Log Date: 9/10/96 Log Cast: Of the Palace: Rayek, Ktai, Ekuar, Petalwing Of Blue Mountain: Winnowill, Sar, Alorn, Eveshka Log Intro: It has become tense for the residents of the Palace of the High Ones, ever since Winnowill has resumed contact with Rayek -- and dropped hints that she wishes to see him and the Palace in person. Sensitive as he is about not barring _any_ elf from the Palace's halls, Rayek in conscience cannot forbid Winnowill's presence -- but then again, this _is_ Winnowill, and he cannot help but be wary. He, Ktai, and Ekuar wait to see if the Mountain Lord will actually arrive, while Ktai seeks, and gains, some assurance that Rayek is wrestling with whether he cares for her.... [NOTE: Ekuar was spoofed by Rayek's typist for this log.] ---------- Petalwing> Some distance away, ShootingStar glides down from above. Petalwing> Some distance away, ShootingStar has arrived. Petalwing> Some distance away, Talon glides down from above. Petalwing> Some distance away, Talon has arrived. Petalwing> You move away from the huge stone structure, stepping around the rubble that litters its immediate vicinity. Petalwing> Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains(#356RJ) Petalwing> Contents: Petalwing> Talon Petalwing> ShootingStar(#3911IJMUae) Petalwing> Ktai Petalwing> Palace(#500Jae) Petalwing> Obvious exits: Petalwing> Mountains Northwest South Petalwing> On Talon's back, Sar keeps Talon within easy sight of ShootingStar, while he circles the area, studying the ground below. Petalwing> Ktai is nearby, trying to cook over a failing cookfire. Petalwing> From ShootingStar's back, Winnowill breathes in. "The Palace...." Petalwing> Petalwing pokes its little head up from the rocks, from where it's flittering near Ktai companionably -- what? Big flyhigh squawkthings? Petalwing> On Talon's back, Eveshka just bites her lip. This is not good. Petalwing> ShootingStar decends into the largest available flatplace in the pass, backwinging in to land. Petalwing> Ktai turns, looking to Petalwing. "Hmm? What's wrong, Petalwing?" Petalwing> Ktai swallows, turning. Bondbirds. Ktai locksends ** Rayek? ** Petalwing> Petalwing eeps! /Flyhighthings!/ It flitflits up, and points up into the sky. /Looklooksee! Is flyhighthings!/ Petalwing> On Talon's back, Sar seems to be avoiding looking directly at the Palace. He does, however, pay attention to the glider and preserver below, finally directing Talon towards them. Petalwing> Ktai nods. "I know those birds, Petalwing...There really shouldn't be cause for alarm." You locksend to Ktai, Rayek is here, sending still somewhat strained as it has been for the past few days, but he answers quickly, ** Here. ** Petalwing> ShootingStar settles herself on a low boulder, folding her wings primly. Petalwing> On Talon's back, Eveshka looks to Sar suddenly. Ktai locksends ** There are bondbirds out here. ** You locksend ** I come. Which Gliders? Do you see? ** to Ktai. Petalwing> From ShootingStar's back, Alorn glances around for a moment, frowning to herself. A look is spared the Palace itself, then she slides off the bird's back, hovering midway down and extending a hand to Winnowill. Petalwing> Talon lands somewhere between Shootingstar and Ktai, ruffling his feathers and raking sharp talons along the ground. Ktai locksends ** It's... Alorn... and Sar. There are two others... ** Petalwing> From ShootingStar's back, Winnowill extends her hand, and slides somewhat towards Alorn. Petalwing> Petalwing squeals, as it flits up high enough to see the passengers on the birds. It then promptly utters a tiny /GRR!/ and zips off in a green streak into the Palace.... Petalwing> Sar has arrived. Petalwing> From ShootingStar's back, Alorn has left. Petalwing> Alorn dismounts gracefully from ShootingStar's saddle. Petalwing> Alorn has arrived. Petalwing> From ShootingStar's back, Winnowill has left. Petalwing> Winnowill dismounts gracefully from ShootingStar's saddle. Petalwing> Winnowill has arrived. Petalwing> Some distance away, Ktai freezes. Ktai locksends ** Rayek! It's Winnowill!! ** Petalwing> Some distance away, On Talon's back, Eveshka waits, as she was instructed. Petalwing> Petalwing vanishes into the Palace, its highpitched voice squeaking, /Sharpdark highthing! Sharpdark highthing!/ You step out through the doorway, leaving the entry hall behind. Palace(#500Jae) You see before you a tall stone structure, taller by far than any elf or human or troll. There is something odd about its appearance -- it almost seems to blend in with its surroundings, at least if you are not close to it. But the closer you get, the more it seems to *tug* at you, and show to you its battered towers and spires. The nearest wall sports a long, winding ripple that might once have been a mighty crack, and the nearest visible entryway, a doorway at least as tall as two elves, sports a pair of heavy, ornate doors. Contents: Petalwing(#3061Zpq) Obvious exits: Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Some distance away, Ktai stands frozen by the fire, her eyes wide, and her sun-darkened skin pale from shock. Some distance away, Sar strokes Talon's neck gently, his gaze finally straying towards the Palace, though returning frequently to Ktai. Rayek himself emerges, shortly thereafter, with Petalwing fluttering in frantic circles about his head. His amber eyes are sharp and alert; behind him, a wary stumping figure with his staff, comes Ekuar, his ancient kindly face crinkled, huge liquid eyes uncharacteristically dark and solemn. Some distance away, Winnowill looks about her with a small smile and a nod to Alorn for her aid. She notes Ktai with slight amusement, and then her eyes fall on Rayek. You move away from the huge stone structure, stepping around the rubble that litters its immediate vicinity. Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains(#356RJ) This wide pass is nearly an entire days' ride from one side to the other, from what you can tell. The sun is still hard and heavy here, but the looming presence of the mountains to either side seem to lessen the drain of the barren waste. The sun is high in the hot summer skies. Contents: Winnowill Alorn Sar Talon ShootingStar(#3911IJMUae) Ktai Palace(#500Jae) Obvious exits: Mountains Northwest South Sar looks at you for a moment. Winnowill locksends ** /Soft and deeply caressing/ Rayek... ** On Talon's back, Eveshka just sits there. She's more than willing to hide up here. No sense in getting in the way. Sar watches the newcomer expressionlessly, his stance alert but not tense. Ktai locksends ** ** Rayek glides out into view, brown face intent, veiled. He hovers a short distance away from the arrivals, between them and the Palace, between them and Ekuar and Petalwing. The Preserver lands on the rockshaper's shoulder, and pipes shrilly, /Nastybad longsofthair highthing!/ before Ekuar, frowning, moves to try to quiet the bug. At least for now. Alorn moves all the way to the ground now, then watches. Winnowill moves forwards slowly, her hem trailing in the sand, covering her footsteps. She extends both hands to Rayek. "Rayek... at last." Rayek's gaze flicks from face to face, stopping first on Ktai, with a glimmer -- admittedly brief, but nonetheless palpable -- of concern; then, to Alorn, to Sar, to Eveskha up on the bond-bird. Then, at last, to Winnowill. Eren soulsends ** I love you... ** Rayek pulls in a breath; his gaze can be seen to flick once more, momentarily, to Ktai. As Ekuar, as unobtrusively as the ancient can, stumps out beside him, the airwalker says shortly, by way of greeting, "Gliders." Then, to their Lord, "... Winnowill." Winnowill smiles to Rayek, though the practiced eye will see through it. "That is all, Rayek?" Her voice is soft and light in its darkness. "Come, let me see you." Ktai looks to Rayek. The fire at her feet goes out, the meat growing cold. You locksend ** ** to Winnowill. Alorn glances for a moment between Winnowill and Rayek, then shifts her attention to Ktai, narrowing frosty eyes almost inperceptibly. She remains in the shadow of the hawk though, still only watching. Winnowill's lips curl slightly. You locksend ** ** to Ktai. On Talon's back, Eveshka watches all as if from a distance. Sar,like Alorn, contents himself with keeping a wary eye on those present. He keeps stroking his bondbirds neckfeather soothingly, keeping the restless bird quiet. Ktai locksends ** ** A look, exchanged between Ekuar and the brown-skinned hunter; the rockshaper nods, hesitantly, just a bit. Rayek lands, then, and draws nearer to the tall Mountain Lord, allowing her gaze and those of her followers to take in his silk-clad form, his hair in its flowing tail, the wolf's head necklace at his throat. Winnowill locksends ** You could never hide from me for long, Rayek. Shall we go inside? Share with me this wonderous place. /Her sends are soft and compelling, like soft kisses/ ** Winnowill does indeed look at Rayek. But it seems more that she uses a deeper eye than her dark ones which only skim the surface. Winnowill looks at you for a moment. Ktai now looks to Alorn, her dark eyes heated with anger. Rayek says, aloud, "Ekuar and I will show you... and your followers... the Palace's halls." His tone is controlled, neutral. On Ekuar's shoulder, Petalwing puts in, /And Petalwing show!/ It eyes Winnowill, sternly, then mutters before Ekuar can silence it, /Petalwing show nastybad longsofthair highthing much wrapstu..." Sar turns his attention to the preserver. Winnowill smiles thinly. "Please do, Rayek... I have heard so much from Azeure..." "Now, now, little one," Ekuar murmurs, "no need... yet." The old rockshaper's voice is firm, and the wariness hasn't left his eyes, either, matching that of the Sun Village magic-maker. Ktai again casts a glance Rayek's way. Ktai locksends, to Winnowill, Rayek: ** Do you wish me along? ** A brief flash of annoyance crosses Winnowill's face, but she covers it with her smile. You locksend, to Ktai, Winnowill: ** Strength... numbers... ** You locksend ** Remember: you said yourself. We have strength in numbers. ** to Ktai. Rayek turns, then, carriage almost regal, and says, "Come." Ekuar turns to follow him, his single hand tight upon his staff. Palace(#500Jae) [Desc deleted.] Contents: Petalwing(#3061Zq) Obvious exits: Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Some distance away, Ktai moves to Rayek's side, following. Some distance away, Ktai has left. Ktai approaches the huge stone structure. Ktai has arrived. Eren soulsends ** Yes... we do, beloved... ** Some distance away, Winnowill frowns slightly, but looks to Alorn and Sar. Some distance away, Alorn lightly quirks a brow. Some distance away, On Talon's back, Eveshka peers around Talon, but she's staying in place. She knows when to listen. But it's hot out here! Some distance away, Winnowill nods assent to Alorn, and then steps up to the Palace after Rayek and Ktai. Some distance away, Winnowill has left. Winnowill approaches the huge stone structure. Winnowill has arrived. Some distance away, Alorn follows. Some distance away, Alorn has left. Alorn approaches the huge stone structure. Alorn has arrived. With Ekuar and Ktai near him, and the Preserver riding spunkily on the rockshaper's shoulder, Rayek seems calm, and he leads the group into the Palace. You step through the doorway into... You move away from the huge stone structure, stepping around the rubble that litters its immediate vicinity. 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: Bright Green Tent(#9206JOes) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Petalwing steps in from outside. Petalwing moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Eren soulsends ** ** Ktai steps in from outside. Ktai moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Ktai has arrived. Winnowill steps in from outside. Winnowill moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Winnowill has arrived. Alorn steps in from outside. Alorn moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Alorn has arrived. Winnowill looks around her, sensing and sending almost at the same time. "Welcome," Rayek says coolly, "to the first Home. The Home of all our kind." Ktai pulls the clasp out of her hair and lets her short hair fall freely about. Alorn glances round rather dispassionatly, then once more settles her gaze on Ktai. The chamber into which Rayek leads the visitors resonates... with magic, more than just traces; rockshaping magic, both Ekuar's and that of others, sings in harmony in the floor under elfin feet, colors the air before elfin eyes. And the air is deepened further by traces of other Presences, barely felt but sending tingles across the skin, across the mind. Some are recent... some older... and some, ancient. Winnowill moves about the Hall, sensing about her. Her cool eyes rest on Ktai briefly before looking to Rayek. Ktai glances to Alorn before looking back to Winnowill. Ekuar puts in, mildly but firmly, "The Home of all of us," in agreement with his pupil -- but with an ever so slight emphasis on the 'all'. His staff makes faint tappings on the stone floor as he moves to keep up with Rayek's stride. Winnowill locksends ** /She almost resonates to the power around her./ Feel it, Rayek. How it caresses and envelopes you... almost becoming a part of you... ** Rayek turns, then, and stares levelly at Winnowill. "All are welcome in the Palace, though I have pledged to guard its sanctity, and that of those who dwell..." His words falter, momentarily, the pause almost inconsequential, before he continues on as though nothing had happened, "... within it." Eren soulsends ** ** You locksend to Winnowill, Rayek's mind, ever so briefly, flinches from your contact before he steels himself anew. He does not answer you. Winnowill smiles as she moves about the room, examining the very walls and floor. Could she glide, she would move to the ceiling as well. You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Winnowill locksends ** /A soft caressing laugh/ Tsk, Rayek... You have lost the feeling of the Palace. I can give it back to you. ** "There are halls, akin to this one, throughout the Palace," Rayek tells the visitors, tone still restrained. "The places where the High Ones made their lives, and where the helpers toiled and rested." He crosses his arms beneath the silver wolf he wears, physical affirmation, perhaps, of inner shields. Eren soulsends ** ** Winnowill nods, looking to the great stairway. "And those?" Another glance, exchanged between Rayek and Ekuar. Rayek then says, tersely, "They lead to the chamber of the Scroll of Colors." Winnowill nods. "Ah yes... the Scrolls... Azeure spoke so highly of them..." On Ekuar's shoulder, Petalwing announces, /Petalwing no let nastybad highthing in scrollplace! No do push-pull!/ Very briefly, though the rockshaper quickly hides it afterwards, Ekuar smiles. Ktai almost laughs softly. Winnowill frowns at the Preserver's words. Alorn turns her head a little to now watch the Preserver, not quite frowning. She shifts positions slightly, clasping her hands behind her back. Rayek's mouth curls up on one end, almost amusedly. "Petalwing," he says over his shoulder, "we will not conceal any part of the Palace from any elf; it goes against our Way." The emphasis on _that_ word is audible in his voice, deliberate. You locksend ** ** to Winnowill. Winnowill looks to Rayek calmly. Troubled of eye, briefly, Ekuar then nods softly. "The Home and all within it may be seen by all elves," he murmurs. Winnowill locksends ** /Soft comes the caress./ Have you too embraced the life of the Wolfrider? There is no wolf-blood in you, my Soul's mate. ** Ktai looks to Rayek, moving to his side. Winnowill frowns at Ktai. How - annoying. Sar steps in from outside. Sar moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Sar has arrived. Winnowill stands, frowning at Ktai, who has just moved to Rayek's side. Eren soulsends ** ** Sar's attention starts to wander, leaving the elves and preserver as he looks around at the Palace with a wistful expression. Winnowill sends darkly, then turns to look at the staircase. Rayek regards Winnowill and Alorn, and says almost mildly, "Is there a... problem?" Alorn smiles rather darkly at Rayek, then yet again centers her attention on Ktai. Winnowill's attention is the staircase. To all, she seems drawn to it, as a moth to a flame. Trying to assure, Ekuar glances at Ktai, reaching around behind Rayek to provide a supportive presence despite not being able to touch both her and his staff at the same time. Eren soulsends ** She's trying to hypnotise me! If she does... ** Ktai shakes her head, as if to clear it, looking to Rayek. Sar starts, then looks over to Winnowill. Winnowill moves up the staircase now, without a single word. Winnowill makes her way up the long staircase. Winnowill has left. You locksend ** ** to Ktai. Rayek then turns, nods to Ekuar, and glides up after Winnowill. You make your way up the long, winding stairwell. Second Level This wide corridor sports myriad tiny ripples and swirls in its walls and floor, as if once it might have been rife with damage; now, these patterns seem only to add to the ethereal feel of the place, giving your surroundings a flowing, airy look. The air is full of a barely palpable tingle, a sense of welcome, a stronger sense of magic. At one end of the corridor you can see the stairs that wind back down into the lower level of this place; at the opposite end, a tall doorway that glimmers golden in the faint light. Contents: Winnowill Obvious exits: Scroll Chamber Winding Stairway Sar comes up the stairwell from below. Sar has arrived. Winnowill moves slowly, tracing the walls with her fingers as she senses her surroundings. Sar walks up the stairs, a few steps behind Winnowill. Though he keeps an eye on Rayek, his attention is still divided. Petalwing> Alorn tsks softly, glancing after the trio. She then moves lightly across the hall, toward Ktai. Petalwing> Petalwing reluctantly stays on Ekuar's shoulder, as the rockshaper moves to Ktai, eying Alorn levelly. "My dear," he says to the latter, "I hope, eh, you two aren't planning to fight, hmm?" Petalwing> Ktai backs up slightly, changing her stance. Petalwing> Petalwing pipes to Alorn, /No do hurtfires in Homeplace! Sharpdark highthing say so! Petalwing put naughtybad highthings in wrapstuff if do hurtfires!/ Rayek floats up, clearly intending to keep tabs on the two from Blue Mountain, still crossing his arms along his chest. Petalwing> Alorn turns her head for a moment to smile gently at the ancient rockshaper, and then at the bug. "Of course not." Winnowill moves towards the glow at the end of the hallway. Winnowill enters the chamber of the Scroll of Colors. Winnowill has left. Sar smiles faintly, at nothing visible, then shakes his head slightly and follows his Lord. Sar enters the chamber of the Scroll of Colors. Sar has left. [To be continued....]