"The Runaway Princess" Log Date: 6/23/01 Log Cast: Naiadre, Kaiulani Log Intro: Her family has argued for some time that Pandion Kaiulani should learn adult decisiveness and propriety. Some might even argue that the girl needs to learn to stand up for what she believes in. The problem with these convictions, however, is that what Kaiulani believes in and what her family thinks she ought to believe in are two very different things--at least where Benja, the shark hunter who has protected her and saved her from peril ever since they were both small, is concerned. Never mind that for most of her life, Benja had never answered her questing telepathic calls. Never mind that up until recently, she's never known his name--and that as of yet, she has still to even lay eyes on him in more than brief fleeting glimpses. As far as Kai is concerned, she hasn't had to. She has held him in her arms in darkness, and been held by him; she has heard his voice murmuring gently to her, full of lively teasing passion and understanding for her and everything she lives, surging into protective growls whenever he thinks she is threatened. He has given her treasure after treasure, and he has given her the unshakeable gift of knowing that she is cherished--even if she hasn't ever felt it in his mind. If there is anything Kaiulani has learned from her sojourn among the landers in Haven, it is that it is possible to love without telepathy being involved. Because she loves Benja. And now, no matter what her family might have to say about it, she is determined to be with him. She cannot bear to tell her sister Alamoana to her face that she is leaving her--but there is one other Kaiulani trusts with the knowledge of her impending departure, the acolyte of Pasiphae who has taught her how to sharpen her control upon her erratic thoughts. And so, she seeks out Naiadre.... *===========================< In Character Time >==========================* Time of day: Night (Dawnside) Date on Aether: Thursday, July 2, 3908. Year on Earth: 1508 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waning Gibbous Season: Summer Weather: Partly Cloudy Temperature: Warm *==========================================================================* Temple - Korallion - Haven(#1935RJLh) Darkness, that and the sense of it being unusual chilly in this coral building is the first impression after stepping inside Pasiphae's Home away from Home. As one's eyes adjust to the dimmed light this impression makes way for something completely different though. The lack of total illumination which blinds the outer world allows the eyes and other senses to pick up the beauty the gentle light of the Moon brings to all. In the middle an open space remains, no benches but cushions can be found on the cold rocky floor for those willing to rest and pray in joined silence. Above the open ceiling is covered by a blanket of seaweed through which' small openings the light sips in and provides an easy seagreen atmosphere. The temple's crescent outer form is copied inside by a rocky formation around this open space so the impression of an underwater cave is given. This strange inner structure does more than give the impression of the 4 states of the Moon, it provides alcoves in all it's walls and a mazelike appearance. In these statues of Pasiphae, symbols of this Mistress of Beasts, the water and other artwork can be admired. All illuminated by small burning globes. Except for the eastern wall, there an emptiness resembling Her Absense is filled with the holy altar from which ceremonies are lead. There, only the darkness of the night remains. There are +views here. Contents: Naiadre Obvious exits: Sanctum Courtyard The sacred space within the Temple walls is cool and near as dark as the New Moon itself. The air outside is already touched by the warmth and the first splinters of gray of the day to come, hinting that the heat will again be unbearable, and Atlanteans will again seek sanctuary within the Temple or under the waves. With the advent of such sultry summer heat, many of the water people have taken to roaming at night when they can, and thus, even at this late, or early, hour, the Temple is not totally quiet. Sandals and bare feet scuffle against tiling and stone on occasion, the occasional torch flutters to provide light. But on the whole, the Temple, even with at least a dozen worshippers and devotees to Pasiphae within it, is eerily quiet, as to be expected in a place populated by mind-speakers. The First Acolyte stands apart from the others within the Temple, arms folded about herself as she watches figures come and go from an empty alcove near the doorway dais. Kaiulani is not necessarily inclined to quiet, herself. Her spirit is drawn to the life and vigor of the city around her -- and the fact that she has not been able to explore it freely chafes her restless soul to no end. She has over the last many months almost become a ghost haunting the Korallion, unwilling to depend upon her guards if in their company is the only way she can see the world. Now, though, one of the few places that remains to her as a place where she may go unescorted is the Temple. She slips in with neither Akane nor Ronan nor Sangwyn keeping her company -- and something more than her unusual solitude lends animation and purpose to her bearing. Her ocean-green eyes flash their gaze this way and that, scrutinizing her surroundings carefully. Standing a mere three inches taller than Kaiulani, Naiadre differs little outwardly from the other girl, save perhaps a bit in coloring. But looking within her eyes, one would find a mirror reflecting a soul completely different than Kai's. Those flawed jade eyes flow across the Temple floor, singling out the new figure who has just entered, recognizing the silhouette and the aura about the woman after but a moment. No outward expression shows upon her face, barely illumined by the torch flickering beside her alcove, but the thoughts that twine towards Kaiulani make her greeting clear. Upon a rush of kelp and coral colors, Naia's signature, *Pasiphae Bless you and make you welcome, Princess. I have not seen you in weeks. How do you fare?* Princess. It's not really a title to which she should properly aspire -- Sarojin doesn't use it for her. Neither do any others of her kin, or those who guard her. And so it takes Kaiulani a bit by surprise, even as she swivels her pale head Naiadre's way and smiles crookedly in greeting. A few steps bring her swiftly closer -- for indeed, the First Acolyte is what has drawn her into the Temple at this early hour. At close range, it may perhaps be more apparent that a roiling energy has possessed the girl. She walks taller than is normal for her, and there is an especial urgency in each little motion she makes; her eyes in particular reflect it, full of a barely repressed excitement that paradoxically somehow doesn't manage to lend volume to her thoughts. *I am well,* she sends, and she _does_ color it with a warmly sincere pleasure at seeing the other young woman. *And glad to see you.* Naiadre smiles widely at that, a spontaneous landdweller expression of pleasure that she punctuates by reaching out to embrace the young woman opposite her. Such displays of affection are rare for the reserved young acolyte, but there is nothing reserved about the caring in her thoughts or the gentle hug she gives to Kaiulani, if she's allowed. Stepping back, her smile fades, but the warm sparks of silver in her thoughts do not. *As I am you. What brings you to Pasiphae's Home Away From Home tonight? How can I help you?* Allowed? Oh, most assuredly -- for although Naiadre is more circumspect in displaying her emotions than she, Kaiulani's open heart readily prompts her to not only accept the embrace but return it as well. When she pulls back, it is only far enough to seek the First Acolyte's gaze with her own, and now the Pandion maiden can be seen to nibble at her lower lip. *There is something I came to tell you -- because I don't know when I'll get another chance...!* Her mind's voice has pulled down to almost a whisper, the mental 'tunnel' which she was once taught to create narrowing in almost without effort upon the thoughts of the other woman. The aspiring priestess' regard is steady and thoughtful, another shower of sparks within the braided twine of her thoughts revealing another stab of pleasure and pride. *You have become quite adept at controlling your thoughts, Kaiulani. Either you have acquired another teacher or you have been practicing hard. Either way, congratulations are in order.* One slender hand reaches out to squeeze the Pandion woman's for a moment. *Now, what has you in such a nervous state? What do you wish to tell me?* Kaiulani shakes her head swiftly, though she is grinning even now. *No other teacher,* she answers, and though her thoughts are kept tight and focused, they veritably crackle with the emotions she is repressing for the time being. *I have been practicing... I felt it needed...!* And then, though she readily returns the squeeze to her fingers, her smile slips sideways. *I am... about to do something, and I need your counsel...!* Naiadre blinks, although this is the only outward expression of a sudden spike of curiosity and concern within her thoughts, a spray of mauve and orange twined with her own colors. *Of course, Kaiulani. What is it?* Acutely conscious that there are others milling about the Temple, Kaiulani does her best to keep as casual a stance as possible -- and to keep her expression and her thoughts focused exclusively upon the acolyte. _No one_ else must know, and that alone is enough to give the maiden an uncommon intensity and determination.... Or, perhaps, to let her show those qualities within her that had been there all along, but never sharpened and brought out from beneath the flightiness of youth. *I need to know,* she sends, thin tendrils of mind's color laying down unhesitant courses into Naiadre's thoughts, *from someone I trust if I what I suspect of my... cousin is true. Because what I am about to do will infuriate him... and I need to know what I can expect.* She pauses. And then she adds baldly, a tiny fiery ember of contact that utterly belies her seemingly casual stance, *Naiadre, I am leaving the Korallion.* The fingers that still lightly clasp Kaiulani's tighten in a sudden spasm of shock. Pale jade eyes widen, reflecting sparks of the torchlight like shiny, polished jewels. *Leaving? But...where are you going?* Within her thoughts, a flaw within that polished reserved exterior shimmers momentarily. *Are you to return home, to Pandion? But why do you ask me of Sarojin?* Confusion and palpable regret color her thoughts darker, muted shades. Clearly, she does not want to Kaiulani to leave. Another subtle but undeniable shake of Kaiulani's pearl-maned head. *Not home to Pandion,* comes her reply, delivered with eyes that go liquid and thoughts that roll forward to impulsively embrace those of the other woman even as they'd physically embraced just a moment before. And now both her mind and her expression let through a gleam of excitement, of longing, of something that might almost be triumph. *I am going to _him_..!* Naiadre's mind is not a submissive thing, and not easy to encompass at all. Full of prickles and cascades of raw emotion that are deeply buried. But something of Kai's confession has shaken loose a portion of her shielding. Uncomfortable though it may be, Naiadre does not yet withdraw, twining instead deeper into Kai's thoughts, hoping for a glimpse of her meaning, seeking images and emotions to give away more. To Naiadre as she will to no other save perhaps her own sister will Kaiulani consent to bare the images being sought. Odd images they might be considered as well, impressions of sense and sound and touch rather than sight -- but they are distinctly palpable all the same. *My protector,* she murmurs within the tight band of mindspeech. *I have been slipping out to meet him...!* And the images flicker in and out of her words like darting fish: a pair of strong, muscular arms holding her close. Her voice a soprano descant to a rich, rumbling baritone, the two of them whispering urgently together in the darkness of a secret tunnel. A feeling of unutterable rightness and safety in that embrace, in arms that have killed a shark to save her. *Naiadre... he has given me his _name_...!* And with that, color tinges the maiden's cheeks and kindles a shine in her eyes and in her thoughts. Lids flicker briefly shut, to savor and process the flow of sensations and thoughts that, for all their richness, take only a few moments when shared mind-to-mind. Lashes lift again, the paleness of flawed jade boring intensely into Kaiulani's green eyes. *All this time, you have been in communication with him, have been seeing him, without anyone knowing?* A partial measure of uncertainty and disbelief accompany that, although she has the proof from Kaiulani's own memory. *This man that your cousin has hunted, that you say is your protector...and yet I can see from your memories that he is. At leat, in your mind. Either he has cultivated some belief in you, or he has truly watched you all your life. But how do you truly know you can trust him? There are those...there are those who can make you think things, can take memories from your mind, without your ever knowing it, Kaiulani. They use their magic in an evil way, a wrong way, but it can be done.* Naiadre warns the young woman earnestly. It can be sensed that she does this from caring, not deviousness, and her own knowledge of what she speaks, though fledgling, is new and quite true. *My guards know,* Kaiulani has to admit, peering back over her shoulder for a fleeting instant as though she half-expects one of her guardsmen to come in through the front entrance at any moment. *Akane... caught me. But they do not understand, any of them--* Her gaze flashes back around, meeting Naiadre's once more as she absorbs the acolyte's wave of concern and the words that flow along the current of it all. She listens, and she even sends back a flow of gratitude -- for impulsive as she may be, Kaiulani understands genuine concern when she senses it. But there's a palpable anxiety there as well, one born out of the fact that Sarojin himself has made almost this same argument to her, the only difference being that Naiadre does not address her as a child with a head full of ridiculous romantic notions. *I acknowledge that,* she answers at last, very softly. *But I _know_ what I have seen all my life. I _know_ he's been there; I've glimpsed him. Several times. I've found the gifts he's left for me ever since I was a small girl... and oh, Naiadre... if I cannot trust my own memories, and my own heart, what _can_ I trust? I _love_ him!* She lifts up her hands then, squeezing the other woman's shoulders, and going on with that same uncharacteristic determination, *But I have come to you... just in case.* Another crooked grin, almost sheepish, as Kai concludes, *I'm _trying_ to be a little sensible. Even if my cousin would never believe it.* A tremor of anxiety echoes back through their link, only the faintest smile tugging at Naiadre's lips. *It is well-known I am not fond of your cousin. But lately even I have learned to temper my emotions, for the sake of those I care about. I believe I must do the same again now.* Gazing intently at Kaiulani, her mental words are strong, wrapped in steel-colored threads. *Kaiulani, are you /sure/ he is what you think him to be? How can you love him, if you have only now learned his name? How deep has he allowed you into his mind? And how can you be certain that he is not trying to use you to get at your cousin? Sarojin is the center of many plots and much hatred. He has many enemies.* Impulse surges up within the girl, making her want to cry out -- how can she _not_ love him? But because this is Naiadre, Kaiulani pulls it back. She squares her shoulders, and even though her thoughts reel back some in hurt that even this acolyte who has helped her trained her mind can't necessarily just trust what she _knows_ in the very core of her heart, she manages to bolster herself against it. And admit in all honesty, though it pains her to have to do so, *I _don't_ know these things for absolute certain... and... we haven't shared our thoughts. Not yet. We have only met in the darkness--* To this, her brow crinkles in frustration. *It's hard to touch minds in the dark. I can only say -- I trust what have I known all of my life. I don't think he wants to hurt me or my family. He killed a _shark_ to protect me, Naiadre. I _remember_ it. I _still_ have the scar on my leg where it bit me...! I'll get the proof that you need... that my family needs... to be able to trust him. But I can't do it locked away here. I have to go to him. Don't you see?* And as she sends, her emotions and words grow more agitated -- not entirely grown up is Kaiulani, even now, even after months in Haven. A teenager's impetutous feelings roil through her in chaotic blends of color. But she _has_ been learning discipline -- and confidence in her decision shines, solid and glowing, in the midst of the rush of mind. The surge of pain within Kaiulani, the utter feeling of being misunderstood by all around her, strikes an answering chord within Naiadre, a deeply buried pain that threatens to rise, spilling images long buried. A flickering image of Naiadre's family, scowling at her in hatred, a cry of pain in a dark night. But the images are quickly swallowed beneath the First Acolyte's reserved veneer, eyes blinking rapidly before they fix upon Kaiulani again. Yet there is little calm within them. If anything, Kaiulani's further words only add to the roiling anxiety Naiadre tries to contain, attempting to keep it only between them, very aware of the other priests beyond their alcove, attuned in this place for troubled thoughts. *You have not touched his mind?!* If one can shout telepathically, Naiadre is doing it. *'Tis the most natural thing between Atlanteans, even if it is dark. The Lirites manage it, you should be able to as well. How can you be sure of him, say you /love/ him, if you have not shared his thoughts? And you wish to run away with him? A man you do not even know?* Her pale features crinkle up in a wince, exactly as if Naiadre had shouted aloud -- though part of Kaiulani's wince is born out of a heavy self-awareness that she can't be exactly _surprised_ at that reaction. She winces. But she does not otherwise flinch. She doesn't point out that she isn't a Lirite, and moreover, she's relatively knew to the potential of her own mind's strength as it is. The urge to snap back that she just _is_ sure is strong -- but if there is anything she has managed to learn on her tempestuous journey into adulthood, it is that all too seldom is that enough to win an argument and get what you desire. With that, then, Kaiulani draws in a breath and closes her eyes, focusing her thoughts again and throwing her memories wide open for Naiadre's inspection, to make of what she will. Her protector's voice, thrumming with passionate concern as they spoke of the shark that had attacked her three years ago -- and the dogs that had attacked her and her guards in the park. His teasing mischief as he observes and quite rightly that she has rejoiced in her ability to elude her guards, even temporarily. His awareness that there is hardly anything in the world that captivates her more than a puzzle to solve, unless it be a new place to explore. The tender way he bore her back to the Korallion when she'd fallen from the tree after the attack of the dogs -- and a surge of triumph as she notes this, for if her protector had truly had ill intent, why would he have bothered to bring her back to the Korallion at all, wrapped close in her velvet cloak and lain with care where the sentries were bound to find her? And, for all the periodic roughness of his speech, the unmistakable affection with which he has said her name. The memory of it resonates through her now, that rich growling baritone breathing 'Kaiulani, Kaiulani, Kaiulani'. *I know he's guarded me all my life and arguably _saved_ my life at least twice. I know that no, he hasn't touched my thoughts -- and I intend to ask him why -- but in the head isn't the only way to communicate. His actions speak to me as loudly as any thought could. Maybe that makes me something other than Atlantean...* And now Kai half-turns away, slender frame braced as though she has decided that coming here doesn't seem like such a good idea after all. *But I wanted to tell somebody what I'm doing. In case I _am_... wrong... and need to come back for help. You were the only one I could think to trust to ask.* Slender fingers reach out to stay her, their strength not physical but spurred by adrenaline, fired by emotion. Naiadre does not release the link between their minds. If anything, she strengthens the bonds between them, allowing her sorrow and her regret to flow through the link in a current of red and gray. *Wait...please.* Comes her hesitant thoughts along the link. With them comes the tinge of knowledge granted by the even deeper access that Kaiulani has granted to her memories. 'Tis well known the First Acolyte has a keen and perceptive mind, often picking up even more than the High Priestess wishes to give away. *I...I had no idea. Perhaps I thought in haste. He does seem...genuine. So many memories cannot lie. If it is a plot, 'tis one I don't think many people would have time for. I...* Naiadre's hands draws away, as does her mind partially. But before the shields snap fully into place, a flicker of emotion bubbles up to the surface. Deep pain. And...jealousy. Of Kaiulani. Kaiulani is young, her mind's strength untried -- but still she catches a glimpse of what lies beneath those hastily reconstructed shields, and it brings a keen flare of dismay across her expression and her thoughts. *I'm sorry...!* is the first decipherable bubble in the current of thought, buoyed up by profound distress that she might even inadvertantly caused pain to this woman who has helped her so. But more is coming. The same unshakeable certainty of spirit that drives her to the protector she has met only till now in darkness makes her send swelling forth her sentiments for Naiadre -- teacher, almost a second big sister, and even friend. All of these things, Kaiulani cherishes. *It means a lot to me that _you_* -- unlike certain Decemvirs she could name -- *are willing to _listen_ to what I think, rather than just _telling_ me what you think... know that, please, from the bottom of my heart!* Jade eyes, having fallen away, blink rapidly before they rise to regard Kaiulani once more. Her tremulous smile is echoed within her thoughts, grown tentative as well. *I know. And more than anything, I wish to be there to listen for you. It is only that what you have told me is so sudden, so...distressing in some ways. And that you wish to run away with him...What if we never see you again? Although you know your cousin will not rest until he finds you. Look what he did when we thought Okalani dead!* Another stab of pain flows sickly-green along the link, betraying also how deeply the assumed death of her mentor hurt Naiadre, even though she knows today it to be nothing but another lie, another plot against Sarojin. To _this_, now, Kaiulani can be seen to swallow hard, her gills flexing involuntarily with her trepidation. *That is why I asked you of him,* she confides then. *To see if you thought as I do -- that he will be... angry beyond words, that I choose to do this.* Under the words she shares nervously that while she has to admit that there are aspects of her protector that frighten her, it is an almost _safe_ fear, a giddy exhiliration born of her rock-solid surety that he fundamentally means her well. Not so sure is she, however, of her cousin and Decemvir. Naiadre sighs softly, a warm breath expelled, almost in exasperation. *This opinion too, have I had to revise lately. I truly believe Sarojin means those he cares for no harm. And yet his idea of no harm and ours is findamentally different, somehow. He cares deeply for the High Priestess, and yet I have watched him strike her, hurt her. And yet...not without cause. When he feared her dead, he searched the ocean for her and the land, and hurt others in his cause. He is predictably unpredictable. If Okalani were here, I might ply her mind for suitable reactions, but she is not. All I can say is that you can expect Sarojin to be very angry that you have defied him. Be prepared for him to seek you out and put your mysterious protector in considerable danger. If you simply leave with him, your cousin will assume you have been kidnapped. Unless...* She pauses, her expression growing thoughtful. *Unless?* the Pandion princess prompts, anxious, yet utterly resolved. Sarojin is daunting indeed -- but in this, she will not be swayed. She is going to her protector, will he or won't he. But if Naiadre can offer her advice on how best to make it happen, Kaiulani's mind reflects forth, it will be accepted gladly. Naiadre cants her head minutely, her gaze sweeping briefly beyond Kaiulani and then back to the young woman, gaze intent. *If you simply leave, with no word, Sarojin will never let you rest. And yet, I do not believe he would let you go, knowing even how you feel. It would be your choice, not his, and he must always feel in control, as long as I have known him, it has seemed, anyway.* She pauses again, then continues on, her thoughts cascading in a rush of color. *If you intend to go with your protector, you must go far away, where Sarojin cannot find you for a while, anyway, but I would propose this. Let me meet your protector. Let me speak with him myself. Then I can tell Sarojin that I have met him, and I know what has become of you. I can tell him you went of your own free will. I believe I will have Okalani on my side. And meeting this man of yours will put my own mind at ease.* *Tell my sister, too,* Kaiulani entreats, and for a moment or two, for all her newfound determination, the Pandion girl looks once again quite _young_. *She says that she has met him -- and she may guess where I have gone, but she should know what I have done. And that even though I'm going to go away... I love her.* Once again her white hand seeks Naiadre's, clasping it firmly, a physical echo of the relief and promise and all the other sentiments in her mind. *I will bring him to you.* Naiadre nods once, succinctly, adding a mental question. *Good. Just send me a note where to meet you when it is time. But...will you not speak of this to your sister yourself?* Once again Kaiulani's lower lip catches under the teeth even whiter than her complexion, and pain flickers across her eyes. *She... I... I need to do this without her,* she answers, her mind's voice going small. *Alamoana has looked after me -- I mean, when _he_ hasn't had to. When I've been at home and everything. But... I've always been her _little_ sister.* That one word, emphasized, is shaded through and through with all manner of implications. It has occurred to Kaiulani that she may be trading one protector for another -- or perhaps that she is having to finally choose between protectors. Crashing against _that_ is the conviction that while her sister and her guardian both love her and wish her safe, she is the little sister, the child, the youngster to one. To the other, she is _herself_, _Kaiulani_. She does not wish to abandon the one -- but it is the other, her heart cries, who offers the opportunity for her to achieve freedom and independence. And even in the midst of that... Kaiulani is not at all sure how she can explain that to her sister. Naiadre listens and absorbs every nuance, every inflection of feeling and thought that Kaiulani shares with her, scanning even beyond that, for anything stray that flickers about her aura. *I do not know what it is to be a little sister, or to be so cared for and protected. But I imagine it must be hard for you. I will tell your sister if you wish. But I think she too will be hurting.* Kaiulani's expression goes quite plaintive at that -- for just as she had been flooded with dismay at the prospect of wounding Naiadre, so too does the possibility of wounding her sister bother her deeply. *I will... think about it... Ronan may help me. My guard. He likes her.* Once more the maiden casts a glance over her shoulder, before turning back to impulsively reach forward with arms and with thoughts to embrace the acolyte. *I need to go, Naiadre... but thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will bring Benja to you, I swear it...!* Naiadre smiles bittersweetly, the strength of her affection evident in the wash of silver sparks in her mind and the way she embraces Kai in return. *I will be waiting. Thank you for bringing this to me. You are strong, Kaiulani. Remain so. The Goddess Light your way.* she offers in blessing as she steps back, smiling. She has not pledged herself to Pasiphae -- but even so, Kaiulani can respect the strength of Naiadre's devotion to Her. And so she sends back fervently, *And yours, my friend. And yours,* before she breaks away from the embrace and retreats with that boundless restless energy of hers into the morning. [End log.]