Log Cast: Rayek, Shenshen, Tyree, Rainor, Eveshka, Suntop, Ekuar, Sweetwater, Tilia Log Date: 1/26/99 Log Note: This file is spliced from logs from Rayek and Tyree's points of view. Ekuar is spoofed in this log by Rayek. ----- You wander deeper into the bowls of the Palace... Living Hallway(#10296RLS) This is a smaller side-corridor with several rooms of varying sizes branching off on either side, suggesting that some of the High Ones themselves once lived in these rooms. Although not as spacious as the rest of the Palace, the corridor is no less majestic, even with the cracks and flaws caused by the stresses the Palace has gone through over the years. Some of the magic flowing through the renewed perfection of the main corridor provides a little light, diminishing as this corridor spreads away from its roots, as does the protection from the environment, though the cave-like feel to the place suggests that large fires here would serve to choke out the residents as well as warm them. The room at the end of the hall is the largest and holds no stone-slab High One beds, its original purpose lost in time. Contents: Shenshen Obvious exits: Neimah and Valier's Room Ahdri's Chamber Ahddra's Room Closet Jyanda's Room Shenshen's Room Savah's Chamber Corridor Shenshen looks up and smiles gently.. "Oh.. hello Rayek." Shenshen seems kinda sad.. Rayek glides into the Living Hallway on his evening rounds, tucking his cloak into place. At the greeting, his golden eyes flicker over in Shenshen's direction. "Shade," he says briefly, jaw tightening slightly. Tyree comes in from the main, well-lit Corridor. Tyree has arrived. Shenshen sighs softly at him and shakes her head back and forth. "How are you this eve?" Tyree floats on a cushion of air, following the Brownskin a little bit behind him. Tagging along, naturally. "I'm alright," the airwalker answers, brief once again. His golden eyes flicker around the corridor, perhaps looking for someone. If he is, he must not find him or her, for his gaze returns slightly disappointed. "Yourself?" Rayek's back faces Tyree; he doesn't notice his son quite yet. Shenshen nods slightly. "I am here." she says... nothing more, nothing less. "Miss your glider?" "My.." Rayek blinks at her, then ohs. "Ktai?" Shenshen nods and smiles. "Yeah.. I've never really got to talk to her.. I'd like to." Tyree slows up a bit, not entirely aware that Rayek doesn't know he's here. Instead of hiding somewhere, he continues along, coming up aside Rayek. ** Hiya, Daddy. ** he greets. Shenshen smiles.. ** Hello Tyree. ** "She's aro.." Whatever Rayek was going to say next fades in light of the floater's sending. He turns, solemn features brightening noticeably. "Tyree." Tyree lifts a hand to wave it at the other elf here. ** Hi, Shenshen. ** he adds, before his head turns with a grin on his lips at Rayek's voice. Rayek reaches out a brown hand to ruffle Tyree's black locks affectionately, then push them back from his face. ** Where's your mother? ** Shenshen smiles gently. ** How are you both? ** Tyree ducks his head a bit from Rayek's hand, but doesn't really try to avoid the ruffle, grinning at it. As for Ktai's whereabouts, he shrugs. ** I dunno..she wasn't there when I woke up. ** Then to Shenshen: ** I'm all right. You? ** Shenshen smiles gently. "I'm here." She says softly...making sure that she's covered up properly. Rayek glances slowly back to Shenshen, a black brow arching. His hand slips off of Tyree's head, falling back to his side loosely. "I'm alright," he repeats again, then arches his brow still higher. A corner of his lips quirks up faintly: "Congratulations." Shenshen fahs softly at Rayek. "Mother and I have been talking quite a bit." She reaches up and tossles a strand of his black hair. "We spoke of you." Tyree lets himself alight upon the floor, already showing a height befitting of a young Glider his age. He giggles a bit at Rayek's word of congratulations, then looks a bit more serious for his age. ** You're just..here? ** Shenshen nods and sighs softly.. "Yes." Naturally, the tyke's curious. "Why?" Rayek's nose wrinkles faintly, golden eyes glancing briefly to the slender hand teasing his hair. ** Lucky me, ** he comments dryly. Shenshen sighs and touches Rayek's cheek. ** I don't hate you Rayek.. you made peace with everyone else.. please do the same with me. ** She looks down and touches Tyree's cheek. ** I am lonely..a close friend is leaving for her home. ** "Lonely?" Tyree echoes, blinking at the Sunfolk maiden. "But there's lots of elves here, finally." Apparently there was a time where he was having a problem with the emptiness of the Palace. A line appears in Rayek's brow in response to the quiet tone of Shenshen's sending. The airwalker remains silent. Shenshen locksends ** well? ** to Rayek. In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek seems bemused. ** Well? Well what? ** Shenshen locksends ** Can you forgive me? ** to Rayek. Rayek's golden eyes shift slowly towards Shenshen, the corners of his lips twitching slightly - into a smile? a frown? Hard to say at this point. His gaze remains unreadable. In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek is silent for a long time. ** .... Yes, ** he sends slowly, giving the effect that there is more. ** If you remember who it was that brought you the Palace and show a little respect. ** A few memories still make him blush, it seems. Shenshen nods to Tyree. "Yes dear... I am happy with everyone here... but.. I don't have anyone that lvoes me.. Shenshen locksends ** And if you remember not to be arrogant.. and to at least hug me.. like we did.. so long ago. ** to Rayek. Tyree gives what he thinks is a logical answer. "Then go with the one you do.." It seems simple enough, to him. Shenshen locksends ** ** to Rayek. Shenshen sighs. "I cant...because there has been two recognitions here.. and I am the midwife of the village." In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek is silent, unresponding. But you don't feel as if he's brushing you off again. Shenshen locksends ** Dont you remember? ** to Rayek. ** Then you are needed. ** The airwalker's sendings are crisp and flat as ever. ** Need, when meant genuinely, indicates love. ** Shenshen nods and sighs softly. "Thank you Rayek." Tyree hrms, eyes shifting from Shenshen to Rayek. "Can't someone else handle the births? So she could go be with..er..?" He searches for a name, apparently. Shenshen shakes her head. "Rue... and no." Rayek's smile is faint, but real as he turns it briefly on Shenshen, then lets it fade, as always, from his face. ** There will be others. Or she will return. ** Shenshen sighs. ** Yes, I know. ** Rayek locksends ** Do you? ** to Shenshen. Tyree hrms once more, clearly not in the know enough to give much of an answer. He shrugs, lips drawing tight for a moment...not that far off from Rayek's, at times. Shenshen locksends ** Do I what? ** to Rayek. In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek answers flatly, ** Do you know. ** Shenshen locksends ** That there will be others? There will always be others.. but it does not hurt less ** to Rayek. Briefly - did it really happen? - the airwalker's hand appears on Shenshen's shoulder, squeezing gently. Rayek knows well the pain of rejection, even when brought about by his own decisions. He studies the firehaired maiden for a moment, then lets his hand slip off again, resting by his side. ** I have things to do. I should see to Tilia. ** Shenshen nods and looks at Rayek. ** Go well then, Rayek. ** Tyree came in, following Rayek. Now, without much of a reason to stick around if Rayek moves on, he's got to figure something out for himself. ** Umm, I think I'm gonna try and find Mama. ** Shenshen locksends ** Please.. come visit for a moment? ** to Rayek. Rayek glances briefly at Tyree and shadows a smile. ** If you find her... ** He starts to send, then trails off, glancing back over his shoulder. Rayek locksends ** I... (He is caught offguard, slightly disgruntled.) ..... ** to Shenshen. Shenshen locksends ** Please... ** Rayek looks at Shenshen for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then his nose wrinkles faintly, exhaling a soft breath that ends with a slightly wry smile. In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek relents grudgingly. ** All right. ** Shenshen tilts her head and nods, smiling at Rayek. Shenshen heads towards Shenshen's Room Shenshen has left. Tyree looks up at Rayek's send and wonders, ** Let you know? ** Enjoying the feeling he gets from floating, he rises a few feet off the floor again, arms extended outwards a bit. ** Eh? Oh.. if you find her. ** That said, Rayek does not take his leave. Rather, he vanishes inside Shenshen's room after her. You head towards the Shenshen's Room. Shenshen's Room This room is definately Shenshen's, as in that there is some order and color to an otherwise drab area... the bed is covered in her pillows, causing it to build up and look extremely comfy. The rest of the room contains bottles and jars, for all of Shen's elixers and whatnot... it seems like it's been ordered very well, as if Shen's taken quite a long time with it. Overall this is very much what Shen's house looked like at Sorrow's End. Contents: Shenshen Obvious exits: Out Rayek senses in a locksend, Tyree sends the effect of a nod, letting you be. Shenshen is adjusting things in her room, before she turns and smiles, gently... "We havent talked in many many turns." Rayek walks into the room after Shenshen, ducking his head slightly since the door was shaped for elves distinctly shorter than he. He glances back in her direction and lets out something of a snort. ** Not unless you count your erratic bouts of 'humor', ** he answers with dry humor. Shenshen nods and sighs softly, moving over and taking a bowl of berries, handing them to him. "Eat, so we can talk." She sighs and sits down on the pillows. "I know that you dislike me." He pauses a moment, then reaches over, deftly selecting a few of the rounder berries from the bowl. The airwalker pops one into his mouth, chewing slowly as he answers. ** I don't dislike you. You just.. ** Rayek pauses, searching for the right word. However, the search takes a little longer than expected, and he's left there in silence for quite a few moments. Shenshen looks at him for a few moments, taking one into her mouth as well. "Yes?" ** Your.. sense of humor can be.. grating. ** He sends this as he pops another berry into his mouth. Shenshen ohs and nods. ** I just try to be affectionate. ** She sends... "But you dont' wish to even touch me." ** Not when you jump me when I'm not looking and start to-!! ** It comes out a little more forceful than necessary, and Rayek quickly cuts it off before he can say more. He frowns and looks the other way, jaw tightening over the berry in his mouth until it pops. He chews only once before swallowing. Shenshen sighs... "Start to what?" She asks gently.. reaching up to turn his face back towards hers. The airwalker's face is hot with embarrassment as he glowers back down at her. ** You know full what, Shenshen, ** he tells her. ** We've talked about this before. ** Shenshen shrugs. "Your handsome.. yes." She sighs... "But you'd be lying of you said that you didnt look at me the same ways some times." A brown hand comes up, settling over the slender one over his chest. Gently, but firmly, Rayek pulls her hand off of his face, frowning. ** Once, yes. But not with your recent behavior. ** Shenshen turns and nods.. ** I have acted badly... because of what had happened..but why not now? ** she sighs ** "Now"? ** Rayek repeats flatly, deliberately not understanding as he looks down at her. Shenshen sighs and leans up, pressing her lips against his, her eyes closing as her arms wrap around his neck. ** Rayek...you've changed.. and its hard for me to know you..... because you wont let me... let me know you. ** Bam. The airwalker's eyes bug out of their sockets. He stiffens in her embrace, his body straight like a wooden doll. Too startled by the sudden motion to react. Yet. Shenshen continues to kiss him, in hopes that he will break down... let his guard down finally, her hands rubbing the back of the Airwalker's neck gently.. (......) It's too real. For a moment, he can almost remember the Sun Village... auburn hair.. green eyes... "No." He talks hoarsely into her lips, half-closed golden eyes becoming suddenly wide and bright yellow. Rayek's hands fly to her arms, curling tightly as he forcefully pushes her away. Louder, he rasps, "NO." Shenshen whimpers and falls to the ground, tears falling down her cheeks.. She looks up at him... her sending weak..but emotionally strong.. Rayek stumbles backwards, his legs like water beneath his weight. One hand goes to his mouth, pressing the back of his hand against it, as if to dispell the last remnants of sensation. He stares at her, struck dumb for a moment, then starts to fumble for the curtain that covers the exit. Shenshen locksends to Rayek, ** Please dont leave.... <> I... I wasnt there for you when I should of been.... ** Shenshen locksends ** Please...... ** Why does this feel so familiar? ** Shenshen, you... you... ** Bright, almsot sickly yellow - that is the color of his eyes. Like tarnished gold, or false brass. A few stray strands of black fall over his face loosely. Rayek fumbles, ** I have.. a mate.. kits.. Shenshen, you.. I.. ravvit scat... Na... ** Shenshen stands up and looks at him, her eyes wide, needing...her hands move up to brush the errand strands away from his face, before it rests there on his cheek... it is warm..but not insisting.... She closes her eyes and sends... the most emotionally that she ever has....it's filled with her pain of recent memory.. the small flashes of pleasure... and her hurt when you left.... something she's never told anyone.. about how much she felt how you hurt..... how she didnt want Cutter there.... Rayek's face pales, barely distinguishable as brown now. Even the whites of his eyes are more visible than their golden depths. His fingers find the curtain and curl around it tightly, a few beads coming loose beneath his grip and scattering across the floor. Her fingers touch his cheek, hot and burning - "No," he rasps again - green eyes pleading, wondering - "NO." Roughly, his other hand comes forward, pushing her away. "Great Sun!" Shenshen falls backwards again, onto the floor...where she begins to cry... "Tell me why!" The midwife's whole soul has just been bared to him, and it seems as if he did not care... as if he shattered it without thinking.. without considering. "I.. I.. I..." The airwalker? For loss of words? Rayek slowly shakes his head from side to side in denial, then.. just like that. He's gone. You head towards the Living Hallway. Living Hallway(#10296RLS) [Desc deleted.] Obvious exits: Neimah and Valier's Room Ahdri's Chamber Ahddra's Room Closet Jyanda's Room Shenshen's Room Savah's Chamber Corridor You go back to the well-lit Corridor... Side Corridor(#6192RFL) [Desc deleted.] Contents: Family Tent(#4039Je) Obvious exits: Smaller Corridor Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall You wander back out into... 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: Rainor Present Sand cat Marsinah's Tent Half n Half's Tent(#8861AJUeh) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Tyree arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Tyree has arrived. Rainor looks up "Shade Rayek" smiles warmly. Rayek comes literally running out of the Corridor, face ashen, golden eyes wide. Rainor says "something wrong?" "No. NO." The airwalker's voice is strained, raising to a level where he's almost shouting. But not quite. Rayek shakes his head slowly back and forth, clenching his teeth. A hand rises to his forehead. ".... I'm sorry. I'm.. ravvit scat. I need to go out." Rainor says "Want some company?" Rayek shakes his head sharply in return. "/No/. Good-bye." Before anyone can argue further, he darts out the Palace door in a flurry of black clothing and hair. 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. Obvious exits: Doorway Eveshka locksends ** We'll have plenty to eat for a while... ** You locksend to Eveshka, Rayek's mind is a maze of emotion. Twisting, churning -- the brief sending is enough to gather his bewildered mood, but you can't be sure of whether or not *he* heard you. Some distance away, Eveshka is half-carrying, half-floating a large dead thing. It's really too big to be a leaper... but that's exactly what it is. And she's covered in blood. Really. 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 twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Contents: Eveshka Gnawer Palace(#500Jae) OOC SIGN: Palace visitors, please read me! Obvious exits: Mountains Northwest South Rayek comes half-gliding, half-flying out of the Palace, holding one hand to his head. He doesn't even seem to notice the small Glider, not at first, as he darts into the air in a shower of golden sparkles. Near the Palace, Tyree carefully pushes open the door from inside the Palace and joins you. Near the Palace, Tyree has arrived. The small Glider sees him though. ** Father? ** Near the Palace, Tyree has left. Tyree moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Tyree has arrived. No response. The intensity of emotion and magic swirls about the airwalker as he shoots up into the air - and stops. A fierce yellow orb of magic surrounds Rayek, his hands curling into fists with eldritch sparkles concentrating around his fingers -- and then he explodes. Literally. Or at least, a nearby rock does. The sound rockets off the walls of the surrounding mountain, a cloud of dust and rubble flying in all directions around it. Eveshka pauses, dead leaper hovering beside her. ** Well, that's a handy trick. Can you do that to Humans? ** Near the Palace, Rainor carefully pushes open the door from inside the Palace and joins you. Near the Palace, Rainor has arrived. Near the Palace, Rainor has left. Rainor moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Rainor has arrived. Suntop comes down the trail from the peaks to the west. Suntop has arrived. Tyree follows out of the Palace a few moments after Rayek. Just in time to see Rayek's...display. He blinkblinkblinks, hovering just above the ground. What in the High Ones names is going on? Rainor peeks out of the palace curiously. Suntop skids in from the west, looking around, eyes wide. Eveshka, for her part, simply stands there covered in blood with the large dead leaper at her side, watching Rayek with an almost wry expression. Rainor waves to Suntop. then looks back to Rayek. Rayek hovers in the air a few moments more -- and drops. Nearby, dust plumes up around what was an outcropping of rock. Now, rubble. The airwalker, his intense glow fading as sharply as it appears, drops lightly - well, as lightly as he can - to the ground, chest heaving and fingers clenching the dusty earth. Eveshka watches still. Rainor locksends ** What is happening? ** to Tyree. Sure enough, the confused Tyree speaks up. Via sending, rather. ** What's going on? ** In a locksend to Rainor, Tyree's send is filled with confusion. He doesn't know. Eveshka's reply is calm. ** Father blew something up. Again. ** Rainor sends openly ** He can do that? ** Suntop's eyes slide to the ex-outcropping of rocks...and then to the fallen Rayek. Taking a few steps towards the airwalker he starts to send...but is halted by Eveshka's send, ** Again? ** Tyree's question is simple, brief: ** Why? ** he wonders, after Eveshka's answer. He decides to move closer, as well. Apparently he can, for he did. Rayek shakes noticeably, then slowly pulls himself into a standing position. And notices how many people are here. Summoning the blackest look he's worn since he was trapped in the Mountain, the golden-eyed hunter glares at them all balefully. Through a clenched jaw, he sends ** I. Am. Leaving. ** Eveshka smiles disarmingly to Suntop. (She hadn't known he was back...) ** I know of three people that can drive him to that. My mother, Tilia, and Shenshen. It was one of them. I'm certain of it. ** Eveshka -almost- drops the leaper as she looks back to Rayek. Tyree frowns. ** He went into Shenshen's room. She must have done something. ** The tyke may still be a fledgling, but he's not too happy, especially at Rayek's actions. ** Don't go. What did she do? ** Eveshka locksends ** Father? ** to Rayek. A familiar figure comes hobbling out of the Palace, brown eyes bright with alarm. Ekuar leans as lightly on his walking stick as possible, glancing around nervously before seeing the group congregated nearby. "What happened? Eh? I heard something... Brownskin?" Blue eyes look towards the Palace at both Eveshka's and Tyree's send. Then, looking to Rayek, the mystic nods...quite understanding. In a louder tone, if at all possible, the airwalker sends, ** I. AM. LEAVING. ** No responses, none at all, to the sendings he recieves, private or otherwise. Rayek lifts a hand and stabs it at the crowd, backing a step away. He hisses through clenched teeth, "And I will SKIN anyone who follows me -- and leave them for the carrion birds!" Now she drops the dead leaper. "Then go ahead and skin me and Mother, because the moment I send, she'll be out here." The small Glider's voice can be awfully hard for all its bell-like quality. Ekuar's eyes widen, startled. Taking a place behind Suntop, the rockshaper whispers, shocked, "Brownskin?" Rainor locksends ** does he blow up mountains a lot? ** to Tyree. Tyree rises up a bit into the air, a scowl forming. ** And skin me, too, Daddy. ** Shenshen locksends to Rayek: ** <> I... I...... <> Please.... ** Suntop takes a step closer to Eveshka, ** Maybe you should let him...give him time. ** Oh, this is all too familiar... In a locksend to Rainor, Tyree snaps at you, though it's not your fault. This isn't easy on him. ** I don't know! ** ** No. ** Rayek's eyes snap to his two children, glaring at them forcefully. ** You will not follow me. You will stay here. Don't you /dare/ follow me. ** Tyree senses in a locksend, Rainor sends apologetically and comfortingly ** I'm sorry. ** In a locksend to Shenshen, Rayek's mind blocks you out. Nothing. No response. A black, uncaring wall. Eveshka's chin rises. He didn't just challange her. The last one who challanged her got a knife blade in her stomach. So what if it was Winnowill? Rayek senses in a locksend, Tyree doesn't care about being snapped at. He presses, ** What did she do to you? ** In a locksend to Rainor, Tyree sends again, wordlessly and distractedly. But there's a sense that it's ok. It's a small distance, but Eveshka covers it by foot, as if to show that she means it. Rayek locksends ** ((A wall. Can you feel it? See it? It's black and cold, and nothing like you've ever felt from your father before. And, above all, it keeps your sending out.)) ** to Tyree. "Brownskin, please..." Ekuar moves to follow, but something stops him as Rayek's attention focuses solely on the small Glider moving towards him. His lips curl back from his teeth in a sneer. ** Get out of my way, Eveshka. ** Eveshka locksends to Rayek: ** Father... ** Tyree glances towards Eveshka, not entirely sure of all this. He looks to be focused on something for a moment, eyes squinting at unseen failure. Not heeding Rayek's words all that well, he continues on a ways, hovering over the heads of those forced to remain on the ground. "Why are you acting like this?" he calls up towards the Airwalker. Eveshka stands where she is, waiting. He could glide right over her, if he so wanted. Rayek locksends ** (Roughly. Blackly.) No. ** to Eveshka. Eveshka locksends ** Mother will follow you to the ends of this world. ** to Rayek. In alocksend to Eveshka, Rayek's sending doesn't flinch in the slightest. Something has vexed him greatly. ** She will not stop me. ** Eveshka locksends ** And Winnowill shall, the instant she knows you are out of protection. The moment She becomes aware that you are not near myself or Ktai, or indeed the Palace... She will come for you. ** to Rayek. Suntop locksends ** <> Just answer me this once...who was it this time? ** to Rayek. Rayek locksends ** (He wavers. She touched a sore spot. But he doesn't falter.) Do not stand in my way, Eveshka. ** to Eveshka. Eveshka locksends ** I stand where I choose. Right now I choose here. ** to Rayek. Rayek locksends ** ((Like the others, your sending collides into a wall. Black. Stiff. Angry. Only Eveshka has managed to get past it, and you sense this is not something the airwalker is pleased with.)) ** to Suntop. Ekuar reaches a hand tentatively to place it on Suntop's shoulders, brown eyes wide as he looks from Glider to Brownskin to Suncub, and back again. "What.. What is going on?" In a locksend to Eveshka, Rayek's jaw clenches noticeably, his yellow eyes cold and hard. ** Don't make me move you, /daughter/. ** Eveshka actually has the audacity to -sit- on the sand. The airwalker's jaw clenches noticeably, his yellow eyes narrowing sharply to thin golden slits. Now he moves forward, dust kicking up in his wake, and starts to sidestep Eveshka to take his leave. Suntop's eyes narrow, as his send was not even acknowledged. Oh, he is -not- amused at Rayek's behavior now. Crossing his arms at his chest he glares at the airwalker...something the suncub -rarely- does. "Do you enjoy behaving as a spoiled cub? We are here to help, Rayek...even though your answer is to leave -everything-." Turning to Ekuar at the touch he answers, "Obviously something has disturbed him...but he will not even say what." Tyree continues to wear a look on his face that would make Rayek proud. Seeming older than his age of about two hands, he crosses his arms - has he been picking things up from his father? ** I have an idea what..or who is bothering him. Shenshen. ** Eveshka sends only once, but it's dark enough to make her point. ** Bother Shenshen. She's a bit of fluff and spite, not at all nice or worthy of the claim of SunVillage Blood. I'd like to see her in Winnowill's Court for a fortnight. She'd be the image of perfection in a day. I've half a mind to go try out that technique that Alorn taught me before she left on that fragile little flitter-mind. ** Rayek whirls about in a circle at Suntop's barb, his jaw clenched and his eyes fiery. He glares daggers at the younger elf, then slowly shakes his head from side to side, hissing like the snake he has often been compared to. ** No. I'm not going to deal with this. Not with you.. or you.. or any of this. I. Am. Tired. And I am leaving. ** And he starts to turn again, but Eveshka's dark comment stops him short. Suntop's comment as well as Tyree's completely startles the Suncub. "What?" The glare is gone as his eyes widen. "What has my aunt to do with this?" In a locksend to Eveshka, Rayek fires. ** You'll leave her alone. You will NOT touch her. I don't care what stupid twit of a rat-laying brat she is... Leave her be. ** Funny, Eveshka hasn't changed in appearance or shade... indeed her eyes are clear. But something gives her cause to snap her gaze to Rayek. Eveshka locksends ** Well, if you're not here, I won't have to answer to you, will I? ** to Rayek. "You know the girl. She teases him.." Ekuar casts first a worried glance to his soul-son, then back to Suntop and Tyree, a line of worry creasing his brow. "But why..." Eveshka's voice is a quiet one in comparison to the sharpness of her send. "Because he reacts so well." The dark-haired hunter meets Eveshka's gaze narrowly, then his eyes abruptly widen. Like yellow saucers for the briefest of moments, then sharp as knives of fire the next. He gestures with a slight flick of his hand. Tyree's eyes shift quickly towards Eveshka. Winnowill? She's the bad one inside the big mountain...the place he's heard a number of things about. Then he looks towards Ekuar, Suntop, then Rayek again, not quite able to understand what's got Rayek so upset over Shenshen. "What did she do that was so bad?" As Rayek begins to turn though, he zips over towards his father. "You're gonna run from something like this?" Eveshka simply sits there. She's much older than he is... she's good at waiting. Rayek locksends ** (A.. pressure closes around you. Is Rayek trying to grab hold of a Glider? His sending fumes, like the firemountain in its early days, belching up blackness and liquid fire.) Glider! By all the spirits that fled to the Palace, do I have to watch you at all times? Threaten me with your Lord, then with harm to ANOTHER ELF! What kind of fool do you take me for! (It is more an accusation than a real question.) ** to Eveshka. Eveshka's reply to Rayek is calm and quiet, even though his was a locksend. ** The kind of fool who allows himself to be manipulated by those with a weaker spirit. ** Eveshka locksends ** ** to Rayek. Now, wait a moment...Shenshen is Suntop's aunt. She may be a bit flighty, but she is still his blood. "Eveshka. Please." There is a hint of warning in his voice. Rayek's fingers close into a fist, a golden aura tightening around Eveshka, holding her still. His sending is the lowest of hisses: ** If I find that you harmed Shenshen or any other elf in this Palace, Eveshka, I will personally pull you out by your hair and kick you out. ** Eveshka simply looks at Rayek. Her eyes neither dismiss nor challange... simply accept it. ** I'm afraid that you won't be able to do just that. Sorry. ** Suntop senses "Ekuar reaches out, his fingers appearing on your arm. They tightenbriefly before releasing you againn. The rockshaper inhales sharply, quietly." Tyree's mouth opens at this exchange. Suddenly, he feels lost and very much unsure of his place in all this. Eyes betraying their concern, he questions. ** D..daddy? 'Veshka? ** He sinks a couple hand lengths in the air. The Airwalker sends darkly, simply, ** Do you want it to come to that? ** At a send from Eveshka...and then Rayek's threat, the young mystic steps forward, despite Ekuar's hand on his arm. "You cannot kick anyone out of the Palace, Rayek...despite what you may not think, you do not own it." The last is said with some vehemence. Eveshka's send is quieted, gentled as she replies to Tyree. ** He's upset, Tyree. It's okay. ** But to Rayek, she simply smiles enigmatically. ** Then either stay to find out, or find out when you come back. Eveshka locksends to Tyree: ** ** In a locksend to Suntop, Rayek's sending is like a slap across the face. ** BE. SILENT. ** ** No. ** His head slowly shakes from side to side, golden eyes hardening again, his lips twisting into a foul parody of a smirk. ** No. I'm not staying. You cannot manipulate me this way, Eveshka. Not even you. I'm leaving now, and I'm leaving with the hope that you are a better elf than you want me to think you are. ** No. It's not okay, contrary to what Eveshka would like Tyree to believe. Oh, he's seen his father upset before, but never as bad as this. ** I..think he's more than just upset. ** he sends quietly, pushing himself further from Rayek in a mix of confusion and discomfort. But he asks, ** Where are you going? ** No doubt who it's directed towards. In a locksend to Eveshka, Tyree doesn't seem very comforted by it, but it's acknowledged. Eveshka begins an attempt to rise now, gliding assisting her against Rayek's force. The dead leaper now forgotten, the travel pack rises from beside it to float to her side. The sudden strength of Rayek's locksend surprises him, so much so that he had no time to prepare a defense. Staggering back with the mental blow, Suntop has to take a moment to realize what just happened. Blue eyes, flashing in an almost unseen fury to the airwalker. The only thing holding him back from leaping at Rayek's throat is a hidden voice...that nearly has to scream in order for it to be heard. On cue, Rayek turns away from her. The golden hand around her increases its grip as the airwalker walks, then abruptly releases her once he is a good number of paces away. To Tyree's worried query, the hunter sends only, ** Away. ** The travel pack settles on Eveshka's shoulder. Eveshka locksends to Tyree: ** Take... take care of Mother. ** Rainor goes home. Rainor has left. Tyree stares at Suntop a moment, able to guess what happened to him. He opens his mouth to tell Rayek he wants to go with him, though he's not sure why. The words don't come, however, something else stopping them before they're voiced. Realizing this is not going well, Ekuar starts to hobble forward, trying to reach forth his good arm and use it to support himself on his walking stick as well. ** Brownskin, please! Wait, can't we, eh... Please calm down! ** No response. ** Brownski-- ** The rockshaper starts to send more, but something cuts him off. Ekuar's steps slow to a halt, a startled expression on his face. In a locksend to Eveshka, Tyree is suddenly filled with concern, serious concern. ** W..why? What are you gonna do? ** She tears off the bloodied overdress as she rises, casting it to the ground beside the dead leaper. It seems almost automatic for her to reach up and bind her hair in an almost-Chosen of the Mountain's fashion. Eveshka locksends to Tyree: ** I'm going looking for a few things. ** Ignoring everything and everyone, Rayek pulls the hood of his cloak up over his head. ** I am leaving. I don't know when I'll be back. Give Tilia my regards. ** The last one ends on a bitter note. In a locksend to Eveshka, Tyree takes notice of what you're doing. ** ... ** In the air now, Eveshka seems to take on a harder, more crystaline appearance. [With that, Rayek takes his leave, vanishing from sight after a few moments. Seconds tick by in shocked silence, then slowly things resume back at the Palace.] Tyree just stares at Rayek a long, long moment, left speechless at why the heck he'd just take off like this. What did Shenshen do? What happened to make his adoptive father - the one he's grown up looking up to - just suddenly split like this? A lip quivers, and the Glider boy turns to flee back into the Palace, not liking this. Not a bit. Nibbling a fingernail as he watches Rayek's retreating figure, Ekuar finds his brown eyes liquefied, pooling slightly at their corners. Sniffing slightly and reaching a hand to rub the moisture from his cheeks, he glances up, stopping as he catches sight of Eveshka. Eveshka is almost the image of a ghostly memory of Alorn rising into the air as she ascends, orienting herself by the stars. If this had happened a few turns ago, Suntop would actually be growling by now. But, things change...and watching Rayek and Eveshka leave, he is torn between following the young cub and confronting his aunt. Tyree may well be off to do just that - confront Shenshen. Since nobody else seems to be able to give him any answers out here, he might as well go to the reason behind all this. In a locksend to Eveshka: ** (Ekuar's worried sending trickles in, swallowing his distress with the Airwalker's leaving to focus on a newer.. problem? phenomenon?) ..Pretty one? ** Ekuar senses in a locksend, Eveshka's send is quiet, distancing itself within. ** Yes, Ekuar? ** Suntop decides on following Tyree...as he was charged. Tyree approaches the huge stone structure. Tyree has left. Near the Palace, Tyree has arrived. In a locksend to Eveshka: ** (Ekuar frowns uneasily, a thread of concern weaving into the tapestry of his aged sending.) Pretty one, what... What are you, eh... ...? ** to Eveshka. Suntop approaches the huge stone structure. Suntop has left. Near the Palace, Suntop has arrived. Eveshka locksends ** I'm sorry, Ekuar. If I stay, I won't stand for Shenshen. Rayek has forbidden me to touch her, so I must leave. I find... I have left something of importance back at Blue Mountain. ** to Ekuar. Ekuar continues to look up at Eveshka, a frown forming on his wrinkled face. He leans more heavily on his staff as he continues to look up at her. In a locksend, ** (Ekuar blanches.) Oh... no! Pretty one, you mustn't! Nothing good comes of that, eh, place. ** to Eveshka. Near the Palace, Tyree steps through the doorway into the Palace. Near the Palace, Tyree has left. Eveshka locksends ** I have little choice. It is the only place where I might live. Here can no longer be home... I am not welcome. At least, in the Mountain, as long as I do not pose Her a threat... I might be. ** to Ekuar. Eveshka continues to rise into the air, the winds whipping her skirt about her ankles. Ekuar stares for a moment, then his already pale face becomes all the more ashen. He sends after her, a note of desperation, ** Eveshka, no! Pretty one, this is not the answer! ** [Meanwhile, back in the Palace...] Suntop approaches the huge stone structure. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree's send-voice is emotional, strained, upset, suddenly entering your mind. ** What did you do to father? ** he demands. Shenshen locksends ** I didn't do anything to Rayek... we had an argument. ** to Tyree. You move away from the huge stone structure, stepping around the rubble that litters its immediate vicinity. Entry Hall [Desc deleted.] Contents: Present Sweetwater Sand cat Marsinah's Tent Half n Half's Tent Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree's 'voice' is still harsh and rather firm for one as young as he. ** About what? What happened? Tell me! ** Shenshen locksends ** About us.. about what we are to each other... <> I don't want to talk bout it.. ** to Tyree. Tyree floats into the entry hall, looking very bothered by something. Hisfists are clenched and his jaw is set, and it would appear he's focused on sending to someone elsewhere. He draws to a halt in the middle of the room, a little over full-Glider height off the floor. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree pushes the issue. ** I don't care. You did something, and now he's left! Why would he? Why would he be so upset over just that? <> ** Sweetwater is sitting down, leaning back against one of the walls. She tears a strip of dried meat in half, tossing part to Present, and biting a hunk off for herself. Tilting her head to one side at the sight of Tyree she sends a soft ** Shade. ** Shenshen locksends ** <> Leave me alone! ** to Tyree. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree refuses to. Something has him seriously upset over whatever happened. ** No! What happened? WHAT DID YOU DO?? ** Shenshen locksends ** I DID NOTHING!!! HE PUSHED ME DOWN TWICE!!!! ** to Tyree. Unfortunately, the greeting isn't met with much by way of a response fromTyree, but Sweetwater might notice his eyes shut tight, wetness around them. He's been cordial and friendly around you before, but something's got him quite disturbed. ** Sorry..I have to go! ** he manages to spare youthat much, before zipping off down a corridor. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree's send-voice nearly breaks, it's so full of emotion. ** Why?? Why would he rush outside and be so upset and angry and blow up rocks and threaten us and then leave? ** Tilia comes down the stairs from above. You wander down the most-used corridor... Side Corridor 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 evidencehere; 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. Contents: Family Tent Obvious exits: Smaller Corridor Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Shenshen locksends ** I don't know why... maybe because he needs to thinkabout something... ** to Tyree. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree is quiet for a few long moments. Then: **I don't believe you. I'll bet you tried to be all close with him like you do everyone else and he didn't like it and that's why he took off. ** He's aware the words may sting, but he's been stung as well, seeing his father so upset. ** Why couldn't you just leave him be? ** After that, he says no more. Rayek's Chamber 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 hisrest. 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 Shenshen locksends ** leave me be.. .he's not even your REAL father little glider.... and I dont care what you think. ** to Tyree. To Suntop, Shenshen, Tyree: ** (Ekuar's sending touches you three.) Eh, young ones? Where are-- (He cuts himself off abruptly.) ** In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree doesn't answer that, save for an intense feeling of hatred especially for you right now. No, wait. He does have something to say after all. ** I hope you're happy with yourself. <> ** Shenshen locksends ** <> Leave me be, flying elf...if you've nothing but malice in your heart..leave me be ** to Tyree. In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree's words hiss at you. ** I'll leave you be...knowing that *YOU* drove him away. ** Shenshen locksends ** He left on his own accord... I cannot drive ANYONE away ** to Tyree. In a locksend to Ekuar, Tyree's answer to Ekuar is wounded and hurt. ** I don't wanna talk right now. ** In a locksend to Shenshen, Tyree answers, one last time. ** Well, you did,this time. ** After that, he erects a wall to simply keep your voice outof his head. [Left alone in Rayek's Chamber, the young Tyree finally manages to settle down, but the troubled fledgling winds up crying himself to sleep, letting tears fall that he'd tried to hold back earlier, fearing the family he knows will never be the same again.] [And meanwhile, outside where Ekuar still lingers, staring after Rayek's retreating figure and watching the disconcerting change in the Glider, Evehska..] Ekuar watches for a long moment, then looks sharply back to the' palace. Biting his lip, the rockshaper hobbles inside. Palace(#500Jae) [Desc deleted.] Contents: Suntop(#2935PBIJOUcm$g) Obvious exits: Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Rayek and Ekuar sense in a locksend: Eveshka's send is quiet and distant, even though she is not that far away. ** I really have no other choice. Sorrow's End is gone... I am a Glider. I am not welcome anywhere else. ** Some distance away, Eveshka flies up. Some distance away, Eveshka has left. Ekuar hobbles into the Palace, worrying his lower lip quietly. In a locksend, ** (Rayek is silent. Ekuar blanches again, sending desperate arguments after her until the distance becomes so great not even his sendings can reach.) ** to Eveshka. You step through the doorway into... 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: Tilia Present Sweetwater Sand cat Marsinah's Tent Half n Half's Tent(#8861AJUeh) Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Type 'palace help' for commands you may use here. Ekuar hobbles in through the door, looking a little red-faced and distraught. He pauses briefly inside the Entry Hall, looking this way and that. "Hoo.. eh, me. Where did they go?" he mumbles to himself. Tilia half-stumbles down the stairs, trying to keep her hair out of her face. Tilia says in a dry, disused voice, "Where are we." Ekuar locksends, to Suntop, Shenshen, Tyree: ** (Ekuar's sending touches you three.) Eh, young ones? Where are-- (He cuts himself off abruptly.) ** Sweetwater is standing near one of the walls, a hand scritching Present's head. She looks from a hallway towards Ekuar, "If you're looking for Tyree, he went down that hall. Is everything alright? He was..upset. What's this? Ekuar's head turns sharply in the direction of the voice, brown eyes widening. "Oh! Tilia, child!" He hobbles forward again, reaching forth his arm to try and help her. "You.. eh, You're awake...!" Shenshen locksends ** <> Leave me be, Ekuar.. ** to Ekuar. Ekuar senses in a locksend, Suntop sends, ** Ekuar? What is it? <> In a locksend, ** (Ekuar's sending is worried. Tired, but worried.) Eh, oh, pretty one.. I.. ** to Shenshen. Tilia murmurs, "Oh." She looks criticly up at Ekuar. "It was hard not to, spirits making so much noise and the pounding and then silence. Where are we." Ekuar locksends ** Eveshka, she.. (Ekuar is distracted; his distressed sending is barely 'readable'.) Oh.. oh my, lad, the pretty one has left for the Mountain! ** to Suntop. Shenshen locksends ** <> Ekuar, what is it? Because of Rayek? <> I dont want to talk... ** to Ekuar. Sweetwater shifts her gaze to Tilia, "Spirits making noise?" "Same place," Ekuar whispers with a rueful smile, trying to help steady her and keep himself upright as well. "The Mountains. Oh my, oh me.. Let me help you.." Ekuar senses in a locksend, Tyree's answer to Ekuar is wounded and hurt. ** I don't wanna talk right now. ** Ekuar locksends ** (Distracted. The rockshaper feels torn in all directions.) Yes, dear one. I'm so, eh.. He's gone. ** to Shenshen. Suntop locksends ** The Mountain? What does she think to do there? What in the moons was she thinking to do? <> ** to Ekuar. Tilia sneers at the old fool, but doesn't pull away. "What do you mean, the mountains. We left the mountains. We travelled great distances." Shenshen locksends ** <> Trying to comfort you...>> I know... Tyree is chirping in my head about it...we had an argument ** to Ekuar. Ekuar locksends ** I don't know. (Frazzled, you can feel the rockshaper's head shaking back and forth.) Oh, Suntop.. Go talk to Tyree. He's, eh, upset, but I can only be in so many places at once.. ** to Suntop. Suntop locksends ** I shall...Rayek is just pouting again I suppose... ** to Ekuar. Ekuar shakes his head again, his brown eyes shifting between focused and distracted. "No, no.. We came back. Left, eh, Sorrow's End and came back." Ekuar locksends ** (The rockshaper winces.) Don't be too harsh on him, dear one. He.. He means well. ** to Suntop. Ekuar locksends ** (A nod, belated in coming. Ekuar tries to echo your sentiments, the feeling of a hand on your shoulder.) I know, dear one. He's.. hurt. His, eh, father, you know. Suntop's going to him. ** to Shenshen. Tilia says "Oh." Then, "Well, what is he doing this time. It was like an avalance of sound in there." Shenshen locksends ** <> Ekuar.. .I dont know what to do... I dont know how he feels... or how I feel.. or what has happened..... ** to Ekuar. Ekuar winces noticeably, leaning slightly on his staff again. "Brownskin. Oh.. He.." The old elf bites his lip, distress making him seem all his years of age. "I don't know," he confesses, a bit put off by this fact. "He's .. left again. Something ruffled his feathers too harshly this time." In a locksend, ** (Ekuar bites his lip, trying to send with you and update Tilia on what's going on at the same time.) I don't know either. He.. We'll speak on it later, hm? Try and sort this out. ** to Shenshen. Tilia snorts a bit and looks around. She notices Sweetwater and says, "Yes, spirits. There's hundreds of them." Shenshen locksends ** Oh okay Ekuar... take care <> ** to Ekuar. Ekuar smiles faintly as he looks from Tilia to Sweetwater, bobbing his head in agreement, but remaining quiet. The rockshaper's fingers tighten briefly over his staff, knuckles bleeding faintly white. Sweetwater nods in response to Tilia, "I've just never heard any of them.." Ekuar locksends ** (The essence of a tired smile as the rockshaper returns the affection openly.) You too, child. ** to Shenshen. Shenshen locksends ** <,caring>> Go well father Ekuar. ** to Ekuar. Ekuar looks in the direction of the corridor, his brow wrinkling, then turns his attention back to the pair. Swallowing a sigh, the rockshaper murmurs, "Are you, eh, all right, Tilia?" Shenshen arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Shenshen has arrived. Ekuar is standing near Tilia, looking down at the small GoBack. His wrinkled face is tired and strained with distress. Shenshen comes out... there are bruises on her arms..... she seems very very sad.. Ekuar looks up as Shenshen walks out, offering her a tired smile before noticing the bruises on her arms. "Oh! Child, what happened?" Shenshen sighs softly. "Rayek happened...a part of our argument." Tilia stands shortly, and then says to Ekuar, "I'll be fine." Shenshen moves closer to them both. "He's really gone?" The rockshaper's jaw drops open to ask questions, but Tilia's short reply cuts him off. Ekuar looks back, brow crinkling with worry as he asks, "Are you certain, child?" He glances back to the firehaired maiden through the corners of his eyes, and he nods slightly. "He is. Ran off again, eh, to brood." Ekuar sighs softly. Shenshen sighs and looks down... Tilia says with no hidden distate, "He's ashamed to call himself elf. She's ashamed of every last thing." Shenshen looks at Tilia. "I am not ashamed of anything...." Ekuar winces, clucking his tongue. "Now, now.. Don't be too harsh on the lad.." Tilia stares at Shenshen for a moment, eyes slitted as she considers this. "I don't have to be," she says to Ekuar, eyes still pressing on Shenshen. "He's hard enough on himself." Shenshen shakes her head. "Yes.. he is... and he needs to come to grips with many things.." She touches her arm and winces.. Ekuar manages a rueful smile in response, but can find no words to reply to her with. Shenshen's wince draws his notice again. Clucking his tongue again, the rockshaper gestures for her to let him see her arm. "My my my.." Tilia mentions, speaking to Ekuar about Shenshen, "So, this is a Sorrow's Ender." Shenshen sighs and shows her arm to Ekuar. "That I am, Goback." The rockshaper nods absently in response, his gnarled hand gentle on Shenshen's arm as he inspects the bruises. "Mm-hm.. There are many of them in our Halls now." Shenshen sighs softly and touches Ekuar's hand. Tilia asks again of Ekuar, "Are they all like this?" Sweetwater frowns slightly as she listens to Shenshen, "What happened between you and Rayek?" Ekuar pauses a moment to look up at Tilia, brow crinkling. "Why.. no. Every elf's different, you know. But, eh, they're all very much alike." Shenshen sighs softly.. "None of your business, Sweetwater." Tilia mms, a discontent grunt and looks out the massive doorway. Ekuar clucks his tongue again softly at the rising tension, then shakes his head at the bruises. "Not bad, my dear. But if they bother you, I'm sure Mender or, eh, another of the healers can help you.." Through the corners of his eyes, the rockshaper sees the GoBack look towards the doorway. Wistful and worried, he follows her gaze for a moment before looking away, biting his lip. Tilia snorts again. "Brooding," she mutters and says, to the world at large, "I haven't eaten. Is there anything to spare or do I hunt for myself?" Shenshen takes some food out of her bag. "Here." She moves and hands Tilia some food. Sweetwater shrugs, not surprised Shenshen doesn't care to talk to her. Ekuar starts to answer, but Shenshen beats him to it. The rockshaper gifts the firehaired lass with a brief, grateful smile. Shenshen moves to hug the hold rockshaper gently and kiss his cheek. Sweetwater starts to offer Tilia some of her meat, but also gets beaten out by Shenshen's offer. Tilia turns and looks, then looks supicious at the offered fruit. "What's this?" Surprised at first, Ekuar beams wearily at the young maiden, returning the hug. "Ah. Thank you, dear." Shenshen looks at the berries. "They are good... some local berries..." she says... "I've some meat too." "Whatever." Tilia looks around at the place, the things that have changed, the things that have stayed the same. Shenshen looks at Tilia. "Are you going to take them?" Tilia hmms? She loosk vaguely at Shenshen, clearly swaying once or twice. She takes the offered berries and nods. "Thanks." Ekuar watches Tilia for a moment, as if to make certain she eats. His brown eyes are quiet, but careful as he considers the GoBack maiden a moment, then shifts his attention elsewhere. Shenshen shakes her head. "I don't understand gobacks." Tilia looks over to Shenshen again. She stares, blatantly. Shenshen looks over at Tilia. "Yes?" Tilia says "I am sorry you do not understand anything around you. You can make an effort to learn." Tilia nods to Ekuar. "I'm going back to the chamber to rest, if I'm needed." Shenshen looks at Tilia. "I don't understand Elves who try to be like humans... I think they're called Gobacks." Ekuar sighs and slowly straightens again, old joints popping slightly. "I don't know if Ktai knows," he murmurs as he excuses himself. "I'll go talk to the pretty one.." He pauses, looking to Tilia, and nods. "All right, child. Rest well." And as he passes Shenshen, he pats her once on the head. "Tut. Mouth, child. Let's play nice." Tilia looks over to Shenshen and smiles nastily, then goes to the stairs. Tilia makes her way up the long staircase. Tilia has left. Shenshen sighs and shakes her head.. ."I don't like being made fun of." Ekuar smiles faintly. "It's just, eh, her way, youngling.." He sighs. "Now then. Off I, eh, go." Shenshen nods and sighs... "Go well, father rockshaper." Shenshen goes home. Shenshen has left. You wander down the most-used corridor... [end log]