Log Cast: Rayek, Flashfire, Suntop, Ktai
Log Intro:
	After the captives of the Underworld were released, Rayek spends much 
of his time apart from the rest of the Villagers.  Taking a moment away from 
the busybodiness of the Village, Suntop and Flashfire stumbled upon him at the 
Bridge of Destiny.  Tension rose between the Airwalker and the Wolfrider, yet 
it was relieved somewhat when Suntop asked Rayek to teach him and the cub how 
to hunt.  Grudgingly, Rayek assented.
	However, when Flashfire's interests went towards a wild zwoot, Rayek 
hesitated, remembering a youth-hood accident when Rayek brought a 
not-quite-tame zwoot back to the Village and watched as it shook itself free of 
its magical trance and kicked another Villager, Arro -- killing him.  So Rayek 
left a mental suggestion inside this zwoot's head that would keep it from 
directly running over his two hunting companions, yet Flashfire saw through it 
and tension once more rose.. Yet the hunt was successful and the Airwalker's 
smaller companions brought the beast down.
	However, a noise caught their attention and after Flashfire and Suntop 
went to investigate, it was found to be Ktai. Unfortunately, Ktai had been 
injured after Flashfire had rashly let an arrow fly at the source of the noise, 
and Suntop, fearing his golden-eyed friend's temper, kept Rayek from seeing 
just what Flashfire had shot.  Angry beyond words, Rayek shot off without a 
word.

-------

Ktai's voice can be heard softly, a strained sort of tint to it. "It's
 my own fault for following after. I should have stayed behind... out of
 trouble... and out of danger. He's right... I don't care enough for
 myself..."

A golden smudge appears against the indigo sky, duller in color, but
 brighter by far than any of the far-away stars. It approaches swiftly,
 matching the speed with which it departed with, and, after a few
 moments, Rayek's form becomes visible.

Flashfire kneels next to Ktai, trying to see where the arrow hit. He
 whispers, as his thoughts are too muddled to send coherently. "I'm so
 sorry..I didn't mean it." Something tells him Rayek is coming back - he
 just knows it. But he doesn't budge.

Suntop says "Why? Because you were curious? You didn't know it would be
 dangerous...and even those with child need to get outside every now and
 then." He looks up, wondering if Rayek is going to have the energy to
 breathe after his flying much less help them."

Ktai smiles faintly to the worried one. "No... it's all right. You'll
 make a fine hunter... I'm just glad I managed to move the arrow as much
 as I could. You have... precise aim."

After a time, Rayek descends, coming to rest where he stood before he
 left. He does, indeed, look tired, but his stance is still straight and
 proud, and his chin is still lifted. And he stands there, silently, his
 hands at his sides with the fingers curled into fists, his expression
 almost expectant.

Flashfire looks remorseful, nevertheless. He's not even had much time
 with a bow. "Thanks..I guess. I just..did it. I was caught up in the
 hunt..I just feel so bad.."

Suntop sighs from behind the outcropping and pats Ktai's hand before
 standing. "Flashfire, stay here with her please." He then moves away
 from the outcropping, emerging to face Rayek. ** Before you do or say
 anything, ** he sends carefully, ** It was an accident...and if you
 feel you must blame someone, blame me. **

Ktai's voice can be heard, a quietly pained offering. "Rayek teaches
 well... when others listen. I... should have listened..."

When Suntop emerges, Rayek regards him silently, his expression made of
 stone. Even after the mystic has sent to him, his expression doesn't
 crack in the slightest. ** Where is she. **

You locksend ** ((gently, almost timidly, contradicting the stone-cold
 expression he wears)) Love-mate? ** to Ktai.

Suntop gestures to behind the rocks. ** She's about to pass out... ** He
 watches Rayek carefully, his eyes concerned both for the elf and her
 unborn child, but also the friendship that seems to be hanging on a
 thread.

Flashfire wonders for a moment why trouble always seems to find him when
 it concerns taller ones, but he slips out of his thoughts, just trying
 to do what he can to comfort Ktai, placing a noticably shaking hand on
 her shoulder, before quickly stopping her from falling, his arms going
 around her. He gulps.

Ktai locksends ** <It slips out as her consiousness ebbs...> Rayek... **

Rayek nods once and simply pushes past Suntop to the rocks he gestured
 to. Only then does his expression crack, concern and worry spilling out
 as he moves behind the rock, his sending rippling out like the water in
 a lake. ** Ktai? **

Flashfire holds the Glider in his arms as gently as he can, yet firmly
 enough that she won't go anywhere. Liquid eyes rise towards Rayek, and
 his face shows all the remorse contained in him.

Suntop climbs up part of the outcropping and peers over.

Ktai's appearance at first is peaceful, eyes closed as if she's simply
 sleeping off a long day, but the blood on her left arm and the rock
 nearby relate the truth: she's fallen unconsious from loss of blood.
 She perhaps doesn't know that she was caught and is now cradled by the
 smaller elf that she had spoken so kindly to only moments before.

Suntop sends openly ** I...we didn't want to anger you, Rayek...but I
 think, looking back, that was the wrong choice. I'm sorry... **

Rayek moves forward slowly, feeling as if he were pulling himself
 through the muck of a muddy, deep marsh. Somehow, he comes to kneel
 beside the Wolfrider and Glider. Flashfire's remorseful look is granted
 the tightest of smiles offered in hope of easing some of his guilt, but
 then his hands move forward silently, to gingerly take Ktai from his
 arms should the Wolfrider allow it. But Suntop's sending is not even
 given the smallest of smiles or briefest of looks. Instead, the
 Airwalker sends softly, ** You. Will. Never. Do. That. Again. **

You locksend to Ktai, Rayek's sending is a soft, worried sigh in the
 back of your mind, torn and rich with concern. ** Oh, Eren.. **

As Ktai is moved, she whimpers softly, the pain in her arm bringing her
 clashing back to weakened awareness.

Suntop lowers his eyes and looks to his hands, resting on the rocks, his
 face flushed with remorse. ** No...I swear I never shall. ** his send
 is barely a whisper, but it is whispered in earnest.

Flashfire is all too willing to let Rayek hold Ktai, though he whispers
 a single word. "Careful.." He manages to stay there, not retreating,
 and he turns his head to Suntop, giving him a supportive look, one that
 suggests if anything, blame be placed equally on both.

Eren soulsends ** <It's a quiet send, an apologetic sent-whisper> I'm
 sorry... it was my fault... I didn't want you to see me hurt... **

Suntop's gaze remains lowered, watching his hands.

** I have always trusted you. ** Once Ktai is safely in his arms, Rayek
 rises up again and he turns, pale yellow eyes fixing on Suntop. His
 arms hold her gently, gingerly, and he swallows his worry for her as he
 stares at Cutter's son evenly. ** Always trusted you. I have valued you
 as a friend and an equal. But I cannot trust someone who does not trust
 me. **

You locksend to Ktai, Rayek's touch is soft against your mind, so
 different from the cold hardness with which he addresses the others. **
 Shh.. Rest, love-mate. I am not angry with you. **

Eren soulsends ** <It pains her to hear that aimed at Suntop> No,
 please... it's... not... his... <A stab of pain hits her, and the word
 'fault' squeaks out in painful clarity, accompanied by the memory of
 Suntop's remorseful aid and her pained fear of your anger.> **

You locksend ** ((quietly)) I cannot trust someone who does not trust
 me. ** to Ktai.

Suntop inhales sharply and raises his gaze to meet those of the
 Airwalkers. ** No...I would not either. I know it will not mend the
 situation but...I acted like a cub...it will never happen again. ** He
 understands Rayek's meaning completely and fervently wishes that this
 entire hunt never happened...knowing that wish will never come true.

Flashfire has learned a thing or two about trust in the short time since
 he began breathing. He's learned that trust can be hard to earn, and
 can be removed in a snap. Times have come where he's tried his hardest
 to gain someone's trust, then done a single thing to render that trust
 null and void. This feels like one of those times to him. Sighing, he
 places his hands in his lap, staring at them.

Eren soulsends ** <She is fading again, but her send is clear once more>
 Please... he's not at fault... **

Suntop turns from Rayek's amber gaze to look about the desert. ** I
 think I definitely need time away from here...time to -grow up-...** He
 sighs heavily. ** I have caused too many problems here of late. **

Rayek's gaze breaks from Suntop's, looking instead to the injured Glider
 cradled in his arms. "That is mine to decide, love-mate," he murmurs
 softly, but aloud, for perhaps it is something that another should
 hear. "It is not a matter of fault.. now rest. Please.. just rest." And
 he looks back up again and the mask that settles over his face is
 almost visible as his uncharacteristically soft expression is hardened
 once more. ** No, ** he answers simply. ** It will not. ** And as for
 the mystic's latter sending, he gives no reply.

Ktai's eyes flutter once, for they have not yet re-opened since she
 fell. Instead, she remains quiet in Rayek's arms, as if once again she
 has fallen unconscious.

Suntop glances to the zwoot and goes to retreive Yun's spear. "We should
 just leave this for the wolves..." he says, his voice quiet.

Flashfire listens to the sending flying between Suntop and Rayek, and
 despite himself, he scowls. ** Instead of berating him over it, why
 can't you accept none of this was meant to happen? Surely you're not
 perfect, as boastful as you are. We all make mistakes. Are you going to
 hold it against your /friend?/ ** Finding strength in his legs, he
 stands, and starts to hurry off. ** I don't belong here, either. **

Suntop nods to Flashfire. "I am going back as well." He turns one last
 apologetic glance to Rayek and Ktai before heading back towards the
 Village.

** You should. Because I will not help you and apparently neither will
 the Wolfrider. ** Someone struck a nerve, and got tagged as 'the
 Wolfrider'. Oops. A golden glow casts itself once more over Rayek and
 his fragile cargo, and he lifts up into the air. Almost idly, he notes
 through the corner of his eyes the yellow eyes that peer out from the
 rocks surrounding them. The jackals won't go hungry tonight. Then he
 turns and, like the others, slowly starts to move off in the direction
 of the Village. His glide, however, is crooked, exhausted as he is.

Eren soulsends ** <Eren's magic snakes along yours, offering aid where
 it can. For where her body is weak, her spirit is willing.> **

Suntop returns silently to the village.
Suntop has left.

** You're wrong, Rayek. ** Flashfire focuses his sending one more time,
 gathering his thoughts. ** You may abandon your friends, but I never
 will. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry for what happened. Whether you
 accept it or not, I can't do anything about it. ** With that, he
 follows behind Suntop.

Flashfire has left.

You locksend ** ((And this time, your sending collides against a
 barrier. The Airwalker, sick to death of the entire situation, quite
 simply blocks his mind against yours and Suntop's sendings.)) ** to 
Flashfire.

Rayek glides through the village as swift as he can. Unfortunately,
 that's not much, for he is dreadfully tired, despite Ktai's efforts to
 assist. Straining to keep alert, he searches out the tent the two share
 and quickly moves towards it.

Ktai is mostly only slightly aware, and only that through the feel of
 what passes her magics.

Awkwardly, Rayek pushes the tent-curtain back and slips inside.

Travelers' Tent (Ktai and Rayek)(#6562e)
A patchwork tent large enough to hold four Wolfrider-sized elves snugly,
 but only two Glider-sized elves comfortably. A small leather flap marks
 the entrance.

Ktai has arrived.

The tent entrance rustles to a close quietly and, the moment Rayek's
 feet touch the ground, he nearly crumples. He bites back a gasp. . o O
 (Great Sun!) Gingerly, straining his weary body further, he lays Ktai
 down on the furs. He eyes her uneasily - how bad are her wounds?

Truth be told, she's only slightly harmed. She lost more blood than
 anyone would have liked, and added onto the heat and her pregnancy...
 she had no recourse but to pass out.

Rayek lifts a hand to his head, pressing his fingertips to his temple
 for a moment as he draws in breath slowly, struggling for strength. He
 rummages through the tent, trying to find something - anything! - that
 will serve as bandages. After a few moments of searching, he finds the
 yellowy Glider cloth that he still has, at least the tunic section of
 it. The pants he has long since traded away. He tears the flimsy
 material easily despite his fatigue, and turns back to Ktai.

She opens her eyes now with a soft sigh, looking to him weakly and with
 apologies in her eyes. ** Rayek... I... **

"Shh.." Rayek shushes her, eyeing the bloodied arm critically, then
 awkwardly starts to mop it up, trying to find its source. ** Rest,
 Ktai. You need your rest. **

Ktai's send is stronger than the rest of her right now. ** I should have
 stayed behind... should have listened to what I knew you would say. **

** Yes. You should have. But you didn't. ** Rayek's smile is grim, his
 touch ginger as he drops the yellowy cloth and starts to undo the
 bandaging to redress the wound. ** No use in worrying about it now. **
 An odd stiffness has begun to dominate his sendings. They are truths,
 of course, but does he himself believe them?

** You're upset with me, aren't you? **

** Yes. ** The bandages are gently pulled away and the strips of yellowy
 cloth are applied. ** But not very. **

Ktai sends openly ** Tyree thought it was fun... until I got hurt. **

That earns a smirk, though it is a tired one. ** He would, ** Rayek
 answers amusedly, binding the wound.

Ktai sends openly ** And I wish I could have seen when you were
 fussing... your eyes turn so lovely when you're angry... **
She winces slightly as you tug the bandage.

Rayek's cheeks color in reply, stalling his answer as he adjusts the
 bandage again, then sits back on his heels, glancing her over in case
 of other injuries he might have, despite the fact it was only one
 arrow. ** I didn't fuss at them, ** he answers with a stray note of
 defensiveness, then clears his throat. ** I doubt Suntop's thoughts
 were on my eyes anyway, so I wouldn't know. **

Ktai smiles softly. ** I could show you ... if you'd like... ** As she
 sends it softly, her uninjured arm rises to touch your blushing cheeks
 softly. ** Thank you... **

** You're welcome, ** he answers gruffly, a faint smile on his face.
 Once he's certain she is as well as can be expected, he eases himself
 down to a sitting position. After a moment, he lifts a hand to touch
 the one on his cheek. ** Just don't do this again. **

Ktai's fingers move lightly, a soft and gentle caress.
Ktai sends openly ** I won't... I promise. But it will be soon now, I
 think. **

Rayek has visibly started to droop at this point, but with Ktai's words
 his head jerks up sharply. ** What will? **

Ktai gently moves to pull him close to her right and uninjured side. **
 Tyree's birth. I'd say before the cold... **

Rayek settles beside her, a hand lifting to rub at one eye. "Great
 Sun.." he swears softly, then blinks at her. ** So soon? **

Ktai laughs softly, curling into and around. ** It has been longer than
 normal... **

** It hasn't felt like it.. ** Rayek half-mutters in reply, blinking at
 her in an oddly astonished way.

Ktai smiles softly. ** No... it hasn't... but it has been... just ask
 him. **
She hugs gently with her right arm.

"Hmf." Rayek quirks a single black brow slowly, struck dumb for a moment
 before clearing his throat. Perhaps he shall. Can he? But he doesnt',
 instead sending: ** You need your rest. ** Does she? or does he?

Ktai sends openly ** As do you, love. You wore yourself out emoting and
 being all imposing. It doesn't suit you anymore. **

Rayek hmfs again, but offers no arguement either way save, ** I flew
 back and forth three times. Being imposing had little to do with it. **

Ktai laughs softly. ** Then you succeeded where you didn't even try, my
 love. Rest... **

Rayek quirks a brow at her, the slightest of smirks on his face. ** You
 should rest as well. **

Ktai hugs gently. ** Right next to you, dear. **

Rayek returns the embrace, but stiffly and perhaps too gently - a result
 of his weariness? or perhaps concern for her injury? ** You first. **

Ktai sends openly ** With you, my love... **

** I will sleep. ** His golden eyes study her for a moment. ** But I
 want to make sure that -you- will as well. **

Her smile is soft, her eyes gentle and only slightly pained. ** I will
 sleep, my love. **

[And so the pair drift off to sleep. Awwww. End Log.]