Log Date: 5/20/04 Log Cast: Rayek, Ktai, Ekuar, Silverfox, Savah, Mierin, Snowstorm Log Intro: In which the whole Recognition thing is seen from Rayek's point of view. Lucky readers. Rayek, accompanied by Ktai, Ekuar, and Silverfox, arrives in Sorrow's End on a quest to locate the Little Palace--only to find something else entirely. ---- More travel. More times to stop and rest and think, which may not be welcome, but bodies need to rest, even when minds refuse to cooperate. Rayek is as determined, as driven as ever, to cross the desert and pushes, perhaps a little harder than he should, but sight of the huts in the village is its own sort of reward. Ktai herself has seemed driven as well, falling all too often into silent contemplation. The rare few times that she has slept, it has been light, and almost fitful. When the huts are visible, she draws herself up a little tighter, the silk cloak now all but ragged, for she has worn it nonstop during the day, no matter the heat. Ekuar, too, has donned a cloak, though he keeps it mostly covering his bare head as he picks his way along. Rayek wears no such cloak. He has no need of such a thing. His posture changes: his shoulders go back, his chin lifts, once he's sure that the village is not a mirage. You locksend ** Mother of Memory, we have come. ** to Savah. Silverfox is silent, the little healer walking along as if the journey were only half the fun. She's kept up a rambling sort of chatter, to and at anyone who would listen... including the Preserver. Ktai looks out from under her cloak, sighing softly, for she has not yet figured out what has been planted... nor how to remove it. You sense in a locksend, Savah's mind perks up, startled that the mind's voice is so already here, but as the startlement fades, a rush of relief and pleasure at your homecoming replaces it, ** Dear one, Rayek. I am glad. You made quick traveling... ** And then, there is a pause, ** We? ** She hadn't expected anyone to be traveling with. ** No matter, I've had Peyote prepare a place for you to stay however long you would like. ** You locksend ** We, Savah. Ktai comes with me. Ekuar as well, and the healer called Silverfox. Winnowill has done something to Ktai, Savah. A rest in the village will do her good. ** to Savah. Savah locksends ** Of course dear one, of course. They are all welcome here. ** Mentally, there is the vaguest sense of a sigh, ** Perhaps, if a rest does not aide Ktai, something else can be discerned that will help her. ** Rayek nods, as if in answer to something said, and he offers, for everyone's sake, ** They are expecting us and will welcome us. ** You locksend ** Savah will help you, Ktai. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** ** Ekuar glances at Ktai, as the village bobs closer and closer and decides that speaking out is better than hobbling on alone. "Eh, Rayek..." He waits for the brownskin to stop, then catches up and favors him with a broad smile. "You're in a hurry, dear one. Why don't you go on? Too fast, your legs are too long for me." Rayek frowns and glances at the others. ** I didn't mean to travel too quickly. My apologies. ** "No, no no," Ekuar insists shaking his head. "Go, go. It's good to see spring in your step. And we'll catch up. Maybe, eh. Maybe Ktai will stay with me." And once that agreement is made, Rayek, albeit hesitantly, heads into the village alone. Savah responds to Mierin with a lightly humored, "I know. I've seen them." The hold on her skirts are released, leaving the ancient mother's attention focessed on the direction which she believes someone, or something will be arriving from. Mierin follows Savah's gaze. She is wearing a hood and light cloth wrapped around her face as protection from the sun. The features of her face are obscured and all that is easily visible are her dark eyes. "I hope you enjoyed them as I am enjoying your garden." For all that Rayek said that he was bringing others with him, he walks along the path that leads through the village alone. It's not until he actually spots the willowy Mother of Memory that he sends ahead of his footsteps, ** You did not have to come out to meet me, Savah. I think I remember the way to your hut. ** Affection and perhaps the faintest thread of amusement in that send. Responding in kind, the Mother sends her reply, ** There are many things which I have done of late, which I do not /have/ to do. But, it is better that I do them. ** She moves forward then, to meet the approaching elf, "You mentioned others, they will be along soon? It would not behoove them to be too long outside the Village." Tall and gracefully slender is this aged elf, her skin darkly tanned by countless passes of the sun over her desert home. Warm honey shaded eyes, dominate her delicately featured face, regard you kindly and with a trace of amusement. Long robes of nearly iridescent purple, opaque gauze hangs in long, full folds and move elegantly about her when she moves. The sleeves hug the forearms gently and butterfly into the body of the garment creating smooth lines and scintillating folds about her. The cuffs, hem and neckline of the robes are hand-stitched with gold thread in small patterns of sun symbols and flowers. Decorative lashings of gold ribbon crisscross up the forearms loosely as well. A headpiece of woven gold chain lays atop her hair, dotted with small, gold flowers and leaves securely linked to it with gold loops. The headpiece hangs gently down in a short point that lays on the forehead just below the hairline. From the point hangs a small, teardrop stone of delicate purple. The gold is woven to lay in mid-sized diamond shapes linked to form a golden skullcap which stops at the base of the skull in back, delicately outlining her face. Savah moves with calm dignity, at peace with her world. Long brown fingers seem to move in slow motion as she gestures in quiet accompaniment to her words. Absorbing the send from the approaching elf, Mierin turns her attention towards him. She remains silent as the two elves exchange their greetings. Rayek's too-long legs cover much distance in a stride as he makes his way toward the Mother of Memory. He stops before her, then, not as tall as she but certainly much closer than he was, once upon a time. ** They will come, ** he promises, lips curved up in a faint, fading smile. ** Why? Is there some trouble outside the village as well? ** His attention flickers briefly to the other maiden at Savah's side, and then back to Savah again. Softly curling moonlight hair is drawn back beneath a fine silver clasp: filigree finely worked in a swirling abstract pattern, the tiny teeth holding her hair back with care. A few tendrils tease around her face, but the rest of her silky-fine hair tumbles down her back in delicate curls to the small of her back. Her face is softly heart-shaped, and cloud-white; her lips like the bud of a rose, the very palest pink. Her large eyes are midnight-colored, vivid and dramatic against the snowy purity of her skin and hair, and give her a look of soft whimsy. Her fine, willowy frame stands of average Underworlder heigth, curving into a slim yet distinctively female shape. Her hands have long, tapered fingers -- delicate hands to house such a power over the shaping of rock. Wrapped around one dainty finger is the House Second Ring of Garado. Bracelets jingle on her wrists. She wears a long gown, mottled in shades of slate gray and bluish green, a mottling that blends into a sea-colored shade in the dim light of the Underworld. Over it she wears a long cloak of a richer, black color, faintly streaked with dark green. About her neck is a metalshaped torc of the finest silvery wire, with a short pendant of filigree hanging from it. Savah shakes her head, ** As I have been reminded recently, travel in the desert is not easily done. I would not want them in its sandy hold for more than is needed." She glances about the Village, looking to see who is about that she might get the attention of, "Would you like someone to be sent to meet them?" Mierin appraises Rayek with a steady gaze. She is quite obviously sizing him up. She continues to keep silent. Rayek's brow furrows and he glances back over his shoulder. He takes a breath as if it might speak aloud, then lets it out again and shakes his head. ** Ekuar will send if there's trouble. They're resting, ** he assures Savah, ** and promised that they wouldn't take long in catching up. If it's too long, I'll go and find them. ** He looks at her again, and once more a faint smile tugs at his lips. ** It is good to see you. ** Savah moves so that she can reach out with thin arms and long, dark fingers, expecting and hoping Rayek will do the same, ** You as well dear one. You as well, you don't come to us often enough. ** There is a light sigh, a faint look of something in the Mother's eyes, and then, as fast as it were there, its gone again. You locksend ** Does it make you sad to have me back again, Savah? ** to Savah. You sense in a locksend, Savah brushes that worry aside quickly, ** Of course not dear one, but I know, you will leave again as is your way. And for too long you will be gone again. ** Mierin takes this opportunity to actually examine Savah. Her gaze travels up and down over the Mother of Memory. Just as she sized up Rayek, she is now sizing up Savah. Her scrutiny is more careful with Savah as she appears to be the one in charge so far. Rayek does indeed reach for Savah's hands, to take one in each of his and to meet her gaze steadily. Understanding dawns in those narrow amber eyes of his, and he ducks his head, letting go a sigh of his own this time as he nods. His gaze shifts sidelong, though, to the maiden with the cloth-covered face, and he squares his shoulders again to ask, ** Who is your companion, Mother? Have we met, maiden? ** You locksend ** Perhaps, Savah. Perhaps. And then again ... my obligations are fewer now that Suntop is Master. ** to Savah. Savah releases the hands of Rayek but not before giving them a squeeze stronger than he might recall, her palms roughened just a bit. Its then she steps to the side, a smile, lightly filled with mirth appears upon her lips, and she introduces the two, "This is Lady Mierin of the Underworld. She has come to speak with me of the weather, and controlling it." And then opposite, "Lady Mierin, Rayek..." A flitting send can be felt by those sensitive to such things as a private conversation continues. Savah locksends ** Should you wish to remain here, you are welcome, always... <> ** Mierin steps forward just a bit and ducks her head in a polite nod. She speaks softly, "Darkness Rayek. It s a pleasure to meet you." That said, she raises her gaze to meet Rayek's. Rayek looks the cloth-wrapped maiden over again, one eyebrow lifting. ** A lady of the Underworld who wants to control our weather? ** He's ... intrigued. And puzzled. But curious, nonetheless. A very faint tilt of the head by way of greeting. ** Shade and sweet water, Mierin. ** With the introductions out of the way, Savah looks between the pair, "You have both traveled long to arrive.. Certainly you could use some refreshment, water, sweet tea, or something to eat...?" Savah glances around, Ahdri and Peyote - never around when you actually need them to be. Mierin peels the cloth from her face, exposing it completely. She nods, "I would appreciate that greatly." She turns her attention to Rayek. With an ingratiating smile, she attempts to catch his gaze as she asks, "Will you be joining us?" Her voice is soft and slightly rough with infrequent use. Rayek inclines his head toward Savah, then looks at Mierin again. ** I will, once my companions have made their way into the village. I think that we could all use something to drink. It has been a long trip. ** His gaze is steady and unflinching. Not hard, not exactly, but it's as if he's sizing her up, as well. Savah looks between the pair, one wishes refreshment, the other will wait. The faint sound of an amused chuckle can be heard, and she looks about the area by the well, seeing if someone can't be tapped for refreshment fetching. Mierin stops suddenly, breath catching in her chest. Her eyes are fixed on Rayek's. She stands stock still, lips slightly parted as if whatever she was about to say has been completely forgotten in a matter of seconds. Rayek tilts his head again, brow furrowing. He stands by both Savah and Mierin, though it's the study of the latter that seems to be perplexing him at the moment. You locksend ** Is something wrong, maiden? You seem ... troubled somehow? ** to Mierin. Savah glances back towards the Hall of Memory, and a brief sending drifts languidly from her mind, unhurried as those standing mear by don't seem inclined to move at the moment. The swish of a longer Sorrows Ender skirt is heard skimming the sand. If one turns one would see a female elf with long black hair and a definite frown on her face. Her looks declare her as not a full blooded Sunfolk as the weapons. In her hands are the items Savah requested, ** Maybe, Savah, they should think about going somewhere where food is normally served, ** The visual of the Dancing Square comes, ** And they might consider that most updates are done in the comfort of the hall. ** Snowstorm, the female elf, looks at the two strangers. In her silver eyes is just a hint of something that might suggest... madness. ** Welcome to Sorrow's End. I am Snowstorm. ** Mierin gathers her wits about her, a bright blush flooding her very pale cheeks. Feeling the warmth in her skin, she wraps her face in the light cloth again. Only her eyes are now visible. She drops her gaze and looks at her feet. A private send drifts from her mind. You sense in a locksend, Mierin's send is flushed with a million emotions. ** I'm.... Nothing is wrong. I am... overwhelmed. Rayek's attention flickers, only, toward Snowstorm and he sends a distracted, ** Shade ... ** to her, seeming not to have heard the unhappiness in the maiden's voice, or her suggestions that they move to a more appropriate place. He takes a breath like he might speak aloud, then lets it go, making an odd, jerking movement. ** A drink, ** he adds, still distracted. ** A drink of water ... ** You locksend ** ** to Mierin. Savah's thin brows draw closer together as she regards Snowstorms greeting, and then the lack of response by both Mierin and Rayek. A sending flies from her mind, echoing a faint worry reflected in her eyes. You sense in a locksend, Savah does not often see you caught off guard, uncertain of actions, and so, she inquires, ** Rayek, dear one, are you not well? Did the journey through the desert wear on you more than you realized? ** There is some knowledge, almost fresh relayed, an understanding of the deserts hardships crossed, fresh in her mind. You locksend ** ... Savah? ** to Savah. As Snowstorm hands Rayek the requested water, Goldenwing comes winging into the area trailed by a wolf with a basket in its mouth. The wolf is not unknown to Snowstorm. ** Good, you brought some. ** She settles the requested platter on the edge of the well before bending to the wolf to give him a pat, ** Tell Gentlestorm thank you, Forestburn. ** Her eyes make an attempt to fry the bug, ** That, you can take back with you. ** Snowstorm audibly grinds her teeth but uncovers the basket, ** I didn't know if some wanted raw meat. ** She blinks when she finds what is inside wrapstuffed. Even though Snowstorm's eyes narrow on the tiny preserver who, in its typical fashion, ignores the radiating irritation Snowstorm has directed at it, comes over screeching to the newcomers ** Welcome! Welcome Highthings! ** It plunks onto Snowstorm's hair before cuddling itself into it. ** MORE Highthings to care for! ** Mierin closes her eyes and rubs at the bridge of her nose. After a moment or two she raises her head and opens her eyes again. ** Yes... water would be very good. ** Her send is slightly distant and extremely distracted. She turns her attention to Snowstorm and sends ** I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch what you were saying. ** She is wearing a hood and light cloth wrapped around her face, making her eyes they only feature of her face that is visible. She is obviously thrown off by something. You sense in a locksend, Savah is not a stupid elf by any means, a tug, a pull, softly she sends a reply, ** Yes Rayek? ** After all, in these matters, what is she to do, but let him make up his mind, just as she has allowed for so many of her other children, inevitable is the end, but the how they get there matters a great deal. Ekuar leads the way for the rest of the party on Rayek's heels. Not too close on Rayek's heels, mind, but close enough. Stump and bump, he picks his way along the path, wide eyes taking in the colors and sights eagerly. "You see," he tells Ktai, who follows, "we made it, didn't we? Eh, we made it, finally." Petalwing, another Preserver, rides on his shoulder, /BREE-DEEE/ing merrily. Ktai moves slowly, perhaps too slowly into the area, lips thinned to almost white against the pink of her sunburned face. It may be pure determination that has brought her thus far into the SunVillage, and she doggedly puts one foot in front of the other, forcing herself to keep moving. You sense in a locksend, Mierin seems to be pulling attempting to pull away, but she is failing. The attraction is irrefutable and continues to grow with the passing minutes. Two words are floating in and out of her attention. One word is ** Why? ** The other seems to be a name matched with a face. ** Telamon ** Underlying it all is your name and face, permeating every thought and feeling. Rayek's fingers close at the last moment around the cup of water Snowstorm hands him and for a moment frustration flashes through his gaze. He glances down at the cup then, and up again, brow furrowing more deeply. "What is this..?" Oh. He asked for a drink, didn't he? He stops and frowns at Mierin again. Savah stands near to Rayek and Mierin, a concerned expression upon her visage, thin brows drawn close together eyes flickering from Rayek to Mierin and back again. Silences abounds about her, though sending can be felt now and again drifting in soft warm waves from her form. You locksend ** <-No-! That voice, the one that comes from nowhere. From within the golden elf. -No-! -Stay with me-. The golden elf shudders. Shivers, and sends, -Nlee. Stay with me.- It is begging. Pleading. A desperate, demanding hunger that needs to be sated.> ** to Mierin. You locksend ** Make her leave. <*Pleading*. Rayek has never in his life pleaded like this. It's almost as though he's gone back to being the petulant, whining youth he once was.> ** to Savah. Oh good, there's Savah. Ktai can stop stumbling now, right? She makes it to the well, and promptly leans on it for a moment. She's exhausted, both mentally and physically, but she won't give into it just yet. There's still too much on her mind. As for Ekuar's comment, she may not have even heard it. Mierin raises her eyes suddenly and stares at Rayek. Here eyes reveal a strong internal torment. She glances around at the other elves that have gathered near the well. She has the look of a trapped animal looking for an easy escape route. She tries to control her appearance, but fails. A sigh comes from the impromptu server, ** If you say so, Savah. ** Snowstorm offers goblets of water to the visitors, both the ones she saw upon coming and those watched approach. ** Welcome to Sorrows End. ** Her eyes touch the new preserver, eyes sizzling with irritation and madness, then, she forcibly shrugs that off, given that she's got one in her hair and another singing. An idea... ** Could you two help us? We need some excitement in the village. Why don't you two go wrapstuff something so we can have a hunt under the bridge? ** From her expression, Snowstorm doesn't believe the bugs will go but anything is worth a try. To the guests she says, ** If you wish something not here, you have only to ask. I shall see if I can get it for you. As for clothing, if you've the need, the weavers keep cloth in one cave so that everyone can choose what they wish. I can take you there at any time. ** With that, Snowstorm simply continues serving and staying quiet. If anyone wishes raw meat, she splits the wrapstuff and finds cloth wrapped raw meat for them. With a sadness to the Mother's eyes, she turns her gaze upon Rayek, no words spoken between the two, though a thought drifts from her to him. Ktai, Snowstorm, Ekuar, and even Mierin, not forgotten, but not noticed at the moment, as something needing tending receives. You sense in a locksend, Savah checks once, and only once, ** Is that truly what you wish Rayek? That she be forced to leave, and sent back to her home in the Underworld? That Sorrows End turn away someone? ** The questions asked, there is no promise that should he truly want this, it will come to pass. Mierin locksends ** But it can't be... ** Her withdrawal into her own mind halts, but there is still a hesitation in her mind. Part of her is running towards the golden elf, but part is also running away. ** You're a surface worlder. It's not possible. ** Ktai frowns slightly at the goblet of water that is offered, but takes it anyway, some absent action born of self-preservation, no doubt. At least, that's what it might be seen as if she were to actually drink from the goblet. But as it is, she just stands there, leaning slightly against the well, frowning at the water within the goblet. Rayek stands, taught as a drawn bow, scowling at Mierin now. The knuckles of the fingers curled around that wooden cup have gone dusky, blood forced out by the strength of his grip. Savah's send prompts movement from the hunter returned. He turns and -hurls- that watercup toward the well, the water within likely splashing anyone in its tumbling path. "-Yes-, it's what I -want-!" He snarls at Savah. "Send her -away-!" You locksend ** Yes. -No-. She is mine. She has to stay. ** to Savah. Snowstorm notes K'tai's look and smiles, bitterly, sending... The water hits Ktai, who breaks free of her contemplation of the goblet and blinks once or twice. Oh... she's here. Right. Why is she wet? Rayek's goblet rolls to her feet, and arches an eyebrow. That would be where the water came from... she looks mildly towards the most reasonable direction the goblet came from and raises both eyebrows at the Airwalker's outburst. Her heat-cooked and otherwise befuddled brain puts two and two together, coming up with nothing nearly resembling four, and she frowns to herself. She didn't think that her problem was nearly that important. Honestly, he must have been far more upset than she thought... You locksend to Mierin, Rayek snarls, ** I don't want you! Go -back- to the Underworld! ** Mierin jumps when Rayek snarls. She takes the offered water and peels the fabric from her face. There is a slight vibration in her hand as she takes the cup. She uses her other hand to steady the cup as she sips the water. Ekuar's hairless eyebrows lift and his jaw nearly goes slack. It's a wide-eyed ancient elf who ventures, "Eh, Rayek...?" Snowstorm sighs at the tossed water and takes the thing that was over the wrapstuffed meat, and is clean, and hands it to Ktai. ** Perhaps this will help? ** Ktai's onyx eyes look to the offered cloth, and a sunburned hand reaches out to take it. Her voice is whisper thin, because right now she trusts her voice better than her sends. "Thank you..." And she wipes the water from her face gently, for the sunburn is warm and painful to the touch. You sense in a locksend, Mierin feels a deep and very painful association with surface worlders. A deep sense of loss at a surface worlders hands. This pain swirls at the forefront of her mind. She directs that pain into fierce anger. ** Fine! I don't want this either! ** Underlying and conflicting with her own anger is desperate need to stay with this golden elf. You are what she wants despite her thoughts to the contrary. The expression upon the ancient Mother's face does not change, the concern does not fade away, no fear, no worry or anger settle in her eyes, rather, just a simple understanding, and a sorrow etched deeply into her expressive eyes. Her gaze moves slowly from Rayek to Mierin, and then back again, sends softly emanating from her form. You sense in a locksend, Savah offers a gentle reassurance, but no words, just a warm centered self and offerings to speak should you desire. Ktai looks to Ekuar for a moment, and it's clear that while she isn't sending, she's a bit more befuddled than when she first leaned on the well. Mierin looks at Savah and nods. She looks more tired as each minute passes. Her voice is slightly raspy and barely audible as she says, "Please. That would be greatly appreciated. I believe the heat is affecting me. I need to rest." Notice how no one has yet chased Mierin out of the village? Rayek, who's still wound up tight, every line of his body tense, glares around at everyone, even the new arrivals, then his gaze narrows on Mierin again. It's not to her that he speaks, though. "Where." It's a question, though it's spoken through his teeth. "Where are we staying. Savah. Tell me." >From the northwest courtyard comes someone bringing a basket that makes a slight crockery chinking sound. Tel-Tela waves to everyone with a bright smile, "Welcome to Sorrow's End!" She blinks, looking at Rayek. After having lived nearly 3500 years, her memory of him is there. She nods to him specifically then comes closer to those burnt. "For those who don't know me, I'm Tel-Tela, Snowstorm's elder sister. Said sunstroke victim," she nods in Snowstorm's direction, "claims that you needed something for sunburn?" With a smile, she holds forth the basket. You locksend ** ** to Mierin. Petalwing, it should be noted, has at the very least stopped singing. It hasn't gone off to hunt, but it's quiet, at least. Ktai blinks again. Were they this friendly the last time she was here? Probably. She just doesn't remember right now. She does, however, remember the last time she was in the SunVillage, that there was an argument and a discussion... maybe she ought to stop suggesting that people visit Sorrow's End. Or, at least, maybe /she/ ought to. Either way, she's here now, and the mention of something for a sunburn catches her attention. Not like she'd let a healer near her, so maybe that's the best way to go about it. "I'd..." she pauses. "Appreciate something, yes." There's another pause. "Thank you..." "The guest hut Rayek, Peyote should have it ready for you and those that came with you." Quietly, the reply comes from Savah. And then to Mierin she looks, a flickering send to the Underworld elfess. Snowstorm looks at Ktai, frowning. Sensing something in the individual... Ktai turns her head to look at Snowstorm, both of her eyebrows again climbing for her hairline. She looks, for lack of a better way to say it, as if someone has just pulled a rug out from under her feet and she's in the process of falling. Mierin nods to Savah, "Thank you. You are very kind." She relaxes a bit with whatever she is grateful for. Her gaze is hopelessly drawn yet again to Rayek. Mierin locksends ** I will not leave yet. ** She is still confused and torn. She has a desperate need to be near you. ** I don't think I could if I tried. ** Now what little color Ktai has in her face drains completely away. "Then I. Am going. To rest. Now." Every word that Rayek speaks seems to take great physical effort. His narrow amber gaze stays locked on Mierin until he turns his back. And then he stands a long moment with his eyes closed and his shoulders stiff. Then, like a doll with too-stiff joints, he talks off toward the visitor's huts.