Log Cast: Talek (logger/editor), Evenek, Galasia, Kain, Xarisa, Jaylorra, Zelgadis
Log Date: 7/3, 7/5, 7/6/1998
Editor's Notes:
  This is a combination of two different scenes that
take place approximately the day after Evenek jumped Talek and
Jaylorra.  The first scene was rather short and the second took place
directly afterwards, so the two were combined for easier editing and
storing.
  Dusk was given to Lrilanya, another Underworlder with whom Evenek
owes some level of debt to, without Talek's knowledge and he has been
distraught over the fact ever since the pair were seperated.  Running
out from the chambers he is forced to share with Evenek, he tries to
find her, but his eyes no longer used to the dark fail to guide him
and he ends up getting rather lost.

River Cavern(#2158RAJLa)

        This cavern is even larger than the Glittering Cavern. it is kept 
alight by phospherecense and some odd fungi that casts a green glimmer
 over the area. In the center of the cavern is a river, actually just a
 large stream, that is crossed by several bridges of rock. Pillars of
 natural stone support the high ceiling, and between them, on can see
 the entrances to various dwellings for many of the tribe. Stalactites
 and stalagmites rise to embrace, though some have been shaped into
 furniture. The river winds from an impassable opening to the north,
 southwards to a cliff. Next to the river, between two of the bridges is
 a low wall made of stone, which has been lade together not shaped. A
 large chasm has opened up in a large section of the floor of the
 cavern.

To see a list of caves type '+view caves'.
Obvious exits:   West (W)  Downstream (S)  Upstream (N)  Northeast (NE)
Obvious exits:
Chasm <D>  

Evenek locksends ** <<awakening, and still in pain from the burns he
 siffered retrieving you, sudden clarity of thought when he notices that
 you are gone>> Where are you, Talek? <<sugary sweet but with an
 underscore that would sear metal>> **

You locksend ** ((You can literally sense the young silver-hair
 shrinking away from the sending, building up barriers in an attempt to
 block you out and maybe away. Just outside the chambers he used to
 share with his mother is a scattering of feet as he stumbles in the
 dark, his once dark-sensitive eyes nearly as blind as any Upworlder's.
 No reply, nothing verbal, but he is there.)) ** to Evenek.

Evenek emerges into the cavern from one of the myriad side niches in the
 rock walls.
Evenek has arrived.
Evenek emerges from the darkness beyond, his aura seething with
 irritation, ** Why are you already breaking trust, young Talek? I
 cannot even trust you to sleep. **

Talek shrinks back against the wall, using the shadows to his advantage.
 He did this before when he lived down here, skulking in the shadows
 unseen. But that had been when he could see in the dark as well as any
 of them and now he lies in danger of misjudging the shadows for their
 darkness. He cringes, hoping to remain unseen. He has to find Dusk!
 Somewhere down here.. Dusk.. Resisting the urge to send, he bites his
 lip and stifles his breath.

Evenek moves past by three elf lengths, the Underworld elves, that is.
 As soon as he has passes the youngster's hiding place a cold smile
 crosses his lips briefly. He will play the game, momentarily. He stops,
 just breaths away, listening, heightening the torment for the other.

Talek literally stops. Just stops. He stands absolutely still, clutching
 his knees to his chest, his mouth bitten closed; he stares wide-eyedly
 at his uncle, then squeezes his eyes closed. Maybe like a child he
 hopes that if Talek can't see him, he can't see Talek.

Evenek turns back so silently, that the closed eyes see nothing, and the
 straining ears hear nothing. An icy hand fastens over Talek's wrist,
 pulling him to his feet slowly, deliberately. ** Stand up. **

A sharp intake of breath marks Talek's half-surprise at being found and
 he stumbles to his feet, a hand moving behind him to touch the wall for
 support. He doesn't meet the Underworlder's gaze, staring at the floor
 or at the wall, his face pale as moonlight, if not more.

Evenek studies the fear that he can see so clearly on Talek's face. **
 Did you think that I had lost my abilities to /see/ in the light of the
 Outside? You may have, child, but I have been more accustomed to my
 home here than you will ever be. **

Talek's gaze shifts from the floor to blink into Evenek's studying gaze.
 His own eyes are wide, ink-black pupils surrounded by shifting puddles
 of liquid smoke. Defensively, he answers tinily, ** Then why don't you
 put me back where I belong? Up there? **

Evenek looks amused. ** That would only please you, wouldn't it? Why
 were you wandering, my prize? **

Talek looks away again, studying the river that earned this cavern its
 name. ** I'm not your prize, ** he send-mumbles with minimal defiance.

Evenek shakes Talek by the wrist he still holds. ** And you will answer
 me. <<slight burn>> **

Talek jerks sharply on the wrist that is held, trying to pull it free of
 Evenek's ice-cold grip. ** Let me go! ** he barks instead, frustration
 and fright apparent in his eyes. Suddenly brave, his sendings echo off
 the cavern walls. ** Where is Dusk? What have you done with her? Let us
 go! I never did anything to you! **

Evenek holds you in a grip fast as if he had frozen there. ** Dusk..?
 Ah, your little companion, yes... I have put her someplace special. I
 believe that she is worthy of my attentions. ** And his grin is cruel
 and taunting, knowing that it will hurt.

Startled horror spreads across Talek's face as quickly as if it were a
 brushfire. ** No! No, you won't! Don't you dare touch her! **
 Violently, he starts to pull away now - get him /off/, he /won't/ touch
 him! His sending turns shrill, like the whistle of steam escaping
 through thin holes. ** Don't dare touch her!! **

Evenek drops him, almost abruptly, still smiling. ** You cannot stop me,
 I will do as I choose. **

Talek drops, but recovers quickly, standing on wobbling legs. ** You
 can't! You won't! ** Fingers balled into fists, tears have stung the
 half-Underworlder's eyes, turning them a muddy gray. ** I won't let
 you! I won't let you anywhere near her - anywhere near /anyone/! **

Evenek leans forward, mocking. ** You cannot even find your way beyond
 the entrance to you House. I do not see you succeeding, noble as your
 intentions are. Her safety depends on your conduct. Remember that. **

Talek shrinks back like a flower from the dark. ** Don't you dare hurt
 her, ** he cannot help but spit out raggedly.

Evenek moves back a few steps, seeming to blend with the darkness until
 his send is the only sign he is still there. ** Return to your
 chamber...if you can. If not, I will find you later. **

Talek's eyes widen slowly; he shrinks back against the wall and huddles
 there rather than wander blindly trying to find the chamber. Bad
 memories there. After Evenek's fading form he sends uneasily, ** Where
 are you going? Why are you leaving? **

Lrilanya has connected.
Lrilanya moves through like a phantom, a chalk outline scrawled upon the
 charcoal black.
Lrilanya heads towards Upstream (N)
Lrilanya has left.

Evenek stops for a moment, making his step scrape so that Talek can hear
 him. ** I have other matters to attend to, youngling. **

Talek's gaze follow the appearance and departure of another worriedly,
 then shift in the direction of the sound of foot-on-ground. He 
hesitates, then slides back down against the wall, huddling in the
 corner again, his arms tight around himself in a self-hug. No reply
 comes, for the silver-haired elf has none to give.


[Time passes.  Talek continues to huddle in the dark corner, silent and 
 out of sight of the Underworlders that wander past him, unaware or
 uncaring of his presence.  Eventually he falls asleep, huddled in
 place.  And so we skip ahead to the log taking place on 7/5/1998]

The silence stretches out, until time is meaningless, the only thing
 that keeps you aware is the rumbling of your stomach as it becomes
 empty from lack of food, and still there is no sign of the one who
 brought you here. Finally, like a blessing, faint steps can be heard,
 growing ever-closer as echoes rebound. ** Talek...are you still sitting
 there, boy? **

No response, not even a shifting of his form. His pale-and-grey figure
 can be made out where you left him, huddled and silent, but his chin is
 dipped to his chest, his knees tucked beneath with his arms hugging
 them in place. His breathing, if heard, is shallow, but even; Talek is
 asleep.

Evenek chuckles softly, leaning over to shake the young one awake. **
 Talek. **

"Mmmnf?" Blearily, Talek's eyes open, a few precious moments going by
 before he realizes where he is. He had huddled there for.. /hours/, it
 felt like, until sleep finally pulled his fear-exhausted body away from
 consciousness. So dark is it, his eyes only now finally beginning to
 call up long-hidden memories of being able to see within it, he forgets
 where he is. Then realization dawns and he stiffens. "Oh!"

Also calling forth recollection is the hand gripping your shoulder. **
 Come, Talek, would you like to refresh yourself? **

** Refresh? ** The word is echoed hollowly, as if misunderstood or not
 understood at all, yet Talek's head dips in a wary nod, smoky eyes
 regard the pale hand on his shoulder uneasily, as if expecting it to
 bite. ** ... Aye.. **

Evenek removes his hand, unshielding a glow basket slowly, so that
 Talek's eyes can adjust as well as his own. ** This way. **

Talek's eyes flicker when the waxy glow that the glowmoss emits catches
 his notice. The light dancing over a pond's surface, so does his eyes
 seem to ripple, and he rises soundlessly to his feet once Evenek's hand
 is removed and the send is offered instead.

Evenek seems almost congenial at this point in time. ** Would you prefer
 warm or cold water? **

Talek's voice resembles much of an echo, seeming disembodied and soft
 for all its wariness. ** Warm water.. There is little heat down here as
 it is. **

Evenek disappears into the western passage.
Evenek has left.

You move through a long twisting passage to the west.
Glittering Cavern

     As you enter this huge cavern, you almost gasp at it's sheer
 beauty. The walls glitter from light reflected by countless gems
 embedded in them. They seem to dance like thousands of fireflies across
 a huge field, and every color of the spectrum is represented. Added to
 the incredible vista is a veritable symphony of the Underworld, as tiny
 droplets of water fall into small pools and their sound is echoed
 through the whole cavern. There are several stools that look like they
 were grown out of the living rock, and a small hot spring lies in the
 center of the cavern.

     The many crystals here reflect and amplify all light so that it is
 esay for even a surface dweller to see the cavern.

Contents:
Evenek
Hot spring
Obvious exits:
East(E)  South(S)  

Evenek leads his nephew through the dark to a spring of hot water. **
 Here. I will ensure your privacy. **

** Privacy? ** Talek echoes the word simple because it is the last word
 sent, blinking slowly at the tendrils of steam as they curl up from the
 hot spring. He half-crouches by the spring, making no move to enter the
 hot water, gaze shifting from dark to light and back again. Then,
 slowly, he looks back towards Evenek, brows slightly arched.

Evenek smiles, again, almost kind in his expression. ** I do not wish to
 present you to Lord Morganthe in the state you are in. **

Talek's fingers start to peel his tunic off, but pause halfway there. A
 light frown appears as he regards the older Elessardo, repeating, **
 The 'state'.. I'm in..? **

Evenek flicks a careless hand his way. ** You are filthy, and smell of
 the Outside, do please bathe. **

Talek's eyes widen and his cheeks color a pale rose-hue; looking away
 sharply, he silently removes his tunic, but hugs it against his chest
 and sits there, eyes dark. ** I'm not filthy, ** he states defensively
 after a time, though his voice is quiet and touched with unease.

Evenek chuckles coldly. ** Are you not. Your short friend said as much.
 **

Talek turns his head to look back towards Evenek, repressed worry making
 it back into his eyes. ** Dusk? **

Evenek smiles but doesn't answer right away. ** She's a pretty little
 thing. Are you sharing a bed with her? **

Talek's sending hardens noticeably, tight and empty of emotion. ** No.
 Why? **

Evenek chuckles, leaning over to run the fingers of one hand in the
 water. ** I would, had I been traveling with her. She seems old enough
 to be initiated in the ways of an adult. At least by the standards of
 the overworlders. **

Talek pulls off his boots with decided vehemence, yet folds his tunic
 over and places them overtop beside him. ** You're talking about things
 you have no idea about, ** he sends quietly, but sharply. Someone
 touched a nerve.

Evenek leans forward, in Talek's face, somewhat. ** Am I? I think not.
 Do you desire her, little one? **

Talek leans back from Evenek some, expression twisted with discomfort
 and distrust. ** That's none of your concern, ** he send-snaps, still
 defensive, still on edge.

Evenek doesn't back off, too busy twisting words to suit his purpose. **
 It /is/ my concern as Master of my House, little one. **

** No, its /not/. ** Talek rises to his feet unsteadily and inches back
 a step from Evenek. ** Dusk doesn't have anything to do with this --
 she's not even supposed to /be/ here! I don't want to be here! ** Anger
 gives his sending strength, yet fear sends his eyes wild. ** Leave her 
out of this..! **

Galasia emerges from the passage to the east.
Galasia has arrived.
Galasia wanders in picking up a rock here or there as catches her
 interest and examining it, humming all the while.

Evenek growls almost, until the humming inserts itself on his
 concetration, and his tactics. He flicks a glance over to the annoying
 toddler, wondering hwo best to get rid of her. ** Galasia. Go home,
 child. You're mother will be worried if she finds you missing. **

Talek takes note of Galasia through the corners of his eyes, then
 quickly back to Evenek. His eyes widen indistinctly, then suddenly he
 darts away, seizing the chance of momentary distraction. Fright gives
 him speed and he runs as if a mountain bear were on his heels.

You go through a twisting rock passage to the east...

River Cavern(#2158RAJLa)
Obvious exits:   West (W)  Downstream (S)  Upstream (N)  Northeast (NE)
Obvious exits:
Chasm <D>  

Evenek emerges from a passage to the west.
Evenek has arrived.
Evenek charges out of the spring tunnel and dives for talek, taking him
 roughly to the stone. ** Be still!! **

Talek squawks in surprise and pain as his slight form crashes into the
 hard, unforgiving rock. Tears sting his eyes - so close! and yet so
 far! - and he immediately starts to struggle, trying to worm out from
 beneath Evenek and escape into one of the tunnels. His sending blasts
 out, half-pleading, half-demanding:
Talek sendshouts ** Let me go-Let me-go-LET ME GO!! **

Evenek drives a shaft of mental pain into the boy, sharp send enough to
 quell his shrieking sends. ** >>SILENCE!!!<< **

Talek gasps raggedly, hands going to his head, his struggles momentarily
 ceasing as the pain rockets his head. ** .... .... .... **

Evenek jerks you to your feet by the scruff of your neck . ** You are a
 fool, child. I allow you a chance, and you give it up so easily.
 Perhaps your little Dusk should suffer for it, hmmm? **

Talek's eyes squeeze shut and a broken noises escapes his mouth, hands
 going from his head to his neck as he is yanked to his feet. But that
 sending is what inspires the most response as his eyes snap open. **
 No! No, don't hurt her! Leave her alone! **

Evenek hisses. ** Do not tell me what to do! I will do as I choose! When
 will you learn that!?? ** And he shakes Talek with the end of each
 sentence, much as one would a disobedient wolf-pup. ** The girl is in
 the custody of one I know. She will punish her as I see fit for your
 errors. Now stand. ** And he releases him abruptly, to stand or fall as
 he will.

And Talek falls, crumpling to his knees where his hands go to the back
 of his neck, holding where the skin has broken out in angry red, the
 skin nearly torn from where he was shaken. ** Don't let her hurt her!
 ** his sending still warbles, bright yellow with guilt-drenched fear.
 ** Please! Just leave her alone! **

Evenek sighs in disgust. ** Stop your useless begging, her punishment is
 a given. You were the one who caused it. Remember that when next you
 see her. ** And he steps back, willing the /child/ to collect himself.

The 'child' looks up, horror dawning in his eyes. ** No! ** He moves to
 his feet, a hand still positioned on the back of his neck, yet his eyes
 are tearful, accusing, and bright with soul-pain. ** You brought her
 here! You're punishing her for something she didn't do! /I/ never did
 anything to you! Its your fault! **

Evenek reaches out, almost casually, and slaps Talek across the cheek.
 ** I said be silent. You broke faith with me, after I told you that her
 well-being depended on your good behaviour. You have only yourself to
 blame. ** And he draws his hand back into a slightly curled fist,
 waiting...

Talek's face turns with the slap, a bright red mark appearing on his
 cheek. His other hand shakes as he touches the afflicted area and he
 turns eyes still brighter with pain, but mingled with surprise and
 accusation as well. ** You.. hit me..! **

Evenek nods, finally, the lad is beginning to realize. ** Yes... and I
 will strike you again, if you defy me once more. **

Talek lowers his other hand, yet his first still touches his reddened
 cheek. Mutely he nods, the nod neither indicating obediance or
 acknowledgment; it is a nod, nothing more. Yet he shies back a step as
 if expected to be struck again.

Evenek stands there, his hands shaking slightly. ** Now, you can bathe
 until you don't reek anymore, or I will present you to Morganthe in
 chains. **

The smoke-eyed elf regards the older male warily and offers another nod,
 still silent and still distrustful. No words are given though his eyes
 harden at the word 'reek'; he makes no move to close the gap between he
 and Evenek.

Evenek gestures back to the spring cavern, having won the first lesson,
 at least in his own mind. ** Then proceed. **

And, wordlessly, Talek complies.

You move through a long twisting passage to the west.
Glittering Cavern
Contents:
Hot spring
Obvious exits:
East(E)  South(S)  

Evenek emerges from the passage to the east.
Evenek has arrived.

The folded tunic and boots are still placed where Talek left them and he
 moves to retake his seat beside them. Eyes like smoke over crystalline
 liquid watch Evenek warily once again, then he moves to slip out of his
 breeches, touching a toe hesitantly to the steaming water.

A clatter of displaced pebbles announces the return of Galasia from the
 far end of the cavern, a handful of rocks in tow. "Hello." She chirps
 to the stranger, ignoring Evenek.

Evenek turns, ignoring her too, for the time being, wathing Talek
 closely.

The lad starts to move into the water, then pauses at the spoken(!)
 voice. Gazing shifting first to Evenek, then to Galasia, quizzical
 relief spreads across his face. A child. ** Hello.. ** he sends softly
 and quietly.

Galasia pauses, watching Talek. ** You look all dark. Where from? ** And
 she ignores the glower that Evenek casts at her. It gets lonely here in
 the dark.

A faint smile releases some of the tension from Talek's face. Dark? he
 wonders idly as he regards his skin, form obscured as he lowers himself
 into the spring. He is still quite pale, a characteristic he has
 retained over the years. ** Willowholt. **

Evenek manages to surpress his urge to slap the child for meddling in
 something that doesn't concern her. ** And he doesn't turn his gaze
 from Talek to order her, this time, having learned his lessons well. **
 Galasia. I will tell your mother that you were away from the cave if
 you do not go home. **

Talek's gaze abruptly darkens when the child is ordered to leave,
 shifting his eyes back again to look at the water.

Galasia grins. "I'm coll'cting rocks. She likes me to." And she ignores
 him, though she scuffs her feet, watching what Talek does.

Evenek hisses quietly, trying to decide what to do, then he returns to
 his original tactic of ignoring her.

The silver-haired Talek's attention seems to be absorbed in the ripples
 caused by the fractional shiftings of his body whenever he moves. He
 curls and uncurls his fingers, then brings them out of the water,
 letting the steaming liquid escape through his fingers. Feeling eyes
 upon him, he lifts his eyes again, catching the blue-eyed lass's
 curious glance.

Gallie grins, tickled by his expression. ** Why face red, here.. ** And
 she motions to her cheek.

** There was an.. ** Talek's gaze slowly shifts to Evenek, then back
 again. ** ..accident. **

Evenek snorts softly, amused by the explanation.

Galsia is a canny young child, and she looks over at Evenek
 suspiciously. ** Why you hit? **

Talek's cheeks redden, as if embarrassed, and he looks away slowly again
 to stare at the water. He swallows and lifts a hand to touch his cheek
 again, then tries to hide the movement by tucking some silvery strands
 behind his ear. His gaze is far-off and troubled.

Evenek considers the child carefully. ** I hit him because he felt it
 necessary to argue with me, and it's against the rules, Galasia. **

Galasia shakes her head. ** Mean. Not like much. Why make bad rules? **

[Evenek]
His very height is imposing, though he is no taller than the average
 Underworlder. Evenek's tall frame is lithe and graceful, every movement
 meaning something, not a single gesture wasted. His face is well-drawn,
 the cheekbones high and fine. Evenek looks out on the world from a pair
 of haughty grey eyes, he is better than most everyone, and carries
 himself with the proper bearing. His incessant desire for honor keeps
 him from smiling all that much, but when he does it is cold and cruel,
 only hinting at trouble. He wears a near black, mottled tunic over a
 pair of mottled grey breeches. The symbol of his house is worked with
 thread into the chest of his tunic. His hair is a rich red-tinted brown
 that is pulled back into a tail to keep it from his face. He wears a
 cloak of a deep blue hue which is also the only bit of color anywhere
 about him. His ears are high and finely pointed. When he turns his head
 his cold gaze fixes you in a judgemental stare as though he is
 measuring your worth to him. His cloak is fastened with his house
 symbol but he wears it as though nothing else mattered. On his left hip
 dangles a simple short sword which is obviously well-used and well
 cared for.

The smoke-eyed Willowholter falls utterly silent during this exchange,
 his hand still resting by his ear, then lowering to touch the back of
 his neck. Though soothed by the warm water, it is still an angry red
 with crimson showing where his uncle's fingernails penetrated the skin.
 After a moment he dips his hand in the water, then lifts it to his
 neck, washing some of the redness away.

Evenek shakes heis head at the child. ** Galasia, you are paying
 attention to things that don't concern you. Go home now, with your
 rocks. **

Galasia pouts, really unhappy at being told to leave, and her little
 chin is set with stubborn. ** Why? Going to be more mean? **

As he dips his hand into the water again and lifts it to the back of his
 neck, Talek sends hesitantly without lifting his gaze from the water,
 ** She doesn't.. have.. to go.. **

Kain emerges from the passage to the east.
Kain has arrived.
Xarisa emerges from the passage to the east.
Xarisa has arrived.
Xarisa follows Kain slowly, trying not to run into some unseen wall.

Kain tugs on the length of chain leading Xarisa along.

Evenek snarls angrily, still caught up in the minor argument he's having
 with a /child!/ ** Go home Galasia. Now. **

Talek is seated in the hot spring's water, both his cheek and the back
 of his neck an angry red. His gaze is far-off, disturbed, and dark, and
 he closes his eyes slowly at the send-snarl, taking no notice of the
 two new arrivals.

Galasia definately pouts, but she leaves, her handful of rocks clicking
 together merrily as she makes her way from the cave.

Kain motions Xarisa to sit down.

Xarisa's eyes glance nervously around, feeling the presence of others,
 yet not able to see them. She sits down near Kain at his motion.

Evenek tenses, ears picking up sound and motion. ** Come, Talek. You've
 had enough time to bathe. **

Xarisa blinks as her eyes adjust to the faintest light.

Kain sends openly ** Clear tunnels **

Talek dips his hand into the heated water, angry red splotches
 reappearing on the back of his neck, though the slap-mark on his face
 has finally started to fade. At the sending, he looks up with a slow
 blink, then wordlessly rises to his feet and moves towards his leathers
 collected by the side. He pauses. ** Are there.. towels..? **

Faint sounds are all that signals Evenek's approach as he hands his
 nephew a towel. ** There, dry quickly. **

Xarisa looks from the activity over to Kain, neither sending nor moving,
 unsure of what is going on.

Kain sits down with a sigh, he removes his boots and lets his feet soak
 in the spring.

Once more silently, Talek mops himself dry with the towels, yet leaves
 the still-tender back of his neck alone, the drying water offering some
 level of relief. Dropping the towel beside him, he slides into his
 breeches and pulls his tunic up over his head, eyes clouded.

Xarisa looks at you.

Evenek stands there, towering slightly over his nephew, waiting rather
 impatiently for him to finish his ablutions.

Talek seems to shrink slightly in the would-be shadow of the taller
 Evenek, pulling his boots on without a word before announcing: ** I'm
 done. ** Never mind that his hair, dried quickly with a towel as it had
 been, looks like a bird decided to make a nest in it.

Kain disappears south, through a long passagaway.
Kain has left.
Xarisa disappears south, through a long passagaway.
Xarisa has left.

Evenek continues to wait for Talek to finish dressing. The grinding of
 his teeth is almost audible under the circumstances. ** Come, now. **
Evenek goes through the eastern passage.
Evenek has left.

You go through a twisting rock passage to the east...
River Cavern(#2158RAJLa)
Obvious exits:   West (W)  Downstream (S)  Upstream (N)  Northeast
 (NE)
Contents:
Evenek
Obvious exits:
Chasm <D>  

Evenek vanishes down a side passage into the darkness.
Evenek has left.

You turn down a side passage and follow it through the darkness, emerging into...
Mireka and Talek's Chambers(#7762RAJL)
Smooth of wall and even of shape as only a rockshaper's chambers can be,
 these are the rooms shared between Mireka and her young son, Talek. The
 wan, ethereal light from glowmoss captured in crystalline globes casts
 only enough illumination to give an idea of where things are; one's
 sense of space, in these dim rooms, is more useful to give a true
 feeling of the size of the surroundings and the locations of things
 they hold. One's sense of touch, too, tells more of the woven hangings
 that surround the sleeping places, and of the shaped images that seem
 to be place at random along the walls.
Contents:
Evenek
Obvious exits:
Out  

Evenek turns open a few more glowbaskets, making it considerably lighter
 in the room, but it also makes the shadows starker.

Talek seems to shake suddenly, sharply, and only once when the pair step
 inside his old chambers. He says nothing though his eyes close for a
 long moment.

Evenek turns to regard his nephew. ** You are not comfortable here. Why?
 **

Talek's eyes open, severely clouded and dark, and the stark whiteness of
 his face is a pale that no Underworlder's skin has yet to achieve. His
 gaze shifts over the images, able to recognize each and every one even
 if they are enshrouded by shadows; it has not changed much in here
 since the ground-quake shook him loose. ** Bad dreams, ** is all he
 offers, albeit hoarsely.

Evenek kicks at a loose stone on the floor. ** Your mother was.. ill. I
 have heard some things. ** And there is a slight note of sadness and
 pity in his send.

** .... ** After a moment, the lad finds a place in the very center of
 the floor and sits there, huddled. As if to be as far away from the
 walls themselves as possible.

Evenek seems to shake himself out of that softened mood. ** You will
 sleep here. **

** I had guessed as much. **

Evenek stands stiffly. ** I will procure decent apparel from Anahita
 when I have a spare moment. As soon as you are more suitably dressed, I
 will take you to meet your lord. **

He looks away, staring at the same stone Evenek kicked moments before,
 his eyes blurring slowly. ** Can I at least keep my old leathers? Even
 if I do not wear them? **

Evenek sends openly ** Why? **

** Why not? **

Evenek smiles, amused by the stubborn-ness of the youngling. ** You
 remind me much of your mother. **

Talek's face blackens abruptly and he huddles into a tighter ball,
 silver hair fallen around his shoulders and face like a silken curtain.
 ** .... **

Evenek chuckles. ** It appears I have hit another nerve. **

His eyes shift to their corners, regarding Evenek sullenly and drearily,
 then shifting back to the rock. He plucks idly at the lacings of his
 breeches, fidgeting more than anything else, and offers no reply.

Evenek nods. ** I shall leave you then, here in the darkness. You seem
 to find my company so unpleasant. ** The last words are almost purred.

Though still no reply comes, Talek stiffens visibly where he huddles.
 Alone? Here? His eyes squeeze shut and he buries his face into his
 knees. Dreams thought hidden or forgotten dance in his mind - of
 purplescent flowers and Ynderra's coaxing voice; of struggles with
 reality and stone, cold walls reaching for the sky; of a silent maiden
 ever-shaping, of the rock swallowing him as she shaped him into the
 stone. He breaks suddenly, right there and then, as his shoulders start
 to shudder violently.

Evenek stands stiffly for a moment, his expression sharp. His goal was
 to cow the child so that he would be suitably quiescant for Morganthe,
 but this...no, he did not mean to damage him. ** Talek...I have
 reconsidered. My other business is not so pressing as to keep me away.
 I shall stay here the darktime, to speak with you on... other matters.
 **

Still no reply. Has the lad lost control of his voice? Yet when the
 silence breaks with a ragged sob, his control of voice is still
 determinable at least, yet he still does not send, grasping his knees
 to his chest tightly. It is the only sob he allows to escape and he
 does stifle the shaking slightly, but.. silence, thick like wine and
 certainly more foul, seems to surround the son of Mireka in a palpable
 aura. He will not look - he does not /want/ to look - and he tries to
 make his mind go utterly blank of thought.

Evenek shakes Talek, trying to pull him out of it. ** I will be here, 
boy. **

When Talek looks up it is with tearful eyes. ** I don't want to sleep
 here! ** he sends suddenly, desperately, and loudly. ** I don't want to
 sleep here or.. or /anywhere/! **

Evenek nods. ** You don't have to sleep here. But you will sleep
 somewhere, I assure you. Would you like to meet one who was from the
 surface? **

Relief breaks across Talek's face smoothly, but otherwise his expression
 is unchanging. ** Who? **

Evenek flicks his fingers, showing his lack of interest in the subject.
 ** Her name is Jaylorra. Perhaps you can sleep in the pile of furs she
 used to occupy. **

Talek ohs softly, glancing away. The name rings no bells and offers
 little importance to him. ** Can I see Dusk? **

Evenek shakes his head. ** You may not. **

Talek's face falls and he droops. ** Why not? **

Evenek smiles, though there is a hint of compassion there. ** She is a
 link to your past. It is time to put aside what you learned on the
 surface and take your place in the rolls of Elessardo. **

** But.. But.. ** Unsteadily, Talek rises to his feet. ** Can't I see
 her at all? She's my friend! **

Evenek sends openly ** Not...yet. If you are patient, and do as you are
 told, I will allow you to visit with her. **

Talek seems almost to be testing out his legs, to make certain they will
 not fail him, then straightens slowly. ** All right. ** You could
 almost see the wheels turning his head, though he keeps his eyes
 veiled. If he finds Dusk.. A plan, he realizes, he needs a plan, for he
 will /not/ stay here, no matter how much Evenek frightens him. He wants
 to go home to Jylien and Tinyhowl and Dawn and Trollkiller and
 /everyone/. Not stay down here. In the dark.

Evenek pauses for a moment as his mind reashes out for another.
Evenek looks fainlty annoyed. ** She has agreed to see you, Talek. Come
 along. **

Talek waits in silence. Utter silence. Nearly tangible silence. Then he
 raises to his feet, eyebrows arched. ** What is wrong? **

Evenek chuckles. ** She and I are not on the best of terms. Perhaps you
 will understand why when you meet her. **

Talek says nothing now, offering only a muted nod.

Evenek leads the way from the cavern, his stride a bit jarring in his
 concealed irritation.
Evenek makes his way out of the chambers.
Evenek has left.

You leave behind the subdued chambers here and blink as you step into
 the light of the....
River Cavern(#2158RAJLa)
Obvious exits:   West (W)  Downstream (S)  Upstream (N)  Northeast (NE)
Contents:
Evenek
Obvious exits:
Chasm <D>  

Evenek heads towards Upstream (N)
Evenek has left.

[omitted travel spam]

You begin a long trek down a great corridor of sculpted stone. Every so
 often you pass through a graceful arch. The walls are covered with
 frescos of the most delicate detail. Some of these frescos tell the
 history of the Underworld, others merely depict daily life of the
 subterranean elves.

Maerfaydo Caverns(#7460RAJLh)
You are in a massive cavern. It has been well shaped by some ancient and
 powerful rockshaper, for his equal has not been seen in some time.
 Great spiral pillars reach up to the caverns ceiling some forty feet
 up. Along the spiral indenture of the pillars, glow moss trails upwards
 illuminating the pillars. In the center of the cavern is a large shaped
 fountain, with a soft cascade of water spillng off the top. The
 remnants of what looks to have been three great houses commands the
 three other walls. They look to have once been two stories tall, but
 now seem to have been nearly destroyed in some great cave-in. Two of
 the three houses can still be entered. The building most oposite the
 entranceway is the most magnificiant of the three. The archway of the
 building consist of two elves, one male one female, reaching over to
 hold hands. Above the arch is a seal with two swords passing through a
 crown with an exploding star above the crown. This symbol is found all
 throughout the cavern. There are several large planters with glow moss
 in them. One of them is filled with mushrooms and other edible fungus.
 It almost looks like it has been recently tended to.
        <OOC Note: There are viewable objects here. +view to get a list.>
Contents:
Evenek
Jaylorra(#4808PJUceg)
Jay's Furs(#6470Je)
Obvious exits:
Out <O>  Uthraedo Caverns <UC>  Chamber House <CH>  Grand Hall <GH>  

Jaylorra sits gracefully on the edge of the fountain, a small infant
 lying in the firs at her feet. ** Clear tunnels, Evenek...? **

Talek moves behind Evenek, a characteristic shyness falling over him,
 hugging himself uncomfortably as his gaze shits to take in the whole of
 the room.

Evenek tilts his head briefly. ** I see that you have born your son,
 Jaylorra. My congratulations on the increase of your House. **

Talek's eyes settle on the resting child silently, pursing his lips. He
 hopes, silently, that Evenek did not learn of his own daughter back in
 the Willowholt.

Jaylorra rises fluidly to her full height, feet taller than any surface
 born would be, naturally, anyway. A single eyebrow raises inquiringly.
 "You may speak, young one. I am not in the habit of biting."

Evenek narrows his gaze at her, irritated at her setting aside of
 protocol. ** Jaylorra... ** There is no denying the threat in his tone.

His gaze lifts slowly to meet the female's and faint smile touches his
 lips. Yet, still, he neither sends or speaks, utterly silent as his
 arms settle into place over his chest. Yet with Evenek's warning, Talek
 suddenly blurts out, ** There's no difference between speaking and
 sending. Its just a matter of preference! **

Jaylorra smiles softly, her eyes glittering as she glances to Evenek.
 "The difference is that sending cannot lie, young one. You may call me
 Jaylorra, though I have borne many names since I arrived here."

Evenek bows his head, though reluctantly, in respect to her.. ** It is
 your House, lady, I do not presume to interfere with your whims. **

Talek's regard shifts between Jaylorra and Evenek silently, the faint
 smile lingering for bare moments before fading into a mask-like face
 void of expression.

Jaylorra moves forward, her eyes studying Talek. "Do you have a name,
 then?" She blatantly disregards Evenek, a sure snub to protocol yet
 again.

Evenek sighs, this was perhaps...a mistake. He had forgotten Jaylorra's
 lack of respect for the rules. ** Answer her, that's the third time she
 has asked you. **

It is barely above a whisper. ** Talek. **

Jaylorra nods. "Talek." a slight breath later she raises her head
 sharply. ** You smell like white-cold! **

Evenek scowls blackly. Stupidstupidstupid idea, anyway... He shifts
 uneasily, trying to decide hwo to divert the topic to more neutral
 subjects.

Talek blinks twice, then a smile spreads across his face. ** It snows
 outside.. the white-cold is nearly over.. The green was just starting
 to show when Dusk and I turned back.. **

Jaylorra steps forward with a smile. "It reminds me so of...home. But I
 don't belong to the surface any longer...Do I, Evenek?" And her gaze
 shifts mockingly to the named, taunting him with his rigid stance. She
 breathes a soft sigh. "Ah well. Some things aren't meant to be. Why
 have you come, Talek?"

Talek's gaze blackens and he lifts a self-conscious hand to the back of
 his neck. Silent once again, he looks away. He will not lie and would
 not risk Evenek's wrath were he to slip so. So he regards a pillar as
 if in fascination.

Evenek nods once to Jaylorra, giving her the field, for once. ** I will
 leave you noth to speak of what you will. I shall return for you in the
 morn, Talek. **

Talek's gaze shifts to Evenek and a flood of relief covers his face
 before it is quickly pushed away.

Jaylorra nods to Evenek coolly. "I will assure you of his safety,
 Evenek. Do not worry about us."

Evenek smiles coldly. ** I never worry...about you, Jaylorra. **

Talek watches the exchange in silent interest, yet withdraws backwards
 from the pair. There is.. conflict between the two, he senses.

Jaylorra chuckles softly. "You may leave us, then. We will be receiving
 tomorrow, as usual."

Evenek nods briskly and wastes no more time trading barbs with her, but
 turns on his heel and leaves.
Evenek has left.

Talek's gaze lingers after Evenek, not sorry that he is gone, but all
 too aware that this place is strange and though the maiden seems
 friendly enough, things are not always what they seem. Slowly, his
 smoke-hued eyes shift to regard her warily.

Jaylorra settles back to the edge of the fountain, looking down at her
 tiny son. "He forced you to come, didn't he?"

** Aye. ** Talek's voice is grave. ** He did. **

Jaylorra lowers her eyes, and it's obvious she's not seeing the child
 anymore. ** I am well learned in being forced, Talek. I was not brought
 here willingly....but I can't remember /why/. **

Talek stands where he has since Evenek left, rubbing his forearm as if
 it itches, though it doesn't. His sending tightens, with anger, guilt,
 and upset. ** I remember why. It can't have been more than a hand of
 days since then. **

Jaylorra sighs, her face tightening a fraction. ** Talek...I am not the
 enemy. Do not lose your focus. **

** I don't know that. ** As if expecting /her/ to strike out at him as
 his uncle did, Talek shies backwards a step or two, regarding Jaylorra
 warily. ** Why did Evenek bring me to you? **

Jaylorra holds her hands out, projecting total calm. ** Perhaps he
 thought that my tale would subdue you. He seems to think I will tell
 it. **

Talek still stands where he shied away, his fingers interlacing tightly.
 ** Tale? **

Jaylorra reaches out and touches the soft fuzz on the top of her child's
 head. ** I was from a place in the far north, the Cavedwellers, the
 tribe called themselves. ** The words are drawn reluctantly, but she
 feels that she must tell it.

Talek emits a soft 'oh!' of reply and blurts without thinking, ** I'm
 from Willowholt. **

Jaylorra nods. ** I remember...I traveled south, to visit the home of
 our ancestors, the Palace of the High Ones. Have you heard of it? **

The younger elf's gaze flickers briefly. ** Of course. **

Jaylorra closes her eyes, the memories coming back. ** There was such
 beauty...we clearly came from something much larger than what we are
 now..I had...been ill <<sense of something concealed, but not by
 Jaylorra>>, and the Festival of Flood and Flower was about to begin in
 Sorrow's End. So my companion left me there and went off to travel on
 her own. **

Jaylorra twists her fingers in the kirtle about her waist, some of her
 discomfort quite evident. ** Morganthe and his people came...to visit,
 and they asked if we would like to go back with them...there is
 something <<missing>>. I don't remember why I came, there is so much
 that I have tried to forget, and things that I must have succeeded at.
 Morganthe is kind to me, though. I did not always look like this... he
 shaped me so that I would better fit in. **

The youth says nothing, sends nothing, and indeed if looked upon he
 might be seen to be inching farther away, eyes moving towards the exit.
 This maiden is.. /strange/ and he does not know why Evenek brought him
 here, if there was a purpose at all. He wants to find Dusk! who must be
 hidden somewhere within this labyrinth, he just has to find her.. ** I
 see, ** comes the sending, hoping she'll take it as an indication to
 continue.

Jaylorra laughs softly. ** But you don't. Neither does Treestump. I
 don't understand half of it myself, because I can't remember. **

** Oh. ** A muted pause. ** I'm sorry. ** Closer, closer.. he inches
 towards the exit. Just keep talking, lass, just keep talking, he
 silently begs her. Calling on skills he hasn't used in years, he
 instinctively takes to the shadowy parts of the Cavern, keeping his
 movements enshrouded by darkness.

Jaylorra sighs. ** Stop. I am not that foolish, Talek, and you are
 straining trust. ** And she stands, looking rather imposing, for all
 that she is a female, and so willowy, as well...

Imposing perhaps if Talek were not her equal in height and already
 scared out of his wits as it is. He stops where he stands, yet still
 eyes the exit through the corners of his eyes, sending nothing.

Jaylorra beckons with a slender hand. ** Treestump states that I bore a
 daughter, but I do not remember her. It seems that I have been tampered
 with, but how am I to know? Now...why are you here? ** Her eyes are
 saddened as she looks back over her shoulder to the sleeping babe.

The offered hand is regarded warily, like something dreadful or hurtful,
 and not at all pleasant. Dully, Talek replies, ** Because my.. uncle
 took me here. ** He withdraws backwards to lean against the wall and
 sinks slightly, knees bent, but does not touch the floor.

Jaylorra sends openly ** Did he give you no reason? **

** Apparently the Elessardo fell and I'm his only means of bringing it
 back up again. **

Jaylorra nods, filing away that bit of information. ** You do not wish
 to restore your House, then. I can see that you are rather eager to
 leave. ** And her chin tilts briefly toward the entrance to the Cavern.
 ** What would you do if I could arrange for your departure? **

** I wouldn't believe you. ** There it is, out in the open: Talek hates
 it down here. He holds no trust for any down here, even if Evenek is
 not the best examples of their kind. He starts to slink towards the
 exit, head slightly ducked, silver hair falling over his feline eyes.
 ** I'm leaving now, ** he sends suddenly, decisively. ** I'm going to
 find Dusk. **

A sharp sound. ** Will you stop that! I cannot break my word to Evenek,
 not yet at least. And you should know that sending does not lie, young
 one. <<a short pause, a shifting of gears, so to speak>> There is
 another with you? **

** There is. ** No explaination beyond that as Talek continues to move
 towards the exit, slowly and stealthily. ** Leave her alone. **

Jaylorra makes an irritated face and strides forward, closing the
 distance between them, though she doesn't touch...not yet. ** I cannot
 let you leave, Talek, and I am more sorry than you know for that. Even
 /I/ must answer to Morganthe, and risking a House war would be rather 
foolish at this point. ** Her eyes stray once more to her son, so small,
 on the furs.

And the moment her gaze looks away, Talek seizes the chance to dart
 further away from her, his eyes brittle and cold. Evenek warned of
 things he would let another do to Dusk if his nephew disobeyed, but if
 he gets to her first there's a chance that nothing will happen! He puts
 some yards between himself and Jaylorra, then continues closing in on
 the exit slowly, back to the wall though it doesn't touch it.

Jaylorra stands silently. ** I will send for him if you continue to try
 me, Talek. I made a promise. **

In response, the silver-haired youth hesitates, mind spinning.. and he
 darts out of the cavern as quick as his legs can carry him.

[And so Talek runs, darting this way and that, winding the labyrinth of
 tunnels that makes up the Underworld, thinking too quickly to decide
 where he's going and gets utterly lost.  Along the way, he slams
 headlong into another Underworlder: Zelgadis of the Anado. Without
 thinking, he tries to push past the larger Underworlder and the results
 are not what he expects..]

Top of the Waterfall
Obvious exits:   Stairs(D)  Slide(Ansi Picture)  Upstream(N)

Evenek arrives from upstream, emerging through the wide northern
 passage.
Evenek has arrived.

The scene unfolds. Talek is being held by a very pertubed looking
 Zelgadis, struggling violently with a terrified expression. ** No! Let
 me go! **

Evenek enters the area, looking severely irate. ** Jaylorra sent, Talek.
 ** And that is all he says, at the moment, eyeing Zelgadis. ** My
 nephew, Zelgadis. **

Jaylorra locksends ** Be calm, do as he says, and I will do as much as
 is in my powers to help you. Sending does not lie! **

** Apologize, youth. ** Zelgadis does not even look up at the sending,
 gripping the frightened half-blood with hands that refuse to release
 him. Steely blue eyes bore into the younger elf's smoky grey, then he
 looks up towards Evenek slowly. ** Your 'nephew', Elessardo, has a
 certain lack of manners. **

** No! No! Let me go! ** /Wolf squat/! A sending and Evenek's presence
 serves to relieve his struggling somewhat, but he still jerks here and
 there in futile attempts to break the larger Underworlder's grasp. **
 Let me go! **

Evenek chuckles coldly. ** I know that. It is one of the many faults
 that I am trying to break him of. I will punish him fittingly do you
 wish it. **

** Punishment is not necessary. An apology is. ** And Zelgadis's hands
 squeeze harder.

Evenek locksends ** Apologize, now! <<slightly strained>> **

Talek gasps! and pulls away again, yet blurts, ** I'm sorry! I didn't
 mean to run into you! Please, I'm sorry! ** He jerks back again,
 stumbling in his steps..

... And Zelgadis releases him, sending the boy sprawling. Cloak falling
 back into place, he withdraws a step or two, fixing Talek with a Look,
 then focusing it on Evenek.

Evenek returns the Look, not backing down an inch. ** My apologies as
 well, Zelgadis. Jaylorra had proven that she cannot even control a half
-blood. I will remember better for future reference. **

Talek stumbles, but immediately clambors to his feet. Without waiting a
 bare moment he tries to dart off again.

Evenek reaches out a clamps a hand on Talek's arms, almost jerking him
 from his feet.

** Indeed. ** Zelgadis's gaze shifts to regard the fleeing Willowholter,
 gaze flickering lightly as if amused. He has seen Evenek's temper and
 almost hopes that the youth escapes; that flame is snuffed out quickly
 the moment the older Elessardo's hand snaps out.

** No! ** Talek /is/ jerked from his feet, hitting the ground hard. Yet
 he still fights as he did with the Anado, pulling violently. ** Let me
 go! Let me go! ** Nearly wrenching his arm out of its socket, he pulls,
 fingers digging into the unforgiving rock ground, trying to get some
 sort of leverage to getting away.

Evenek nods briefly before pulling Talek, however unwillingly, back up
 the hall. ** And you said you didn't wish to sleep in your old chamber.
 You have proven again and again that you do. **

Pulling? Try dragging? For even if Talek is pulled to his feet, he lets
 his legs collapse out from under him, refusing to be pulled along if he
 can help it. His silver hair is plastered to the back of his neck with
 sweat and his eyes are squeezed shut. ** I'm /not/ sleeping in there!
 **

Evenek snarls, dragging Talek around so that he can see his face. ** I
 offered you a more pleasant place to stay, and you >>REFUSED!!<< **

A ragged gasp escapes Talek as his head pounds from the raw volume of
 that sending. His struggles cease abruptly for a moment, then are
 weakly reborn as he tries to look away, to /get/ away. The Anado
 watches the entire exchange, gaze darkened heavily with disapproval,
 yet he says nothing. Yet.

Evenek releases the boy, realizing the scene that he is causing. He does
 not need to subdue him physically at all, and this fact has just dawned
 on him.
Evenek locksends ** I will have your small friend killed if you do not
 cease this foolishness. **

"NO!!" The utter explosiveness of the outburst rockets off the
 surrounding walls and creates a violent echo. That broke it. Talek
 leaps to his feet, moving back from Evenek, but staring at him wide
-eyedly and accusingly. ** I-If you k-kill her - if you /hurt/ her!! -
 I'll hurt you so badly not even a healer could put you back together!!
 You will /NOT/ because /I/ will not /LET/ you! **

Evenek steps away, completely unimpressed. ** I fail to see how you will
 stop me, youngling.. **

A sharp crystalline glitter engulfs Talek's eyes completely, all color
 and distinctness between iris and pupil vanishing in the sparkle,
 perhaps serving as the answer. Fear propelled his power before; now he
 is angry and vehemently protective. ** I'll find a way. ** 

The Anado continues to watch, though withdrawn somewhat. My, what an
 interesting spectacle /this/ is.

Evenek stands stiffly, towering at his full height. ** Then accept your
 role and do as I tell you! Jaylorra is rather distraught, and you owe
 her an apology, for showing such discourtesy. **

Coldly, a sending comes from the blue-eyed shadow that watches from the
 side. ** Jaylorra is also an Upworlder female, a breed who are often
 taken to tears at one moment and giggles the next. **

Malandor arrives from upstream, emerging through the wide northern
 passage.
Malandor has arrived.
Malandor heads north, along the river.
Malandor has left.
Malandor arrives from upstream, emerging through the wide northern
 passage.
Malandor has arrived.
Malandor heads north, along the river.
Malandor has left.

Evenek tilts his head, growling that the Anado should choose to
 interfere in House relations. ** This does not concern you, Zelgadis.
 **

A faint smile curls on the Anado's lips as he regards the Elessardo
 blandly, indicating that he truly doesn't care. ** That's nice. Your
 point? **

Evenek's eyes flash briefly. ** Unless you would care to watch me drag
 my nephew back to his rooms, the spectacle is over. **

Talek slowly shrinks backwards as attention shifts from him to the
 stranger, though doesn't run. Yet. Like dark music, the Anado's sending
 dances here and there, with no sense of purpose, yet definite focus
 that lies heavily upon the older of the Elessardo pair. ** One would
 think there is a flaw in your logic of dealing with children if you
 have to drag them physically to their chambers. **

Evenek chooses his words carefully, sensing the danger in word games
 with Zelgadis. But his eyes fall on Talek once more, willing him to be
 still. ** My nephew has not been properly raised in the ways of the
 Houses, Zelgadis. I am intent on instructing him, and it seems that I
 must cause him a little bit of pain to make my point. **

** Indeed. And I have found that when parents, surogate or true, inflict
 pain on children to get their point across, little respect is held for
 them in the long-run. And they often end up dead. **

Evenek nods. ** Perhaps...but I have no intentions of any such thing. He
 is a stubborn child. That is all. **
Evenek locksends ** No harm will come to her, as long as you do as I
 say, boy. This is my promise to you, and sending does not lie. **

Cold amusement flickers in the Anado's eyes like a live flame. **
 Sometimes spirits thought to be broken can rise up again, Elessardo. Be
 careful to choose which ground you tread upon. ** Then the amusement
 fades, the crystal blue gaze shifting to watch the pale figure of the
 younger Elessardo as he shrinks back to the side towards the stairway,
 his head ducking sharply as if avoiding a blow.

Evenek refuses to respond to the barb, even if Zelgadis's intentions are
 good. ** At least I did not try to kill him outright, upon finding him.
 **

** Very few think highly of such elves that slaughter blood-kin without
 reason. **

Evenek nods. ** I do not wish him dead, Zelgadis. Merely obediant. **
 And his eyes narrow as he seeks out the topic of conversation, he's
 been too quiet for the last few moments...

A sly, pleased smile creeps across Zelgadis's face as he watches
 Elessardo look.. and not find. He saw the youth creep off during the
 conversation and pointedly refused to draw attention to it. Feigning
 innocence, yet deliberately not succeeding very well, he sends, ** Is
 there a problem, Evenek? **

Evenek stiffens in muted fury. ** You deliberately... ** And he breaks
 off, more intent on finding Talek before he causes no end of trouble.
 He spins where he stands and moves off, his thoughts sweeping for that
 faintly wild taint which is his nephew's mind.

The search is fruitless, for any sendings gather no reply, no matter how
 vehement or painful. Talek has quite simply vanished into the rock
-work, as it were; and Zelgadis knows it too, doesn't he? **
 Deliberately..? ** he urges a reply, fingers curling idly over the hilt
 of his sword.

Evenek shakes his head, a slight smile touching his mouth. ** Did you
 not distract me, for the pleasure of causing me trouble? **

** No. I distracted you so that the lad would suffer no further abuse.
 **

Evenek nods. ** Well, then, But I have already given him my word that he
 will not suffer at my hands. Why should you take interest in affairs
 that concern you not? **

** Then at whose hands would he suffer, I might wonder? Its rather
 obvious the child is afraid of you. Tell me, though; how certain are
 you of my interests and of whether certain affairs concern me? **

Evenek smiles cunningly. ** Are you master of House Elessardo, then? **

** Should I be? **

Evenek chuckles. ** No. I have no trouble in governing my house. You
 should worry to the workings of your own family, if you even have
 one... **

Ice-sharp anger creeps unhindered into Zelgadis's sending. ** I do,
 Elessardo. Believe that. But it appears that the same could not be said
 to you.. No willing family at least. **

Evenek has put aside his anger, and seems to have won, for he's managed
 to prick the other. ** No matter. I am sure we will have many
 opportunities to speak on this charming topic. Clear tunnels, Zelgadis. 
** And with that, he takes his leave.

** I am certain we will. ** And the Anado offers no further reply, nor
 does he take his own leave, watching the Elessardo depart without
 offering any form of farewell.

[End Log]