Oloth -- Logs

Dakini comes quietly into the Path, her expression thoughtful behind the shades. It's just after noon, and the Path is almost empty. She glances around, noticing Alois at his books, sitting alone. A faint smile... then she steps over to the bar, quietly asking Talabrina for a mug of hot tea and whatever Alois' usual is. Once she has the two mugs she moves over to Alois' table. As he looks up at her approach she sets his mug down at his elbow, murmuring quietly, "Mind if I join you?"

Alois looks up from his books, looking a little startled. He obviously wasn't paying nearly as much attention as normal to what was happening around him.. He clears a spot on the table for Dakini. "Sure, Lady Dakini.. Make yourself comfortable."

Dakini smiles a thank you and settles down in a chair across from him, where she can easily be seen... she knows the value of not startling twitchy folks. She sips her hot tea quietly, letting him finish whatever problem he's working on... although the business woman in her does cause her to absent-mindedly run a judicious eye down the book entries she can see.

Alois takes a sip of the coffee that Dakini brought over as he finishes the line in the ledger that he's working on. He closes the book after he finishes the line in neat elven script, then turns his attention to you, "Sorry! What can I do for you, Lady Dakini?"

Dakini sips her tea, thinking... then sets the mug down, "Well... I think it's maybe more what I can do -- or did -- for you..." She pauses, then carefully asks, "Do you remember the other night, when the little pseudo dragon turned up? There was a bit of er... a tiff, shall we say, between me and Ophelia?"

Dakini says, "Well... about a decade ago you taught me by example... and since then, no matter where I am, I keep an ear to the street talk." She smiles a little ruefully, "Um... are you aware they're making book on you and Ophelia, down in the bazaar?"

Alois chuckles, leaning back in his chair, "What kinds of bets are they making?"

Dakini counts on her fingers, "Well, there's those that believe that you'll just kill her for what she did..." She looks up ruefully, "-she was pretty shaken up, apparently, by the er... occurrences of that night..." She continues, "-and those are betting on how long it'll take. Then there are those that think you'll just make an example of her nonlethally... and those that are betting on whether or not you'll make an example to her... of Dermott... or whether the Misery is too big..." She looks up, interlacing her fingers under her chin, and adding, "Regardless... it was um... an interesting thing I thought you might want to know." A bit ruefully she adds, "I don't know whether to be proud or apologize of the emotional set-up... I can't claim it was deliberate though... this time...

Dakini watches the drow with interest, to see how he'll react... and what he'll react to.

Softly she adds, "I don't think any of them have realized how you feel about Eimi yet, though..."

Alois laughs! "And which of those bets are you in, Lady Dakini."

Dakini smiles, "None. I like to know... not to bet on possibilities."

Dakini grins a little mischievously, "Which is why I'm telling you... betting's not nearly as interesting as real people."

Alois leans forward, resting his chin on his hand. He looks at you intently. "Thank you, for the set up then even if it wasn't intentional. I appreciate it." He takes a sip of his coffee, as though pausing to collect his thoughts. "As for Ophelia... I've made no decisions."

Dakini nods quietly, watching with interest as Alois thinks. She murmurs idly, "The pseudo dragon is safe, by the way. I'm curious as to what will occur, overall... and how the betting might change if it was more generally known how you felt about your lady. On the other hand, I can't imagine anyone in their right mind would harm your lady... or a doctor." She adds with a quiet smile, "I must say, I think it's sweet."

Alois nods, "Excellent. I'm sure the Admiral would not be pleased if his familiar came to harm." He smiles, a genuine and very-nearly glowing smile at the mention of his lady. "I think the bets would swing more towards me harming Ophelia, I must say.. My Lady Eimi is the very joy of my life."

Dakini smiles quietly again, watching Alois... there's nothing quite as joyful as two people in love, she thinks happily. She just watches for a moment -- it seems a shame to interrupt such emotion with pragmatism.

Alois takes another sip of his coffee. "Dakini, are you happy running Dammerung?"

Dakini savors her tea, thinking... then smiles ruefully, "Well... it pretty much runs itself. It's one of the reasons I wander around and listen to folks so much, I suppose... not much to do otherwise. Why do you ask?"

Alois shrugs, "Just curious, I suppose."

Dakini smiles, sipping her tea quietly... then politely says, "My best wishes to you and your lady, by the way, if I've not said that previously."

Alois says, "Thank you, Dakini. I certainly hope things work out the way that I want them to."

Dakini looks curious, "How do you want them to work out, if I may ask?"

Alois says, "I'm hoping for something more.. permanant than our current arrangement."

Dakini grins, "Ah! Well then... if there's anything I can do to help, do please let me know!" She adds cheerfully, "I just love watching romantic relationships grow!"

Alois chuckles, "I'll let you know."

Dakini grins again, "Well then... in that case I'll leave you in peace, to finish your books." She finishes her tea, then rises and nods politely to Alois, "Aluve', Alois." She departs, pacing out with her usual quiet tread.

Alois says, "Aluve', Dakini"

(Log stopped Mon Mar 12 1901 11:52 PM by "Dakini" at "Wandering Path - Taproom" OOC)

(OOC) Wed Mar 14 1901 05:44 PM by "Dakini" at "The Silvertree: Workshop" (OOC)

The Silvertree: Workshop
Two stone-topped tables and a stove dominate the fair-sized workshop, and an amazing variety of tools hang on wall-pegs. There are enough hammers and chisels and saws and clamps and drillbits and rawhide mallets and odd-nosed pliers to perform surgery on a dragon. A large locked chest under one table is labelled "sheet & wire" and a smaller chest with an equally impressive lock reads "pretty rocks". A torch and casting equipment lurk under the other table. A black metal stove and oven squats in the corner with a rather incongruous whistling-style teakettle atop it and a small sink and water taps beside it. One high hardwood table with two tall stools and a cupboard under it flanks the stove-- apparently this place doubles as a kitchen. Plain copper lanterns provide lighting. Stairs in the corner lead to the upper floor, and a door beside them leads to the public shop.

This is a huge, heavily furred dire wolf. From black nose to silvered tail-tip he is easily 8 ft long, and stands about 4 and a half feet at his powerful shoulders. His thick, silvery coat is glossy with health, and strong, curving claws tip his large paws. Long legs are built for running, and his green eyes are bright with intelligence. Half-hidden by his shaggy ruff, a wide leather collar can be seen, inscribed with colorful protective runes. In the center an elegant script can be barely discerned. In basic elvish it spells out "Dakini's Hati."

Dakini grins lazily at you from behind the reflective blue-green shades which hide her eyes. Her hair is long and tousled, a bright, red-gold mane that occasionally hides her small pointed ears. She's a tall, slender, strong woman, with small but callused hands, and well-muscled forearms. She wears a soft, comfortably loose, ivory silk shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Over that is a sturdy, quilted, sleeveless tunic of dark indigo blue embroidered with intertwined silvery stars and ivory-gold unicorns. It is belted off snugly with a wide, well-worn leather belt. On her right hip, tied down about the right thigh, rides a holstered flechette pistol. On her left hangs a decorated and runically embossed scabbard with the plain, worn-leather-and-wire wrapped pommel of a short sword protruding from it. Sturdy, worn dueling gloves are tucked into the back of the belt, mostly hiding a cross-holstered dagger. Slung over one shoulder is her battered, padded leather airwoman's jacket, heavily decorated on the back with a rabidly snarling, eight-limbed, winged beast, and numerous other colorful decorations on shoulders, arms, and front. Her long legs are fitted with snug breeches, and her knee-high, well-used black leather boots and jacket smell pleasingly of years of quality leather care.

Safix stands a shade under 5 feet tall. Her clean skin is deep golden, against which her arched white eyebrows and thick lashes stand in sharp contrast. Her shaggy white hair falls manelike around her face to touch her shoulders at the longest points, and the sides are tucked behind her delicately pointed ears, revealing three small, slim silver rings piercing the lower part of each, and a fourth ring at each tip. Green eyes with a narrow circle of red around each pupil look back at you from her triangular, sharp-featured face. She's wearing a dark red tunic today, loosely belted with black cloth, over tight black pants tucked into black leather boots laced to the knee. A simple band of silver chainmail circles her throat.

Safix hops off her tabletop seat as the tea is ready, having left the high stool for Dakini should she prefer. She pours a neat bowl of tea for Hati, a cup each for Dakini and herself, and cocks her head. "Sugar? Cream?"

Dakini grins, "He loves sugar and cream... and as a lycanthrope the sugar, which is bad for canines, isn't a problem for him. Layer it on! He'll love it."

Hati wags his tail happily and encouragingly at Dakini's words.

Dakini grins at Hati, then looks around with interest at the workshop while Safix prepares tea.

Hati also watches what Safix does, what she uses, where things go.

Safix rummages a bit, bent over in the cupboard, and straightens cheerfully up with a plate of gingersnaps and sugar cookies, which she sets on the table.

Safix grins, adds judicious cream and mounds of sugar to Hati's bowl of mint tea, and places it daintily on the floor in front of him.

Dakini ooohs, in soft appreciation, "Mmm... and I love cookies!" She grins at Hati affectionately, "Haven't forgotten you, silly!" and slips a sugar cookie to him while she snags a gingersnap for herself.

Hati happily crunches up the cookie, and settles down, lapping neatly at the bowl of tea. He looks up to Safix and wags his tail pleasantly. She must have gotten the sugar and cream right.

Safix sets out sugar and cream-bowls with spoons so Dakini can adjust her own tea as she likes, adds cream to her own, and hops back on the workbench, feet dangling. "So... have any particular reason for dropping in, or just miss my company?" She smiles.

Dakini inhales with appreciation when Safix hands her the teacup... then slowly sips. "Mm... and I do love a nice mint tea." She drinks a bit, then looks over to Safix sitting cross-legged on the table. Quietly she says, "So... how are you doing, Safix'ya? Feeling any better?"

Safix looks at Dakini and blushes slightly. "Yes, thank you... I was being stupid with the whiskey. Feeling useless, unwanted..."

Dakini looks curious, "Why, silly girl? You do beautiful work. You have friends. Your family may not be here, but they still love you."

Hati obviously sits and listens. Some dogs can look like they're listening, but they don't understand. Hati understands. It's either reassuring or quite discomfiting.

Safix shrugs and stares into her tea a little bit, then answers, sounding sheepish. "Dred affected me more than I should've let him. I started fearing A-- everybody felt that way."

Safix says a touch bitterly, "After all, I /am/ just a little ring-seller. He got that right. I have no... place, here. I'm the newcomer, intruding."

Dakini grins, although her demeanor is sympathetic, not mocking, "From what I heard, Alois was aghast at what his brother did. That doesn't sound like he feels like Dred did. And as Keesha herself put it the other day, don't trust Dred to start a party in a vinyard..." she grins wryly, "-or something like that. Weird euphemism."

Hati has a careful lap or two of his bowl of tea.

Safix blushes a bit harder at Dakini's first words, and smiles again. "Well, like I said, I do feel better now."

Dakini gently rubs Hati's ears, smiling at Safix' blush, "Glad to hear it."

Hati leans a bit in to the ear rubbing, and continues to watch thier host.

Safix nods. "And I really do appreciate you guys caring... more than I can get across. I... I really, really do. Thank you."

Dakini watches quietly for a bit, still rubbing Hati's ears... then says softly, "...but...?"

Safix says "But...?" and sighs. "But. Yeah..."

Safix fidgets. "It's just that, well..."

Dakini looks down at Hati's calm face as she rubs his ears, to hide the small smile... she just listens quietly.

Hati sits very still, not wanting to be a distraction, not staring at Safix.

Safix says quietly, looking into her teacup, "I don't want you guys to get hurt. You've become friends, and those are precious. I worry that you might be affected by what I'm doing, and so I'm alone in doing it..."

Safix finishes, "...and so I'm alone. Again. I hate being alone. It's... well, for lack of a better word, it gets lonely."

Dakini gives Safix a frankly disbelieving glance, but just politely says, "Umm... I assume you didn't mean that to be insulting, yes?"

Hati looks curiously at Safix. He dosen't seem as confused or perturbed as his mistress, but he does look curious.

Safix blinks at Dakini, taken aback. "What?"

Hati quietly laps at his tea, while his mistress explains.

Dakini says, "You are, in essence, deciding for your friends what they're allowed to do or risk. How would you feel if I decided it wasn't safe for you to hang out with me in the Path, mm?" Her gaze is sardonically amused, "Bet you'd pitch quite the fit, ja?"

Safix blinks again and looks at Dakini instead of her teacup. "I... hadn't thought of it that way."

Dakini sips her tea quietly, letting Safix think of it that way.

Hati looks back up at Safix.

Safix says in complete earnest, "But it would be so wasteful for you to get hurt because of me. I'm not important."

Dakini grins lazily, "Who're you to tell me that, Safix? or Hati?"

Hati says, "Wuff." in agreement with Dakini.

Safix says, "Someone who cares about you."

Dakini grins at Hati, ruffling his ears.

Safix honestly seems to believe what she's saying.

Dakini looks back at Safix, nodding, "Excellent reasoning. By that reasoning, as your friends we are entirely in the right in telling you that you may not do whatever it is you're doing... without us." She smiles, "Fair's fair, after all... and turn about is fair play."

Hati looks as if he has no trouble following his mistress' convoluted thread of logic. Perhaps he's heard it before.

Safix says, "I'm nothing... you're wonderful people. You have each other. Nobody would miss me much if I weren't there tomorrow, or the days after that. My family would get over it eventually too... they have each other, and blood-kin."

Dakini puts her teacup down and says calmly, "If you say you're nothing one more time... I shall scream in sheer exasperation!"

Dakini says, "That is utter nonsense... and if you'd just think clearly for a moment you'd see that yourself!"

Safix says, "I'm more of an inconvenience than anything else-- I don't /do/ much but make pretty things. There are others with similar skills... why should I be special?"

Hati deines the fact that nobody would miss her by standing up and walking over to her. He puts his forefeet up on the bench, and leans up and licks the girl cheerfully.

Safix says, "I cherish the time I spend with you, truly, all my friends. I would never forgive myself if you should come to harm because of me."

Dakini gestures at Hati, "You could say the same about him... he doesn't do much but make pretty things. Much like you, that's a gross underexaggeration of the facts." She grins as Safix gets messily slurped.

Dakini giggles, "Mint breath!"

Safix sputters slightly but comes up grinning.

Hati stops licking and backs off, looking Safix in the eye for a moment.

Safix says, "But Hati's... /Hati/. Irreplaceable."

Safix says, "He simply /is/."

Hati nudges Safix with his nose.

Dakini nods, "Indubitably. And so are you..." she grins, "Little former-skunk-top."

Safix's eyes look suspiciously bright. She sniffs once.

Safix brings her hands up to scrub self-consciously at nose and eyes, muttering, "Think I'm getting a cold, just a moment."

Hati gets down from the workbench, and returns to his mistress' side, turning about and looking at Safix again.

Dakini smiles quietly, and slides another hankie over the table towards Safix. Politely she adds, "He can be a bit, er... drool-y sometimes..."

Safix nods gratefully and makes good use of the hankie for a bit.

Dakini grins down at Hati, rubbing his ears gently again. They're both too polite to point out the real reason Safix might be sniffling.

Hati hrrfs, indignantly.

Safix finishes mopping and smiles a bit tremulously. Her voice isn't quite steady, but her eyes are smiling too. "Th-thank you..."

Dakini smiles, "You're welcome, Safix... but I will note, that's what friends are for... to cover your back when you need it. Why do you think Hati and I get along so well? We both understand that we're less without the other."

Safix grins sheepishly. "I guess I was being kind of an idiot, then. Sorry. You have a right to decide what you do, or how you feel, as much as I do... of course."

Hati wags his tail a couple of times at Safix's words. After Dakini speaks, he says, "Wuff!" again, agreeing.

Dakini nods quietly, still smiling at Safix as she rubs the huge wolf's ears.

Safix chuckles, then makes a small face, grinning still. "I'm so glad I didn't take my tea with sugar, this is all entirely too sweet."

Hati is reminded, and happily laps up the rest of his tea.

Dakini shakes her head gravely, "No, Safix'ya... it's not 'sweet' at all. It's simple survival... especially in a place like this."

Safix says, "Not quite sure what to do with it. You, A-.. ah, my friends are so much /nicer/ here than I had any right to expect, moving into a strange city. Thank you."

Dakini smiles ruefully, "It is true, you were lucky in who you met initially. I've been to cities where the scum waits at the transportation terminals for the young and unwary."

Hati rrfs softly.

Safix shrugs. "I'll be at your back anytime you have need. I'm not a lot of good up front against the swords, but I have some small skills that could help you even if it should come to a fight. You deserve it, whether you choose to call it survival or friendship."

Safix smiles a bit oddly. "Scum is so relative, speaking as an ex-noncitizen."

Dakini smiles, "I'm glad to hear it, Safix... but I cannot accept that offer unless you realize it is a two-way responsibility... that you'll call on us for the same, should you wish to try something dangerous."

Hati rrfs! again.

Safix sighs, but looks almost relieved-- not that she would admit it. "All right. You have my word as a... er, silversmith." She grins.

Hati wags his tail again, and looks pleased with Safix.

Dakini grins, looking a bit relieved, "Excellent. In that case, Hati and I are quite glad to accept your offer."

Dakini holds out her hand to Safix.

Safix grins and clasps Dakini's hand firmly. "Sealed."

Safix tilts her head and adds, "I have sealing wax upstairs, if you'd like, even." She looks much cheerily.

Safix holds out her other hand to Hati...

Dakini shakes hands with Safix. She laughs, "No, I don't think we want to be stuck together. It'd make it awkward for you in the Path, eh?" She grins mischievously... then looks down at Hati inquiringly.

Safix pretends very hard that she doesn't know she's blushing again.

Hati reaches out and puts his paw in Safix's extended hand, watching her carefully. He manages to remain dignified, despite the cliche.

Safix actually manages to look Dakini back in the eyes, though. "It's not the in-the-Path part I'd be particularly concerned about." She winks.

Dakini chuckles quietly, but politely doesn't embarrass the poor woman again... tempting though it is...

Safix grins and clasps Hati's paw firmly. "No disrespect was intended, my large friend. Quite the opposite, I assure you!"

Hati wuffs softly to Safix.

Safix lets go quickly, though, so Hati isn't stuck too long in a domesticated pose.

Safix smiles warmly at both her friends, then leans back against the wall to finish her tea and happily demolish a sugar cookie, watching her companions with a fond gleam in her eye.

Hati sees the moment has passed, and amuses himself by sniffing around all the forge-smells in the workshop while the two others talk.

(Log stopped Wed Mar 14 1901 06:49 PM by "Dakini" at "The Silvertree: Workshop" OOC)

(OOC) Fri Mar 16 1901 08:22 PM by "Dermott" at "Arcana City Park" (OOC)

(Log stopped Fri Mar 16 1901 08:22 PM by "Dermott" at "Arcana City Park" OOC)

(OOC) Fri Mar 16 1901 08:23 PM by "Dermott" at "Arcana City Park" (OOC)

Ophelia releases both of your arms and takes a few paces up and away from you, lifting her head to gaze up at the stars. "I've known you both for a while. You two and Alois are whom I suppose I trust the most." Continuing to not face either of you, she takes in a deep breath and releases it slowly.

Dermott arches an eyebrow slowly, and says mildly, "I do hope that you can trust me, milady...."

Kern arches an eyebrow as he folds his hands together, wondering where Ophelia is going with this. "Aye." he says affirmingly.

Ophelia folds her hands together behind her and swivels on the backs of her heels to face you both. She nods. "Of course, my Dermott. You know I do." Giving him a sincerely warm smile, she then turns to Kern. "Since the closing of the rift, I've noticed that we've encountered a slightly different brew of folk in the Wandering Path. Haven't you?"

Kern shrugs. "Those just happened to be the folks that were caught on this side of the rift. Chastity, Artania, Moira, Victory...they're all still in FurrySpace."

Dermott smiles a bit humorlessly, folding his arms. "Well, the 'usual brew' in the Path would see the Path in shambles a few minutes after five people showed up. As it is, we now have twice that number there and the place hasn't yet been devastated, so... offhand, I would say that it is a different view."

Ophelia rocks a little on her heels, murmuring, "Quite so.." though to which of you, you're not sure. Perhaps both. Focusing on Kern, she says, "I could not help but notice tonight your conversation with that red and golden haired woman." Laughing softly, she purrs, "I don't think many escaped your conversation, actually."

Kern flushes slightly, though the emotion behind it is not easily discernable. "Yes, well...she is one I've not met before. And she is an usual one...it's not clear to me if she came from JammerSpace or FurrySpace...or maybe she has travelled through both."

Dermott says, "From conversations I've had with her, she's travelled through a technological or technomantic society before arriving in FurrySpace, then got caught on the Oloth side of the rift."

Ophelia continues to laugh lightly. "What did she accuse you of? Being a 'narrow-minded ethnocentrist'?" She presses Kern with her glance.

Kern says, "That phrase did come up, yes. Why?"

Dermott watches Ophelia carefuly, listening a little warily.

Ophelia taps her finger to her lip thoughtfully, giving Kern a curious look, a tilt of her head as she purrs, "Didn't you find that odd, how quickly she jumped to such conclusions, and with such fire too..." She smiles some, her eyes unreadable.

Kern grimaces. "I would care not to guess as to her conclusions. More often than not, she plays word games. Saying things she does not mean to get the attention of the listener and make them think."

Kern says, "She is probably one of the most confusing people I've ever met."

Dermott interjects, "Not the least reason for being, that she's the owner of a slave, Kern?"

Ophelia hmmms, seeming to ponder Kern's statement. "Is that what you believe, Kern?" she asks rhetorically. "That she says things like that, with such venemous bite, to make you think?"

Kern smiles faintly at Ophelia. "I think jumping to conclusions would do more harm than help, '

Ophelia lifts her palms up in offering, "I merely was attempting to repeat what I thought you'd said, to better understand your viewpoint."

Kern says, "I don't have a view point. But what I see from experience is that assuming her words represent the unadulterated truth is a mistake."

Kern glances at Dermott. "That does factor in, yes."

Dermott makes a small sound. "That would be sound advice for just about anyone's words, actually...."

Kern says, "But for Dakini, especially, Dermott. This is, in a sense, almost a game to her."

Ophelia rolls her eyes a little at Kern and says with a slighty exagurated giggle, "Of course you have a viewpoint, Kern. You're not inhuman." With a wave of her hand, she then says, "A -game-... yes. I very much agree with you there. And how curious a game at that." turning to Dermott, she purrs, "Darling, why don't you tell Kern here how she played with us last week?" Her finger twirls over the collar of his coat.

Kern smiles at Ophelia. "Well, let me put it this way..I prefer not to make even an intermediary judgement until all the facts are in."

Dermott says, "Even though there are people who live and die by their word, a statement doesn't have to be false to be... not entirely true."

Dermott tilts his head to the side, arching an eyebrow. "A game? Well... I could see it where she sees so many people uptight about something she accepts as a matter of course, and decides to bait those people." He grins a little. "Wether she actually does that or not, is open for debate, and could only be answered by her."

Dermott looks over to Ophelia, and arches an eyebrow again. "Well... if I recall, you were trying to get the microdragon to talk about what happened with the mage he was travelling with when they got attacked by the Neogi, when Dakini came in and heard that, and... well, for some reason was very irate."

Dermott notes, "I couldn't tell if her spit actually reached you, but it was probably a good thing we retired for the evening shortly thereafter.

Kern says, "Curious."

Dermott says, "Actually... to be entirely accurate, you were trying to get the microdragon to talk, by offering it jewelry...."

Ophelia says, "It has been my observation that the woman very quickly jumps to conclusions which, for some reason compell her to be rather iritatingly grating. I have formed my own theory, but would ask that you both keep your eyes and ears sharp." Smiling to you both, she rests her hands upon each of your shoulders and purrs, "I know that you both like to remain non-judgmental and fair, and I'm relying upon you to do so."

Kern says, "You're being awfully mysterious, Ophelia. What's on your mind?"

Arcana City Park
The Arcana City Park is a natural area of relaxation and recreation for the residents of the city. The park is carpeted in lush green grass and ringed by large, old trees. It is unclear exactly how this park is able to exist so far from the sun, but it is an extension of the EIF gardens and the Elves are often fingered as the cause. There is a huge fountain in the centre of the park and marble benches are scattered here and there. Near the fountain stands a memorial 'stone'.

Looking at you silently, she locks her gaze with yours as you study her, as if in challenge. Her eyes are large, almond-shaped, the pupils of which are black-as-coal and slanted in favorable feline manner, surrounded by cool blue-green irises. It is within those depths that you can see the passion which churns beneath the haughty facade of her persona, surfacing readily as each of her numerable and varied moods pass. Her flesh is sheened with a light covering of white fur. Ebon hair the shade of a moonless night spills like a dark waterfall down the middle of her back, it's lush thickness shaped by soft layers which frame her face. Triangular eartips swivel slightly to orient on various sounds and long thin earrings chime gently from the pierced outer edges. Consuming the majority of her body is a form-fitting suit of midnight black, leather so sumptuously supple it molds to her lithe frame like second-skin. The neck of the suit rises high upon her throat, pliantly pouring down long toned arms and covering her wrists and hands, leather leaving only her slender fingers freed, their tips shining sharp with black laquered claws. Though lusterless leather devours the vast majority of her laguinous light flesh, it does not leave much to the imagination as to her shape. Each curve of her feminine form is caressed by shadows of black, boldly binding her body, no smooth slope of her veritable voluptuousness untouched. Behind her swishes a long prehensile tail, which might be used as a barometer of her mood. As your eyes trail down her 5' frame, you see that she is long-limbed and toned, and you'd guess that her feline attributes allow her to be quite graceful and quick with flexible strength. Curiously enough, though she wears thigh high black leather boots with silver stilletto heels, she makes narry a sound with each step. With even the most subtle of movements, the light invariably catches upon a splendid oval diamond which rests snugly within the platinum wings of a phoenix. The feline's engagement ring of black gold and platinum nestles protectively above her wedding band of damascasine patterns weaving sinuously in differing hues and shades of matching precious metals. On the first finger of her right hand is a signet ring of silver of a python-like serpent biting it's own tail: 'Orouburos' the symbol of eternity. The only other piece of jewelry she wears is a bracelet upon her left wrist, half of a matched pair of silver and gold strands entwining in complex pattern and gifted with the glimmer of one single jewel upon each strands' end: one of topaz, the other of turquoise. Your eyes are pulled toward her hips, where a glinting reflection of the meager light on a slender dagger's blade rests, awaiting use when necessary.

You see before you a human male in his mid-twenties. He appears to be moderately attractive, with his jet-black hair worn long in the back and cropped close, his piercing green eyes, and chiselled facial features. His lips seem to naturally turn up into a smile as he returns your gaze unblinkingly. His body well toned under his garments, though favoring a wiry build over larger muscles. He is currently wearing a fine suit of elven chainmail, reaching down to his ankles on the bottom, and his elbows on the top. Over that, he wears a golden long-tunic emblazoned with a multi-colored vortex. He has a black leather belt cinching the tunic, adorned with several belt pouches, a longsword in its scabbard, and what looks to be a speed-holster for an ebony wand. He stands comfortably in red leather highboots, and golden bracers protecting his wrists. Last to catch your eye is the new ring which sits on his left middle finger: a silver band set with a rogue stone, denoted by its chaotic swirling colors. It seems to glisten in the light as your eyes move back to his face, and he nods, murmuring a quiet 'well met' to you.

Dermott is a young grey wolf, not too far from middle-aged. His pelt is a neatly-groomed pale grey, with some lighter and darker highlights. His features are a little sleeker than most wolves' giving him a faintly 'stream- lined' appearance. His eyes are both a soulful, deep, rich brown, alight with some amusement. He glances your way when he notices you looking at him, and the look of eternal bemusement on his face warms for a moment. His stance is plantigrade, and he walks with a casual, yet very slightly cautious air about him. His tufted ears perk alertly at most sounds, and his bushy tail droops down behind his back through a small buttoned slit in his jacket. Upon his right ring finger, he wears a mokume wedding band, and upon his opposite wrist he wears a thin bracelet of gold strands, woven together in Turk's head fashion. He wears a plain dark blue tunic, fairly well-tailored, that buttons up the front from his waist to the high collar. There are buttoned pockets on his chest and on the hips of the tunic, and a black belt cinches it. The collar, epaulets, and cuffs are flat black; a simple wolfskull-and-crossbones pattern is embroidered on the collar. he wears also a pair of off-white trousers, with a dark blue stripe running down the outside seam, and a pair of flat black boots. Tunic and trousers appear to be of a tough, comfortable synthetic. At his side, hung by a black baldric accross his chest, is a sheathed schiavona, a basket-hilted broadsword.

Ophelia purses her lips some and pauses, drinking in a deep breath of the cool night air. "Ah... I just find it rather interesting that she was so quick to claim me as her enemy, when I have said nothing untowards to her, to my recollection. She was rather strong in her opinion of me, labeling me with very unflattering affair. SO.... with that said, please take that into consideration when in her presence, or out of it, for that matter. I believe she is blind to sincerity, or else so jealous of me it has boiled her brain.

Dermott arches an eyebrow. "'Jealous?' That's a rather ugly emotion to attribute to someone, my dear. Of what would she be jealous?"

Kern arches an eybrow. "Ah." he says, somehow managing to convey volumes in that one word.

Ophelia shrugs lightly. "Do you recall what of that conversation with Kern provoked her?"

Dermott says, "Well, yes. Her thinking that he was suggesting she abused Hati."

Ophelia nods encouragingly, "Go on.. and what did she accuse Kern of accusing her of.. what kind of abuse?"

Dermott frowns slightly. "Sexual abuse. And this means...?

Dermott says, "More to the point, this relates to jealousy, how?"

Ophelia says, "Precisely." She smiles somewhat, "You've answered your own question. Think about it. Don't people who are insecure about something tend to be all the more overly dramatic about it? Remember the saying "Methinks he doth protest too much?" Isn't it obvious? She's not at all in tuned with her sexuality."

Kern says, "Putting aside the fact that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar...what does her being in tune with her sexuality have to do with anything?"

Ophelia says plainly, calmly, matter-of-factly, "She feels threatened by me, since I exhude sexual confidence." Of course, gosh.

Dermott frowns slightly, trying to follow the logic. Failing. "Ah. Right. Of course. And... this is of concern, in what way?" He shakes his head, sighing. "I can already tell that this mutual dislike between you two is not going to go away anytime soon. I can live with that. I can live with her being a slave owner -- Bona no Croin for me and my people, whatever else for others. But let's not let this get more out of hand than need be...."

Kern frowns. "I see."

Ophelia sighs and closes her eyes. "Fine.. you don't believe me; you think that this is petty." She shakes her head, her eyes opening and looking crestfallen. "I should have known that you could not understand the undercurrents of how this really plays between women."

Kern says, "I'm not saying I don't believe you, 'Lia. But I also think you're assuming a lot based on a little."

Dermott says gently, "And considering I am not a woman, milady, and that for most of my adult life my dealings with them have usually been limited to taking their valuables from them, shooting their ships out from under them, or competing with them for a share of plunder, it wouldn't be too far off to say that I am sorely lacking in knowledge of how these things go.

Kern says, "But I might agree that if such a conflict exists, it is ultimately between you anmd her to resolve."

Ophelia nods to Dermott quietly while saying, "and I've spent my lifetime studying this very thing." Her nostrils flair slightly and she says quietly, "All I'm asking is that you keep your eyes open. That is the primary reason I asked you both out here. I did not intend to go into my own theory. It was not my intention to color your view of her, but for you to look upon her with conscious clarity."

Dermott spreads his paws. "I endeavour to look upon everything with an appraising and objective eye, milady."

Alois arrives from Erythyn Street.

Alois walks west, out of the park and onto Erythyn Street.

Kern says, "I am as yet confused. What difference does it make if she is threatened by you?"

Ophelia nods to Dermott once more, giving him an appreciative smile. "I was counting on that." To Kern, she says, "Because it jades her view of me; she's likely to taint others' as well by colorful stories and try to influence them in ways I would not appreciate. I've already encountered that truth with Safix."

Kern smiles.

Kern says, "I would point out that you are not the easiest person to get alone with, Ophelia."

Ophelia counters, "You and I have never had any problems."

Ophelia hrmphs and mumbles, "I'm easy enough to get along with."

Kern says, "I would disagree. At least, in that you and I have *never* had any problems."

Ophelia says, "I cannot recall any to immediate memory."

Dermott arches an eyebrow, and just looks to Ophelia. "In general, or only with Kern?"

Ophelia says, "Well," she looks a touch wounded, "I meant with Kern..."

Kern says, "I remember a couple conflicts that occurred as a result of mood swings...."

Dermott nods, neutrally.

Kern says, "Fortunately, that's not a relationship threatening state of affairs...at least, not for me."

Ophelia hmmms, her eyes cast with a distant look. "I cannot remember...must not have been too hideous; we're still friends." She gives him a pleasant smile.

Kern chuckles. "Being friends does not imply the absence of conflict. Merely the perseverance beyond it. Your relationship with Eimi is evidence enough of that."

Kern says, "or even mine with Alois. And we've had *plenty* of conflict."

Ophelia lifts her brow, then nods to Kern. "How very astute."

Kern grins. "Well, this brain of mine comes in handy now and again."

Dermott looks mildly uncomfortable, at the mention of names.

Kern seems quite calm, at the moment.

Ophelia appears quite appreciative, at the moment.

Kern says, "All I'm saying is that your difficulty with Dakini, or even Safix, these are not insurmountable things. Time will breed familiarity, familiarity will breed tolerance."

Ophelia lightly shrugs her shoulders. "If no one gets killed prior to that epiphany."

Dermott says, "I think we're all going to hope that it doesn't come quite to that, yes?"

Kern arches an eyebrow. "I hardly think such minor issues would lead to a loss of life. People tend not to seek blood as a result of repressed sexuality.

Ophelia says, "You didn't see her, Kern. She was in a frenzy. I cannot even dare to think she had hold of her faculties that night."

Dermott coughs slightly. "Angry and in a frenzy, yes. Murderous... I wouldn't say that."

Kern shrugs. "She was not in a frenzy tonight. Angered, surely, but understandably so. And tensions were high."

Kern says, "Misunderstandings can make mountains out of molehills."

Ophelia says, "Do not dare to assume what moods move a woman to do."

Kern says, "I'm not assuming anything. But I also know I don't currently have a sword in my gullet as a result of Dakini's momentary anger."

Dermott says, "I think she meant from last week, but even then I'd have to agree with Kern. However... as I've said, I don't know women at all that well...."

Kern says, "I think you're worrying over nothing, Ophelia. If you are right...well, we will deal with that birdge when we cross it."

Ophelia says, "Yes, I did mean from last week. Thank you, Dermott." Nodding a little, she steps closer to you both and whispers quietly, "I just would like to confirm my ability to count on you both when the chips are down... or flying murderously.. or what have you."

Kern smiles. "You know that you can, Ophelia. I would not have anything happen to you, could I prevent it."

Dermott arches an eyebrow. "If it came to that, milady, then I would most assuredly not let anything happen to you."

Ophelia curls her arms around you both and hugs gently for some length of time. "Thank you," she murmurs.

Kern nods and patpats Ophelia's hair.

Kern says, "You're always welcome."

Dermott holds Ophelia tightly, smiling a little, albeit worriedly.

Kern offers Dermott another of those weighty looks when Ophelia can't see his face.

(Log stopped Fri Mar 16 1901 09:47 PM by "Dermott" at "Arcana City Park" OOC)

(Log stopped Tue Mar 20 1901 05:44 PM by "Kern" at "Dammerung Lobby" OOC)

(OOC) Tue Mar 20 1901 05:45 PM by "Kern" at "Arcanus - Temple" (OOC)

Tinuviel looks around in brief confusion, trying to get her bearings.

Kern smiles as he sees the familiar surroundings of the temple. "Pardon me a moment." he says to Tinuviel, stepping up to the altar and kneeling, placing a hand on his heart as he murmurs a short prayer.

Tinuviel looks around, looking puzzled at the combination of symbols on the altar, though makes no sound as Kern prays.

A female in flowing white robes glides up to Tinuviel. She has a serene smile on her face, and the center of her garb is inscribed with a symbol: a waterfall surrounded by a sun. "Eldath's blessing on you, Lady Tinuvel." she greets the other.

Tinuviel curtseys to the woman, moving gracefully, 'Thank you. Are you a priestess?'

Kern stands and turns a moment later, smiling at the woman, reaching out to touch her aubrun curls fondly. "This is Tlara Stillwater, a preistess of Eldath, Goddess of Healing. She is the one I spoke to you of."

Safix arrives from outside.

Tlara nods, her brow creasing as she regards Tinuviel. "You are troubled, because you cannot remember who or what you are. Kern mentioned this. If you will let me, I will try and free your trapped memories."

Safix enters hesitantly, peering at the room as if looking for something. She sees Kern and her gaze sharpens, before she heads toward him.

You see a lovely, slender young elven woman who looks to be of perhaps drowish origin. Her lithe and delicate form is covered with skin of the richest, deepest chocolate that looks as soft as the finest silk and as flawless as a pearl. Her long, shimmering, silver-gold hair has been caught up into a braided crown around her head, with the remaining length loose and falling down to about her waist. Tiny white flowers are caught in the shimmering mass, perhaps the source of the delightful fragrance around her. Her long, delicately pointed ears are framed with a few slender locks, a simple pair of silver rings piercing the lobes. Her eyes are large and slightly slanted, a rich, sparkling amethyst filled with a gentle amusement, while her small, slightly tilted nose and rose petal lips finish the delicate face. Her slender neck goes down to slim shoulders that are framed with off the shoulder sleeves that are mere puffs of silver gauze that brush along her arms, leaving most of them bare. Silver ripples over her pert breasts down to her slender waist, looking like fine scales, shimmering and sparkling in the faintest light. From behind you catch a glimpse of radiant silvery-golden wings, that almost seem to be made of jewels as the light reflects prismatically from each feather. Sleekly muscled arms are accented at the wrists by bangles of silver, above long fingered hands, each delicate finger tipped with bright golden fingernails that are kept somewhat short. The silver fabric hugs over her hips, before flaring out into a full, floorlength skirt that swirls and dances around her legs when she moves. Even with the appearance of a scalelike texture, the fabric moves and hangs like the finest silk. A delicate looking pair of silver slippers grace her feet, a slender strap crossing across the top to hold them in place.

Safix pauses, hearing the speaker... she almost whispers to Kern, "Am I interrupting?"

Tinuviel smiles warmly and nods, 'A pleasure to meet you, priestess.'

Tinuviel nods again to Tlara, 'And yes, it is mildly troublesome, to have no way of knowing how I know what I do.'

Kern glances around Tinviel and Tlara. "Safix! What brings you here?"

Safix smiles, but doesn't look entirely happy. "You do, Kern, actually..."

The Eldathyn priestess nods. "Sit then, and I will do what I can." she says, taking a seat herself on one of the pews.

Tinuviel's ears twitch a little as she glances around, before returning her attention to the priestess. She then nods and sits down beside her, settling her skirts, 'Thank you very much.'

Kern arches an eyebrow at Safix, letting Tlara do her work as he moves to intercept Safix. "I had sensed your recent tension, if not ire, Safix. Have I offended you in some way?"

Tlara reaches up with a gentle hand and touches Tinuviel's face, her eyes closing as she does so...

Tinuviel closes her eyes as well, her features almost as serene as those of the priestess.

Safix comes closer to Kern, smiling more pleasantly. "Oh, no, not at all. There was no ire." Her face and tone are completely sincere.

Kern smiles, very obviously relieved. "What troubles you then? Or is it trouble?"

Safix sighs, "I'm sorry, I just have kind of a... hard time around men sometimes. And I don't understand magic, so it's doubly uncertain territory... but I need your help."

Tlara's eyes seem to shift back and forth under her closed lids, her expression still calm, but becoming a little more intense as she probes Tinuviel's mind...

Safix says, "Not exactly trouble.. but I wanted to know if I can learn to use a Helm to fly a magic ship, and frankly I don't know anyone else who can test me for magic, however you do that..."

Tinuviel sits quietly, hands resting lightly in her lap as she keeps her eyes closed.

Kern smiles kindly, but catches himself as he starts to make an affectionate gesture to Safix, uncertain as to how it might be construed. "Ah, yes, I remember you asking Keesha about that...well lets see what we can do..."

Tlara finally removes her hand from Tinuviel's face, her expression troubled. "Oh dear," she says as she opens her eyes.

Safix bows her head, radiating anxiety and resignation. "Thank you. I truly want to be helpful in this battle... what do I need to do?"

Tinuviel blinks her eyes open and regards Tlara curiously, 'What is it?'

Kern blinks, and offers a 'wait a minute' gesture to Safix. "Yes, what did you find, Tlara?"

The priestess looks utterly perplexed and even a little scared. "The reason you can remember nothing from before it that there is nothing to remember. it is literally as though your life began but a few days ago...there are not even traces that there was any *erased* memories of any kind!"

Tinuviel blinkblinks slowly, the eyes going wide, 'Then.....how?'

Safix's eyes widen as she listens.

"But it makes no sense," Tlara adds. "Obviously, there is so much you know, but there are no memories of having learned it....it is as though...I don't know...as if someone placed the knowledge into your brain. But that shouldn't be possible!"

Tinuviel nods slowly, eyes looking a bit lost and very vulnerable for the first time any one has seen. Almost instinctively, she glances at first the altar and then at the statue of Mystra behind it.

Kern grimaces, scratching his chin. "It could...I have heard of such things in technological societies...and it is entirely possible that magic could do the same thing...though I know of no spells in existence that would do so."

Tlara looks at Kern semiblankly, only getting a part of what he's saying. "I know of no psionic way this can be done, at least."

Tinuviel smiles a little, regaining her normal serenity and looks back at all of you, waiting quietly.

Kern blinks, his eyes going wide as something occurs to him. "Oh dear."

Tinuviel tilts her head curiously to regard Kern, 'What is it?'

Kern taps his chin, looking away from Tinuviel as he thinks. "Well, it's just...no memories, inplanted knowledge...unusual genetic structure...what if you're a golemn of some kind?"

Tinuviel blinks slowly and then giggles, shaking her head, 'I know I am not one of those.'

Safix's eyes get a tad bigger, but she stays to listen, head tilted curiosly and her own plight forgotten.

Kern does'nt seem convinced. "Why not, Tinuviel? Obviously, you're nothing a crude as a stone or iron golemn...but what it someone made you from magic? Certain necromantics would make it possible...you could even be a clone..."

Tinuviel makes a face at the mention of necromancy, 'A clone?' Her voice is filled with curiosity.

Tlara just listens as well, having nothing to contribute to this talk of magic.

Kern nods, gesturing as he talks. "Right! I mean, maybe the reason why you can't remember anything is because you were created as a physical and mental copy of another being, but without any of that person's formative memories! It would only take a slight modification of the spell..."

Tinuviel tilts her head slightly, thoughtfully, 'That does not sound right somehow, though.' she smiles warmly.

Kern nods. "Okay, then it's possible that...well, as costly and time consuming as you are, you were made from scratch."

Kern grimaces. "That would take a powerful magician, however..."

Tinuviel blinks slowly and tilts her head slightly, quizzically.

Kern nods grimly at Tinuviel. "It's possible. The Zhentarim's own delving into magics of that nature have created powerful beings like magedooms and magic golems..."

Kern says, "Who knows what finely crafted magics could create?"

Tinuviel nods slowly, glancing at the altar again, as if getting some peace from it, though it seems everytime she notices the symbols carved there, she makes a slight face.

Safix speaks up hesitantly... "Are you saying Tinuviel might be somebody's magically created familiar?"

Safix says, "Or... child, perhaps, of a barren but powerful mage?"

Kern says, "Familiars are usually animals, evenif intelligent ones...but 'child' or servant or even *slave* is a possibility."

Safix sighs ruefully. "Too true."

Kern says, "She could be the creation of a lich, a powerful mage, a demonlord, or even a god."

Safix tends to wince very slightly at the word 'slave.'

Kern notices the flinch and places a conforting hand on Safix's shoulder.

Safix flinches hard at the touch and ends up two feet away from Kern.

Safix takes a calming breath and nods apologetically. "Sorry. I don't generally like being touched... ah... bad history."

Kern nods and removes the hand...but looks dissapointed nonetheless.

Tinuviel blinks slowly as she glances back, 'Slave? To whom? For what purpose? Would a slave have funds and clothing like mine?'

Safix casually adjusts her sleeves.

Safix says with a bitter touch to her voice, "Who knows? Perhaps your creator was godlike in power and wished to have an appropriately fancy servant to show off his status."

Kern says, "Who knows. It might be useful to see if ther is some magical signature about you that could be identified, Tinuviel...the one thing I do not understand is, if you were created for such a reason, why you would have no memories at all, and yet not be with your master. It might imply you escaped...but if you did, why are there no memories of you escaping."

Safix runs her eyes over Tinuviel, wraps her arms tightly around herself, and avoids stating what purpose the pretty 'corn might have been intended to serve.

Tinuviel nods slowly and without a word, stands and goes to kneel in front of the altar, looking straight ahead, 'If you wish to try and look at me further, please go ahead. I am certainly willing to hold still for it.'

Safix whispers, still hugging herself, "It's not too hard to guess why she might have no memories of escaping, if that's what happened... painful things are sometimes best forgotten, for healing."

Kern nods and kneels with Tinuviel. "This may feel...a little wierd." He places a hand on either side of Tinuviel's head witout touching, and begins chanting...his eyes bursting into rainbow vorticies as he does so...

Tinuviel holds perfectly still, looking at the statue in front of her.

Kern continues to chant, "Mystra chalkathala yxis hroth!" He looks deep into Tinuviel's eyes, not disturbed by her not meeting his eyes...

Safix watches nervously. Is this going to happen to me? Does it hurt?

Tinuviel's face is serene as she glances at the rainbows that are Kern's eyes, concentrating on them instead.

Kern jaw suddenly drops. "by the vortex..." he utters an oath, breaking the spell. The glow fades from his eyes, but the shock does not.

Tinuviel blinks slowly, ears falling back a little as she looks worriedly at Kern, 'What's wrong?'

Safix steps back a little, worried. Too much magic around here...

Kern says, "it's not...but why would she...this makes no sense..."

Kern closes his eyes, trying to refocus his thoughts.

Tinuviel lilts softly, 'What is it?'

Kern opens his eyes and looks up. "Some of the magic is unfamiliar...perhaps elven or drow...but a piece of it is all too clear. You have Mystra's touch about you."

Tinuviel blinks slowly, 'The lady of magic's? Why....how? What does it mean?'

Kern shakes his head. "I have no idea, Tinuviel. But there is no mistake. Mystra took part in your creation."

Tinuviel sits down on her heels, looking pale and a bit shaken.

Tlara looks between Kern, Tinuviel, Safix, and then Kern again, looking disturbed herself at the mention of the Lady of All Magic.

Kern grumbles. "This makes no sense. Why would she make you and then not give you purpose before sending you out into the world...obviously she didn't just lose you...she has at least a token presence here, so she would know if you had come here by accident or design..."

Tinuviel smiles a little as she seems to recover, 'Why do you not just ask her?'

Kern says, "I don't know that she'll answer, to be honest. Despite my status...my former status...I am not one of her chosen. Even if I were, she is not accountable to any, and doesn't have to say anything...but still...I don't know...perhaps I can make an appeal to Xandros..."

Tinuviel smiles softly and looks from Kern to the priestess, then back, 'I thought priests could ask?'

Kern says, "They can always ask. But the gods are not obligated to give answers."

Kern rubs his forehead. "Maybe I could ask one of the Sisters or Elminster to ask on my behalf..."

Tinuviel nods slowly, 'I know. But, it would not hurt to ask.' she smiles warmly, 'I will trust your judgement in this.'

Kern says, "yeah, well...I can't promise anything, I fear. But...I will do what I can. I expect, however, that you will need to seek out your purpose on your own, Tinuviel...Mystra would not have just put you here without a reason."

Tinuviel nods slowly and smiles warmly, 'Thank you very much for your help, Kern.' she turns to the Tlara, 'And to you as well, priestess.' She lilts softly, 'I am sorry to be such a bother. And if it is an easier task, perhaps you should help your friend learn of her magical abilities?' She smiles at Safix, 'She's been waiting patiently.'

Safix jumps a little guiltily, feeling like she's been eavesdropping on this research into Tinu's past, despite being invited to stay.

Kern blinks, and seems to have almsot forgotten Safix was in the room. "oh! Yes, well...lets do that then. Come here, Safix."

Tinuviel smiles and slips back a bit to give room, looking up at the statue with an odd sort of expression.

Safix obeys, moving as soon as the command registers, then pauses to make a small face before continuing to come closer. "What shall I do?

Kern stands. "Stand or sit, as you wish. This won't take but a moment, and you shouldn't feel a thing. As long as you don't mind my staring at you. ;)"

Safix smiles around the obvious nerves. "Nope. I'll stand... go ahead."

Safix stands, feet apart in a slightly martial stance.

Kern walks up to Safix and palms a prism in his hand as he chants again, his eyes exploding into chaotic color as he eyes her...

Tinuviel watches quietly from nearby, curiosity obvious in her eyes, as is the thoughtfulness from earlier revelations.

Safix stands bravely still.

Kern looks Safix over for a triple handful of seconds as he chants quietly, and then stops, the glow fading from his eyes,

Safix says tentatively, "...yes?"

Kern says, "You could possibly be a mage. It would take time to teach you, however. More time than we have. You don't have a knack for it like Keesha does. However, you may not need to be trained."

Safix tilts her head, frowning. She looks both relieved and disappointed... then puzzled. "May not need to be trained?"

Tinuviel listens quietly.

Kern nods. "For the purposes of flying a jammer, at least. Are you aware that you currently posess a strong dweomer on your person?

Safix blinks. "Er... a what?"

Dakini arrives from outside.

Dakini walks in quietly and thoughtfully, but pulls up at seeing others in the room, uncertain as to whether she's interrupting or no.

Safix starts a bit at the sound of a newcomer, glances over and relaxes visibly to see it's Dakini. She waves slightly, then turns back to giving Kern a puzzled look.

Dakini smiles and nods politely to all, then steps quietly to the side and out of the way, since something's apparently going on.

Tinuviel is sitting quietly near the altar, glancing between Kern and Safix and the statue of Mystra, looking both curious and oddly thoughtful. There is also a priestess of Eldath sitting in a pew wearing white robes.

Tinuviel smiles at Dakini as she comes in, looking a bit preoccupied.

Kern says, "You have a powerful enchantment on you...or more precisely, on your back, rather than on an item you are wearing."

Kern directs this to Safix, who is so intent on her that he misses Dakini's entry.

Safix twitches and looks almost guilty for a brief moment before her face smooths.

Safix says hesitantly, "I... have a tattoo there. Of wings."

Kern says, "I take it from that face you made you are aware of it?"

Kern arches an eyebrow. "Really."

Safix... blushes.

Kern says, "Would you consider it to intrusive if I had a look for myself?"

Tinuviel looks at Safix curiously, then looks back at the altar, trying to be polite.

Kern does not respond to the blush, perhaps hoping that cool professionalism would be more effective in this matter.

Safix says, "Ah... at my mind again? Oh... or at the tattoo? Visually or magically?"

Kern says, "At the tattoo, specifically. Physically, if it's not a problem."

Dakini smiles quietly, "Safix... it's somewhat obvious you know something about the tattoo. Why not tell what you know?"

Safix looks slightly relieved at the thought that Kern just wants to look at the outside. "Um... no, it's ok. Hang on."

Kern blinks at hearing Dakini's voice, and glances up, finally seeing her. he doesn't seem pleased to see her..though not displeased either. Mostly just uncomfortable. He refocuses on Safix, trying to cover his momentary display of emotion.

Dakini nods politely to Kern, and withdraws quietly.

Dakini leaves the temple.

Tinuviel gets to her feet in a fluid motion and wanders closer to the statue, looking up at it curiously.

Safix walks over to face the corner, where she unfastens her belt, slips her arms into her tunic and shifts it around til the gi-style opening is at the back, and the front is modestly solid.

Safix turns and looks dismayed to find Dakini gone, but walks back over to Kern and faces away from him, tunic open in back to show her tattoo...

Kern parts the cloth to stare at the tatoo...he traces it gently with an outstretched finger. "Most curious. The only time I had ever heard of tattoo magic was from a brief stay in Sigil, City of Doors...but I assume you've never been there, Safix...."

The tattoo on Safix' dark golden back is stark black and very intricate. It appears to be a rather spiky, stylized depiction of wings, and extends from above her shoulderblades to wrap around her ribs a bit, with the lower portion disappearing below her waistband.

Safix flinches and makes a small, pathetically unhappy sound when Kern touches it.

Safix relaxes again quickly, oddly enough.

Safix actually seems more relaxed now than at any point before, muscles un-tensing.

Tinuviel turns to watch quietly, fingers resting lightly on the statue's hand as she tries to remain unobtrusive.

Kern arches an eyebrow, removing his finger.

Kern says, "Where did you get this tattoo, Safix?"

Tlara gets up momentarily, gliding out the temple door.

Dakini arrives from outside.

Safix tenses slightly again, but only a little. "I don't remember."

Kern seems to be looking at something else now, on Safix's back, and his hackles raise, his eyes growing dark. "I see," he says in response. "Were you aware, at least, of the magic inherant in it?"

Dakini enters quietly, and murmurs, "Pardon me," to the priestess... then leans quietly against the back wall, watching silently.

Tlara smiles serenely, and goes back to watching Safix and Kern.

Safix sighs. "I used to be a slave, Kern. I don't recall exactly when I got it, because I don't recall anything very clearly from those years."

Tinuviel nods to Dakini again, this time standing next to the statue with her fingers on a hand. Then she stiffens a little as she senses a bit of something in the air.

Kern sighs. "I understand...Safix...."

Safix blushes all the way down her back. "Not til this week."

Kern blinks at Safix's addition. "What do you mean?"

Safix adds, carefully, "I, ah, did recently notice that I can kind of float sometimes."

Kern says, "Uhm...and you can fix your tunic if you want. I'm done looking."

Kern Hmmms and scratches his chin. "That would be consistent with the type of magic inscribed..."

Safix is unperturbed by showing a little skin to Dakini, who's in front of her, and does her tunic-reversal trick again, slipping it quickly around and tying her belt neatly into place, holding the gi-style tunic shut.

Safix turns to face Kern again. "Oh?"

Dakini smiles quietly, but doesn't move aside from that.

Kern nods. say Yes. Flying magic is of the 'alteration' school of magic, which is what I sensed on you.

Kern says, "it might be interesting to test how powerful the enchantment is...it measured relatively strongly to my mage-sight."

Safix says with a muffled grin, "How would you test that?"

Kern says, "It's also possible that, since it appears to be a magic that replenishes itself, you could use it to help you pilot a helm."

Safix says, "So far I can't do it on purpose..."

Kern arches an eyebrow. "You can't make yourself fly?"

Tinuviel looks curiously at all of you, following as voices speak, though her eyes keep returning to Kern with an odd, puzzled look.

Kern feels Tinuviel's eyes on him, and glances briefly back at her curiously.

Safix is painfully aware that she's blushing, and ignores it. "That's more or less what I said, yes. So far it's happened by accident."

Kern says, "Hmm. It may not be that easy, then. If you could control the magic, you could probably fly a helm...if not..."

Dakini murmurs with quiet amusement, "Would it happen to occur when you're... emotionally buoyed, Safix?"

Tinuviel blinks slowly, then looks away, realizing she's been rude.

Kern keeps the air of cool professionalism, so as not to further embarass Safix.

Kern looks frustrated and confused as Tinuviel looks away.

Safix's mouth twitches into a rueful smile. "Ah, kind of yes, Dakini."

Dakini nods, still smiling, then says gently, "Maybe you could try meditation, or some other form of personal control of emotion, to attempt to recreate that feeling and to fly."

Safix's expression vanishes completely for a moment as she focuses inward, seriously considering that suggestion.

Tinuviel blinks slowly and looks back up at Kern, 'I am sorry. I am still not sure on how to interact with people.'

Dakini glances at Tinuviel with idle curiosity, "So, did you discover anything interesting about your background, lady unicorn?"

Kern smiles at Tinuviel. "Oh. I was wondering if it was something I said...or if I just grew horns or something. Or Mystra just appeared behind me."

Dakini chuckles quietly, "No, just me back here, Kern."

Tinuviel turns and smiles, looking a bit uncertainly at Dakini, 'Yes. According to Kern, I was created in some manner by the Lady of Magic.'

Safix blinks, eyes widening as she stares behind Kern. "How'd you know?!"

Safix giggles, then tries valiantly to refocus. ;}

Dakini nods, glancing at Kern, "So does the Lady of Magic work with the good drow goddess ever? That's where the smart money'd go, I'd think."

Kern boggles at Safix, and then whirls around. Seeing nothing, he turns back around with a baleful look. "Don't *do* that!"

Tinuviel shakes her head as she looks back at Kern, the faintest tint of red at her ears, 'Nothing of the sort.'

Safix says, "There's a good drow goddess?"

Dakini rolls her eyes, then smiles, "Yup. The Dancing Lady, apparently. I'm not going to try for their names."

Kern huhs at Dakini. "What? What makes you think Eilistraee is involved?"

Safix raises her brows quietly.

Dakini points at the obviously drow elf, "Isn't it obvious? And you already know one of Her paladins is here."

Kern says, "Well...yes, but that doesn't mean there's a connection between Obsidian and Tinuviel..."

Tinuviel's ears twitch as she gets the look of someone putting two and two together, even before any names are mentioned.

Dakini shrugs, "It'd be foolish of a deity to drop off something created in a dangerous place without protection. And there actually is a connection between them... they're both drow."

Kern says, "Although there was an unfamiliar magic intwined with Mystra's..."

Safix breaks off her useless attempt to focus and snarls, "Arrgh! I need to help Keesha! How can I make it work?"

Dakini remains leaning against the wall, her arms folded... and nods quietly to herself as Tinuviel gets that 'oooooh' look.

Kern blinks. "Wait a minute. You've got a point there."

Dakini smiles at Safix, "Quit worrying about it. Annoying advice, I know... but it's the best I can offer."

Dakini grins lazily at Kern, "Several, actually... but I usually keep 'em covered."

Safix gives Dakini a frustrated look, though it's obviously not directed at her, and sighs sharply, nodding. She sits down on the floor.

Kern says, "I'd actually overlooked that part. Mystra and Eilistraee have a history of collaborating...so if she made a drow, it's likely with the Dancing Lady's aid."

Dakini nods quietly.

Tinuviel tilts her head slightly, 'And her brother is worshipped here, isn't he?'

Dakini nods quietly again.

Kern scratches his chin. "That may be the answer, Tinuviel. "Maybe you should seek out Obsidian, and she can give you an answer as to your purpose."

Safix lies unobtrusively down.

Kern frowns. "Now I wonder what the goddesses have up their sleeves."

Kern looks down at Safix. "Are you all right, dear?"

Tinuviel nods slowly and actually starts pacing a little, glancing between Kern and Safix curiously.

Dakini holds a shushing finger up to her lips, "Shh... she's trying to meditate, I'm guessing, Kern."

Kern blinks and ohs, and steps away, to give her room.

Safix is stretched out on the floor, relaxing... she opens her eyes to say "Mm hm... testing..." to Kern, then closes them again... while they were open, they were more red than green.

Kern blinks more, with that cute confused expression on his face as he steps back.

Dakini grins quietly, tilting her reflective shades down enough to wink at Kern... then sliding them gently back into place.

Tinuviel continues to wander around, with that odd, thoughtful expression, the only sound the soft rustle of her gown.

Safix's expression softens and her lips curve as her thoughts turn deeper inward.

Kern clears his throat quietly, fighting back a blush.

Keesha arrives from outside.

Dakini is grinning mischievously from where she leans against the back wall, arms folded. She's watching Kern standing in the middle of the room looking bemused, while Tinuviel paces slowly... and nearby Safix lies on the ground, meditating.

Dakini nods, still smiling, to Keesha, holding a cautioning finger up to her lips.

Safix is prone and relaxed on the floor, eyes closed... and a smile heading toward a definite smirk on her lips.

Keesha flits in through the door. "Ah, there you are, Kern."

Tinuviel looks up as Keesha enters and smiles a bit distractedly.

Kern watches Safix quietly, and wondering, as he does, if Dakini is watching her or Safix. At Keesha's entry, he holds up a cautioning finger of his own to his lips, indicating the meditating Safix with a thrust of his chin.

Safix has just risen about three inches off the ground, floating gently in the air, when Keesha enters and speaks. The prone elf smacks back into the stone with a thud, her eyes flying open. "Ai-ya!"

Tinuviel jumps a bit at the sudden thudding sound and looks worriedly at Safix.

Safix sits up carefully. "Oof."

Keesha winces, not realizing that Safix was working on something. "Sorry." She lands on the floor for once, out of deference to the Powers that the Temple is dedicated to, and does the Keero bow in the direction of the altar.

Kern grits his teeth. "Whoops."

Safix rubs the back of her head, grinning faintly. "It works... sort of... I'd better keep practicing, though."

Dakini nods to Safix, "There you go then. See how helpful thinking about something... er... interesting is, instead of worrying?" There's the faintest hint of amusement in her voice.

Safix stands, wincing, and eyes the assembled thoughtfully. It turns into a more amused and faintly embarassed expression when she looks over at Dakini.

Safix says to Dakini, "Er... yes."

Dakini gives Safix an innocently inquiring look? -which devolves into a mischievous grin again. "Good."

Tinuviel slips close to the door, as if going to slip away quietly in all the confusion, her expression almost one of longing as she glances at all of you.

Dakini tilts her head politely to Tinuviel.

Safix says wryly, "But I'm not sure how useful that's going to be long-term."

Safix nods to Tinuviel as she seems to be going.

Kern nods. "We might don't be able to do anything useful with it before the battle, unfortunately..."

Dakini turns her attention back to Safix, smiling, "One step at a time, Safix'ya. Walk before you run."

Safix's face looks fierce. "I don't have time! I want to help fight..."

Dakini says, "***** Editor: Kern meant might /not/.""

Safix says, "...and the best way seems to be if I could help Keesha, she could use the hand..."

Keesha looks rather bemusedly at Dakini. Groundlings... you can't learn flight gradually...

Dakini murmurs calmly, "Ah... panicking will help so very much..." She smiles, so there's no sting to her words. "Safix... there will be things for everyone to do. Believe me... war isn't something to look forward to."

Safix says, "--But I don't have time to learn to power the helm!"

Tinuviel blushes faintly as she's noticed, but nods politely and slips out the door to make her way home to her room.

Tinuviel leaves the temple.

Safix isn't in a particularly calm mood, but nods to Dakini without too much ruffling.

Kern says, "Hmm. I could imbue you with some temporary magical energy, Safix, if you're intent on piloting the helm...but it will require you to be able to focus. You think you can do that?"

Safix jumps experimentally up and down. She doesn't stay in the air.

Safix's eyes are almost entirely red-irised when she looks at Kern to answer. "Yes."

Dakini sighs softly, then smiles, remembering being that impatient for improvement... NOW, dammit! -when she was younger too. Well... it's not like my teachers were able to help me buy a clue either...

Keesha skrees, "Anyone who can make intricately detailed jewelry is quite capable of focusing."

Safix's eyes lose a little bit of red as Keesha speaks. She nods gratefully.

Kern nods. "I only ask because she has a hard tiem focusing this dweomer on her tattoo..then again, it's an unfamiliar sort of thing. If I lend her some magical energy through a spell, it should be relatively straighforward for her.

Safix looks a lot less violent now. She smiles thinly.

Keesha frowns. "There might be some issues about that tattoo that interfere, also."

Kern says, "Not to mention how it was gotten."

Safix looks at Keesha. "Like what?"

Keesha skrees, "I have no idea. Subconscious things. Mental blocks."

Kern nods in response to Keesha's surmising.

Safix shivers, but says "I woke up floating this morning. I remember pieces of things when I dream. Do you think if I could remember more... I could remember how to fly?"

Keesha skrees, "Probably."

Kern says, "Do you think you'd want to remember, however."

Kern says, "That, as they say, could be the rub."

Safix frowns, very serious. "I think I should."

Keesha skrees, "Your subconscious mind remembers, the trick is to bring that memory forward without whatever nastiness is attached to it."

Kern says, "SHould and want to are different things, Safix."

Safix says, "Any ideas how we could make me remember?"

Kern says, "Hypnosis...I could ask Tlara to help, if she's willing to stick around...I wonder where she got to anyway..."

Safix looks like she's thinking of something very specific. "I would very much like to know some things."

Kern says, "Don't expect it to be easy or without pain, Safix."

Dakini paces silently across the room, then nods politely to the altar. After that she settles down cross-legged on the steps of the altar, pulling some tools out to lay on her lap. She watches the conversation idly as she quietly cleans her sword... it's slow, relaxed movements, as if she's almost meditating.

The sweet scent of clove oil drifts from the cloth she uses.

Safix nods shortly to Kern. "I think I know that, thanks."

Safix looks slightly chagrined at her own tone, and nods to Kern again rather apologetically.

Kern nods. "Understood. If you want me to, I'll see if I can work something out for the future."

Safix inhales deeply, as if she likes the musky-sweet scent of cloves.

Safix looks dismayed... "Not now?" but nods to Kern. "Yes, please."

Kern sniffs. "Smells like something El would be smoking..."

Dakini tilts her head, then curiously murmurs, "What would you need, Sir Kern? A telepath, or an empath?"

Kern says, "No, Safix, things are rather chaotic right now...and this is nothing to rush into."

Dakini says, "And who is El?"

Kern says, "Elminster,Sage of Shadowdale, from my home planet Dakini. And a telepath might be more expedicious. Empathy is more useful when dealing with psychotherapy. But if we're going for psychic surgery, a telepath is best."

Safix raises an eyebrow. "I really don't see why it can't be rushed... I lived through it all once before, after all."

Dakini nods quietly, then adds lazily, "Smoke good clove oil? What a waste..." as she quietly continues running the cloth along the curved falchion blade in long, slow strokes.

Kern says, "Those memories are blocked for a reason, Safix."

Kern says, "Not the oil, Dakini...the leaves themselves."

Dakini smiles peacefully up at Kern, her hand motions continuing without need of her watching them, "Teasing, my dear knight..."

Safix says impatiently, "And I want them back. It's time. I can deal."

Safix says with a wistful growl, "I want to fly."

Kern says, "Would you also like MPD or some other form of insanity, Safix?"

Kern says this rather bluntly.

Safix looks redly at Kern, but nods. "Point."

Dakini nods quietly, "Kern's right, for all that he's fun to tease... you're right on the high-risk borderline for that, Safix'ya. Believe me, you don't want to hurry something this important."

Kern nods, his face a little red himself, but for what reason is not clear. "If that's settled, I have some other pressing things to attend to...battle plans and such...I hope I was of some help, Safix, and I will see you all later.

Safix says in a low, throaty voice, "I'm aware there's a risk. But I'm not as delicate as you seem to think. What I survived once without friends, surely I can come through-- especially if we can single out the memories just of flying at first-- ...can come through again, with friends this time and a reason to hope."

Kern says, "Keesha, you're welcome to join the mages discussions if you have time."

Keesha nods. "I'm not that experienced at it myself yet. For now, I'll listen."

Safix looks at Kern, face falling a bit. She says worriedly, "Have I offended you? I'm terribly sorry if so."

Dakini gazes curiously at Kern, then smiles, "Leaving so soon, Sir Kern?" She glances at Safix, adding bluntly, "Let me put it this way, then, Safix... it is my personal opinion that it would be an extremely unethical thing to do, were I to force memories you'd hidden in your non-conscious mind into the foreground... just so you could use a flying helm in a war that probably isn't going to last that long anyway."

Safix adds, "I know I'm reacting badly. It's.. very important to me, and also very difficult. I'll try to behave better, and I truly apprciate your aid, Sir Kern. Thank you."

Kern smiles at Safix, and shakes his head. "No, dear. But this is a time of brewing troubles, and I've just been...a little stressed recently."

Kern says, "Good eve to you all."

Safix actually chuckles. "You too? Well, good luck, and thanks again. We'll talk later."

Safix bows. "Good 'een, Kern."

Kern smiles tenatively at Dakini. "Pressing problems abide, Dakini. Business before pleasure."

Dakini smiles peacefully from her seated position, still slowly, calmly cleaning the sword, and nods quietly, "So they say. Aluve', Sir Kern."

Keesha nods. "Good evening, sensei."

Kern dissapears in that trademark, no-frills manner. One second, Kern. next second, no Kern. Poof.

Safix looks at Dakini. "I can't argue with your ethics. But I hope I can change your mind... I don't just want to do this for the war. I want to do this for my sanity."

Dakini nods to Safix, still with that peaceful, centered gaze, "Of course, Safix'ya... but after the war might be better, when we can focus more on you, ja?"

Safix says tentatively, "I do understand that reasoning... but I want to help. I want to be... better able to help my friends stay safe. That's the pressing matter. I'm just not very useful as is."

Dakini says, "Well... I'd disagree, myself... but then I expect you expected me to say that. But if you expect to lead the charge against the neogi, then yes, you're most likely going to be frustrated in that desire. What I think you're missing is that for every woman in the field... there's 10 support personnel behind her... and without them, she cannot function as a good soldier."

Dakini smiles faintly, "And the job of home defense is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, if the neogi do what I expect, the home defense forces will see far more action than I'd like."

Safix swishes her hands through the air impatiently. "I don't even have something to do for support, whoever my soldier is. Of course I don't want to lead the attack. I'm not insane or ridiculous."

Keesha skrees, "I agree. The support folks are the kids and the older folks, the ones who can't handle the front lines. What do you expect the neogi to do, Dakini?"

Dakini says, "Nonsense. You do so have something to do... work will come to you. Willing hands are always valuable in a war... and your skills could be extremely useful should the neogi land." She glances at the bat curiously, "What are you agreeing with, Keesha?"

Safix adds in frustration, "At least if I could fly I'd know I could carry somebody about my size out of harm's way quickly, should they be incapacitated."

Keesha grins. "That she's not insane or ridiculous for wanting to help."

Safix smiles warmly at Keesha.

Dakini says, "Oh... I'm not inferring that. I'm simply suggesting she quit worrying about it so much... as if helming a jammer is the only way she can help." She looks curiously at Safix, "How do you know that?"

Keesha holds up a fingerclaw. "However. It may be unrealistic. There will certainly be other chances to fight, and you don't want to hurt yourself trying to get into this one if you're not ready."

Dakini nods quietly.

Safix opens her mouth, blinks, and blushes.

Dakini smiles and goes back to slowly wiping down the blade she's holding.

Keesha nods. "Exactly. And your friends don't want you to hurt yourself trying to rush things either. Do we, Dakini?"

Dakini grins quietly, glancing up at Keesha, "Somehow I doubt your restating it will have much more impact than what I said... but ja, this is so."

Safix says quickly, "But what about me not wanting my friends to hurt themselves, too?"

Dakini grins at Safix, "Then we'll do our best also to not damage ourselves by trying to do too much too soon. How's that?"

Safix shrugs, "We all want each other to stay safe. But some of us will be in danger. I just want--" she winds down at Dakini's words, and sighs, deflating. "All right."

Keesha nods. "We may be hurt in the fight. That's not the same as hurting ourselves by trying to do something dangerous too fast."

Dakini grins quietly again, then simply murmurs, "Safix'ya... there will be things to do. That I'm sure of." She glances at Keesha, answering a previous question, "I'm guessing the 4 smaller neogi ships will continue to harass the elven man-o-war, and those are the ships that will draw most of the Olothii attack... and the one larger neogi ship that's slid off and out of sight will try to end-run us here." She raises a faintly amused eyebrow, then smiles at Safix.

Safix nods, sighing. "Where will you be, Dakini?"

Dakini says, "Here, of course... I can keep a link of some sort with the attacking Olothii ships, and Dammerung can help the healers. My ship was lovely and graceful... but slow and not terribly agile in-system."

Keesha skrees, "Does Dammerung still have a working radio?"

Dakini says, "Er... well, it's... well, sort of. It's psionic."

Dakini says, "But it'd be extremely easy to put a mental link up with you if you wanted, Keesha."

Safix says, "Then I should probably stop trying to move too fast and stay on the planet with you and whoever else I care about stays to fight here. At the very least, I can sharpen knives." She smiles faintly, eyes warm.

Dakini says, "It'd be rather like... hm. Think of it like a mental telephone that communicates emotion or feeling more than precise words?"

Keesha skrees, "You're welcome to ride along with me, even if you can't help helm, y'know."

Dakini blinks quietly... then smiles warmly back at Safix, "Either way you'll be a help, I'm sure of it."

Keesha watches Safix float off the ground again, and this time says nothing to interrupt.

Safix smiles wider, and says "I appreciate that, Keesh... but what use would I be to you?"

Dakini glances at Keesha with a faint grin, to see if she notices... then, realizing she does, says nothing.

Dakini says, "Extra hands, Safix. Things will have to be loaded, moved, shifted... lashed down if the ship's shot... your willing hands are far more valuable than you realize, you know."

Safix says, "If I'm on the ground, at least I'm able to run errands or help wounded or something... unless you shouldn't be alone up there?"

Safix floats a little higher at the mention of willing hands, her eyes sparkling.

Keesha skrees, "I won't be alone... I'm working on recruiting a crew already. Need to man the ballistae and have a longshore crew, that sort of thing. But you'd be a very useful addition for damage control and things, I suspect."

Dakini's grin is struggling to not get too mischievous looking... she looks down at her blade carefully, still smiling.

Safix manages to nod and squirm at the same time. "Um, do we know yet where anybody else will be during the fray?"

Safix adds, "Uhm, I'd hate to leave the ground undermanned, or something like that..."

Dakini chuckles, "Well, if Rokhan can handle it, I imagine he'll be aboard his little sloop, and the Misery will be up and about. Hati will be with me... the lone EIF ship will be flying too, I'm sure, and probably have many of the local mages aboard." She smiles quietly at Safix, "My dear, if you wish to go with Captain Ski'irish aboard the Chirikh, and she's willing to have you, then feel free."

Keesha makes an odd chirrip at Safix's last comment, and is obviously trying to suppress a grin.

Dakini grins sideways at Keesha, trying not to laugh herself.

Safix tilts her head and gives Keesha an odd look. "What?"

Keesha chirrips again, her eyes bright. "Leaving the ground..."

Dakini holds out a hand, trying to distract Safix for a moment, "Safix, come here, please?"

Safix frowns slightly... "--undermanned? This is not the time for dirty jokes, Keesha."

Keesha shakes her head. "No, not that. C'mon over here a minute..."

Safix tilts her head again and looks even more puzzledly at Dakini, but complies, walking over... about an inch and a half off the ground, feet barely moving. "Why?"

Dakini smiles, "Good for you." She ponders for a moment, looking up at Safix from her seat... then nods, "Excellent. Humor me, please? Go to Keesha now."

If Safix turns to do so, Dakini will hastily wave to Keesha to move up... to see if Safix will try to follow.

Safix gives Dakini a slightly dirty look, then turns to comply anyway...

Keesha concentrates hard, her dark eyes flickering as she floats slowly into the air without moving her wings.

Safix moves perfectly unconsciously to Keesha's level, looking her in the eyes with a bit of irritation. "Is the game over yet?"

Dakini beams.

Dakini says, "Not unless you want it to be, Saf."

Safix says snippily, "What do I win if I keep playing?"

Dakini grins lazily, "You fly."

Safix wavers between irritated and excited, chirping "You mean you will help--" and then looking down instinctively when she notices Dakini is shorter than when she last looked...

Dakini grins up at Safix, looking rather pleased, actually.

Keesha skrees, "Indeed." She drifts ever so gently upward, hoping that Safix will continue to drift with her.

Dakini points past Safix, "Pay attention." Hopefully she'll continue to focus.

Safix gasps and falls about half the distance before ebulliance takes hold and she stops.

Dakini murmurs, "Follow Keesha, Saf. Pay attention."

Safix puts a quick hand to her stomach and giggles, a purely happy sound. "That felt funny..."

Safix's face gets intent, though still glowy, and she bobs slightly in the air as she turns without assistance from the ground to face Keesha.

Keesha grins. "Catch me!" She extends her wings now, to help control and boost her own levitation, and moves away and up.

Dakini settles back against the altar so she's out of the way, and watches, smiling.

Safix follows without hesitation, which seems to be the key... no doubt allowed, or it just doesn't work. She reaches Keesha and lightly pokes a shoulder, face alight.

Safix says thoughtfully, eyes dancing, "Keesh? How much do you weigh?"

Keesha smiles and really uses her wings now, going into free flight to cross the room before returning to levitation at the far end.

Keesha grins from across the chamber. "Depends on the local gravity. I mass about 25 kilos, though."

Safix dives recklessly after her, no longer so upright but gleeful.

Dakini glances at her wrist, then upwards again. She's still smiling as she slips quietly along the walls, out of the way of the two fliers, and to the room's door. She pauses long enough to face the altar and bow once... then moves quietly out.

Safix hmms. "I have no idea what that is in pounds."

Keesha chirrips delightedly and starts to play tag with the elf. "Just like the old joke... how do you get to Carnegie Hall... Practice, practice, practice!"

Safix says, "Was wondering if I could lift you, how much I can carry..."

Keesha frowns, trying to calculate the old units. "Something around 50 pounds, if I recall the conversion correctly."

Safix whoops and plays delightedly along. Her control is extremely precise, as if this is a skill she once used a great deal and the important parts of her haven't forgotten how.

Safix pants slightly, "Now if I can just get past needing the emotional jumpstart... I'm afraid to go back down!"

Keesha skrees, "You'll have to somehow. We'll do it again and again... the more you practice, the more confident you'll be."

Safix swoops gleefully across the room and tucks into a tight somersault in midair. From somewhere in the elfball, a voice says breathlessly "Hell yeah!"

The bat alights on the floor again by the entrance. "For now, though, it's time for dinner. The Path sound okay to you?"

Safix floats on her back, grinning. "Sure!" She comes reluctantly down to the ground, tilting as if sinking to touch bottom in water.

Safix stumbles a bit as she tries to walk again.

Keesha chuckles. "Just til we get outside, then I'll race you there...."

(Log stopped Tue Mar 20 1901 10:29 PM by "Keesha" at "Arcanus - Temple" OOC)

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Last modified: 2001-Mar-24 21:20:14

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