"An Ally in the Temple"
Log Date:
7/11/00
Log Cast:
Naiadre, Rhys, Kaiulani, Artin
Log Intro:
Much to her deep shock and distress, Kaiulani has learned directly
from her cousin Sarojin that he has issued orders to her guardsmen that if
they cannot capture her mysterious nameless protector, then they are to
kill him. Appalled that her kinsman could be so coldly brutal, disheartened
that the vast majority of her family members still do not accept her own
heartfelt conviction that the strange personage who has kept watch over her
all her life is doing it because he is _good_, Kai keeps to the Korallion
only now because her sister specifically asked it of her--and shies away
in distress from her two guards Akane and Ronan, not knowing when they will
try to harm the person somewhere out there she _knows_ cares about her
well-being.
One tiny little corner of her mind doubts where her heart does not, though, just enough of a corner that Kai does also ask herself whether her
family might be right. She does not wawnt to believe them--she doesn't want
her dream rescuer to prove a lie. But then again, she doesn't want to
think that her own cousin might cold-bloodedly order the killing of an
innocent man, either. In turmoil, her budding telepathic gifts stirred up
by her agitation, Kaiulani finds her control slipping on her thoughts. And
it is this that brings her to the attention of the First Acolyte of the
temple of Pasiphae, as well as a man who introduces himself only as Rhys....
*===========================< In Character Time >===========================*
Time of day: Morning
Date on Aether: Tuesday, October 7, 3906.
Year on Earth: 1506 A.D.
Phase of the Moon: First Quarter
Season: Fall
Weather: Clouds
Temperature: Cool
*==========================================================================*
You leave the entrance hall, making your way into the courtyard.
Courtyard - Korallion - Haven
The entrance to the Korallion is preceded by a large courtyard. It is
surrounded by a natural rock wall, though the floor has been smoothed and
layered with deep blue coral. To the north is an opening in the wall which
leads out onto the bridge back to Haven; its pearl gates carved to resemble
strands of seaweed arching to the sky. To the south is the most impressive
sight of any shore, the Korallion itself. Embedded into the rocky island is
a tall spire shaped like a giant nautilus. Its peak is perhaps 100 feet
above you and its width about equal to that. On the right side of its base
is a large opening, which you imagine must, like a shell, move its way to
the top.
There is a dampness to the courtyard, with a constant layer of sea water
on the ground and the natural rock walls. They are covered in lichen of the
most impressive colors: reds, purples, blues and greens. You see now how the
Atlanteans use the ocean's natural beauty to highlight their own habitats,
and the Korallion surely must be one of the more impressive.
Contents:
Naiadre
Artin
Sentries
Rhys(#335PJXc$)
Obvious exits:
Temple <TE> Nautilus Opening <S> Bridge to Haven <N>
Naiadre folds her hands before her, regarding Rhys steadily. *I see.* Comes
her quiet reply. *Reparation is considered sufficient when forgiveness is
given, by all parties involved in something. Whose forgiveness do you have
yet to earn? Pasiphae's, Tsaruko's...or your own?* She questions. She stands
just below the dais to the temple, next to Rhys, in silent conversation.
Rhys sometimes forgets (as he does now) to speak on a 'private band',
telepathically. His response is telepathically 'audible' to any who draw
near the dias. Fortunately, the Courtyard is not crowded at this time of
day. <o>All three, I think. But I am closer earning her forgiveness than
Pasiphae's, I feel. Advise me, Acolyte. What can I do?<o> It's not an order.
It's more a plea - unusual from one brought up to command, taught never to
beg.
Not the only one to be forgetful of restricting himself in the speech of
minds, Kaiulani emerges into the courtyard -- and as she does, her presence
might be felt to register as a disturbed swirl of emotions on the fringes of
mental awareness. The maiden's scowling moodily to fit with this as well;
unlike many of the Children of Water, she seems inclined to wear emotions on
her face as well as broadcast them out for general consumption. For once,
she's not guarded -- but then again, she's managed to convince Akane and
Ronan that she doesn't intend to set foot outside the Korallion. Well... at
least for now. Scowling all the way, the maiden casts a stormy glance around
the courtyard, and then turns towards the temple.
Naiadre gives him a reassuring smile, both physical and mental, threads of
sunny orange woven into her thoughts. *You cannot expect others to forgive
you until you've forgiven yourself, Rhys.* The idea of forgiveness within
her is quite strong, as if directed by a divine hand, a flame that guides
her own path. She offers to share it with him in images and the kindness of
understanding. *If you are unsure how to proceed, perhaps prayer and
meditation would aid you. The answers you need can be found within yourself
and within Her.*
Naiadre winces as she finishes her 'speech', feeling inner peace accosted. She
turns a disapproving glance at Kaiulani, shielding off her inner self.
Rhys siezes the suggestion as if it were salt-water to be poured over someone
suffering freshwater-sickness. Prayer, yes. Meditation -- it seems/sounds
right, and he offers in deep teal colors a thankfulness/gratitude. And then
the sense of a scowl intrudes, and his 'private mind' barriers harden,
becoming impenetrable walls even as Kaiulani's mood tracks through his
public mind. He turns to find the source of such a stormy sense of
self-at-this-moment, and black eyes narrow fractionally, but he doesn't shut
down his whole mind as he had before when he accosted Naiadre. Polite, the
sending that he wings towards the pale and approaching girl: <o>Peace of
Pasiphae.<o> And under it, the sensation that perhaps he feels that this one
might need that peace at least as much as he does.
Rhys
Tall, taller, but not the tallest. Slender and raven-haired, this blue-skinned
Atlantean eschews current fashion, keeping his black hair cropped at what is
approximately chin-length. Most of the time, it is twisted away from his
face and further confined by a single Shaped coral pin, encrusted with grey
pearls.
That face needs no ornamentation to make it easy on the eyes- strong features
(a square chin, a straight nose, large black-on-black eyes and high
cheekbones) combine with a set of dimples, visible even when his expression
is neutral. That blue skin is mottled with silvery color about his eyes, his
hands, and his feet, dripping down from his forehead and streaking up his
wrists and calves. His muscles wrap neatly around that long frame with
economy of body mass, making him seem, perhaps, thinner and taller than he
truly is. Or maybe it is his attitude.
Rhys wears very little: the briefest of clouts in white-edged sea-blue fabric
reveals that his frame is consistently well muscled, that fins trail up the
backs of his calves, disappearing as they reach his knees.
Naiadre
Slender and lithe, Naiadre's small 5'5" stature does nothing to diminish her
graceful stance and proud bearing. The delicate features of her face are
generous and finely carved, revealing gentleness, but also a quiet fire, in
the arch of her cheekbones and the firm curve of her mouth. Large eyes of
the palest jade are set far apart, contrasting vividly with the creamy tan
of her skin. A few sun-kisses dance across the bridge of her small nose, and
a dimple reveals itself when she is joyful.
Her hair is primarily deep aquamarine, with chunks of amethyst, coral and kelp
peeking out. Banding her forehead is a silver diadem set with a firewater
opal, declaring her status and service in Pasiphae's temple. Two braids of
multi-colored hair fall before each ear with strands of small white pearls
and bits of red coral woven through them.
Her curvy form is clad in a sari of shimmery blue, like the underside of a
scallop shell. Its folds wind about her thighs to make a short skirt, then
twines up her torso to knot behind her neck, leaving her arms and parts of
her back and legs bare. Zoris adorn her feet, lacing up to shapely ankles. A
dagger, more ceremonial than weapon-like, is strapped to her right hip.
Closer inspection reveals the prescence of gills laying flat along the column
of her neck, the slits barely noticeable, save for the occasional flash of
pale blue within. Delicate blue webbing stretches between her fingers and
toes, further revealing her watery heritage. Pale blue fins lay concealed
against the skin of her back, upper arms and calves, hardly visible to the
unknowing eye.
Her voice is a clear and harmonious lilt, giving evidence to her skill as a
singer. A waft of brine and fresh sea smells drift towards anyone drawing
close to her. She has the look of youth to her, despite the wisdom in her
eyes.
Kaiulani
With skin just a shade or two darker than the clearest, palest moonlight, and
with delicate webbing between her fingers and gossamer fins accentuating her
wrists and ankles, this young maiden can be nothing but an Atlantean -- and
a noble-born one, if the confidence of her bearing and the beauty of her
features is any indication. Her hair is long and flowing, the exact shade of
the inside of an oyster's shell: pearlescent white at first glance, gleaming
with subtle shades of pink and blue and violet in the right light. Eyes of a
deep, rich sea-green meet the world with a regard as apt to change as
weather over the ocean, sometimes moody, sometimes gay, but always full of a
fearless, vibrant life. When she is actually standing still, she might be
noted to stand no taller than five foot two, but her every word and action
speaks of a spirit unbounded by her diminutive frame.
Like most of the Children of Water, she wears very little. At the moment she's
clad in a halter and breechclout of foam-green, around which she's wrapped a
loose leyang of coral-colored gauze. A coral headpiece decorated with a
single pearl keeps most of her mane of hair out of her face, guiding it
backwards to spill in a glimmering wave down past her shoulders. On her
feet, in deference to the need to walk upon the land, she sports fine, thin
sandals.
The newly arrived maiden seems to catch herself up a bit as the attention of
the others turns to her, and for a fraction of an instant Kaiulani's
delicate features twist in a bit of a wince of their own before they settle
into an approximation of the restraint oft demonstrated by the nobly born. A
similar withdrawal happens with the impact of her thoughts, though her
presence doesn't withdraw entirely, lingering like the scent of salt over
the waves. *Pure Water,* comes her response, earnest and polite, flavored
with a tinge of self-directed chagrin and frustration. *Pray do not let me
interrupt... is... the temple open, right now?* And she casts an evidently
troubled glance towards its entrance, fine pale brows knitting over her eyes.
Naiadre's frown disappears like the mist under the sun as Kaiulani
demonstrates some restraint with the slack rein she's given her mind.
*Pasiphae's Blessings.* She greets the woman quietly, adding the landdweller
nod for emphasis to her next words. *The Temple is hardly ever closed. I am
First Acolyte Naiadre; is there something I can help you with?*
He doesn't move, physically, but Rhys tries to 'fade' to the senses of the
other two women, not exactly withdrawing himself from conversation, but
definitely taking a backseat as a merely aware watcher - at least for a
while. His face continues to show nothing but serenity - the same serenity
that Riva shows, as if the two Ormani were stamped from the same mold. A
similar expression to the one that Kaiulani now wears. If the girl truly
needs aid, Naiadre is, Rhys's polite rumble of public thought continues
(that thought which is easily 'eavesdropped' upon and is almost invited to
be shared with others), the person to go to.
It would seem, if the little trickles of sentiment that seep out of the girl's
control are any indication, that practically bumping right into the First
Acolyte of Pasiphae's followers was not exactly something Kaiulani expected.
She blinks involuntarily, her surprise coursing out from her before she
hauls it back in again, leaving traces of more of that self-aimed chagrin in
its wake. A tinge of faintest coral colors her pale cheeks, but she
apparently possesses enough composure to hold up her head and meet the pair
of inquiring gazes upon her steadily enough. *I am... unversed as to the
proper manners of entry,* she admits. *I was hoping perhaps... I might sit
within for a while. If it is not improper.*
Naiadre inclines her head, stepping to one side and gesturing to the dais
gracefully. *But of course. All are welcome, regardless of race or religion.
Please.* She bids. A glance is cast at Rhys, a warm smile accompanying it.
<o>Temple (open)::is, is, always.<o> Rhys sends, a brief thought that is more
concept than word, and strays farther from /language/ and deeper into pure
thought-form. There's something about the edges of it that gives the
intimation of deep water, before the patterns of Rhys' public mind shift,
and he blinks those black graisha-eyes once, essays a land-dweller smile, a
polite curving of lips, and inclines his head towards Kaiulani as well.
<o>Especially for those sore of heart/mind/soul.<o> One can almost *feel*
him exerting effort to put his public mind back in some sense of order.
She's never quite encountered a mental touch like Rhys' before, and so
Kaiulani quirks her head slightly for a moment, peering up at him bemusedly
before flashing a sea-green glance over to include the First Acolyte as
well. And once again, coral pink tinges her otherwise pale cheeks.
*<Awareness of too-loud thought>* trickles out of her in a rather tinier
mind-voice now, wordless, embarrassed. Then she appends in words formed with
a palpable effort, *My apologies. I am broadcasting again... perhaps I
should go sit within, then, so I won't give anyone headaches...*
Naiadre casts a glance at Rhys and then Kaiulani, straightening. She gives her
a measuring look, face impassive.
Telepathy>> Naiadre thinks, "You are welcome within the temple, if you wish.
Pardon me, but...do you always have such problems with projecting and
sheilding?"
Oh, no, that's not exactly what he meant - Rhys turns a bit of a lilac color,
which rapidly drains away, and he offers a thought gone bright yellow about
the border with embarrasment and apology one more time. <o>Meant (also)
self.<o> And then he adds, aloud rather than mind-to-mind, in a deep rumble
of a voice that sounds quiet no matter how loud it might really be, "Please
accept these apologies. I did not mean to embarrass you." The words are
spoken slowly, much more slowly than the play of thought-against-thought.
Rhys finds it ...limiting, and a sense of that can be taken from his general
aura. So then, the question: why is he now speaking aloud instead of
telepathically?
Kaiulani's mouth quirks into a half-hearted little grin of her own, to Rhys'
sent clarification -- and his spoken words. "Apology accepted, sir," she
replies, with enough ease that it's apparent she's had the art of vocal
speech already well-drilled into her. "And thank you." This is accentuated
with her mind, a toss of a light wind-swept wave over the top of her
soprano: oh, to be sure, she was embarrassed, but it's passing quickly
enough, and there's a current of rueful good humor coming in to take its
place. This isn't the first time this has happened to her, after all. With
that, then, her gaze flashes to Naiadre, unthinkingly -- in answer to a
private thought, perhaps?
Telepathy to Naiadre>> Kaiulani's mind flares up in surprise, before she
composes herself enough to send back a sheepish assent. This is composed of
a momentary eddy of memory-images: the mental touches of exasperated people
who are doubtless her parents, chastising her for her lack of control. A
younger person, possibly a sibling, doing the same. And another image,
brighter and clearer and tasting of a recent happening, Pandion Sarojin
doing it again. Apparently this girl is accustomed to being regularly
rebuked for not keeping her thoughts in check, despite how she's struggled
to do so. *It usually happens when I'm upset,* she admits at last in words
interwined with that last image.
"Just Rhys." Rhys' mind-walls lighten slightly, so that simultaneously as he
says the word that means his sense-of-self, the telepathic equivalent is
offered: Memory-of-the-Lost, the lost being multitudes of the Lost, the
Decemvirate whose Isolation is complete and has been for centuries.
Telepathy>> Naiadre extends a reassuring thread of orange amongst the coral
and kelp hues of her mind. There is a lingering gray thread, sour to the
touch, at the mention of Pandion Sarojin. Naia adds to these colors a few
words: "Might I suggest training then? There are many competent teachers
about, myself included. And if there is anything I can do to ease your
troubled heart, it would be my pleasure and my duty."
Naiadre focuses her attention upon Kaiulani for several extended moments,
perhaps a silent conversation at work. She casts a glance at Rhys as he
speaks, holding her tongue.
The maiden with the pearlescent hair smiles a bit more readily to Rhys now,
graciously inclining her head in acknowledgement. "I am Pandion Kaiulani,"
is her reply, syllables falling lightly from her lips, like raindrops. In
accompaniment comes her own telepathic signature: royal-sacred-height, a
picture in the mind's eye of a stunning expanse of star-strewn night sky
high over the fathomless waves. Her gaze is still partly on Naiadre,
however, and the girl is apparently not quite skilled enough to juggle both
a vocal conversation and a mental one, for a bit of strain might be sensed
leaking through her thoughts. Perhaps she opts to make the best of it by
compromise, for she says next, "I... am not sure if you _can_ help me, First
Acolyte..." Then again, this may also be in reply to Rhys' earlier
encouragement in that direction as well. Now, too, the girl's gaze flits
off, helping punctuate the sense of adolescent frustration lurking behind
those big sea-green eyes. "My problem is... odd."
Telepathy to Naiadre>> Kaiulani sends more surprise, in a burst together with
what can only be pleasure at such an offer, a passionate desire to do
_something_ for once to satisfy her family -- and a hint of disquiet of her
own about Sarojin, lingering under there like an octopus or shark in far
deeper water. Then she appends chagrin, for she's giving _herself_ a
headache now, trying to divide her attention between private talk and
public, between unspoken and spoken words. She knows how to talk, does this
one -- but the effort of words is still new to her.
Rhys' lips twitch, ever so slightly - for a moment there's a swift sense of
distaste-for-formality, but he replies, gravely, "Should you need anything
at the Korallion, Pandion Kaiulani, let us know." The 'us' seems to be a bit
more blurry, a bit more vague. "If you will excuse me, First Acolyte,
Pandion Kaiulani, I must attend to my duties." There are hints of amusement
embedded in his aura, but he's closed off to most telepathy at the moment.
Naiadre smiles widely, arching a brow, clearly intrigued. "Well, odd or not,
there is nothing those within the Order are better at than listening. Except
perhaps praying." Her smile grows. "And strain yourself no further; I will
speak aloud before I cause you pain. But exercising that muscle would be
advisable." She quips. She glances at Rhys and nods, inclining her head.
"Farewell," She bids. "May Pasiphae watch over you."
Whatever odd problem she might possess is momentarily dismissed, for Kaiulani
also possesses manners, and so she inclines her head again to Rhys by way of
farewell. "I am honored to have made your acquaintance. Farewell."
Naiadre watches Rhys go and turns once more to Kaiulani, still speaking aloud.
"Well, do not let me stay you, Kaiulani, if you wish to enter the temple.
Please..." She gestures once more.
The younger woman draws in a breath, glancing towards the entrance which
Naiadre indicates, then impulsively glancing back. As before, her eyes
somehow manage to relay the same tendrils of emotion escaping through the
tentative blocks she's attempted to put upon her own thoughts -- and both
her gaze and her mind relay gratitude, a little hope, and acceptance of the
First Acolyte's presence if she wishes to enter the temple as well. With
that, upon light-sandaled feet, the girl vanishes within.
You step on the dais of Pasiphae's Temple and walk through the illuminated
opening.
Temple - Korallion - Haven(#1935RJh)
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.
Obvious exits:
Sanctum <SA> Courtyard <CT>
Naiadre steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Naiadre has arrived.
A small indrawn breath is Kaiulani's first reaction to what she sees as she
enters this place -- and for a few moments, her personal turmoils remain
dismissed, as she steps forward to better reach the center of this chamber.
There, she turns about in a slow circle, gaze taking in the lovingly created
artwork. Impulsively, too, she sends forth her impression:
*<admiration/appreciation/wonder> It is lovely!*
Naiadre steps into the cool dimness of the temple directing a pair of curious
novices back to their tasks with a quick thought. *Your reaction is no
uncommon, but it pleases us all.* Naia says with a warm mental smile.
*Welcome. Please, have a seat.* She gestures to the pile of prayer mats and
cushions to one side of the main altar.
Artin steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Artin has arrived.
Sending her acknowledgement and another glimmer of gratitude, the pearl-haired
maiden chooses one of the cushions upon which to settle herself, though half
of her attention is still drifting about the room. Now that she's not trying
to talk aloud at the same time the sense of strain has vanished from Kai's
mind; apparently, she has absolutely no problem speaking mind to mind, if
one does not call her not entirely adequate shielding a problem. *If I'd
known it was beautiful in here,* she confesses, *I'd have come in before...
I can at least lose my guards for a while. They'll leave me alone in here.*
What can only be teenage fretfulness flavors this last thought, currents of
barely repressed agitation swirling back and forth despite her overall good
humor.
Naiadre settles gracefully into a number of cushions, watching Kaiulani
silently. *That seems a prominent problem of women associated with the
Pandion Decemvir.* Naiadre remarks dryly. *But you are welcome here
anytime.* She assures.
A lander maiden might make a face at that droll observation; Kai is not a
lander maiden, and so her physical reaction is limited to a brief pursing of
her lips. Her mental reaction, on the other hand, easily relays her pique --
though it also conveys a brief bubble of amusement. *What, guards? I guess
so.* Now that she's sitting down she can't exactly pace, and so Kai instead
starts fiddling with her hair, twirling strands of it round her hands. *But
I can at least order the guards to let me be if I don't leave the Korallion.
I can't order my _family_ around, though! And they're worse than the guards!*
Artin pauses just inside the entrance of the Temple, not to lok around the
darkened room, but to take a moment to adjust into a proper mindset. The
Crescent helps, as he walks past each statue in turn, he begins to relax, so
that when he finally chooses a cushon, at least some of the cares of the
outside world are not being shouldered. He glances toward the other
occupants, dipping his head in silent greeting to all.
Naiadre chuckles lightly aloud. *True.* She responds. *But at the very least,
you have family at all.*
Artin
Artin is a typical youngish Atlantean, gills and webbed fingers are easily
visible due to his pale white skin. Unlike many sea-people, he has chosen to
shave his hair, his bald white dome making his deep green eyes even more
startling. Other than the eyes, his most distinguising feature is a short
series of circular scars that run from his jaw to the base of his neck. Lean
and wiry rather than muscular, the way he leans slightly forward as he
stands gives the impression he is ready to leap into motion at any moment.
He wears the uniform of a Korallion Guard. A simple tunic of white edged in a
dark sea blue and embroidered with dolphins, whales, sharks and other sea
creatures comes down to his knees. Over it is lightweight articulated body
armour made of some kind of material that shimmers silver like. The same
type of armour is jointed at the knee and covers his shins laced up the
back. On his feet he wears simple sandals whose straps cross over his feet
to avoid the webbing between his toes. A short sword that looks like it is
made of black coral is secured in a sheath at his back and a weighted net
hangs at his waist. His only adornment is a pin at his shoulder made of a
nautalis shell filled with 1 black pearl
Speaking of guards, Kaiulani can't help but look up at Artin as his presence
laps at her thoughts. For just a moment the maiden falters mentally, but
then she rallies, sending a courteous if slightly awkward greeting by way of
reply. Then she has to send reluctant agreement to the First Acolyte, for
she can't disagree with the wisdom of her statement. *Yes... I just... I
just wish they wouldn't treat me like I'm just learning to swim, and... and
now someone <another flare: someone important, a hint of a secret, the
source of her agitation> might get hurt, and... I don't know what to _do_
about it!*
Naiadre winces, recoiling from the emotions within Kaiulani. A brief glance is
sent towards Artin before all attention returns to Kai. Her mental tone is
apologetic. *I'm very sorry to hear that.* She says sincerely. *This is
someone you care for that your family does not approve of then?* She hazards.
Artin tries to give the pair their privacy, but occasionally he glances over
toward the women.
Kaiulani starts at the young priestess' words, both in a ripple of her
ill-guarded thoughts and a visible little jerk of her slender shoulders.
*<Swift assent: lack of familial approval>* is her initial reply, but that's
practically bowled over in the wake of what can only be amazement at the
rest of that question. She bites at her lower lip then, dismay flooding her
thoughts. *But the rest... I... I don't _know_! That's the _problem_! I
don't know who he _is_...* Fretful, both at the force she can sense in her
own thoughts and at her all too keen awareness that she needs to try to
restrain herself, the maiden tugs her knees close to her and wraps her arms
about them, as if such a physical gesture might aid her in pulling in her
thoughts. She concludes mournfully, *Told you my problem was odd.*
Naiadre blinks, trying to comprehend Kaiulani's words. *This is indeed...odd.*
She says, for lack of a better word. *Your family threatens someone you
worry for, yet do not know? If you do not know them, what does it matter to
you?*
Agitatedly Kai drops her face down against her knees, sending some of her mass
of pale hair forward to curtain her limbs as she does so. Though her
features are now out of sight this hardly muffles her mind as she sends
forth, *It matters because <strain of trying to control her shields/effort
to put thought and feeling into words> he has always... been out there, you
see, First Acolyte... guarding me, ever since I was small, but he's never
let me _see_ him... <fragments of memory/glimpses of a shadow, the sweep of
an arm, the last lingering bubbles as a dark figure hastily swims out of her
line of sight> And now he's _here_ and Cousin Sarojin doesn't trust him and
has ordered my guards to capture him or maybe even kill him and how can I
warn him if I don't know who he is?!* Most of this speech remains more or
less composed despite the strain of her thoughts... but on those last few
words her mental contact cracks, disintegrating into a woebegone crash of
emotion with which she's apparently been struggling, perhaps for some time
now.
Naiadre exhales a forceful sigh, shaking her head. *Such a problem I have
never heard the likes of, Kaiulani. But if he has guarded you for so long,
how could he mean you harm? He sounds like some sort of guardian lares, like
the Empyreans mention at times. If he is always watching you, perhaps you
could get a message to him, or elude your guards and try to locate him. I
would help you if I could, but I know not how.*
*I don't know how to get a message to him,* is the girl's unhappy reply. *I
don't know his name... or his station... or even what he looks li--* With
that, though, Kaiulani cuts herself off, realizing that that's not
_entirely_ true. She rubs a knuckle across her brow, as if trying to ward
off headache, as she appends, *I mean... I-I'm not sure of what he looks
like... I... he saved me from a shark. But I was hurt, and I think I saw his
face, but I fainted...*
Naiadre nods slowly. *It is quite a dilemma you have. But perhaps your...lack
of shielding could help you. If you were able to get out and away from your
guards, to a place he might be likely to find you, simply think on the
danger to him, and project it. Maybe he will pick it up.*
Naiadre blinks, casting a glance over her shoulder as a novice approaches. A
groan escapes her throat and she turns back to Kai. *It seems one of the
novices is causing trouble again. I'm terribly sorry, but I should go
diffuse it. I hope we can speak again...May Pasiphae help you find the
answers you need.* She bids, rising and walking away hurriedly.
[End log.]