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Realms: Oloth Logs

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Hati pads in to the garden with Safix, a giant wolf with a small elf.

    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."

    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.

    The Garden of Dammerung
    The twining branches reach up the sides of the building, gaining tenuous purchase on the rough, bark-like exterior. Even higher the heavy, leafy growth bursts forth into occasional tiny, sweet-scented cream blossoms which nod gracefully down at you in the faintest breeze. A peaceful stream flows gracefully through the garden towards the courtyard's pond, fog drifting silently above it. On its banks bloom soft azure fungi traced in ebony, mingling with small, shaggy, bonsai-like trees with twisting branches. The drifting vapors thicken in this dreaming, remote garden, where intertwining trees, like much larger bonsai, appear suddenly to the visitor through the lazily flowing fingers of cool mist. Small, unseen creatures rustle about and call out occasionally with shrill, startling cries, living their hidden lives in the shaggy, twining branches.

Safix looks more relaxed after the walk, and looks up into the starry sky with an almost peaceful expression.

Hati pads along next to Safix in the night, watching her carefully.

Safix eyes the wall thoughtfully, as if peering for handholds.

Safix sighs. "I'm sorry, I'm lousy company tonight, and I'm not entirely sure why, though I guess there's enough to choose from."

Hati listens, as dogs are so good at.

Safix says wryly, "Yes, I'm more comfortable with you as a wolf, but I think if we're going to talk at all, you might want to be an elf again... if you don't mind."

Safix says a touch more wryly, turning toward bitterly, "I promise not to act like you're evil."

Hati replies by changing again, his form blurring and shrinking in to the slightly wild elven aspect. He smiles, and says, "I don't mind at all, Safix. I'm sorry I make you uncomfortable."

    You see a tall fair skinned elf, as all of them seem to be. He has long, silver-gray hair, and delicate features, which would look feminine on a human. His piercing green eyes catch your attention, though, with an odd sense of strength and confidence. His movements seem both graceful and somehow feral. He is wearing dark green leggings, lighter green shirt, and a leather vest and boots, as well as a black leather collar, which shows clearly. The leather is intricately worked, and the collar seems to have, "Dakini's Hati" spelled out in elven script.

Hati sits down on the grass, cross-legged, and tries to look harmless.

Safix sighs again, real frustration showing. "I'm sorry you do, too. I have to get over that."

Safix flops down to echo Hati's posture, and smiles faintly. "So... why am I worrying you?"

Hati shrugs, and says, "I think time will be the best medicine for that, and until then I'll just keep in mind it's not me who is upsetting you, but those who hurt you." He ahs, and says, "Well, you seemed upset at the bar, and I wondered why?"

Safix says, "Pick a reason, almost... Wanre, the rape conversation, people sniping at each other... it wasn't a comfy place tonight."

Hati nods, and says, "No, it wasn't particularly, it's true." He pauses, and asks, "Wanre bothers you, doesn't he?"

Safix nods immediately, "Yes. For more than just one reason, though."

Hati asks, "Are you unhappy with me for helping with his training? Or with Lady Dakini for keeping him as a slave?"

Safix says, "For one thing, I look at him and see me, right after I got away..." she interrupts herself to answer firmly, "No. I'm not upset with you or Dakini. I trust that neither of you would harm an innocent, and you're by far the best choice to take care of somebody like that."

Safix says, "It upsets me that taking care of him and letting him choose to be a slave, named 'boy,' is necessary at all. That such things exist."

Safix says, "That there are many, many more like him-- like him before you took him in and treated him kindly."

Safix sighs, "And not just on the surface of worlds, either."

Hati ahs, and says, "There are many more like him, and I fully expect he will wind up with a real name before all is said and done. One step at a time, yes?"

Hati asks, "Why is it so hard to see yourself in him? Do you not see the progress you have made?"

Safix looks seriously at Hati. "Going on eight years of progress. And I'm still afraid of men."

Safix says, "Angry men make me want to run and hide, and if I don't, I shake and want to cry."

Hati shakes his head, and says, "I wonder if Wanre will ever not be afraid of women, especially drow." At the last addition, he merely says, "I wish I could help, Safix."

Safix says, "I'm a damn good smith, I own my own shop, it's doing very well, I have real friends who care, and I STILL feel like this. How much more TIME does it take?"

Safix sighs and plays with the ground-plants, lapsing back into her tiredness after that outburst of energy.

Safix says, "I'm so weary. And all I get for coming this far is more decisions-- ugly ones at that. To kill possible innocents in order to protect my safety and that of my loved ones."

Hati shrugs, and says, "I don't know how much time it is, versus having overcome your fear, and being confident that you have worth of your own." He adds, "You're doing better on the last one - you're a good smith, and you know it - but fear is harder. I have Lady Dakini behind me, so fear has been easy for me to overcome. Wanre has that too, right now, and needs it." After a pause, he says, "As long as you are her friend, you have something similar."

Hati ahs, and says, "Would you like to ask Wanre if he thinks there are any innocents among his former masters?"

Safix says tonelessly, almost to herself, "And I am going to help, have no doubt."

Hati says, confidently, "I never did."

Safix blinks. "I thought Wanre was held by local neogi, not the ones invading that we're going to slaughter? And make no mistake, Hati, I'm not at all proud that I'm going to help that happen. It's necessary, but it is not honorable."

This is clearly one of the major sources of Safix' distraction and wretched mood, though not the only one to a practiced eye-- she's holding things back, still.

Hati ahs, "They are perhaps different masters, but I am not certain they weren't working together. And, I think that's just about the right thing to think about the neogi; it's a wretched and unpleasant thing to have to do, but I do not see how they can be trusted, or even deported. They'll come back, and we'll be where we started, and have to face it again."

Hati watches closely, and asks, "Is that all that's bothering you, my friend?"

Safix says, "I wouldn't want to upset the boy.. but it could save an innocent life. Yes. And as for Lady Dakini's protection..."

Safix nods to Hati's words about the neogi. "That's why I'm helping kill them. I'm choosing who I'd rather help stay alive, since it's a situation that demands one group or the other, not both."

Safix hesitates at Hati's question, and will not meet his eyes.

Hati nods at her words, and asks, "Safix?"

Safix makes a "go-on" noise, still looking at the ground.

Hati softly asks, "What's wrong, Safix?"

Safix whispers, "I'm terribly unhappy..."

Hati nods, and says, "I can see that. Do you know why?"

Safix stares silently at the mossy garden floor, then raises her gaze to the stars.

Safix says softly while looking upward, "Cyn is a nice person. But she saw too much. And then we talked about it some. I had to think about some things I was trying not to think about too hard."

Hati thinks, I must resist the urge to give her a hug. It would not help. She is not a scared cub. I do not know what do to, though. He asks, "Is there any way I can help?"

Safix smiles sadly. "Can you reach in and change the way I feel?"

Safix shakes her head at herself. "I'm sorry, I'm being an idiot. I shouldn't talk about this, and I know you can't change anything. Just be my friend, and you'll have done more than anyone could expect you to."

Hati ohs, and looks at Safix, replying, "No, I can't. Even if I could, I don't think I would, because it wouldn't help you heal from this hurt."

Hati adds, "I am your friend, though, and don't plan on stopping."

Safix smiles at Hati and reaches deliberately out to touch his hand. "I treasure that, my friend."

Hati very gently squeezes Safix' hand, and doesn't say anything for a long moment.

Hati asks, "Does what we're teaching Wanre upset you? Or is it not Wanre specifically, but the fact that he is here, and needed rescuing so troubling?"

Safix says firmly, "It's not Wanre," then stops, looking guilty.

Hati nods, and says, "I'm glad. You're a friend, and I wouldn't want to see you upset by that." He reads her look, and asks, "If it's not him, what is it?"

Safix says almost inaudibly, "It's Eimi."

Hati looks a little confused, and says, "Eimi? The doctor? I thought she was fine."

Safix wails very, very softly, "I like her... and I want her to be happy. She was so nice to me, a stranger, when we met... I wanted to be friends. And then I didn't see her again for a long time, and things happened in between... and now I'm afraid it's too late."

Hati asks, "Why would it be too late?"

Safix closes her eyes miserably. In a quiet tone, she says "I don't think she'll like me much now, if she finds out, um..."

Safix says, "Dakini already knows this; she came in when I was talking to Cyn about the things Cynergy saw in my mind that did NOT relate to the battle."

Hati nods, and says softly, "And I smelled it."

Safix says softly, painfully, "I'm afraid I've gone and fallen in love with someone who's already in love with someone else, and I don't know what to do."

Hati asks, "Do you want him to stop caring about her?"

Safix adds, still very softly but with more self-loathing, "I... am an idiot. Though to be fair, at first I really didn't know about them."

Safix' eyes snap open. "NO!"

Safix says, "I'm selfish, but not evil."

Hati says, a little sternly, "You are not an idiot, Safix'ya."

Safix raises very sarcastic eyebrows at Hati. "I'm not? I'm in this situation, and I'm not a complete and utter fool?"

Hati says, "I didn't think you'd want to come between them. If you don't want to come between them, though, why would you? Would you be satisfied to be merely his "lover" - someone he cares about and who cares about him, who could give him support, in addition to his wife and family?"

Hati smiles, and says, "Foolishness and idiocy are different. And, I don't know if you're even a fool; you're just in love. It's quite a common syndrome."

Safix says softly, "I think I could be content as that, yes. If it made him happy..."

Safix says, "But I don't want Eimi to be unhappy that I'm involved too."

Safix says, "And I fear she would be..."

Hati nods, and says, "I don't know Eimi well enough to say, Safix. The only way I know you can find out is to ask her. And, if she says, "No." you'd need not to see Alois any more, and that would hurt a lot. But it would have honor. And, regardless of what she said, you would have a chance to tell her how much you appreciated her kindness to strangers, and how much it meant to you. Even if she's unhappy with the relationship between you and Alois, the doctor in her will be pleased to hear the praise."

Hati adds, "And, if she says, "No.", tell Alois goodbye, and that you have to respect Eimi's wishes, or you wouldn't really care much for him." He smiles and finishes, "And then come here and I will feed you cookies and other baked delights until it doesn't hurt any more."

Safix says almost inaudibly, again, "I fear he will never care about me as much as I care about him... and someday, maybe soon, if Eimi finds out and is unhappy, he will choose... and I will be kept at a polite distance. And I will still be in love... and he will not care then any more than he does now."

Hati nods, and says, "And, that would hurt, but you can recover. Lots of people do."

Hati adds, "And their friends are there to make sure they don't think nobody likes them, and to see that they're not alone when they don't need to be, and to let them know that there is a reason to keep getting up in the morning and going on through life. As yours would be."

Safix blinks and looks back up at you. Her eyes are wet. "You're very kind."

Hati smiles, and says, "Only to people who deserve it, Safix'ya."

Safix says glumly, "I hope you still think that next month, and the month after it."

Safix says, "But regardless, I count you my friend and cherish that as long as it shall last. That seems to be the best way to get by these days, with everything."

Hati says, "I don't see why I wouldn't." He adds, "I am sorry you're in a difficult, painful place, Safix. I wish there were more I could do to help."

Safix says, "I shall treasure the beautiful things that I have, while I have them to enjoy. After that, we'll see what happens... I know, Hati'ya. I wish I were strong enough not to tell you and worry you, honestly."

Hati laughs! and says, "Safix! Do you really think I will worry less if I don't know?" He shakes his head, and says, "That's backwards, silly elf. I'll worry less this way."

Safix laughs shakily, "I guess you're right. Feh, I can't seem to get anything right lately." She looks rueful but a lot cheerier-- no longer verging on tears, at least.

Hati suggests, "Maybe you're just not used to having people who care about you, who will worry." After a pause, he adds, "That does take some adjustment."

Safix nods, thoughtfully. "I'm used to my family caring... but friends are different than family. And dwarves are kind of, well, just different, period. Wonderful, though."

Safix adds helpfully, realizing she might not have said, "My adoptive family is dwarven. It's how I learned to swear in that language so eloquently."

Hati nods, and says, "Are you feeling a little better? Would you like to go back to the path, or..." and he laughs at that comment about swearing.

Safix nods, "Sure... I suppose so. I'm kind of hungry now."

Hati chuckles, and finishes, "Would you like to go back to The Wandering Path, or would you like something to eat in a little more privacy? I am sure I could put some sort of meal together for you."

Safix smiles at you a little.

Safix says, "I'd actually love it if you'd cook, if it's not too much trouble..."

Hati smiles, and says, "I think we can find something here, and Dakini and Wanre will find their own way back." He knows Dakini will know what's going on here, but doesn't point this out to Safix. Instead he says, "How about something besides rothe? I think we have some bacon. I could do some omelets with bacon and cheese and scallions? And blueberry muffins?"

Safix tries not to look too dangerously ravenous. "Sure!"

Hati smiles and offers Safix his hand, and says, "Shall we go upstairs, then?"

Safix takes Hati's hand with no visible hesitation. She says in an overly ladylike tone, "Lead on, good sir." She winks, looking far cheerier.

Hati smiles, and leads her away.



Xarlen notes Cynergy's glance at his crotch. Fingers run through the material of his robe. "This has pockets built in with extra-dimensional pockets," A hand dips into a pocket on the inside of the dipped collar, disappearing up to the elbow. "I had it specially made to...hide my 'eagerness'."

Cynergy nods, not seeming too surprised, for magic can do almost anything, "I still think if there's a way to get it on you, there's definitely a way to take it from you. Have you not consulted an archmage regarding this?"

Xarlen chuckles faintly. "Do you think I -enjoy- having it on? True it offers a few perks but, other then the bedroom, it's very useless, in fact very Distracting..." He takes another long sip of his glass. "I've consulted many mages, some in the city run by Drow wizards, before I had to flee from the house's bounty hunters. I eventually found my way to the surface, hoping the sunlight would destroy the drow magic..." He shook his head. "The only thing that can really remove it is -cutting- it off." The simple tone of his voice notes that's not an option.

Cynergy shrugs, "I would, were I you, consult Kern.. I'm sure this would be easily resolved, and no, I didn't think you at all enjoyed it. It has been proven that in time drow-enchanted items that originated from the Underdark realm have lost their potency, but that indeed takes some time. " At your comment about cutting off the cuff, she waves a hand, dismissively, "You seem to worry about that so, but if it is the only option, I would think it welcome, were it me we were speaking of. I would just make sure someone doing the work had a very steady hand, but even still, and mind you, I'm not pretending this is a sound opinion, I myself would rather lose my sex utterly, perhaps even my life, before I allowed urges of that nature to rule me."

Xarlen gives you a shocked look. "To destroy a magically enchanted item creates an explosion, when it's destroyed. When I meant in cutting it off, the...part it's around would need to be removed, like a finger cut to take from it the ring." A brow lifts. "I don't let them 'rule' me, I am my own self.

Cynergy looks unhappy to hear that the body would be damaged, but still seems to not change her mind. Her next look is fairly blank, making it clear she's not so sure he's ruled by them. "Yes, you are your own self, but, this is a part of you you cannot control. As you yourself said, it is a constant distraction..." she frowns, "I only suggest you speak to Kern about it. He would know about the magical nature, what could or couldn't be done... and at the least, he is yet another opinion, and indeed would have a greater knowledge, I would think, of the long-term effect of drow enchantment magics on items that have made their way to the surface... What could it hurt?"

Xarlen says, "My embarrassment," He mutters, taking a draw from the elverquist and considering. "And, exposing my true nature to someone else. Only you and Dakini know of my true self, let alone my...condition of this dreaded little ring." He shakes his head sadly. "And, truth be told I wouldn't mind rid of it, but honestly, I don't want rid of what it's attached to, Either..." Shrugging lightly, eyes peering into the depths of his flute, "It must be a male attitude."

Cynergy takes a very mild offense at that, you can see by how her posture stiffens. She too sips her drink and decides to let the comment pass, "Have you not yet realized your nature is quite obviously accepted and celebrated here?"

Xarlen nods his head. "Yes, I have," He replies, peering over at you. "But, it is the fact that I am being Hunted. I've tried many faces, and yet to use the blind golden elf. I do not want the hunters to find me.

Cynergy nods, repeating what she knows, so she can be sure the story is straight with her, "So elves from the UnderDark that worship Lloth are hunting you?"

Xarlen ehs... "The house who's female I killed. They do not take kindly to the fact that a male has been able to elude them and destroy one of the House's highest ranking women below the Matron in such a...fashion." He shrugs. "Not to mention the varying Thieves guilds I have razzed.

Cynergy shrugs, for to her, and indeed most of Oloth, she knows this is nothing. "You've certainly found the right place to hide. I'm certain the Governor would protect you, indeed revere you for your deeds. Those from the UnderDark, loyal still to the Underdark, that make their way here, are rather despised, briefly at least, for their lives tend not to last long. There are elves here that have done much worse than you, Xarlen; they are celebrated, rather than thrown to the dogs."

Xarlen nods his head. "As I said... I'm just worried. Those who watch for knives from the front find them in the back, or along their side. I am keeping firm track on what's about me." He reclines against the log, drawing the drink further. His eyes drift over the forest, growing quiet.

Cynergy says, "Have you met the Governor?"

Xarlen gives you a curious look. "I work for him. We've discussed women...of course I've met him."

Cynergy nods, smirking, "Oh, that's right. Well, surely you know you should come clean with him, let him know what is truth. If he should find out some other way, I'm sure he would not be pleased."

Xarlen Nods his head at that, considering. "We've to speak, to begin with. I need to discuss the fate of the Neogi with him. Of course... I need to get a hold of him; he seems a rather slippery one to get a hold of.

    Her gown is wondrous, yet at the same time unsettling. It is undeniably beautiful in a forbidden sense, for truth should not be so bold in detail. Made of dyed silks of blues and grays (those becoming darker as they layer), colors fade into one another like a winter sky, along the bodice....layers of these, five visible. First a slip dress, studded so faintly with crystal gems. Upon this yet another sleeved layer, the studding upon it seeming abstract from the former garment, yet it forms a draping over the slip directly. The third silk half-dress falls diagonally across her form, thusly patterned, abstract from the first two, but it now becomes a visible arrangement... a sudden apparent pattern. Another shorter dress like the former is cut higher, studded as all before it, on the same diagonal. Lastly, the robe. It is the essence of her ensemble. So sheer that it conceals not even the innermost gem buried far deep in the silks, it is long, to the floor, folding in on itself in many creases, attesting to it Therefore she is concealed neck to silver-slippered toe in the night sky, in heart-stopping accuracy. Each layer is the distance and endless dimensions of heaven, the outermost glittering gems seeming as the closest stars. The striking beauty of her delicate features only adds to the quiet power she radiates. Framed by thick black lashes, her eyes are an intensely dark emerald hue, iridescent flecks of gold standing out in sharp contrast as a veritable burst outward from her pupils. A faint blush plays on her cheeks, contrasting softly on her smooth skin like a rose petal kissing new fallen snow. Her lips are full, glossed lightly with a sheer wine-colored tint. Long golden curls fall loose and untamed over her shoulders to her waist, the thick tresses glittering with a metallic shine. The hood of her outermost robe is down, but even still, small binding clasps within her hair are studded with the same gems as her gown, taking on the completion of the constellations upon her back as her tresses hang down over her dress. She embodies the heavens, embraced by starlight. The effect is nothing short of arcane.

Gala'madred steps into the garden. He looks around, and slips silently through the small trees, towards the pond.

    Before you stands a short, muscular drow elf. He barely reaches 4'8" and his heavy build pronounces his short stature. A long silk cloak of dark blue reaches to his knees, the hood hanging loosely about his strong shoulders. Stitched in gold on the back of the cloak are two strange symbols--those of House Vrinn and House Teken'duis, gleaming proudly and shimmering in the light. Beneath the cloak he wears a pair of bright silver pants, made from a scaled hide. His jacket, half open, is also of this same silver hide, but is trimmed in a deep amethyst, the purple scales holding a slightly different pattern than the silver. Under his jacket he wears something else: drow mesh armor, by its shimmery sheen, though it is far from bulky as most armor is. Glorious boots of this same silver and purple hide reaching up halfway to his knees complete his extravagant ensemble. Two quivers are strapped to his belt, one on each hip, and there are four visible knives sheathed between the small quivers. Peeking out from behind each quiver you can see what looks to be the handle of a small, pistol-sized crossbow. Two short swords are crossed over his back, the hilts poking through the cloak by way of slits at the base of the hood. He turns towards you casually, as if he felt your eyes on him. His face is slightly covered in shadows cast by the low brim of a fedora: the brim is of deep purple scaled hide, the rest of the hat of silver, and a large black gem is set into a beautifully crafted hatband. His skin is dark, almost ebon black. His black eyes can barely be seen in the shadows cast over his slender almond shaped face. His features are very angular, almost alien, framed by long white braids and dreadlocks, falling down his back and around his shoulders to his hips. A single long jet lock falls down his left shoulder, and it is left unbraided, standing out in sharp contrast to his other white locks. Even though you cannot see his pointed elven ears, his elven ancestry is obvious. He smiles at you, just slightly, before he turns away again.

    The Garden of Dammerung
    The twining branches reach up the sides of the building, gaining tenuous purchase on the rough, bark-like exterior. Even higher the heavy, leafy growth bursts forth into occasional tiny, sweet-scented cream blossoms which nod gracefully down at you in the faintest breeze. A peaceful stream flows gracefully through the garden towards the courtyard's pond, fog drifting silently above it. On its banks bloom soft azure fungi traced in ebony, mingling with small, shaggy, bonsai-like trees with twisting branches. The drifting vapors thicken in this dreaming, remote garden, where intertwining trees, like much larger bonsai, appear suddenly to the visitor through the lazily flowing fingers of cool mist. Small, unseen creatures rustle about and call out occasionally with shrill, startling cries, living their hidden lives in the shaggy, twining branches.

Gala'madred pauses to stoop down and study a bonsai tree.

Gala'madred straightens up, and slips through the larger trees, the mists swallowing him up.

Cynergy meditates a few feet away, half-hidden by a larger tree.

Gala'madred sniffs at the thick obscuring air, taking in the strange scents of the garden.

Cynergy smells for the moment like she always used to, the powerful but light scent of roses around her.

Gala'madred walks silently around the pond, his soft elven boots muffling the extremely faint sound of his light feet as they pass over the mossy ground. He sniffs again at the air, changing course back towards the garden entrance. He slips around one of the larger trees, following a scent, then stops, as he comes out of the fog right beside Cynergy.

Gala'madred says, "Hello, blossom."

Cynergy blinks her eyes open and looks up, then suddenly grins, "Zarrazz!" She is smiling as brilliantly as you've ever seen her, not even minding that her placid concentration was shattered. She pauses, not sure if she should leap up or pull you down to her. She forgets herself, for the moment, in her happiness in seeing you.

Gala'madred's lips curl up into a pleasant and real smile. "I see you are feeling better, Cynergy. You look far better than when Kern and I found you on that Deathspider." He reaches up one hand, to brush a lock of Cyn's hair back from her face.

Gala'madred says, "It's so good to have you home..."

Cynergy slips her arms around him and sighs, "I am. Oh, I missed you so..." she kisses your cheek and hugs you yet again, "I don't know what went wrong... I don't even remember most of it. Is Sylune well? I had figured you were so busy with everything, and I'm glad you've found me, I meant not to bother you." she rushes on so fast, just like her heartbeat.

Gala'madred's smile deeps as Cynergy pulls him into the embrace. "Sylune is well, yes. I made sure that she was healed first." He laughs lightly. "You know that I do not mind getting you out of trouble, Cynergy..."

Cynergy sighs, laying her head on his shoulder, groaning, "But I mind very much getting into trouble. Has Rennyn awakened? This has been most upsetting, all of it. They say that my crew and our ship we were all on, are both gone? Lady Stardancer... I suppose that's her correct name, yes? she insisted on "debriefing" me. Of course, I was quite distraught at the time, and barely well enough to stand and sip tea. Later I came to think, why ever would she take it upon herself to do such a thing. This is not her job? When was she named my superior, or someone or your status, Zarrazz?" she pouts lightly, "and Kern would tell me nothing. but it was still good to see him."

Gala'madred strokes his fingers through Cynergy's hair, pulling her tighter against him. "I have not spoken to Rennyn, no... I do not know why she would seek to debrief you. She is not with the Elven Navy.. Perhaps she has an overwhelming curiosity to know what happened? Believe me, the woman does not have great status. You need not tell her anything you do not wish to..."

Gala'madred says, "Well, you know Kern.... He is probably concerned for you, and does not wish to dredge up bad memories.."

Cynergy stiffens a little as you pull her so close, not used to it, only. She never once tries to get that space back, instead relaxing after a moment. That's not hard to do as Gala'maDred is running his fingers through her hair, all but melting her. "You do not like her, then?" she nods as he speaks of Kern, "Of course he means well, he's a dear."

Gala'madred shrugs slightly. "I do not know her."

Gala'madred tugs lightly on Cynergy's hair, and chuckles softly. "You feel like a frightened kitten, Cynergy..."

Gala'madred says, "Ready to bolt, but unwilling to leave behind the scritches...."

Cynergy blushes darkly, grinning softly. "I won't run. You know I wouldn't. It's just.. been a while. I've been gone for years, and it's not like I've let anyone touch me... let alone be this..."

Gala'madred says, "You won't run only because you know I would chase you down..."

Gala'madred grins wickedly at Cynergy. "Am I just anyone, Cynergy?" he asks softly.

Cynergy nuzzles your neck happily, "But such would give me reason to run, Zarrazz. I do not run because I cannot run closer."

Cynergy lifts her head and looks at you with concern, a little too much concern for that grin of yours. she's grown too serious over the years, and has lost much light-heartedness she used to have. But on the other hand, she's mellower than you remember as well, softer. "You're not just anyone to anyone, least of all to me."

Gala'madred smiles, and leans forward to kiss Cynergy lightly on the lips. "So what is it about being in my arms that scares you so?" he whispers.

Cynergy returns the kiss lightly, shaking her head a little, "It's not being in your arms that scares me. I had resigned myself to refuse all sexual relationships, all love."

Gala'madred freezes and stiffens, both of his sculpted eyebrows shooting up. "Oh.. well... I see..." He then frowns.

Cynergy shakes her head, "But that's not as practical as I had thought. At least, in your case. I mean, it has always held true... and I hope it still does... nothing you and I did affected he and I, and nothing he and I did.. affected you and I."

Gala'madred says, "Cynergy, you are not making any sense.... Do you mean you've sworn off sex and love, unless it's me? Yes, I suppose that would still hold true.. After all, I heard your Archmage has left for another world..."

Cynergy nods, "Yes, I suppose I have sworn off it unless it's you. I confuse myself a little, sometimes. I only have to think of him leaving me like he did and I feel sick. He woke up, I was so happy I couldn't even speak! But then he spoke first, said he wasn't staying, that he only..." she's clenching her jaw finally. "Never mind it. He took his ring back. That broke my heart. I thought he killed me and somehow I still breathed. So I went to war, as fast as I could. I wanted away, out, I wanted to be gone."

Gala'madred strokes Cynergy's hair, making soft soothing sounds... At last he asks, "And did the war do you good? Did the killing help you to forget the pain in your heart? It usually does for me..."

Cynergy nuzzles into him, sighing. "I.. it wasn't the killing, but just being too busy even to think, always having to be something so different from what he knew."

Gala'madred strokes a fingertip slowly up and down the back of one of Cynergy's ears. "Don't think of how Zouave left thee.... Think of something less painful..."

Gala'madred says, "Yes, I know just what you mean..."

Gala'madred strokes the back of Cynergy's neck with is other hand, his lips brushing lightly across her cheek.

Cynergy nuzzles into that lightest kiss, reaching back to tangle her fingers into his hair. "Lately I've had to think about why you ever changed my name. Everyone has been asking me, and.. it's shocking they don't know, I mean, I know I have been gone, but... they all ask... how are you a Vrinn? Some insist on calling me your daughter!"

Gala'madred says, "Let them call you what they will.. I do not care...."

Gala'madred rakes one nail down the back of Cynergy's neck. "You are part of the Vrinn family.. what others know, or think they know, cannot change that."

Cynergy nods, hugging him tighter to her as she shivers, "But.. even I wonder, how to explain it. I never did as you why you did it?"

Gala'madred says, "Firstly, you do not need to explain anything to the common folk. You are a noble. You are better then they are, and need not explain thyself. Secondly... what is to wonder?"

Cynergy blushes, grinning, "A noble? Zarrazz, hardly, you know my birth station was.. well, I don't think there exists a birth station for lionesses. I wondered why you did it is all. I mean, you didn't even tell me when you did it.."

Gala'madred smiles. "You are a member of house Vrinn, and therefore a noble, due all the rights and privileges of a member of Arcana's ruling house."

Gala'madred says, "Your birth was no less high of station than mine.. In fact, thine was surely higher. The details of one's birth are of little consequence, however. Of far more importance are one's current station, and actions."

Cynergy sighs, kissing you softly, shyly on the lips. "You are so wonderful, and I cannot for anything understand why they all have the hardest time seeing such."

Gala'madred smiles, and parts his lips, flicking his dark purple tongue out to taste Cynergy's lips as she kisses him.

Gala'madred shrugs, "people will see what they want to see.. and what I want them to see..."

Cynergy gasps a little, grinning then. "True, true, I told Safix as much. She's got it in her head you're horrible. And Stardancer is only too happy to believe it too, but I don't care what she thinks. Safix should be set straight, though." she looks at you intently, "I like Saf very much."

Gala'madred sighs, and groans. "Aye, Safix does not like me. I fear I made a poor first impression..."

Gala'madred says, "You see, I mistook her for one of Alois' meals..."

Gala'madred says, "So when his mistress strolled into the Path looking for him, I did what any loving brother would do, and rescued him from an embarrassing situation by shooing his 'meal' out the front door."

Cynergy reaches up, stroking your cheek and grinning as she kisses you more tender than before. "That can easily be fixed. she has a good heart and I'm sure she'll let it go once things are made right." she blinks as you mention that, "Oooooohh... I see. Ah, indeed, this will be nothing to put right, you'll see. she grins at your last, "She's rather taken with Alois I think..." that smile is crafty, and how her eyes dance as she says that!

Gala'madred leans his cheek into Cynergy's hand. "So I have begun to gather.. she was quite upset when I insinuated she was a whore and offered to pay her for her time, and told her to take a hike... I could tell, even as she slapped me, that she is taken with my brother. But then again many women are, and so are those he feeds on, most times. So one can understand my confusion o the matter, I am sure..."

Cynergy can't help but lose a little giggle as you recount the whore story, "Oh you do have your moments, love." she smirks and shakes her head, "She's ... very taken with Alois. so much so that reasoning that might otherwise have brought the understanding of your confusion, still has yet to come." she's alluding to something, indeed.

Gala'madred raises an eyebrow. "Safix has been confiding in you...."

Cynergy blushes, "Not exactly."

Gala'madred raises his other eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell... have you been following her? I should have thought of that...."

Cynergy shakes her head, "No, I didn't do that. I was just... trying to get some information on my general safety when I woke up first... and she was simply thinking a few other things. but I was happy she wasn't thinking of ways to hurt me!"

Gala'madred gives you a somewhat stern look. "You read her mind..."

Cynergy sighs and looks exasperated, "I would never speak again, and do nothing but that... you know I was born to do that! I did it because it was my instinct, upon waking. I was defenseless, and in danger when last conscious. I'm not proud of it, nor will I be shamed for it."

Gala'madred licks his lips, and says, "Well, I suppose it is a good idea when waking up in a strange place surrounded by strangers... At least thy instincts and wits were still about thee."

Gala'madred says, "No, you are right... My apologies, Cynergy.."

Cynergy kisses softly, shaking her head, "Don't be sorry. It's not a good thing to do, but... I'm hard pressed to believe any other would have done differently, had they been me. Safix certainly wasn't pleased. and when I was -trying- to read their minds when they were questioning my name, and "debriefing" me... Dammerung informed Stardancer that I was doing so, and she was not at all understanding. Quite condescending, actually. She even had the nerve to come upon Safix and myself later and suggest I apologize, of course, I already had!" she shakes her head, "I keep telling myself that she's cared for me, I should be grateful, but..."

Cynergy says, "It's very hard not to dislike her utterly."

Gala'madred says, "Yes, that Stardancer does seem to me to be a condescending woman. Typical that she would give you trouble for listening to their thoughts, while not feeling the slightest bit guilty for her.. buildings... invasion on thine own privacy... Remarkable, the way these furs justify things, is it not?"

Gala'madred says, "Bah! She cared for you because she was told to... I doubt she volunteered to tend to the injured out of the goodness of her heart... "

Cynergy nods sadly as you mention that her own privacy was invaded, "I thought that somewhat strange too.." she looks up at Dammerung's wall critically, then frowns. Her brows arch in surprise when she's told Dakini was told to care for her, "Indeed?!"

Gala'madred says, "Well, yes, Kern and I issued many orders when we engineered the rescue of Rennyn's crew from the neogi... Some of those orders were to healers to heal the injured... That's all I meant."

Cynergy nods, just playing her fingers through your hair as she thinks over this. "I understand now. Well, at least I gave her the benefit of the doubt."

Gala'madred mmmmms delightedly, leaning his head back.

Cynergy grins to see you like that, suddenly entranced by your reaction. she lifts her fingers through your hair again, this time dragging them along your scalp.

Gala'madred shivers under the caress of Cynergy's nails. He closes his eyes, and moans her name softly.

Cynergy gasps to hear it, shivering herself. She guides you to sit with her where she was before, reclining back on the soft ground, :shifting to cuddle close to you if you allow to be moved so.

Gala'madred does not protest of fight. He seems quite happy to sit down. He slides one arm around Cynergy, and beams a black-toothed smile at her.

Gala'madred says, "Love, you can rest assured that I won't let sympathetic hearts like Dakini and Rokhan spoil the justice I have planned for those eel-headed slavers..."

Cynergy nods, just staying as close as she can against you, inhaling your scent deeply, "I don't care what happens to them, just that we're all fine, and they are prevented from doing further damage.

Gala'madred smiles, and strokes his fingers through Cynergy's long hair. "That is exactly what will happen, love..."

(Log stopped Tue Apr 10 1901 03:19 AM by "Cynergy" at "The Garden of Dammerung" OOC)

(OOC) Tue Apr 10 1901 06:31 PM by "Safix" at "The Garden of Dammerung" (OOC)

    The Garden of Dammerung
    The twining branches reach up the sides of the building, gaining tenuous purchase on the rough, bark-like exterior. Even higher the heavy, leafy growth bursts forth into occasional tiny, sweet-scented cream blossoms which nod gracefully down at you in the faintest breeze. A peaceful stream flows gracefully through the garden towards the courtyard's pond, fog drifting silently above it. On its banks bloom soft azure fungi traced in ebony, mingling with small, shaggy, bonsai-like trees with twisting branches. The drifting vapors thicken in this dreaming, remote garden, where intertwining trees, like much larger bonsai, appear suddenly to the visitor through the lazily flowing fingers of cool mist. Small, unseen creatures rustle about and call out occasionally with shrill, startling cries, living their hidden lives in the shaggy, twining branches.

Eimi is lying on her back near the trunk of one of the twisty trees, gazing up at the stars through the branches, her arms crossed behind her head. One ankle crosses over the other and kicks in the air idly.

    Eimi is a beautiful young human female that catches your eye. She stands about 1.6 meters tall and is well proportioned, yet delicately boned. Her fiery red hair is cut very short, leaving her ears and neck exposed. It's trimmed in a somewhat masculine style, slightly longer on top. Her eyes are large and an intense emerald-green set in a very white face. Those eyes have to be her most riveting and attractive feature. It is hard to keep yours off of them. Her complexion is very pale, even white, and doesn't seem quite natural; opaque and slightly unnerving. She is wearing a tight, blue slimsuit that leaves very little to the imagination and holds her body snugly. On her feet are a pair of low boots of a material that looks like suede.

Safix comes walking silently up the stream from the courtyard, looking more or less straight up. Her feet touch the surface of the water, but she appears to be walking atop it, not wading. Her attention is entirely on the flowers and stars overhead.

The sound of a cricket across the stream attracts Eimi's attention and she cranes her neck back, looking over at the stream upside-down. She blinks when she sees Safix walking slowly on top of the water. "How can you-- ?"

Safix says "Yi!" and looks down, startled, to see the speaker as a prostrate Eimi enjoying the garden. Saf SPLASHES abruptly into the stream. It comes up to her knees when she's actually standing on the bottom.

Eimi sits up, startled and scrambles to the side of the stream. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to scare you."

Safix stares at you for a moment, obviously gathering the shreds of her train of thought... "I'm fine. It's not deep." She blinks, and starts laughing.

Eimi blinks and grins. "You're a sight."

Eimi leans over and offers her hand.

Safix wades ungracefully out of the stream, accepting Eimi's help, and flops down on the mossy bank. "I knew I should've taken off my boots." She giggles.

Eimi sits down next to her. "How did you do that?"

Safix grins. "You startled me."

Eimi giggles. "No...I mean before that."

Safix winks. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. Um... it's sort of a long story, and I'm missing most of it, but the short of it seems to be that I can kind of fly..."

Eimi looks at her quietly for a moment. "Something to do with the tattoo?"

Safix nods.

Safix says, "Kern looked at it, and here's what he thinks, after we talked some..."

Eimi nods, listening with interest.

Safix says, "It's a renewable enchantment, and it uses my personal energy. In theory, I'll never be in danger of getting fat... and I'd better not skip meals much if I plan to use it, because he thinks there may not be a safety built into it..."

Eimi blinks. "You can't access the mana? There's so much of it here..."

Safix says, "I was starving after the first time I really used it a lot-- played tag with Keesha for awhile, it was great!-- and then just went to bed, and woke up feeling AWFUL..."

Eimi nods. "I'd sometimes collapse after healing someone with serious and extensive injuries."

Safix finishes, "But if I stay awake, I've noticed I get either munchy or ravenous, and eating enough to feed a horse seems to do the trick. Kern thinks I could theoretically use it until it killed me, that it wouldn't stop working until I had no more energy to give, and then I suppose there wouldn't be enough left to live on either... but there's no real way to test that. And so far I've been fine, just a little thinner.

Safix says, "Mana?"

Eimi chews her lip, thinking. "There might be a way for you to know..."

Eimi blinks. "Uhm...yes. Mana. It's magical energy. It usually is stronger when there's a lot of growing things around."

Safix looks apologetic. "Kern sort of explained, but not as well... I don't know much about magic. Go on?"

Safix says, "He said living things had it, I think... plants and animals."

Safix says, "But I can't do anything with it if I can't see or touch it, right?"

Eimi shrugs. "It just sort of builds up in the earth and bleeds out in streams, flowing from areas of stronger mana to areas of weaker manner, but along well-traveled routes...magically speaking, of course."

Eimi says, "Well...you have to feel it, yes."

Safix says, "How do you feel it? What's it like for you?"

Safix tilts her head, looking curious and attentive.

Eimi purses her lips. "It's a little hard to explain. It's like a warm energy, but not exactly physically warm. I really can't explain." She sighs...then looks at Safix curiously. "You don't feel it while you're flying?"

Safix looks slightly sheepish. "I... feel high, when I'm flying. I can't fly without... well, so far, getting really happy or hyper, mostly. I'm wondering if fear would work too, but so far nobody's terrified me, so.." she shrugs, smiling.

Safix says, "I don't feel anything else when I'm flying that I can recall, no."

Eimi hmms. "Maybe too busy expending it...I don't know."

Safix sighs. "Me neither. I haven't been doing it that long, and then the invasion came, so there hasn't been much chance to test it or ask questions. I've just been practicing off and on so I can do it more reliably when I want to."

Eimi nods quietly. "Well...I'm...uh sorry I distracted you."

Safix says a bit shyly, "Oh, don't be! I've been hoping to run into you on a break. It's not your fault my concentration's still lousy."

Eimi smiles a little. "It takes a lot of practice."

Safix sighs ruefully, wringing more water out of her pants. "So I see."

(Log stopped Tue Apr 10 1901 07:22 PM by "Safix" at "The Garden of Dammerung" OOC)

(OOC) Tue Apr 10 1901 07:27 PM by "Safix" at "The Garden of Dammerung" (OOC)

Safix takes off her soggy boots and wrinkles her nose at the wet leather as she burrows her toes into the soft, dry moss.

Eimi watches her wringing out her pants. "Uhm...want to come up and dry off?"

Safix giggles, "I wasn't just going to take my clothes off in the garden, honest, just the boots... but yeah, sure, that'd be nice."

Safix says, "I do keep an apartment here, but I think I have no spare clothes there right now... um... hmm."

Eimi smiles. "I have some. Not a bunch, but some. Come on..." She stands and looks down at Safix, waiting.

Safix looks plaintive, smiling. "I can borrow some pants? Oh, bless you!" She scrambles up, soggy boots in one hand. "Lead the way."

Eimi grins and heads around towards the front of the building. "I can't promise the perfect fit...

Safix follows, chuckling. "Nobody has to see! And I just want to be dry again."

A short moment later, Eimi opens the apartment and leads Safix inside Alois' Suite, closing the door behind them. "Here's our humble abode."

    Alois's Suite
    Upon entering the suite, you find yourself standing in the sitting room. Although not large, the sitting room is a warm, inviting space. A thick, wine colored Chultian area rug that covers the floor. Centered around a low, square marble table are the pieces that make up the conversational cluster. The matching pieces are all in a brocade fabric, with a pattern of slate blue, rose, and mocha; a large overstuffed sofa, heaped with pillows, a deep wing backed chair, and a chaise. The rest of the room is almost completely hidden behind a wall made of floor to ceiling tapestries, with the exception of a single missing panel that forms an entryway to the bedchamber. The suite is well lit. A large faerie fire chandelier provides most of the room's light, and the remainder of the light is cast by carefully placed candles and lanterns.

Eimi gestures to the couch and starts to suggest Safix make herself comfortable, but remembers she's still sopping. "Uhm...pour yourself some wine or something? I'll get some pants for you."

    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 stands damply in the entrance, looking slightly at a loss. She left the soggy boots in her own nearby apartment, but is still barefoot in half-soaked pants.

Eimi walks into the curtained off area of the apartment. "I've got a skirt, too."

Safix calls, "Eimi? D'you want some wine, too?" as she finds it.

Safix makes a face. "Skirt'll do. I just need to be decent."

Eimi calls back, "Sure...oh...here. Are you sure? I'll bring them both."

Safix pours wine into two glasses and sets them on the table. "I really don't care, whatever makes you happy." I hate skirts... makes me feel naked...

Eimi walks back out with a midnight-blue suede skirt over one arm and some black-lycra leggings over the other.

Safix eyes the choices, keeping her expression polite. Maybe if I wore both, I'd feel dressed?

The leggings aren't sheer, just form fitting when worn. Eimi shrugs. "Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

Safix smiles, "Um, I'll just go try them on, thanks?"

Eimi hands them both to her.

Safix grins and pads off barefoot behind the tapestry wall.

Eimi smiles and walks over to the counter to pick up one of the glasses, taking a sip.

Safix emerges, wearing the black leggings under her dark red gi-style tunic, which by virtue of the magical properties of lycra fit... although it's now a lot more obvious Saf has a figure, though it's normally kept well-blurred by baggier clothes.

Eimi smiles at her, lifting a brow. "Those look pretty nice on you."

Safix looks awkward and heads for the wine. "Thank you... I feel weird, but I really, truly appreciate the loan of the pants, Eimi. Where should I put these to dry?" She holds up her soggy pants. "I put your skirt on the bed so it wouldn't wrinkle."

Safix blushes and looks even more awkward. "Er. Thanks."

Eimi sets her glass down. "Here...I'll hang those on the balcony." She takes the pants and walks back through the 'bedroom' to the balcony, hanging the pants over the railing. She returns a moment later. "My pleasure."

Safix laughs ruefully, "I feel like I'm not wearing pants and my legs turned black. How do you wear such tight things so gracefully and unselfconsciously? I'm impressed."

Safix continues, almost babbling, "Makes me almost feel like when--" and stops very quickly, face a little too still.

Eimi starts to answer and then stops when Safix continues. She chews her lip. "Do they really make you uncomfortable?"

Safix sighs. "They're reminding me of something, but the skirt would too, worse, I'm pretty sure. I'll be fine."

Safix drinks wine. "It's a hell of a lot better than not having pants, I promise. I don't mean to seem ungrateful. I'm not at all."

Eimi nods and picks up her glass again. "I'm really grateful for your help in the triage unit."

Safix smiles, taking the distraction. "You're very welcome. I wasn't doing anything else, and it seemed to need more hands, even unskilled ones. I can't stand people hurting."

Eimi nods. "Me neither, but I supposed you guessed that."

Eimi takes a sip and moves to the couch.

Safix nods. "I wondered... but you have so much more talent to help stop them hurting. It must feel wonderful to be able to do that."

Eimi nods. "It still feels horrible when you can't, though. Maybe even worse than if I didn't have any of the skills at all."

Safix looks surprised, sipping her wine again. She curls up in the opposite corner of the couch, tucking her legs under her, which seems to make her feel more comfortable. "But you shouldn't feel worse! You help so many people... you can't be expected to fix everything. You always have the knowledge that for the ones you couldn't save, there were so many others you did."

Safix adds, "And will."

Eimi smiles. "I guess so." She curls her legs under, too, which might seem like mimicry, but it seems natural enough. "What are your plans?"

Safix' smile freezes slightly, looking faintly trapped. "Plans?"

Eimi blinks at the response. "For your life here...we're all trapped and didn't really plan on being here. Most of us didn't, anyway."

Safix says, "Oh..." and answers hastily, "I don't really know... my shop's doing well, so I guess I'll keep doing that... I don't remember being anywhere but here." It sounds rather like she didn't quite mean to say it that way, and only the part about not remembering rings completely true.

Eimi chews her lip a moment and then takes a sip of wine.

Safix stares at her glass, at a momentary loss for words.

Safix says softly, "I don't know where I'm from, Eimi. I honestly don't remember much beyond the last seven years."

Eimi nods. "Do you even get flashes of your past?"

Safix looks startled. "...Yes. When I dream, or sometimes lately it just happens. How did you know?"

Eimi says, "It's happened to me for a number of years."

Safix looks more carefully at Eimi. "Do you know why?"

Eimi says, "Why I have dreams? Yes..."

Safix' green-and-red eyes are alive with something between curiosity, hope, pain and need. She says haltingly, "None of my dreams... are good."

Eimi chews her lip and nods. "Neither are mine....don't let them consume you, Safix."

Safix closes her eyes briefly. "Do you have any suggestions for how to go about that? In the hospital, at the beginning, when there were bloody, hurt people everywhere, and blood on my hands... it felt like somewhere else, for a time, and I forgot where I was and hid in a corner. Hati and Alois woke me out of it... I didn't see my own way out."

Safix' tone and face are trusting, as she lets herself be vulnerable in front of you.

Eimi blinks. "I'm not a psychologist or psychiatrist. I wish I knew. For me...I just try to not think about it during the day and keep myself occupied on things that are good."

Safix nods. She says almost fiercely, "If there's anything I can do to help you... I'd like to. Let me know."

Eimi sets her glass down and scoots over to put an arm around Safix. "Likewise, alright?"

Safix tenses slightly, but it's misery, not fear. "Eimi... I need to tell you something."

Eimi says, "What? What is it? You seem so sad."

Safix says miserably, "I like you, and you were nice to me from the start. I owe you this... I didn't know at first that you and Alois are a couple, practically married... I swear..."

The light dawns on Eimi quickly enough and she smiles, almost playfully. "Is /that's/ what eating you?"

Safix stares at the floor. "...y--" She looks up, puzzlement waking. "Uh... you already know?"

Eimi nods. "I saw you in his arms in the Path."

Safix is a very confused, miserable little ball of elf...

Eimi hugs her tightly. "Hey...it's okay."

Safix says, "Oh. The night Dred dragged me out, thought I was a whore and tried to pay me. Right."

Eimi blinks, standing up quickly. "He what?!"

Safix looks up. "Gala'madred said he was going to help look at my shop security, but he really wanted to get me out of the way so Alois wouldn't be embarrassed, and you wouldn't be upset. So I went out into the street with him, and he told me to be a good little whore and run along, and asked how much I was owed..."

Eimi frowns. "I don't know whether to be pissed at him or not..."

Safix shrugs, "It's ok... I understand, I guess."

Safix says earnestly, "He was worried you'd be angry, and might try to hurt me, and get hurt yourself... he didn't want you hurt."

Eimi sits back down, crossing her arms. "It's all very confusing..."

Eimi blinks. "He thought /I'd/ hurt you?"

Safix nods, trembling a little bit from the emotional difficulty of the conversation.

Safix says, "If you want to, I wouldn't stop you. You're a wonderful person, and I wouldn't have wanted to make you unhappy."

Safix says, "I just didn't know it might... and then I found out that way... but..." she lapses back into unhappy quiet.

Eimi sighs. "I was a little upset, true. Alois explained a few things to me, though."

Safix says with a hint of indignation in the misery, "He did? And he let me wonder?"

Eimi says, "Did you let on you were upset?"

Safix sounds a little more normal. "What did he say? --No. I didn't..."

Eimi says, "Well...society here is a little different. It's matriarchal and the males are expected to be ...I don't know...responsive when they detect a need. Not that he isn't attracted to you. I was upset, but he assured me that he'd never leave me....which is all I was really worried about, I suppose."

Safix says softly, "Of course he'd never leave you. Anyone could see that. He loves you, it's obvious. He and I are just good friends."

Safix reaches out somewhat blindly and drains her wineglass.

Safix appears to think about what Eimi said, a small concentration-line between her brows.

Safix says hesitantly... "So... you're not... angry with me?"

Safix still looks as though she half-expects to be hit.

Eimi smiles a little and shakes her head. "No...I'm not...and I wouldn't mind if he felt as strongly for you. Though...I admit it'd take some getting used to."

Safix' expression is clearly that of someone taken completely off-guard. She raises green eyes to Eimi's, but has no words yet.

Eimi smiles weakly. "And I never thought of myself as all that progressive."

Safix flounders briefly, and finds perhaps not the right words. "Uhm... Eimi, do you, er, like girls?"

Eimi blinks. "Uhh...what do you mean?"

Safix' hand flies to her mouth, and she shakes her head. "Oh dear. I'm sorry, I'm terribly confused right now... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, I was trying to figure out what you meant... and I was wrong, I think."

Eimi's brow furrows. "I'm confused, too. What did you think I meant?"

Safix laughs nervously, "I thought you might have been propositioning me."

Safix says, "I was startled..."

Eimi's skin is normally a rather unnaturally opaque-white, but color suddenly appears in her cheeks. "...oh! Uh..." She smiles nervously. "Do I like girls that way..."

Safix says, "What I really meant to say was more... that I'm humbled and honored by what you've said, and if you ever need /anything/, I will be your ally. I respect you and would like to be counted your friend. I'm not hitting on you."

Safix blushes, a far darker color on her deep golden cheeks.

Eimi's color remains for a bit and she smiles. "Well...thank you. From the work we've gotten to do together for the past week, I'd have to be honored to have you as a friend."

Eimi grins. "And someone would have to show me a sign for me to know if they were, Safix...I've never even considered...uhm...that."

Safix smiles at Eimi's first comment, and answers "You have my friendship, and I'm amazed but grateful you want it. Thank you, immeasurably." To the second, Saf just blushes harder, shrugs, and says not a thing.

Eimi takes up her glass and finishes it off. "Uhm...so..."

Safix says, "More wine?" rather brightly, her resilient humor kicking back in.

Eimi grins and stands, taking her glass. "Certainly." She walks over to the counter and refills the glasses.

Safix says, "Maybe if we drink more, it won't be embarrassing anymore. I promise, I have a ridiculously low tolerance, for an elf."

Safix giggles.

Eimi hands Safix a newly filled glass. "Do elves have high tolerances normally?"

Safix shrugs carefully and sips. "Thank you. --I was getting tips on how to drink others under the table from Keesha and Cyn one night, and they said so, yes."

Eimi smiles. "I've only been drunk a couple times. I try to avoid it."

Safix snickers. "One of their tips on drinking somebody else under was to not do it with Alois or Dred."

Eimi giggles. "I bet."

Eimi takes a sip. "And he stocks the best, too."

Safix nods sheepishly to the being drunk comment, "I found my limit and I try just not to drink at all most of the time. If I have a mug of something, and it's opaque... it's a good bet it's water."

Safix smiles.

Safix tilts her head at Eimi, looking far more lighthearted. "A toast?"

Eimi grins, looking thoughtful a moment. "All right...uhm....to misunderstandings...and their rapid following understandings."

Safix grins approvingly and adds, "And to friendship!" and clinks her glass against Eimi's.

Eimi smiles and takes a quick swig.

Safix smiles, and drinks deep.


    Alois's Suite
    Upon entering the suite, you find yourself standing in the sitting room. Although not large, the sitting room is a warm, inviting space. A thick, wine colored Chultian area rug that covers the floor. Centered around a low, square marble table are the pieces that make up the conversational cluster. The matching pieces are all in a brocade fabric, with a pattern of slate blue, rose, and mocha; a large overstuffed sofa, heaped with pillows, a deep wing backed chair, and a chaise. The rest of the room is almost completely hidden behind a wall made of floor to ceiling tapestries, with the exception of a single missing panel that forms an entryway to the bedchamber. The suite is well lit. A large faerie fire chandelier provides most of the room's light, and the remainder of the light is cast by carefully placed candles and lanterns.

    Eimi is a beautiful young human female that catches your eye. She stands about 1.6 meters tall and is well proportioned, yet delicately boned. Her fiery red hair is cut very short, leaving her ears and neck exposed. It's trimmed in a somewhat masculine style, slightly longer on top. Her eyes are large and an intense emerald-green set in a very white face. Those eyes have to be her most riveting and attractive feature. It is hard to keep yours off of them. Her complexion is very pale, even white, and doesn't seem quite natural; opaque and slightly unnerving. She is wearing a tight, blue slimsuit that leaves very little to the imagination and holds her body snugly. On her feet are a pair of low boots of a material that looks like suede.

    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 relaxes into a corner of the overstuffed couch, no longer tightly curled at all, but lounging catlike. She peers into her wineglass thoughtfully; it's empty. Again. This is not the first time tonight. She turns with deliberate care to Eimi, sitting beside her. "How much wine /have/ we had?" The little elf's words, like her movements, are exaggeratedly careful. This is not an elf with a legendary alcohol tolerance.

Eimi smirks and is stretched out on the other side of the same couch. "Uhm...hmm...the whole bottle at least? Did you remembering opening a second?"

Safix leans over the couch edge with an air of daring, as if it might tilt any second and capsize. She reaches for one bottle, then two, and holds them up like prize fish. They're both empty. "No. But here it is."

Safix giggles.

Eimi laughs and sits up, moving over to look at them. "Oh my...uhm...I'm sure I've got more...but dare we?"

Safix appears to give the matter serious thought. "I don't know. I have muffins across the hall, though. Want some muffins?" The statements appear to follow perfectly logically for Safix.

Eimi smirks. "Muffins...do you need help getting them?"

Safix smirks. "I think I can handle muffins."

Eimi smiles. "You might need moral support."

Safix flows bonelessly off the couch. She sways a little, then bends over into a backwards walkover. "Okay. Follow me, but be careful. Muffins can be crafty."

Eimi giggles and struggles over the arm of the couch and holds onto it a moment. She glances at the wine rack and grabs another bottle before following the elf.

Safix' movements now she's not quite lucid are rather different than her normal quiet, inoffensive grace... she looks almost like a hunting cat as she slinks over to the door. "This way!" she hisses, before breaking into more quiet giggles.

Safix oozes out the door, grinning broadly.

Eimi laughs and saunters after the slinking Safix, leaving the door hanging open after she leaves. Dammerung closes it for her, though.

    Perth
    You see a smooth, round room tucked neatly into the branches of Twilight, Dammerung's second level. Several chests and trunks line the room, and a brightly colored blue, black and purple rug makes the floor pleasantly soft for bare feet. There are no chairs, but big firm pillows in muted colors that match the rug make handy seats and backrests. A nest of white furs in one part of the room might be a blanket. An elaborate, lovingly woven night-colored tapestry complete with fine silver stars but no moon covers the wide window but is not anchored at the bottom, allowing fresh sweet air from the gardens into the room.

Safix' voice comes from outside the doorway, speaking to Eimi. "Stay here a sec! They might have gotten loose! Count to ten, then rush in if I don't come out."

Eimi blinks. "What's gotten loose?" She certainly gets ready, though, clutching the bottle close to her stomach so she doesn't drop it.

Safix says, "The muffins!" and dives into the room, tumbles, grabs berry muffins on a plate from a cupboard and puts them on her chest as she sprawls out as if theatrically unconscious. She waits and makes no sounds.

Eimi giggles and rushes in afterwards. "I think...I think you've gotten them, Safix..."

Safix cracks an eye... "No... they got... me.... gkkk..." and lets her head loll to the side.

Safix almost immediately starts giggling helplessly.

Eimi laughs. "I'll save you!" She drops the bottle on a cushion gracelessly and dives towards her, snatching one of the muffins and taking a 'deathbite'.

Safix twitches weakly. "Thank god... I think you ate their leader..."

Safix moves the muffin plate to a pillow and sits up. "Strength... returning. Thank you. You may saved my life; there were too many of them!" She seizes a muffin and rips off a chunk to eat. "Take that, foul fiend," she mutters at it around the mouthful.

Eimi giggles and munches on the muffin. "Mmmm...thiths good."

Safix nods, agreeing. "Hati baked 'em f're me. Isn' he nice?"

Safix says, "I have no idea what kind of berry it is, but I don't really care... I've eaten much weirder things."

Eimi mms and pulls up a pillow to recline on. "Like what?"

Safix blushes a bit and rips harder into her muffin.

Eimi grins. "Come on...you can't drop a hint like that and then not espect me ta be curious."

Safix says, "Yes I can," and starts laughing... "Lemme think..."

Safix says, "Uhm... bugs?"

Safix says, "I tried to gross Keesha out by actually eating a honey-roasted cricket once... she loves them... I don't think she was impressed, though."

Safix says, "I wasn't impressed either... the legs kinda get stuck between your teeth..."

Safix grins at Eimi.

Safix grins, "I wasn't thinking about anything else, really."

Eimi makes a face. "That is pretty gross...how did it taste, though?

Safix says thoughtfully, "Sorta sweet... but crunchy, in a not-quite-like-a-peanut way. Not bad, except for all the little legs."

Eimi hmms. "You could pluck them off first..."

Eimi looks at her muffin. "I like these better." She takes another crumbly bite.

Safix nods... "I could, but I don't think I want to eat one again. Keesh can have 'em all. --Me too. Maybe Hati will bake again soon."

Safix looks crafty.... "Maybe I can get a mage to tell him I need baked goods to fly!"

Safix looks hopefully at Eimi.

Eimi giggles. "Maybe..."

Safix recalls a previous conversational thread... "Eimi? What are your plans, since you were stuck here when the Rift closed? Whaddya wanna do?"

Eimi hmms thoughtfully. "Well...I was sort of thinking I might stay here anyway. I love Alois and he doesn't seem inclined to live anywhere else."

Safix nods, understanding...

Safix says, "So you don't really care as much about the Rift closing as the others, do you? 'S a good thing. It's not so bad here, so long as you have friends."

Safix smiles.

Eimi nods. "I miss my friends on the other side, but I've been hear close to a year already...or...so...I'm not sure how long...I was gone awhile."

Safix tilts her head at Eimi, nibbling berry stains off her fingers. "D'you wanna talk about it?"

Eimi purses her lips. "Not a lot to tell...I told a little in the Path, I think."

Safix says carefully, "I'm beginning to think that we have a lot in common. I might understand better than most of the others around, if you ever needed to talk."

Safix nods, "Some. But not much. And I'm afraid I was selfishly distracted at the time by my own worries... finding out Hati was Dakini's slave spun my head a little."

Eimi nods. "I know...it bothered me some, too."

Safix says in a thoughtful tone, "It doesn't bother me anymore. What they mean by it is so far from what I mean when I say 'slave' that it just isn't something I can be bothered by anymore. They're happy, for one... and consensual. That alone is enough to destroy all similarities."

Eimi nods quietly.

Safix frowns. "I'm sorry, I don't want to bother you. I won't talk about it if you'd rather not. It's been longer for me."

Safix looks distressed...

Eimi chews her lip. "It's just...hard to think about."

Safix nods encouragingly...

Safix says softly, "You don't remember much when you try to on purpose either, do you?"

Eimi looks down at the carpet. "It was brutal and cruel...until I escaped."

Eimi says, "Not after a certain point..."

Safix is quietly supportive, waiting to see if Eimi has more to say.

Eimi chews. "I tried to escape...but they caught me and tortured me...and I just...left, I guess."

Safix winces, her face open. It's clearly not a surprise to hear... she looks as if she's remembering something.

Eimi looks around for that bottle....

Safix points Eimi in the right direction and crawls over to an ironbound chest to fetch glasses.

Eimi crawls over and gets the bottle and tries to push the cork out with her thumbs, fumbling for a bit. "You...you got one of those screw things?"

Safix says very softly, "Maybe it was better that way. From what I remember in dreams, I'm better off not knowing most of it. But... when my adoptive family found me in the woods behind their home, I was naked and so bloody that they cut my long hair off instead of trying to wash all the clots out of it... and I wasn't wounded at all. I wonder a lot about whose it was."

Eimi chews her lip. "Me...I've got a new friend, I guess...her name is Red."

Safix starts a little, shaken out of her reverie. "Um... not exactly... lemme look over here..." She crawls over to a smallish chest and drags it closer to the bottle.

Safix starts unpacking sharp little metal implements, mostly knifelike. She finds a twisty one. "Try this..."

Safix looks softly at Eimi. "Is she your own bloody angel?"

Eimi blinks and stares at Safix for a moment. "Uhm...no...she's harmless."

Safix draws in a little bit, looking awkward. "Oh."

Safix quietly offers the makeshift corkscrew for the bottle.

Eimi takes the piece of metal and manages to actually decork the bottle with a pop. She grins. "It worked...here." She hands the bottle to Safix.

Safix takes the bottle and pours two full glasses. She sets the bottle down, takes one glass, and offers the other to Eimi.

Eimi takes the glass and takes a drink.

Safix says a touch morosely, "There's whiskey in that chest," she points, "If we end up needing it too."

Eimi blinks. "Needing it?" She chews her lip and sets the glass down.

Safix blinks back at Eimi. "Maybe not needing it... sorry, I seem to have killed the good mood."

Safix sighs, "And whiskey will make me unconscious, but not restore it. No, I won't be needing it."

Eimi shakes her head. "No...it's not you..."

Safix smiles, a bit darkly, but a smile. "Ok, it was a group effort. I say the hell with that, and I defy said wretched mood. We are friends, and damn it, we shall be happy."

Eimi smiles and picks up her glass, taking a sip. "Okay!"

Safix smiles back, relieved, and sips her own wine.

Eimi looks down. "Safix...I will tell you more. Just...I need a little more time. Maybe you'll meet her, though. I hear she's very nice."

Safix nods hesitantly, and says softly, "I didn't mean to push you. I just wanted you to know that I might understand some... and that if you need, I will listen and never think anything bad of you."

Eimi nods and smiles. "Thank you, Safix..."

Safix smiles crookedly, "It's the least I can do." She sips wine.

Eimi hmms. "We should gang up on Alois some time...it might be fun."

Safix starts to say wryly, "Thank you again for not being mad at me about Alois. I won't get in your way--" then inhales her wine in surprise.

Safix coughs, in a bit, "Gang up on how?" She's caught between laughter and surprise, but the former is definitely winning.

Eimi grins. "I don't know...convince him we're both upset and let him dangle for a day? Maybe just to teach him a lesson about not keeping people in the dark?"

Safix begins to giggle. "Oh, that's cruel... I think I like it. Let's. Does this mean we have to both be nice to him afterward, though?"

Eimi sips her wine.

Eimi nods. "Of course...I don't want to really hurt him...just make him think twice."

Safix tilts her head thoughtfully.

Safix says, startled, "Of course not! I'd never want to truly hurt Alois. But I was so worried about... well, I can't resist your harmless suggestion."

Eimi grins. "It'll be fun."

Safix grins wickedly, ear tips blushing slightly.

Eimi giggles. "I've never seen a gold elf blush...it's quite nice."

Safix blushes harder, cheeks darkening further. "I'm not all gold elf, too dark... I think the other half might be drow. My eyes turn red when I'm really angry."

Eimi says, "Do drow do that? I guess I've never seen Alois or Gala'maDred angry."

Safix shrugs, "Me neither... but drow have red irises. I don't glow, I just colorchange... the red's always there, inside the green, see? It expands 'til I'm mostly red-eyed instead of the green."

Safix says, "Or then again, I could just be a freak." She doesn't seem too bothered by it, and sips wine. Whatever thought made her blush is fading after the distraction.

Eimi smiles. "Interesting....maybe I'll read some about it."

Safix looks mildly surprised. "Really? There are books?"

Eimi says, "Oh...there must be. Maybe in the mages tower."

Eimi says, "They have a vast library there."

Eimi finishes her glass and sets it aside.

Safix blinks. "I never thought about that. I just figured I'd never know for sure."

Safix smiles warmly at Eimi. "I would appreciate that... when you have time."

Safix murmurs, half to herself, "Gang up on..." and blushes again, faintly.

Safix finishes her wine with a small, slightly wicked smile.

Eimi lifts a brow. "Well...maybe I should stumble back to my place while I still can..."

Safix giggles... "It's a good thing I keep a place here... there's no way I could make it home to the shop from here, like this..."

Eimi stands, a bit unsteadily, giggling. "Ooo boy...I haven't been this smashed in awhile..."

Safix giggles harder, "And I'd hate to sleep over at yours, in case morning came with Alois having walked in to stare at us and realize we get along... 'twould ruin our ruse..."

Safix nods. "I'd walk you out, but I think the best I can manage right now is a crawl."

Eimi smiles. "Thinks for the muffins...even if they did make us fight for them."

Eimi makes her way along the wall to the door.

Safix grins up at Eimi. "Thanks for the wine, and the company."

Safix says, "I hope you're still kindly disposed toward me in the morning... I swear the headache's not my fault!"

Eimi laughs. "My pleasure. See you later...oh! Drink a lot of water before you sleep. It'll help you tomorrow morning...I promise."

Safix flops over into a nest of pillows. "Mm h'm.. kay."

Safix waves woozily from her nest, smiling. "'Night Eimi."

Eimi smiles and manages to wobble out into the hall and stumble across it. "...ouch...oops..."

Safix giggles, trying not to... "I'll keep the muffins at bay! Run, Eimi!"

Safix falls asleep between one breath and the next, smiling softly.



    Perth
    You see a smooth, round room tucked neatly into the branches of Twilight, Dammerung's second level. Several chests and trunks line the room, and a brightly colored blue, black and purple rug makes the floor pleasantly soft for bare feet. There are no chairs, but big firm pillows in muted colors that match the rug make handy seats and backrests. A nest of white furs in one part of the room might be a blanket. An elaborate, lovingly woven night-colored tapestry complete with fine silver stars but no moon covers the wide window but is not anchored at the bottom, allowing fresh sweet air from the gardens into the room.

    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.

    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.

Dakini steps quietly into the room, smiling and nodding politely to Safix as she does so. She waits until Safix is seated again, and she also is seated, to say, "I... have a bit of a moral problem here, Safix. I found something out that is not... nice... about someone I know you like. I was going to not say anything, but it hit me that were I the person so treated, I'd want to know. So... I thought it most considerate to tell you what I'd learned... unless you tell me you'd rather not know."

Safix goes very still, and looks at her hands... "I can't not ask, put like that. Even if I have a feeling I'd be happier not knowing."

Safix picks nervously at the woven rug. "Please, just tell me."

Safix' posture, still and hunched, fairly screams tension.

Dakini says gently, "If it helps any, it wasn't much fun for me either... and I'm showing only the parts relevant to you." She sighs softly, looking up at a patch of bare wall, "Dammerung can project it there... this occurred a few days ago, in Dammerung's garden... and so I heard about it, of course, since it was in a public area of Dammerung."

The wall slowly clears, then shows a scene of Cynergy and Gala'maDred, cuddled up together in the garden, talking and snuggling.

Gala'madred shrugs, "people will see what they want to see.. and what I want them to see..."

Cynergy gasps a little, grinning then. "True, true, I told Safix as much. She's got it in her head you're horrible. And Stardancer is only too happy to believe it too, but I don't care what she thinks. Safix should be set straight, though." she looks at you intently, "I like Saf very much."

Gala'madred sighs, and groans. "Aye, Safix does not like me. I fear I made a poor first impression... You see, I mistook her for one of Alois' meals... So when his mistress strolled into the Path looking for him, I did what any loving brother would do, and rescued him from an embarrassing situation by shooing his 'meal' out the front door."

Cynergy reaches up, stroking your cheek and grinning as she kisses you more tender than before. "That can easily be fixed. She has a good heart and I'm sure she'll let it go once things are made right." She blinks as you mention that, "Oooooohh... I see. Ah, indeed, this will be nothing to put right, you'll see." She grins at your last, "She's rather taken with Alois I think..." that smile is crafty, and how her eyes dance as she says that!

Gala'madred leans his cheek into Cynergy's hand. "So I have begun to gather... she was quite upset when I insinuated she was a whore and offered to pay her for her time, and told her to take a hike... I could tell, even as she slapped me, that she is taken with my brother. But then again many women are, and so are those he feeds on, most times. So one can understand my confusion on the matter, I am sure..."

Cynergy can't help but lose a little giggle as you recount the whore story, "Oh you do have your moments, love." she smirks and shakes her head, "She's... very taken with Alois. so much so that reasoning that might otherwise have brought the understanding of your confusion, still has yet to come." she's alluding to something, indeed.

Gala'madred raises an eyebrow. "Safix has been confiding in you...."

Cynergy blushes, "Not exactly."

Gala'madred raises his other eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell... have you been following her? I should have thought of that...."

Cynergy shakes her head, "No, I didn't do that. I was just... trying to get some information on my general safety when I woke up first... and she was simply thinking a few other things. But I was happy she wasn't thinking of ways to hurt me!"

The wall slowly fades back to its normal color. Dakini looks a bit tense herself as well.

Dakini sighs, putting her head in her hands and gently rubbing her temples... then she looks up and says quietly, "Would you like a hug, Safix'ya?"

Safix looks stunned... "That... was not exactly what I was expecting..."

Safix looks less upset than puzzled.

Dakini tilts her head at Safix... then smiles gently, "No, it wasn't Eimi or Alois, silly. But... having been stabbed in the back before by people I believed were my friends, I fear I am... a little touchy about this sort of thing."

Dakini sighs again, leaning back, looking faintly relieved that Safix is taking this so well.

Safix' spirits revive visibly a bit at the mention of Eimi and Alois, and her eyes are briefly happier. She looks sidelong at Dakini. "Ah... Eimi and I have talked. Whatever may seem to happen next time we're together when Alois is around... there are no problems between us."

Dakini covers a small giggle, "Uhmmm... ja. Dammerung initially thought you both were injured! I had to reassure it, so it wouldn't intervene and tuck you both back in the hospital."

Dakini says, "When the two of you were crossing the hallway."

Safix chuckles wryly at that. She slumps again quickly, however. A fingernail finds its way back to her teeth.

Safix says, "What... why would Cyn talk to Dred about me?"

Dakini says gently, "I'm sorry for bringing such bad news, Saf. Um... well, I can tell you what I think it means?"

Safix says softly, "I don't like Dred knowing how I feel..."

Safix nods to Dakini, "Please."

Dakini says, "Cynergy is a willful child, and so I and Dammerung are anathema to her, because we insist she act like a rational and responsible adult while within Dammerung. From what I've had reported to me, she's been running around whining to folks about how mean I was to her... until she found someone who would commiserate with her about how awful I am -- her sugardaddy, Dred."

Safix blinks, "She didn't seem to trust you, but I thought... well. Perhaps I didn't think enough."

Dakini sighs softly, "So, now she has justification from Dred for her mind-rape of you and how horrible I am, she will go back to her usual behavior -- which is that of queen bee. In order to be a queen bee she has to be the strongest female around, at least in her own mind. Since she's done nothing worthy of respect, I do not respect her, and she's clever enough to pick that up. In order for her to stay your friend (which is necessary to her to prove to herself that she wasn't wrong for the mind-rape) she must isolate me from you. That's what that conversation was about... her trying to get Dred to help her change your mind about me.

Dakini says, "That... and she obviously does not consider you a threat to her supremacy as queen bee. I am."

Dakini sighs again, looking tired.

Safix has enough self-respect to snort a little at the notion of queen-bee dominance games... I'm honest about not wanting the position, and everybody assumes I'm weak...

Safix sighs slightly, and says "I did invite her into my mind, Dakini. I've forgiven her for the discomfort... she had no way of knowing that I didn't entirely understand what I'd offered her. Miscommunication, and not her fault."

Dakini says gently, "Ja, Safix, you did, which is why Dammerung did not prevent her for doing so. That is not what bothers me about that incident. What bothers me is her determined disavowal of any responsibility for her actions. She kept insisting it was 'natural' for her to do that, so it wasn't her fault... well, it's natural to take a crap too, but I notice she seems to be house-trained!"

Safix says, "What's done, is done, and no changing it. I do not appreciate her speaking to Dred--" Saf breaks off to roll her eyes half-amusedly at Dakini regarding house-training-- "about my thoughts."

Safix sighs, "But at least she didn't speak to Alois about them... or at least, not where you could see..."

Dakini shrugs and says a touch grimly, "It seems to be a common thread amongst the willful children here, although thankfully there are very few that I've found... only three so far. But that insistence that nothing is their fault, and there should be no consequences for their actions, seems to go hand-in-glove with their perverse belief that everyone else is here for their personal use and manipulation." She frowns, adding flatly, "I consider that sick -- I won't allow that in my personal relationships. However, as long as Cynergy can manage to behave herself within Dammerung, my professional relationship with her is unchanged... she will be treated with the same basic courtesy I give everyone here."

Dakini says quietly, "Do you know that Dred will not speak to Alois?"

Safix flings herself off the floor and paces, circling. "Why must everyone be like this? What earthly good is it? What use is my heart to Cyn, or Dred? What amusement is there in dissecting it? What use am I to them?"

Safix snaps, "Of course I don't know that. In fact, I'd be surprised if he didn't, the way things seem to work. People are never discussed to their faces, it seems."

Dakini sighs, rubbing her temples again, then says quietly, "I don't know, Safix... I don't understand it myself. All I know is that queen bees invariably can't stand me... because I won't allow them to manipulate me and I won't be silent if they try to abuse and manipulate friends." She looks up, her demeanor a bit grim, "I think they 'need' it... they need to feel in control? -of everything and everyone?"

Safix gestures widely, "Not that either of us are innocent of that failing."

Dakini smiles quietly, "Innocent of what?"

Safix stands still a moment to look Dakini in the eye. "Innocent of dissecting others' motives when they are not present, of course."

Dakini smiles, "I didn't know that was the issue at hand... but if it would comfort you I will confront Cynergy with this. I'm not sure what it will gain you though...?"

Dakini adds thoughtfully, "I must admit, I've tried doing that in other cases... but it didn't provoke any change in their behavior."

Safix abruptly resumes pacing the room, burning off tense energy and a bubbling, sourceless anger. She stops just as suddenly and flops down onto a cushion again. Her voice and face are weary. "What's the point? I may speak to her about it. I may not. I think not, right now. I can play the watching, waiting game too. I'd just hoped I wouldn't need to in this company."

Safix shrugs heavily.

Dakini says quietly, "Don't keep her company and you won't have to."

Dakini says, "I don't."

Safix says rather angrily, "I will not be forced to choose between you yet."

Dakini gives Safix a puzzled look, "Chose between who?"

Safix says, "You and Cynergy, Dakini."

Dakini grins, "There's only one of me, Dammerung..." she blinks in astonishment at Safix... then laughs, tossing her head back!

Safix leans her head to one side and waits, eyes narrowed.

Dakini chuckles for a bit, then gets her amusement back under control. She rises smoothly, still smiling, although it's a bit weary around the edges, "Eh, did you really think that was what this about? Silly girl... I told you I'd be there when you needed a friend. Your hanging out with Cynergy won't change that."

Safix says firmly, "You are my friend, Dakini. I've given you trust."

Dakini sighs softly, "Ah well... if that's what you thought it meant, my staying here can only exacerbate your surety that I'm pressuring you to do so." She nods politely, "Good night, Safix," and heads for the door.

Safix snaps, "Don't be ridiculous, Dakini."

Dakini pauses at the door, glancing over her shoulder with a faint smile, "Never, my dear. By the way... shouldn't you answer that?" One slender finger taps lightly on the wall by the door, where a small red light blinks quietly.

Safix says, "I'm more concerned that you're leaving on a misunderstanding."

Dakini chuckles, "Safix, I'm leaving so you have time to think, and to make a decision that is good for you. That's one of the things I ask of my friends... that they think, and make the best decisions they can, in light of the facts."

Safix says, "And you call me a silly girl. I don't give a damn how much older you are. As a friend, I'd expect you to hear me out before deciding you understood and walking out."

Dakini grins, "All right." She takes a long stride back, then settles gracefully cross-legged on the pillow again. "I'm all ears. Well... all right, I'm just listening intently." She grins again, her usual good humor resurfacing.

Safix sighs, "I shall think, yes. And thank you; I'll make it short, as it's bedtime for us both."

Dakini smiles.

Safix says, "I think that I misunderstood you when you said I don't have to spend time in Cyn's company, and thought that you were suggesting I should immediately give up on her as a potential friend."

Dakini looks a bit indignant, then recalls she's supposed to be listening... so she simply nods to Safix, still intent upon the other woman's words.

Safix says, "...but it seems you did not mean that I ought to choose one friend or the other at all." Saf nods back, appreciating Dakini's stillness. "I simply wanted you to know, before you go, that I am shaken by this, and worried... but thankful for your loyalty and ethics in telling me this, however unpleasant."

Dakini looks a bit unhappy at that -- it's no joy finding out folks are spreading garbage behind your back -- but just nods quietly again.

Safix says, "I'm not giving up on Cynergy as a friend, yet. And as for spending time in her company... especially with the shield you've given me, I think it would be more foolish to avoid her. If I spend time with her, I'll learn more of the truth of her than if I see her not at all... from a cold but practical viewpoint."

Dakini nods again.

Safix smiles rather weakly, "That's about it. Thanks for listening, I just wanted to explain what I was really thinking-- since you seemed about to walk off thinking I believed you were asking me to choose you or her."

Safix says, "I do have a question, though-- about this shield..."

Dakini smiles quietly, then nods again.

Safix fidgets. "Um, does anything get through it? Feelings, even?"

Safix says, "Do I have any control over it?"

Safix says, "What if, for example, I wanted you to be able to 'see' what I'm feeling... could I deliberately let down my guard if I so desired? "

Dakini says, "No, feelings won't leak through... I set it so the only thing that can get through is the mental 'phone line' we share -- which passes only words between the two of us -- no thoughts or feelings can be felt. However, all you have to do is tell me how sensitive you want it set, and I can change it as per your desires."

Dakini says, "It is, in fact, that mental link that allows me to keep the shield up. Hm... for me to 'see' what you saw would be an extremely deep mental connection, Safix... you might do better to just tell me what you're seeing?"

Safix blinks. "Er, maybe that was a bad example. I didn't mean to really 'see' anything, I guess I meant 'feel...' Arrgh. I don't do this stuff, how am I supposed to phrase it right?"

Dakini grins, "If it helps any, I wasn't raised in a culture that was that familiar with it... so I had to learn it the hard way too. Hm... well, you can just give me words for what you see, Safix. That's been working fi..." She pauses, thinking and watching Safix... then suddenly grins, "Ah! I understand... you want, er... how to put this delicately..." her grin gets a bit mischievous, "You want to be able to share emotions, ja? So... all you have to do is tell me, and the shield will be lowered for as long as you wish."

Dakini adds thoughtfully, "You might want to stipulate something like touch being required for Alo- er, for the um other person to be able to share those emotions though?"

Safix glares very slightly at Dakini, ear tips dark, before starting to laugh, softly.

Dakini grins a little sheepishly, "Er, sorry..."

Dakini covers a grin, then straightens, adding loftily, "Purely for security purposes, of course!"

Dakini grins again.

Safix chuckles, scrubbing at her eyes, "Is there anyone in Arcana who doesn't know? I feel horribly indiscreet..."

Safix sighs, "But I guess only one opinion really matters to me on that. And aren't I lucky, it's the one I don't know..."

Dakini grins quietly, "Well... I think it's rather sweet. I'm just worried about you getting hurt... but now that Eimi and you have talked, I'm far less worried."

Dakini grins again, more wickedly this time, "You could just ask...?"

Safix shakes herself slightly, and looks at Dakini with an impish glint. "Touch will do nicely. I'd really rather not have to come ask you every time."

Dakini chuckles quietly, "As you desire, Safix'ya. Shall I assume once you fall asleep that you'd like the shields reinstated at their former strength?"

Safix looks Dakini straight in the eyes, and says with a more serious face, "As for asking? I'm scared. Very little scares me more."

Dakini nods quietly, and gently gives Safix a hug, "Everyone is in similar situations, Safix'ya... no one wants to be rejected. Still... you may find your fears are unfounded if you ask?"

Dakini smiles, "So... enough seriousness." She grins, "You've still yet to answer your little blinking light!" She gestures towards the door, and the small red light patiently winking next to it.

Safix nods, not willing to answer the earlier question, and goes to peer at the light. "What is this? Is the wall going to explode?"

Dakini grins as, at Safix' query, a small sliding panel opens, showing a small niche. Inside the niche is a small bouquet of attractive and sweet-scented flowers, and a little card with a note written on it.

Safix reaches in to scoop them up, curiosity writ across her open face. She reads the card...

The card says, in a neat, flowing script and royal blue ink, "Dammerung, Hati, and I would like to thank you for your selfless efforts in helping those injured in the neogi battle. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you recover -- we know how difficult it can be to give of oneself around the clock." There's a P.S. on the back of the little card, which adds, "You can use these niches to send small things to other folks in Dammerung, if you wish. Just put your letter (or whatever) into the niche, spend a moment telling Dammerung who you'd like it to go to, and it will do so for you. Thanks again -- Dakini"

Safix smiles like moonlight breaking through clouds. She turns to Dakini, eyes bright, and hugs her.

Dakini smiles and gladly hugs Safix tightly in return.

Safix says softly but intensely, "Thank you."

Safix steps back again to smile into Dakini's eyes. "That definitely improves my night."

Dakini looks a bit bright-eyed herself, but simply says softly, "We could do no less, Safix'ya... you healers worked yourselves to the bone! I just wish there was more we could have done for you all."

Dakini grins quietly at that last comment, "Glad to hear it."

Safix smiles, genuinely sweet. "We had to. People were hurting, and we couldn't feel right until we made it stop. But it's nice to get thanked, too!"

Dakini nods quietly again, "I quite understand. That's why I offered Dammerung as a hospital too -- it was the right thing to do. But it's nice to take a moment to congratulate ourselves on a job well done... we planned it out, we made it happen, and it's folks like you, Eimi, Tinuviel, and Dammerung that made it work."

Safix surreptitiously wipes at an eye, nodding thanks again. "Ok, you, go to bed. You've stayed up being a good friend long enough tonight, and I'm grateful as hell... but I don't want to put you in the hospital too just because your friends won't let you take proper care of yourself."

Dakini chuckles quietly, "Don't worry about me..." she looks rueful for a moment, "Dammerung and Hati just keep me asleep a tad longer when I need it." She grins cheerfully, "Quite annoying, to have the two of them conspiring against me so!"

Safix grins. "I'm glad to see I'm not the only person being conspired against around here."

Dakini rises, giving Safix one last, quick hug, then straightens, smiling, "So... take care of yourself, Safix... and get some sleep yourself too!"

Dakini laughs! then grins, waving as she heads out the door.

Safix smirks ever so slightly and waves at the room, "I'll sleep, I swear! Do you see anything else to do in here?"

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

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