"Benja's Busy Evening" Log Date: 7/24/00 Log Cast: Sumai, Sunrose, Fox, Kaiulani, Aja, Benja, Selene, Deianyra Log Intro: A secret gift here... a glimpse of broad shoulders in a crowd there... and little by little, inexorably as the tide, the fascination that her mysterious protector has upon Pandion Kaiulani has grown over the last many weeks. The fact that her cousin Sarojin, Decemvir of the entire Pandion nation, has ordered her guardsmen to capture her unnamed guardian -- and to kill him if they cannot capture him -- has not reduced his allure in the slightest. If anything, it has only increased it, until the young Daughter of Water can find herself thinking of almost nothing else. Her guardian haunts her thoughts even as she tries to pay at least some attention to her family's expectations of her: learning about the city of Haven, and practicing her control over her telepathy. But even when Kaiulani herself is not in immediate danger, the girl has a penchant for attracting trouble to her. Trouble which motivates her unseen protector to act on her behalf not once but twice this evening in the Rialto.... *===========================< In Character Time >===========================* Time of day: Afternoon Date on Aether: Friday, November 1, 3906. Year on Earth: 1506 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waxing Crescent Season: Fall Weather: Clouds Temperature: Cool *==========================================================================* The Rialto - Haven(#159RDJM$) Reigning over the Rialto is the very heart of Haven: the Delphic Citadel. It dwarfs the other buildings, which cluster around it like so many children seeking a parent's protection. Day or night, rain or shine, its walls seem to glimmer with a light of their own, as if, over the centuries, the magic within had slowly permeated the entire structure. The main tower soars higher than the tallest tree, and each side tapers inward so that it resembles a giant obelisk. Four smaller towers stand at the four points of the compass, representing the unification of each race under Delphi's government. And here is where they all gather. The Rialto is the famed marketplace of Haven, full of shops, stalls, and brightly colored tents. The shouts of merchants, the haggling of patrons, the music of entertainers, and the laughter of children create a nigh-constant cacophony that assaults the senses. But the Rialto is nothing if not exciting, and crowds often gather here for important events and public addresses. (Note: 'places' are enabled here.) Contents: Benja Sumai Aja Sunrose A wooden fence Obvious Exits: Streets Delphic Citadel The Smithy Giving Aja a curious look from his olive-brown eyes for a moment, the guardsman pays for her food as he does so. Finally the huge, seven foot tall Warlord speaks in his sonorous, thunderous voice to the tall, yet thin, Varati woman who stands near him at a food stall. "I would name you, but you surely have a name already and I would not presume to name you to my pleasure when you have an identity your own already." he says to you. His tone, as ever, is dispassionate but not in a hateful manner, simply one that is conversational and thoughtful. His huge frame combined with the silver lacing in his armor make him an easy visual target, even in crowded Rialto, as there are few that can match him. Fox is lured in from the north by the aroma of baked goods. Fox has arrived. Damn. Sunrose seriously needs a boyfriend. Squinting, and taking a few steps forward, even from this distance, the flash of coins is unmistakable. He's going to by her food! Sticking her nose forward as she catches wafts of tantilizing aromas, Sunrose progresses towards the pair. The scrawny Sylvan attempts to stick by the edges of the booths and stalls, choosing to line the path rather tha take the most direct and crowded course. Such is the life of a skinny shrimp! This seems to be a good choice however, and in a few moments she catches herself a few lengths away from the two. Her path is obstructed, this time by an overwhelming fear, as jade eyes fall upon the shiny armor. Jaw drops, eyes widen so that Sunrose appears to wear an mask of a fish-owl. Brushing a strand of her hair aside, the twitch that had promised a smile has delivered a frown. No fair. She has a rich and /strong/ boyfriend. Storming in from the direction of the Bastion, Fox doesn't seem to care who might be in his way. He just wants to get home...away from the awful Hounds and their terrible, horrible gaol. He -never- wants to spend another minute in there...and woe to the merchant who demanded he be dragged off in the first place. Enough practice already! It's been a long morning using the friendlier of her two guards for what has effectively amounted to mental target practice -- and with both her head _and_ Ronan's ringing with the effort she's had to put out forth to focus her thoughts on his mind and his alone, Pandion Kaiulani has had more than enough of swimming. She's had more than enough of the corridors of the Korallion -- and she's had more than enough of fairly restrained behavior in the hopes of pleasing her cousin and Decemvir. The Atlantean princess comes striding into the Rialto from the east, today, following an impulsive sideways jaunt into the Empyrean quarter just to see what it looks like, and after dragging her guards around for a good solid hour on top of trying very hard to _not_ yell in Ronan's mental ear for most of the morning, the least she can do is get them wine and get them food. Even if Akane turns his nose up at lander food, for the most part. Her lithe legs carrying her several steps forward ahead of the two brawny young men assigned to watch over her, the maiden moves into the part of the marketplace where victuals are sold, casting a hungry glance in several directions. "Thank you." Aja says to the guard, who obviously took no note of her protest. the next issue of quiet words directed at Sumai himself. She gnaws off a bit of her jerky thoughtfully before replying to the Varati warlord beside her. "My identity is quicksilver, Imphadi, and is what you wish it to be. You would likely find my birth-name unpleasing to the ear. It has always been the custom of my patrons and those known to me to give me one of their own choosing, so please, choose." It has been a few weeks since Benja made the deal with the food vendor who will be cooling and selling the shark meat that Benja brings him. And today is the first delivery of the promised delicacy. With a wet bag dripping with water and blood, slung over his shoulder, he approaches the man and plops the less than pleasant smelling bag on the counter. The heavy set vendor chuckles merrily and fishes out the promised money with a quip about not thinking he'd ever see Benja again. The large Atlantean grins a bit and shrugs, then silently slips the money into his sideless tunic. Pure green eyes skim over the Rialto now, and quickly fall into a fit of blinking. She's here? When did she leave the Korallion. Quickly, Ben finds the shadow of a stall in which he can at least partially conceal himself from her direct view. His manner is inconspicuous and his eyes roam all around Kaiulani protectively. Selene soars in from the skies above. Selene has arrived. Considering this for a moment, Sumai shakes his head a little bit at your words, "Are you an houri?" his huge words question the woman before him in a curious, interested manner. Even concubines and, well, any woman has her own identity in the varati cultures. That is the most feasiblet hing he can come up with, since a houri's primary purpose is to please a master in whatever manner she may be asked. "I wish that you would offer your true name, honestly. I have never been one comfortable with corrupting another's identity." Octavian soars in from the skies above. Octavian has arrived. Fox doesn't intend to stay in the Rialto for long...indeed, he doesn't even notice his tribesmate there. Instead he just barrels through, all but growling as he makes his way back home. If he doesn't see the Rialto again for a while it will be too soon. Indeed, he isn't coming here alone...he might be tempted to disembowel that merchant. Let her older guardsman show what disdain he will for the lander city where he and his brother have had to make their living -- as far as Kaiulani is concerned, the Rialto is a rich blending of fascinating new sights and sounds and smells, and even as she turns her pearly-maned head this way and that in search of something suitably delectable, she drinks in the sight of the examples of the lander races that throng through this city. There -- Waters, but the Varati men are _huge_! Look at that armed fellow talking with the woman at his side! And there, overhead, the winged forms of Empyreans, whose graceful descent brings a sudden beaming smile of admiration to the princess' face. A point-eared Sylvan here, a dozen different Mongrel faces there... she takes it all in as she charges impulsively towards a sweetmeat-seller, seeming to see everyone she passes with delighted curiosity. Except, perhaps, that shark-hunter who's just ducked into hasty shelter behind one of the stalls, not too far away... Jade pools cloud, misting as Sunrose's thoughts take her into the intangible dream lands. She clasps her hands near her chest, and thin shoulders move beneath her tunic as she heaves a small sigh. Imagination soars, roaming through the thick forest of romance. "He's probably telling her how much he loves her now." Sigh again. At this point, the young Sylvan is not even looking at the couple anymore. Though her head is turned towards them, the glazed effect of her emerald orbs show that Sunrose has retreated into the depths of her thoughts. Love! Boys! Sigh! Fox ambles toward the northwest. Fox has left. Aja studies Sumai a moment in silence before the breathy sound of her alto replies, "You are the first who has yet to protest, Imphadi, but as you wish. My name is Aja. And I was once a houri, yes." Her voice is steady, but her gaze slides away again, out over the crowds, most of whom she towers over, although not as impressively as Sumai. Merchants and patrons alike pass in and out of the Rialto by way of the many streets that lead to the center of the city, but only those gifted with wings can descend from the heavens, as long as those on the gound make room for the beating wings that take up more room than the Empyreans they are attached to. A guard in gold shouts out direction to those below, though they have at least chosen a quieter corner in which to land. The pair of guards land first, followed by two nobles, by the look of their attire and the need for protection. The woman drops to the stone pathway easily and looks upward at the younger man, careful to be out of his way. "I do hope this shall not take too long," Selene comments to the landed Octavian as they make thei way to their intended destination. Despite the ever vigilant gaze that Benja keeps upon Kaiulani, he cannot help but turn and glance over to the Varati as the term houri is mentioned. Saras was a houri too... His brows lower slightly as he listens to their conversation as best he can over the noise of the market place, while still keeping a watch upon the pearlished haired beauty who walks along with her guards. "Paaaannndionnnnn... Kyyyyeee ooooo lllaahhhhhneeee." He whispers to himself with a vague smile touching his lips. Nodding his head at your words slightly the olive-brown eyes move across the crowds of the Rialto slowly and thoughtlessly, his five armed guardsmen doing the real work of watching. "There is no shame in that, imphada. I much prefer those I am near to be what they are, for better or worse." his deep voice says in a normal volume, though it seems a bit more due to the incredible baritone that he speaks in, powerful and roiling like the waves of the ocean. "I protest often while others smile and accept. It is the way of great men and women to question." It seems Sunrose, should she look about the Rialto, will get an eyeful. As the Empyreans land, the male is definitely one to catch the attention of others. A slight smile is offered to his cousin as Octavian offers an arm to escort her, "This is when I was told it would be ready. Believe me, cousin, I do not plan on spending any more time than I must in this dreadful marketplace." Violet eyes scan the crowd with an air of bored disgust before turning back to the much more comfortable and attractive view of the Dea Acesius. But they are Varati. Mean. Gross. Ugh.-- A part of Sunrose says, the words flying as true as the arrows of the Praetorian guard, quickly dispelling the dramatic visions that had been set loose in her young mind. A few rumbles as her stomach tosses and turn, displeased with Sunrose's actions are even more efficent at bringing the girl back to reality. Clear jade oceans with only an island of ebony in its waters catch sight of a dirty corner shop. "Pasties! Cheap! Only day ol'!" A mongrel man shouts, his high-pitched, whiny voice assailing the ears of those unfortunate enough to be near him. Curiousity mounting once more, Sunrose dashes towards the pasties! Food is almost as good as boys. Even as _she_ drinks in the sight of the market, Kaiulani herself might draw eyes aside from Benja's. She does not tower, this diminutive Daughter of Water, but she strides as if she does, her mass of bright hair her answer to the wings riding proudly upon the backs of the Children of Air. Too far away to do more than catch the timbre and tone of Sumai's voice, she nevertheless glances intriguedly in the big Varati's direction, her ear for pitch and rhythm attracted by the rumbling syllables, though her eye follows the Sylvan who bolts past her. Then she grins, sea-green eyes a'twinkle; many Atlanteans, like the two guards at her heels, might uphold their racial reputation as having unfathomable countenances, but not so this Pandion maiden. "Sweetmeats, if you please, sir, for me and my guards," she requests breezily of the vendor she's approached, beckoning Ronan forward with the money-pouch. The smile that graces Aja's lips behind her veil is a bittersweet one. "One of my teachers said I was one of the best houris she ever trained, but it was because I did not question, Imphadi. I had a gift for molding myself to what others want and expect. Doing otherwise gained me nothing but sorrow from my last patron." She stops, as if she had said too much, and casts a glance about her. "I fear the day begins to wane, Imphadi, and I am not allowed outside the gates after dusk. I must be going. Thank you for the conversation and the snack." She inclines herself to him with regal grace. The young Jovian's arm is accepted readily, as if it were an expected part of their venture into the crossbreed streets of the city and into the shadow of the immense Tower rises from Haven's center. Selene, too, bears a look of annoyance as her eyes briefly take in the crowd, or that of it which can be seen past the field of white feathers that block the view, thanks to the presence of an Acesian guard. "Why you did not have it delivered I'll never know, Octavian. If I didn't know you better, I might think you *enjoy* these trips." The last word is drawn out with a faint tickle of laughter directed to her cousin as they approach the Empyrean musician's stall. Oddly, especially for a Warlord one might think, the the huge monster clad in the spikes and glittering steel shakes his head in a thoughtful manner. "Very well, then. I will bid you a good day then and pray to the Amir-al for safety and strength in your life. perhaps, even, I shall see you again in another place or simply on another day." he explains and makes some polite, conversational well wishes. "Be well, Aja." he says and looks across this large marketplace absently with his olive-brown eyes. Pale silvery eyebrows raise in surprise, "I? Enjoy these jaunts?" If anything, the young fop enjoys parading about but that is all. "The last time I had something delivered, cousin Selene, the idiot of a man tried to settle himself as the House tailor...without anyone's consent." He did tell her this story, yes? "I prefer picking it up now...to avoid such things." Octavian glances to the guards, finding them rather useful. Perhaps he will have to bring some with him the next time he goes out. "Also, if there is anything wrong with it I am not sending it back and forth." Green orbs, as clear and bright as the bay waters are, lock onto the counter filled with sweetbreads. Though flies have already perched on them, staking their claim, Sunrose's nose argues to her stomach that it is still quite delightful to eat. Hands twitch spasmodically, first reaching forward then the other hand quickly shoving the deviant hand back. Memories are conjured as well, and Sunrose remembers all too clearly the last time she attempted to shoplift. Bloody nose. Broken wrist. Red red, shamed face. The Sylvan gulps, wracking her brain for ways to attain the pastie. If only she had some coins-- or a rich boyfriend! At last, Sunrose resorts to the old tactic. Begging. Shoulders drawing back jerkily as she quickly intakes a quick, sharp breath, she begins. "Please may I have one? Puh-lease?" Sunrose juts out her bottom lip, and causes it to quiver. Perhaps this certain mongrel will have mercy? Aja smiles briefly at Sumai and turns on her heel, slipping between the crowds back towards the Citadel hastily. Aja steps through a tall set of gates and enters Delphi's grounds. Aja has left. Selene sends a scowl at her cousin with enough force of her tuned head to toss a wave of silver along her shoulder and splayed against a relaxed wing. "Yes, I remember that man. I met him once, in the courtyard, going on and on about he was the House's new tailor and so forth. I am glad you got rid of him cousin." Obviously, the scowl wasn't intended for the fair image of an Empyrean male beside her, but for the intruder into their lives. When his companion has departed the huge man turns away from the shop and looks across the crowds, easily towering over almost every single person in the marketplace. "We go." he says to the five armed and armored men who surround him, his voice powerful and commanding as it pours free from his vast chest and mouth. The men begin their trail of the their huge Warlord master as he begins his heavy stepping trek away from this bastion of mercantile people. Past the stupid, dead donkey and everything. Benja watches as she orders her food. Listens to that voice that has its way of caressing every inch of his skin even though it has never been directed at him. A swallow travels down his throat, and his tongue absently licks at his lips, eyes searching her hair... oh that glorious hair... Octavian smooths down the front of his chiton, adjusting the crease in his himation, "It is all for the best, for your tailor works wonders. I am all aquiver with anticipation to see his new creations for the coming season." he drawls, stepping past the guards to the Empyrean music vendor's stall. "Ah, Dominus! The lute is ready, yes?" A lute made to his specifications...nobility does have its privileges. Sumai has left. *Thank you, Kaiulani,* comes Akane's grudging gratitude, as he and his shorter brother come up behind their mistress and accept the hot snacks she passes them, while Ronan doles out the coins the lander merchant requires for his food. For once, this prompts up a smile for the blue-haired guardsman from Kaiulani, before she turns about in search of a wine-seller -- and sees Sunrose, still staring hungrily at those pasties. "Hola," she calls over to _that_ vendor, "give her one, will you? I'll pay for it!" "Git away!" Is the answer that Sunrose received, though she really should have known by now not to count on the "kindness" of the people who haunt the Rialto. Whiny-voiced, augmented by annoyance, further terrorize her delicately pointed ears. Wanting to escape from further, much more tangible damages, Sunrose decides to go hungry. Stomach grumbles once more in protest, not at all liking the healer's decision. The young girl winces, but continues to ignore its arguments. Sunrose holds her head down, posture slumping over as unhappiness invades her thoughts. However, as Kaiulani's words reaches her ears, Sunrose gives a jump. Blond tangled locks, shimmering in the sunlight, dance, getting into her line of vision. The change is dramatic. As the young healer brushes away her flaxen strands, a large smile, a grin from ear to ear can be seen. Could this be true...? Sunrose Severing away the last ties of her childhood, yet not quite within the reaches of adulthood dangles this woman-child. Already, hints of a womans body are beginning to show in Sunroses tall, slender form. From being as rigid and straight as a pole-- almost shapeless-- the gods have chiseled away at her form, shaping and molding her body into one with suggestions of curves. Taller by a handspan, Sunroses torso is finally beginning to catch up with her long arms and legs. Although still lanky and awkward looking, this Sylvan-maid is no where as gawky as she was a season ago. Startlingly clear emerald eyes are set above an undeniably button-like nose. Green orbs, bright with the colors of the forest peer out at the world from long, thick lashes the color of the night. Her complexion is creamy, her heart-shaped face seemingly to have been molded from alabaster. Only the light brown freckles, darkening with increased exposure to the potent summer sun seem to ruin the illusion. These playfull splashes of cinnamon have scattered themselves across her high cheek-bone, sprinkling spice across her convential doll-like features. Bountiful curls showered with kisses of the summer and thick and glossy as a horse's mane, sweeps down to Sunrose's shoulders, weaving and dipping down occasionally to tease her back with its capricious soft caresses. On the surface of this gorgeous river of honey, buttermilk pours, a shimmery pale gold, streaking through locks of gold, fusing together the two shades to create a radiant ivory golden shade quite rare in nature. Beneath those highlights, hiding in the deeper ends of the creamy waves, fingertips have left pure marigold ribbons that is a witness to the subtler, more refined types of beauty. This tangible sunshine takes on the texture of rose petals, dramatic in its deep, luscious richness. As summer arrives, blanketing Haven in folds of heat, Sunrose has been forced to change her clothing and into lighter versions of her boy-cut wardrobe. Garments are nothing spectacular, and are rather trite and workaday. Sunrose wears simple button-down white shirt with short-sleeves rolled up once, and completely unadorned save for a small pocket on her left breast. Although still quite fashion sense-less, others have managed to coax her out of the beige linen pants that had been much to small for her and into a pair of forest-green shorts which end just above her mid-thighs. Tough and durable, they also flatter the young girls verdant optics. Simple leather sandals are clad on her feet, and although without the markmanship of a skilled shoemaker, they suit her. At last, Sunrose has acquire garments that fit her well though they may still be hand-me-downs. Like the hard green apples just beginning to show the first blush of color, Sunrose is growing with a promise of beauty. The guards that escort the Empyreans flank the stall, eyes ever alert on those that pass just a bit too close to the Dea and Dominus. Selene leaves just duties to her men and focuses her attention on a silver lyre that hangs on the wall behind the Empyrean merchant. This momentary halt also allows her slender fingers to pick her hair off of her wings and set it back properly back in place, tsking to herself and pobably her hair as he cousin attends to his business. Benja glances toward the young sylvan that has drawn Kaiulani's attention and frowns slightly. Recognition for the girl dawns in his eyes. She has healed him and he was not all that happy about it. But that smile she gives Kaiulani is sure to brighten the face of his love, and so, the healer earns his graditude. Octavian Octavian's hair, as always, is perfect. Each curl is carefully tumbled to look casual, yet he spends quite some time on it. Such hair is tossed back out of his face as he is handed a gleaming lute, just made, and inlaid with mother-of- pearl and silver, the wood a warm pale gold. Even if the Jovian couldn't play he would look wonderful just posing with it. But he can play...a little, and a chord is strummed. Ah...perfection. While the vendor puts it in the case, Octavian moves to take his cousin's hand and kiss the back of it, "I cannot thank you more, Selene. The first complete piece I learn on this will be for you." It can, indeed, be true. "Find a wine-seller, will you, Ronan? I want to try a vintage, as long as we're out here today!" she calls carelessly over her shoulder -- out loud, to give the guardsman''s mental ears a break from the assault she's made on them all morning. The stocky guardsman grins at this, while his brother appears to be trying very hard _not_ to grimace... but the two of them do fan out somewhat to do as the young Pandion princess has asked. This leaves Kaiulani, with a few of the coins from Ronan swept up into her finny fingers, to approach the Sylvan girl. "Blessings," she greets her amiably, evidently entirely unconcerned with Sunrose's state of dishevelment. "If you're hungry, here, do buy yourself something to eat...!" A bit too far away to pick up one lute-chord, Kaiulani hasn't yet marked the actions of the Empyreans, and thus remains focused for now upon the Sylvan. Selene glances back from the lyre and her hair the moment her cousin takes her hand and presses a chaste kiss to her skin. "I will be delighted it hear it, cousin dear, and I hope I am inspiation enough to encourage you to perfect this new path. Perhaps it might inspire me to try something new as well." Again her eyes drift to the silver lyre in serious consideration for the instrument's purchase. Another time perhaps. The vendor's own jaw drops in suprise. --Ugly fish!-- Looking as stunned as if he had just been chosen to be the Deus Maximus, the mongrel's motions are as slow as molasses. It seems to take him an eternity to reach for the soiled sweetbread, and even longer to push it into Sunrose's eager, outstretched hands. Still oblivious to manners, Sunrose quickly buries her face into the pastie! Eat quickly 'fore the Atlantean can change her mind, screams out Sunrose's stomach and mind in a loud chorus that is not to be ignored. After greedily attacking the sweetbread thereby making sure that it is quite impossible for Kaiulani to retract her offer, Sunrose attempts to thank the Atalantean. Bread crumbs flaked across her face, Sunrose has even managed to get sticky sweet goo in her hair. Lovely, non? The girl bites her lips, knawing on it as she searches through her mind for a way to thank this Atlantean. Bow down? Kiss her feet? Do a hop, skip, and then sprout wings to do an aerial show? As she contemplates, a smirk tugs on the corners of her mouth. Such kindness is not at all normal. Who in the world did she sleep with last night? Catching Selene's gaze towards the lyre, Tavi's blue-violet eyes light up. "Perhaps, if you wish, I could teach you the lyre? That would be something new, yes? I will even write a duet for us to play eventually...as we would be learning the instruments together." The suggestion can't help but seem slightly lascivious, but most things coming from Tavi are like that of late. He would never act on it...unless he was asked. The vendor hands over the cased lute and it is slung over one shoulder. Well, it isn't as easy to carry around as the lyre, that's for certain. The Pandion noble girl isn't as adept at _reading_ lander expressions as she is at making some of them, like that sunburst smile that seems prone to blaze across her features at the slightest provocation. But the look on the Mongrel's face, not to mention the look upon Sunrose's, is enough to clue her in that she must have done something shocking -- and as Akane shoots her a stunned mental demand to inquire, as respectfully as possible, what she thinks she's doing, Kai struggles not to laugh. "I presume it's tasty," she says straight-facedly to the goggling Sunrose, before turning to the Mongrel and appending, plunking down the remainder of the coins Ronan gave her, "I'll try some too, if you please." Again, the Dea's gaze falls back on her fair cousin as his words draw her from the momentary daydream that helps buffer her from the reality of this location. "No ... I mean, I would like to learn, but I will not purchase anything today. But thank you, cousin." Her voice develops a timbre smooth as silk with a smile that is quite warm toward Octavian. "I shall let you know what I decide, of course." Now that he has awoken her and bought he back to the reality of the city she glances around and grimaces. "Perhaps we should get home before the nightly patrol of theives descends on the city streets." Benja's secret grin is wide as he watches the interaction between the young women. He has, however, noticed the instrument that the winged man has in that case and now his attention is slightly divided. A grin is stretched across Sunrose's face so wide that one would have thought her to have reshaped her own face in order to fit it. Jade pools, whirling with confusion as Sunrose watches the vendor scoop up another piece of pastry, though this time making sure that it is one with the least amount of flies and other sorts of critters perched on it. Guards must equal money, 'o course. Both faces mirror eachother in their degree of suprise, though both would have never admitted any of their feelings or any similiarity towards one another. Wide-eyed, and looking beyond the reamls of foolishness, Sunrose opens her mouth to say a simple "thank you." However, much to her own suprise, her high-pitched, girlish voice blurts out, "WhoDidyaSleepWithLastNight?" Great move, Sunrose. Just /bite/ the hands that feed you, why don't you? Octavian smiles dazzingly at his cousin as he offers an arm once more, "You are more than welcome to learn on the lyre I already own, dear cousin. What if you decide you do not enjoy playing? Then you are stuck with an instrument you do not want." As for getting home, the smile fades, replaced by an arrogant expression, "Ideed. The sooner we are gone, the happier I shall be." Although he doesn't mind the slight bit of attention he is getting, even if it -is- from Atlanteans. Selene would be shocked the day that Octavian was annoyed by attention focused in his direction, no matter the sourse. With a firm gesture to the two guards who are practicing to be statues the quad departs quickly through the thickly crowded areas of the marketplace to find a sparcely populated area to stetch their wings and take flight. While Kai gets her sweetbread from the thunderstruck Mongrel seller, Ronan and his now-glowering brother return to her side, bringing with them a wineskin for the two of them to split and a smaller one with a watered vintage within for Kaiulani herself. Thus, the Atlantean maiden has a piece of sweetbread and something to drink between which to alternate, and it's the latter she's sampling when Sunrose asks her question. A Daughter of Water she may be, but she can still drink down the wrong portion of her throat, and Kai makes a startled little choking noise before gasping out, "I beg your pardon?" Amazement kindles in her expression, and here comes that smile of hers, along with a ripple of laughter in her words. Her _guards_, on the other hand, both now match the Mongrel in doing fair impressions of men who have just been slapped upside the head by dock pylons. "Young woman," Akane puts in in tones of freezing reproof, "that is an impertinent question!" Benja blinks at the question that is put to Kaiulani and a low growl begins in the back of his throat. A threatening scowl being shot toward the young healer for her insolent and insulting question of his most noble and pure Kaiulani. Strong webbed fingers grip at the wood of the stall, curling there, ready. Sunrose squeaks as she does whenever her big mouth blunders. She quickly claps a hand over her mouth, and her complexion changes the creamy shade for one so red that her whole face seems to have been flamed by the fire so reknown to the Varati. To the wandering eye, Sunrose would have appeared to be nothing more than an overgrown lobster. Eyes blink in an oblivious, owl-like way as if they cannot even believe the audacity of the mouth which habits the territory beneath them. Gulping as if a frog was stuck in her throat, Sunrose attempts to apologize. Mouth opens, only to slam shut as Akane assaults her. She wrings her hands together, green eyes looking from Kai to her guards. Quickly, her startled mind tries to analyze the situation. Kaiulani has guards, therefore she is rich. Rich people are mean-- I mean, look at the Empyreans! Have they been anything by people with thornweed jammed up their arses? Wince. Any mindreader for miles around could have heard the scream echoing in Sunrose's mind. Yes, having guards about it a good thing and Tavi plans on acquiring some for his jaunts outside the Palladium. Sensing the attention is off of him, he pouts a bit and tosses his silvery curls once. Huh...they don't even know what they're looking at anyways. He is much more appreciated in the Palladium anyhow. Shifting the lute so that he can fly, he spreads his wings, knowing that they will catch the afternoon sun just right. He has t all down to an art now. Selene leaps into the air and takes flight, disappearing into the sky above Haven. Selene has left. Octavian leaps into the air and takes flight, disappearing into the sky above Haven. Octavian has left. As it happens, Kaiulani and her guards _are_ Atlantean -- though the maiden isn't quite adept enough, not yet, at catching emotions out of the minds of those who are not her kind. Even as the guardsmen grimace against the explosion of emotion from the Sylvan, Kai goes instead simply by the flush that sweeps across Sunrose's countenance -- and she whirls on Akane, fine pale brows winging down over eyes now sparking with reproof of her own. *Akane, you're ordered to guard me, not play nurse or father! If you can't keep a civil tone, do not speak!* Akane's eyes harden, and for a split second he simply glares with a piercing gaze at the princess. Then he sends back a short, edged wordless acknowledgement, before his mind snaps shut to both her and his brother -- though if the anxious gaze Ronan gives him is any indication, the younger guardsman is pelting him with silent attempts to mediate the situation, now. Kaiulani whirls back, then, bright hair shifting about her shoulders. She manages a crooked little smile to Sunrose, saying, "Akane is under the mistaken impression that he is in charge of the manners of who address me, as well as my physical welfare. I beg you, do not be frightened!" She lifts a hand, palm up, spreading her fingers cajolingly. "To answer your question... no one. The only one who I'd accept in _that_ particular role" -- and as she utters this, both her guardsmen start, and stare at her in renewed shock -- "is not yet... available." Now is the time for the 100 meter mad dash! Sunrose spins around on her heel, leaning over as her body sinks into a servile posture. So caught up in her fright, Sunrose does not hear the Kaiulani's warm words nor her reprimand of her guards. Without warning, the young girl hurls herself in the direction opposite of Kaiulani and her guards. She might have escaped had it not been for the huge form of a Varati behind her. Sunrose manages to sprint into the massive pot-belly of the Varati. Growling as if he were no more than a rabid dog, the violated Varati-beast slaps the scrawny Sylvan with the force that sends her golden head straight for the wooden pastry booth. With a dull thump, skull meets wood. Conciousness flees away as throttles of pain assault Sunrose. Dark lashes close over those emerald orbs, the thickets of ebony resting over a still lobster like complexion. Sunrose lays sprawled out on the soiled floor of the Rialto, matted hair tangled with the various adulterators. This news brings its own reaction from the man hiding in the shadows. His angered gaze is transferred from the young sylvan to the beautiful visage of Kaiulani. His jaw sets firmly, though his throat seems to have a mind of its own as it jumps with repeated swallows against the lump that has suddenly risen in his throat. She has an intended. Green eyes lower to the ground in a darker scowl than a moment ago. She has found a mate... Despair rides through suddenly dulled eyes as he watches the healer's little demise. There is no reaction to it, he only watches his charge, _his_ Kaiulani... who has chosen a suitor... *Lady, you cannot be serious--!* *But, but Kaiulani, you do not _know_ him--* "I know him well enough, for he has guarded me far more effectively for far more of my life than either of--" Kaiulani cuts herself off, stunned and then horrified as Sunrose tries to run and then gets herself slammed into the side of the booth. "Out of my way!" she cries then to the scowling Varati, dodging around him to throw herself to her knees at the side of the crumpled Sylvan, though she knows very little of what to do for someone that's hurt. Benja's coppery brow furrows at these words from her, and his breath comes a little faster. He looks over the faces of the guards and then over Kaiulani's to see if there was some other topic at hand that brought on this mention that could only be about him. Could she mean...? No. No, she couldn't. He reprimands himself for such lofty thoughts. What would one so fine do with a crippled mate. He has always known his place, and he will not deceive himself with illusions of her ever returning his feelings. That is one battle he cannot fight... for the outcome, he is certain, would devestate him. To be sure, if Kaiulani is harboring feelings for anyone, it can't be for the two guards that have aroused her ire, both of whom she now ignores save to snap out orders. _Now_ she drops back into mindspeech, the practice of the morning temporarily forgotten as her anger at the way Akane had frightened Sunrose roils over both Akane's and Ronan's minds, along with a scathing demand for one of them to go to the Delphi gates and call for a healer. It's Ronan who leaps to her bidding, while Akane applies himself to simply standing nearby -- though his face is set in hostile lines, his eyes dark and thunderous. "Healer be demmed, just get the guttersnipe out of here," the Mongrel sweetbread seller demands, his earlier shock giving way to his annoyance that the nobles are causing trouble. "And take your trouble with you!" Benja glances toward the Delphi and then back to the inert healer on the ground. He does not know why, but he knows she is not of the Delphi, and that other healer said the Delphi was bad. He has no loyalty to this street urchin, but he does see the desire to aid her on Kaiulani's face. Slipping from his hiding place and keeping out of view of the guards an their charge, he approaches a familiar little mongrel who helped her when she healed him. "Girl hurt. No Delphi." He whispers to the boy, pointing toward the fallen Sunrose. The boy looks confused for a moment, and then sees Sunrose and hurries over, kneeling beside her, "What happened? Healer? Are you alright?" Ronan's already halfway across the market, leaving Akane there to face the Mongrel boy and turn on him warily -- just as Kaiulani looks sharply up with a mental outburst of *Do not even _think_ it!* at her guard. Aloud, brusquely (if her silvered tones might ever be described as brusque), she answers the lad, "This Sylvan has hit her head; she breathes, but she needs a healer, and she needs a place to rest in safety--" "Away from me stall!" the sweetbread seller insists hotly. "--I've sent my guard for Delphi, you need not worry," Kaiulani concludes, shooting the merchant a frown. The mongrel boy shakes his head vehemently, "No! Not the Delphi!" He wails. "They'll take 'er!" In a sudden panic, he jumps to his feet and hooks his small hands under the arms of Sunrose, and tries with all his small might to drag her away to some place safe. His wince at the vendor's words shows his fear plainly, but he still tries. What--? Akane goes for the knife at his side at this outburst from the boy, his temper already worn thin -- but fortunately, Kaiulani is closer, and she swiftly reaches to steady the poor unconscious Sylvan while peering in deep bemusement at the agitated youngster. *RONAN, WAIT!* peals forth out of her mind, bringing a grimace of fleeting pain to Akane's grim countenance and turning the heads of a few other Atlanteans several yards away. But it also stops the guardsman, who halts in his hasty approach to Delphi's gates. And in the meantime, strain beginning to show in Kai's eyes, she demands of the Mongrel, "Don't jostle her--! Where to take her, then, if not Delphi?" Benja melts into another shadow, watching from a distance as the boy seems to be handling it well enough. The sad little eyes look up at the lady and he sniffles, "She healed my master once. She can stay at his shop. Its right over there!" He points in the general direction of where he came from. Farther than the gates of Delphi from where she now kneels, yet still within sight of the marketplace... Kaiulani frowns at this, struggling with the decision at hand, looking the boy up and down. "Your master will attend to her wound?" she asks the young Mongrel, trying not to sound sharp, but she's managed to give herself a headache now on top of her irritation with her guards and the strain of it is roughening her voice. The boy nods quickly. "She is a healer, she will heal by herself too, but my master will help!" He assures her. Benja, steps out of the way of the direction that the boy is pointing in. Decision made. "All right, guide us, please -- and Akane! Make yourself useful," Kaiulani orders, waving the scowling young man closer. "Carry her, and carefully! Call your brother, too!" If Akane is displeased at the imperious way the Pandion maid is commanding him, he's now succeeding in masking it well, especially as Kai pulls in her mental presence as best as she can behind the veil of dull pain rising up behind her eyes. He crouches down to lift the Sylvan girl up into his arms, leaving the princess to beckon at the Mongrel boy in her attempt to encourage him to run ahead and show them the way. Once her back is to Akane and to his brother who comes hastening back through the crowd, she pauses just long enough to pinch the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger, momentarily hiding her wince behind the webs between her digits. As the boy nods and lets the man take Sunrose, he leads the way quickly toward his master's shop. Benja does not move from his place near the road, letting them walk by him fairly close and not exactly hiding this time, lest he be too obvious. Concern flashes upon his features for Kaiulani, but the look is quickly cast to the ground, so that she will not see it. As the odd procession makes it way along, another figure, slender enough beneath her homespun cloak, but bearing a decided humpback, detaches itself from a paint and brush vendor on the end of one aisle. Both hooded and cloaked, the figure is difficult to make out, save that it bears a basket and the hand that holds it is riotously tattooed. The figure follows Kaiulani and the others at some distance, keeping to the sides of the booths and looking for all the world like just another shopper. The Mongrel boy is too agitated to pay attention to the big deep-voiced shark hunter who's put him to the task of helping Sunrose; the lad charges right by where Benja unobtrusively lurks, shrilling out his master's name even as he hits the edge of the marketplace and the narrow roadway around it, flying the last few steps to the shop's front door. Behind Kaiulani, her guards are focused for the time being on following _her_, and Akane in particular with carrying the Sylvan; Akane is arrogant, but he's not entirely cruel, and thus he does carry Sunrose with a proper support for her battered skull. But both he and his brother miss the hunter peering around the corner of the stall that more or less still hides him... ... and Kaiulani strides right past Benja, no farther than two yards between them, just as she rubs at her brow. But she keeps moving, and when her hand comes down again... he is already behind her. Benja stiffens ever so slightly as she passes so close to him, drawing a deep breath to chance catching a bit of her scent. When she is past him, he turns on his heel to watch as the boy leads them into the shop. The figure that follows is quickly noted and Benja is in motion, following that humped figure, lurking amidst the shadows as he does. The figure does a bit of lurking itself, pausing now and again to finger some ware to retain that inconspicuous air. Of course, how many hooded and cloaked figures with humpbacks do you see? But the chill has sent many scurrying for more clothes. It continues to trail at a distance, furtive glances confirming that it watches Kaiulani most closely. As the Mongrel boy's master bursts out of the shop, attracted by the lad's outcries, Kaiulani steps up to take charge of the situation and explain to the man -- Sylvan, like Sunrose, though much older and with lines at the corners of his green eyes -- what has befallen the unconscious healer. It doesn't take long for recognition of the young woman to cross the Sylvan merchant's face, and he swiftly beckons the princess and her two attendants into his shop, promising to make the wounded girl as comfortable as he can. The little knot of people vanishes within... leaving, for the time being, the two who trail Kaiulani without the object of their respective vigils. Benja stays relatively close behind the cloaked figure that watches Kaiulani, though he remains unobtrusive for the moment. Just watching. What will the person do? Why is he watching Kaiulani like that? The shady humpback in the cloak discreetly follows the party right up the the door, glancing up at the sign, and turns to finger a few painted pots at the merchant next door as if that had been the original intent. Perhaps it was. The basket is shifted into the other hand, lacking a tattoo, even as the humpback seems to shiver a little. Rather odd that. But the movement reveals a brief flash of color and the shine of a knife at the figure's side, before it moves deeper into shadow. The figure approaches the very stall that now conceals Kaiulani, and that is enough to bring a frown to the coppery lines of Benja's masculine features. Closing the distance between himself and that person quickly, while still remaining as much out of view as he can, he is within thirty paces of her when he spies the glint off of the knife. A low growl begins to eminate from his chest, threatening, and yet unheard from this distance. The dangerous green intent within his solid gaze is undeniable. No one will hurt Kaiulani. The figure replaces the pots, leaving the shadow to gaze once more towards the doorway. Cloak and all, it drifts closer, leaning nonchalantly against a wall with one cloth-clad shoulder. That hump shivers again, in a rather nauseating way, but no glint is revealed this time. The figure becomes motionless, attaining an air of waiting, and yet no one seems to notice it...save one guardian in the shadows. Teeth grinding together soundlessly, Benja glares from within his shadow at the being he knows to have that knife. He cannot risk attacking without knowing that it is Kaiulani the figure wishes. He cannot be seen by Kaiulani or her guards... If they hear a struggle they will come out and question him, find out he is unable to mindspeak and jump to their conclusions. He cannot have that unless Kaiulani's life is certainly in danger. So, he bides his time, and waits. The basket is shifted from one arm to the other once more, and the figure detaches itself from the wall, drawing a little closer to the doorway to hear what is said, perhaps, or merely to study the wares within. But it draws away again sharply, retreating to another shadow in the alley between that stall and the potseller, still unaware of Benja nearby. What is said within, it seems, is growing gradually more louder... ah, the door of the shop now opens, and Ronan is the first of Kaiulani's guards to emerge, casting back an all-clear to his brother and she who is under their protection. Behind him, now that the door is open, Kaiulani's voice drifts out into the narrow street: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness; I trust the healer will be in good hands. And yes, I insist, keep the coinage to buy her a meal -- she looked hungry. Good night...!" As the door begins to open, Benja presses himself as tightly into the shadow he occupies as he can, while remaining ready to spring upon the cloaked being. The shady figure paces a few steps under the shadow of the awnings, pausing at the corner of a stall perilously close to Benja to lean against a counter nonchalantly. The merchant looks up, both hopeful and dismayed at the odd figure before him, although it fingers his wares carefully. The hooded head turns from time to time, looking over the shoulder at Kai and entourage before leaving the counter and edging along under the shadows. Out in Ronan's wake comes Kaiulani, casting a final lopsided little smile at the Sylvan and his Mongrel -- slave? servant? she doesn't know, and at the moment, with the headache throbbing behind her eyes, the Pandion princess is not in a mood to debate the niceties of lander ranks or lack thereof. Now that the afternoon has fled and night has fallen, her earlier thoughts of exploring the city further have gone with the daylight; all she wants now is to return to her sleeping pool and rest. Still stiffly ignoring Akane, who is the last of the trio to emerge from the little shop, she wheels in the direction of the Korallion, determined to walk with pride even if she can't entirely keep a measure of barely repressed pain out of her expression. As Kaiulani leaves the shop, angling herself towards the south, the figure detaches itself from the deeper shadows and follows at a distance, merely avoiding the pools of torchlight in the growing darkness. Although it most certainly follows the princess, there is a hesitance, a wish not to be seen, and it ducks into alleyways or pauses whenever a guard looks its way. It pauses, unaware, before Benja's hiding place at one point, and if he listened closely enough, he might hear it muttering to itself, words unclear. Benja has had enough of this. Moving as quietly and quickly as he can, he skirts around to try and place himself in front of the parade of people. Waiting for Kaiulani and her guards to pass where he has hidden himself, he suddenly steps out directly in front of Deianyra as she comes upon that same place. Danger radiates from him, and can clearly be read within the dark, menacing scowl on his face. A devout follower of Pasiphae has suggested to Kaiulani that her vigilant protector might be an instrument of the Moon-goddess -- but be that as it may, enactor of divine will or simply a lovesick, mind-mute shark hunter, Benja goes unseen yet again by Kaiulani in the growing darkness. Swiftly the maiden and her two guards head southward out of the marketplace. Akane's features have grown cold and hard; Ronan's, etched in lines of worry and certainty that this latest clash between his brother and their charge can bode nothing good. And Kaiulani, now keenly regretting tossing aside the watered wine when she'd had to aid the Sylvan, moves off into the growing night, unaware that her protector is about to prove his vigilance again.... [And just after Kaiulani and her guards move out of range...] As clearly as the emotions upon Benja's face, so are they upon Deianyra's, for with his movement to block her path, she had drawn back in a guilty start, the hood falling to her shoulders. A wealth of dye-streaked copper hair reflects the torchlight, as do the crystals in her braids. Twilight eyes blink twice, thrice and then she nods her head, as if it were only an accident their paths crossed. She sidesteps him and continues down the street after Kai in her nonchalant manner, as if she were merely going to the beach or elsewhere for a holiday. Benja's eyes are cold and hard, no emotion and no traces of kindness or mercy upon his coppery visage as he meets her gaze. Her sidestep is countered with his own, placing himself again between she and Kaiulani, an meaningful determination on his face. Deianyra blinks again, confusion contorting the lovely features of her face. "Excuse me, sir, but you're in my way." She says pointedly in her light contralto. That said, she sidesteps him again, placing a hand briefly on his arm to keep him out of her way. Benja lowers his brows darkly. "No." He answers firmly, moving once more to place himself between the women. "You _no_ hurt her." He tells Deianyra with a low growl beginning in his chest. Deianyra blinks once more, the confusion deepeening the hue of her eyes to ebon, but it begins to clear. "Hurt her? Hurt whom? The woman? Why would I hurt her?" Those eyes narrow appraisively, studying Benja. "Who are you to tell me what to do?" The chill of the ocean's floor rides within the dark voice of Kaiulani's protector. "Woman." Benja nods in confirmation. "You follow. Have knife." He explains slowly, purposefully. "Will no let hurt her." He declares forcefully. The champion for his lady. And a valiant one he is, although his lady knows it not. The husky tone of Deia's contralto deepens in fierce reply. "I think you are mistaken, finnie. And what I do is my own business, not yours. Now get out of my way. Please." She adds at the end, as if an afterthought. "Why follow?" He demands in a rumbling deep voice. "If try hurt her, _is_ my business." Simple as that. Kaiulani may never know, but he will fight to the death to protect her while he can. Deianyra arches a brow, clearly unimpressed. She crosses her arms across her chest, the basket still dangling from stained fingers. "And I ask again, why? What makes you think I was even following that woman? Are you some sort of guard in disguise?" She asks, raking him with another violet glance. "Saw you." Benja replies coldly. "Saw knife. Saw you wait and follow." He does not answer who he is it is not her concern, in his mind. And in /her/ mind, it is not his concern what she does; it is merely her own. "Perhaps you're stalking her, hmm? Don't want anyone to harm her before you get the chance? Is someone paying you or something? Do you have to provide proof and need to get to her first?" Deianyra asks off-handedly. "I might be doing her a favor if I warned her about you." Benja's growl deepens. "She knows." He asserts with absolute conviction, showing none of the concern that rises within him at the thought of some one pointing him out to Kaiulani. He takes a menacing step forward. "You try hurt her, I will find you." He threatens icily. Deianyra hmphs haughtily, although she does take two short steps back. "I tire of this game, finnie, and the hour grows late. But I will tell you again, you are mistaken." With that, the shivering of her cloak is much more than ever before, and the brown homespun is pushed aside by the sweep of two bedyed wings unfolding to an impressive expanse. "Goodnight." She bids lightly, her wings beating a buffeting downdraft of air to lift her skyward. But there may be little ease to his peace of mind, for the way she wings is south, after Kaiulani. But up there, she cannot be stopped by her champion and guardian. But one must wonder, does she need stopping? What were her true intentions? Perhaps no one will ever know. Benja makes his way toward the Korallion quickly. He cannot fly, but he will follow to be sure that Kaiulani and her guards make it safely to their home. [End log.]