"Another Unwelcome Guest" Log Date: 2/12/02 Log Cast: Vardeus, Quietharm, Tamaris, Shay'la, Firewater Log Intro: Now that he and his cabin boy Maerro have begun to get their bearings among the strange Little People called "elves" that have taken them in, the first thought that dominates Vardeus' consciousness is how to find his ship and his crew. But as he is wounded, he must rely upon the assistance of the elves to get that search made; fortunately for Vardeus, for all that many of the strange tribe of four-fingered, pointed-eared beings seem distrustful of him and Maerro, some of them are actively friendly. Like Quietharm, who has made it a personal quest to learn the Vraeyan language and cross the water between the Raft Elves' island and the mainland in search of further information to bring the human; like Raven, who has opened her tent to the use of the Tall Ones her tribe has taken in. And like Shay'la, herself an oddity amongst the Raft Elves, an Underworlder who has fled her tribe... and the only elf Vardeus has seen who nears him in height. Moreover, there is a certain sad reclusiveness about her that draws Vardeus to her, and when she breaks her own shell of reticence to allow him to come to her personal dwelling, Shay'la even takes the time to tend to Vardeus' broken ribs, add to his store of elf words... and teach him, too, a bit of why the elves are so wary of his kind. But Vardeus does not yet have enough words to truly understand why Shay'la is an outcast... or why, when one of her former tribesmates comes to the island in search of her, Tamaris of the Underworld is met with only somewhat less animosity than he has received himself.... ---------- Raft Beach - Camp Area - Raft Holt(#10703RA) Beach and forest meets here, and the place is cleared for tents and other forms of shelter. Straight north, you have cliffs stooping down to sharp impassible reefs. Boulders dot the beach there, all the way back to the forest. The beach holds the same characteristic patterns here, as it does all over. White sand with trickles of black. Here, one can enjoy the shades of the palms and coconut trees, or play in the shallows of the water. The receeding tide opens up the sweep of the beach and shore, inviting your footsteps. Evening at last and the first moon rises setting the world aglo with the silver light. There is a soft breeze, warm and gentle over the ground. The bright tangle of the Waterfall begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the hot summer skies. The setting sun. dancing attendance. Contents: Quietharm Surfwind's Tent Firewater's Tent(#1737Je) Raft Travelling Camp (#9508JLe) Current and Silverthorn's Family tent (#8541AOUYes) Raven's Tent(#6222J) Lean To Obvious exits: South In the last day or two Vardeus has certainly gotten a considerable amount to think about -- but now, as evening rolls over the island again, the human captain has been restlessly prowling the beach near the water, frowning to himself at the hampering to his movements that his injured ribs still cause him, occasionally drawing one of his daggers and feinting with it against invisible opponents to try to remind his muscles what it feels like to move naturally, swiftly. There's been no sign of little Kyethaerm, and at least for the last little while, the Little People in general -- the 'Raft Elfs', he reminds himself, trying to impress the small but growing collection of words he's gathered into his memory -- have left him to his own devices. And so he's wound up on the beach again, staring restlessly out across the waves. Wondering if his crew is alive out there. Wondering if he'll be able to find them... and whether they'll _ever_ be able to get home again. Vardeus(#108PXc2) Given his round ears and his five-fingered hands, this is clearly a human man... but a distinctly strange-looking one. He stands taller than many human warriors, with broad shoulders and well-muscled arms in proportion to his sturdy frame, and although his face and form are heavily bronzed by the Daystar, he is paler in shade than many of his kind. His eyes are clear and blue as the Vastdeep Water beneath a summer sky. His hair, a warm golden brown bleached yellow on top by the sun, is most often tied into a small tail at the base of his neck. At the moment he is clean-shaven, the strong line of his jaw and the dent in the curve of his chin unhidden by whiskers. He speaks with a rich husky baritone, and in a rolling accent that marks him as not of any known nearby land. He is clad in a motley array of garb that does not generally match what a human might usually be expected to wear. Along with an undyed vest of off-white and black pants which, upon close inspection, might be seen to have been recently altered to fit him, he sports a heavy belt of well-oiled, well-worn, metal-studded leather round his waist and leathern sandals on his feet, with broad straps that wind up his calves just short of his knees over the legs of his pants. On his belt, at either side, ride the matched sheaths of a pair of iron daggers. At his right ear gleams a small golden earring, and around his upper left arm, an armband of beaten gold. From the stiff way he's moving, and from the cloth bandages wound about his ribcage beneath his vest, he appears to be recovering from recent injury. Quietharm had taken nearly an entire sinking and rising of the daystar before she once again reached the island. Drenched with water, one big mop of bang flung haphazardly over one eye, the weary elfess drags herself out of the goading shallows. Something akin to driftwood sticks out of her mess of wet hair, but she is nevertheless in good spirits. She happens to glance up at the very moment she steps upon the shore, and takes in the restless form of Vardeus. Piping up in her high voice, she chokes out, "((Vardeus! I know of others!))" Ignoring her body's pleas for immediate rest, she finishes the distance between them. Quietharm Standing at a lithe 4'7", she has livid, almond shaped eyes of a dark amber. She is fine featured, with elegant eyebrows high above the eyes, and high cheekbones which give off an aire of dignity. A light, translucent webbing goes a little past the first knuckle between her fingers. Her ears are smaller than that of a normal elf, and naturally scalloped. Shiny, mahogany hair is to mid-back and unbound, with a few errant strands of hair falling about her face. Deeply bronzed skin of an almost golden hue marks her ancestory. Abandoning the common dressing style of her sea home, Quietharm has now opted for a rough, tawny outfit made of animal hide. The same pelt is used for a halter style top down to the boots. Quite eclectic, it is form fitting and free of any loose garmet that would hinder movement. A string of blue shells entwines about her neck. He had been about to sit on one of the boulders... but as he catches sight of the figure rising up out of the waves, Vardeus blinks and straightens up. As he comes closer as well to the little she-elf, breaking into a bit of a trot to do his own part to close the gap between them, he stares down intently at her before glancing out into the waves again. "((Kyethaerm... swim? To others?))" By way of elaboration, he mimes sluicing through the water with his hands. "((Come from Big Water?))" Quietharm nods with exasperation, finally reaching up to tug the slick twig from her hair with mild annoyance. "((I ...swim?... to others. I find Kephizza and Valneck. Others alive and safe. I come from big water, yes.))" She tosses the stick aside, and flips the rest of the errant strands out of the way of her vision, wringing out her long hair with both hands. "((Kephizza and Valneck on big land by big water. We on little land on big water. Kephizza make raft, I help. Kephizza and Valneck come on raft to here.))" She's happy, that much is evident. If it would ease the suffering of the humans, she would strive for that goal. She hesitates, and then observes, "((Vardeus out. Vardeus no hurt now?))" Vardeus is not only out, he's been given new clothes... and has done something to his face. His facefur is gone, mostly, bringing the line of his jaw into sharper relief, and even a dent in the otherwise smooth curve of his chin. But even as he sinks to one knee to be better able to look the little she-elf in the eye, the re-stitched vest he's been given does not hide the fresh bandages about his ribs. "((Vardeus no hurt big,))" he says, waving a hand dismissively, while an anxious smile fights to come into being around his mouth. "((Kephissa and Valnek--))" he blurts then, forgetting to stick to simple syntax as he shoves a hand back through his unruly hair, pushing several loose strands out of his abruptly lightened eyes. "((Praise the Skyfather, they're all right! I--))" And then he catches himself and lets the lopsided grin flare into stronger life. "((Thank you,))" he says then, impulsively reaching to clasp the she-elf's shoulders and squeeze them, much as he might have done with Maerro. "((Thank you!))" Quietharm reacts with bewilderment as he grips her shoulders, craning her head to look him directly in the eyes. A lopsided grin plays on her face, even as she studies the changes wrought on him. "((Good. Hurt bad.))" Look, he actually -did- have a chin. His wraps were replaced, which was a definite improvement to his state of being. Someone had to make sure they were replaced often, she just pondered who it might actually be. She is glad that he is jocund, and settles her own hand on his shoulders, a mirror movement of his previous action. "((I happy you happy. Others safe, see others soon.))" Puzzlement replaces the blithe smile in a clear swipe. "((Who)) Skay-fatter?" Blue eyes blink, as his invoking of Andros Skyfather had been entirely unthinking, and now Vardeus finds himself wondering whether the Little People, the 'elfs' even have gods of their own. "((Ach, well, lass..))" The human's brow furrows in thought, until he then soundlessly ahs and gestures skyward. "((Skyfather is god. Skyfather--))" AH! Shay'la gave him a good elf word for this! "_Pruhtecht_ ((sailors. Vardeus, sailor. Pray to Skyfather.))" And he clasps a fist lightly, laying that forearm across his breast, looking skyward again with a gentled, roughly reverent sort of expression. Quietharm pricks her attention to Vardeus without abstraction from his words. She closes her eyes for a short time before swiping the large eyelids open to peer at him thoughtfully. Silence, and then she extends her hand, pointing straight up to the heavens above. "<>". Chewing her lower lip, the huntress scuntinizes his motions and expressions even further. "<> ((sailors? Prae? God?))" He certainly must be speaking of the High Ones. "<> <>. ((Same?))". Her dark eyes glitter with unresolved angst at these new concepts. Keep trying, she chided herself, keep trying. Oh, this is a tough one. Vardeus returns his gaze to his small companion, looking and feeling remarkably out of his depth. He's generally not exactly eloquent with speaking of his gods when he's communicating with someone from his own homeland, much less one of the Little People here. Now, hesitantly, he switches to his small store of elfin words as he explains, "Shayla... say... Shayla _elf_. Kyethaerm _elf_. Shayla say... Shayla _pruhtecht_ elfs." Got that so far? Now, with a restless brimming energy that's coming naturally back to him as his body recovers from its injuries, he leans over to sketch in the sand with one broad forefinger, drawing out the crude outlines of a ship. "Big Raft. Vardeus--" And he sketches a tiny, equally crude figure that might be meant to represent _him_. "Vardeus... ((_on_)) Big Raft. Big Raft..." And now, he draws wavy lines beneath the 'Big Raft'. "... ((sail)) Big Water. Vardeus--" And now he slaps his chest. "((Sailor!))" Quietharm stands back, watching the peculularites this human was demonstrating. Since when did he start speaking elven so well? She was impressed, to say the least. She bends down to follow the lines and curves of the sketch with her eyes, close up. Raising her focus to Vardeus, the dusky elfess queries, "((You know)) <>? ((Good. It help))". Back to the sketches. Hmm. 'Sail'. Did he mean the leathers or clothe the raft holt used on their own buoyant crafts, on purpose to catch the wind with? Curious. "<>, ((Yes. You 'Sailor'? From sail? Sailor make ship, sail ship?))" Her features scrunch up with confusion, but she is making progress. Was this what the man meant? "Shayla..." C'mon, man, remember the words she gave you. Not that hard, is it? _Skyfather! I hope Arnos is alive! I need him for this!_ "Ah... _give_ Vardeus elf-say. Little elf-say. Nae good." Vardeus grimaces at his own awkward phrasing, but it's the best he's got to make do with, at the moment. But! "((Aye! _Sailor_ go on ship. Skyfather--))" And again, the big human gestures skyward, with earnest eyes. "_Pruhtecht_ ((sailor.))" Then he pauses, looking again at Quietharm, a bit of dismay entering his face as he remembers what _else_ he's been told. "((Aye,))" he rumbles again. "Vardeus... huimin. Shayla say... huimin hurt elf." Quietharm leans in anxiously, putting two and two and then three and three together. Her eyes fling wide with enlightenment. "((You Captain Vardeus from Vray. You and others sailors on big ship from out on big sea from Vray, aye? Big ship sunk, you and others alone and hurt on little land and big land. You find Raft elfs and we help you.))" With mounting hope that this summed up the entire equation, the older being nods in response. "((Yes,)) <> ((No like)) <>. ((I and raft elfs like human, and most not.)) Suddenly, Quietharm stiffens her posture. Panic siezes her in a startling grip, as if someone had just screamed with terror, although nothing could be heard by Vardeus. "((Bad! More elfs like <> come! Bad!))" Vardeus starts to nod, and then jerks abruptly at the change that sweeps over the little she-elf. "((What?))" he blurts, looking in all directions. "((I dinnae see anythin', Kyethaerm -- dinnae hear anythin'?))" Quietharm seems caught in the cold grip of something awful, because her eyes sweep the beaches this way and that, like an animal caught in a trap. She finally manages to stutter, "<> ((no need talk.)) <>" She jerks at something else, and then taps her temple. "<> ((say in here to other)) <>". Think later about the implications that there are, apparently, other elves that these elves think are bad. Think later, too, about the stunning meaning of those short, sharp gestures to Quietharm's temple. If such alarm and dismay can sweep over the friendly little maiden who has been so eager to help him and his crewmates, it is enough for Vardeus to accept, for now, that there is trouble at hand. Shoving the pain of his ribs entirely into the very back of his mind, he surges to his feet, determination setting his jaw. "((Where)) bad elfs? Vardeus hilp pruhtecht!" Quietharm gazes up at he Captain with bleary eyes, shaking her head. She didn't want to take him anywhere like he was, but he was gaining enough strength to the point that she couldn't stop him if he decided on something. Giving in with a dejected look, the she-elf gestures for Vardeus to follow her. "((Come.))" Quietharm heads down the beach. Quietharm has left. You head down the beach. Raft Beach - Shoreline - Raft Holt(#10028RJLS) Truly magnificent and unique in its beauty, Rafter's beach unfolds before you. The sand is soft yellow, verging on golden, patterns of black sand trickling through the monotone coloring. The soft rushes of the waves playing upon the beach is accompanied by the light breeze which stream through the palm trees further into the cove. There you have it, rising up on either side is majestic cliffs with reefs and rocks underneath. The cliffs rise further, forming a lush green ridge formed as a giant U, which surrounds this secluded area. At the mouth of the U, there is only blue-green ocean to be seen with exception of the tribal gathering raft dipping on the waves. The tide slips greedily ashore, concealing and enfolding all it can reach. Midnight passes and the second moon rises to chase after the first. The silence is nearly complete and all you hear is the soft sound of water in the distance. The bright tangle of the Waterfall glitter brightly the hot summer skies. The moon and stars dancing overhead dancing attendance. Contents: Quietharm Tamaris Shay'la(#9063PJXce$0) Obvious exits: Fire Camp area East Swim Tamaris tilts his head. ** My Lord made no such suggestions. He simply wished to know why, and to check up on you. I have no instructions to kill or injure anyone. ** He seems rather confused by the venom in your send. Shay'la laughs, though the sound is not filled with humour but with bitterness, **He wishes to know why? His threats to my daughter forced me to leave my home... become a traitor to my own people to protect her... The next time I find myself home it is in a cage of metal dangling from the ceiling where he drugs me and eventually thinks he can make it all better by promising to let me go if I shape his house. My sister wants nothing more than to see me dead and my brother is at a loss in trying to figure why I might wish him harm? You really have to love my family.** It is doubtless an odd sight to see a long-legged human and a significantly shorter she-elf hastening along the beach -- but as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Vardeus comes loping at the swiftest pace he can manage in Quietharm's wake. Blue eyes sweep an intent, piercing gaze all over his immediate environs, for though he's not generally naturally up at this hour, the human captain is wary of the shadows between the bright stretches of moonlight on the sand. From the look on Quietharm's face back there he'd almost expected a full-scale raiding party of some kind... but now, as he sees but two elves in sight, he slows his pace. One figure he does not recognize, but the other... "Shayla!" his rumbling baritone rings out, then, resonant with determination his stilted words do not conceal. "Vardeus, Kyethaerm hilp?" Shay'la Tall and slender Shay'la has a slender, wiry frame, while still appearing totally feminine. She looks incredibly fragile but looks have been known to be deceiving. Her complexion is pale with only a slight blush of color to her cheeks. A pair of dark, piercing eyes provide the most color for her face. At first glance they appear black but on closer examination they are really a very dark blue. Her features are fine and sculpted, almost chiseled. The combination of her pale complexion and chiseled features give her the appearance of a fine, porcelain sculpture. Her carefully schooled face rarely shows outward signs of emotions, and only enhances the view. Her slender face is surrounded by a sheet of shimmering silver hair. It is all one length and normally falls in a straight sheet to the middle of her back. It is currently bound up in an elaborate french twist, so as to not interfere. It is held in place by a silver comb, with intricate filligree designs on it. Two thin braids on either side of her face are kept free, with tiny pearls and silver beeds woven within the silvery locks. A supple body suit, made of the woven sea elf fibers clings to the curves of her form. It is made of a deep, midnight blue fabric, so dark it almost appears black at a glance. The bodysuit clings to every curve, leaving very little to the imagination here. It covers her from almost head to foot, with even a high collar that goes around her neck. The suit laces up the front, with fine, tight lacings, ending with a silver clasp with a dark blue stone in the center of it. On her hands are a pair of dark blue gloves, with silver trim that goes around the wrists. A silver belt wraps around her waist. Covering her head is a voluminous hood, that is attached to the shoulders of the bodysuit. The hood is trimmed in silver as well. Only the two braids that frame her face peek out from under the hood. Boots, of a matching dark blue are worn on her feet going up to end at mid-calf, a silver trim wraps around the tops of the boots.Sticking out from the top of one of the boots is an ornate metal dagger. Carved into the bone hilt of the dagger are two symbols, Underworlder in design. A ruby caps the top of the dagger. The metal blade slides into a leather sheath inlaid with silver. A second dagger, far less ornate then the first, sticks out of the top of the opposite boot. Carrying: silver bracelet Tamaris One glance at Tamaris and you judge him not to be the boisterious type. He is dressed in a all-concealing white garment, the deep hood even obscuring the features of his face. It hangs loosely from his shoulders, a belt tying it at the waist, and hanging almost down to his feet, where boots take over. His hands are usually concealed by the garment, but when visible, gloves can be seen covering him there. A necklace hangs from his neck, and flashes of a silver medallion hanging from it can sometimes be seen. The outlines of his body are difficult to discern with the loose clothing, but he moves with a well-practiced grace and a sureness of step. Tamaris turns to regard the new figure, and then turns back to regard Shay'la - the human is none of his concern at the moment. ** My Lord did not fill me in on the back history between you, but I can assure you he is concerned for your well-being. The rest... I simply do not know. ** Quietharm follows in after Vardeus, glowering darkly. One look to Tamaris didn't need a send to explain the fact that she thought him vile. Yes, even Quietharm held prejudice, and it often came in many different forms. ** Who are you, why are you here? ** She steps ahead of the human in front of her, as if to shield him from the tall male elf. With a grave expression, the huntress turns on the pallid female and again sends, ** I must take my leave, Shay'la...I need to help Kephizza and Valneck get a raft made so they can reunite with Vardeus. ** Excuses, Excuses. She really wanted to get out of there, away from the other Underworlder. Looking up to Vardeus, Quietharm pats him on the arm. "<> ((help. Be safe. I go help Kephizza and Valneck now))" After that being said, Quietharm gives a last, departing glare to Tamaris and heads for the waves, diving in. Tamaris is standing a number of paces away from Shay'la, facing her, his back to the beach. He seems to be in a relaxed stance, perhaps a bit nervous and on-edge, but not threatening. Shay'la turns to look at Vardeus and Quietharm, giving the smaller elf a nod of her head to show her understanding. "Vardeus, Tides." She motions to Tamaris, "This is Tamaris of Goumando. An Underworlder. From Shay'la's home." She then turns back to Tamaris, **Malandor is concerned? I find that hard to believe. He sent you to find out why I tried to hurt him... not to bring me warm tidings of joy and hugs.** Tamaris pulls from a pouch on his side a small ball of metal ore, absently playing with it. As he twirls it between his fingers, the shape deforms slightly, making different shapes. ** Actually, I was sent to do exactly that. He did say there were potentially some bad feelings he wished to smooth out between you and him. ** He tilts his head. ** Why would you find it so hard to believe? Many things have changed since you left. ** The human is just a trifle startled that Quietharm retreats so quickly -- but, well, he can't exactly protest. Not if she's going to hasten off again to try to help his own crew. He, however, isn't going anywhere. Not until he's absolutely certain that combat isn't imminent and that danger isn't about to befall the tribe that has taken him and young Maerro under their protection. Since the newcomer seems unthreatening for the moment, Vardeus does not draw his weapons and instead flashes his attention to Shay'la, the other elf who remains. Though the precise syntax of her meaning eludes him, enough of a gist of it is there, along with her current demeanor and stance, to convince him she's not in immediate peril. But just to be sure, as one five-fingered hand points brusquely at Tamaris and his gaze remains on Shay'la, "Elf nae hurt Shayla? Shayla say, Vardeus hilp now...?" Silence, between the two elves. A muscle twitches in Vardeus' bronzed cheek, as he remembers what Quietharm had said back there, up the beach. Her kind... talking in their heads. Shay'la turns to look at Vardeus. She is not happy, actually she is terrified this elf will drag her off back to the Underworld, but she's good at hiding such things. It just comes out in a stiff demeanor, "Tamaris no hurt Shay'la." She then motions to the metal ball in Tamaris' hand, "Tamaris rock shaper... like Shay'la. Metal shaper too... Metal." She then turns back to Tamaris, switching to sends, **I find it hard to believe the Underworld could have changed too much. And if my brother had any desire to smooth out hard feelings he would not have sent you... he would have come himself. I guess things have changed... he used to do his own dirty work." Tamaris continues to play with the ball of metal, palming it in his hand, letting the metal 'flow' down, like liquid, slowing forming an icicle type shape. ** My Lord did not come himself for a number of reasons. First one being that at the time the discovery was made, there was a celebration three weeks that he was hosting. Secondly, your location was not known for certainly. Third, he did not wish to come himself to start with as he felt that would... cause problems. Lastly... I volunteered to go, as it was I who made the discovery. ** Another elf who can change things by touch. Vardeus shoots a glance at the one called Tem-ah-ris now, brows winging down low over his ocean-hued eyes as he makes out through the moonlight the flowing of the substance in that four-fingered hand. _Skyfather!_ As a general important personal safety tip, sailor, what's say we keep our daggers out of that one's hands, shall we? "Shayla nae hurt, Vardeus--" Ah, Seid's tits! Did he get the elf word for 'go'? Never mind. He slaps his chest and then points back up the beach. "Vardeus ((go))? Say Staermgraychee, Tem-ah-ris see Shayla?" Firewater arrives from up the beach. Firewater has arrived. Firewater Fierwater is a very striking elf, with tanned skin and long blonde hair. Its tied off at the nap of his neck, keeping it out of his face. His eyes are deep blue, his long hair twirling just past his shoulder blades only seem to enhance them. He's tall and lean with muscles bulging from his chest, arms and legs. The muscles of his legs that seem almost to big to the dark blue leather pants he is wearing, threatening to burst the seams open. The muscles of his chest pushes against the fabric of his black tunic. His faces is smooth and young looking but with the look of some experience in his eyes. His mouth is neither a smile nor a frown just something in-between, making him looks even more attractive than he already does Shay'la takes a moment to puzzle through Vardeus' words, then shakes her head, "Vardeus no go... Stormgrace know Tamaris here to see Shay'la." Oi, but this language barrier is enough to make her head hurt... besides she sure doesn't want to be left alone with Tamaris on the water's edge.... hard to drown him when you don't like going into the water yourself. She then turns back to Tamaris, **Your Lord is most gracious. You can tell him you saw me... that I am just fine... no hard feelings... no need to visit. Can I get you a scout to take you back to Dancer Beach so you can head on your way now... mission accomplished and all that.** Well she can hope. Vardeus no go, then. The human understands _that_ clearly enough, and so he crosses his broad arms across his broad chest, ready, willing, and able to wait until Shay'la seems to think it's safe again. "((All right then, Shayla-lass, it's here I'm after stayin',))" he mutters in his own tongue. Fantastic. Oh well, he wasn't sleeping anyway. The arrival of Firewater from the ocean is preceeded by a brief ripple of water, revealing his head near the shore. Rising out of the water, hunting spears in one hand, he makes his way up the surf. The human gets a glance of disgust, before he is disregarded, but the other Elf catches his eye. ** Tides, Shay'la.. Who are our visitors? ** Tamaris pauses a moment, the metal icicle reforming into the smooth sphere in his hand. ** Well, it does complete the word of my official mission, yes. ** He looks over his shoulder at the water again. ** I was, however, hoping to perhaps learn some of the finer points of rockshaping from you, thus the reason for my wanting to come. I have seen, as those without our skill cannot see, the skill and quality of your work. ** He pauses again, glancing over at the human once more, examining him as he continues to send. Or, at least, the opening in his hood is pointed right at Vardeus. ** If you wish me to leave right away, however, I have been instructed to obey your wishes. ** Shay'la reaches up her hands to rub at her temples... boy does she feel a headache coming on. This is one of those times when she just feels like breaking down into tears and running for the nearest shelter.... She just can't take the stress. She lets out a soft sigh as Firewater arrives, **Firewater this is Tamaris of House Goumando... And Underworlder sent by my brother to check up on me and who apparently wants to learn from the great Traitor... or not so great... many could have topped me since I have been home.** She then motions to Vardeus, "This is Vardeus. Vardeus... Firewater." Oh hell... how do you explain the human. "Stormgrace says to play nice." She gives Vardeus an apologetic look for keeping him awake and then turns and starts heading into the water. This is not her usual way to get to the caves but at this point she'll take the most direct route even if it involves water, **Stay or go Tamaris... I don't care. Someone could show you how to get to the caves.** Vardeus' blue gaze flicks sideways at the approach of Firewater -- ach. Another elf he doesn't recognize, but this one seems to be of the local band. The look of disgust doesn't surprise him; it's matched the looks of almost all of the males in the Raft tribe so far, though most of the females have been friendlier. After what Shay'la's managed to convey to him so far about relations or the lack thereof between those of four fingers and those of five, though... well. Let's just say he's not exactly surprised. Nor is he spooked, as Tamaris' hooded visage turns towards him. Vardeus Alirreus remains staunchly standing there, gold armband gleaming in the moonlight, mouth drawn into a small stoic line, eyes glinting alertly. Only when Shay'la begins to remove herself from the scene does his protective stance slip a little; her apologetic glance gets her a small edition of his normally ready lopsided grin. He's not budging till she's safely away, though. ** Be welcome then, Tamaris. ** Firewater sends, after musing over the situation for a few moments, walking forward towards the robed elf. ** I trust you will.. find your stay with us peaceful and without incident. ** A suggestion, more than a wish for wellbeing, one would probably think. The human, he all but continues to ignore. Openly, at least, though the observant would notice his eye often is on him. Tamaris turns to face Shay'la as she leaves. That certainly wasn't a yes or no - leaving him hung in the air. ** Greetings, Firewater. I trust I shall. I certainly have no intention of starting anything. ** He sighs and then shrugs. ** Well, should I stay or go, Shay'la? There's no point for me to continue to stay if you do not wish to teach me. ** Shay'la lets out a soft sigh and turns to look at Tamaris, the light catching her just right to show her face and tears glinting on her cheeks, **First... be sure to tell my brother that he need not worry anymore... I have no energy left to hate him. He is the only family I have left... he and Melisanda... What was done was done when I still had energy to hate... Now my mates are gone... my soulbrother gone.... my daughter gone... I have nothing left for hate.... As for teaching... not tonight.... stay... perhaps tomorrow. Besides I would not inflict that trip again even on my worst enemy. There is a cave by the waterfall where you can stay.** Besides Stormgrace told her to be nice... even Underworlders can be guests. Firewater doesn't spook Vardeus either, though the newly arrived male's surreptitious scrutiny doesn't escape his notice. That one also gets a small edition of Vardeus' crooked smile, just enough to relay 'friendly. Honest!' (He hopes.) Tamaris, though... Quietharm didn't trust him. Shay'la doesn't seem to trust him, if what little he's managed to glean of their interaction is any sign. And so the human captain's not prepared to trust him yet, either. And really, one has to wonder, if the only elves so far that have really been at all friendly to him are the females, and the males have been pretty much unanimously suspicious... "((You four-fingered lads're a touchy lot, aye?))" he rumbles, that hint of a grin of his sliding into a hint of a smirk before he calls out to the departing she-elf, "Shayla! Shayla say, 'Vardeus hilp', Vardeus come. Vardeus hilp." Just so she remembers, eh? Tamaris watches Shay'la for a moment. High Ones, what has he gotten himself into? ** Very well, Shay'la. We shall see what the next day brings us. ... ** He pauses a moment - none of the standard Underworlder departing lines work here. ** Be safe. ** ** High ones! ** Firewater exclaims in sending, turning to frown slightly at Vardeus. "Stick to your own langauge, human. You're hurting my ears." he says in a raspy voice, wincing at the to his ears, discordant voice. ** Shay'la, I trust that if you were the one to teach him that, that you'll teach him to keep his tounge /inside/ his mouth when trying to speak? ** Shay'la pauses for a moment to motion to Vardeus, then turns to flash Firewater a glare, **Go hug a trout.** She then dives into the water, swimming out to wait for Vardeus. She really doesn't have the time or inclination to deal with prejudice against anyone right now. Her brother knows where she is... or will soon... despite her words to Tamaris the very idea makes her want to spring out of her own skin. Firewater gives a slight wince. Oh well, she might be having a bad time, he figures for himself, as he gives a shrug of his shoulders, moving up the beach to seat himself near one of the fires, drying off and looking around for food. Preferrably not overcuddly trout. No doubt about it, these four-fingered lads _are_ a touchy lot. Vardeus' brows shoot up at the words he catches out of what is snapped in his direction, and although Shay'la hasn't actually _said_ anything to him... well. He turns to follow after her, drawling at Firewater as he goes, "((Ye've got to learn t' be a bit more trustin', ye ken?))" And in evident disregard of whether or not he's about to exert himself in ways that will not amuse his still-healing bones, he wades out to better conversational distance from Shay'la. "Vardeus come?" he rumbles at her, earnestly. Shay'la nods her head, "Vardeus come." She then pauses a moment, "Deep breath." She draws in a deep breath to show. When she thinks Vardeus has the idea, she takes his hand, gives him a nod, takes a deep breath and dives under the water. Firewater peers out at the retreating hjooman again, mumbling softly under his breath. "Vardeus come. Vardeus deep breath. Gitchie goo goo." he mumbles, giving a packet of nearby fish (not cuddlefish!) a well-aimed spearing, not going to stand up and fetch it. Unwrapping the fish within, he sets to eating. The human hauls a considerable amount of air into his lungs, nodding once... and even if there's a fleeting tension to his features as he prepares to go under, he's apparently not going to let a little thing like cracked ribs stop him. Or, for that matter, elfin mockery. If the disdain of most of the highborn of Shalros can roll effortlessly off his broad shoulders, the muttered insults of one small stocky elf assuredly aren't going to bother him. Vardeus shoots the grumpy little male one last droll grin, before he lets Shay'la pull him under. Shay'la wades into the surfs, then dives into the inviting waves. Shay'la has left. [And in several minutes, after their swim is completed...] You dive deeper and swim between the reefs, heading for the cavern. Main Cavern - Under Surface - Raft Holt Impressive, enormous, massive are perhaps some words that come to mind when entering this cavern. The walls and floor are smooth, the product of a rockshaper from the tingle of magic that surrounds you. The sheer size is overwhelming, likely able to hold the entire holt and then some. In fact it seems as if that might be one of it's purposes, with benches shaped up from the floor. The benches are set in rows, providing seating for many elves. Each bench is ornate, with flowers forming the legs of the bench... like a garden of stone that stretches out before you. The cavern is lit from glow moss, both growing naturally on the rock and in ornate bowls that are shaped from the wall. The entrance is angled in such a way that it creates a pool that leads down, then into the reefs. Hand holds have been shaped in the rock to make entering and leaving even easier. The cavern is by no means dry, though the water is mostly held at bay. A mist permeates the cavern, from the ocean waters, sending rainbows of color dancing across the walls. The rainbows are more prevalent in areas where there is glow-moss to cast light into the mist. Contents: Shay'la(#9063PJXce$0) Obvious exits: Tunnel to glittering cavern Tunnel to living caverns To the reefs Shay'la climbs out of the water, hands shaking. She begins pacing back and forth, an agitated hand reaching up to flip her hood back. Hopefully you can pull yourself up on your own as she doesn't seem to be paying attention at the moment. You can't tell if she is angry or upset or neither... she's just pacing. It does take Vardeus a bit more time to clamber up out of the water than you -- swimming through the ocean at the dark of night, it's been quite the challenge just to follow along with you. When he manages to stagger up out of the water, he's panting heavily; though he does make it to his feet, he leans forward where he stands with the water lapping at his knees, one arm curled tightly around his ribs. When at last he lifts his head and speaks, it's in a breathless gasp. "Vardeus... hilp... Shayla? Hilp pruh... techt?" Shay'la turns and looks at you, visibly shaking. An apologetic look flashes across her features as she remembers your ribs. She shakes her head, "Vardeus help protect others... not Shay'la. Shay'la protect Shay'la." It's always been her way. She hates having to ask for help... always has. The human stumbles the rest of the way out of the water to come and join you, his chest still heaving, though he doggedly straightens up as if to demonstrate that whatever protests his bones are giving him can be dismissed. Of far greater importance to him, at the moment, is that the arrival of the newcomer appears to have rattled you badly -- and that Quietharm, his other friend, was deeply alarmed by it as well. And then, too, there's that look of intermingled pride and agitation he thinks he might be able to glean out of your features, and never mind the differences between yours and his own. "Shayla... say, 'Vardeus nae go'... nae go," he rasps then. "Vardeus go -- elf nae come? Nae hurt Shayla?" Shay'la sighs and lets out a frustrated laugh, "I don't know how to explain." She walks over and sits on a bench, motioning for you to sit down before you hurt yourself, "Shay'la home is Underworld. Tamaris home is Underworld. Underworld not good place. Underworld elves not nice.... Stormgrace nice... Quietharm nice... Underworlders not nice. Underworld elves hurt other elves. Shay'la hurt other elves." Her own shame, "Shay'la not nice..." She reaches up to run a hand through her hair, "Shay'la learn better. Shay'la help other elves leave Underworld so no get hurt." The leave is said as she motions with two fingers like they are legs walking away. "So Shay leave Underworld. Shay leave home... can not go back." She motions behind her for back, "Shay go home... Shay die... Shay go home... They kill Shay. Shay is Traitor." She has no clue how much of that you will get but its the most simplified version she can think of. A lot of that explanation goes right past the human, aye -- but the desire for his company, that's clear. Heavily he steps after you, heavily he lowers himself down to sit beside you. He pushes his own hair out of his eyes, though some of it springs forward again anyway, restlessly dangling across his brow and sending droplets of seawater streaming down his cheek and jaw. Your expression, though... your tone of voice. These things touch him, and he breathes out hoarsely, "((Gods, lass. I wish I could make out more o' this pipin' birdspeak ye talk in...))" And at last, carefully, he states, "Vardeus nae happy, see Shayla nae happy." Shay'la sighs and looks over at you, "Shay'la has not been happy for a long time." She motions to her chest, "Shay'la hurt heart." She reaches down and draws up a section of rock, shaping it into a manyarms, "Manyarms kill Leenar." She sets the rock shaped manyarms next to you, and motions as if she is rocking a baby, "Leenar... Shay'la baby... but big." She knows you know big but can't be sure if you got it... "Baby grow up." She starts her hand low down and raises it up. Leenar. He heard that word before. And now, as you sign at him, as you call the shape of the creature out of the rock, Vardeus lifts up his chin a little as comprehension dawns. "((You're tellin' me an octopus killed your child?))" he murmurs then, and lets out a long gusting breath. "((Gods...))" And he thinks hard, before he goes on, "Vardeus... see Shayla hurt, Vardeus hurt. Vardeus..." And with this, naked grief turns his eyes liquid, as he concludes, "((That grandmother of all storms took my best friend. Ach, aye... Vardeus...)) Hurt." Shay'la gives you the barest of smiles, reaching over to pat your hand lightly. It's the closest she has come to smiling since you first met her. She reaches up her other hand to wipe at her eyes, "Shay'la fine... Vardeus no worry." Shay'la is fine... Shay'la is always fine. She picks up the rock shaped manyarms and melds it back into the floor where she pulled it. "Shay'la strong." Unintelligible words or no, Vardeus recognizes an attempt to be bold when he sees it. "((Well, if you say so. Whatever it is you said. But I'm thinkin' I got the idea, 'tany rate,))" he thoughtfully mutters, half to himself. But. Quietharm hadn't seemed to mind that he clasped her shoulder, and so, he tries that here, gingerly reaching up to squeeze your nearer one with a perhaps surprisingly delicacy; perhaps he fears he'll break you with that big five-fingered hand of his? "Shayla say, Shayla nae hurt, Vardeus nae hurt." Shay'la nods to you, giving you a half smile, "Shay no want see Vardeus hurt." Especially not over her. She gives you a once over, "Vardeus tired? Vardeus need sleep?" Yep, time to move on to worrying about others. Shay'la protects the others... now even you. Of course Vardeus may wish to scamper back to the surface and sleep after his last stint in Shay's cave... but she would offer since she did make you swim all the way down here. Ahem. Er. He has not, in fact, forgotten how he woke up in your bed the last time -- and a distinct flush of red crosses his wet cheeks as the recollection now returns in full force. "Vardeus... ah... go, Vardeus sleep. Maerro nae find Vardeus, Maerro wur-ree," he gruffly replies. Elves have no sense of shame about such things, but Shay'la does notice the flush of red. She gives you a nod, understanding that the young human may worry about you. "Vardeus rest... rest good." Ruefully, Vardeus smiles again, hauling himself to his feet now that he's more or less gotten his breath back. But he does turn to look back down at you, and incline his head to you with a courtesy that a few moons ago one could have argued no Tall One would surely have ever known to display. "((Aye,))" he agrees, "rest good. ((I'll give it my best go. You)) rest good ((too, hey?))" And with that, he gives a little bit of a wave, before stepping back to take his leave and see if he can find his way back out of the caverns again... taking the overland route, this time. Though it takes him some time to finally do so... eventually, the human does vanish into the night. [End log.]