the end. ** Ktai decides to sit. There's nothing more she can do, save give in. Winnowill locksends ** Shall I have her send to prove it? Would you like that? To hear the send of one who denies you so deeply as to turn completely from you? ** to Ktai. Eren soulsends ** ** Neela floats down to the floor. He watches the two elves, silently. Ktai locksends ** What do you want, Winnowill? Do you want me to say to you that you have won? ** to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** No. I want both you and Rayek in the Mountain. ** to Ktai. Rayek frowns at Ktai, briefly, and then steps to her, sending to Neela over his shoulder, ** You overestimate my magics, Glider, if you think I have been able to absorb the entire history of the High Ones' birth-world. But I can tell you this. There has never been one so twisted as Winnowill, in any of the stories the Scrolls have been able to show me. ** Rayek, with that, studies Ktai narrowly. You locksend ** Eren? ** to Ktai. Eren soulsends ** I am... here. ** Neela locksends ** I do not overestimate your magics, Rayek... not in the least... but seeing that Winnowill has tried to keep me and others ignorant about the truth.. I have no basis to set any knowledge I may have. ** Neela locksends ** Are you alright? ** to Ktai. Without opening her eyes, Ktai reaches into her bag, pulling out a palm-sized blue crystalline rock: the last item in her belongings to ever tie her to the Mountain. Oddly shaped, it seems to almost carry the lines of an elfin child's hand. She opens her eyes to look at it, and only it. Ktai locksends ** I am... here. ** to Neela. Eren soulsends ** ** You locksend to Neela, Rayek, clearly distracted by something, sends only acknowledgement that he heard you. Rayek kneels before Ktai, scowling, lifting a hand to her shoulder. Neela locksends ** Can I help? ** Kaia soulsends ** My Lord bade me send. Do you and your desert-born lover fare the fates of all who live Outside? ** to Ktai. Ktai winces from a send, dropping the stone, her jaw falling open, eyes going wide in shock. Rayek scowls, kneeling before Ktai, reaching a hand for her shoulder. Behind the scowl, his golden gaze holds alarm and concern, and he sends, urgently, ** Ktai! ** Ktai is stunned into silence, something totally unusual for her. She gives no indication of having heard Rayek's send, nor even having felt his touch. Her eyes remain wide and glassily shocked. Rayek locksends ** Eren. _Eren_! ** Neela floats over to Ktai's side. He closes his eyes as if he were concentrating, "let me." Ktai locksends ** Daughter... ** to Eveshka. Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela's sending wraps around you, through your mind and body, ** Ktai ** he demands, ** listen to me... ** Eveshka locksends ** I am not Daughter to you. My blood is Glider's, not that of the desert-born. I am no more Daughter to you than you are mate to that dark-skinned toy. ** to Ktai. Ktai sways now, faltering, hr eyes reflecting pain. Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela sends a flood of cool, soothing thoughts of fields of flowers, the soft feel of rain on hot skin, ** ** Rayek flashes Neela an irritated amber glare, clearly close to lashing out at the Glider's approach, but most of his attention rests, yet, with Ktai. Both his brown hands on her shoulders now, he shakes her once, lightly, but sends again: ** Ktai, please, what happened? ** Ktai reacts now, pain clear in her send. ** Winnowill... Kaia... ** Neela shushes Ktai softly, ** I am trying to stop it, dear friend. ** Rayek scowls briefly at Neela, then abruptly closes his eyes. Ktai curls into Rayek's embrace, trying to shut it all out. Rayek wraps his arms around Ktai, pressing his cheek against her dark hair. Ktai's voice is quiet. "I ... never could shield... from her... comes from listening for her for so long... " Still, she doesn't move. Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela continues to softly carressing your mind with his sends. Ktai locksends ** ** to Neela. Ktai senses in a locksend, Rayek wraps his mind about yours as well as his arms, offering shielding, and peace, and protection. Ktai locksends ** ** to Rayek. Ktai shivers slightly. Tilia comes down the stairs from above. As Tilia comes down the stairs, she might spy Rayek kneeling near one of the crystalline walls, his arms wrapped about a shivering Ktai; a tall stranger, Glider no doubt from the look of him, hovers nearby. Tilia pauses shortly at the base of the stairs and sighs. Rayek locksends ** Eren. Please. Tell me. ** to Ktai. Neela raises an eyebrow slightly. Ktai soulsends ** My Lord bade me send. Do you and your desert-born lover fare the fates of all who live Outside? **> ** to Rayek. Rayek draws in a slight breath. One dark hand smooths Ktai's hair, and he releases the breath he'd taken in on a sigh. His eyes open, and he spies Tilia, but stays where he kneels, and stays holding and soothing Ktai in his arms. Tilia says "Don't you gliders ever give up." Tilia espies a Neela a-floating in the air, la ti diddly day. Neela looks up, floating to and standing position, ** Give up in what? There are many things that I am willing to surrender to.. and some that I am not. ** Tilia says "Don't you ever give up in making people miserable." Rayek locksends ** ** to Ktai. Rayek puts in, over his shoulder, "This one did not cause Ktai's grief this time, Tilia; it was Winnowill." His words come out low, slightly gruff. "I'll grant him that." Neela smiles slightly, ** I don't make it a habit of spreading misery.. in fact, if I could.. I would put an end to a very large source of it. ** Eren soulsends ** ** to Rayek. Tilia glances at Rayek and Ktai, but says in a continuing tone of disapproval, "This is going to help?" Neela looks at the small figure at the base of the stairs, ** Pardon me.. have I wronged you somehow beyond my knowledge? ** Tilia says "Any harm within the Palace is wrong." Ktai does manage to weakly and guardedly send: ** It wasn't Neela... ** Neela speaks, his voice soft from its little use, "And I have done no harm within the Palace.. " Tilia glances at Ktai again, then to Neela. "Oh." Hm, but he's obviously a glider .... Neela looks to Ktai, ** Better? ** Ktai nods once faintly, then again to make certain she can. Neela lands softly, looking at Tilia, as he crosses his arms before him, "Well if the judge has found me not guilty, then may I have the honor of your name?" Tilia says "My name is Tilia, and I'm not a judge, whatever it is." Neela says "One who makes decision.. generally by a chief or Lord.. or whatever title one would give themselves... Well met then Tilia... I am Neela." Tilia says "Any decision is a judge?" Ktai remains tucked in Rayek's arms, eyes closed and mind dapmened. Neela says "Generally only when it involves the state of someone for something that they did... and a judge is the person making the decision or judgement..." Tilia says "This is a glider concept?" Rayek glances across Ktai's dark head at the two conversing elves, quiet now, simply holding Ktai and occasionally stroking her hair. Neela shrugs slightly, "I wouldn't necessarily call it a glider concept.. but it is used more by gliders than any other tribe that I have heard of.. the few that I have... have you not ever heard of someone being a good or poor 'judge' of character?" Tilia says "No." Neela smirks, "With Rayek there... and his quick judgements.. I can see why." Tilia glances to Rayek and Ktai again, but says, "Rayek isn't your concern." Neela smiles slightly to Tilia, "We, gliders, like to use lots of words.. It makes some feel superior, at least in their own delusions..." From Ktai comes a faint, whispery, yet unmistakable snort. "Superior." Tilia looks steady to Neela again. It looks and sounds like a glider, it even talks like a glider, but it's somehow different. How odd. Rayek says sarcastically, "Most of the elves of this world are quick to judge _me_; you'll forgive me if I see fit to return the favor." Neela smiles very politely, trained so, "Then perhaps we can get over each other's impressions of each other and talk sometime." Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela sends softly not to be abrasive to your upset mind, ** I said some.. I do not believe so... You should know that of me at least... even if you do think I am mad. ** Tilia makes a sound and turns to go off. Ktai locksends ** I do not know what to think now, Neela. ** to Neela. Still lightly embracing Ktai, Rayek eyes Neela impassively. "About what should we speak?" Neela turns to Rayek for a moment, "What would you wish to?" Tilia makes her way up the long staircase. Ktai remains held, for now, it is the one thing that comforts her. Neela floats up slightly, unable to resist further, ** I am sure that there is much that we could offer each other. ** Rayek replies, simply, "Such as?" Neela smiles slightly, "I know nothing of you, Rayek.. how could I possibly know what I could offer you that would interest you? I am far from the arrogant fool to think that I could learn nothing from the one who mastered the Palace of the High Ones." His dark face remains stoic, his amber gaze unyielding; evidently, flattery does not impress him. "What makes you think I've mastered it?" Ktai opens her eyes slowly now, looking to Rayek. "Clearly," says Rayek coolly, "Winnowill has failed to inform you that I am no more master of this place than she is. The Palace of the High Ones belongs to all elves; I am only one of its guards, nothing more." Ktai's voice protests softly. "You do more than guard, Rayek..." Neela says "Winnowill likes to keep me in the dark of many things, perhaps wisely so. Very well.. but Ktai is correct, you are more than a guardian.. you know how to use the Palace in ways that the rest do not." Keeping himself steady to allow Ktai to rest against his arm and shoulder, Rayek doesn't bat a single black eyelash at her interjection. "And you wish me either to teach you what knowledge I possess, or else employ it for some purpose of yours?" The words are blunt, but his regard glitters, veiled, like a sheathed dagger. Ktai rests in his arms, fully understanding the cynicism. So, she says nothing for now. Neela raises an eyebrow then smiles widely, "I do realize the power of any knowledge, and would be a fool to pass it by. I would also be a fool not to try to use any edge I could to reach my end, but I suspect you would do the very same, if our roles were reversed." Rayek replies curtly, "You haven't answered my question." Neela pauses, "But I would also like to understand exactly who and what I am.. what we all are better... Perhaps then, if I do defeat Winnowill, I shall not make the same mistakes as she or Voll, for that matter, and the name of Blue Mountain might move out of the shadows of tyranny that she has put us within." Ktai's voice now finds something to say. "We all make mistakes, Neela. We are fallible." Neela nods to Ktai, "but mistakes can be learned from.. even those of others." Neela looks to Rayek, ** Besides.. I wish to know what it is that Winnowill would not have me know. ** Ktai says "But it is harder to remember then when they are not yours... and so easy to repeat..." Neela says "Not when those mistakes have cost everyone so dearly, as Voll's trusting of Winnowill.." Rayek's eyes narrow at the talk of defeating Winnowill, but even at that, he does not look very surprised. "You don't need me to tell you the state of your own inner being." For once, something of what Ktai must have once been flickers in her eyes, then dies. "There was a time... when we all trusted her, Neela." Neela sends openly ** I wouldn't remember that Ktai... ** Neela looks to Rayek, "I was referring to our collective forefathers." Ktai sends quietly. ** I do. By my soul, I wish I didn't. ** Rayek might shrug, if he had a shoulder free for the shrugging; as it stands, he simply stares steadily at the tall Glider. "What would you know that the Great Egg of Blue Mountain does not have within it? You already know, clearly, that we came from Elsewhere; if you ask me to show you the hearts and souls of the High Ones, you again overestimate my ability." Ktai buries herself in Rayek's embrace again, trying not to feel the residual pain, trying not to hear her daughter's voice... Neela shakes his head, ** Nevermind, Rayek... I now see what it is that She sees in you.. Herself.. just without the ambition. ** If he is conscious that he has just been insulted, Rayek apparently does not care. This time he does shrug his free shoulder, and respond with continued coolness, "As you will." With that, he glances down to Ktai. You locksend ** Eren, do you need rest? ** to Ktai. Neela looks at Rayek for a moment, ** You are right.. anyone can speak to the spirits within these halls... I shall do so myself.. Good day, Ktai.. ** He pauses, turning back to Rayek, ** That is unless of course, you wish to take back your previous offer of doing so. ** Eren soulsends ** I... need you... ** Neela makes his way up the long staircase. Neela has left. Ktai senses in a locksend, Neela sends gently, ** If you wish to speak to me, at some point.. I would be more than happy to. ** You locksend ** More coolly, now, Rayek answers, "What, I, an ambitionless Outsider? I'm surprised you even attempted the pretense of asking for my aid. Walk as you will in the Palace's halls; far be it from me to stop you, unless you attempt harm." With that, shortly, he goes silent. ** to Neela. Rayek nods once, quietly, and begins to rise, to help Ktai to her feet. Ktai locksends ** Yes... to at least get some word... ** to Neela. Ktai shifts, standing with your aid. Rayek guides you towards his chambers, face set grimly. Rayek's Chamber(#7481RAFJL) 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 left. Ktai has arrived. Neela locksends ** I actually came here seeking your aid. I thought if anyone would have reason enough to wish to help Winnowill it would be you. As long as she is Lord.. neither you nor Ktai will know peace.. you know that as well as I... not only that, but I had indeed overestimated you, for I thought you better than you are, my folly. It is hard to overcome one's pride and ask for help, but I am sure you are painfully aware of that, aren't you? ** Ktai moves slowly, and leans against you somewhat. Along the way, her send touches you. ** I'm sorry... ** Once in his chamber, Rayek helps you to lie down, sitting himself down beside you. He neither speaks nor sends, though when he can, he continues to stroke your hair with whichever hand he has free. ** You have no reason to apologize to me, dear one. ** The sending, like his expression, is grim. Ktai sends openly ** I... just seem to be so much a burden to you... ** Ktai looks to you, her dark eyes searching yours, looking for something, anything, she doesn't know what. You locksend ** You speak of defeating Winnowill and making yourself Lord in one breath, and of helping her in another? Get your story straight, Glider. ** to Neela. Only here, in this room, away from other observing eyes, can Rayek allow a glimmer of what may well be old pain to be seen behind the starkness of his gaze. His carriage is still stiff, though his touch is tender, as he brushes his fingertips through your hair. She Offers what she has: her love. Neela locksends ** It is true that I wish her removed from the throne.. but I do not wish her dead... Savah and I agree on that much.. of which she sends her greetings... it is the same story, Sun folk. ** You locksend ** I fail to see how removing her from power qualifies as 'help'. Nor do I see how any actions of mine could provide her aid. Leetah has already healed her mind; it is not broken. I was there when it occurred. ** to Neela. Rayek draws you up wordlessly into his arms again. Ktai gives herself to the embrace, lowering all of the walls that protect her, knowing she is safe with you. Neela locksends ** Leetah couldn't heal her mind if she did not wish it to be.. I have listen to her laugh about that incident... Her empowerment feeds her.. take it away and she no longer has what turned her into the shadow that she is now. ** You locksend ** And what help do you think I could give her, then, if she does not wish my unambitious, Outsiderly 'aid'? ** to Neela. Neela locksends ** Who said that she does not wish your aid... Must I repeat myself by stating again that I was sent her to try to woe you to her. ** Neela locksends ** The help you could offer her.. would be in helping her from the throne... ** You locksend to Neela, Rayek mentally snorts. ** Then you ask me to be treacherous? ** Neela locksends ** I ask nothing of you. Besides, I was not aware that you had given your loyalty to her anway. ** You locksend ** Ah. Yes, that's right, I am an unambitious, inferior Outsider; how could I have forgotten? Far be it from me to take up any more of your time. May your stay in the Palace be of more use than Azeure's was to him. ** to Neela. [As Rayek lies there grumbling to himself over the Glider visitor, he hears another sending from the outer chambers of the Palace: a simple hello, and a questing to see if anyone is there. It is a sending Rayek doesn't know, and it alerts him anew....] Rayek, still scowling faintly, raises his head at the open -- and unknown -- sending. Another one? His head turns, towards the source of the call. Ktai looks to you, walls still down. Rayek mutters, grimly, "Another stranger..." Ktai's send is soft. ** Oh. ** Rayek closes his eyes, briefly, scowling to himself. You locksend ** The Palace is open, stranger, for any elf to walk its halls so long as harm is not caused. ** to Bricchana. Ktai waits, in your arms, her walls banished to the back of beyond for now. Rayek turns back to you without comment, just holding you, his face and form tense. Ktai breaks the silence. ** Rayek... what is wrong? ** Her love fills the send gently, a soft touch from an almost shy source. Rayek murmurs, very tiredly, "Ktai... I am... weary of all this..." He trails off, eyes still closed. Bricchana locksends ** Greetings. I am Bricchana of the Underworld. I and my son Graukinder have come to stay for a short time. We mean no harm at all. ** Ktai holds you gently. ** Then let us go from here... for a while. Perhaps to Sorrow's End? Savah would be ever glad to see you... and her counsel might aid us both. ** Ktai continues softly, unbreaking. ** And Ekuar will come, of course... it wouldn't do to leave him here... ** You locksend ** Good, ** to Bricchana. Ktai concludes with a gentle touch. ** The Palace has been without you before. It can manage without you for a fraction of a turn. ** Bleakly, he whispers, "I am beginning to think it will not help..." Ktai's dark eyes look to yours. ** Rayek... will you let me love you? ** Bricchana locksends ** May I ask who you are? And where everyone is? ** You locksend ** Rayek, once of Sorrow's End. As to where everyone is... What handful of elves camp near or in the Palace go and come as they will; I do not keep track of their whereabouts. ** to Bricchana. [Rayek embraces Ktai rather than answer her plaintive plea; they lay there in his furs for a time, Ktai striving to rest, and Rayek tense and worried. Eventually, however, Neela answers his last sending....] You sense in a locksend, Neela sends in response, ** You know if you are going to use my words as weapons against me, at least have the decency to try to listen to what I say. I said that you lack her ambition, and I never called you inferior, nor did I call you outsider. ** Neela locksends ** Very well.. I'm the ignorant fool. I am your lesser. Is that what you wished to hear, Rayek? I have been fighting with these blasted scrolls for hours now.. how do you command them to work? ** You locksend to Neela, Rayek, if he is listening, does not immediately answer you. But there is a shiver in the air as though, perhaps, that suggests that this harsh-tempered desert-born elf is conscious of your presence -- and of your actions. After a time, with unveiled annoyance, he retorts to you, ** I want neither your flattery nor your insults; I do not deserve the one, and you will tell me nothing I don't already know with the other. I am uninterested in your convoluted hints and implications. If you have something to say to me, say it plainly and have done with it. Otherwise, I see no reason that I should speak with you. ** Neela locksends ** I think me asking you how to operate the scrolls is as plain as it can be said. ** You locksend to Neela, Rayek replies with cool indifference, ** You are a Glider; make them float. Lift and turn them, thus. Azeure did it, when he, too, came here once seeking knowledge to overthrow Winnowill. ** You sense in a locksend, Neela sends to you. Short, yet amazingly sincere from him, ** Thank you. ** You locksend to Neela, Rayek doesn't exactly say 'you're welcome'; there is a glitter that might be the sent equivalent of a wordless grunt. The brown one then sends nothing more. Ktai stirs from the faint rest. Neela locksends ** What exactly is it that you hold against me? Your opinion of me seemed set before you ever laid eyes upon me. ** Rayek has stretched out on the furs beside you, on his belly; his arms are crossed before him, and he has pillowed his chin upon them. His eyes are closed, and the lines of his body tense. Ember locksends ** <> ** to Ktai. Ktai gently places her arm over you, lightly touching her lips to your cheek. You locksend ** I hold no personal grudge against you; I don't know you. ** to Neela. Neela locksends ** then why do you act so harshly and aggressively to someone you do not know? ** [And as Rayek sends to Neela, Ktai converses with Ember...] Ktai locksends ** ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** <> Have you met this Glider? Neela? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Yes. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Do you believe him? Is he free of Her? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I... don't know him that well. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Ah. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** What is Neela doing? ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Trying to use the Scrolls. Talking about war. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** War. Does he never give up in his efforts to overthrow Her? It will kill him. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Everything dies. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Indeed. But Gliders don't die so soon... ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** <> 'Soon', Ktai? How old is he? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I do not know... but he is far younger than I am. I think he was born after my daughter. ** to Ember. Ktai sends gently ** Rayek... do you sleep? ** Ktai senses in a locksend, Ember snorts, rather cheerfully. ** And you call him young. ** Ktai locksends ** And you are even younger... yet you are more the adult. ** ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Am I? I would take down the Black Snake at the cost of my life, were it possible, Ktai. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** As would I, Ember. I grew up in her shadow. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** <> As did my oldest cub. <> Why does that make him more a fool than we? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** He is trying to use my daughter. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** And that makes him a fool...? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Winnowill won't kill him. My daughter just might. ** to Ember. To Ktai, Ember locksends ** Why? ** Ktai locksends ** She loves him. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Ah. ** to Ktai. Ktai watches you quietly, her eyes gentle. She has slept, for once, with her mental walls down. It's left her quiet and reflective. Rayek sends a single acknowledgement, to let you know he's awake. Ktai smiles quietly. ** Did anything I say help? ** Out in the corridor, Youngblood has arrived. Out in the corridor, Youngblood has left. You locksend ** I suggest you restrict your explorations to the Scroll of Colors, Glider. My mind and heart are not for the perusal of strangers. Nor will they help you become Lord of Blue Mountain. ** to Neela. Rayek rolls over, and looks up at you, bleakly. Rayek lifts a hand to your face, and nods, once, silently. Ktai kisses your cheek lightly again. ** I'm glad. ** Neela locksends ** I do not care about your heart, Rayek, as far as I have seen it is just as cold as my own, and your pride just as strong. It is a pity that we could not know each other a friends. But I did not come here to be your friend, but neither did I come here to be your enemy. ** Ktai brushes at some of your hair lightly. ** Have you thought of going to see Savah? ** You locksend ** If you think you can consider calling someone 'friend' without caring about their heart and mind -- if you think you can lead elves with a cold heart, and care nothing for their Selves -- then you have as much to learn as most of the rest of your tribe. ** to Neela. You sense in a locksend, Neela sendsmiles, ** Did I say that I had a cold heart? ** Neela locksends ** I said that from what I said your heart was as cold as mine. If you had such a cold heart, then you wouldn't care so about anything but yourself... You wouldn't have been so concerned for Ktai... ** Neela locksends ** When I said I did not care about your heart, I meant that I did not care for your heart for my persual or to become Lord of Blue Mountain. ** Ktai continues quietly. ** Just think how happy Savah would be to see you. ** Ktai glances over, and in an unusual show of abilities, brings a bowl of water close. Taking it out of the air in one hand, she offers it to you. [And with that, with Rayek and Ktai keeping company for as much comfort as they can get out of it, we end the log...]