Log Cast: Rayek, Ktai, Tyree, Petalwing Log Date: 6/21, 6/22, 6/24/1998 Log Background: After a long period of supposed silence, Gliders have come to the Palace of High Ones. Astride bondbird, Chosen Rayeon and his protege, Haikari arrived, startling Rayek and Ktai. After Ktai, at Rayek's shout, fled with Tyree into the Palace, the Airwalker confronted the newly arrived pair of their intentions, remembering the many times that the Mountain has posed a threat to the Palace. A heated "discussion" arose, but it was eventually determined that their intentions were peaceful; grudgingly, Rayek allowed them to stay, but not before gaining the Chosen's word that they intended no harm to the relic, to its contents, or to its occupants. Satisfied for the moment, Rayek retreated back inside and left the pair to do as they would. NOTE: Tyree's opening pose - where Petalwing enters and awakens him, earning a chase in consequence - was tweaked to allow the flow of events to happen more fluidly. This was done so with the player's permission. -------- You locksend ** ((He touches you quietly, but anxiously, as if trying to gather your condition simply by one brief moment of mental contact.)) Ktai? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** Yes, Rayek? ** You locksend ** ((It is an odd sense of relief and comfort, but brittle and tense at the same time.)) They are both Gliders, but.. don't seem to mean any harm.. The Chosen is not one I have met before and the female.. ((He trails off, then becomes oddly, dryly amused)) She reminds me of the Village maidens. ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I should still keep Tyree quiet... ** You locksend ** Yes. ((Only simple agreement in that send before his presence grows faintly nearer.)) Are you in my Palace chambers? ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** I am... and with Tyree... I thought it was... safer here. ** You locksend ** ((The faintest breaking of barriers, his amber-warm presence enfolding you in a protective/possessive mental 'hug'; then, as quickly as it comes, it breaks, somewhat reluctant when the Palace appears free of any.. immediate danger..)) You were correct. I will be with you momentarily.. ** to Ktai. Rayek's Chamber(#7481RAFJL) Smaller than many of the other chambers of the Palace of the High Ones, this quiet nook is the place Rayek has appropriated for what passes as his rest. Like the rest of the Palace, it is a room of oddly rippling walls and ceiling and floor, a room where a flicker out of the corner of your eye might be a shadow -- or perhaps a lingering spirit. Ekuar's deft and ancient touch is everywhere you look, in softly smoothed stone and gently curving walls. Shaped torch-holders bathe the chamber with a warm glow when the tapers are lit. The old rockshaper has crafted this place to be restful for the spirit, radiating the care he feels for his Brownskin. Contents: Ktai Obvious exits: Corridor And he is. Rayek moves into the chambers slowly, gaze searching her out slowly, his open sending coming moments before he appears. ** Is Ekuar..? ** Ktai sits, watching a sleeping Tyree. At the arrival and send, she sends in reply, ** He went upstairs to check on Tilia. ** ** I see. ** Rayek, paused at the doorway, recovers his steps and moves swiftly towards her and the babe, his golden eyes dark with agitation. ** Are you well? ** he queries despite the fact that the female seems amusingly harmless despite her slight show of temper and the Chosen disappeared to parts unknown almost immediately after introducing himself -- though the Airwalker did make sure to check the Scroll Chamber before making his way here. Ktai nods, ducking her head some. ** I am. Though I am... reluctant... to pass the day with those of the Mountain... ** ** The female's name is Haikari.. and the Chosen introduced himself as Rayeon.. ** The Airwalker watches her, lips pursed slightly. ** Do they.. are they.. Do we have reason to be uneasy of them? ** Ktai shakes her head slowly. ** I know nothing of them... it has been too long since I was a part of the Mountain. ** Rayek nods slightly in understanding and crouches slightly beside her, a hand rising to his chin. ** I suppose all we can do is wait. ** That comes not easily from the Airwalker and though he strains to show nothing of it, Ktai is one that knows him well and she might catch the slight tightness of his jaw and the darkness coloring the edges of his sending once released from thought. Ktai sends openly ** It is all we ever can do, Rayek. If she wanted us badly enough, she would have us. ** Rayek attempts a smile that falters. ** Truth. ** Ktai smiles herself. ** But she seems to have left us to ourselves, thank the High Ones. Are you well, beloved? ** ** I am.. ** Rayek's liquid gold eyes harden to cold metal. ** ..As well as can be expected. Gliders are elves, whether we like it so or not.. and I am no Master of this Palace to deny them entry to their rightful home. ** A bitterness taints his sending dark violet. ** But that does not mean I have to like it. ** Ktai nods slowly, as if she can understand. ** It is a hard life chosen here. ** Rayek's shoulders lift and fall, and his lips twist into an oddly dry smile. ** Yet would you choose any other? ** Ktai's smile echoes his now, as she reaches up to offer her hand to him. ** I would choose... whatever life was to be spent with you. ** Rayek's smile warms some - only some, for it is all he will allow, but it is more than what usually etches across his face. ** I know. ** His fingers reach out as he straightens some, brushing against her cheek with a faintly crooked touch to his smile. Ktai blushes softly, reasons unknown. ** So what do we do now, Rayek? When he sleeps... I find myself at a total loss. ** Rayek's black brows quirk in an amused arch, yet his sending is all curiosity. ** For what? ** Ktai sends openly ** For anything. I don't know what to do or say... my whole life is you and him... and when you are not near.... and he sleeps... I am lost... ** His hand still posed in midair, Rayek draws it back to brush a few errant strands of hair from his eyes, tucking them behind an elegantly sloped ear. ** I am usually about the Palace.. or outside.. ** Ktai sends openly ** And you are generally busy then... I do not wish to be a... distraction. ** ** Then come later. ** It is a hopefully diplomatic, though unhelpful, offered solution. Ktai sends openly ** You are still uneasy around Tyree... ** Rayek's answering send is defensive, oddly like a child who's been reprimanded once too often of an annoying task he's hesitated to take haste in accomplishing. ** I am improving! ** Ktai's jaw drops, and she looks for a moment as if she's been stung. But it passes quickly as she re-arranges herself on the floor. Her send is quieter. ** That is... that is all I can ask... ** Rayek's gaze flicks away, the cold metal in his eyes colder still and much more brittle. He slipped, he knows, and his jaw turns tight in thought of it. Quietly, but no longer so annoyed, he send-murmurs, ** I -have- been trying.. ** The send accompanies her looking away as well, though with his gaze so averted, he might miss her motion. Oddly dampened and strangely choked, it drifts across the gap between them. ** I know... ** Rayek looks around slowly at the tone of her sending, then sharply upon looking at her. ** Ktai? ** She is turned, face away from him, and her shoulders are slumped. Her head is turned so that her cheek may rest on her raised knee. The fingers of one hand idly play with the hairs of the fur she sits on while the other rests on her foot. ** Yes, Rayek? ** His hands reach awkwardly for her shoulders though slumped, slender fingers squeezing slightly. ** I.. did not mean to upset you.. Tyree and I.. we do get along well, really.. ** Ktai turns to look to him with softly saddened eyes. A faint smile tugs at her lips and she nods. ** I am very glad of that. ** Golden eyes pale slightly with relief and Rayek's head inclines in a slight nod, shifting his weight back to his heels. ** All right.. ** He pauses, then rises to his feet, hands moving to his waist. Seemingly impulsively, he sends, ** Ktai, have you seen Petalwing? ** Speaking of Petalwing, here it comes now, zipping into the chambers, making a bit of noise in the process, mostly complaining. It is enough to awaken the sleeping babe; upon catching sight of the Preserver, Tyree blinks awake and rises into the air, immediately darting after the bug. He laughs aloud as he glides about, his hands grabbing at Petalwing. The bug is faster than Tyree, but doesn't appear to be putting that added speed to use. [Petalwing] No more than half a foot in height, this tiny sprite of a creature is the color of new spring leaves, with gossamer wings of sunset hues of pink and yellow and orange. It has huge crystalline eyes, with green pupils surrounded by pink, and it sports a jaunty curl-topped golden brown hat. It chitters in a daring - and rather screeching - high-pitched voice. [Tyree] Within white clothing rests a small newborn elf, Tyree. All that is visible is his face and hands, both pinkish in color. The rest of him is nestled snugly in his outfit, bunting that helps keep him warm. Most of his head is covered in a white hood, leaving his face open to be seen, as well as allowing him to see others. Everything is small save for his large, wide eyes, a deep black in color just the same as his mother and true father. Poking from beneath the hood are a few strands of black hair, as well. Further down, his arms are covered in sleeves, tiny hands left free, and below that, his legs and feet are wrapped protectively in the material, tying off past the feet with a drawstring. [OOC] Tyree thinks he also needs to update his desc later. Ktai looks up to see the sight of the baby chasing the bug at relatively top speed and almost giggles. Pointing, she sends. ** Right there. ** Rayek's eyebrows arch as he turns, glancing over his shoulder and blinking when he catches sight of the pair's antics. Turning fully, an amused smirk pulls the edges of his lips, his hands lifting to arrange with his arms over his chest. Petalwing flies here-and-there, frantic as it squeals, // Petalwing vexed! Much-much vexed! TinyFly-Baby Highthing go 'way, leave Petalwing 'lone! Petalwing much vexed, much-MUCH vexed! Put Fly-Highbaby in wrapstuff, willdo! willdo! Leave Petalwing 'loooooonnne! // Ktai can't help it, she has to laugh now. It's just too funny. Of course, Petalwing's screeching and complaining does quite the opposite of what it hopes, as Tyree coooos and giggles, pursuring the preserver further. "FlyBug!" he exclaims, showing his mastery of the elfin language. Having grown past a turn in age, his black hair is loose, though not too long, and with the temperature as it is, he wears only a diaper-cloth and nothing more. ** Will he hurt it? ** Rayek's send is not one of concern, really, but of idle curiousity. Although it would be inconvient if Petalwing should come to harm - he does have a job for it. // Eeeeeeeeekkk!! // Petalwing doesn't screech as much as it squeals, its voice very much like fingernails on a blackboard as it darts a circle around the room, then heads straight for the nearest head of hair to hide amongst - Ktai. // Highthing!! // it shrieks as it dive-bombs towards her. // Helpsavekeepsnugsafe Petalwing! Fly-Highbaby not leave Petalwing 'lone! // Ktai sends openly ** Rayek... I've seen a grown Glider bite a Preserver and no harm has come to the bug... save that of its precious pride. ** Ktai doesn't seem to mind the bug heading into her hair - she almost rather expected it. Tyree's chasing of Petalwing slows down as it embeds itself in Ktai's hair, and he floats in midair, though bobbing up and down over the span of a couple feet. He watches Ktai to see if Petalwing comes back out again or not. Petalwing will -not- come out from amongst Ktai's hair and to reflect such its head pops out and so does its tongue. // Thhhhbb! // Rayek hides a smile with his hand, golden eyes reflecting his amusement. He sends, ** Don't let it tangle your hair up, Ktai. ** Ktai looks over to Rayek, Preserver wandering around like a little black lump of moving hair. She switches to speech for the effect. "If it tangles my hair, I'll just have to stick it's wings together." Petalwing's head pops out again, eyes wide. // No-stick wings! // Rayek's smirk broadens at that and he even emits a soft, dry chuckle. He, however, keeps to sending for the time-being as he notes, ** I don't think many would protest if you did that. ** Tyree continues to float around in midair, but as he glances at Rayek, the preserver is quickly forgotten. Gliding towards the Airwalker, he points a small finger at him. "Dada," he pronounces. Ktai freezes. Her expression and breath and everything else just ...stops. This, she was waiting for... but there really isn't anything she could do to prevent it... Rayek's head snaps around at Tyree's voice, golden eyes rounding out and paling to a yellowy orange. . o O (....) Ktai watches, forcing herself to take a shallow breath, mind racing to try and decide what should be said. Tyree keeps hovering around Rayek, watching him with eyes wide enough to match the Brownskin's. "Rayk..dada?" he now questions, also trying to say Rayek's name. Ktai holds her breath yet again. It's almost frightening. Rayek just stares at Tyree, eyes round and wide. Its almost an amusing expression on the Airwalker's face, for very rarely does absolute bewilderment grace his chiseled features. Paled eyes start to flick rapidly between floater and Glider, as if expecting Ktai to do or say something when all she does is wait expectedly. Finally, realizing its up to the golden-eyed hunter to break the tension, Rayek swallows and send-croaks weakly, ** Umn.. aye.. That's me.. ** And then Ktai smiles. Tyree seems to be made happy at the concession, so much that he 'wheeees' happily, nearly falling to the floor in the process. His floating kicks into gear just in time though, and he rises back up again, his eyes flickering between Rayek and Ktai. Now..where's that bug? Time for more play. Before that, though, Tyree sends a feeling of togetherness, like the three are..'family.' To him, Rayek's his father. He knows nothing of Thorn. Rayek simply stands there on legs that give about as much support as water-reeds, still staring at where Tyree /was/ hovering. A few moments later he blinks his eyes slowly, the irises resuming their normal metallic shine, and straightens, his expression evening out once more she reaches to brush a few errant strands of black away from his face. Ktai looks carefully to Rayek while not attempting to hide the presence of said bug in her hair. The onyx of her eyes is strangely clear - as if to offer some insight into her soul. Rayek'd gaze drifts to Ktai's and lingers there. His lips turn to shape themselves into that familiar smirk, but something changes midway there and instead a crooked, almost sheepish smile is painted across his face. Ktai's gaze settles into a smiling one, and she nods slowly. You locksend ** ((There are no words to his sending, only raw emotion. Sheepishness, bewilderment.. wonderment as well and blended emotion. Sheepish amusement, uneasy acceptance, and simple unease on its own. He called him.. 'dada.')) ** to Ktai. Ktai locksends ** ** Tyree floats up suddenly, to hover between Rayek's line of sight to Ktai. He's got this...grin on his face that's just plain cute. Ktai refocuses on Tyree and just smiles. He definately likes Rayek. Rayek arches a black brow at Tyree and his smile turns amused, arms lifting to fold over his chest. "You're pleased with yourself, aren't you?" he says to the floater, amber-golden eyes sparkling lightly. Pleased with himself? That would be a good assessment of the situation. Tyree continues treading air in front of Rayek, and he cooos softly at the Airwalker, floating closer, towards his folded arms. Ktai watches with a completely unhidden smile. She can't help it. Rayek's other brow arches to meet the first and they both reach high enough to disappear beneath his hairline. He regards the floater casually, but with mock-suspicion. "What? What do you want?" Tyree lifts higher, and giggles, hands extending towards Rayek's face, one at his nose, the other at an ear. Just to touch, mind you - no grabbing intended, though it's not apparent he just wants to touch. Not realizing the floater's intent, Rayek's eyes widen and he shies backwards a step or two. Petalwing pops out from among Ktai's tresses to watch the spectacle, giggling highly upon noticing the Airwalker's ruffled expression. Ktai reaches up to swat at the bug. It's about time the pesky creature came back out of hiding. Petalwing eeps! shrilly at Ktai's offending hand and buries itself towards the back of her head, trying to escape. // Nastybad! Nono smickety-smack Petalwing! // Ktai reaches back, threatening to pinch the Preserver by the wings. "Then get out of my hair, sit down and hush up," she says quietly, but loud enough for the bug to hear. Wha? Tyree's attention suddenly diverts from Rayek to the preserver once more. "FlyBug!" he trills, darting back towards Ktai. Now which fate is worse? Ktai, or Tyree? Thbbbt! // Eeep! // What indeed? Petalwing chooses neither and buries itself further, so far in that its tiny fingers and feet scrabble against the back of Ktai's neck. // Nonononono! // Ktai reaches back with relative calm and begins trying to fish out the bug. // Eeep! // With annoying nimbleness, Petalwing struggles to elude Ktai's fingers. Rayek still stands where he was, watching amusedly. As Tyree blinkblinkblinks at the antics of the preserver, he yawns hugely, beginning to float downwards towards Ktai. How long /has/ he been floating around, anyway? Ktai looks up as she chases the bug with her hands, and pauses to reach out one hand to Tyree. A silent motherly smile is all she offers. Rayek sends amusedly, for Ktai's mind alone, ** Someone needs a nap. ** "Mama.." Tyree announces, drifting down to her lap. Ktai gives up on the bug in favour of her son, and draws him close to her. A soft send of love drifts to the baby, followed by a stronger one washing towards the other adult in the room. Tyree manages to return the send of love before his eyes close and he settles, quiet and still. As the floater drifts off, Rayek moves towards Ktai and child. When Petalwing, thinking all's clear, pokes its head out from around Ktai's neck. the Airewalker reaches over and plucks the preserver out, earning a sharp squeal! of protest. Ignoring the Preserver's protests, the golden-eyed hunter regards mother and child fondly, but quietly. Ktai looks up to Rayek with a smile, and unlike others of her race, stands and walks over to Tyree's sleep-fur niche and tucks him in - where others would simply float the child out of thier way. Rayek watches Ktai and the elegant, though simple, gesture of tucking the babe into bed. Not taking his eyes off of the maiden, he speaks to Petalwing idly and quietly. "Preserver, I have a job for you.." ** How long do you think he'll sleep? ** Ktai ponders. ** Three, maybe four hours? ** // Petalwing do! // comes the Preserver's hopeful chirp even before Rayek's request leaves his lips. Blanketing a smile, he nods lightly to Ktai, thoughtfully, then turns his golden-eyed glance. "There are two new Gliders in the Palace. I'd like you to keep an eye on them.. see if they're causing trouble or not." [To be continued..]