Log Date: 9/15/96 Log Cast: Rayek, Ember, Adi, Ekuar, Youngblood, Petalwing, Winnowill, PaleMoon, Tilia, Sothel, Leetah, Skef, Cutter, Zirek, Azeure, Ktai Log Credits: The players of Rayek, Adi, and Ktai all contributed to this log. Log Intro: The Palace has been filled with various forms of strife and stress ever since the arrival of Winnowill, her Chosen Alorn and Sar, and Alorn's lifemate Azeure and their adopted daughter Eveshka. Winnowill has already made overtures to Rayek, once or twice trying to touch him with her magic, which he has stridently refused -- and she has also attacked Ktai while Ktai kept watch over the exhausted Rayek. Rayek has discovered this and brought Ktai out of a deep, velvet swoon, by opening himself in his mind more to her than he's ever allowed before. In the meantime, Winnowill has had exchanges with Adi, who has come to confront Rayek about his having failed to bring the Palace back to the Go-Backs, and has attempted to use Adi in her plans to draw Rayek to her. Further, Ember and Zirek have arrived at the Palace, Zirek hoping to convince Rayek to teach him how to use his Gliding magic. But Ember discovers that Sar has had Winnowill wipe his mind, and has become incensed. We begin here with Adi and Ember in the Entry Hall.... ---------- 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. =========================================================================== Adi is once again lounging on one of the steps, looking a bit more smug than the last time you saw her. Ember is apparently oblivious to your presence, as she comes in from somewhere, looking tired. "Hi, Adi." Adi hehs, "What, Zirek tiring you out or you lodging with the brownskin?" Ember actually misses a step at the question, almost tripping over her own toes, and stares at you for several beats before, cleverly, saying, "What?" Adi chuckles, "Asked you if you're tired from rolling in the furs with Zirek or the Brownskin. You look like an elk dragged you through troll tunnels." Ember temporarily looks like a fish out of water, really, before her brain catches up with the whole idea. "Neither," she says, in a tone of mild defensiveness. Adi smirks, "Then why you looking so tired, Ember?" Ember's tone is still mildly defensive. "Sar," she replies, but it's not really a very good answer. Ember drops down against a wall, resting her head against her bent knees for a few moments. ** You're looking like a wolf who caught his very own ravvit. What's up? ** Adi winces at the send, "Well.. I've been keeping the Snake busy and out of the Scroll Room like Rayek wanted." Ember fails to notice the wince, since she's not looking at you. There's amusement in her sending. ** Good. What've you been doing to her? ** Adi presses her palms to her temples, "Just telling her what she wants to hear from a GoBack runt." Ember looks up, now, changing back to voice because her tones are no longer muffled by her body. "What?" There's wry teasing in the words. "That she's a High One?" You say "Prolly thinks I'm a fawn just out of breeches. Nah that I'll help her get to Rayek. Like she could ever get me what I want in return." Ember - Curiously: "What do you want?" You say "The Palace back north where it belongs and to be the one that made 'em put it back where they found it." Ember blinks. "Oh. You're right. Winnowill isn't likely to give you that." Adi snorts, "I don't think she can get it to budge much less give it to me. She wants it same as my tribe does. Ember, with reasonable certainty, says, "She can't make it fly. And she'd never give it to you, no." You say "So I just keep her thinking I'm willing to help." Adi grins broadly, "Of course, you don't know anything about my little plan, do you?" Ember's eyebrows lift a little. "That's good. Just don't send any intentions otherwise, or she'll pick them right out of the air." The eyebrows go further up. "What little plan?" she asks innocently. You say "Trust me, Wolfrider, you won't catch me sending. Gives me a headache just to receive em. If that snake ever caught wind that I know her scheme, she'd scramble me for sure." Ember mmms. "Sorry. I'll try to remember that." She nods. "No sense in irritating her." Adi smirks, "I'm just like most GoBacks when it comes to sending. Not too many can send farther than one end of the Lodge to another, those that can usually have been working at it." Ember, absently, says, "Zirek seems all right at it," but nods. You say "His sire's a Glider, he's got more magic in him because of it." Ember nods. "I know. He's a good fighter, Zirek is." She glances up, sharply, at a sending, and frowns. [Ember has been sending to Rayek, and now, as he rouses from guarding the exhausted Ktai, Rayek finds himself roused by another, and more troubling, distraction: a surge of power from Ekuar as the old rockshaper draws on the Palace's strength. The log now switches to Rayek's point of view.] You locksend ** Slept. Not much. No time. ** to Ember. You locksend ** ** to Ember. Rayek(#3218PBOUXace) Lean, angular lines and bold shades define the frame and form of this elf. Deep golden-brown skin clearly marks him as one born under a hot Daystar, and is set off against near-waistlength, uncompromisingly straight hair, black as a starless night sky; eyes of a molten shade of amber dominate his aquiline features. He moves with a hunter's sharp, smooth grace, but there is an added fluidity to his motion and stance, making him seem to float even when he is at rest. Pride, too, is always present in his speech, sending, and carriage, suggesting a supreme awareness of any impact he is about to make on his surroundings - and assurance that this impact will be naturally worthy of notice. He is clad in sparsely cut garb of -- for those who can identify such things -- evident Sun Village design: panels of silken, opaque red mothcloth which wreathe his chest and loins, discreetly trimmed in gold, and leaving his arms and legs bare. On his feet he wears new sandals, also of red and gold, and his only ornamentations are the silver wolf's head necklace about his neck, and the red feathers laced on the thong holding his hair into a long, flowing tail. 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: Adi(#10722PJOUXc) Ember Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Ember locksends ** <> ** Rayek comes floating, face haggard, out from the hallway leading to his chamber. "Ekuar," he says sharply, "where is he...?" Ember, less sensitive to magic, but still able to feel it, looks towards Rayek with a small frown. "What was th... I don't know." She comes to her feet, scenting the air. You locksend to Ekuar, Rayek rouses, his mind edged in weariness, sharpened with anger. But to you he sends surprise and worry. ** ? ** Adi grins, "Rith taught him how to fight. Vikra taught me how to use my dagger. They're the best teachers in the Lodge." Glances over as Rayek enters, "Not sure, he was in the Scroll room last I checked up there." Ember twitches her nose, and nods agreement with Adi's words. ** Scent's strongest that way. ** Adi's nose twitches too but it's got nothing to do with scents. Rayek is already in motion, glittering goldenly, as he floats up the stairs with enough speed to make him a red-silk-clad, brownskinned arrow. Ember glances at Adi, then after the fleeing Rayek, and follows. [Rayek, with Ember and Adi on his heels, heads up to the Scroll room.] You step through the tall doorway, and into the... Scroll Chamber This smallish chamber is sparsely furnished, bearing only a single empty chair which faces a platform; on this platform are the holders for the two halves of the Scroll of Colors. Around you, the pale walls seem to ripple in places, but perhaps that is a physical sensation, a trick of the light; what cannot be a light-trick is the sense of *presence* in the chamber, of welcome, and of magic. Contents: Youngblood Ekuar Petalwing(#3061Zq) Scroll of Colors Obvious exits: Out Rayek comes in, floating, but landing the moment he arrives, with the Preserver flittering agitatedly around him. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar's mind touches you, and there's a great upswelling of power there... the ancient one's own deep reserves, combined with the energies of the Palace, drawing it all together and focusing it into needle-sharp white light. ** Petal. She's gone missing... Cannot be found, dead or alive. I must send for her. ** Ekuar stands in the middle of the chamber, eyes closed, frail chest barely seeming to move with the stirring of breath. He virtually glows with the power he is gathering. Ember arrives from the corridor outside. Ember has arrived. Youngblood eyes Ekuar worriedly, failing to even notice Ember and Rayek entering. Ember steps in, just inside the door, a moment after Rayek, her eyebrows lifted. Rayek's face turns positively incandescent with barely repressed fury. But yet, with a gentle hand, he steps to Ekuar, grasping the ancient's shoulders. Adi arrives from the corridor outside. Adi has arrived. Youngblood sends openly ** Rayek, don't!!! He's trying to find Palemoon! ** Ember's eyebrows rise higher as she glances from the infuriated Villager to Youngblood, then to the elder. Adi follows the others into the scroll chamber but at a much more liesurely pace, that is until she feels Youngblood's send. She staggers back a few paces and frowns. Rayek says sharply, "And I shall aid, Wolfrider." His tone is like a lash of a predator's tail, but at least to Ekuar, his gaze is gentle enough as he rests his hands there on the old one's shoulders, clsoes his eyes, and sends. Youngblood sighs. ** I am sorry. I am so frightened for her. ** Adi mutters under her breath about sending and what she'd do to those doing it given the chance, not pretty words to hear. You locksend to Ekuar, Rayek reaches to you, his golden thoughts moving in to buoy yours, adding strength and clarity to the sending. He is here. He is tired, but that is irrelevant; now, he must aid. Ekuar sends, and his mental voice has grown deep, multi-layered with his millennia of years, combined with the power of the Palace around him. ** Her spirit is not here... Not yet. We will find her together. ** The thoughts reverberate, echoing, like words spoken in a grandly-arched cave. Ember's sharp ears pick up the mutter, and she shoots Adi a glance. Adi rolls her eyes and leans against the doorframe. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar grasps at the help, deft and careful not to take too much... no matter how he worries about Petal, his worry for you remains apparent as well. He gathers all of his energies, strengthened by the Palace, and given fire by you... And he -Reaches-. Petalwing flitters in dismay about the elves, and pipes to itself and to anyone who will listen, /Nastybad nastybad NASTYBAD flyhighthings! Grrrrrr! Petalwing wrapstuff now?/ There's a shimmer in the room, the air around Ekuar and Rayek seeming to waver, as the ancient one collects all of his resources and -Reaches- with his mind. Ember lifts a hand out to Petalwing, wolfrider voice soft. "No wrapstuff, bug. Not quite yet." Youngblood blinks at Petalwing. ** Wha? ** Ember relays that question aloud to the bug, if quietly: "What nastybad highthings, Petalwing? What happened?" Adi ulps, even her limited magic sense registering the sudden increase. It seems to scare the sarcastic comments out of her. Ktai locksends ** ...Rayek? ** Winnowill arrives from the corridor outside. Winnowill has arrived. Petalwing sulkily lands on Ember's tanned fingers. /Sharpdark highthing no get good sleep, nicepretty flyhighthing no get sleep, naughtybad flyhighthing all gone, Petalwing no like!/ From afar, to PaleMoon, Rayek: Ekuar reaches for Petal from far away, his own aged strength combined with the heightened power of the Palace, given ferocity with Rayek's help. Wordless, earnest, he Reaches for his daughter. Winnowill walks in, her stride at ease, and she pauses near the doorway to smile darkly, albeit briefly. Rayek stands with his hands grasping Ekuar's, eyes closed, sending, the backbone of a pool of power in which Ekuar is the focus. Ekuar stands stone-still, eyes closed, virtually glowing with the power he is drawing from within himself and within the Palace. Ember smiles crookedly at the preserver, though her shoulders tense as she scents Winnowill's entrance. "We don't like it either, Petalwing," she assures the creature. "What flyhighthing is gone?" Adi is leaning against the doorframe, slowly turning her gaze to Winnowill. "Now's not a good time." she mutters to the much taller Glider. Winnowill raises a slender eyebrow, watching with cool interest. Youngblood turns to glare quietly at the Snake, then turns his gaze on the preserver again. PaleMoon locksends, to Ekuar, Rayek: ** The send is faint...far away? ....*???*...Did you sense it, or was it merely an echo? ** Petalwing eeps! Then flits up to scowl at Winnowill, waggling a microscopic finger at her. /Nastybad longsofthair highthing make other flyhighthing go, Petalwing know! Longsofthair highthing say so for flyhighthings! Petalwing remember!/ Winnowill turns slightly to the small one. Aside, she speaks softly. "Is it ever a good time, in your eyes?" Winnowill merely blinks at the creature in her face. "What utter nonsense is it speaking of now?" Ember looks startled as the bug careens off towards Winnowill, and restrains the command to make wrapstuff, though a grin dances over her features at the thought. Adi holds up a hand for the Preserver to land on, "Relax Petalwing, take a breather before you scold anymore. Don't disturb those two, Winnowill." Winnowill says "I might have to if I don't learn what all the excitement is." Adi glancing up at Winnowill, "Just have to time things right. And now is definatly not one of them." Petalwing flits around Adi, and scowls down at her. It avoids her hand, scolding, /Petalwing no like little muchfight highthing, say nastybad things about sharpdark highthing!/ It then promptly flits up to the top of Orolin's Chair, and alights there, watching everyone in the room, its tiny face tense. You sense in a locksend to PaleMoon, Rayek: Ekuar reaches once more, quickly, a reassuring presence... seeking to comfort with a brief touch as he makes sure Petal senses him. Ember, in the most reasonable tone she can muster, says, to Winnowill, helpfully, "They're sending." Hee hee hee. Ktai locksends ** Rayek? ** Youngblood glances at Ember and hides a smile. Winnowill regards Ember with an almost dry humor. "Obviously. I'm so glad you're more intelligent than your father." Adi glares at the Preserver, "Muchfight highthing? Look bug..." She cuts off her sentance and scowls. You locksend ** Here. Ekuar seeks daughter. In Scroll Room. ** to Ktai. PaleMoon locksends, to Ekuar, Rayek: ** The send, still faint...far away, mingled with confusion, *...?poppa?* ** Ember, equally dryly, says, "My mother's influence, no doubt." Adi mutters, "Can't help my height anymore that that thing can help it's stupid voice. Proud ta be a GoBack." Eren soulsends ** ** Ember, brightly, adds, "Is there anything .else. I can help you with, Winnowill?" You locksend to Ekuar, Rayek is momentarily distracted by another's sending... then he returns, and there seems to be a new link in the chain: the worried presence of Ktai, behind the airwalker. Winnowill smiles coolly. "For what or whom do they send?" You sense in a locksend to PaleMoon, Rayek: Ekuar's strength is ebbing slightly... flickering... and he seems reticent to exhaust either himself or Rayek with much more. Steadily, there is a wordless and fatherly command to Petal, a sense that she must share with him *everything* she can remember and *everything* she can sense... An urging for her to open to him as far as possible, so he may gather the images and come for her. Rayek, if he hears any of the conversation happening around him, gives no sign; his already weary face is hardened anew with concentration, as he and the ancient rockshaper continue to make the air glow almost visibly, in shades of bright white, hot gold, and just a tiny hint of blue. Youngblood glares at Winnowill. ** My sister, Palemoon, has gone missing. They are trying to locate her. Do you know where she is? ** His send harbours a wealth of suspicion, aimed none-too-subtly at Winnowill. PaleMoon locksends, to Ekuar, Rayek: ** The send, still faint and begining to fade, filled with confusion, *...I'm lost...lost...wandered?...* an image forms for an instant of a winged thing and a shower of silvery tendrils...then the image fades. ** Ember, blithely, says, "They're calling for all the elves of the world to rise up against you. We thought we'd have another Palace War, and rid ourselves of you this time." Oooh. /That/ was subtle, Youngblood. Winnowill blinks, raising an eyebrow. "Your sister is missing? I do not know where she is... but Alorn has gone missing. Who saw her last?" Adi folds her arms across her chest, "LEast you can't blame me for that one, Youngblood." Youngblood ignores Adi and frowns at Winnowill. ** I do not know. I found a bloody scrap of leather near the pool. It has her scent on it. ** Up on the chair, Petalwing mutters anxiously, /Sharpdark highthing not get good nap. Is not good!/ It looks over, then, and grrrrs pipingly at Winnowill. Winnowill frowns slightly, and sends outwards herself... but in a different manner. Adi scowls at the Preserver, "Don't you have some wrapstuff to tend to, Bug?" Ember snorts at Winnowill. Petalwing scowls right back at Adi. /Petalwing give noisybad muchfight highthing much wrapstuff, if not be nice!/ Adi reaches down to scratch her ankle, eyes focused on the Preserver. You sense in a locksend to PaleMoon, Rayek: Ekuar gathers all of the thoughts and sensory images that Petal can provide for him. With one more effort, he caresses her mind, gentle and patient. There's a wordless sense that he is coming for her. He and his will find her. Take heart... And with those gentle touches, the ancient rockshaper pulls away, taking his student with him, breaking the contact in a glitter of sparks. Adi says "Go on and try you little menace." Winnowill smiles thinly, then reorients her sends. Ekuar's fragile body shivers suddenly, from head to foot, and he draws in a gasping breath. The glowing aura of power around himself and Rayek shimmers and fades, seeping into the very bones of the Palace. Winnowill locksends ** /She offers aid... for she has touched your mind... and she knows where you lack, she has advantage. Like a dark uplifting wave, her magic swells.> ** A beat after Ekuar quivers, Rayek himself draws in a short gasp, stumbling back a single step. About to go and chatter scoldingly at Adi, Petalwing diverts to the airwalker, wringing its hands worriedly. Eren soulsends ** ** Ekuar's eyes flutter open, dark and weary. He looks over to Rayek first, gratefully, then manages to rasp to Youngblood, "She's... alive. And far from here." Adi glances from Rayek up to Winnowill, her look almost accusing. You locksend, to Ktai, Winnowill: Rayek, in the middle of reining in his own sending as Ekuar reins in his, is suddenly swayed sideways by a new swell of power, much less obvious than that of the Palace... but no less present. Youngblood's fists clench as he hears Ekuar. Blue eyes fill with fear, and a daunted hope. ** Where? Where?? ** Adi locksends to Winnowill, faint, but there, ** I said not now, Winnowill. ** You locksend to Winnowill, Rayek, reeling, moves to slam down his mental shields. Eren soulsends ** Rayek!?? ** Rayek opens his eyes with an effort, muttering dismissively at the Preserver, and his amber gaze goes directly to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** /The magic only offers aid, not injury... she would not see you injured.../ ** Adi scowls up at the Glider, hand still scratching at the itchy ankle. Her eyes go unfocused from the effort of sending. Winnowill nods briefly to the small one, and looks calmly to Rayek. Rayek says, voice slightly slurred with weariness, "Ekuar and I have learned... where she... is." Youngblood's eyes focus intensely on Rayek. For an instant, he seems almost as intense as the amber-eyed elf himself. ** Where, Rayek? ** To Adi, Winnowill locksends ** /Her send is deliberately held back, almost silenced./ I would not see him expend all his strength. I do remain a Healer, after all is done. ** Adi's green eyes dart from Rayek to Winnowill. "North," answers the airwalker, "across the burning waste." Youngblood stands stiffly. ** Then I will go find her. ** Winnowill's voice is smooth. "Ask Sar to help you." Adi nods quietly, pulling her hand slowly from her boot. Still glancing from the Glider to the airwalker occasionally she rises from her crouch. Tilia arrives from the corridor outside. Tilia has arrived. Ekuar takes another shaky breath and leans unsteadily on his staff, swaying a bit. "Easy, lad," he says huskily. "Don't be-- eh-- hasty. We need to think this through." Tilia slips in filthy to stand just inside the doorway, like a small shadow. Youngblood blinks at Ekuar. "Think? She's gone! I have to find her! She could be hurt!" Youngblood blurts all of this out forthwith. He's rather upset. Adi moves out of the doorway, getting crowded. Winnowill smirks softly. "If you found a bloody rag, it would make sense." Tilia hangs out on the outside of the doorway, then, if it's getting this way. Winnowill steps towards Rayek, extending a hand to him. Youngblood blinks at Winnowill, and pales. He amends, "She /is/ hurt." Rayek straightens behind Ekuar, his exhausted face settling into a mask of determination. "There has been," he says tautly, "much mischief this day, and it will serve no one to act without wisdom." He eyes Winnowill as she approaches him, but does not reach for her hand. Eren soulsends ** Rayek? ** Ekuar looks at Youngblood, his eyes still misty from the effort he made. "I know. But I also know that she didn't get there by herself, hm? She was-- eh-- taken. Running off alone might only get you hurt as well, little lad, and she wouldn't want that. Neither do I." Winnowill nears Rayek, her hand still open to him. Adi crouches down again but comes up again quickly, dagger glinting in her hand, "Ah-Ah... Winnowill. Stay right there, he want you he'll ask. Not supposed to even let you in here." Rayek adds, grimly, focusing on the tall healer, "Perhaps you can tell me, Winnowill, why I found Ktai senseless in my chamber with your mind's touch all over her thoughts?" Adi allows herself a quick glance to Youngblood, "Am I right, furball?" You locksend to Ktai, Rayek sends back enough to let you know he is there... but exhausted, and now, furious. Youngblood seems to visibly calm himself, and from his stiffness, sags to lean against the wall. Again, he ignores Adi, and nods to Ekuar, "Aye, you are right. Rushing off will do no good.' He smiles bitterly, "But I don't know what else to do." Winnowill stops, looking down at the small one, smirking. Her cool gaze returns to Rayek. "Ktai? Senseless? What a pity." Eren soulsends ** ** Adi takes a step closer to Winnowill, still out of arm's reach for the tall Glider. Ekuar takes an unsteady step to one side, the wooden leg dragging over the smooth floor. "Right now," he says quietly to Youngblood, "you can lend me your strong arms, and help me sit on the-- eh-- edge of the platform..." Winnowill gazes quietly at the small elf's face. "Such a temper... trained well... you would be a warrior indeed." Youngblood slips a strong arm around Ekuar hastily and, not so hastily, helps him to a seat. Tilia says sharply and loud, "We all could be warriors if given enough hate." Rayek, apparently uncognizant of anyone else in the room, continues to stare grimly at Winnowill... until Tilia speaks up. Startled, his gaze flashes to her. With Youngblood's help, the old rockshaper settles himself on the edge of the Scroll platform; his frame is upright, though still recovering from his efforts. Adi says "Hate's got nothing to do with it, stranger. It's got to do with making sure everyone gets what they want." Petalwing pipes, /Littlegruff highthing!/ by way of a Preserver cheer, and zips to flit in merry circles around Tilia. Winnowill laughs softly. "And you, I think, have enough for all of them." Again she looks to Rayek. Tilia says "No one gets what they want. Only what they have." Youngblood smiles at Adi. ** Everyone? Or just /you/. ** Tilia turns her eyes up at the circling of the Bug, watching it no less wary, or is this her casual pose? Adi gives a quick glance over her shoulder to the source of the statement, "Seems like everyone want's more. Myself included, both Winnowill and Rayek know what it is." Rayek blinks once, then twice, at Tilia's presence in the room; for the briefest of instants, a look of palpable relief might be seen to flicker across his worn features before he steadies himself again. "Welcome, Tilia," he says, voice still short and weary of tone. Ekuar lifts his voice a little bit, looking across toward Adi. "This is the warrior I told you to seek, little GoBack... This is Tilia." Tilia's eyes turn back to Rayek and she makes a vague "mm" sound. Winnowill locksends ** /The offer of healing remains./ ** Ember scowls, still relaxed, but watching the black snake carefully. Adi lets her dagger hand drops some so she can turn more to glance at the stranger, with a harumph she turns back around and lifts the dagger back to it's former height. You locksend to Winnowill, Rayek answers you then, curtly, angrily: his question has gone unanswered. ** Why did you harm Ktai? ** he demands. Ember locksends ** <> ** Winnowill locksends ** Her intention is to me harm. May I not defend myself? ** Adi says "Leave him be, Winnowill." Winnowill's voice is soft. "By and by." Rayek's black brows draw together in weary annoyance. Youngblood glances at Winny and Rayek, frowning now. You sense in a locksend, Ekuar has regathered much of his strength, recovering from the effort he made in seeking for Petal. There's a sense of worry, and an offer of support. Winnowill smiles thinly. Adi takes a few more short steps towards the Glider, scowling. "Think you've had enough time in here for today, Winnowill." Winnowill says "Perhaps you'd best ask Rayek if my answer to his question will suffice first." Ember takes her eyes from Winnowill and Rayek briefly to stare at Adi in bemusement. Brave. Dumb, but brave. And then back to airwalker and snake. Adi scowls at the airwalker, "As the bug says and says, you need a nap. She can answer your questions later." Youngblood watches Adi, just shaking his head. Winnowill looks back to Rayek, but keeps the small one in sight. "No," snaps Rayek aloud, "it does not. Ktai didn't try to harm you, Winnowill; I'd have sensed it. And don't try to convince me she could possibly do you any injury." Adi, he ignores. Tilia says again, "Is there conflict, then? Disagreement, within the Palace?" Adi's eyes narrow for a moment, a sneer starting to tug at her lips. Glancing from Winnowill to Rayek, you can see the opinions about who to defend change in her expression. Winnowill raises an eyebrow. "You don't know Ktai very well." Tilia slips around bodies and peoples and walks to, if there is space, the midst of the room, or midway between Winnowill and Rayek. Nearly comical, this short woman with the torn leathers and crooked spear stepping there. Rayek retorts, "Then you have not been keeping as close a watch on me as yo've claimed. Ktai respects the request I've made of this place, to keep attacks on other elves out of the Palace's halls." He adds to Tilia, harshly, "I found Ktai in my chambers, unconscious, with Winnowill's touch engulfing her mind." Ekuar gives a slow and thoughtful nod, looking over at Tilia. The corners of his pale lips quirk the slightest bit upward as he says, "It seems that wherever the Lord of the Mountain goes, disagreement follows..." Ember, for the first time in quite a while, comments. "I can't .imagine. why." Perfectly dry, her tone. Rayek goes on, "And now, PaleMoon, as well as one of Winnowill's Chosen, is missing. Harm has been dealt those who should not suffer it in the High Ones' first Home." Tilia shrugs slightly and, in a perfectly tiny way, sizes up Winnowill and Rayek. Blackhair and Blacksnake. Again, Winnowill's lips curl into a dry smile. Youngblood's hands curl into fists at his side at the mention of his sister's name. Winnowill locksends ** /Soft and velvety/ Her attack was outside the halls. ** Tilia asks simply of Rayek, "Has she been broken?" Ember glances towards Youngblood, an eyebrow rising very slightly. Adi scowls and folds her arms across her chest, she makes he way towards Winnowill. Glancing between them she mutters something incoherant to anyone under her breath. Adi locksends to Winnowill, the faintest of questions, ** And you him still alive? ** Rayek replies of Tilia, voice husky with ignored tiredness, "Ktai is whole, but without strength. PaleMoon's welfare is undetermined, save that Youngblood has found a leather scrap, scenting of her, with blood upon it." Tilia turns to ask of Winnowill, "Have you had PaleMoon taken against her will?" To Adi, Winnowill locksends ** /Again held back/ Excuse me? ** Youngblood's gaze locks palpably on Tilia as she asks this. [Meanwhile, outside the Palace's walls, witnessed by the placidly munching elk, Humbugger....] Near the Palace, Leetah has arrived. Near the Palace, Skef has arrived. Near the Palace, Skef looks up. OOOoooh. Humbugger is grazing, Skef would recognize the elk's markings. Near the Palace, Skef lays both hands on the stone, and leans his forehead against it... OOOOooooooohhhh Near the Palace, Cutter has arrived. Near the Palace, Leetah gazes upward, eyes glistening. Humbugger continues to graze, elves coming and going... who cares. Near the Palace, Timber Wolf has arrived. Near the Palace, Rainrunner has arrived. Near the Palace, Skef OOOohs more, and then looks at Leetah. Near the Palace, Skef says "I can FEEL it." Near the Palace, Leetah nods softly. "We all can, kitling. All of our kind." She watches Cutter with a gentle expression. Near the Palace, Even Cutter is cowed by the Palace, expression masking the majority of awe, though some shows around the edges. He nods, distractedly, and echoes, "We all can." [As the threesome draws near the Palace, another elf -- this one a Glider -- comes into view as well.] Near the Palace, Skef draws himself upright a bit... Near the Palace, Cutter nods a little to Leetah, then breaks off, at the arrival of the other elf. He straightens up, assuming an automatically defensive posture. Sothel nods to those present and moves on. Sothel steps through the doorway into the Palace. Near the Palace, Leetah nods, moving closer to her lifemate. Near the Palace, Skef steps up to the big entryway... and stands there, looking upward. he'll stand this one out alone, so to speak, it seems. Near the Palace, Skef steps forward, wolf padding at his heels. Near the Palace, Skef steps through the doorway into the Palace. Near the Palace, Skef has left. Near the Palace, Timber Wolf steps through the doorway into the Palace. Near the Palace, Timber Wolf has left. Near the Palace, Cutter blinks, after Skef. "Cub, wait!" [And meanwhile, up in the Scroll Chamber....] Sothel arrives from the corridor outside. Sothel has arrived. Rayek, for all that his lean frame is taut, almost noticeably quivering, silences himself as Tilia speaks. His arms cross along his half-bare chest, under the wolf's head pendant at his breastbone. To Winnowill, Adi locksends again, stronger this time, ** And you want him alive still? ** Tilia says "Winnowill, need you time to think of an answer?" Winnowill locksends ** /Her send is musing./ For now... ** to Adi. Winnowill smiles. "I have answered him." Tilia says "You have not answered me." Winnowill looks to Tilia blandly. Tilia looks back unimpressed. Or such her expression has not changed. Winnowill says "If I had, I would not be so - concerned over what has happened to my Chosen. Nor would I be willing to allow Sar to aid in the search... for I would know where they were, true?"" Rayek's eyes flick to the new arrival at the door, and momentarily narrow; does the airwalker sag, yielding for a moment to his weariness? If he does, it passes, as he smiles mirthlessly at the exchange between Tilia and Winnowill. Tilia says "Questions only you can answer for now." Sar. The name brings Ember's attention back to Winnowill, her brows drawing down in a greater frown. Sothel locksends ** Greatings Dark brother... If I might inquire where is my sister Ktai.? ** Sothel stands by the door, oblivious to those in the room. You locksend ** My chamber. ** to Sothel. Tilia shrugs. "It doesn't matter to me. As long as none are broken by the actions of those here." Sothel has left. Winnowill flicks dark eyes to gaze briefly at Ember, then Youngblood. Tilia says "People might ... want to go rest. Go calm themselves. I bring change close to me." Tilia wanders over to the Chair and sits suddenly beside it, back against one of its imperious arms. Ember's head jerks up, totally startled. Youngblood meets Winnowill's gaze, and can't help an instinctive flinch. Winnowill smiles faintly, then looks back to Rayek. Winnowill locksends ** You are tired. ** Rayek smirks faintly at the word 'rest', then turns to glance at Tilia. He does not challenge her presence beside the Chair; if anything, his face holds weary acceptance at it. Then he eyes Winnowill. Adi glances up at Winnowill then to the airwalker, scowling. Rolling her eyes, she sheaths her dagger and stomps out of the chamber, "Kill each other for all I care." Adi has left. [Adi stomps down into the entry hall, where she finds the other arrivals...] Skef stands there... just LOOKING. Adi stomps down the stairs looking peeved. Adi glances over her shoulder and up the stairs, "Stupid blackhair." Skef just stares at the chamber... till he hears Adi. Cutter follows after Skef, brow furrowed with concern. "Skef, you have to _wait.._" Skef's brows go up at the little GoBack. "Adi!" Leetah blinks slowly, trying to get a handle on the situation. Adi whirls around to find the source of the new voice. Green eyes softening at the call of her name she forces a smile. "Hey Skef! Where's your Ma?" She jogs the rest of the way down the stairs and over to Skef. Sothel looks about a moment, His eyes slightly unfocused. Skef BEAMS, and gives Adi a firm one-armed hug. "Mah.... Mah's at the Lodge!" he LOOKS at her. Woah... not the Adi /he/ remebers... Sothel, in his unfocused thoughts he floats upper slightly off the floor. Cutter's expression darkens, like a storm cloud, lip curling unconsciously. He squints, dark-eyed, up the stairs. Skef looks down at Adi, much surprised by the fact that he's bigger. "I Grew!" he remarks, surprised. Adi grins, "Not an anklebiter yourself." Skef looks around, and GRINS. Adi chuckles, "Yeah people notice that alot around me." Jerking a thumb in the general direction of Cutter and Leetah, "Who'd you drag along with yah?" Leetah chuckles softly herself, winding an arm around Cutter. Skef looks up, much too distracted by this huge palace. Leetah blinks, gazing at Cutter. Skef sendshouts ** HULLO! ** Adi winces, "See you got your mah's gift for sending." Skef grins down at Adi, and spreads his arm, "I can FEEL it... I never THOUGHT It would be like this!! Leetah looks up with a smile. [And once more back in the Scroll chamber....] You locksend ** Yes, I am. ** to Winnowill. Winnowill locksends ** So rest. I shall not hinder you. Or Ktai. ** Tilia looks around after a moment. "What, you want me to hunt for you some casks of Dreamberry wine?" Rayek studies Winnowill's impassive face for a few moments, then mutters pointedly, "Good; hinder no one else, either." With that, he announces to the room at large, "I shall take your suggestion, Tilia." And he strides out of the room; the Preserver eeps, and flits after him. Leetah locksends ** <> Shade, my dear old friend. ** Petalwing flits happily up to your shoulder! Second Level [Desc deleted.] Obvious exits: Scroll Chamber Winding Stairway You locksend ** ** to Leetah. Ekuar locksends ** Brownskin... do you want me to remain, and look after the Scroll? ** You locksend to Ekuar, Rayek answers, but after a moment, and in blank shock, ** Lee... Leetah is here... ** Leetah locksends ** We are here, Cutter and I. With a GoBack kit. Are you much occupied? ** Ekuar's send sparkles with surprise, and happiness. ** Oh! The lovely healer! I shall be glad to see her again... Eyes like cool green leaves, soothing to my addled old head. ** ** You locksend to Leetah, Rayek's thoughts palpably reel, all at once. 'Occupied?' you can hear him think, numbly. 'Occupied....?' Leetah locksends ** <> ** Sothel comes up the stairwell from below. Sothel has arrived. Sothel vanishes down the stairs. Sothel has left. Someone nearby sendshouts ** HULLO! ** You make your way down the staircase. Entry Hall(#8823RAF) [Desc deleted.] Contents: Leetah Cutter Adi(#10722PJOUXc) Timber Wolf(#6279DJMpq) Skef(#6378PJXc) Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Adi winces, "See you got your mah's gift for sending." Skef grins down at Adi, and spreads his arm, "I can FEEL it... I never THOUGHT It would be like this!! Leetah looks up with a smile. Rayek comes floating down the stairs, haggard face reflecting a stunned surprie; with less than his usual grace, he lands, while Petalwing flits, piping ecstatic greetings. Cutter flinches, and snaps, without thought, "Don't send, cub!" Skef Startles, and turns to look at Cutter, a fawn's innocence. "Huh? Adi nods, "Made my skin crawl when I was getting nearer to it." Turning to Cutter and barking, "Don't tell him what he can and can't do, stranger!" Leetah smiles greeting at Rayek, arm around Cutter, eyes shining. Rayek says, voice edged with warning and days' worth of too-short slumber, "Winnowill is here... " Skef turns to look at Rayek. a brief stare... and then he BEAMS At Leetah. Rayek stands there, then, staring at Cutter and Leetah, eyes unconsciously round, his body swaying ever so slightly on its feet. Skef looks at you for a moment. Leetah's expression shifts quite suddenly. She hugs Cutter and stares at Skef, almost fearful. "No, kitling!" Adi scowls, green eyes relit with the anger that was firing them before, "Me and Zirek are the GoBack's here, we tell 'im what to do and what not." She turns back to Skef, "Thought Rikah was uptight. She still alive?" Leetah gathers some resolve from that and gives Cutter another brief hug before approaching Rayek, hands outstretched. Skef snorts, and puts hand on sword hilt. "You're not getting scared NOW, Are you? We can do it! All of us can now!! Cutter looks from Skef, and Adi, to Rayek. Brow furrowing, he says without looking, to Leetah, "Help him, before he falls. If you can." Skef receives his attention then. "Don't send, he rpeats, more calmly. "The snake will hear it. Use it. Turn it against you, if it suits her." Skef wrinkles his nose again, and cocks his head... a little nod to cutter, as he scratches his ear. "Snake? Adi whaps Skef on the shoulder, "Hey, don't send like he told ya. Snake's got a bite that'll knock you off your feet. And don't call her a Birdbrain." Rayek snarls at Adi, "The Go-Backs do not _own_ this place, whelp, have you forgotten that the Wolfriders fought and one of their own died for it, as well?" His voice then cracks, exhaustion apparent in his words. Healing magic eminates from Leetah's hands as she reaches for Rayek. Rayek then sways towards Leetah, shuddering. Adi spins around to face Rayek, "Yeah but we do tell our younger's what they can and can't do!" Skef glances from person to person, not suite sure who he ought to be listening to. Winnowill comes down the stairs from above. Winnowill has arrived. Ember comes down the stairs from above. Ember has arrived. Leetah enfolds Rayek in her gentle embrace, magic flickering strong and warm, washing away his pains and tiredness of body and spirit. Cutter nods, once. "Snake. Black snake." he does not speak any less softly, when the elf in question approaches. Instead, he narrows his sapphire gaze on her. "That's what she is." Skef looks around. wow, busier and busier. look at all these people. Adi points a small finger towards him, "You said to guard," shifting the pointed finger towards Skef, "Well seeing that he stays safe is worth more!" His snarl delivered, Rayek slumps against Leetah, his eyes falling shut. Ember takes the stairs down three at a time, narrowly missing stepping on Winnowill's hair, more's the pity, and slides across the floor towards her father. Skef looks up, follwoing the gaze.... Winnowill moves down the stairway, and pauses halfway down, one slender eyebrow raised. "And hello to you too, Cutter of the Wolfblood." Leetah strokes Rayek's hair gently as her magic does its work. You locksend ** ** to Leetah. Skef GRINS. "Ayah!" he shouts in glee. "I'll be back at the Lodge in no time!!" he looks positively overjoyed. he stands all upright, hand on his sword. Winnowill smiles a bit sardonically and steps down the staircase the rest of the way now. Adi makes a practiced grab for Skef's straps, "Oh oh... back away from this one Skef. Come on, show you the Scroll room." Cutter does not move, every muscle tensed. His gaze does not waver, nor does his expression, the tip of one tooth barely protruding at the corner of his mouth. Silent. Leetah is utterly focused on Rayek. Skef SWAPS at Adi. Leetah locksends ** <> ** Skef says "Lemme Alone, Adi! I got to get this done, and get back to the Lodge." Winnowill's dark eyes slide to Ember. "You definately don't take after him." A wry smile follows the comment. Skef looks to Winnowill, and then Cutter... oh... hrm... what's this? he cocks his head. Ember comes to a halt beside Cutter, about to offer a hug, but then uncertain. And then again, looking to Winnowill. "Don't count on it." You locksend ** ** to Leetah. Adi ouches and makes another grab at the younger, but taller, fawn's chest straps. "I'll explain it to you upstairs, Leetah's gonna have her time with the blackhair." Leetah locksends ** Let me shield you, dear one. ** Cutter blinks, just as one might expect his eyes had lost all their moisture and dried open. "What are you doing here, Winnowill? Aren't there things to do, in your mountain?" Adi clamps onto the straps, not tugging just holding. "Ekuar can tell you even more and he's up there." Rayek, barely standing on his own in the embrace of Leetah's arms and the glow of her magic, seems to notice nothing else; his head has drooped to Leetah's shoulder. Skef drags his wieght against Adi's grip. "Leggo! I got to get my arm healed, and get back to the LODGE!" determined, this one. Winnowill smiles thinly. "I might ask similar of you, Cutter. Let me just say that I have come to - reclaim something I lost." Leetah is equally lost in gentling Rayek and shielding him from further assault/temptation. Ember, watching Leetah and Rayek for the moment, has a tired, sad expression on her face, and she nods to Cutter. Adi says "I'm goin' back to the Lodge just as soon as I talk to Tilia. She's the one that can get the Palace back you numbskull!"" Cutter says "There's nothing of yours here, Winnowill. You know that as well as I do." You locksend ** Keep her out... I don't... I don't want her... ** to Leetah. Winnowill leans against the wall, smiling thinly. "There is indeed." Cutter's gaze wavers, but does not fully leave the Glider Lord. You sense in a locksend, Leetah fills your mind with her own love, flushing the dark thoughts of the snake from your mind. Skef turns to Adi, Tugging harder, and WHAPS her with his good hand. "LEEEeeegggO!" stubborn cranky goback fawn. Adi rolls her eyes, and lets go of the straps.. also a well practiced manuver. With Skef leaning all his weight backwards the cub stumbles backwards. Ember closes her eyes, and steps towards her father after all, reaching one of her darker hands towards him. You locksend to Leetah, Rayek, finally, allows himself to sink into that golden wellspring of warmth. Winnowill disregards the antics of the younger ones, and watches Cutter quietly. She does not, however, limit her field of vision to only him. Skef... predictably, takes a short flight, and Skids across the floor. He growls at Adi, forgetting all else for a moment, as he scrabbles to regain his feet. Cutter says "What do you claim, then, snake? You've turned your back on the rest of us. So what could the Palace hold for you, now?" Leetah finally looks up, once Rayek is warmed. Her face holds a determination seldom seen in its gentle features. "Winnowill..." she says simply. Adi smirks at Skef, "You never did figure that one out. Now you gonna come upstairs and see Ekuar. Nothing you can do about the other adults." Winnowill nods to Leetah calmly, and sends. Her answer is directed to Cutter, though her eyes rest on Leetah and Rayek. "By and by." Zirek steps in from outside. Zirek moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Zirek has arrived. Zirek trots in, sweaty from working out. "Skef!!!!" Forgetting the others, he runs over to wrestle his fawnhood friend hello. Skef gives Adi a little shove, and then looks over to see why Winnowill and Leetah and Cutter are... LOOKINg that way at one another. "Zirek," Ember says quietly, and smiles. Zirek looks up with a grin to Ember. Devotion in that look. Skef Acks, and mauls back! how can a guy pay attention to all this subtle agression when there's other fawns to tussle-hello? Cutter snorts. "By and by. Fine. Go back to whatever it is you claim, and leave us alone, until your by and by comes." He is clearly including Rayek in 'us.' Adi hmmphs at the shove but grins anyway, "Heh, found yourself another furfriend eh, Zir?" Zirek blushes a little, but raises his head, sensing the tension. "Hey, I wanna show ya something..." Skef looks up, sharply. "Hey! she can't go anywhere till she helps Leetah heal my arm." Leetah holds out her hand to Cutter and Ember, including them in her protective glow. Winnowill smiles thinly. "You shall see soon enough, Cutter. She... is twined deeply." Azeure steps in from outside. Azeure moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Azeure has arrived. Winnowill glances to Azeure. Azeure glides through, hardly a glance to anyone Azeure has left. Adi mutters to Zirek, "Tried to take him up to see the Scroll. Nope he's not going anywhere." Skef frowns... and reluctantly follows Zirek... /real/ reluctantly. Ember shakes her head a little at Leetah. "I say nothing that Her overhearing would damage. Save your strength for Rayek." Cutter's eyes narrow further, and for the moment, he disregards Leetah's hand. "_Who?_" Zirek goes up the stairs, past Winnowill, giving her a fairly wide berth in his exuberant pounding up the stairs. Winnowill smiles, waiting. Adi hmmphs and races up the stairs after her fellow GoBack. Adi makes her way up the long staircase. Adi has left. Winnowill turns a dry smile to Ember. Skef makes his way up the long staircase. Skef has left. Timber Wolf makes its way up the long staircase. Timber Wolf has left. Zirek pauses up the stairs and nearly trips. He stiflesa laugh. Timber Wolf comes down the stairs from above. Timber Wolf has arrived. Zirek makes his way up the long staircase. Zirek has left. Timber Wolf makes its way up the long staircase. Timber Wolf has left. [Up in the Scroll Chamber....] Tilia says "I rememer Rayek saying how her Egg is very much like the Scrolls, but not so well crafted." Youngblood frowns, "Quite, Ekuar!" Ekuar ahhhs in soft recollection. "Indeed, indeed. I can remember the Egg... Beautiful to look upon. But no, not the same as this." His gaze moves to the Scroll, regarding it with palpable affection. Zirek comes in, grinning. Adi runs into the room, skidding across the floor as she tries to stop. Skef dashes after Zirek. Ekuar blinks at the young elves, and his face crinkles in a smile. "Eh! Look who's here... Hello!" Skef OOOHS as he skids to a halt. Youngblood blinks, eyeing the new arrivals. Tilia tilts her head up again, over her knees to watch excitable Go-Backs fly into the room. Adi finally slides to a halt, hands out at her sides to keep her balance. Smiling somewhat at the rockshaper, she proclaims, "'Nother Go-Back." Zirek giggles, wrestling Skef some more, "What are you doing here, scamp?" Ekuar's eyes twinkle at Adi. "Indeed... and bringing all your tribe's energy, eh?" Adi glances at Tilia and introduces herself, "I'm Adi." She shrugs at Ekuar, "I don't know who's all left up there, but I'm betting Skef's Mah doesn't know what he's up to." Skef growls, and wraps one leg 'round Zirek's and one arm about him, grappling. "Leetah's gunna get all the healers to help try heal my arm, Zir!!" he announces. "With Winnowill here, It'll be EASY! Zirek flops down, "Tilia... what's going on down there? Cutter and Leetah and Winnowill are all makin the air practically spark with what they're NOT saying!" Youngblood introduces himself forthwith, "I'm Youngblood." Tilia rubs a tired eye and nods. "I'm Tilia," she says, a name or a title. Skef flops beside Zirek, looking like he won the tussle (even if he didn't. shhh) "I'm Skef. This is Wolf." he points at the nameless wolf that hangs near him. Ekuar chimes in, "I'm-- eh--" he blinks, and remembers, "--Ekuar." Adi stays standing trying hard to look at least her age. Smiling at Ekuar, "They're both younger than me really." Ekuar chuckles. "I'm certain of it. Though you all seem as young and new as a spring breeze, to me, my dear." Skef snorts. "What are YOU doin' here anyway, Adi?" Zirek looks kinda worried and sits by the door, trying to listen. Adi's expression turns a little more serious, "Finding out some stuff. Now I'm guarding like Rayek told me to. I'm supposed to keep Winnowill out of the Scroll chamber." Youngblood grins at Ekuar, "Ah nonsense!" He says with a wave of his hand, "You're not half that old Ekuar." Tilia says "The Palace is barely older than Ekuar." Skef frowns. "Why?" he looks around. Ekuar gives a nod, glancing up and around at the beloved chamber with a fond eye. "We've weathered a bit over the years, but-- eh-- we're both still here, hm?" Adi says "Winnowill's got a bigger problem with Rayek than any of us Go-Backs do. She wants him, and she tried to get me to help her to him." Tilia says "When Leetah arrives I think that will not be a problem any longer." Youngblood smirks, "What a surprise." Skef moves over next to Zirek, and scoffs at Adi. "If she wants him, how come they don't just do it and get it over with? Is he scared? Adi glancing to Ekuar and Youngblood, "She wanted me to get you two out of the way. She promised she'd give the Palace to us." Youngblood blinks at Adi, "Surely you didn't believe her!?" Skef frowns... Zirek blinks, "Tilia, Leetah's here." Adi says "I was supposed to get rid of Ktai and the bug too." Ekuar looks at Adi, his pale forehead wrinkling. "And you didn't do it, eh, little friend? I'm grateful for that." Tilia looks over, a little surprised. Her lips curl in something between a smile and a snarl. "Ah. Good." Adi shakes her head, "I can't do that," pointing a finger towards Tilia, "Ekuar, you told me she's the only one who can do it. I believe you even if you do muck with magic." Ekuar smiles gently. "Well. Eh! I'm glad." Skef frowns, and leans close to Zirek, listening. Adi smiling at the rockshaper, "Think rockshaper's are the only magic mucker's I can trust." Ekuar gives a little wink. "-This- magic-mucker thanks you, my dear." Adi glancing at her younger friends, she smiles, "Kahvi, Vikra and the others are gonna be happy. Rayek's no longer in charge of the Palace." Youngblood grins at Ekuar silently. Skef glances over. "Who is?" Adi turns to face Tilia, "Tilia is, and if what Ekuar said was true... she's a Go-Back." Skef scowls a little... Skef elbows Zirek. Zirek giggles. Tilia looks over again, having started to drift. "I am," she states. Adi says "I was going to ask you about the Palace, but well.. with the Snake and all these people showing up. Didn't seem like a good time." Ekuar ehs? at Youngblood, thinking back, and nods as he remembers. "Oh yes. Yes, indeed. To make sure he's all right." Skef wrinkles his nose. "Why are we hanging around up here like scared Fawns?" Ekuar heads lopsidedly toward the doorway again. Tilia says "No. Now is not a good time. There's something left to happen." Adi nods, "The Snake leaving. I doubt my elders would like to deal with that one." Skef watches Ekuar go.... and Rises to follow. Skef says "C'mon." Adi rolls her eyes, "Fawns." Tilia says "Mm?" Zirek stubbornly stays where he is. Adi walks calmly out of the room without a parting glance to anyone. [Meanwhile, back down in the entry hall....] "That," Ember says, to Winnowill, "isn't the point. Is it?" Leetah cradles Rayek in her arms, green eyes gazing cooly at Winnowill. Winnowill's eyes meet Cutters, her smile thin and dark. Leetah locksends ** < ** If it were possible for the wolf-chief's muscles to tighten any further, they do, now. "We'll see, Winnowill. We'll see." Ktai has arrived. Sothel has arrived. Azeure has arrived. Ember turns away from her father, eventually, to look at Winnowill. "What did you do to him?" 'Him' is neither Rayek nor Cutter; has Winnowill the slightest bit of sense, she'll understand that Ember means Sar. Azeure glides out quietly, his visage as dark slate stone. Ktai stumbles in from a side corridor, and leans against the wall. "I'm here, Winnowill. Just like you asked." Sothel moves to the wall looking about darkly. His eyes are on Ktai. Ember looks at you for a moment. Winnowill flickers a glance to Ember. "Only what he wanted me to do." She darkens and crosses to Ktai. "My poor lost child. Are you willing now to accept the truth?" She reaches out, caressing Ktai's cheek. Sothel Glides from his corner and reaches for Winnowills hand. Ember's answer is slightly bitter, "Asked? Why?" Azeure grabs at Sothel's hand firmly before it can reach Winnowill Sothel is visablly shaken and quite uncertian stares at Winnowill. Rayek stirs, somewhat groggily, in Leetah's embrace, but it's plain that the healer has finally coaxed his body into accepting the rest it needs. Winnowill simply caresses Ktai's face lightly. Leetah gazes down at him briefly, then looks up, varied concerns warring in her expression. Cutter watches Leetah and Rayek both, then glances to Ember, and finally to Winnowill. "We'll stay, then." Ember scowls deeply at the tall healer, making a slow move towards Winowill. You locksend ** ** to Leetah. Azeure eyes Ember "Don't" Sothel turns from Winnowill and Ktai to face Azuere fully. Winnowill's hand begins to glow subtly as she caresses Ktai's face. Leetah locksends ** <> ** Leetah turns, "Ember, will you help me?" Ktai moves a bit. "No... I don't want... leave me alone." She staggers a bit, then slides down the wall. Ember pauses, shoulders tense, and looks to Leetah. ** ? ** Leetah guestures to Rayek, who she is in danger of letting sag to the ground. Physical strength was never her strong suit. Leetah says softly, "Others need my aid." Winnowill kneels to Ktai, smiling faintly. "But my child... my daughter... you need my help." Azeure's lips curl slowly ** Patience Sothel.. you may join them soon at that ** Leetah's eyes flash, "Your help, Winnowill?" Ember steps over to Leetah immediately, sliding an arm under Rayek's, to support him if he can stand, or to bear him gently to the floor if he cannot. Cutter moves, now, over to Leetah. And he replaces her arms, around Rayek. Though he is shorter, he is also stronger. His gaze also leaves Winnowill, to fix on Leetah. "Carefully." Rayek, borne up now between Ember and her sire, lifts his head a fraction. Leetah nods, allowing her family to take them. She herself begins mounting the steps toward Ktai. Ktai makes a small soft sound. "I'm.... not your child...." Just at the range of Elven hearing Sothel mutters," winnowill, anyperson you call you child is sure to end up twister and hurt." Ekuar comes down the stairs from above. Ekuar has arrived. Youngblood comes down the stairs from above. Youngblood has arrived. Winnowill speaks softly, caressing Ktai's face. "And isn't she?" Leetah rises to offer Ktai her hand, healing glow reaching to envelop her. Ekuar comes slowly, lopsidedly down the stairs, his frail body seeming a bit weary, supported by Youngblood. Skef comes down the stairs from above. Skef has arrived. Timber Wolf comes down the stairs from above. Timber Wolf has arrived. Skef Hops down the stairs softly, making very little noise, and halts, a few seps from the bottom, watching. Youngblood helps Ekuar into the hall. His gaze flits about curiously from Leetah to Cutter to Winnowill. Ekuar's gaze settles on Rayek, eyes large and worried. Ember and Cutter (apparently; I missed the pose) help to support a near-exhausted Rayek. Azeure stands, beside Winnowill, firmly holding Sothel's arm, staying him. Leetah grasps Ktai, shielding slipping around her. ** You will not take her, Winnowill. ** The send is unshakable, strong and warm. Winnowill's reply is cool. "I cannot take that which is already mine." Sothel turns to leetah ** WHO are you healer? ** Ekuar locksends ** <> ** You locksend, to Ktai, Ember, Ekuar, Cutter: Rayek sends, briefly, exhaustedly; his mind and body are filled with Leetah's gentle touch, a blanket, but one to keep warm, not to smother, inviting him to take desperately needd rest. But his mind flickers, anxiously, remembering danger/strife, making him struggle to keep awake, as he hears voices around him... Leetah's eyes do not leave Winnowill. ** I am Leetah, healer of Sorrow's End and Lostholt, Lifemate to Cutter, andI will not relinquish anyone to her. ** Sothel nodds once, ** your name I know, your heart I trust ** Ktai locksends ** ** Leetah's healing glow expands, enveloping not only Ktai, but others nearby. Adi comes down the stairs from above. Adi has arrived. Winnowill's magic blocks, and refocuses harder on Ktai. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek stirs, mentally, reaching for you groggily. He can't quite manage words, but he implores you to link to Leetah, and to him. Sothel ,straining against Azueres hand tries to move away. Leetah is locked in with Ktai, warring against Winnowill. Azeure's eyes move to Leetah, his hand releasing Sothel, letting him go to cower To Skef, Adi locksends urgently, ** What's going on!? ** Skef watches silently from the fourth step or so... leaning against the crowd-shy Wolf. Ember's head lifts a little, and she glances at her father. To Rayek, she whispers, "Can you move forward a little? With us?" To Cutter, and to Leetah, though the latter is probably not listening, "Our strength is in our family." Skef locksends ** I don't know... Leetah's mad at Winnowill, I think. ** to Adi. Rayek's eyes open a fraction, as he lifts his head to stare blearily in Ktai's direction. He manages a nod to Ember, but is already sending.... Sothel smiles darkly. and remains just out of Azure's reach. Adi stays towards the top of the stairway, watching anxiously. Ember's strength, and Cutter's, bring Rayek forward, to stand close to Leetah. They offer less sending than almost physical support--if a healer can draw power from love, then take what they have to offer. You locksend, to Ktai, Ember, Ekuar, Leetah: ** Link... with the Palace... quickly... ** Leetah sends openly ** <> ** Ekuar's soft eyes flicker and go misty, as he begins to concentrate, much as he did before in the Scroll chamber. Beneath his one good foot, the floor seems to soften a bit... to give... to waver. Winnowill retains her hand on Ktai's cheek. She will not give up so easily. Rayek's eyes open fully; teeth clenched, he sends. The pair of Wolfriders keeping him on his feet can feel his skin almost tingle, as though summoning up energy from the crystalline floor on which they all stand. He straightens, at least mostly, but doesn't give up his prideless grasp on Cutter's broad shoulder and Ember's slim one. Youngblood moves slightly away from Ekuar, and frowns, watching with an air of expectancy. Skef's brows go up, and he stands... Ember locksends, to Ktai, Ekuar, Rayek, Leetah: ** Ember almost smiles, through the sending, and Cutter lends a shoulder both emotional and physical to the taller desert elf. ** Let Father, Rayek... ** Ember's sending whispers. ** He hasn't the magic, but he go tthe strength of will... let him carry the burden. ** ** Ekuar locksends, to Ktai, Ember, Rayek, Leetah: ** <> ** Azeure's eyes become stern as the family approaches, looking as if he will not budge. Sothel reaches past Azuere and moves closer to place his hand on Ktais shoulder. You locksend, to Ktai, Ember, Ekuar, Leetah: Rayek hesitates, but only a fraction. He shifts to being the summoner of the Palace's strength -- sending it to Cutter, then, to direct. Ember lifts her head a little, jaw setting in concentration. Beside her, beside Rayek, Cutter's brows draw down in a deep from, as he shares the power of the Palace and of his family, opening himself to let Rayek's gifts flow through his greater strength. Ember nods, approvingly. Adi inhales sharply and sits down, hard. Skef Hops fearlessly down the final few steps, tword the knot of conflict. Leetah's eyes are liquid green fire as she broadens the scope of the sending, repeating to add emphasis to her belief. ** Children who are not loved are destroyed, Winnowill. ** You locksend to Ktai, Rayek, in the midst of a broadening circle of power, reaches for you, personally. ** Ktai... we will not let her take you...! ** His sending blazes, as he draws on the Palace, lending power to Cutter and Leetah to block Winnowill from you. Winnowill's reply is scathing. "Look to her. She destroys herself." Adi mutters softly, but loud enough to carry down the stairs, "No they aren't.. they aren't.." Sothel flinches slightly that but shows little other movment. Leetah and Cutter, lifemates linked, take the outpouring of strength and love and focus it, not in a blast against Winnowill, but in a gentle enfoldingof both the anti-healer and the wounded glider. Ekuar props his staff against his body, moving slowly, as if in a dream. His single arm reaches out in Youngblood's direction, though his eyes-- now virtually glowing-- remain fixed on Rayek. Sothel withdraws slightly Ktai locksends ** ** Azeure frowns, sending.. doing what he can to counter the assault on Winnowill.. this darkened presence. Youngblood grasps Ekuar's arm reasuringly, holding him up. Ember's sending ripples with pride as her parents come together against the Mountain's Lord, and her arm around Rayek tightens for a moment, warm approval. Cutter, for all that he is far from used to channeling power, bears it well, if not easily, allowing Rayek's thoughts to help guide the gifts against Winnowill. Tilia comes down the stairs from above. Tilia has arrived. Adi rises slowly, struggling to her feet makes her way down the steps. She keeps her distance from the fray however, pine-colored eyes glinting with fear caused by the magic flying around and mostly the emotions. Ktai gasps softly, her eyes opening to look to Winnowill. You locksend ** Eren, I care for you! Stay! ** to Ktai. Tilia says sharply as she comes down the stairs, "I ask simply for no fighting within the Palace. This is a home, not a playground." Adi mumbles, "I think it's too late for that." Winnowill smiles darkly. "Yes, my daughter... that is right..." Her voice is low and soft indeed, reminding one of the thickest velvet. Leetah almost pauses, almost falters. She gazes at Winnowill, trying to divine what she is doing. Youngblood's eyes shut as he stiffens, his posture changing as he links with Ekuar. The aura of the room is not precisely one of -fighting-; a battle, yes, but not of anger. Not quite overpowering is the emission from Leetah: love, healing power, supported by her family, by Rayek, by Ekuar. In turn, against her, stand Winnowill and Azeure, the center of the battle being the weakened and exhausted Glider Ktai. Leetah smiles then and allows the magic to ebb slightly, her own strength alone buffering Ktai's. Eren soulsends ** ** Winnowill frowns slightly. Tilia hits the butt of her makeshift spear-staff against the step she stands on, echoing strangely though the Palace halls. Adi's forehead wrinkles, unsure of what to make of things. Even more unsure of which side she's on.. Skef gropes for something to throw, to break it up, before someone gets hurt. Leetah lowers the level of her magic to mere supportful sending of Ktai. She looks utterly drained as she retreats down thestairs to once again support Rayek. Ember, alongside Cutter, allow Leetah to dictate the use of power, the pale-haired chieftain standing strong, and offering an arm to his lifemate as she rejoins them. Rayek, propped up by Cutter and Leetah's strong arms, stares goldenly at Ktai; he glimmers from crown of head to soles of feet. The thud of Tilia's spear-end makes his mouth twitch, but he keeps up his draw of power... sending it flowing, until at last he dimly begins to sense that the wolf-chief and the two healers are beginning to back off. Rayek even yet, though, keeps staring at Ktai, sending intently. Eren soulsends ** He. Cares! ** Leetah embraces Cutter, laying her head on his shoulder. Tilia's voice is hardly civil, just hard. "This isn't what the Palace is for." She does not seem, either, to be speaking to anyone in particular. Leetah shakes her head tiredly. Skef pulls his thick short sword from his belt, and Waggles it between the elves. "I Said, Stop fightin'! Mah wouldn't let GoBacks fight in the Lodge, and I don't think the High Ones Would elet you fight HERE!" he nods hard at tilia Winnowill frowns darkly. She got what she was after, at least part of it. She'll let the lost one rest... for now. She stands, looking darkly to Azeure. "No," Ember says softly, in reply to Tilia, "it isn't. But I'm afraid it will continue until we are all decided on what it /is/ for." Sothel locksends ** My sister loves you brown skin. I should have told you, not the healer... SHE says Ktai is broken...Azuere says it is our fault for interfering ... ** You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Tilia says "It is not for this. That is all that is important." Skef NODS, and hrmfs loudly. Ekuar's frame slumps wearily, as his own concentration fades and his eyes begin to clear. Cutter slides his other arm around Leetah, supporting her as much as he does Rayek, brushing his cheek against her hair in quiet pride. Ktai locksends ** Rayek... let me touch you...? ** Adi still looks confused about something, eyes shifting from one healer to the other. You locksend to Sothel, Rayek replies, exhausted, but with his thoughts sparkling with the resonance of these halls, ** And I say it is Ktai who should decide where she takes her healing, and where she wishes to stay. ** Azeure nods once to Winnowill.. Leetah is just too tired to do much else right now. Skef sticks his little Fawn-frams between everyone, brandishing the heavy sword he probably can't really wield. Rayek, with that, straightens enough to pull away from Cutter and Leetah and Ember; he half-strides, half-staggers to Ktai, offering her a brown hand. Tilia steps another stair. "If you do not stop abusing the Palace, I will not hesitate." Sothel jerks upright and seems to drawn on hidden strength. Tilia adds, "If anyone else abuses the Palace, I will not hesitate." Ktai reaches up, trying to stand, but ending up stretching up an arm, a hand out for Rayek's. Azeure looks to Sothel Ekuar leans heavily on his staff, drawing a deep breath. Dark smudges line his gentle eyes. Adi sits down against a wall, mulling things over. She continues to glance between healers now and then, frowning. Rayek says tiredly, "Tilia, it was I doing the drawing; if you are going to scold, direct it at me." With that, gruffly, he helps Ktai to her feet, and tugs her gently in Ekuar's direction. Winnowill shakes her head at Ktai. "Little fool. You shall soon see." She turns and moves slowly to the doorway. Ember lets Rayek go, a difficult expression on her face as he walks to Ktai. After a moment, she smiles crookedly and looks away. Cutter, for his part, simply wraps his other arm around his lifemate, nuzzling her hair and speaking softly to her. Sothel turns to az and gestures for him to lead the way. Tilia's eyes light upon Rayek. "You still don't see, do you." Winnowill steps through the doorway outside. Winnowill approaches the huge stone structure. Winnowill has left. Skef sighs, and scowls. Azeure steps through the doorway outside. Azeure approaches the huge stone structure. Azeure has left. Sothel steps through the doorway outside. Sothel approaches the huge stone structure. Sothel has left. Ekuar straightens his back, slipping the staff close against his side so that his single arm can reach out toward Rayek and Ktai. Cutter murmurs to Leetah, "You're exhausted, love. Come. Rest." Leetah nods softly, holding one brown hand out to the GoBack child. Ktai stumbles along with Rayek, her feet seeming to be heavier than one might expect for a glider. Skef goes to Leetah's side... pondering this. Youngblood glances towards Ekuar in thought. Tilia raises her eyes to Leetah and says quietly, "I wish this meeting could have been happier." Leetah nods softly, ruffling Skef's hair. Eren soulsends ** Rayek... I love you. ** Ktai looks softly to Rayek for a moment. Adi glances up and murmurs, "They aren't lost, healer. Unloved children aren't lost." Skef Quietly re-sheaths the heavy sword, and follows... Timber Wolf has left. Skef steps through the doorway outside. Skef approaches the huge stone structure. Skef has left. Adi rises and climbs up the stairs, heading back to the Scroll room Adi makes her way up the long staircase. Adi has left. Cutter, arm still around around Leetah, slips out of the Palace, leading the Go-Back boy with them, for all to rest. Tilia says wearily, "May I sleep now." Ember brushes a hand over her eyes. "We all should." Ktai, for her part just looks to Rayek. Rayek turns then, supporting Ktai and Ekuar on either arm, still looking as though he needs support himself. At Tilia's tone more than her actual words, he closes his eyes, and ushers the two he's with towards his chamber. [...] 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, Ekuar has left. Ekuar has arrived. Ember locksends ** <> Sleep well, Rayek. ** Out in the corridor, Ktai has left. Ktai has arrived. You locksend to Ember, Rayek answers you, dazed, reeling, mindsore from so many events, too many elves, all happening at once. ** I'll try, ** he answers plaintively. Ekuar quietly, gently urges the others to lie down (as if they need much urging, after all that has happened). "Easy, now, children... Lie back, hm?" Ktai sits without protest, her hand still in Rayek's. Rayek collapses on the furs between you. He is trembling vehemently. Ktai glances weakly to Ekuar, and offers Rayek a place to rest within her arms. Ekuar lays his staff aside and nods to Ktai, stroking a long tendril of Rayek's hair back from the brown face. Gentling him. "Easy, my son. Breathe deep. You're all right." Ktai locksends ** ** to Ekuar. Ekuar moves his hand toward Ktai for a moment, lightly touching her brow, smiling at her affectionately. Ktai looks to Ekuar, then down to Rayek... she would blush if she had the strength. Ktai senses in a locksend, Ekuar's own love for Rayek, deep and boundless, underscores his every thought... He rejoices in your own love for the one he considers closer than a son. Rayek looks at the two of you, then allows a rough embrace, one arm around each of you. He doesn't speak, but his expression starkly relays what is going through his head: too much to deal with, too much all at once. Eren soulsends ** ** Ekuar rests close to Rayek, pale, gentle fingers stroking the wan brown cheek. "Dear one," he murmurs. "It will be all right..." After a pausse, he says softly, "There's room in these furs, still, even with us three. I know one more who-- eh-- needs to be here, if you agree..." Ktai locksends ** ** to Ekuar. Rayek blinkblinkblinks up at the old rockshaper, then mumbles hoarsely, "Ember..." Rayek doesn't move his arms off either of you. Ktai locksends ** Let her come, Rayek... she saved your soul... ** Ekuar's smile glows, warm and gentle with approval. "Ember," he agrees. He concentrates briefly, eyes misting over for a moment. You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** ** Out in the corridor, Ember has arrived. Out in the corridor, Ember has left. Ember has arrived. Ember, very softly, very uncertainly, steps into the room, hovering just inside the passage, biting her lower lip. Rayek, sitting in a tangle between Ktai and Ekuar, looks up glassily at Ember; as the other two elves have seen, so does she see, that his face reflects dull exhaustion at all that has occurred this night. Ktai lies limply on a fur, and looks vaguely to Ember before smiling faintly. ** ** Ember's expression is not so exhausted, but behind the uncertainty, there is tired sorrow, as she hesitates between moving in and stepping out. Her send is barely audible: ** Ekuar invited me...? ** Ekuar looks up from where he rests, held in one of Rayek's dark arms, and gives Ember a weary and fond smile. "Come," he invites softly. "Room for all of us here... And we can all use the comfort, eh? The warmth." Rayek begins a nod, a dip of his head that leaves his chin almost touching his throat; his head doesn't come back up, at least not immediately. Then he lifts it with an effort and mumbles thickly, "Stay. Please." Two of the three...Ember's eyes go then to Rayek, and at the third welcome, she smiles tentatively and comes forward, silent as a glider walking on air. Ktai looks to Rayek. "Lie down, Rayek... will you? You're making me tired..." It's a soft half-joke. Really. Perhaps now, finally, he can allow himself to sleep. Rayek stretches out between Ktai and Ekuar, on the pile of sleepfurs he and the rockshaper have collected from their hunting efforts, and with one unsteady hand thumps the space beside them, glancing up at Ember. Ekuar murmurs, "Come and rest. Lay fear and sorrows aside." Ember again bites her lip; habit left over from cub days, and then climbs carefully onto the furs as invited, her eyes going for a moment to Ktai. "You're...all right...?" There's concern in her voice. Ktai is mostly asleep, but one 'eye' remains watching Rayek, to make certain he is safe... It takes a moment for Ktai to realise it is to her that Ember speaks. Her voice is muffled by a fur and her arm. "Yes... thank you... I'm... better than I have been. I'm free of Her..." Ember murmurs, "Good," and inch by inch, allows herself to relax into the furs and the quiet air. Ktai sighs softly and nestles into the fur a bit. She tries not to jostle anyone else, though. So alien this... yet it feels right. Ekuar's slender chest rises and falls with slow regularity, an almost palpable aura of peace and rest surrounding him. Quietness... calm... ease. With his head pillowed on Ktai, a leg cradled by Ekuar, and a hand reaching out for Ember, Rayek finally slumps, eyes closing. His drawn face relaxes; his breath eases. Ktai locksends ** Do... you love him? ** to Ember. Awake, she would not answer that question. So close to sleep, and so worn from not just the day, but the last days past, Ember allows the answer, which she is unwilling to face herself, drift to you, in truth. ** Yes... ** And then, some little while later, ** ... do you ...? ** Ktai locksends ** I do. So much that if it would make him happy... I would give him up.... ** to Ember. Ember, blearily, raises her head to look over one form and another towards Ktai, red curls drowning her eyes. After another moment or two, she rests against the furs again, lashes slipping shut. Ember locksends ** ...I do not think he loves me that much. I think you have nothing to fear from me. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I wouldn't fear you anyway... ** to Ember. Ktai senses in a locksend, Ember's smile is genuine, if laced with sleep. ** Good...** [End log.]