Log Cast: Rayek, Ktai, Eveshka, Tyree Log Date: 5/18, 5/20/1998 Log Note: After an argument erupted between Rayek and Suntop, straining their friendship terribly, the Airwalker and his lovemate Ktai have finally returned back to the Palace of High Ones. By now, though injured from an accident, Ktai has gotten rather full and round with child-bearing. The time for birth is drawing near.. 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 sun is high in the cool autumn skies. Contents: Ktai Obvious exits: Sheltered Doorway Pass Seated upon one of the smaller outcroppings, the black-haired Airwalker's eyes are focused on the ground below the rock, one arm wrapped about a knee tucked to his chest, the other leg straight out in front of him. His back to the Daystar, his form is slightly silhouetted from the ground save the yellows of his eyes, narrowed and glowing ever so slightly. Focused on the ground, it might be seen that it is not the ground as a whole that the Airwalker watches, but a single, smooth rock, slowly lifting from the ground. From nearby comes a soft sound, almost of one gasping for air. A send follows quickly after. ** Rayek? ** His hold on the rock immediately breaks, the yellow stone hitting the ground with a small cloud of dust rising around it. Rayek glances up, his own yellow eyes widening, then narrowing as he rises to his feet, a send flicking out in instant response: ** Ktai? ** She moves slowly, perhaps gliding more than walking, and settles near the Airwalker quietly. ** It's getting close to time... ** Black eyebrows come together, then quirk with unease. ** Close.. ** he repeats slowly, as if he does not understand. ** How.. close? ** Ktai's gaze unfocuses slightly, her lips seeming to whisper unheard words before she looks to her companion. ** Today? Perhaps tomorrow. ** Rayek seems only to hear the first word, and none of the latter. ** Today? ** he repeats, this time numbly. ** So soon? ** His head turns this way and that, then back to Ktai, blinking twice. ** Do.. Do you require..? ** Ktai laughs softly. ** Rayek... I've had two children before... this one shouldn't be any different. We'll be fine. ** There's stress on the /we/ Rayek's mouth opens, closes, and opens again, only to close a second time. ** Very few have born three children, Ktai! ** he finally sends. ** What.. What if there are difficulties..? ** His hands move swiftly to her shoulders, not gripping, but resting there. ** You should be lying down.. Resting! You should not be moving around! ** Ktai ponders resisting for a moment, but aquiesces to his desire. ** Very well, my love. If that is what you wish... ** That stops him for a moment. ** But.. this is not what you wish? ** Ktai blinks for a moment, suddenly quite receptive to the idea. ** Yes. I think that would be a good... idea. ** Rayek's brows knit together slowly, his golden eyes flickering slightly with unease, but he nods, then looks around. ** Here? ** he sends, the sending more query than actual wording. Ktai sends openly ** Inside... I think... ** "Inside.." Rayek repeats to himself, as if memorizing the word itself, then reaches to take Ktai into his arms. (As if he would let her move a single muscle on her own at a time like this!) Inside the Palace? or their chambers? The Airwalker blinks, momentarily uncertain. In their chambers there would be privacy, quiet.. but the Palace has people.. Maybe someone that could help.. He hesitates, literally hovering in mid-step. Ktai's send is a bit thin. ** Rayek...? ** Rayek's golden eyes, dark with worry, dart down to her. ** What? ** Ktai sends openly ** I need to be inside. Now. ** Rayek's jaw goes slack, then tightens again. ** ... Of course. ** Gingerly, he reasserts his grasp on her and promptly takes to the air, this time with little hesitation. The Palace. The child.. -Tyree- shall be born in the Palace.. 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: Shadow Makeshift Camp(#8678Je) Plain Tent(#8545JOeh) 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 glides swiftly, yet carefully, as if afraid to drop her for fear that she'll break. She might protest, but she will not break. Palace(#500Jae) You see before you a tall stone structure, taller by far than any elf or human or troll. There is something odd about its appearance -- it almost seems to blend in with its surroundings, at least if you are not close to it. But the closer you get, the more it seems to *tug* at you, and show to you its battered towers and spires. The nearest wall sports a long, winding ripple that might once have been a mighty crack, and the nearest visible entryway, a doorway at least as tall as two elves, sports a pair of heavy, ornate doors. Obvious exits: Doorway You approach the huge battered stone structure. Some distance away, Ktai has left. Ktai approaches the huge stone structure. Ktai has arrived. Rayek descends, his feet coming to rest lightly on the stairs before the doorway. He pushes forward quickly, still holding her like you would a doll made of glass, his face gone smooth and expressionless in his state of worried determination. You step through the doorway into... You move away from the huge stone structure, stepping around the rubble that litters its immediate vicinity. Entry Hall(#8823RAF) High-ceilinged, airy, this chamber widens out from the doorway that serves as its entrance from outside to an expansive room, filled with little more than strangely ornate walls and the occasional column, rising up to the ceiling far overhead. Closer inspection of the walls reveals patterns shaped into their surfaces, sometimes of wings, or flowers, or the lithe forms of elves -- and sometimes of images that defy description. The air is full of a subliminal shimmer that plays at the edge of elfin senses, a tingle that feels welcoming even in its eldritch oddness. Among the fanciful shapings in this wide chamber can be viewed a 'black spiral' of rock resting on a low column. A long winding stairway twines its way up out of this chamber and into the upper heights of this place; you might be able to find other ways out of here, but the only other exit in immediate sight is the archway and doors that lead outside. Contents: Eveshka Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Ktai steps in from outside. Ktai moves away from the huge stone structure nearby. Ktai has arrived. Eveshka looks up idly from her sewing and arches a brow. ** Rayek? ** Rayek moves forward, Ktai in arm. He glances around quickly upon entering, then allows his gaze to settle on the source of sending. ** Eveshka, ** he answers, tone flat, but almost cracked. ** Its.. Its time. ** Eveshka grins and nods, rummaging out a small bunting. ** Excellent. I was beginning to wonder! ** Rayek's yellow-golden eyes focus on the bunting, narrowing, then widening. ** What's that? ** Beat. He glances at Ktai, brows lifting. ** Here? ** Eveshka sends shyly as she rises to aid. ** It's clothing, Rayek. ** Ktai seems to shiver in Rayek's arms, then whispers: "Anywhere is fine." Rayek shifts his weight from one foot to the other, blinking once. ** Clothing? But.. ** He cuts himself off sharply, glancing instead to Ktai at the sound. He nods quickly, then looks around again before finally looking to Eveshka. Help? Eveshka smiles softly, as if she were going to help all along. ** The child won't be born with clothing, Rayek. Let's take her somewhere that can get... messy. ** Ktai, for her part, is quietly containing herself. Rayek just blinks in response, struggling to gather his own wits as they slowly fall apart. High Ones, its too soon.. isn't it? Well, plainly its not, but still.. The Airwalker sucks in a deep breath, holds it, then expells it slowly. ** Aye. Yes. Messy. ** Eveshka raises both eyebrows, waiting with bundles in hands. Rayek returns Eveshka's look before something dawns on him. Is he..? ** We can't put her outside! ** he blurts without meaning to, then promptly bites his lip. He looks around, back to Eveshka, back to Ktai, then around again. ** My old chambers? ** he finally comes up with, his sending uncharacterstically weak. Eveshka sends gently. ** There will be fine. I can clean up afterwards. ** Rayek nods, glancing to Ktai for a moment, then jerking his head to Eveshka for her to lead. Eveshka arches her eyebrows again, then shrugs and does so. Eveshka has left. Side Corridor(#6192RFL) This is one of the smaller corridors through the Palace, and gives less of a feeling of airy, open space than the larger passageways do. The damage that the Palace suffered is no longer in evidence here; translucent walls and columns once again swoop smoothly and gracefully to a delicately arched ceiling. Contents: Eveshka Obvious exits: Rayek's Chamber Entry Hall Ktai has arrived. Rayek glides after Eveshka, still carrying Ktai. His eyes flicker around the Corridor quietly, then back in front of him as he approaches the entrance to the Chambers. Eveshka holds the curtains back. ** Go on. ** Rayek nods once, silently, before slipping in, still holding his fragile burden. 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. Obvious exits: Corridor Out in the corridor, Ktai has left. Ktai has arrived. Out in the corridor, Eveshka has left. Eveshka has arrived. Eveshka sends softly ** Set her down in the furs, Rayek... place some beneath her head, too. ** Rayek looks around slowly and quietly. Its been some time since last he was in here. Though just barely kept from growing dusty, it still has the scent of a room all but forgotten. The Airwalker 'treads' more quietly, as if expecting the walls to crash down around them, and moves towards the sleeping furs as per Eveshka's send. He sends nothing save a wordless acknowledgement. Ktai sighs softly at something and smiles gently to Rayek. ** It'll be fine, Rayek... ** ** I'll agree with you once Tyree is safely into this world, ** Rayek answers as he gently lays her upon the furs, careful to nudge some beneath her head as Eveshka said to. His smile is crooked. Ktai smiles softly, reaching to Rayek's cheek for a moment. Eveshka shakes her head slowly, and only offers: ** You'll have to help her with those pants. ** ** Pants? ** Snapped out of his thoughts abruptly, Rayek blinks once at Eveshka before it clicks. ** Oh! ** He turns back, glancing briefly at Ktai as her fingertips touch his cheek, then reaches down to remove her pants with gentle meticulousness. As if he expects her legs will pop off as well if he pulls too hard, or something ridiculous like that. Eveshka smiles, as if trying to hold back a laugh, then looks to Rayek. ** Make her comfortable while I get some water. ** The pants removed, Rayek folds them with unneeded meticulousness and drops them off to the side before turning back to the two maidens here. He glances first to Eveshka with an expression that pretty much sums up 'What? You're leaving me here? What if something happens?!' without saying a word. He casts Ktai an uncertain glance even as he moves back to her and half-murmurs, half-echoes, ** Comfortable.. ** Eveshka smiles softly, gliding out of the room in search of water. Ktai looks up to Rayek gently. ** Just relax, Rayek... I'll be fine. ** ** Relax.. ** Again, Rayek echoes the word as if he doesn't quite understand his meaning, but he blinks when Ktai's eyes meet his, snapping him from his bleary state of mind. His mouth opens to protest, then closes after a moment is taken to think. Instead, he merely reaches to touch her hand, his black brows drawing together. ** I.. I don't know what to do.. ** he confesses suddenly, his voice as uncharacteristically awkward as his expression and mannor. Her touch is soft. ** First-time fathers never do, my love. ** Eveshka comes back in, bearing a large full water-skin. ** Is everyone comfortable? ** Rayek cracks a crooked smile, but doesn't answer her as Eveshka's return draws his attention instead. ** I.. ** He flicks a questioning glance at Ktai. Ktai nods. ** We're as good as we get. ** She does, however, flinch. Rayek nods as well in agreement, only to blink at the flinch in expression. ** What? What happened? ** Ktai sends once. ** Tyree's getting tired of waiting. ** Rayek's eyes widen ever so slightly, and the hand that touches hers suddenly grips it tightly. ** How long..? ** Ktai sends openly ** Soon... ** Rayek casts Eveshka a wordless, worried glance. You locksend ** ((uneasy)) How long do these things usually take..? ** to Eveshka. Eveshka locksends ** I've heard they can take many hours without a healer. I'll do my best. ** Eveshka sends openly ** Rayek... nothing will happen. The High Ones chose her... and Tyree's to be born near the High Ones. Can you ask for a better host of attendants? ** Ktai flinches again, a soft gasp escaping her. Rayek's eyes seem to pale to a mustard yellow as a private thought touches his mind, only to have them return slowly to their golden brilliance. ** I.. ** He makes a slight noise, then smirks crookedly. ** ... No.. I could not. ** Eveshka smiles. ** Then shall we aid them in thier way? ** Rayek nods once, not returning the smile save to hold the crooked smirk in place, but that fades as well as he looks back to Ktai, letting it warm some, though it is a brief and awkward change. ** Aye.. ** Eveshka looks to Rayek, handing him a wet cloth. ** Here... put this on her forehead. ** Rayek lifts his gaze back to Eveshka and reaches to take the cloth. He nods, to himself more than to her, then places the forehead gingerly on Ktai's forehead. He watches her, a trace of worry seeping back into his eyes as he sends ** Does it hurt..? ** Ktai nods slowly. ** It does... but it's a good hurt. It brings... life... ** Eveshka hides a faint smile, moving closer with bundles of cloth. Rayek's face smoothens, the worry fading as relief washes over it, nodding again just once. He glances back to Eveshka briefly, missing the hidden smile, then back to the life-bearer, readjusting his position so that he half-crouches beside her. The doorway left open, a curious visitor arrives. Pale eyes blinking, iridescent wings fluttering, Petalwing peeks inside, humming softly to itself. Hear voicetalk inside-much. It looks first to Eveshka, blink -blinking cheerfully, then to Rayek and Ktai. Only then do its eyes widen, even more curious, if at all possible. [Eveshka] Exceptionally pale is this elf, pale with an almost luminous cast. Colourless silken locks brush her shoulders, another sort of white entirely than the skin beneath, which is in turn different than the soft, gauzy silks that wrap about her body, shrouding her delicate frame in expanses of snow white mingled with washes of palest lavender and pearly grey. Simple indeed is the gown, but elegant, the colours of the fabric not at all detracting. The upper portion is fitted to her chest, though sleeves and collar are both dropped to bare throat and shoulders. The sleeves, when they do begin, are full until they reach her wrists, where they become thick cuffs. The skirts as well are full, swirling about in a cascade of soft colour indeterminable, given that the cloth is overlaid in such a manner that its colours melt together. Pale she is, yes, but not completely. Brilliant purple eyes look up at you from under snowy lashes, shining and bright. Like her smile, when she chooses to share it. Carrying: Leather Pouch a delicate snowflake pendant Eveshka nears now, quietly making a 'nest' for the infant to be recieved. As she does so, she sends quietly ** Mother, I don't suppose... ** Ktai cries out softly, wincing and trying to curl into a ball while at the same time trying not to. Eveshka blinks at Ktai and almost smirks. ** Well, I guess that answers my question. ** Rayek startles visibly, blinking first at Ktai, and then at Eveshka. A trace of temper, spawned more from stress than real anger, touches his sending. ** ... Answers what? ** Petalwing flutters in, cheerfully trilling, // Hello-hello, Highthings! // before divebombing towards the nearest high-thing and clinging to her hair. Eveshka's hair. // Whatfor Highthings do in Sharp-Dark old -roomhome? // Eveshka looks to Rayek calmly. ** As in when the next pain would be. It's not quite time yet. ** To Petalwing, she says "Shh. It's going to be a baby." [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. Petalwing o-o-ohs softly, its eyes all but bugging out of their sockets. // New-TinyMuch Highthing? // Eveshka pauses to look up at the ceiling for a moment, then looks back. "Eh... yes." Though the sound is too soft to be heard, Petalwing's hands clap together cheerfully and it squeals, // Is good! Petalwing *like* TinyMuch Highthings! // This, unlike the tiny clap, can be heard quite well. Rayek shoots the bug a withering glance, but, to his credit, ignores it as he nods once to Eveshka, his face tensing slightly before looking back to Ktai. His fingers curl about her hand, squeezing gently. ** It will not be long then..? ** he sends in query, not directing it to any one person. Eveshka shakes her head, watching Ktai now. She places her hand lightly on Ktai's stomach, and is rewarded with a cry from Ktai. Something causes Eveshka's eyebrows to rise slightly, and a strangely acrid smell tinges the air as she sends: ** Well, it was about time for /that/ ** Hidden among the pale strands of Eveshka's hair, Petalwing comments drily, // Yick. Funny smell. // and wrinkles its nose; Rayek's smile is wry and seems to speak of his agreement with Petalwing without saying much. However, he does glance at Eveshka, eyebrows raising. ** For what? What happened? ** Eveshka smiles secretively. ** You'll see, soon enough. But it's time. ** [Because none of the players involved with experienced with child- birthing, the rest of the events took place off camera rather than struggle with the canonness of the events.] With Rayek and Eveshka's assistance, Ktai brought forth her third child and first son. Though the child bore the blood of Plainsrunner and Wolfrider heritage from his true-sire Thorn, the extended period of time spent in wrapstuff after the Recognition drew the child closer to his mother. So his partial Glider heritage was stronger and more apparent. Ktai, having sensed this long ago, had already chosen a name for the child. Only now it was appropriate to give it to him, and so, using the popular naming system of the old Elfin language, she named him: Tyree, Gift of Air. [End Log.]