Date: Thu, 22 Feb 1996 13:13:44 -0400 (EDT) From: Mark A McNeely To: dewshine *AT* eskimo *DOT* com Subject: UW Council Meeting for 2/21 [Council on Wed., Feb. 22] River Cavern(#2158RAJLa) This cavern is even larger than the Glittering Cavern. It is kept alight by phospherecense and some odd fungi that casts a green glimmer over the area. In the center of the cavern is a river, actually just a large stream, that is crossed by several bridge of rock. Pillars of natural stone support the high ceiling, and between them, one can see the entrances to various dwellings for many of the tribe. Stalagtites and stalagmites rise to embrace, though some have been shaped into furniture. The river winds from an impassable opening to the north, southwards to a cliff. Obvious exits: West(W) Cave List Downstream(S) Upstream (N) Contents: Tylek Tylek smiles and nods to Rhentagoth, ** Greetings Grand Visier. ** Rhentagoth bows to Tylek as he exits his chambers. ** And clear tunnels to you too as well. I take it you're coming to the Council meeting? ** Tylek smiles and nods, ** Indeed. I would not miss it for anything. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Good. Than shall we move on to the council chambers? ** [Travel to Council Chambers] Council Hall(#2179RJa) This chamber is large enough to make it very difficult to see from one end to the other. But when you look at the walls, much to your suprise, that this is not natural, but was shaped. In the center of the room is a table in the shape of a rectangle with a chair along each side. About the rest of the room, in this area are benches so that people might listen to and observer what is occuring at the table, and so that those at the table can observe the room. This room is lit by baskets of phosphrescent fungi. Obvious exits: Center of Chamber(CC) Out(S) Tylek smiles at Rhentagoth, ** How are things, Grand Visier? ** He stresses the words to hint at subtle meanings. Rhentagoth returns the smile. ** Quite favorable. ** Tylek smiles and glides to the table, ** Good. Very good... this is where we shall meet in council? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Yes. I merely await the arrival of the others. It shouldn't be long now. However, the less that arrive, the less opposition there can be. **chuckles** ** Tylek smiles wryly and raises an eyebrow, ** Are we expecting much opposition? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** No, not really...not concerning the alliance at any rate. ** Tylek nods and hrrrms, ** Good. It would be unfortunate if the alliance were quashed by the council. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Considering how open the council is with the other surfacers, how can they possibly oppose an alliance with elves who are more like ourselves than we could possibly hope for. ** Tylek nods in agreement, ** Indeed. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Do the rest of your companions plan to attend? I would think they wouldn't want to miss this. ** Bricchana comes in from the south. Bricchana has arrived. Aendru comes in from the south. Aendru has arrived. [Aendru's Desc] As you glance around, your eye catches a slight movement off to one side. Certain that mere moments ago there had been nothing there, your eyes dart to that spot and find themselves caught in the cold gaze of another pair of eyes. These eyes are steely silver in color, almost like mirrors. Looking into them, you see yourself reflected, but the image is distorted, making you appear small, and weak, and insignificant. The eyes hold you for a moment, trapped in this vision of yourself, then they blink, releasing you from their spell. A dexterous hand reaches up to pull back the hood of the charcoal grey cloak that he wears wrapped entirely around him, exposing finely sculpted features, and hair of a silver which matches his eyes. His hair he wears pulled tightly back into a pony tail, which hangs to the middle of his back. His face, though very handsome is also very cold and proud. The corners of his mouth turn up ever-so-slightly, in a small, almost mocking smile, and he nods to you, with a faint bob of his head. He pulls the hood back up, shadowing his face and eyes, and returns to his watching. If you didn't KNOW he was there, you would probably overlook him, the color of his cloak, which blends very well with the stone, and his way of making himself inconspicuous, combining to make him, not invisible, but unnoticed.... Tylek shakes his head at Rhentagoth. Bricchana shuffles in quietly, head held high, smile on her face. Her child rests gently in her arms and peers about himself. Rhentagoth turns slightly as he notices a slight movement near the entrance. [Bricchana's Desc] A cloaked figure stands before you. Standing around 4'6" tall, think and willowy, the new, deep, righ red cloak (a gift from Terlis of Sorrow's End) seems to swallow her. She holds it about her so that her skin and clothing are hidden from the sun. Two eerie looking eyes gaze smilingly as you from behind a new, buffed golden mask; they are almost completely white, except for the very palest hint of blue in them. Her eyes dance merrily and proudly of her new cloak and mask, but are empty and unseeing. A few wispy shocks of short, silver hair peek out from beneath the hood of her cloak, giving a hint as to what's beneath there. The cloak is a little shorter than her last one so the toes of her new bright blue leather boots peek out from beneath it. Carrying: Leather Pouch Mask Aendru moves in silently and stands near the wall in the shadows. Tylek smiles and arches an eyebrow at the new arrivals. He ventures, ** Clear tunnels to you both. ** Bricchana steps forward proudly and nods to Tylek. ** Clear tunnels to you as well. ** Rhentagoth raises a brow at Bricchana's clothing. ** I see you finally made it back from Sorrow's End. ** Aendru nods slightly to Tylek. Rhentagoth delivers a formal bow to Aendru. ** Clear tunnels. ** Bricchana nods and smiles. "I have been back a while now." Tylek locksends ** Pardon Grand Visier... I do not know these two... ** Aendru nods to Rhentagoth. ** And to you. ** Rhentagoth's eyes narrow angrilly at Bricchana. ** Has your exposure affected your manners as well as your dress? ** Bricchana makes no movement to acknowledge Aendru. ** I am sorry, Rhentagoth. I became accustomed to speaking up there as the SunFolk sometimes cannot hear sends. Forgive me. ** Rhentagoth's angry stance softens a bit. ** Very well. Aendru, Bricchana, this is Tylek, a represetative of Blue Mountain. Tylek, this is Aendru and Bricchana. ** Aendru sends openly ** Greetings, Tylek of Blue Mountain. ** Tylek inclines his head slightly to the two, ** Greetings Bricchana, Aendru. ** Bricchana bows her head to Tylek. ** Greetings, Tylek. ** She raises her head and smiles proudly. ** This is my son, Graukinder. ** Tylek smiles down at the child, ** Hello little one. ** Rhentagoth turns slightly to Aendru. ** Were there none others making their way towards the council chambers as you were? ** Aendru sends openly ** I saw none. ** Bricchana smiles and turns the child for Tylek to see. Graukinder looks up at Tylek, eyes darting quickly over his face as he seems to study the glider. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Then as it past the time to begin, I declare this council in session. ** Bricchana nods once and shuffles back a bit from the table since she is not an official member of the council. Tylek smiles at the child and mother then turns his full attention to Rhentagoth. Rhentagoth begins to make his way towards the seat reserved for the Lord, and smiles broadly as he seats himself. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Hmmm..., I expected your aunt to be here for your childe's offical presentation before council. ** Bricchana sends openly ** And I would expect Aunt Shayilbey to always be fashionably late. ** Tylek chuckles softly. Ianthine comes in from the south. Ianthine has arrived. Neela comes in from the south. Neela has arrived. Rhentagoth frowns slightly, obviously not amused at all. Neela walks in, slowly, with Ianthine guiding him. Tylek smiles as Neela enters, ** Greetings Neela. ** Rhentagoth nods to Ianthine and Neela, as they arrive from Corinthi's chair. ** Council has begun, would you care to take your seats? ** Neela bows as he enters, ** Forgive my tardiness.. ** Ianthine nods lightly to all present, directing Neela over to one side. In an open send, Rhentagoth smirks slightly. ** Apparently you are not the only one trying to be fashionably late. ** Neela follows Ianthine's lead, sitting down. Aendru moves to a seat silently and sits down. Neela sends openly ** It has little to do with fashion, Vizier, but difficulty in seeing... Ianthine was kind enough to help me. ** Rhentagoth waits until the new arrivals are seated. ** We have several isues to discuss, including the official recognition of ... Graukinder, as well as the discussion of a serious matter...the proposed alliance between The Underworld and Blue Mountain. ** Bricchana steps back again and sits, knowing from her childhood where the chairs, table, and benches are here. Rhentagoth looks about the Council table, which sits empty except for himself. ** However, it appears as if council has deemed that nothing here is worthy fo their time, not their apprentices time. ** Tylek hrrrms softly and arches an eyebrow. Ianthine smirks slightly at that. Bricchana listens quietly, knowing better than to speak until spoken to. Neela eyes Tylek slightly, but says nothing. Neela's gaze returns to Rhentagoth. Rhentagoth stands, from Corinthi's seat, and walks out closer to the stands, keeping strong eye contact with all those attending. ** Since council no longer feels it necessary to uphold tradition, perhapse it is time to create new ones. Traditions that will benefit both the ourselves, and the Gliders. An alliance that wil tie us two together in the traditions of the our true heritage...the traditions of the High Ones. ** Neela steeples his fingers in front of his chin, as he leans a little closer listening to Rhentagoth's words. Aendru listens silently. Bricchana always faces Rhentagoth, no matter where he is in the room. Graukinder is oddly quiet as his attention seems to follow the Lord as well. Tylek smiles at this, obviously pleased at the notion. Rhentagoth sends openly ** The gliders have generously offered to exchange their knowledge of the High Ones, in exchange for our own. ** Tylek nods as Rhen sends. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Considering the fact that, all of our knowledge of the High Ones, that was possessed by the First Born was destroyed in the Family War, I think this is a fair exchange indeed. Our two peoples have much to offer each other in the ways of experience, tradition, and in magic. ** Ianthine nods a little at that. Neela smiles slightly for a second, then it fades away. Aendru smiles slightly, though at what is difficult to tell. Bricchana listens quietly, imagining what Blue Mountain must look like inside. Rhentagoth sends openly ** And as always, all topics in council are available for discussion and questioning by all attending. I will hear any discussion, and I'm sure our Glider representatives can answer any questions you may have. ** Neela smiles and nods, ** Any that we are able to answer. ** Bricchana closes her eyes as she thinks, imagines. Momentarily an idle thought slips from her perhaps to Neela. ** Are the terrible stories I hear of Lord Winnowill true? ** Neela raises a brow, ** Well, that would depend upon which stories you have heard and from whom you have heard them. ** Bricchana's eyes open slowly and their emptiness falls on Neela. ** Of Winnowill? I have heard many and from various people. ** Rhentagoth frowns slightly. ** Most of them wolf riders, I'd guess. ** Neela smiles, leaning back, ** well, Lord Winnowill does not have long teeth, horns, great claws, or a tail... these I have heard... the half-blooded ones tend to think less of her than is true or deserving. ** Tylek snorts softly, ** Never believe the words of the Tainted Ones. ** Bricchana sends openly ** I judge no one on their blood. All are equal in my eyes until they prove otherwise to me. ** Neela sends openly ** Tell me, Sister elf, what have you heard, so that I can dispell any misplaced illusions. ** Tylek narrows his eyes slightly as he regards Bricchana but remains silent, giving the floor to Neela. Bricchana sends openly ** That she changes elves. And that any who displease her are immediately disposed of or turned into her playthings. ** Bricchana sits, face calm, eyes empty, head raised proudly. Graukinder smiles up at his mother as she sends. Neela smiles, ** Lord Winnowill can change elves.. One of my fallen brethren once asked for wings.. she gave them to him... As for the disposal of any who displeases her.... if that was true then I would not be here... nor would many... for the mountain would either be empty or completely mindless... ** Bricchana sends openly ** Then why was Telia exiled? ** You paged Neela with 'You hear Rhen locksent to tylek: **chuckles** ... perhapse ... judgement ... flawed ... sight.'. Tylek nods to Neela, ** Indeed, there are even those dwelling there now who until very recently were renegades. They, of course, returned. ** Neela becomes more serious, ** It is true, that my Lord's punishment is quite severe to those who endanger the mountain. ** Aendru listens quietly. Bricchana sends openly ** Then she is a just and fair Lord? ** Neela straightens up, ** Telia was one of the Chosen.. a most important and honorable position... a position that she failed to uphold. ** Neela nods, ** I have no complaints of my Lord. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Then why has she been called back to the mountain suddenly? ** Tylek nods as well, ** Neither do I. ** Neela sends openly ** Because my Lord is forgiving. ** Bricchana sends openly ** If she is fair and just-- and so forgiving... Why does she hate wolfriders so? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** I would imagine that's because she realizes the dangers they represent. ** Bricchana sends openly ** I have been around many wolfriders now, and I was never in any danger. ** Neela looks at Bricchana, ** Perhaps it is because wolfriders brought about the death of the wise Lord Voll... repeatedly they have tried to bring death into the mountain. Would you look upon someone who tries to kill you or your family with love? I think not... Do not many of your own people have just as much or more comtempt for the half-bloods as we? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** That's not was I was referring to, although they do have quite the reputation for being violent. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Again I must admit that I have been among them and have not seen any violence on their part. No, one who tried to kill me or my son or family would not be loved, But nor would a glider who had attempted t he same. A friend from Sorrow's End was telling me of how a glider named Sar took his lifemate to the mountain and she has yet to return. ** Neela sends openly but more directed at Bricchana, ** How easy is it to find compassion for one who only finds loathing for you? Ask a wolfrider of Lord Winnowill and you will hear of a beast in elven form. A nightmare who will twist your mind. Ask a glider, whose loyalties are for the mountain and you will hear of a true leader. ** Tylek nods to Neela's words, ** Indeed. ** Neela sends openly ** I know of quite a few outsiders who have come to live within the mountain, happily so, until someone from the outside comes demanding that they were stolen and rips them from the mountain, which they called home. ** Bricchana sends openly ** I would expect no less. Ask anyone in LostHolt of Cutter and he is a kind and just leader, and yet ask a glider of Cutter and they will spit his name like so much blood from their mouths. ** Bricchana sends openly ** But the lifemate taken was very much in love with my friend and had no intentions of leaving the village had Sar not promised that Winnowill could heal her blind eyes. ** Neela smiles calmly, ** But Sister elf, you have answered yourself... we all have our biases... and to look at someone from other's stories is like judging someone by their blood - a charge which you vehemently claimed to avoid without touch. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Then ask Cutter why he and his kind refused to answer our questions as to the whereabaout of our own Talek, and threatened us with violence if we did not leave. Yet we had shown them nothing but courtesy since our arrival. ** Neela smiles, ** You speak of Whitling, do you not? I know her, and she has remained within the mountain of her own choice. ** Bricchana sends openly ** That is merely why I ask your opinion of her. Did I ever once say I believed the stories _brother_ elf? Yes, I speak of Whitling. ** Bricchana looks to Rhentagoth. ** Perhaps because Cutter believes each elf is free to do as they please. Did you inform him as to why we seek Talek? ** Neela sends openly ** And I gave you my opinion of her, upon your first asking. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Yes I did. I made it quite clear. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Very well then. That is all I ask. ** Bricchana sends openly ** And why do we seek them, Lord Rhentagoth? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** We don't...now. I was able to find him at the Feastival at Sorrow's End. ** Neela sits back now, watching and listening. Bricchana sends openly ** Then why _WERE_ we hunting for him across the surface? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** But if you must know, your own aunt feared for their safty as they had just disappeared from Sorrow's End. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Does not each elf have his or her own life to lead? Do not the High Ones have their plans for us? If it was the High Ones' choice to take them from Sorrow's End or to take them from the world of two moons, then neither Talek, nor my Aunt has any say in the matter. ** Myneera comes in from the south. Myneera has arrived. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Yes, but when one of your own was last seen traveling through some place that you know is dangerous, do you not try and warn them, or go to their rescue should they need it? ** Bricchana sends openly ** Would you ask MY help, Lord Rhentagoth? ** Myneera nods quietly as she enters. Her hands slip inside the flowing sleeves of her gown as she walks slightly forward, but stays back and out of the way. Bricchana arches an eyebrow and smirks, plainly knowing his answer. Ianthine stays silent, watching. Rhentagoth sends openly ** That has nothing to do with the matter at hand. I suggest you keep on topic. ** Graukinder neither shifts, nor seems to stir in his mother's grasp, but he watches. For one so young his eyes seem so knowing. Bricchana laughs to herself, her eyes dancing with the emotion, the only emotion so far. ** Were anyone to need help, and were I able to assist them, then yes, I would. BUT, were the persons needing warning aware that the area they were to head into was dangerous from the start, then no. No, I would not run to their aid. They should have known better. ** Tylek arches an eyebrow slightly, ** As the case may be... But I agree with the Grand Visier. Shall we stay on topic? ** Bricchana sends openly ** Very well. And the topic is? Am I not correct when he said we may ask questions? Is that not what I did? Was HE not the one who brought up Talek and our search? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Then look at it in this manner. Both we and Gliders lack information concerning our history and heritage. Shall we not go to each other's aid with what we have? ** Aendru sends openly ** Given Lord Rhentagoth's claim that our knowledge of the High Ones was lost in the family war, what is it that the Gliders hope to gain from an alliance with us? ** Bricchana sends openly ** I know naught of our heritage other than stories my mother and father told me. The gliders won't get much from me. ** Aendru looks over at the Gliders present. Neela sends openly ** One thing is to open a doorway to our closest kin. It is not just knowledge of the High Ones that we seek, but knowledge of your people as well. ** Bricchana turns her face to Graukinder now, shifting him to a slightly sitting position and she reaches to stroke his head. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Just becuase we lost much through the First born, do not mean we possess nothing. After all, we still posess the knowledge of through the Masters and Mistresses of Lore. ** Graukinder slides his gaze from one spot to another spot, face to face. A quiet expression on the infant face, and he makes no sound as he is shifted. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Add to that, the fact that each of us have different experiences that all of us can learn from. ** Neela smiles, nodding to Rhentagoth, ** For example, one thing that Rhentagoth had suggested was an exchange of music between myself and I think one called Amelar. ** Myneera's lips grins a slightly sly smile as she listens. Rhentagoth nods to Neela. ** Correct, she is our current Mistress of Lore. ** Tylek smiles and nods, ** A wonderful idea. ** Aendru falls back into silence, watching the Gliders. Bricchana smirks to herself, her face still tilted to look at her child. Neela may be able to pick up: ** Big.... exchange.... huge... contribution... ** Graukinder has never come out of silence, and watches each one. He smiles briefly, then his expression goes quiet again. Myneera shakes her head, such small mindedness... clearly a weak one, then glances away at Rhentagoth. Tylek smiles and nods, ** Indeed, not just an exchange of knowledge of the High Ones, a true sharing of our cultures, one with the other. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Then why can't we share cultures with others as well? SunFolk? Cavedwellers? CatElves? ** Tylek nods at Bric, ** All of these will be approached in time. They are all of the true blood. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Precisely, Tylek. Besides, we accepted similar terms with the wolf blooded at a time when we were on far less friendly terms, and they had much less to offer. ** Bricchana nods. Rhentagoth sends openly ** I can tell from your dress that you have already begun such an exchange with the Sun Folk, we know little to nothing of the cave dwellers, and all I know of the cat elves is that they have consistently harassed and nearly slain one we had sworn protection to on several occasions. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Then perhaps it is not the Wolfriders who are most violent in nature. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Were it to come to that I would be honored to be the liason between The Underworld and the SunFolk. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Violence is a trait shared by many on the surface. And I've already begun some official contact with their Mistress of Memory. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Very well. But there are many more to the Sun Village than just Savah, Lord Rhentagoth. ** A small, mocking smile slowly appears on Aendru's face. At what it is directed is not apparent as he is not looking directly at anyone at the moment. Tylek smiles, ** The floodwaters of a vast river of knowledge must start at a single headwater. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Yes, but she is their leader, and thus any official contact should be addressed through her. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Aye. But do you intend to speak with the entire tribe on your own, My Lord? ** Graukinder shifts in his mother's hold, and fixes his metallic gaze on Aendru. A quiet expression, then a bored one. But bored at what...is not obvious. Rhentagoth sends openly ** I have scouts stationed there to perform that duty. ** Bricchana sends openly ** Such as? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Shaleel for instance. She has received tutelage from Master Waeytherslene himeslf. But again, you deviate us from our main topic. ** Bricchana smirks. ** Aye, we do. ** Bricchana looks towards everyone. ** Forgive me for causing deviations. I know not why I speak even as my opinions cannot count for I am not on council. They also do not count when falling upon _deaf_ ears. ** She cuts a glance in Rhent's direction at the last. Tylek arches an eyebrow at Bricchana, ** As the case may be, through sending all is heard, and I am sure taken for what merits it may hold. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** I suggest you learn patience, rather than learn the Wolf Rider's pace. Perhapse if our exposure to cultures as different from ours as the Wolf Riders had taken place more slowly, and under more controlled conditions, then perhapse there would not be as much animosity and lack of understanding as there is. However, since the Gliders are the only elves that are close to the High Ones as we are, and share similar beliefs and ideals there should be little danger of such a mishap. We will make contact with the other elves when and how we deem necessary. ** Bricchana snorts and stares at Rhentagoth at Tylek's words. ** There are those among us who would see my blindness as a handicap and would pay my words no heed. ** Tylek nods to Rhentagoth, ** Indeed, Grand Visier. ** Bricchana sends openly ** And when will it be deemed necessary, Lord Rhentagoth? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** That is a matter of another council meeting. ** Bricchana smiles lopsidedly, nodding. ** But of course. ** Lanina comes in from the south. Lanina has arrived. Lanina floats in silently. Graukinder turns his gaze slowly again from face to face. As if he follows the points of this...discussion. Tylek's eyes move over to Lanina, then to a vacant seat at the table. Lanina sits in the seat and looks down. Bricchana sends openly ** Another council. Held with only one member of the council present no doubt... yourself. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** I announced this council meeting to all. If they choose not to come that is not my problem. ** Bricchana sends openly ** NO, but it could be postponed until they are able to attend. I would think a majority rule would decide that a council could only be held when half the members are present and not until then. ** Neela continues to listen silently. Graukinder likewise listens...but at his young age, there is little he may do but listen. That is apt to change...with time. Rhentagoth sends openly ** When did I ever say that a decision had to or would be made at this council? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Now, would anyone care to acctually comment on something that concern the topic at hand? ** Bricchana sends openly ** Should the others not be given the benefit of hearing this information as well, Lord Rhentagoth? ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** They were offered the benefit. Should they not care enought about their own home as to bother to show up and discuss the things that pertain to them? Or perhapse you've been too busy getting the latest Sorrow's End clothing to realize the apathy and lack of concern that has descende on our people since we allowed the surfacers entrance to our home? ** Bricchana sends openly ** I am here, am I not? ** Tylek sighs long and loud, a sudden sound in the silence of the chamber. He looks at Bric, eyebrow arching, ** Who makes the final decision here? Is it not your Lord? Where is he, even? ** Lanina crosses her arms, looking about. Bricchana stands. ** Forgive our Lord Corinthi for not being as wonderful to be able to attend EVERY council. I am sure he is busy with something else of importance. ** She turns, cradling Graukinder and begins pacing slowly. Graukinder closes his eyes only briefly, feeling movement. His eyes open soon, however, and his small fingers grasp upon his mother's clothing. Bricchana turns her face to the child and calms, resuming her seat. Neela sends openly ** Bricchana, you must forgive Tylek's outburst.. for you see, we are not used to dealing with councils. Our Lord is the sole leader of the gliders and with her alone rest the judgement. ** Tylek nods, ** Exactly, then let us continue on topic. Having a Lord who makes decisions is so much easier than this Council business, it wearies me. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** This idle bickering is getting us no where. I know Corinthi well enough that he would be in favor of such an agreement, especially considering he was the previous Master of Lore. ** Lanina sends openly ** I have spoken to him myself a few days ago. ** Bricchana waves a hand towards the table but remains silent, sorry she ever got involved with this council, knowing she only showed up this time because there was mention of officially recognizing her son. Rhentagoth turns to Lanina. ** You did? And what did he have to say? ** Oh yes...that. Graukinder lets loose of his mother as she turns her face to him. Lanina sends openly ** He thinks an exchange of elves to learn magics is a good idea. ** Rhentagoth nods to Lanina, smiling rather smugly as it proves his point. Rhentagoth sends openly ** However, I think Tylek has a point. We have debated this topic for some time. Perhapse we should let the topic rest a bit while we cover something else? Take a break as it were? ** The Vizier's smug look is wasted upon the sightless waif he is trying to prove his point to. ** I was not concerned as to whether Lord Corinthi would debate it. It is a fine idea. I would prefer to see it more wide spread though. ** Lanina fidgits uncomfortably. Tylek nods, ** I would be glad for a break from the... debate. ** Rhentagoth sends openly ** Very well then, Bricchana, would you and Aendru care to approach Council to formally present your childe? ** Tylek folds his hands in front of him on the table, eyes calmly watching Rhentagoth. Aendru glances at the child in Bric's arms, then looks to Rhentagoth as he stands. Neela leans back and watches. Bricchana stands and steps towards the table. Aendru can join her if he wishes so she gives him a moment, listening for his footsteps or a touch or brush of his cloak or hand to let her know he is nearby. Graukinder makes no sound, but strays a glance from his mother's face, to the approach of his father. Lanina forces herself to keep still. Aendru moves to stand two steps behind and to the right of Bric. Bricchana turns and riases her chin as she hears Aendru take his almost normal position behind her. ** Our son, Graukinder... He is welcomed whole-heartedly into the family Chervaldo. ** Tylek blinks slowly and watches the proceedings. Neela watches quietly. Tylek arches an eyebrow and nods to Neela. Graukinder shifts as he hears his name, and he slides a metallic gaze toward the voice. His mother. Aendru stands silently. Lanina watches the child, thinking of her own. Rhentagoth looks back and forth between Aendru, Bricchana and the childe. ** Very well. Then by the powers given me by the members of the Underworld, I hereby proclaim Graukinder the son of Aendru and Bricchana the member of family Chervaldo. May the High Ones grant him mercy, kindness and wisdom. ** Bricchana bows her head oddly at Rhentagoth as if surprised he would even acknowledge the child of one so _handicapped_. ** Thank you, Lord Rhentagoth. ** Aendru makes the smallest of bows, little more than a nod of the head, to Rhentagoth. Then he turns and moves back to his seat. The significance has escaped him. Or seems to, as Graukinder makes his first utterance. A yawn. Surely it has nothing whatever to do with Rhentagoth's skills in debate.... Bricchana steps back, the formalities done. Her son is accepted, but without the head of her family present. Apologies will be necessary. Rhentagoth sends openly ** Very well. I hereby move that all other official matter be postponed for a brief recess of a few sleeps. You will all be notified of the time of our reconveneing. This council is adjurned. ** Tylek nods to Rhentagoth and hrms slightly to himself. Rhentagoth bows to all. ** Until we next meet, clear tunnels. ** Neela stands and bows to Rhentagoth. Tylek floats out of his seat to bow to Rhentagoth, ** Clear tunnels to you as well, Grand Visier. ** Bricchana turns with a snort, spitting the word out as she shuffles out with her son in her arms. ** Grand indeed.... ** Bricchana goes south into the Pillar. Bricchana has left. Lanina floats out of her seat. ** Clear tunnels. ** Graukinder goes south into the Pillar. Graukinder has left. Tylek smiles and nods to all present, ** I grow tired and would rest. Good sleep to you all. ** Neela sends openly ** Take care, Tylek.... ** Tylek smiles at Neela and nods, ** As always. ** Tylek goes south into the Pillar. Tylek has left. Lanina sends openly ** Good sleep, Tylek. ** Neela floats up, hovering above the ground. Lanina floats above her chair, but looks down. Aendru silently leaves the room, a shadow melding with the shadows. Aendru goes south into the Pillar. Aendru has left. Neela floats to Lanina's side. Lanina looks at Neela. ** Such as? ** =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Mark A McNeely McNeely1@muvms6.mu.wvnet.edu McNeely1@marshall.edu Home Page: Http://www.marshall.edu/~mcneely1/index.html