Amorphous Awakenings, Delirious Dreams... (Tiarela, Invite Only)

[Peach]

Timestamp: Solaria, first cycle of junctior
era X of the age of the darkening

Skies as black as raven wings, tinted only slightly with the blue of the ocean, engulfed the chill of the early morning. A perfect dome dappled with fading stars and the low-hanging moon, its beauty was not masked by city lights... For said area of high population currently was in their hours of slumber. Candles had been put out by all but the most severe night owls, leaving the streets as if seen by a blind man. The sense of comfort, somehow laced with tinges of loneliness and fear, pervaded the passing night. During those candlemarks, one could truly have their thoughts to themselves, undisturbed by those who did not partake in them. And yet, only a select few wished to utilize this time... For if everyone shared insomnia, would not the evening become the same as the day? Would the stories of the length before dawn become all the less potent? In such a world where the reversal of roles were so profound and simple, it wasn't hard to believe that a few ripples could disturb the calm...

For Vilhalene, no such peace of mind existed. Telath was constantly teetering on the brink of chaos, waiting for the final push to drive it over. Her mind built myths, phobias about the circumstances foreign to her fantasy world, constantly hidden, yet forever subject. For the first time in what seemed like centuries, quiet footsteps could be heard amongst the ancient monoliths, peering at the living being though their eyes of colorless stone. For all outward appearances, the individual was a dark elf interchangeable with all the rest. Her hair and skin, matching tones of complete alabaster, glowed softly in the moonlight. Eyes of an earthen color so dark that they seemed black provided a dual breaks from the expanse of snow... But something was not right, a single alteration in the fabric of reality feeling so oddly incorrect. As if she were missing some unseen part of her nature, or supporting one not necessary to the all-encompassing survival.

Finally, the Esh'laheir's destination was reached. Mith'Sereg. The sign, hanging completely still from its supports, summoned mixed feelings of welcome and rejection. An Inn, a home so far away from one's own. Could it ever compare to the comforts of a family? As the sun began to slide slowly onto the horizon, gradually lightening the sky, Vilhalene slunk into the traveler’s respite. Familiar faces, so recently woken from their slumber, brought her cushions and a single cup of steaming tea as she sunk to her knees at one of the low tables. Her long white tunic, matching exactly the hue of her skirt, gently brushed the floor as the dark elf situated herself.

The sounds of preparation for a new brightening began to awaken the few guests, who trickled into the living area as silently as they had come. Did all members of the old, magical races move with such quiet grace? Perhaps Tiarela, flying as the others walked, with hair as dark as theirs was light, would be the one to break the monotony...

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

It had been a terrible darkening for Tiarela Iceglitter. Her mind, so full of thoughts and yet so tired in on itself refused to relent to the sleep her body had begged for on many attempts. She had tossed, she had turned and poor Tiarela found herself without command over her own body's functions. Chiefly, the ability to drift to sleep. For some reason, finding Kaimela's peace (as Tiarela was intent on doing, since the goddess intruiged her so) was difficult the pervious darkening, to put it plainly.

The little faerie yawned audiably, and not to mention widely for her frail frame as she fluttered softly down the stairs and looked around for a place to sit. Iceglitter was not graceful nor quiet, and probably to be honest made the most ruckus of them all and was the smallest at the same time. She didn't really know anyone here in Ethgan'tor.. in fact, she'd just shown up by accident anyway! But perhaps someone knew something and could talk to her while she woke herself up. Hm.
Glancing about her, Tiarela wandered up by Vilhalene and set herself on the table, bowing to the Dark Elf before asking if she'd like some company.
"Good morn, Miss..!" Greeted the Faerie as she bowed, "Tiarela Iceglitter." After a short pause, she explained why she'd just randomly wandered up to Vilhalene like this. "I.. I'm kind of.. well, new to Ethgan'tor and.. am a bit lost. I was wondering if you'd mind some company?" Ah, so cheery. How could she manage to be so cheery so early in the brightening?! It was almost sickening, to be honest. But, then again not really. Tiarela Iceglitter was after all one of the few people on the face of Telath that could be cheery like that and pull it off.

It still looked so dreary in here, but Tiarela figured that it was probably shaded a lot outside too. After all, the sunlight had to be hidden from them in this forest due to the trees all about them and stuff right? And how would these elves have such pale skin if they were always basking in the sunlight? Exactly. Maybe Tiarela would just pale more here and look even more icy. That would be kind of silly looking for the little one, but it would make her giggle (unlike most faeries that would probably end up grimacing at her and her lack of color).

But anyway, hopefully the Eshlahier was knowledgable about Ethgan'tor and would gladly entertain the faerie's questions. She didn't know how the people of Ethgan'tor reacted to faeries as of yet, or if they were closed off and recluses or something. She hoped not, really, as Tiarela was anything but a recluse. If that was the case.. well, hopefully she could find someone in the city that wasn't one and they could have lots of fun together!.. Tiarela Tiarela Tiarela. Such a complex yet simplistic creature. She was simplistic in the fact that what made her happy and what made her sad were not very complicated. However, who she was and what she was, and what she believed in now and all that lovely stuff was very complex. What a fun oxymoron. She was complex simplicity! Oh, that just made her brain hurt.

[Peach]

How could so simple a thing provide so much comfort? The taste of the mild herbal drink, laced with pleasant memories, calmed the Esh'laheir almost at the instant it touched her pale lips. Perhaps it was mental, a reaction stirred up in the inner chambers of her mind... Yet, it was an effective one, and a remedy for sadness that she was not about to forgo. Vilhalene breathed deeply of the warm, damp steam that emanated from her cup, surrounding her milky features in a wreath of tropical mist. With a sigh of content, she lowered the ceramic container to the low table, ebon eyes fixated upon the rippling contents. Tea, with only a hint of flavor, but so much hidden power... In the essence of the herbs that it housed, to the purity of its waters. A lazy, meandering look of happiness wandered across her face, strangely smooth-featured for that of an Esh'laheir. An object of ridicule that she had, at least temporarily, forgotten.

An unexpectedly cheerful voice suddenly jolted the girl out of her reverie. It had been a long time since she had heard one speak so loudly... Did the owner have no respect for her sensitive elven ears? With a slight air of annoyance marring her serenity, the dark elf raised her eyes to the newcomer. The exasperation that she had so recently felt dissolved when her gaze met that of a Faerie... And a friendly one, at that. Usually, the little people who visited the city steered as clear as possible from the pale elves. Some said that their morals contrasted too much, while others blamed the more than subtle racism forced upon her people. Whatever it was, they usually kept to themselves, and did not talk to randomly selected strangers at inns. Not that she nullified the idea of company... It would actually be rather nice for a change of pace. "Good brightening, Miss Iceglitter. I am Vilhalene..." For a barely comprehensible moment, she pondered her surname. The Esh'laheirian noble did not feel, at the moment, much like an Areth'ya.

The fights, matches of shouting at tears, were erupting at a surprisingly frequent pace. She had lost many nights of sleep over the petty squabbles... Ones that decided the outcome of her future. Unlike the free-spirited being floating on gossamer wings before her, Vilhalene was in debt, owed her very existence to the partial family that raised her. Why did it not feel like such at times? Did she have the right to feel unfairly treated, cast out? For a few brightenings, she would be able to escape the politics, to stay in the Mith'sereg like a much-envied traveler. Her father's name did not belong in this single sanctuary of peace. The name of her forsaken grandfather would do... It was forgotten by most all besides her House, anyway. "Jess'kunal. I certainly would not oppose to your company." With a single motion of her pure-white and delicate hand, Vilhalene called over the receptionist. "Please fetch my company a cup of tea."

The golden-eyed woman nodded wordlessly, and left the table. After the brief transaction was completed, the young dark elf had a chance to truly take in the miniature guest. For one of her race, she could, indeed, have been considered beautiful. Skin as pale as Tiarela's would certainly not be exotic in the holy city of marble... But, maybe, her hair would be. It was the single thing that fascinated Vilhalene. The way that it ultimately contrasted her skin, and complimented her azure eyes and butterfly wings. "You are lost?" And weren't they all. Each individual, wandering about, trying to find their true purpose... She was reading too much into things, yet again. "What do you seek? I am familiar with the city... Inform me, and I will be able to guide you." With a slightly inquisitive air, the Esh'laheir narrowed her midnight-colored eyes. "And, if I may ask, why does one such as yourself seek Ethgan'tor?" At these words, the waitress arrived, bearing Tiarela's tea in a small ceramic cup. Setting this down in front of the Faerie, she left them to speaking once again. "If you are tired, that could help. It always aids me." She smiled, and waited for a response.

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

The little faerie took a bow when the Esh'lahier introduced herself silently wondering how people with such long names could even keep up with them. Tiarela knew, for one, that if just her first and last name was that long, she would not remember them at all and would probably have to shorten it to something tanigble for a little brain to remember. Her actual name.. that well, she didn't care to think about, could quite possibly be fairly long. However, that was only something necessary when.. uh.. she was a little child, and in trouble. Or at least so she assumed. Who knew, Tiarela was kind of jipped of her childhood anyway.

"It is a pleasure to meet you then, Vilhalene Jess'kunal." replied Tiarela in a softer tone, noting how most elven names seemed to flow from the tongue so. They were all so gracefully beautiful. It was also finally occuring to her that those long ears possibly could be more sensative to noises than her own. "Lost.. Heh!" She shook her head, sipping the small glass of tea the receptionist had brought to her, "Lost is kind of an understatement, in retrospect. If you'll believe it, I came unto this city entirely by.. accident?" Oh, what an accident. To seek a city, and not know she was seeking. To wander without aim and wind up in a city that was so secluded Tiarela wondered how even it's own inhabitants would find their way back if they ever left the gates.

"So, to be honest, one such as myself.. uhm, doesn't seek Ethgan'tor. One such as myself kind of wound up here after a rather weird encounter with.." Tiarela cleared her throat, deciding to leave out the details about her little adventure involving the cursed fae Nortia and the odd encounter with the worshippers of the goddess Kaimelea. "Well, some really weird things that occured in that forest. I don't know how you people that live here could ever find it again if you left! I mean, when I wandered into the forest here in Lauryl.. I didn't see any cities inside the branches. And then somehow, next thing I know a good few brightenings have passed and I'm stumbling up to the gate guards after a really whacky adventure." she shook her head, settling down into a seated position on the table.

The tea really tasted wonderful to the fae as it ran through her body. It warmed her, as most hot drinks do, but also gave her a serene feeling of comfort for some reason -- something Tiarela so desperately needed after the long accidental journey. This just went to show her, didn't it. Go wandering for a nice pensive flight in the forest and you wind up in a city full of Esh'lahier, in a forest where dead and banished fae guide you around and talk to you, run you into priests that worship a goddess you've never heard of (but now consequently think is pretty neat) and somehow take a glance into the past of a place you haven't been in patterns.
It was enough to wear even the strongest of souls out. Weary she was, and not so much physically, just mentally. Too much to handle, it was. Perhaps Vilhalene could understand, but then again perhaps the little bit of information the fae had relayed to the Esh'lahier already was going to be percieved as a lie. Tiarela was unaware that people normally sought Ethgan'tor instead of randomly stumbling upon it. She also had no idea that the forest she had been in was not a regular forest. She was blissfully innocent, and then again no so much.
Nevertheless, it was troubling in the least. And to Tiarela's bright azure eyes, Vilhalene also looked slightly troubled. It was no business of Tiarela's unless the Elf would make it, and vice versa.. But it still left the faerie curious. Come to think of it, if Vilhalene did believe Tiarela.. She was probably left curious as well.

Tiarela didn't know what she sought. In fact, Tiarela didn't know if she even sought.. anything. At least, at the moment. Maybe that was what this little uh.. mishap of a journey was all about. Perhaps some god or goddess intended this to happen for her so she could find something to.. seek. Who knows. All the little fae knew was that so far, it was really confusing.
And in a weird sense?
Fun.

[Peach]

A victim to the forest... It was not a difficult thing to believe. Vilhalene smiled over the rim of her cup as Tiarela haltingly told her story, intermingled with what seemed like self-doubt. Many things in the forest did not make sense. It was a rite of passage, of sorts, for the youth of Ethgan'tor to become lost in its wooded dells at least once in their lives. The noble girl had been robbed of that chance to experience mixed fear and wonder... To be lonely, but to grow. As friends long gone excitedly chatted about their individual stories, she had only been able to listen, to feel the jealousy and the sorrow growing inside of her. She had never been allowed to live her life as she wanted... Always been prevented from doing what she could potentially love. The risk was too great, they said. She could hurt herself, or maybe even hurt others. Expression of delight disappearing, Vilhalene lowered her almost-empty drinking implement to the table top.

Many things happened by accident. Who existences could be built off of mistakes, minor and ominous. Her own birth had been such an unplanned and discouraged event... The certain line that she belonged to was supposed to end with her mother. Ary'a, named for the founder of their house, had been forbidden to have children. No one would have expected a half-breed to take her. She was a strong woman, fighting through the calamities that life sent. Would that be Vilhalene's fate? To die without a tale, consumed by her own faults and misfortunes? "The ones who live here know how to pass the trials, and avoid the side paths." Calmly, she investigated Tiarela's features with obsidian spheres of vision. It would have been even harder for the Faerie girl to flutter aimlessly through the tests... She must have had great strength of mind to accomplish that feat. Maybe this was why their tradition of keeping most light borns at bay had worked all those years. They were simply too close-minded to see through the illusions, to forsake their dually heathen and parochial ways.

"You must have learned much on this adventure, Miss Tiarela. The forest is very old, and equally magical. More so than the city itself. We are quite under its influences." In exchange for the enhancement that it provided to their ancient Arcane barriers, the pale elves held an unspoken agreement with the forest. They respected it, rarely cut down trees, and thanked it profusely for the amount of food that it did provide. They did not love nature as the light elves did... Far from it. The Esh'laheir simply knew their place, and recognized that the great Mother of Telath could engulf them in Her wrath whenever She pleased. All of them would eventually be reclaimed by the soils of the earth, becoming what they formed such a close bond with in life. The way that the Humans jaded the sacred ground, building structures and deforesting areas as they pleased... The balance was tilting. Perhaps, some day, this would result in devastating loss. The magic would be gone, pulled back to the core of the world.

As easily as that, everything could leave them. The people of Telath were causing their own demise. Elves could only watch with growing dismay as ways changed and deteriorated, becoming shallow and controlling. "I am sure that you can find something to do within the city... Is there anything that you were previously interested in? Before your journey? Or anything that you learned and want to know more of, perhaps." Normally, Vilhalene would have hated playing tour guide to any visitor of the city. It was too painful to face the realization that they could leave whenever they wished... While she was held, partially against her will, in a prison of politeness and monarchy. The thing that the young pale elf wanted to hear the most from Iceglitter was her story. Yet, she seemed almost reluctant to divulge the details. She would need to be gentle with her questions, if curiosity was to be satisfied... Luckily, subtlety was a trait in which not many Esh'laheir were lacking.

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

Ah, so they knew how to pass the.. trials? Wait. All of that was a trial? So.. Tiarela mistakeningly took a few trials, to enter a place she mistakeningly found, in a forest she accidently wandered into with a spirit she accidentally met. How.. oddly interesting. The little faerie tried to sit there and contemplate all this, but it really was not working out too well. It was.. nearly impossible that they could remember how to get through all of that! And without aide! They probably didn't meet Nortia and stuff or something. Oh no. What if they did meet Nortia and now that Tiarela had somehow helped her settle what was left to tie her to the world.. they didn't know how to get back!
"Oh dear..." Tiarela finally responded after much thought, "Then I've ruined your chances of finding your way back.. Nortia.. I.. Well I seem to have helped her find what was tying her to the forest and she finally let it go and.. oh goodness. I.. I really hope you guys didn't need her guidance to take you here and out again."

To Vilhalene, Tiarela probably sounded very very cryptic. Of course, they would not likely have needed Nortia's aide. In fact, Nortia was just one of the random things that popped up during the trials. It had not occured to Tiarela that all the trials were quite possibly not the same.
It was all starting to worry her, but then she remembered that Vilhalene had prompted her for information about something she was interested in or wanted to know more of. Oh, right. Hey!.. Maybe someone around here knew Mysticism. That would be quite a fortunate thing, would it not?

"Actually," responded the faerie, noticably calmer, "I have been a student of Mysticism.. and rather enjoy it, so that would be something I'd like to persue. Arcana is so much fun..! Especially to entertain yourself, you know? Are you guys really into Arcana here? I know there are some places that can't stand it. Really sad, it is. Back in Arios, the place practically lived and breathed it. In fact, they were so integral with the stuff, the Arcana made it impossible to sleep there!" Tiarela threw here little hand into the air and shook her head. She still couldn't believe she had gone that long without sleeping. It probably accounted for her inability to sleep too. Ironic that she found sleep hard and yet found the godess of Dreams a very good potential to take up the place of patron goddess... which was previously empty, of course.
"I.. I think that might be why I have problems sleeping sometimes.." Tiarela finished softly. So, she went from Mysticism to problems sleeping in the span of oh, what, three minutes? Five sentences? something like that, definately.

It was quite amusing, really, how Tiarela could change topics so quickly. That was part of her problem, being a fae. She was used to speaking in a rythmn that Charismean just did not carry with it too well. Ah, to speak Fae'len!.. But wait. She wasn't particularily fluent in either one of them. At least, totally. She had breaks and pauses, had to think a good bit before spouting into a long conversation and some such and so forth. But she managed, because Tiarela was definately a bright gal. Hopefully, just hopefully her companion here didn't mind some of the odd quirks that went along with the faerie. Vilhalene probably had some odd quirks herself, though. Tiarela was slowly letting go of the story, slowly believing herself that yes it did happen and that others.. well, maybe this Vilhalene at least, would believe her too. And seeing she had mentioned Nortia, it was quite obvious now to Tiarela that Vilhalene might start pressing what happened with Nortia, and she would explain it. Better she let them know, anyways. Hopefully she hadn't done something catastrophically bad though. That would be just her luck. Another accident in a string of accidental things.

[Peach]

Why had Tiarela suddenly become so upset? Perhaps her questions had triggered a dormant memory of past times... Vilhalene had no means of knowing quite how recently they had occurred. The Esh'laheir bit in lower lip in anxiety as her new companion entered what seemed to be a pensive state of loss and understanding. Maybe this Nortia had been a relative of sorts, or a friend. But what would someone be looking for in the Forest of Light? There wasn't much besides trees and herbs... And Ethgan'tor, of course. Not many faeries set out expressedly with the wish to find the holy city, however. It was merely a stop on their way to Kel'rondar, the land that their race held so dearly and closely to their hearts. Was that what the girl's friend had found? It wasn't hard to comprehend such a situation... The poor faeries, lost in the realms of people so large and intimidating, could be so far from home.

Vilhalene certainly would have missed the pale elven homeland if she ever had the chance to leave it. Well, some aspects, at least. She would reminscise about the people who had been kind to her, the lack of prejudice against her physique on the streets. The dark elf had heard rumors of the light-born cities, even direct accounts from residents who had gone on journeys. The racism came almost as a shock to the young adults who had been isolated their whole lives, living as if the Empire did not exist. They had expected the outsider races to have at least a sense of respect for them... It was their ancestors who won the war, who made the conscious decision to turn their backs upon the Vysstichi. Why did the light beings treat the Esh'laheir as if they were lesser? As if they were savage, something fearful and untrustworthy... All that they had done, and little to no thanks. Perhaps the light elves did have something to fear. Their power stolen by those with more practicality, a greater lust for life and the circumstances that came along with it.

"We need no guidance aside from general knowledge passed down from our ancestors." Why did this raven-haired girl think that they would need anything more? Children, it seemed, were never taught that ways of people that were deemed unsatisfactory. Maybe this was a good thing. Ethgan'tor could remain a secret, and the ways that had become so concentrated in a single area could remain preserved. Tiarela wasn't to be blamed for her lack of knowledge... Merely, Vilhalene hoped that her gradually broadening mind would be able to grow all the more. Little did she know of the history-shattering pieces of information that the Fae had just received, and been wise enough to take to heart. "Yes we are quite... into Arcana." The casual words came haltingly, and somewhat amusingly, out of Vilhalene’s usually formal mouth. The citizens of Ethgan'tor certainly were enamored with the Arcane... Many a Master, and perhaps even higher leveled beings, often frequented select marble buildings.

Subconsciously, the Esh'laheir touched the silver chain that wrapped about her wrist. It was the product of the Mysticism that Tiarela loved so... What allowed her to hide from the cynical eyes of the masses. Vilhalene had never been interested in magic, herself. Enough of the world remained a mystery to her, too much so to become involved in yet another plane. Later in life, she may have been interested. But, until then, simply pondering nature was enough. There was no need to change it, to bend it to her will in the way that so many enjoyed. "You have trouble sleeping? I... certainly understand that." Many nights, she had lain awake, afraid of the outburst that a nightmare could provoke. Frightened of something that should have been healthy and good. But why would Arcana produce such a reaction? She knew that the Ara had something to do with the energies of the planet, but that did not mean they would permeate the minds of every individual. A whole sleepless island... That was something that Vilhalene would want to see. "Forgive me if it is impolite to ask, but... Who is Nortia? Did she come with you into the forest? I hope that she is not lost, as well."

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

Oh, so apparently Nortia was not some guidance giver on the path to.. Ethgan'tor. This was a relief to know, otherwise Tiarela would have been very very upset. So upset that it would be hard to contain herself. She would have singlehandedly made it nearly impossible for the Esh'lahier to return and leave as freely as they wished. That was, in itself, a relief.
Nortia.. Ah, Nortia. Tiarela settled herself down a little bit and gazed over at Vilhalene for a long, pensive moment. How would she describe Nortia to Vilhalene, and would the Dark Elf believe her? Surely, yes, she would. She had so far, at least.. But the part about her not intending to wind up here was probably not as much of a shock as Tiarela herself perceived it to be.

"Nortia," Tiarela complied to answer the Elf softly, "was a very troubled spirit. You could say she came with me into the forest yes, but not entirely. She.. she seemed to have been there a long time when we encountered one another." Tiarela's dark blue eyes fluttered slightly and pale eyelids allowed black eyelashes to touch their counterparts below the pupil temporarily. She shook her head.
"Yes, a very troubled spirit indeed. She was a valiant woman in her time... Stood up for what was right, she did. Stood up to a wicked and manipulative woman, but was slightly off I think. See, she slew her Lover, and her King, to save him from that wretched woman. That woman, in turn, stripped the bless'd Nortia of her royal colors.. and.. her child." Tiarela's eyes seemed to look past Vilhalene, back into the forest and the darkenings whence she'd wandered with the tortured, Telathian-bound spirit. After a long silence, Tiarela continued...
"And she was banished. Banished to wander the forest itself until every trace of her had been forgotten. Our wanderings had taken us to a place where Kaimela's followers appeared to us -- we had been chasing a visage of King Lloreanonn, whom she'd slain so long ago. They pointed us into a cavern in which he'd wandered with his tattered, spider-like wings. And in there, the memories of Nortia's story replayed itself to us -- but mainly to me. I was a spectator on events that are probably hidden from our history and stricken from our books. I wouldn't be suprised," Tiarela commented, "If I was one of the only ones that knew now."

She paused in her story to take a sip from the tea once more. It was relaxing, just like it had been the first time the warm liquid had flown through her body. Tiarela sighed and looked outward, towards the door and windows of the Inn, out towards the direction the gates had been.
"We arrived at the gates of Ethgan'tor..who knows when. It was indeed last darkening sometime, but how long it had been since we began I do not know. We both believed that the goddess Kaimela had shown us what she did for a reason, and I also believed that it might've taken longer than it seemed." A slight shrug disturbed the faerie as she spoke. "But nevertheless, we arrived here. Nortia made an attempt to enter, and it was as if some etheral forcefield held the spirit out. I knew then that she wasn't just some twisted figment of my imagination as I saw the shock and startlement on the guard's faces that was mirrored in my own. Shortly after, Nortia began to dissipate -- she had been steadily growing more whole around me, as if my presence and thoughts of her were bringing her to life -- but on the last leg of the journey, she'd gotten all whispy again. The last I felt of her was the odd sense that she had been completed that lingered in the air I breathed in."

As Tiarela reaccounted the events in short to Vilhalene, it solidified in her mind so vibrantly once more. Tiarela could have described Nortia to exquisite detail at that moment, the memory was so strong. She hoped she would never forget it, really. Something as mind altering, as earth shaking as that though.. How could she ever forget? Perhaps Tiarela would pass it on and possibly tell other faeries about Nortia.. If she could find some that would believe her. But the goddess Kaimiela had done a wonderful thing in that forest. Something she would never forget. The goddess gave her an insight into a world they would rather she forgot. She had shown her the truth -- and Tiarela was enthralled by that. Perhaps.. just perhaps.. if she actually got into that whole religious thing, Kaimiela would show her more things that were not to be remembered. A valuable thing, the mind was. Within Tiarela's would be contained some very special, very valuable information -- even if it sounded so ludacrious that no one else believed her and dubbed her very very delirious. (Which in all sense, was slightly possible, wasn't it?) The tale of an unfit Queen and the slaying of a King -- of the downfall of the Fae. That would be what she could call it, if Tiarela ever put it down. Perhaps it fit the fantasy genre, but impressionable minds might one brightening.. believe.
It was always interesting to observe how sidetracked one's mind can get once the ideas start flowing.

[Peach]

Vilhalene's eyes flew open at the mention of spirits, whole circles of blackness shone to a great shining degree. The realm of ghosts, haunting that which they could never finish in their insignificant lifetimes, interested the Esh'laheirian girl to no extent. The tales told her that she would never be able to return as a transparent being, caused intermingled fright and awe to whoever set gaze upon her... They said that when she completed her long life, and died as all did, she would return to her Elven star. Although it was a good way to end, in complete oblivion one could say, somehow that finale didn't seem significant... Would it be better to linger in Telath, only partially in the world? Plagued by visions, doubts, the ever-present touch of Jalat? Becoming a spirit was a rather strange thing to aspire to, but if one looked at Vilhalene's past, this desire may have been made a bit clearer. Never living her life when the patterns were present, she only had the option to complete it in the other realm.

A sad, lonely existence, but a bearable one. Carefully, the pale elf perused every word that Tiarela cared to speak... Her story was interesting, if a little vague. But wasn't that a technique used by the most accomplished weavers of myth and lore? What went unsaid was sometimes even more powerful than that which was relayed. "The air... The wind spirit? You spoke to her?" An expression of almost child-like delight became apparent on Vilhalene's face, opening up wondrous aspects of her mentality that were often hidden by her race. Everyone in Ethgan'tor knew that there was some sort of ethereal being in the air that altered its very presence... They simply had not seen it solidified. Of course, she was present in tales written down in dusty tomes, things which were always hard to believe. Tiarela told the tale as if it had just happened, as if it were true... Could it be? Did she even dare to hope?

Murder, love, treachery. This was sustenance for the imagination, a more delicious treat than the body could ever consume. Vilhalene sat in rapt attention, completely motionless, her mind devouring every aspect and nuance of the story. Nothing like that ever happened anymore... It was all politics, subtle at that, houses fighting in as quiet a way as possible. Nortia had been cursed, in the literal sense of the term. Not punished through physical means, or merely banished for the rest of her life... She was not confined into any prison beyond that of her own mind, and the vast forest that she frequented. A curse! "Yes, there is a sort of magic protecting our city. Perhaps, if Nortia was as old as you said she was, then her magic could have contradicted ours." For a moment, the Esh'laheir wished that she knew more about Arcana, had the ability to discuss this protective shield into more depth. Closing her eyes, Vilhalene thought about the would-be legend in even greater depth, trying to scratch at its obviously complex surface. "Thank you for telling me this, Miss Tiarela... I think that there is something written about the wind spirit in our records. Would you like to see them?"

Putting her hands at the sides of her folded legs, the dark elven girl made motions to raise herself from the plush cushion... Halfway through, however, she halted. The motion was so sudden that strands of moonlight hair fluttered in what looked to be surprise, folds of perfect silken cloth shifting rapidly. Seeing-orbs of pure darkness began, almost instantly, to change... Her pupils elongated ever so slightly, color of a deep chocolate lacing itself with sunrise. Vilhalene clapped pale hands over her eyes, cringing as her knees heavily hit the floor. "I...I sense his presence. Please, Tiarela, tell him nothing of me!" Scrambling to her feet, she hurried past the shocked onlookers occupying separate tables, into what seemed to be a vacant room. The door slammed just as a new presence entered the inn... He was of average height and build for an Esh'laheir, with gray-tinted hair falling upon his shoulders and twilight eyes peering from his sharp features. His clothes were typical for the city, in shades of silver and cream.

"Roenin!" He spoke, in rather undolcent tones. "Tell me where she is now, and I will not be required to search... It will make both our days easier. Anyone in here who knows of her whereabouts will be greatly rewarded." None, so far, looked to be interested. They did not wish to meddle in the affairs of the noble houses, as disapproval from any single one could be futile. The tall female innkeeper moved silently towards the unwelcome intruder, a strangely calm looked of anger in her warm, golden eyes. "The Mith'Sereg is a house of peace... I suggest that you leave now, Keshal." Silence hung in the air like snow resting on the limbs of pines.

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

The wind spirit? Is that what Nortia was to these folk? Perhaps. Tiarela had merely nodded in reply as she listened to the Esh'lahier speak the language they both could communicate in. It was interesting, and quite ironic really. Both of them were able to communicate with one another, and yet it was not a native tongue they spoke at all. Tiarela had learned it out of force, whereas Vilhalene was probably educated in it properly. It was sad to know that Tiarela, or perhaps even Nortia herself had been the reason for her demise. They had met up with a place that she had wandered, or perhaps together they had wandered, and the magics conflicted. It was kind of hard to believe, but probably because you just never heard of that sort of thing happening often much anymore.

Oh, wow. Something written down about Nortia? Yes! Yes she would like to see them! Perhaps it would help Tiarela come to terms with it, or perhaps more people would want to hear from her about the adventure, the journey with Nortia. Tiarela could.. write it down for them. Write the last tale, and become entombed in the stories of a hidden city, the lore that would be passed down to the children and possibly the little fae. They would tell stories to their children of how Tiarela Iceglitter finally laid to rest one of the best, yet tortured fae in all of Telath.
"Oh, yes, yes I would Vilhalene! I very much would love t-.. What's.." The little faerie cut herself short, noticing the avid change in her companion's appearance. She no longer looked happy, and instead seemed to fear. Tiarela bit her lip as she listened to the next bout of words from her dark elven friend and furrowed her brow.

"Who--" Tiarela began, but was distracted not by Vilhalene's flight, but by the ruckus some guy made -- some guy who seemed to be named Keshal. Or maybe that was a word in Esh'lahier. Tiarela found it funny that they were speaking in a tongue that was not native to them, and that probably did not posess the beautiful rhythm their first language did. At least, this was the case for the fae folk -- their language flowed a lot better than common. It was so choppy, so disgusting and harsh.
While the other patrons ignored, Tiarela listened. She knew nothing of the houses and standings with them -- Vilhalene had never even mentioned them as of yet. Luckily, the fae knew she was hiding and for the moment safe, and that this was probably the man she was looking for -- so she wouldn't be stupid enough to let him know she knew.

Tiarela remained silent and watched for a moment, sipping on her tea as she stood there on the table. She'd gotten up from her seated position and spread her wings a little in an attempt to hide Vilhalene's cup. After a little bit, Tiarela put her cup down and began to do something she hadn't done in awhile, since the journey gave her no chance to sit down and practice it. See, the faerie figured logically, if the man noticed the cup beside her, he'd figure she knew where Vilhalene was as that was too obvious. But, if she made herself into a cup, he would probably figure that was an empty table they hadn't cleaned yet. So, with the feeling of her own cup still lingering on her hands, Tiarela went to work.

The little faerie closed her eyes and began to block everything out -- even though that was kind of hard. Hopefully the man would not be too distracting. She closed off her sense of sight first, obviously, and then worked on her sense of smell. After that, the faerie worked on forgetting where she was or what was going on around her so that her awareness was free to enter the Astral Plane. It was a lot of concentrating into the blackness, but Tiarela was determined to get there if she could.
If the faerie was successful, she would slowly begin the process of Focusing, or attuning her mind to her target -- the psonic essence. From there, she began to Channel this essence into her Vis as well as she could to create mana - something Tiarela lacked for awhile now. It felt good to be at this again, as the fae had not been casting regularily. Hopefully she was not too rusty, though. Alteration was her mana shaping technique of choice, and with all of that out of the way.. Tiarela really began to do the best part -- the actual shaping of the spell.

Tiarela began to think of the cup. A cylinder, hollowed out in the middle with a handle on the side. The surface was smooth and the insides were too, and it was a little hot due to the tea inside. The tea was a darker color than the simple mug. Tiarela began to shape the mana delicately around the area it would need to enclose, making it about as close to Vilhalene's cup as she could. She envisioned the shining of the lacquer that coated the cup's outsides and the liquid inside, the heat that could be felt from the cup -- slightly lukewarm as if the patron had left sometime before. She envisioned the handle, made of the same most likely porcealin material, if she was correct in her assumptions about the cup's makeup, and curved for a hand to fit snugly inside. It would be slightly weighty, too, but nothing too heavy. Hmm. Hopefully she could pull this off.
When she was sure that it was envisioned how she wanted it and the mana had been positioned as well as possible, Tiarela preformed alteration and launched the spell into the Material plane. Hopefully, it all worked. If not, well, it just proved that she should always be practicing so she was ready for times like these when she needed it. However, it if worked.. it just went to show you that being little and knowing Mysticism was about the best thing in all of Telath to be and know!

[Peach]

Keshal's hands clenched into identical fists, fingernails unknowingly biting into pale flesh. He was too preoccupied with indignance to notice such a trivial thing, the minor pain that one could experience with such lacerations. He, as a bounty hunter and fighter of many, had received much worse. Compared to the bleeding gash caused by a sword or spear, the little crescents indented upon his palms were nothing. This motion, so small and seemingly unnoticeable, however, gave his anger quite clearly away. While most Esh'laheir wished to remain composed, the man had crossed the boundary into noticeable frustration. At this minute gesture, the mood of the whole inn shifted. Patrons looked at one another, raising eyebrows in question. Keshal's breath was coming more quickly then, when faced with so many things that tried his will, a dangerous light sparkling in his eyes. Bringing his teeth together, he fought to regain composure, squinting shut steel-colored orbs as he took calming breaths.

All the while, Roenin watched with amusement. His actions became more predictable with every encounter... And the outcome easier to evade. With each subsequent verbal war between the adolescent and her household, she had been able to escape for a few more brightenings. How long would it be until they found her again? It was certain that her stay was not permanent, but perhaps, with time, she could help the girl regain her ever-tested sanity. The inn-keeper refused to let herself smile, to betray the complete lack of respect that she felt for the man before her. Even if they were unwelcome, anyone who set foot inside of the Mith'sereg was a guest... Inflaming their tempers would have done no good for the establishment, nor would it have further protected the current visitors. The drawing of blades, and the spilling of blood, was forbidden upon the hallowed grounds. "Leave, Keshal." A statement blunt enough to be commanding, devoid of the roundabout phrases that the dark elves so commonly used.

The silence between them had, thankfully, been long enough for Tiarela to complete her task. She was a naturally competent girl, and the magic embedded within the heart of her race aided Iceglitter upon her short-term quest. The faerie could not feel her body change as the illusion was set up... Because it was merely that, a trick of the mind. To all others, Tiarela appeared to be the cup that she had so desired to become. Inconspicuous, a part of the surroundings, easily brushed off as yet another product of society. Obviously, in a race that was so used to minor changes, some would notice the petite young woman's disappearance. Keshal, wrapped up in the laborious process of self-control, was not one of them. The temporary state of panic had robbed him of the advantage that the years provided... For those few moments, he was a child yet again, unable to see why their parents were so cruel. No longer a placid lake, he was a storm at sea, buffeting the small craft of his emotions.

In the adjacent room, Vilhalene was facing similar, if more literal problems. Curled up into a ball in the corner of the room, arms clasping knees tightly to her chest, the girl shivered uncontrollably. The fear of being spirited back to her family once again, and the whirlpool of conflict that ensued, was driving her thoughts back to their more animalistic side. Claws fought to grow from her fingers, fangs from the perfectly normal set of her mouth. It hurt so much, to try and contain herself... But letting go would have consequences beyond her comprehension. In anguish, she rocked back and forth, trying to still her internal battles with maternal instinct. Think about life, Vilhalene! With every remaining shard of her will, she focused upon the pleasures of a sentient lifestyle. Sitting on soft cushions, sipping herbal tea... Such things were not enough. The forest called her, its floor of sweet-smelling earth more pleasant than any downy comfort could ever be. Her mouth longed to taste the living flesh, much more sustaining than a simple drink infused with plants. Hands grasped at alabaster hair, as if pulling would help the Esh'laheir to concentrate. Remember Roenin, remember Rue, remember Tiarela...

None of those frequenting the main hall could have understood her eternal struggle. Until one heard the call of the wild themselves, they would simply live on in oblivion to its controlling ways. Keshal certainly had never heard it, the tug of its whimsical dreams upon his sharply-pointed ears. As efficiently as any gadgeteer device, his vision swept the room, looking for any hints of past occupancies. Finding nothing but an empty table in need of clearing, he looked up, angry glance fixated upon the woman before him. "If she is not back by night fall, there will be Aeternia to pay." With a curt nod of his head to the rather shocked occupants, he turned on his heel, slamming the door shut as loudly as he had opened it. Roenin immediately let out a sigh of relief, fixating golden spheres of vision upon that place that Tiarela had so recently stood. This time, being nothing more than an Initiate paid off... Just as Keshal had left, Tiarela felt her control faltering, the image of her small winged form returning to normal. Simple as looking, the dark elven woman was able to find her. "Excuse me, Tiarela," Roenin stated quietly as soon as she was within range. "You are one of the last people that Vilhalene saw... I am sure that she would appreciate your presence. We must talk to her and... Cajole her back towards reality. All you must do is talk to her, and remind her of humanity. Would you help me with this?" Whether Tiarela refused or agreed, she still led the way towards Vilhalene's room.