Log date: 12/6/98 Log note: Continued from previous log... -------- Shenshen steps in from outside. Shenshen moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Shenshen has arrived. You locksend to Tyree, Rayek promises: ** It'll get better. ** You sense in a locksend, Tyree is content with that, and he answers with an acknowledging send. Rayek stands towards the back-center of the thinning crowd gathered in the Entry Hall, Tyree perched on his shoulders. Ekuar is next to Stormrunner, giving him a reassuring smile. "Of course, of course. I'm sure she's, eh, fine." Shenshen enters in tiredly, carrying some of her things... her brow is covered with sweat.. Orenth sits quietly in a corner, his eyes half closed Stormrunner glances over as someone else enters, face lighting up with hope, then falling a little. He does, however smile to the familiar face..trying to be comforting through his worry. Shenshen seems surprised when she sees Rayek, her eyes narrowing a bit, before she sits all of her herbs and things down on ground. There is a bruise on her cheek. Tyree stays with Rayek still, legs dangled over the Airwalker's front. He takes a moment to again look around as more elves continue to file in. Rayek catches Shenshen's glance and nods in her direction before looking back up to the floater perched on his shoulders. ** Had enough up there? ** the airwalker asks, glancing briefly through the corners of his eyes to Ekuar as the old rockshaper pats Stormrunner's shoulder again and moves on to someone else. Shenshen locksends ** Long time Rayek. ** Stormrunner frowns slightly and pads towards Shenshen as he sees her more clearly. "You were injured..are you ok?" His steps and words are a little timid, common for this strange son of Marsinah. You locksend to Shenshen, Rayek appears bemused. . o O (So she can send now.) ** Yes. It has, hasn't it? ** Shenshen murfs slightly at Rayek... and smiles at Stormrunner, touching his hand. "I'm well.. just a little bruise.." She giggles softly.. Shenshen locksends ** Cutter and Leetah are doing well by the way.. <> How have you been, Airwalker? ** Rainor waves to Shenshen Shenshen reaches down and takes some of her herbs, rubbing her cheek with some, sighing softly... "Why us." She shakes her head back and forth. You locksend to Shenshen, Rayek doesn't flinch at the barb like he would have years ago, but his sending does waver a bit. ** That's.... good. I have been well.. ** Tyree decides perhaps it might be best to let Rayek get back to the matters at hand, and that one hand of his unwinds from Rayek's hair before the Brownskin could feel the little one lifting back to the air. ** Aye..I'm gonna go see what Uncle Ekuar's doing. ** How cute. Off he floats, again. Stormrunner blinks a little, and smiles a bit..feeling sheepish. "Oh..well at least you're ok." He sighs and shakes his head as well. "I don't know...humans never make sense." Shenshen sighs softly and nods to Rayek, grinning at him.. "I see you've grown up now." She chuckles softly, motioning to Rayek's height, before turning back to Stormrunner and nodding. "Are you alright?" "Uncle Ekuar" is still hobbling back and forth between villagers, reassuring this one and listening to that one, and pointing another in the direction of the side corridor. He can't help chuckling to himself softly at the dry smirk that adorns his soulson's face in response to Shenshen's commentary, shaking his head to himself. Ahdrah steps in from outside. Ahdrah moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Ahdrah has arrived. Stormrunner stifles a chuckle, but nods. "Yes...concerned about Mother....but she must be ok." Stormrunner looks at you for a moment. Tyree can be patient, and he shows it by perching himself up on a column or something appropriate that juts out a bit from the walls, watching Ekuar at work. Shenshen locksends ** <> did the flying elves stretch you out, oh arrogant one? ** Sand cat steps in from outside. Sand cat moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Sand cat has arrived. Ahdrah has left. Ahdrah has arrived. Rayek's gaze lingers on Shenshen, his smirk still dry and turning brittle. "Why yes, Shenshen," he answers aloud, sounding a little annoyed. The airwalker's feathers still get ruffled easily, don't they? Things haven't changed a bit. "She did." Rainor watches Tyree curiously. Shenshen turns and moves to Rayek, poking him in the stomach, laughing softly.. "Don't pout Rayek..." She giggles. "You know I'm only teasing." Ahdrah looks about the palace in awe of what she does see. She shakes herself from her daze at the teasing between the two. Orenth sits brooding in the corner. His head resting gingerly on his right hand. Stormrunner glances over as someone else comes in, hope brightening his face, then vanishing again. He sighs and takes a seat where he stands, settling his pack in his lap. Rayek's nose wrinkles. Who's pouting? "I remember well /your/ sense of humor," he comments, smirking a bit again. Ahdrah spots rainor, a familar face, and sighs in relief. Shenshen laughs and seems mildly shocked. "My sense of humour?" She giggles and grins widely.. "How do you mean?" She laughs softly. Tyree remains perched up higher, out of everyone's way. His rather wide eyes take in everything beneath him though, with curiosity. Rainor smiles at Ahdrah Stormrunner glances up at something, cheeks coloring a bit as he smiles. "You know exactly what I mean," the airwalker answers, smirking down at her. It feels odd, looking down at her; though always a few inches taller than Leetah's younger sister, it's still feels awkward looking down at those he used to be able to meet eye-to-eye and being able to do /that/ with the Mother of Memory. Ahdrah makes her way toward Rainor. Hugging him when she gets close enough. Orenth looks at you for a moment. Stormrunner chuckles at something softly. Rainor says "Hey there" Ahdrah chuckles softly, "Hey, your self." Rainor says "How you doing?" Shenshen laughs softly.. "Oh yes of course..." She looks at Rayek, laughing up at him. "Well well...I hope your still not the same.. like you left." She giggles and turns from him, before looking at him over her shoulder. "Remember?" Ahdrah sighs and shakes her head, her dark brown hair tail bouncing, "Not to well. But better now." a brief smile shines for a moment and then, quickly gone. Rainor says "Good, They are putting us up down that corridor over there" The blackhaired airwalker arranges his arms over his chest, watching Shenshen. His voice is bone-dry: "How could I forget?" Tyree's attention shifts back towards Rayek and Shenshen. Why's she making him react like that? Shenshen looks up at him, poking him in his stomach again. "You've got to realize..." she giggles in her familiar tone. "I'm not mad at you Rayek.. I just want to see if you're different.." She giggles again. "Physically, yes...but... are you still the one?" Ahdrah nods her head, "That's good of them to give us a place for now..." a deep sadness shows on her face before she turns it from Rainor and faces the corridor to get a brief look. Ahdrah shivers as flashes of memories hit her. It takes a few moments for Rayek to reply, taking the time to wrinkle his nose at the cheerful villager and fold his hands over his midsection protectively. "No," the golden-eyed hunter answers after the moments have passed, regarding Shenshen levelly. "I'm not." Shenshen locksends ** I believe you. ** Shenshen grins and pokes his chest then. "Good!" She chuckles.. "We're glad you're here." Rainor sighs "I'm going to take a nap its ben a long couple of days, Don;t let them take off without waking me, I don't want to miss that Ahdrah wraps both arms about herself, as if to warm herself up, "Could you show me where I could put my things for now?" Rainor nods Rainor wanders down the most-used corridor. Rainor has left. Ahdrah wanders down the most-used corridor. Ahdrah has left. Rayek adopts a pained expression briefly as the poking goes from his stomach to his chest. Feh. But he smiles down at her, albeit crookedly, then looks away. "I am as well. We came as quickly as we could." Ktai arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Ktai has arrived. Shenshen shakes her head and turns away, frowning... "Well.. be as you may wish Rayek." Tyree considers flying down to tell Shenshen to leave his daddy alone, but...he stays still instead. First, Rayek probably doesn't need his help. Second, it might be something of an embarrassment. Now where'd Ekuar get to? Stormrunner frowns a little as Rainor mentions taking off. Not too sure he likes this whole flying idea. Ktai steps into the Entry Hall, only partly aware of the situation. The Palace has moved, that she could sense... but as to why and where... Stormrunner is sitting off to one side of the doorway, eyes flicking to it now and then, as if searching for someone. "I don't think you've changed at all, Arrogant One." Shenshen says, almost annoyedly. Rayek seems to be speaking with Shenshen. He turns, facing her again, and quirks a brow at her back. He frowns and starts to say something, but something else beyond the auburn-tressed villager catches his attention. He straightens, brows arching: ** Ktai! ** The almost-Glider lifts her head some, a soft smile forming. ** Rayek... I had not known we had guests. You should have told me. ** She moves softly, less walking and more floating, yet her feet give the appearance that she steps towards him. ** Welcome. ** The last is addressed to the others in the room. Rue steps in from outside. Rue moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Rue has arrived. Shenshen turns and smiles.. ** Rue! ** Rue rushes towards Shenshen Shenshen smiles and moves to hug Rue tightly.. ** Are you well? ** Rue nods, hugging her tightly Well, Tyree must've been wrong in thinking Ktai was off helping others. No matter - for the second time, he zips towards someone, this time Ktai. ** Mother!! ** Stormrunner glances up at the *gasp* send..he looks happy others send too. He blinks at the floating elf and manages a smile and nod. As someone else comes in, he looks over..hoping it's who he seeks, then sighs again. Rue nods to Stormrunner "There was not much time. We had to leave swiftly. We arrived late as it is.." The Airwalker's eyes seem to glitter with affection many villagers remembering seeing on him long ago, before the wolfriders came to Sorrow's End, when he was courting the gentle healer. Rayek moves forward to take Ktai's hands, squeezing them gently. "I am sorry." Shenshen looks over Rue's shoulders, hugging her still, looking at Rayek. Rue rests her chin on Shenshen's shoulder, relaxing a little Shenshen locksends ** Give it up Rayek.. It was a long time ago.. You will never have Leetah.. please.. let it go. ** Shenshen sighs and runs her hands through Rue's hair slowly. Ktai looks up, smiling. ** Tyree... there you are. You missed your bath. ** At Rayek's action, she looks to him, worried. As one hand slips away to catch her son, she now changes to speaking. "What has happened?" Rayek stops and glances over his shoulders, still holding Ktai's hand. He frowns lightly in Shenshen's direction, then returns his attention to Ktai. "The Village," he answers quietly. "..was raided by humans. Savah called upon the Palace for assistance." Rue pulls back and gives Shenshen a small smile, not leaving her embrace entirely You locksend to Shenshen, Rayek's response is snide. Someone plucked a nerve. ** Your gossip chain must not be as accurate as you think it, Shenshen. I love Ktai. ** Shenshen smiles and takes Rue's hands in her own.. Stormrunner smiles at the pair and moves his pack behind himself, leaning against it. A hand tugs a small reed flute from his belt and toys with it. Shenshen giggles loudly... ** Amazing.. you /can/ love someone other than yourself Rayek... I'm proud! ** Tyree isn't too big to be able to nestle against Ktai a bit, and aside from that, he's not very heavy. He mock-frowns at Ktai. ** I'm not dirty and smelly. ** But he did miss his bath. Excusable, given the goings-on. Rue grips Shenshen's hands gentlyand grins Ktai pales slightly. "How many...? And where? Savah...?" She doesn't seem to need to finish the sentences. Indeed, she's upset enough to ignore the comment tossed at Rayek. Shenshen smiles and looks at Rue. "Sit with me?" Rue shakes her head. "Too many for us to fight off, though we did try." Rue nods to Shenshen Shenshen smiles and sits down on the ground, taking Rue and snuggling against her, sighing softly. Rayek's eyes bug out of his sockets and his sunbrowned cheeks flush red. Apparently, he isn't. But he clears his throat, ducking his head some, and answers Ktai gruffly. "Savah.. she is fine, unhurt. She is in the corridor set aside for the villagers.. There were many losses, Ktai. There are only a few more left besides the ones you see here." Rue curls one arm around Shenshemn for comfort Tyree looks annoyedly at Shenshen, coming oh so close to telling the noisy elf to hush up. But with Ktai holding him close, he diverts more attention to snuggling against mother. With all the bad news, it's important not to get in a funk. Rue sighs Shenshen sighs and rests her head against Rue's shoulder. Rue brushes a hand through Shenshen's hair, looking out at the room Shenshen murrs and sighs, closing her eyes... she whispers into Rue's ear gently Ktai tilts her head for a moment, as if listening to something. "Yes, the shocked silence... what now? I would not think the sands safe any longer..." Stormrunner's flute lifts to his lips, and he begins to play. He seems nervous and a little hesitant. A soft melody filters out...a familiar lullaby to soothe hearts. He is not highly skilled, but he does play well, and softly so to not be intrusive. The airwalker's head bows, touching his chin to his chest. He looks up to Ktai with half-closed eyes, their golden depths dark. He answers simply, "They will stay in the Palace." Rue smiels softly Rue nods to Shenshen Shenshen sighs and nods... "I am well." She touches her face..... "Just a bruise." Rue nods, frowning anyway Stormrunner catches Ekuar's notice again as the melody fills the busy room. The rockshaper sighs happily and hobbles over towards the youth, smiling. "Ah, a musicmaker, hm?" Ktai muses silently for a moment. Something crosses the depths of her eyes, but it is gone before she looks around the hall. "What we once fled in fear, we return to in desperation." Shenshen smiles and whispers to Rue gently.. Stay in the Palace? That means, at least to Tyree, that there should be others here for him to talk to. Maybe even play with. Stormrunner's lips smile around the flute a little and he nods, eyes shifting to the kindly old elf. Ahdrah steps in from outside. Ahdrah moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Ahdrah has arrived. Shyrilia steps in from outside. Shyrilia moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Shyrilia has arrived. Timber steps in from outside. Timber moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Timber has arrived. Rue giggles and pokes Shenshen lightly Ekuar's smile broadens and he leans against his staff, listening with large, brown eyes shimmering. His soulson, Rayek, looks up again and regards his lovemate, reaching out a hand to touch her arm. "Ktai...?" Shyrilia comes running through the doorway; she almost collapses to the shiny stone floor. A send, soft and almost shy breaks into the hall from the side corridor. It preceeds the elf who sends it by a few moments. ** I'm afraid we're out of fabrics... I've nothing for bandages... ** Shenshen meeps and bats at Rue's hands Eveshka arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Eveshka has arrived. Ahdrah wanders down the most-used corridor. Ahdrah has left. Timber comes following after, looking over his shoulder as he enters. Ktai looks to Rayek with a faintly worried expression. But she doesn't answer. Rue wraps her fingers around Shenshen's and grins Shenshen smiles and lifts Rue's fingers up to her mouth and kisses them gently Stormrunner sits playing a flute, Ekuar nearby. At Shyr's entrance, his soft melody stops. He scans the newcomers for a familiar face behind them perhaps, but does not find it. He rises and walks to the others though, bending beside Shyr and offering a hand. "**Are you allright?** You locksend to Ktai, Rayek's concern filters into your mind. ** Lovemate..? ** Eveshka enters quietly, the torn rags in her hands damp with the grim reminders of the damage done. But she offers nothing more than her previous send as she slips to her place behind the stairs for a bucket of water she had hidden. Rue kisses Shenshen's cheek softly Timber kneels at Shy's side, ** Ran into some trouble on the way... ** Ktai locksends ** This disturbs me... ** Shyrilia looks up at the others, her violet eyes shimmering with tears. She seems greatly distraught, and no wonder; her lifelong home being destroyed before her eyes. She nods once and takes Stormrunner's hand, then shakily rises to her feet. Shenshen sighs and pulls Rue into her lap, cuddling tightly...some tears are on her cheeks, her sadness is evident. Tyree glances at Rue and Shenshen together, blinking as his eyes widen a bit. Apparently he doesn't understand whatever's going on between them, and he looks a bit uncomfortable. He murmurs to Ktai and Rayek, "Need to go.." and he makes to lift away from his parents and float back towards the chambers. Stormrunner offers a soft smile to Shyrilia, then to Timber. **But you made it..thank the High Ones.** Rue closes her eyes tightly, tears starting in her own eyes Rayek's gaze meets Eveshka's briefly and he acknowledges her with a nod and a crooked smile, then he looks back to Ktai, sweeping her into a gentle hug. His gaze lifts to Tyree and he nods to the floater as well, smiling a little bit again. ** Be careful. They are a lot of people in here now. Don't get lost. ** After a bit, Eveshka re-emerges, the lengths of her skirt now shorter. She doesn't say anything, just moves back to the side corridor with clean strips of fabric. Shenshen reaches up and wipes Rue's tears away.. "Don't cry." Eveshka wanders down the most-used corridor. Eveshka has left. Timber looks dejected, "Aye we made it..." He looks at his feet in anger. "I was unable to keep my promise to Mender..." Shyrilia steps heavily over to Shenshen and Rue, kneeling by them and wrapping her arms around the pair, her tender sobs echo throughout the chamber. Stormrunner sighs softly. **with the chaos outside it is hard to do much..** Rue nods, wiping at her cheeks herself. "I'm sorry." Shenshen pulls Shy close and hugs her tightly... comfortingly... her tears trying to fall down.. ** <> It's okay.. we will return.... we'll get home back. ** A thought occurs to Ktai, and her eyes narrow. But she is still, silent, waiting. ** I am..I know my way. ** Tyree sends, mostly just to Rayek and Ktai, but others could hear it too. Then he rides off on a cushion of air, but not before something taps Ekuar on his shoulder. The child, maybe? Ktai locksends ** Suntop? ** Timber tosses the spear he had to take on the battle field, off into a corner. He slumps against a wall muttering to himself. You locksend ** What about him? ** to Ktai. Ekuar snaps out of his revery born of Stormrunner's music. Whether or not it's still playing doesn't matter; his mind just wandered off. The rockshaper glances over his shoulder, "Eh?" Tyree giggles a bit at Ekuar, waving at him before disappearing down the corridor. Stormrunner twiddles his flute, brow furrowed slightly. He glances up with a start, looking about for the one who mentioned bandages as he moves towards his pack. Ktai locksends ** Where? ** Tyree wanders down the most-used corridor. Tyree has left. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek seems bemused. ** Oh... He went home, Ktai. It was time. ** Shyrilia chokes uncontrollably, trying to fight back the tears that threaten to tear her down completely. ** Sorrow's End...my home....so many friends...lost! ** Ktai's gaze turns sharply to Rayek for a moment. Rue leans against Shenshen heavily, her eyes still closed Ktai locksends ** And Mender? ** Shenshen nods and holds Shy tightly.. ** Shhh Shhh ** She comforts her.... ** We will rebuild...we will return Shy... ** Her hands also hold Rue. Timber climbs to his feet and heads towards the way out. ** I'm going to see if anyone else needs help getting here. ** Shyrilia looks up suddenly at Timber as he prepares to leave. A slight frown creases Rayek's face as he considers Ktai's sending, then he shakes his head slowly in response, answering quietly. "I have not seen him..." Ktai seems to darken some, but says nothing. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek points out quietly: ** But there are still some that have not yet come into the Palace. ** Stormrunner nods to a send and rifles through his pack, pulling out some leather bits, things he was working on with his tools. He skitters off towards the corridor. Stormrunner wanders down the most-used corridor. Stormrunner has left. Timber nods softly at a send. He then moves to sit near Shyrilia, trying to provide some stabilty for her. Rue sighs, shifting enough so Shenshen can put both arms around Shyrilia, knowing she needs the comfort more Ktai locksends ** Yes. ** Shenshen moves back a bit, hugging Rue to her now... . Shyrilia buries her face in her hands, folding over herself, both physically and mentally. Rue shakes her head sadly Rayek pulls away from Ktai now and reaches a hand, brushing some hair from her eyes. "I am going to go speak with the Mother of Memory and Tilia," he says after a moment, his face creased with a frown. "There is still much that needs to be done." Timber holds Shy close, trying to not show his sadness as well ** We did our best... ** Shyrilia leans her head against Timber's shoulder, her arms embracing him loosely, her hands tightly gripping his clothing. Rue hugs Shenshen against tightly, staving off her own tears with this contact Ktai nods slowly. "Perhaps... I should attempt to find others. With my gliding... I can lift rocks..." The airwalker frowns uncertainly, considering Ktai quietly. "Outside?" Timber rubs Shy's shoulders, gently, trying his best to be there for her. Onyx eyes meet golden ones as Ktai looks to Rayek. "Yes, outside. Unless you can explain to me good reason..." "...you could get hurt!" Rayek blurts immediately without thinking. The uncertainty quickly turns to frightened possessiveness as the airwalker's hand shoots out and grabs Ktai's arm. "We do not know how close the humans are! What if they came again, or saw you? You could get killed!" Rue looks at Shenshen and shakes her head "Soon enough...: Shenshen nods and continues to hold Rue, her head on the other's shoulder Ktai looks at Rayek in startled surprise. "And what of those who are still alive? I have felt the bite of Human weapons, I have lived in thier trees for countless years. I do not fear them, because I know they die more easily than I do." After a few moments, Shyrilia calms enough to quiet down her sobs into a mere sniffle. She lifts her head from Timber's shoulder and looks around at everyone else present, as though looking for other survivors, or perhaps, for those who saved her and the others. Shenshen smiles and caresses Shy's hair gently. "There.. that's better." Timber smiles faintly, happy, to see that Shy, just may get through this. Rayek's frown deepens. "There are others who search for any that remain," he argues stubbornly, his black brows furrowed deeply, small creases appearing on his forehead. "And there are not many that remain. Savah conducted a... search and said that there were no others remaining!" Rue gives Shenshen a smile Shenshen smiles and kisses Rue's cheek softly.. Rue leans against Shenshen and sighs Shenshen sighs softly and cuddles Rue gently...rubbing her shoulders softly.. Shyrilia scans the room with her gaze silently and stops on the figures of Rayek and Ktai, her eyes dry and unblinking. Rue nods unhappily Ktai is drawn short. To that, she can have no answer. The ability to look without being is lost to her, and she cannot argue against what the Mother of Memory has declared. Yet everything within her says to act, to aid. "I cannot simply sit here and wait!" Rue giggles suddenly, smiling at Shenshen Timber turns his gaze to the way out. Shyrilia stands, pulling gently away from those who try to comfort her. "Was it you..? Are you the ones who saved my people?" Shenshen smiles.. and then nods. ** Yes Shy ** Smiling softly as Shy's attention is averted, Timber, sneaks off out of the palace. Timber steps through the doorway outside. Timber approaches the huge stone structure. Timber has left. Sand cat steps through the doorway outside. Sand cat approaches the huge stone structure. Sand cat has left. "I cannot let you go out there and get killed!" is Rayek's sharp retort before Shyrilia's voice intrudes on the argument. His head snaps around to blink at her, the frown disappearing with an expression of puzzlement. Watching Ktai through the corners of his eyes, he answers gruffly, "We are the ones who brought the palace, yes." Ktai remains where she was, silently stunned. He hasn't been this... assertive since being trapped in the Mountain. Rue covers her cheeks, giggling harder Shenshen giggles softly and huggles Rue tightly. Rue pokes at Shenshen playfully before returning the hug Shenshen meeps Rue shakes her head, smiling [Shyrilia] Your gaze wanders and settles upon a the form of a darkly-skinned elven lass. Her entire figure is dainty and petite, and she is clothed in a loose, shimmering blue gown that she seems to be almost floating inside of, everywhere save for the wide curves of her hips and the gentle heave of her bosom. A blood-red cascade of curls tumbles down her back in generous layers, held away from her heart-shaped face by a stylized hair ornament of gold with inlaid rose-colored jewels. Dark strips of leather criss-cross over her small feet up to her ankles--joined onto similar dark soles they form a pair of sandals, obviously new from their appearance. Shyrilia looks at you for a moment. Shyrilia nods once, bringing her hands together and holding them close to her. She glances toward the doorway, then to Shenshen and Rue, before taking an uneasy seat on the floor leaning against one of the walls. Rayek's gaze flickers over Shyrilia a moment, then he looks away again, returning his attention to Ktai. The slight interruption was enough to break him from the building anger that was taking him by storm, but the look he fixes his lovemate with is still thick with disapproval. Rue grins, hugging Shenshen against her comfortably Shenshen sighs softly, snuggling against Rue gently SongTouch arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. SongTouch has arrived. Though she could never admit to it, Ktai cannot bear to see dissaproval in Rayek's eyes. She turns away, quietly finding some water in her water pouch, and offering it to the survivors. Shenshen looks up. ** SongTouch! ** She smiles and pats the area next to her... ** Come here. ** Some of the tension relieves itself from the airwalker's shoulders as Ktai turns away. He doesn't allow himself to let any of the frustration or concern bleed into his face, instead adopting the stoic expression he more commonly wears. He too turns away, casting his gaze over the crowds again. SongTouch weaves her way through the hallway, occasionally stopping to stand on her tiptoes and look around. Finally spotting Shenshen, she moves over quickly to join her. **Have you seen my sister?** she sends worriedly. **Or my father?** Rue looks up at SongTouch Shenshen shakes her head and sighs.. ** No.** Shenshen looks at Rue... Rue closes her eyes Rue looks at Shenshen, surprised Shenshen giggles and blushes.. Rue blushes and smiles shyly, nodding a little Her slight frown growing deeper and more concerned by the moment, SongTouch doesn't even notice Shenshen's companion. **Did anyone see them? They were guarding the well and now I can't find them!** Shyrilia smiles faintly up at SongTouch from her seat on the floor, pleased to see another of her friends safe within the Palace's walls. Rue swallows hard, looking at SongTouch. "We weren't able to defend the well, cuoousin.." Shenshen sighs softly and nods.... SongTouch's eyes move from Shenshen to Rue, the glint of tears just visible in them. **Who can I ask?** she sends again, this time with a frantic edge to her mental question. **/Someone/ must know!** Shenshen sends openly ** I don't know... ask Rayek.. ** Rue says "I don't know..." The airwalker's gaze shifts towards the gathering of maidens at the sound of his name. Not having kept track of the conversation, the only answer he musters is an, "Eh?" Rue closes her eyes tightly with a slight shudder **Who's that?** SongTouch glances around the hallway, still stubbornly refusing to admit any of her suspicions. At the black-haired one's acknowledgement of the name, she moves purposefully over to him. **Are you Rayek?** Rue nods to Shenshen mutely Ktai has heard the discussion, just kept her peace. But now, her send is quiet. ** The one to ask is Savah. But not now. Now is time to rest and recover. ** She moves to hand the frantic one her pouch of water. ** Drink; you're probably thirsty and don't even know it. ** Shenshen stands and takes Rue's hand... moving off in the Palace. The black-haired elf's golden eyes glitter as SongTouch approaches and asks him. "I am," he answers with a blink before glancing up at Ktai at the sound of her voice. Shenshen wanders down the most-used corridor. Shenshen has left. Timber steps in from outside. Timber moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Timber has arrived. Sand cat steps in from outside. Sand cat moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Sand cat has arrived. Staff steps in from outside. Staff moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Staff has arrived. Rue wanders down the most-used corridor. Rue has left. Timber enters the room with a look of sorrow, ** This one needs aid. ** SongTouch refuses the waterskin with a firm shake of her head. With an obvious effort, the she-cub steadies her mental voice. **My father and sister...they look like me, only bigger.** Despite herself, her "voice" becomes pleading. **Have you seen them? At all?** Shyrilia's eyes light up at Timber's return, and she rushes to embrace him, halting in her tracks as she sees the other with him. SongTouch looks at you for a moment. Timber sets Staff down on the ground. Shyrilia's expression is one of absolute pity and sorrow, quite ironic considering where she onced lived. She kneels by Staff's side, looking him over. Shenshen arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Shenshen has arrived. Rue arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Rue has arrived. Rayek's mouth opens and closes, quelling the desire to say nothing and turn away. He instead looks down at her and frowns, casting Ktai a sidelong glance briefly. "I... have seen many villagers come inside," he answers after a long moment, treading carefully. "Too many to remember each face. Ktai is right: I am not the one to ask." Rue frowns deeply Timber explains, ** I found him near the well. He was pinned to the ground with weapons, probably for the cruel amusement of those filthy humans. Staff would never hurt anyone, thats probably why they caught him. ** Ktai locksends ** They are like the Gliders were when the Mountain trembled. ** Shenshen frowns and runs over to Staff... ** Get my things... ** Rue moves to where Shenshen left the belongings she carried with her to the Palace You locksend to Ktai, Rayek seems surprised, but agreeable. ** In both instances... they lost their home, or nearly. ** Shyrilia's eyes gloss over, threatening to break out with tears again, and she takes Staff's limp hand gently in hers. Ktai looks startledly over to Rayek, then nods mutely. Staff looks very pale from the loss of blood. **I...** SongTouch's sending trails off hopelessly. Finally, finally she lets a tear escape her silver-green eyes. **I'd like the waterskin, please..I'm sorry I bothered you.** Rue sits next to Shenshen, her dark eyes unreadable as she shifts through what her friend might need Ktai blinks herself clear, handing over the waterskin with a faint smile. Shenshen sighs and frowns.. "Help me with the weapons." She pulls at the knife quickly. Timber sits down nearby, knowing if help is needed, people will ask. Rayek does not meet Ktai's startled gaze, instead looking at SongTouch, his expression disturbed. The airwalker's emotionless mask seems to crack for the briefest of moments as he reaches forth a brown hand to settle it on the maiden's shoulder. He offers gruffly, quietly: "I am sorry. I cannot help you." Ktai locksends ** The Mountain quaked and we trembled in fear. Sar's first mate and daughter... they both died in that. Many died... ** Rue reaches for the knife as Shenshen removes it, studying the thickness of the spear's shaft Ktai turns silently to assist the one she does not yet know as Shenshen. It doesn't matter right now to her who is who. It matters to save the injured. Shenshen places it on Rue's hands.. before taking the spear and pulling it out quickly, her hands moving in a blur, the giddiness gone... her hands move to cover the wounds, wrapping them tightly along with some salves.... she breaks the speak and uses it as a splint for Staff's broken arm. She places a poultice on his arms, and all of his other bones... "I.. I don't know if he'll live." SongTouch accepts the waterskin mutely, barely noticing the hand on her shoulder.**I know. I'm sorry.** A quick sip of water is all she takes; seeing Ktai gone to help one who can still be saved, she hands the skin up to Rayek instead. Rue uses the knife to break off the spear near his shoulder, tossing the wood away You locksend to Ktai, Rayek shimmers black and gold, something occuring to him as he considers SongTouch's plight. ** I wonder if my parents survived. ** Timber mutters in the corner, "Dont the humans have any sense of right and wrong? I would think Staff would be one of the last people to be hurt, in anything... " Rue pulls back, watching in silence Ktai's send is an eerir echo of her daughter's, though she cannot know it. ** Humans are simple. What they do not understand they fear. And fear causes animals to attack. They are no better than animals. ** Ktai locksends ** Search the Palace. If they are not among the minds in shock... ** Rayek's hand lingers on SongTouch's shoulder, then slowly pulls back to take the waterskin from her. He says nothing now, standing there mutely, his copper-gold eyes considering the distraught Wolfrider bemusedly. Shenshen sighs and continues to work on Staff, making sure the the wounds are covered and tended too. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek is hiding something. ** Later. Elves need attending to. ** Ktai seems oddly adept at pulling weapons out of wounds, and aids when she is allowed. Ktai locksends ** ** Staff moans softly as he starts to come around. Rue stays clear of Ktai and Shenshen's work, simply watching SongTouch moves away from Rayek, sensing whatever comfort she can receive will not come from him. Instead she lays on a fur pelt and stays there, stroking the hawk's feather in her hair and watching Shenshen save a life. Shyrilia watches the others work, patting Staff's hand and sending momentarily to keep him stable. Rayek's gaze lingers after SongTouch as she moves away from him, still holding the waterskin in his hand. After a moment he looks away, briefly to Ktai and the others as they attend to Staff, then towards another of the refuges, solemnly handing off the waterskin to him. Shenshen places her head on Staff's chest, seeing if he's still alive Staff looks around expecting to be surrouned by laughing, pain inflicting humans. Sand cat trots over to SongTouch, her short tail raised high, and mews brightly, concerned. Shenshen sighs and closes her eyes, crying gently... ** Water.. ** Rue wraps one arm around Shenshen's shoulders, holding her gently Shenshen reaches over and takes a waterskin, placing a little bit of water on Staff's lips.. ** Drink.. ** SongTouch stands suddenly, moving carefully around the wounded to scoop up the sand cat. Her knees buckle and she sinks to the floor, ignoring everything around her and crying into the cat's fur. Staff drinks as ordered, grateful to have something wet going down his parched throat. Ktai looks up, eyes narrowing. That bowl Eveshka kept... yes, behind the stairs. Without paying it much attention, she puts her hand out to catch the bowl of water that somehow falls from above. "Here." Magic exerted, she can but speak. Shenshen nods and takes the bowl, placing the water on Staff's mouth again... just a little bit Sand cat tucks her legs up as she is lifted, purring happily into SongTouch's ear, hoping she can be cheered. Staff drinks the water offered as fast as he can down it. Ktai locksends ** Petalwing. Send the bug out to find survivors and wrap them ** Ktai curses darkly as a thought occurs to her. Shenshen tsk.. ."Not so fast.. will make you sick.." She continues barely feeding him water.. caressing his face that's unbrused. Rayek glances quickly towards Ktai again and nods, then suddenly lifts up into the air in a shower of golden sparkles. His head turns this way and that, then he suddenly darts up the stairway, vanishing into the second level. Something not quite like a sob emerges from SongTouch, her face still buried in the cat's fur. Any Villager would recognize it as the howls of a wolf, yet these are far more long and mournful. So absorbed is she in her own grief that she doesn't even notice Staff's recovery or Rayek's magical departure. Shyrilia squeezes Staff's hand comfortingly, turning to face Timber, her face joyful as another life has been spared the humans' wrath. Shenshen continues to sweat and cry, gently feeding Staff... seeing if he can send... A few moments later, Rayek returns, this time escorted by a tiny green sprite. Petalwing flits to and fro, ooh!ing at all the highthings, its colorful eyes wide and round. // Lots and lots of highthings! Petalwing do wrapstuff for sharpdark highthing, yes? Is so? Is so! Wherefind highthings need wrapstuff? // Staff nods at Shenshen's words, he doesn't seem to care what anyone say or does. He is just glad to be away from the area he was staked out to die. Shenshen nods. ** Petalwing.. here.. ** She motions to Staff. Petalwing darts down faster than the eye can keep track of, alighting on Shenshen's shoulders. // Ooooh! Highthing notgood allover! Petalwing do wrapstuff, prettygiggles highthing? Please? // Staff looks confused. ** Huh? ** Hes sends weakly, the concept alien to him. SongTouch looks up, startled out of her disconcerting howl by the Preserver of all things. "Is it going to wrap Staff?" she asks between hiccups and sniffles. "He's not going to die too, is he?" Sand cat mrrs? and chews lightly on a strand of SongTouch's hair, nuzzling her cheek, whiskers twitching. Shenshen shakes her head... ** No... if he's wrapped.. he'll survive... it will let his body recover.. ** Staff looks at the flying talking bug, wondering what it has to do with anything. SongTouch strokes the sandcat, watching the Preserver simply because the only other option is to cry more. Still not trusting her sendings to be understandable, she gets her voice under control. "D-do you need my help, Shenshen?" Shenshen shakes her head... ** Not yet, Song.. ** Rayek lands lightly on the ground nearby, watching from just outside the circle gathered around staff. The preserver on Shenshen's shoulder coos quietly and tugs insistently at her hair, pleading, // Please, prettygiggles highthing? Petalwing do wrapstuff? Pleeease? // It has been long since Ktai missed her lost mate, but now is one of them. Not for the comfort... but for his Healing talent. And it occurs to her to ask aloud: "Have any of you seen Mender?" Timber pipes up from the corner, ** Not since last night. When Shy and I escorted him to his house. ** Shyrilia nods. "Yes...He was completely worn out from healing many brave ones who dared to fight the humans as they invaded." Shyrilia motions with a hand. "Timber being one of them." Ktai takes in both send and word. "And now? Where is he now?" SongTouch shakes her head. **He was helping stop the roundears, I think.** Her sending is wobbly and thick but understandable. **I don't think he's dead.** Shenshen meeps and looks up at the preserver... "Just a second, Petal.." Staff looks aroud at everyone his eyes pleading for an explaination. Shenshen sends openly ** Staff... wrapstuff will heal you... please ** Ktai's approach is blunter. "It's easier to be wrapstuffed than watch her cry." Petalwing awwwws! but falls silent, amusing itself by playing with Shenshen's auburn curls in the meantime. Shenshen sends openly ** I don't know if you will live without it. ** Staff nods as he takes Shenshen's locksend in faith. ** Very well ** He sends reluctantly Shenshen nods and looks at Petalwing "Be gentle with Staff." Timber shakes his head at Ktai, ** I wouldn't know, We got distracted last night and we left him to rest at his home, thats the last I saw of him. ** Petalwing brightens and lets out a cheerful, // Yaaay! Petalwing do! // and glides off of Shenshen's shoulder to hover over Staff. // Hello hello, notgood allover highthing! // it chirps happily before the silvery threads of wrapstuff start flying from its mouth. Shyrilia releases Staff's hand and stands near Shenshen and Petalwing, watching silently the Preserver at work. Shenshen moves backwards and sighs, closing her eyes.... she's spent... worked so hard to help Staff. Staff manages a small and weak wave at the preserver. "Uh, hi there." He replies. Shenshen smiles. "Stay still, Staff.." SongTouch watches, amazed at the little Preserver. Standing again, she moves over by Shenshen and gives her a sad, sympathetic little smile. Quickly and efficiently, the preserver does its works. Though Petalwing is only one, within a matter of minutes Staff is wrapstuffed from head to toe. Shenshen stands and moves to hug SongTouch softly... Shyrilia turns to Shenshen and offers a comforting arm around her shoulders, giving the tired one an appreciative smile. "You did good, Shenshen." Shenshen sighs... "Good... he'll live now.." before turning to Petalwing. "Thank you, little one." Ktai rises slowly, turning now to walk back towards Rayek silently. Staff waves so long, and poofs. "Thanks for the help all." SongTouch returns the hug, almost squishing the poor, patient sand cat. **I'm glad he'll live!** she sends fiercly to no one in particular. // See? See? Wrapstuff is pretty, yes? Yes! // Petalwing beams, perching on the wrapstuff proudly. // Prettygiggles highthing have more highthings Petalwing wrapstuff? // Rayek's gaze shifts to Ktai as she approaches and he offers her a wry smile. "It worked," he comments. "It was quick thinking." Sand cat mews and contorts wildly to free herself from between the two. She falls to the floor, landing ungainly upon her small paws. Shenshen shakes her head... "Not yet.." She turns to both Rayek and Ktai. ** We owe you again... Thank you Rayek.. I was wrong. ** Ktai simply nods quietly to Rayek. Timber rises to his feet to stand at Shyrilia's side, looking down at the bundle of wrapstuff in amazement. SongTouch releases her grip on Shenshen, hugging herself for lack of anyone else to do so. **Is there anyone else that needs help? Anyone still out there?** One hand reaches out in an attempt to touch the Preserver. Or hug it. It's hard to say. Rayek reaches a hand to touch Ktai's arm lightly, then lets his gaze wander to Shenshen as she sends to the pair. He nods once and offers a crooked, faded smile, then does something he wouldn't have done when he still resided in the Village: he doesn't take the credit. ** It was Ktai's idea to fetch the Preserver. ** Unnoticed by those not paying close attention, Shyrilia's hand slips into Timber's, their fingers lacing together. Shenshen nods. Petalwing ooooohs! as SongTouch reaches out a hand. Gliding up from its wrapstuff, it quickly and cheerfully alights on the hand. // Hello hello! // Ktai shushes Rayek quietly. She's an outsider in this, and does not feel that too much attention needs be brought to her. Timber smiles faintly at Shyrilia, and squeezes her hand in return. SongTouch grins slightly up at Ktai before she reaches out to hesitantly stroke the Preserver. "Hello little one," she croons softly. "Thank you." [SongTouch] Small but no longer the whip-thin scrapling she once was, SongTouch is just starting to cross the boundary between cubhood and adolescense. Although she retains the mischievous look that marked her early years, she has gained definition to her wiry muscles. Her unruly mop of golden curls tumbles like a sun-lit waterfall to her waist, the bangs finally disappearing as they catch up with the rest of her long hair. Tanned skin is dusted with a fine layer of sand, but against a complexion nearly as dark as a native Sun Villager's very little of the grime shows up. As always, she moves with the confidence that comes with being on top of her world. She wears a sleeveless, shin-length dress of pale green moth fabric layered and ruffled. The thin straps tie behind her neck to form a sort of halter strap. A thin sash of matching green fabric is loosly tied around her hips and hangs down her left side. Leather sandals protect her feet, narrow leather thongs wrapped around her calves to tie behind her knee. As Rayek shoots Ktai a rare grin, Petalwing beams at the attention its recieving. // Sunhair highthing is welcome! // it crows. Shenshen falls back against the wall, closing her eyes Timber turns his attention to the preserver and what it made out of Staff. "What an amazing creature." Rayek's fingers intertwine with Ktai's and he sighs, casting her a meaningful look. Ktai nods silently to Rayek. You locksend to Ktai, Rayek seems almost shy. ** The Palace - it has taken a lot out of me, lovemate. I'm going to retire for a while. .....Come with me? ** Ktai locksends ** Yes... I would like that. ** Rayek's face relaxes with a smile and he nods in turn, fingers squeezing briefly before he moves away. One step, then another, until the airwalker simply lifts up into the air. He wobbles briefly, then straightens: he has managed to keep it at bay thus far, but after so long the Palace took a lot out of him. Shenshen looks over at Shy and Timber, smiling gently Timber returns Shenshen's smile with one of his own. "You are good at what you do. I have never seen one work so fast. Save Mender." Ktai follows Rayek, eyes worried. You wander down the most-used corridor... Side Corridor(#6192RFL) This corridor isn't quite as large as many of the corridors though the Palace, and gives less of a feeling of airy, open space than the larger passageways do. The damage that the Palace suffered is no longer in evidence here; translucent walls and columns once again swoop smoothly and gracefully to a delicately arched ceiling. What magic can be spared from the Palace is used to keep this area comfortable against the climate. One of the smaller corridors branching from this one seems to be lit, dimly but reasonably well. Obvious exits: Smaller Corridor Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Ktai wanders in from the main hall of the Palace. Ktai has arrived. This corridor has gotten rather crowded as refuges wander in and out of the smaller corridor and the entry hall. Looking a little flustered, Rayek glides over them before descending again in front of the entrance to his chambers. Ktai follows Rayek slowly. [And thus, the two retreat back into their chambers to catch a moment's rest. End log.]