Flute looked up at Enchanted & was
Flute Istari
about to answer her question when she felt something eerie & the trees started whispering uneasily. Flute left Enchanted's side & went to the nearest oak tree & placed her palm on its truck.
All in front of the wooden house except Lunzie looked at Flute in curiousity & Enchanted was about to call Flute back to her side when Flute whirled around so fast that she nearly fell. Flute looked fantically around her, gave a concerned look at Lunzie before rushing back to Enchanted.
"Bad man!!! Wants to hurt Lucy!!!! Help, please??" Flute whispered into Enchanted's ear.
Unease
Enchanted Elf
Enchanted once again clasped Flute to her and looked into the frightened woman's eyes. "There is a soul enchantment here....evil is forbidden nothing can break the enchantment....for now....in this place..Lunzie is safe." Staring over at Jess and Shalana she watched as they separated and began to slowly search the parameter.
She froze and her eyes widened as sea green eyes met hers. Galain! With a smile of delight, Enchanted looked over at her sister, knowing that she would be blustered up knowing Galain was here also.
Not going as planned
Dragon Phoenix
The figure frowned, iridescent eyes narrow. "The little one is sensitive to nature, and this is an enchanted forest. I can do nothing but watch, and wait. But I am patient...I have been very patient...what a painful virtue."
And there, the figure waits.
Not paying attention at all
Lunzie Istari
to Flute or the others, but knowing that Enchanted, Shalana, and Jess were putting an enchantment up to protect those gathered from evil. Sensing a new presence, this one friendly, Lunzie breaks free of her memories. Looking around she spots the newcomer. Grinning, Lunzie runs towards her friend and gives him a big hug. BAMF!!!!!!! You made it! Come and meet Flute. If you can last to the end of one of her famouse ramblings, I will quite calling you that! Leading Galain back to the main group, Lunzie
introduced him to Flute and left them to converse.
Flute looked up at Galain
Flute Istari
& started shrinking back into Enchanted's arms. "He's hugh....", Flute whispered to Enchanted.
Galain smiled at Flute & said, "I don't bite. You can come out you know."
Flute smiled back & slowly disentangled herself from Enchanted. "There's a bad person out there you know. I think this person wants to hurt Lucy. Will you help me protect her?"
Not waiting for an answer, Flute started rambling, "It's a beautiful day isn't it? Look at the blue, blue sky.... I wish my eyes were blue, don't you?? Don't you just find snakes slimy??? Oh... I know they're not really slimy to feel but they do look slimy, don't you think???? Are you hungry???? Wanna go mushroom hunting with me??? I know where there're lotsa mushrooms..... I always apologised before picking them. They scream & rave at me but I have to eat, you know. And they always make me cry...."
Galain looked blankly at Flute & turned to Enchanted, "Does she always talk this much?"
Do mushrooms cry?
Galain Elf
He'd not even had a proper chance to greet Jess, Shalana or Enchanted, but the hug from Lunzie and the ramblings of Flute were enought to take his mind off things. And he wondered if mushrooms really cried. As for snakes being slimy... He suddenly jolted his thoughts out of this crazy train of thought and looked wildly around.
"Okay, I got a message to come... what's up?" He looked at Enchanted first who simply smiled at him. He winked at her. It was good to see her again.
The calvery has arrived?
Enchanted Elf
Smiling down at Flute as she expressed her concern at Galains size she giggled and cast a glance at his bemused expression while the child rambled on. "Shhhh Flute...this is the Prince of Elen, Lord Galain. You have nothing to worry....." Enchanted stopped then laughed as she met his eyes "Let me rephrase that, our lives are about to become much more interesting." Becoming suddenly serious as she looked over at Lunzie she once again met Galain's eyes. "I will admit to being worried M'lord, she is acting so very different. Her quest for her brother did not go well, she is now - finally -accepting help."
Enchanted nodded to Jess and Shalana who were a short distance away "Can you feel it Galain. It not as strong now......but earlier...." She trailed off as she forced herself to relax and reaching out she touched Galain's hand gently "I am glad your here."
Unknown enemy
Shalana Elf
Shalana and Jess felt the darkness at the same time. Her own manipulated soul, would always recognize any form of evil, and as her mother released a dream and provided protection she slowly walked to edges of that protection wondering what evil awaited them and who was this unseen enemy. Her link with Jess was unconscious and she knew he was doing his own form of "seeing", however, for now this presence unreadable. Turning Shalana couldn't prevent the grin that crossed her face. Life was about to become interesting, Galain was here.
Sensing
Galain Elf
Galain clasped Enchanted's hand warmly then pulled her to him for a quick kiss. He couldn't help himself and he grinned lopsidedly at her before pulling back. He could feel her tension and worry though and frowned lightly.
"I'm very glad to be here. Very glad." He held her eyes a moment longer before turning about to catch sight of a grinning Shalana. Now there was a package of mischief if there ever was one. He opened his mind a little, shields that he had been learning to use, opened as he did his own questing... something he'd let his sister finally teach him. He could feel something not right. That was for certain. And he could sense Enchanted's own protective magic -- it sang sweetly in the air about them and he sighed. That he needed no teaching to recognize.
"I feel it my lady... and I'm here to help Lunzie in whatever way possible." He looked toward the vampiress in concern. "I suppose we are all here to help?" He smiled and then looked down in consternation at Flute. "Including this little one?" He was still fascinated by her assertion that mushrooms cried. He'd have to discover this for himself.
Meanwhile he returned an answering grin to Shalana and nodded to Jess.
Flute ignored Galain's look
Flute Istari
& went about looking at the others gathered before Enchanted's home. She approached Jess & looked at him in fascination. "How did you change into a fire bird??? I've tried to fly lots of times & haven't suceeded once. Can you teach me to fly like u???? The birds just won't tell me how they do it then they go on & on about it. That is so unfair don't you think???? Please.... can u teach me???"
Birds of a feather?
(Jess Phoenix) Arising Phoenix
Jess had felt the other presence and when 'Shade came back, the eagle had tried as best he could to tell him what he saw.
He walked the perimeter with Shalana, but could determine nothing specific and that bothered him no end.
He was glad Galain had been able to make it and was tickled at the glazed look that came over his friend's face at Flute's chatter.
He had been looking around a little bit more when Flute came over to him and started talking.
"How did you change into a fire bird??? I've tried to fly lots of times & haven't suceeded once. Can you teach me to fly like u???? The birds just won't tell me how they do it then they go on & on about it. That is so unfair don't you think???? Please.... can u teach me???"
He squatted down in front of the girl and said, smiling, "One thing at a time, Little One. How did I change? I really don't know.....I hadn't always been able to do so."
He thought back to a time long since gone and continued, "I've been able to do it for only a few centuries. I do not know how or why I am able to do this. My cousin would be better able to explain this."
Jess didn't know if he was making any sense, but tried his best to explain, "Let's just say that due to something that happened to me a long time ago, I am able to change into a firebird. I do not know if I would be able to teach you how to fly like I do."
His heart wept a little at Flute's crestfallen look, and said quietly, "If there is a way, Little One, I will try."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, Jess is a wee bit of a pushover for pint-sized folk (pardon the pun, Flute, please). And yes, Flute would be on her way to having him wrapped around her finger.
Watching Flute's antics
Lunzie Istari
Lunzie shook her head slightly, Poor Galain! She thought as she watched the look of fear(?) cross the Elf's face. Galain started looking for an out when Flute went over to Jess and started pestering him with questions.
Lunzie headed over to where Jaina was standing all by herself, You know, I wonder if we will survive Flute's rantings. Sometimes I wonder if I should have left her in the woods I found her in! Jaina gave Lunzie a horrified look. You wouldn't! No, I wouldn't.
Long needed laughter
Enchanted Elf
Enchanted stood beside Galain their hands lightly clasped as they watched Flute run towards Jess. She couldn't help but giggled as Flute began her rambling questions again, however it was the knowing look in Shalana's eyes that had her trying to contain her laughter. That Jess loved children was not a secret, it would now appear if he had his way Flute would be with him and Shalana.
Meeting Galain's amused grin with one of her own she nodded towards Jaina and Lunize who where also grinning. It was a much-needed relief from the worry and fears...and Enchanted was glad to see the peace of this place finally touching each of them.
Flute tried to hide her dissapointment
Flute Istari
but to no avail and Jess, in order to make it up to Flute, lifted her & started whirling her around. Squeals of joy & laughter sounded through the woods. When the joyride ended, Flute found herself seated on Jess' shoulders.
As soon as Jess released his hold on Flute, Flute clutched at his hair to keep from falling. Wincing, Jess tried to disentangled Flute's fingers from his hair. Peeping down from her perch on Jess' shoulders, Flute whispered, "It's high up here, isn't it?"
Galain totally enjoying Jess' discomfort, asked "You sure you still want to learn to fly, little one?"
Raising up to the challange, Flute tossed her head and planted her fists on her hips, "I'm ready anytime, giant!"
But as soon as Jess planted one foot in front of the other, Flute squealed and grabbed hold of Jess' hair again. Oblivious to the laughter around her, Flute told Jess, "Stay still, will you."
Finally realising that everyone was laughing, Flute looked up only to spy Jaina standing at the edge of the clearing with Lunzie. Extremly excited, Flute started bouncing up & down on Jess' shoulders & yelled, "NANA!!!!", blasting Jess' ears in the process.
Jumping from her unstable perch on Jess' shoulders, Flute would have fallen flat on her face if not for Shalana's timely dive. Shaking all hands off her, Flute raced to Jaina leaving yells of 'NANA!!' in her wake.
Grinning, Jaina opened her arms and caught Flute in a hugh hug. "Nana.... I'm soooo happy!!! You're here!!! Lucy's here too!!!! [happy, happy, Flute's happy & rambling ears away again]...."
Watching Flute interact with Jess
Lunzie Istari
was quite amusing. It was even funnier when Flute took a dive for the ground and raced towards Jaina.
Was it Lunzie's imagination or was Flute yelling Nana? Watching as Jaina happily embraced Flute, Lunzie raised an eyebrow and grinned. Nana?
Grinning mischieviously, Jaina just looked at Flute. Flute? Would you like to answer Luc - Lunzie's question?
Flute was happily rambling away
Flute Istari
when Jaina asked the question. Flute oblivious to her surrounding except for Jaina's presence stopped her ramblings/chatterings in confusion.
"???"
Jaina smiled and asked Flute again, "tell Lunzie why u call me Nana."
Flute looked even more confused. Pointing to Jaina, Flute announced, "Nana!". Pointing to Lunzie, Flute announced again, "Lucy!".
Enchanted giggled & approached the group. "I think Flute has problems pronouncing names. That's why she calls Lunzie 'Lucy' & Jaina 'Nana'."
Flute nodded & went round announcing 'Lucy', 'Nana', 'Giant' & 'Firebird'. She stopped when she reached Enchanted. Looking around the clearing, Flute realised she didn't know what to call Enchanted, Shalana, Aerimara & Ranak. At a loss as to what to do, Flute returned to Lunzie's side and asked, "Are we supposed to go somewhere??? The trees are calling me to go quickly."
Trees calling...
Enchanted Elf
Flute's so innocent comment, brought the laughter to a stop. Turning, Enchanted looked at Galain, then quested to her daughter. She couldn't help the disappointment that filled her when Shalana replied.
The presence was there...nearby...but blocking them. Lunzie took on a distant expression and withdrew from the group. Not physically...but the distance was felt. There was nothing they could do, until Lunzie was ready. Softly Enchanted touched the outmost regions of Lunzie's thoughts.
"Take you time Hesheña......remember we are here for you" with that Enchanted turned back and re-joined Galain, slipping her hand in his. "Gawds M'lord....she has never been like this..." Enchanted whispered, unable to fully contain her fears.
Waiting
Galain Elf
Galain was silent. He didn't quite understand why he'd been called here, but he felt the fear in Enchanted's voice, felt it in the way she held his hand and saw it in her eyes. He was content to wait though, his eyes wandering toward Lunzie again. She was normally so exuberant and he sighed.
"Are we supposed to be going somewhere?"
Lunzie Istari
An innocent enough question, but one which startled Lunzie greatly. Withdrawing inside her thoughts once more, she tried to remember. YES! Lantri. They were supposed to be looking for Lantri. But where? After two thousand years was he even still alive? YES, he had to be, why else would they be looking for him?
While Lunzie stood and sifted through her thoughts, Flute looked at Jaina. Did I do something wrong, Nana? Smiling gently Jaina stooped down so she was on the same level as Flute and tried to calm her down. No, you haven't done anything wrong Flute, Lunzie just hasn't been feeling well lately. I know, why don't you go see if Jess will give you another "flying" lesson?
Flute's eyes lit up with the suggestion and off she ran toward her Firebird.
Watching and Waiting
Shalana Elf
Shalana re-joined Jess shaking her head. "She is sweet. I take it we will be watching over her on this trek." She grinned, knowing he knew she too had been touched by Flute. Together they approached Galain and her mother. Reaching up Shalana place a quick kiss upon Galains cheek then winked. "It is good to see you M'lord. Have you had the opportunity to talk to Nisha Lunzie?" She asked as the seriousness of the situation returned.
Patience is a virtue...
Dragon Phoenix
The figure had been watching the proceedings of the happy little group with an undisguised dislike. It would wait for a better time.
Withdrawing from the shelter of the trees, the figure covered itself in fog, and began to walk away. The fog was barely noticeable to the group.
The figure would stay far from them, but close enough to follow. Patience was a virtue...but action was satisfaction.
Shalana
Galain Elf
Hello little one," Galain smiled back at Shalana. "It's good to see you again too. Been misbehaving?" He winked back at her before he turned his gaze toward Lunzie again. "No, I've not have the opportunity to talk to Lunzie yet. So far I'm just along for the ride..."
He crossed his arms.
The arrival of one other brought Lunzie out of her
Lunzie Istari
reverie. Seeing her old friend, Lunzie warmly greeted the great Tigress. Reina! I see you have come to join us as well. Grinning, Lunzie took Reina over to where Enchanted was standing. Standing with a certain High Elf.
While Reina played with Galain, Lunzie cleared her throat. Excuse me. I am sure some of you are wondering just what you are doing here. Well, instead of telling a long story, I'll try to sum it up for you.
You have been gathered here to aid me in my quest for my twin brother Lantri. All that is known for sure is that he was taken some 2000 years ago. Some say that he is dead, I refuse to believe that. I'll not give up hope that we will find him and bring him back safely.
Smiling sadly, she continues, We are up against an unknown enemy, whose powers are yet to be seen. We will spend tonight here, and leave in the morning. I wish to spend the rest of tonight meditating, prehaps I can learn where we are to begin our search. If not, I am open to suggestions. For now, I suggest we all get some rest.
Having made her speech, Lunzie nodded to Enchanted and Jaina and headed for the nearby lake, her mind wandering back to Galain and Reina. Thank the gods Elyen isn't here! She couldn't help but think about the other elf that the tiger seemed to be attracted to.
Sunsets and rest
Enchanted Elf
She really tried to hide her smile really but it was so difficult when Reina was cheerfully licking Galain. Turning her eyes away from the two rolling on the ground she became somber as she listen to Lunzie. She respected that her sister needed time to think to meditate, and agreed they all could use some rest. Enchanted looked back down at Galain and Reina wondering which one was really growling. Reina not now ..rest The quest was gentle and filled with understanding as Reina looked up disappointed. The tigresses heaved a sigh and stood then reached down and gave her play toy one last long lick before heading back to Lunzie.
Enchanted pretended not to see the look Galain gave her, and once again tried to hide her grin. Reaching out she for his hand she watched as he contemplated pulling her down then giggled as he accepted it and stood. Sunset was one of her favorite times of day and her eyes became very pensive as she stared at the multi-colored sky. She was unaware of Shalana and Jess ushering the others to her home, and settling them in. Smiling she looked up into Galains eyes and then slowly laced their fingers together. Its beautiful, is it not? She asked quietly then lead him to her home.
She was pleased to see Shalana had helped JJ and Flute settle into the couch-bed, before she and Jess retired to her old room; while Mara was snoozing away in her special bookshelf. She look back quizzically at Galain as he came to an abrupt stop, then blushed when she noticed his eyes had found a certain cow bell upon the fireplace mantel. His hand reached out and captured her chin as their eyes met
both with questions and answers. He grinned as did she then allowed himself to be led to her room before turning and closing the door.
Flute was contented
Flute Istari
Shalana had tucked her in with her Nana though she was a little disappointed that Lucy wasn't also sleeping with her. Flute didn't mind really but it'll be really nice if Lucy were next to her now.
Seeing Shalana & with Firebird together, Flute remembered the way Shalana had tucked her in & how nice Shalana smelled. She smelled of a cluster of different flowers put together. Enchanted smell almost the same. Turning her glance to Jess, Flute wondered why Firebird didn't smell of flowers too...
Puzzled, Flute tried to figure out why Jess didn't smell like flowers. Seeing Galain coming in with Enchanted, Flute wondered if Giant would smell of flowers too or would be like Firebird. Flute tried to figure the problem out until she finally fell asleep.
Leaning against Reina
Lunzie Istari
Lunzie absently watched the sun set over the lake. Concentrating on the peacefulness of her surroundings, Lunzie tried to reach out to Lantri through their mental bond. Nothing. The link had been broken abruptly just a few years earlier.
Forcing herself to relax, Lunzie reached out to Marshane. 'Shane? 'Shane, we may need your help as we start on our journey. Recieving a positive reply, Lunzie smiled.
Stretching her conciousness to its limits, Lunzie tried to find some clue as to where Lantri might be. Shrounded in deep mists and darkness was an old mountain. The sides of this craggy peak were dotted with cave openings with very few trees or plantlife of anykind.
Lunzie was suddenly jolted awake when Reina rolled over in her sleep. It was well after dark now and past time for her to return to the cottage. Waking Reina Lunzie picked herself off the ground and together the two returned. Not wanting to disturb anyone's sleep, Lunzie and Reina stretched out on the floor in front of the couch.
Rest
Jess Phoenix
Never needing much rest, Jess kept watch over the people gathered in Enchanted's home in his own way.
It was maybe five, six hours until dawn when he wove the dreams of deep, restful slumber for everyone and himself went to sleep, drawing Shalana closer.
Silent waiting
Elyen Elf
Elyen waited, resting by the tree trunk as the group came up and made camp. He'd heard of Lunzie's quest, and had come as fast as he could... given time. He had been waiting for half a day for the group to make their way here. Something had told him to wait, and now they were here, and tired, and needed sleep.
Elyen sighed. That would make it one whole day that he would have been rooted to this spot. Cripes...
The elf closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Well the least he could do was deliver silent watch till dawn rose. Unlike them, the elf was well-rested. Hell, he was restless from all the resting. Make sense?
Dawn would come soon enough...
Booooooo!!!!!!
Ranak Darkstar
Ranak awoke in the night and spotted Elyen leaning against a tree, smiling he changed form into a large bat and flew to a branch just above Elyens head. Turning back into human form, only keeping the bat legs to hang on with he swung down and looked Elyen eye to eye (only of course Ranak is upside down) and yelled"BOOOOO!!!!!" scaring the elf almost enough to make him wet himself.
I never wet myself
Elyen Elf
Elyen started when the bat... well, talked. Kinda. The "boo" counted as speech, right? And the bat had golden eyes: changeling. Since Elyen was sure that it couldn't possibly be Chez, that left one other changeling he knew to be as mischievious when it came to elves...Ranak.
"Hello Ranak." The elf hid the satisfied smirk that threatened to reveal itself on his face as the bat stumbled in surprise at being recognized.
The others should be drawing close now...