Log Cast: Rayek, Ktai, Eveshka Log Date: 3/17/98 Log Intro: Continued from previous log... His eyes are paler perhaps in color, but they warm at her voice, a small smile lifting his lips, though his cheeks do not fade in their color in the slightest. ** I know.. ** As the Glider maiden's arms enfold him in embrace, he hesitates but a moment, then reaches to wind his arms about her as well. Ktai sends openly ** One wonders what they will say in Sorrow's End to see you so happy... ** It's a gentle and pleased musing, perhaps meant more for reflection than discussion. Rayek hmfs softly, pulling away from her slightly to regard her, blinking but once. ** No doubt many things, ** he answers as lightly as he can. ** I am.. unlike what I was the last time they saw me. ** Meant for reflection rather than discussion? The same could be said for Rayek, for his sending does sound like thoughts merely spoken aloud, though they seem in answer to her as well. At mention of the Sun Village, he pulls away from her further, though does not move a step away, to flick his glance around the chamber. ** Speaking of Sorrow's End.. I should pack, but.. ** He trails off, uncertain. Does he have anything here that he should pack? Ktai smiles softly, her lips curving easily. ** You know they'll laden you with gifts. ** That earns a flicker in that golden gaze, something akin to a smirk on his face. ** Indeed, ** he sends quite dryly, then shakes his head. Their attention will not be unwelcome, Airwalker, comes the whispered thought and the smirk touches a smile, though he doesn't voice it. Then he frowns, glancing down at himself, then up. ** I'd best pack lightly, but.. I doubt I'd have much to pack. ** His eyes flicker to glance to Ktai through their corners. ** I sincerely doubt I fit much of my clothing now anyway. ** Ktai laughs softly. ** Very well then... what an impression we shall make! ** Rayek snorts in reply, but manages a smile, reaching a hand to touch a strand of hair behind his ear. ** Aye.. hrmn.. ** He frowns lightly, glancing first to you, then to himself. He blinks, then notes with morbid casualness, ** We are going to roast like a spitted bristleboar over a fire out there. ** Ktai nods slowly. ** I've resigned myself to it... hopefully the Healer Mender will aid... there's nothing other than for me to wear those hideously heavy robes of the Mountain... ** Rayek eyes Ktai almost critically and purses his lips. ** Roast like a boar or drown in your own sweat, ** he sends grimly. ** Neither very pleasing of choices.. I wonder if there are any cloaks about here.. or if any of the visitors are... are there visitors? ** He snaps from his musings to query. Ktai shrugs slightly. ** I... would say to ask Eveshka... I've been... busy... ** She adjusts a strap and wrinkles her nose at her paleness. Rayek's eyebrows lift slightly, but makes no comment one way or the other, instead querying, ** Would.. Eveshka have cloaks? ** His nose wrinkles, following Ktai's glance to her pale skin, then shifting to regard his own forearms. ** Somehow.. making the trip across the desert wearing.. -this- does not appeal to me. ** Ktai blinks, sending once, then nods. ** She said that she has one... but that it is very thin. ** Rayek picks a bit at the silky fabric, as if expecting it to flake off like bits of sand. His light frown deepens at the news and inclines his head, his grim expression resigning him to the fact. ** Ask her if you can wear that, then, ** he sends simply, one getting the sense that the Airwalker would end it at that. ** I have been.. reclusive of late and doubt any others would loan a cloak to one they have never met before. ** Ktai shakes her head. ** No... I'll wear the robes. You will need the cloak more. ** She turns to catch a heavy bundle of black cloth from the air. Rayek flicks a glance over his shoulder towards Ktai, frowning lightly once more, but perhaps frusterated that she would argue the point. ** I will not, ** he flicks the sending in protest. ** You.. are with child, Ktai. And you have been in wrapstuff for.. for.. a long time, ** he chooses, uncertain really. ** I was born in the desert. ** Ktai conceeds that, but... ** You've been trapped up in the Mountain for just as long and if we're both shielded from the light... why complain? ** A muscle in Rayek's upper cheek twitches. ** You're with child, ** he sends at last, as if -that- explains everything. Ktai nods. ** Yes, I am. I've had two children... I imagine this one will do much the same. ** She shrugs on the heavy robes. ** But I doubt you had to cross three day's worth of desert while doing so.. ** Rayek send-murmurs, shifting his gaze to regard the heavy robes critically. His lips thin, then he lifts his gaze to hers, eyes amber-darkened with disapproval. ** You'll overheat. ** [Ktai] Garbed once more in the clothing of the Gliders, Ktai stands quietly cloaked in black velvet. The heavy robes cling close, seeming to oppress the elf, to try and force her into being that which she is not. The front of the robes dips low, for indeed, the robes literally hold cinched at the waist. That which holds the rones seems in itself an act of rebellion, for it is a brilliant red silk band, embroidered elegantly in gold. The red trails down, almost to the floor before tasselling. The long sleeves billow out at the shoulder, to be caught tightly at the wrist, the thick cuffs embroidered in nearly the same gold pattern as the belt, but not as heavily. The gold embroidery hilights and draws attention to her porcelain pale skin, sheened against the velvet. Long black hair falls past her knees, flowing loose within the the robes, becoming a part of the rippling blackness that surrounds her. Her black eyes reflect the liquidity of the cloth, of a black so deep that they seem all of one shade of black. Little to no emotions are readable in the depths of that blackness, and yet she is not afraid to meet the gaze of anyone that may look her way. Ktai secures the robes with the belt and takes a deep breath. ** I'll manage, Rayek. ** Rayek eyes Ktai once more, pursing his lips and looking as if he might argue.. but what is that saying? Never argue with a pregnant maiden or you'll end up meeting your back end for the first time? Something like that, anyway.. He lets out a soft, defeated sigh and hrmfs! ** If you insist, ** he allows grudgingly. Ktai brushes your cheek lightly. ** I insist. ** She turns, bag in hands. Rayek's nostrils flare, but he allows the subject to drop - for now - and glances behind him, chewing the inside of his cheek. ** Is there anything else I should bring? ** he half-wonders aloud, half-queries. Ktai sends openly ** Yourself? ** Ktai slips up the stairs. Ktai has left. You locksend ** ((a blink)) Funny. ** to Ktai. Among the Mountains This rocky nook among the peaks of the World's Spine mountains gives a breathtaking view of the pass below. The air here is pure, clear, and clean; sound carries with very little effort, and often the sounds of winds and distant hunting birds ring across this expanse of stone. Oddly, for all its starkness, the place doesn't seem nearly as forbidding as it should... the ground bears an obvious trail, and in more than one spot, rocks appear to have a strangely smooth and restful shape, almost as if one could climb onto them and be quite comfortable. The starry outlines of the Human Hunter begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the cool autumn skies. Contents: Ktai Obvious exits: Sheltered Doorway Pass Rayek ascends the stairway after Ktai, blinking again before shooting a smirk her way. She hovers in the air, robes flowing about her like rippling water. Her hair flows out around her, and it's obvious she's testing the full of her gliding once again. Her eyes are closed (so she misses the smirk), and a peaceful expression has cast itself across her face. Rayek, in turn, strangely enough, keeps his feet on the ground. He folds his arms over his chest, looking up to her. No breeze catches his own streaks of ebony, yet he combs his fingers through it, brushing them back from his face. He makes no noise, no movement to interrupt her, though if she opens her eyes to glance at him, she will catch the slight lift of his eyebrows and the unwavering smirk still posed on his face. She rises higher, arms outstretched, a black rippling figure in the sky. After a moment, she opens her eyes and looks down to smile and drop like a rock from the air -- only to land with the lightness of a feather beside Rayek. Rayek arches an eyebrow slightly higher than the other, the smirk evolving in a slightly lopsided smile, and shifts to bring his hands together in a single, silent clap. ** Should I applaud? ** Her onyx eyes look to you. ** Rayek... she took my flight from me... and now that I have it back... I like to remind myself it is still there. ** His head tilts slightly to one side, a sheepish smile on his face. ** I know.. ** he sends, a touch apologetic, and reaches out unbidden to brush a stray midnight strand back behind her ear. ** I.. understand.. ** His lips purse, withdrawing his hand back, fingers curling inward to tuck against his chest. ** I meant no offense. ** Ktai smiles gently, a send of love rippling towards you. ** I'm not upset... don't you be. ** Rayek hmfs softly and turns his head slightly. ** I'm not, ** he reassures her a touch too quickly. ** Do you want to leave now..? I can send to Eveshka.. about that.. cloak. ** Ktai tilts her head, something flickering in her eyes as she makes a possibly wrong connection. ** If you want... ** She sends with uncertainty now. His eyes turn to regard you again, steadily, but worriedly curious. ** If you do not want to leave.. ** Ktai sends openly ** I want to be with you. Now, forever, and always. ** Rayek looks uncertain of how to reply to that, chewing his lower lip and nodding his head. ** You did not answer my question, ** he points out quietly. Ktai sends openly ** I will go with you. ** Rayek looks ready to say something, but chooses not to, his jaw clenching slightly, then relaxing in a nod, letting soft wisps of breath escape, not realizing he had been holding them back. ** Then I will send to Eveshka. Come. ** He sounds.. decisive, picking once more at the bunched fabric about his arm before moving towards the Pass. You descend the trail into the pass. Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains(#356RJ) This wide pass is nearly an entire days' ride from one side to the other, from what you can tell. The sun is still hard and heavy here, but the looming presence of the mountains to either side seem to lessen the drain of the barren waste. The starry outlines of the Human Hunter begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the cool autumn skies. Contents: Makeshift Camp(#8678Je) Riverrush Plain Tent(#8545JOeh) Pouncer(#7888IJMQaeops) OOC SIGN: Palace visitors, please read me! Palace(#500Jae) Obvious exits: Mountains Northwest South Ktai comes down the trail from the peaks to the west. Ktai has arrived. Rayek's eyes flicker upon catching sight of the ethereal outline of the Palace, taking in its crystalline form as if for the first time, then blinking back the clouds that rise over his eyes and glances over his shoulder to Ktai, then away once he is assured that she followed, reaching out silently to the Glider maiden inside the Palace of High Ones. You locksend ** ((flatly)) Eveshka. ** to Eveshka. Ktai drifts after, thoughts whirling within her mind. No... it couldn't be... Eveshka locksends ** Y-yes...? ** You locksend ** ((There is a pause then, gentler, perhaps, comes the sending.)) Ktai and I.. we are traveling to Sorrow's End. She tells me you have a cloak..? ** to Eveshka. Eren soulsends ** You're still upset... aren't you? ** Eveshka locksends ** Yes... you wish it? ** You locksend ** Frusterated, perhaps. I.. am not upset. ** to Ktai. You locksend ** If I may.. the subject of crossing a desert in the attire I wear is.. unappealing. ((He pauses.)) Do you mind..? ** to Eveshka. Eren soulsends ** What would you wish me to do...? ** Near the Palace, Eveshka carefully pushes open the door from inside the Palace and joins you. Near the Palace, Eveshka has arrived. Near the Palace, Eveshka tiptoes out in bare feet, carrying a bundle of fabric. Departing the ground, she rises to leave the Palace. Near the Palace, Eveshka has left. Eveshka moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Eveshka has arrived. You locksend ** ((He is uneasy at her turn of mood, the unease adding gentle ripples to his sending)) Not a thing, Ktai.. I am fine as I am.. are you..? ** to Ktai. Rayek's eyes linger on Ktai, thoughtfully uneasy, then turn at Eveshka's approach, goldenly-tinted amber eyes falling on her, eyebrows arched silently. Eren soulsends ** Yes, I'm fine. ** The small eternally pale glider offers the bundle as she approaches, noting the expressions silently. You locksend ** ((Both approval and relief add color to his sending)) Good. ** to Ktai. Rayek's eyes fall to the bundle and he, in turn, reaches out his hands, taking a step forward. As his fingertips brush against the thin fabric of the bundle, his expression softens somewhat and manages a smile for the small glider's benefit. ** .... Thank you. ** Said small glider has more than a clue that the smile is forced, but she herself smiles softly, almost reminiscent of her mother's. ** I am glad to be able to help... to offer some small repayment. ** Rayek accepts the bundle, for the time being cradling it in one arm, the other hand resting over top of it. At her send, he glances to her, eyebrows lifted in silent curiousity. Eveshka doesn't clarify, only smiles enigmatically. Ktai looks to her second daughter and arches an eyebrow, but says nothing. Rayek hms softly to himself and does not press the issue, instead turning his attention to the cloak in hand. He takes it with both hands and lets the ends fall towards the ground. Will it fit? It was made for a glider, and not one of small height. Rayek hmfs again, not for the first time tonight, and lifts his gaze once more to Eveshka, nodding in approval, then glancing to Ktai. Eveshka smiles faintly, then turns back to the Palace doors. Ktai meets Rayek's gaze quietly. Amber-touched gold settle on Ktai, uneasily for a moment, then a frusterated sigh escapes. ** What's wrong? ** Eveshka pauses before entering the Palace. Ktai sends defensively. ** Nothing! Nothing's wrong. ** Rayek blinks once, then twice, then flicks in immediate protest, ** Something is..! What is it? ** Ktai's shoulders slump. ** I can't lie in send, Rayek. That's a talent I never learned. ** Eveshka sends once, and probably more than Ktai wants her to. ** She's worried about you, blackhair. ** Then she slips up to the Palace. Eveshka approaches the huge stone structure. Eveshka has left. Near the Palace, Eveshka has arrived. Near the Palace, Eveshka steps through the doorway into the Palace. Near the Palace, Eveshka has left. Ktai's mouth falls open after her daughter. Rayek blinks again, first stung, then sheepishly apologetic. ** Ktai, I.. ** He pauses, interrupted by Eveshka's sending and glances after her, uneasily silent. Ktai closes her mouth. ** I'm... sorry... she should know better... ** But her ears are red... Rayek stares after Eveshka, jaw agape, then slowly closes it with a click of teeth, slowly turning his head to look at Ktai, eyebrows lifted mildly. ** But is she right? ** Ktai's blush indicates yes, and she doesn't even attempt to hide it now. Rayek smiles, almost amusedly, but turns his head slightly so that the expression is shadowed and perhaps lost, flicking the cloak out and around, over his shoulders. His eyes glitter indeed with amusement but perhaps with a shadow of his former, more prideful self. ** Should we be off then? ** She looks up, something of the old glimmer in her eyes. ** Yes. ** [With that, Rayek and Ktai set off for Sorrow's End, the terrible journey soothed only by the thoughts and wonders at the welcome they will recieve upon arriving at the Sun Village. Little did they know..]