Old City Garden - Haven:
      The entire city garden is in chaos, its former peace shattered. Hounds and their Espers have cordoned off the entire area, setting up what appears to be a temporary armed camp here, and suspiciously questioning anyone who attempts to enter. (Those with magical ability and not of Delphi are in grave danger). Attention seems to center around a metal grate in the ground, tossed aside and guarded very carefully, despite the fact that it seems covered by brick and mortar. A few mages of Delphi roam here as well, providing reinforcements, and questions are answered by grim talk of a 'nest of rogues, soon to be stamped out.'

Aside from Hounds and Mages of Delphi, the area appears rather sealed off and devoid of civilians. The men and women of Delphi seem bustling with activity here.

Veda walks around as she looks for someone she is familiar with, as she gently bites her lower lip.

Walking with calm assurance in from--of all places--the west, comes a not-particularly-tall but broad-shouldered form that at least Samein will recognize as Wolf-Brother. A slightly taller, much more slender individual trails the man, arms folded, eyes fixed on an indeterminate point near her feet.

Samein is standing nearby the heavily-guarded hole in the ground, surrounded by a small knot of mages in the distinctive robes of the Cabeiri. He seems to be conferring with the other Shapers, his tone low and intent. To the other side of him, at a respectful distance, a group of lightly armored elementalists, their faces grim, are discussing something with a group of crossbow-wielding Hounds.

Khamseen stands a few paces to the side of the main path, silent and aloof, black hood drawn over his head and covering most of his features. Mulling or observing, or both.

Dylan sits quietly several feet from the iron grate, now exposed, as several other Hounds pace the area in patrols. Shelters are set up. Dylan watches the entrance, spear across his legs.

Kita stays by Cepheus' side, watching with wide-eyed wonder through the black eye and swollen lip marking her face.

Head raising a bit from the ground, where it seemed focused, Khamseen suddenly seems to decide upon a course of action, he turns to look at his companion, Qaballa, before striding to cover the short distance that separates him from Samein.

Aillil enters the area, moving rather stiffly, not nearly as fluent and graceful as the man usually is.

Rainmaker stands on the other side of Cepheus from Kita, watching the small commotion with her lower lip caught in her teeth. Her gaze shifts from one to another of those assembled, hardly pausing for a moment.

Veda licks her lips as her gaze falls upon several others, her steps heading towards a smaller group yet keeping a few paces away. She crosses her arms over her chest as she takes on a relaxed stance.

Qaballa trails after Khamseen silently as he approaches Samein, a black shadow of the dark mage, forever the quiet accomplice.

After a quick, semi-cursory glance around, Wolf-Brother makes his way towards a suitably out-of-the-way bench and settles down for some quiet observation, taking up most of the right end of the bench. His charge drifts along after him and sits, still hugging herself. Sunlight paints itself golden across the livid bruise purpling her cheek for a moment; then she moves her head and her features fall into shadow.

Cepheus is looking MUCH better these days... of course he is also looking a lot crankier. He stands in between Rainmaker and Kita, back in the uniform of a hound, rapier and all.

Samein's head tilts up to note Khamseen's arrival. He raises a single gaunt hand to a younger Cabeiri, and motions Khamseen forward. His tone is terse, inquiring of him, but respectful.

Khamseen stops a pace or so from Samein, and leans forward, getting the arch-mage's attention before conferring with him in silence.

Aillil catches view of his fellow Reeve and decides to walk over, unsheathing his longsword along the way. He holds it at the ready, at his side of course. To the man he murmurs, "Not going to be caught unprepared, this time...."

Samein shrugs towards Khamseen, his expression blank. He replies shortly.

Khamseen nods--or at least the hood on his head seems to convey that impression--as he continues to whisper to Samein.

Dylan looks up at Aillil, slowly getting to his feet. He begins to heft his spear in a less relaxed manner. "Surely they've made some preparations..." he says, to no one in particular.

Cepheus snorts some at Aillil's comment, "Certainly not." He pats his rapier and smiles some.

Veda watches everyone in silence, her onyx eyes darting over the crowd, her weight shifting from one foot to the other as if seeming nervous or excited.

Kita must be cold. She hugs her arms to her body for a moment, rubbing her forearms through her jacket's sleeves.

Rainmaker leaves off her somewhat nervous people-watching to glance at Aillil as he approaches, a slight frown crossing the Caducean's face. "You are feeling better, yes?" Always a healer, even at a time like this.

Ishmael enters the shady depths of the town garden from the east.

Hounds begin to almost coalesce upon the entrance to the underground, beginning to surround it. This is with a combination of barked orders from higher ranks and instinct.

Rashid and Zurain enter the shady depths of the town garden from the east.

Ishmael storms into the garden, flanked by a dozen Agni-Haidar--thirteen if you count Rashid struggling to catch up. All are armed. The Envoy looks angered, his dark features flushed. His thick blade is drawn.

Khamseen is in an avid yet low-toned conversation with Samein now.

Dylan is standing near the iron door to the underground, Samein and Khamseen conversing in hushed tones. Everyone is standing about, generally nervous or upset.

A cold gray glance from Al-Fajr's shadow flicks over to one of the Delphic elementalists, a lean hand beckoning the mage toward the black-clad woman with the caducean pin very discreetly on the inside of her sleeve. A nod toward Veda, and a hand motion, and when the young man leaves her company, he is soon engaging Veda in a polite, but discreetly low exchange, inquiring, it would seem.

Veda arches a brow towards the newly arriving Agni-Haidar as she murmurs to herself from her corner, "Oh, this is going to be interesting...."

Ishmael steps forward from the midst of his troupe and barks, "Who is in command here?"

Rashid keeps good pace with the guards, though it is obvious by their numbers that he was a late addition. He remains silent, observing those around Ishmael with the utmost attention. His safety above all.

Aillil turns his gaze towards Ishmael, but doesn't speak a word.

Qaballa glances over to Ishmael, razored eyebrows arching slightly, though she says nothing. But then... she never says anything... at all.

Dylan shoots a glance to the Agni-Haidar, glancing towards Samein. "Sir? Surely this place is not within the Varati jurisdiction." He almost looks hurt.

Veda flickers her gaze towards Khamseen as she arches a brow yet remains silent until spoken to.

Cepheus glances toward Ishmael, the anger in his eyes growing. He manages to hold his tongue, for now.

At Ishmael's barking, Khamseen interrupts his low whispering to Samein, casting a brief glance in the direction of the Agni-Haidar before adding a word to his fellow arch-mage.

Ishmael stands, sword gripped firmly in his hand, waiting for an answer. His gaze fixes on Khamseen.

Samein raises his head away from his conversation with Khamseen, apparently not answering him. His eyes are upon the Varati, and he shouts, his words every bit as commanding, resonant, "I will do. Have you come in the aid of Haven, Imphadi?"

Dylan suddenly draws himself up, as if having chastised himself. He looks very uneasy.

A pair of silent figures sit on a bench out of the way: one Sylvan, male, not tall but broad and elderly, observing quietly but not involving himself--a Ferine, and a Magus; one tall, slight Atlantean, expressionless, features in shadow--possibly to hide the bruise darkening her cheek.

Rainmaker glances sidelong at Cepheus for a moment before moving a bit closer, touching the hound's arm to get his attention as she murmurs something quietly.

Khamseen steps back a bit, to allow Samein to confront the Varati leader, contenting himself with a silent yet meaningful gaze toward the man in question.

Ishmael strides across the garden to Samein, the Agni-Haidar silently following. "I have," he states simply. "However, there is a Varati citizen among the hunted, or so I am told. She is not to be harmed."

Kita watches Ishmael somewhat warily.

Veda converses quietly with one of the other members of Delphi who arrived with her, as they both dart their eyes around the growing crowd.

Hounds are clustered in bunches throughout the area, among their temporary shelters and cooking fires.

Aillil's eyebrows arch upwards at the man, and he grips the sword tighter.

Cepheus frowns at Rainmaker's words, nodding and leaning toward her.

Here's a big surprise, another arch of eyebrows from Khamseen's shadow. A meaningful glance flicked toward him speaks volumes... voicing the unspoken question: Why in blazes not? Unless Ishmael plans to punish her himself, which is unlikely to be pleasant for the captive, once he gets her to Atesh-Gah.

Dylan raises his chin slightly, and his nostrils flare. He remains silent, spear half-ready.

Samein's voice is calm, and used in that same studied resonance. He replies to Ishmael, "There are many Varati citizens here. I can make few promises." He reaches a hand out to clasp the shoulder of a young Cabeiri beside him. "We will do our best, for both sides." He turns away then, and speaks quietly to Khamseen.

The Agni-Haidar cluster closely around the Envoy, their eyes glittering to a man with the thought of battle. They are, however, tightly disciplined and their weapons are, as yet, undrawn.

"If we can avoid harming anyone, we would." Khamseen drips venom from under his hood. "However it will be hard to make exceptions, in the case of a bloodbath." The words seem almost torn from him--no, this one is not too happy with the situation, no matter what the outcome.

Rashid remains motionless. Barely, his breath forces his chest to move, though only slightly beneath his armored body. He purses his lips as the conversation continues, his gaze flicking briefly to the various encampments of Hounds.

Qaballa's eyes crinkle at the corners, betraying a smirk under her veil after Khamseen's remark. Now... why does she seem pleased about this prospect. She's supposed to be a healer... right?

Rainmaker manages a faint smile to Cepheus, murmuring something in reply before starting to move away from the man.

Mindtouch, the Atlantean on the bench, starts suddenly as if stung.

Khamseen turns to Samein after his remark to the Varati leader, and offers a nod to what the arch-mage whispers to him.

Veda watches all silently as she begins to gently rub the fingertips of her right hand together, just watching and waiting for orders.

Ishmael blinks as Samein turns away from him and Khamseen addresses him. He pauses for a long moment. "Perhaps I am not making myself clear," he says in an almost casual, pleasant tone. "If that is the case, I will reiterate my position, just to be clear." He pauses again. "The Varati woman, Aditi Akif Al-Hakh is to be spared any harm, and turned over to my custody. This is the will of the Khalid Atar, God-King of the Varati nation." He looks around, raising his voice to encompass the garden. "If Aditi is harmed, it will mean war. This is the will of the Amir-Al."

Dylan grits his teeth again, starting slightly at Mindtouch's movement. He looks a little appalled.

Mindtouch's eyes flicker briefly to Dylan, then back down again.

To any empath in the crowd, the rage and, oddly enough, fear baking off the Envoy is obvious.

Aillil's eyes kind of do that 'bulging' thing at Ishmael's words, very much shocked by the man's outlandish request.

Cepheus nods and actually gives the Sylvan healer a smile as she goes. He unsheathes his rapier a second later in a perfectly silent and brisk motion, resting it by his side.

Samein swivels his head back once again, staring at Ishmael with a sudden intensity. He speaks slowly, enunciating carefully. "War with whom, Imphadi? The Hounds? Delphi? Aditi Akif Al-Halkh helped to bring about the grave injury of two Hounds and a member of Delphi. We shall sort out this matter after she is in our custody. For now, you are disrupting a police action, entirely within the realm of Delphi."

Khamseen finishes replying to Samein, and briskly seems to offer a quick flick of a glance to Ishmael, letting Samein do the official policy answering.

Rashid inclines his head slightly, looking around the crowd once more. His attention seems not towards the faces of those around, but instead about their sides. Very slightly does he nod, but beyond that, no other move is obvious.

Ishmael frowns. "I do not care about the Delphi's opinion of their realm, frankly," he says. "She is a Varati citizen, and will be dealt with under our law. As for war with whom, I would assume the Khalid means this city." He looks around, and enunciates very carefully, "Haven."

Dylan's eyes seem to smolder, for those close enough to see, and he is just barely trembling.

Khamseen appears to mutter something directed at Samein, hard to tell though, with that hood covering his features, save for his bearded chin.

Ishmael waves a hand. "I have no issue with the Delphi's police action. I have no issue with the fact that a crime was committed. Punishment shall be our jurisdiction. This is the will of the Khalid. She is not to be harmed."

Aillil focuses his eyes still on Ishmael, watching him as if no trust is kept. In fact, his knuckles whiten slightly by how tightly he's holding sword.

Samein blinks, once. His expression is one of near-total shock. He murmurs simply, "I believe that my King is more than that. I must believe it." He turns his back to Ishmael, now, and addresses the crowd of Delphic mages and Hounds. "We shall commence our initial entry. You have been briefed; support teams be ready to protect the Cabeiri and the first wave of Hounds."

Veda smirks to herself as she turns back to murmuring quietly with the other Delphi member near her, both seeming to almost find Ishmael's words unbelievably amusing.

Zurain remains near the gate, leaning on it actually, and watching the spectacle with an unemotional, rather studied care. She has, as well, selected the shaded part of the gate--self-defense against heat, for one under so many robes.

Qaballa casts Ishmael one of those 'then catch her yourself' looks, before she turns back to Khamseen and Samein. Now how is there supposed to be any chaos and gratuitous violence with this sudden restriction put on things, hmmm?

Taken in slow, smooth, methodical steps, Cepheus slowly starts toward Khamseen and Samein, perhaps out of nothing more than habit or duty. His sword is drawn, and his motions are fluid and careful. Grey eyes scan over a lot of those present on the way.

Ah those words of wisdom! Khamseen utters again, quietly, to Ishmael: "You're a soldier, Imphadi, I am sure you understand this matter needs to be handled now, and the talking, even of war, be done later." And with that, he turns aside Samein.

Dylan closes his eyes for a moment, then seems to relax. He opens his eyes and turns to Samein, using his convenient proximity to best advantage. "Sir, if I may? Perhaps if all Varati are taken into custody, the one in question could be identified afterward?"

Aillil, already having his blade out, steps forward at Cepheus' side.

Stavros enters the shady depths of the town garden from the east.

Mindtouch tightens her arms around herself, wincing in apparent pain. It's blatantly, laughably obvious how very little she wants to be here. Her escort, on the other hand, clearly wouldn't miss this for the world.

Kita, obviously somewhat uncomfortable, follows Cepheus as well.

This night, Stavros finds himself walking towards the old city garden, in full battle regalia. He pauses at the size of the group, raising a platinum brow, questioningly.

Veda walks with her companion toward the group of Delphi's elemental mages, each splitting up to join the respective groups--Veda with the fire elementals and her companion with the air elementals.

Ishmael turns back to the Agni-Haidar. He shakes his head. "These fools are signing their own death warrants. The Khalid's words are clear. We must take matters into our own hands. Kill any who oppose us, but we shall find Aditi and bring her back alive." He pauses. "Initially, we travel in a pack." He turns back to Khamseen and Samein. "The Amir-Al will be told of your actions." He shakes his head. "Compliance would have been easier."

Khamseen leans to whisper again, in Samein's ear.

Veda continues rubbing her fingertips together as her gaze narrows upon Ishmael, obviously any sign of amusement before is now gone.

Oh that's wonderful, we're going to get attacked from the back AND front? Aillil is really displeased now, and about to voice it at Ishmael.

Rashid nods to Ishmael. As swiftly and fluid as an experience warrior, he draws his blade from its sheath. Keeping his place in the 'pack,' he awaits further orders.

Qaballa flicks a glance over to Veda, sharing her expression.

Inclining his head slowly, Stavros simply intones, to any who would be able to hear him. "Who is in charge in all this?" Folding his arms over his chest, he waits.

Samein pauses a moment and glances back at the Agni-Haidar, and their leader. He speaks to the Cabeiri, "Hold." And to Ishmael, "Imphadi. My apologies, did you wish to go on alone. We proceed after you. Feel free to open the tunnel yourself."

Khamseen turns on his heel, stepping away from the mage grouping, and walks up to face Ishmael, addressing him coolly. "There is no need for battle on two fronts. I believe." Then leaning closer to the Agni-Haidar leader, adds something in a lesser tone.

Ishmael turns back to Samein, looking genuinely confused. "Pardon me?"

Qaballa flicks an annoyed glance up at Stavros, looking utterly impatient.

Mindtouch, seated on a far-off-to-one-side bench with a ferine Magus, shrinks into herself, presenting the smallest possible profile. She's quite clearly miserable.

Samein waves a hand towards the mass of brick and mortar set in the ground, his manner blandly polite. "Do not let us stop you, Imphadi. Go on alone. I assure you that she is down there, among many."

Veda flickers her gaze towards Stavros before looking back towards the Varati activity as she murmurs softly, "Sure... let them go ahead and die, or flush out all towards us. It'll make things easier."

Aillil's emerald eyes twinkle a bit, as the Sylvan is amused by the notion Samein is raising.

Ishmael sighs, looking tired and frustrated as Khamseen whispers something to him. He pauses, and looks at the mage for a long moment. "That is acceptable," he says.

Qaballa can't help but grin at Veda's remark.

Khamseen says something to Ishmael, low enough to be heard by the man alone, and perhaps an Agni Haidar sitting close

Stavros shakes his head quietly, sighing to himself at the mass of chaos amidst the garden. "Separating will grant naught but confusion in those tunnels, I would well wager... they know it better than anyone here, that I can assure you," he calls. "To do this alone will bring nothing but failure. If you truly wish to succeed, then do so, working with, not against, each other." And he leaves it at that.

Khamseen straightens up. "Thank you, Imphadi." Enough said, the black-robed one turns again and resumes his position near Samein.

Ishmael gives a hand signal to the Agni-Haidar, who back down. He calls after Khamseen, "If we may be of service, mage, let me know. As long as your word is kept, the Agni-Haidar are at your disposal. As is my own blade."

Rainmaker drifts across the area aimlessly, rubbing her hands together in an unconscious, nervous gesture. She seems currently oblivious to the argument going on, her gaze flicking about her rapidly.

Said argument appears suddenly resolved. Khamseen offers a nod of the hooded head from his stance, toward the Agni-Haidar. No words are needed now.

Samein glances between Khamseen and Ishmael briefly, and then gives a shrug. He swivels on his heel, rejoining the knot of Cabeiri. "Positions!" Various Delphi members respond, and Samein with his small coterie head towards the stone entrance, crouching perhaps five feet back.

Ishmael turns to Rashid. "You, Rashid. Send word to Atesh-Gah that the matter is in hand. Our Varati in Delphi are both reasonable and loyal, it seems."

Maeltor arrives from the shady path to the west.

Inclining his head quietly, the Imperator, standing head and shoulders over most Empyreans in general, simply watches, hoping, perhaps for -someone- to answer his queries. Or perhaps not...

Dylan's breathing is slow and regular. The grip on his spear settles.

Ishmael gives Khamseen an inscrutable look as Delphi gathers to strike.

Rashid nods curtly to Ishmael as he snaps around swiftly. Within a few moments, he has disappeared from the garden, on his way to deliver the message. His sword, just as quickly, finds its way into his sheath.

Rashid treks east to the crossing of Main and Border.

Veda flickers her gaze once more towards Stavros as she motions towards Samein.

Maeltor pauses, watching.

Khamseen moves beside Samein still, and kneels down nearby, casting his hood off his head and revealing his long black hair. His back is now to Ishmael and all other Agni-Haidar, and with a grim look of determination, he seems to set himself to focus on the presumed tunnel.

Kita is standing at Cepheus' side, watching wide-eyed through her black eye and swollen lip.

Stavros makes his way, at Veda's gesture, offering a nod of thanks towards her, over toward Samein, hands folded behind his back casually, despite the tension in the area. "M'lord Samein..." he intones.

Maeltor treks east to the crossing of Main and Border.

Samein, M'lord or not, seems to be quite busy. The Cabeiri clustered around him like a disciplined support group, he plasters his palms upon the ground. The brick and mortar shimmers slightly, and then seems to shift, acting more like some sort of primordial ooze than rock as it slides open with surprising rapidity. Immediately, there are torches lit, Hounds throwing them into the growing hole.

Dylan blinks and widens his eyes, turning to stare.

Khamseen seems to be adding his efforts to Samein's, hands outstretched towards the hole now, eyes closed in concentration.

Veda moves closer to the front of her group as a small smile purses her lips, watching the activity begin.

A sight like that can't help but attract the area's only other Atlantean eyes. Mindtouch's escort has been watching the whole time, however, with appropriately sadistic facial expressions.

Ishmael and the Agni-Haidar move forward like a single entity toward the opening tunnel. The anxiety on Ishmael's features is evident. The Agni-Haidar, on the other hand, appear to be barely holding themselves back from the oncoming battle.

Several Hounds rush forward, crossbows leveled. They fall to the ground, sighting down the hole into the torchlit abyss.

Said Atlantean eyes flicker briefly to Dylan before returning to the growing hole.

Khamseen's eyes open as he peers down in the hole as well, then flicks a glance at Samein--plus a nod.

Samein scowls faintly, rising to his feet. He intones, "No rogues near the entry. Further inside." He glances back at Ishmael and the Agni-Haidar, watching them approach the opened passage without much reaction.

Ishmael is looking past Samein to Khamseen with a warning inherent in his face, which has gone from anxious to grim as he struggles to control some powerful emotion.

Khamseen gives a faintly sardonic smirk of the lips and intones gently. "Shall we then, dear friend?"

Samein barks out a series of phrases, addressing the assembling militants. "We shall clear a larger room just inside. Crossbows and fire mages inside, only. Cleanse the tunnel first; the Agni-Haidar go next." He drops again to a crouch, huddling with the Cabeiri.

The Agni-Haidar look to Ishmael as Samein barks out his orders. He nods to them, and says, "Remember the girl. I shall be first in."

Stavros shakes his head quietly. "I imagine, in that case, any further help is unneeded," he muses aloud, turning to leave.

Veda holds her ground with the others, her gaze flickering towards Stavros a moment before turning back to the entrance.

Samein's hands splay themselves on the dirt, his head lowering. Several Cabeiri touch his shoulders, while others splay themselves on the earth as well, trying to aid. That smooth shimmering once again, and one can see the walls widening just inside of the tunnel, creating a larger room.

This time, Khamseen holds back on the magic, letting Samein and his aides handle this one--his energy perhaps needed at a later stage.

Stavros makes his way towards the edge of the encampments and the garden, not looking back, his expression none too happy.

Dylan takes several paces back, giving plenty of room.

The Agni-Haidar spread out around the tunnel, with Ishmael standing closer than the rest, but they give the magi and crossbow men plenty of room to do their jobs.

Samein raises his head again as the tunnel's growth slows and comes to stop, creating that room. As the fire magis begin to pile in, Samein barks, "Agni-Haidar remain within the first room, to control any serious situation. Khamseen and I will proceed, first."

Stavros treks east to the crossing of Main and Border.

Kita just stands there next to Cepheus, watching.

Rainmaker remains safely out of the way, just watching the proceedings and trying to stay calm. From the way she chews at her lower lip, though, it's not working very well.

Dylan fidgets, lips twitching slightly.

With a grim look plastered all over his face, Khamseen nods his silent acknowledgment and awaits his turn to drop down, with Samein.

Mindtouch glances again at Dylan.

Cepheus slowly starts to move toward Rainmaker for some reason.

Dylan steps forward a bit quickly, touching Samein's elbow lightly. "Sir?..."

Winter-Oak steps into the tangled wilderness of the town garden from the docks to the southwest.

Kita follows Cepheus, for whatever reason she stayed by him in the first place.

Winter-Oak remains back, only at the edge of the garden, watching.

Samein's head swivels back, blinking at Dylan. He asks tersely, "Yes?"

A Hound guard or two approach Winter-Oak.

Cepheus pauses close to Rainmaker, casting a glance at Samein and Dylan.

Dylan glances towards the Agni-Haidar congregating nearby. He purses his lips, then lowers his voice, and his head.

Wanting to avoid putting any unnecessary strain on Samein, Khamseen answers Dylan's unspoken query. "It will be fine."

Dylan mutters, "... been given... suspect... trails off at...."

Rainmaker glances absently at Cepheus and nods slightly, but most of her attention seems to be focused toward the tunnel opening.

Veda moves with the other fire elementals as she says a silent prayer, her lips moving yet no sound escaping as she flickers her gaze around slowly.

From the tunnel, someone shouts an all-clear signal. Samein rises and steps next to Khamseen. "Hold your positions. Hounds will string out along the tunnels as Khamseen and I enter. A diplomatic solution will be attempted, first. Agni-Haidar, await the signal of an impending combat." He strides toward the hole.

Western Tunnel Mouth - Beneath Haven:
      The tunnel is not very wide, and seems to be composed largely of compact earth, supported by the occasional wooden beam or stone pillar. Chances are, this underground passageway was once part of some building that was long ago destroyed, leaving only its foundations. Tree's roots poke through the earthen walls in various spots, and the dangling fibers of weeds hang down like hairs from above. The south and west walls are very damp, leaving little doubt why no tunnels lead in those directions. Little light penetrates the gloom, leaving you to feel your way in the dark, though a few minutes' groping will reveal where the tunnel leads.
      Faint light pierces the gloom and reveals the outline of an iron grate above. A rotting wooden ladder clings to one wall of the tunnel, providing a way out.
      It is here that the line from light to dark is clearly defined, and taunts one to cross it.

Veda and Samein descend from the ladder.

Veda steps inside with the other fire mages, her hands beginning to glow an eerie red color before a small fire-ball appears in each as she holds them forward to light the tunnel.

Khamseen descends the ladder.

Khamseen lands down in the room, beside the others, casting a grim look around him and into the depth of the tunnel, letting the light from Veda's hands cast an eerie glimmer in his own eyes.

Rainmaker descends into the tunnel.

Samein approaches the darkened tunnel, giving a quiet sigh. He murmurs to Veda, "Will you provide the light for the pair of us?" Raising his head, he shouts down the tunnel, "We come to negotiate a diplomatic solution."

Veda is lighting the room with two fireballs one in each hand, the others are standing still for now.

[Brawl!] Samein says, "Someone shouts down the tunnel, from the surface side, "We come to negotiate a diplomatic solution.""

Meanwhile, in Sanctuary - Beneath Haven:
      It would be hard for one to call this a room, for instead it is more of a widened out part of an original tunnel. Being about as wide and tall as a large vendors cart, the one wall of the room are covered with makeshift wooden bunks which run its entire 40 meter length. The other wall is covered with wooden crates and barrels, clearly supplies for the people who dwell here. There are even a few cages for small animals. Large wooden beams provide support for the long room. For some reason, the beams don't look as stable as one might expect. A loud noise from the road above makes a stream of sand occasionally fall to the ground. This seems to happen over the entire length of the room.
      A wider area far towards the end of the room, has a large fire burning in it, giving warmth and light to the chamber. It might provide a gathering-place for those few occasions when a meeting is necessary. But for the most part, the mongrels, halfbreeds, outcasts, rogues, and wanderers who call this place "home" go about their lives in peace.

Red-Tail stands staring into the darkness. Her face covered in part with mud lines gives her a semi-fierce look. She whispers. "Slow."

Dawn is pacing, frequently staring off down the western tunnel--and the only visible entrance into this area. She looks anxious and tense, and a mild frown mars her brow.

Aditi paces back and forth, creating a constant jingling noise. Then the jingling stops and she lets out an audible sigh. "This waiting is the worst part ."

"I only hope it's the worst part," Dawn mutters, partially to herself.

A low breeze, coming from no particular source, stirs the dust into light eddies every now and then, and it is a telltale sign of Dawn's tension--normally she is able to keep a tight enough rein on her emotions to prevent the wind from mirroring them.

Aditi swallows hard and returns to her pacing. The jingling echoes in the room again. "Have the children and the elders been moved out yet?" She asks, turning her gaze to Dawn.

Mario waits, bored, idly cleaning his fingernails with one of his knives. He rarely looks up to indulge himself in a view of his fellows, but will, from time to time, glance toward the tunnel that leads to the grate.

Red-Tail turns her head back to Dawn and Aditi. "Make mistake when worry. Should think about what will do. And will do right." She returns to her vigil.

Dawn nods absently. "Yes. We've moved many of our people out into Bordertown. Those who could not be moved remain at the true Sanctuary." She casts yet another glance toward the west, listening. "I left Rollo there, along with Jak and Dugan, to stand guard. I don't think the Hounds will find them, but still..."

Steps come from the west in a slow pace, growing in volume as they head toward the room.

Dawn looks around, frowning. "Perhaps we should strive--" she pauses, eyes wide as she glances westward.

Red-Tail tenses, and listens intently. Her ears twitch slightly but only the wildly swinging tail betrays any nervousness.

At the mention of Rollo, Aditi stops. "I wish Rollo were here," she murmurs quietly, in a homesick sort of way. Again she looks at Dawn and walks over to her. She looks down at her hands, picking at her nails. "This is..." She looks up. "Strive?" And she listens, tilting her head some.

The steps grow in volume until a figure emerges. Fortunately, it is just GreyWolf, dirty as can be.

Exhaling an audible sigh of relief at the sight of GreyWolf, Dawn finishes, "To seem less obvious that we are waiting for them. We are supposed to make it look like a surprise."

A huge grin forms on Red-Tail's face as GreyWolf moves far enough into the light to be recognized. "Red-Tail worry GreyWolf no would be here."

Aditi's hand goes to her chest and her tense posture relaxes a little. "This is probably not the best time but..." she leans closer to Dawn and whispers to her.

Aditi whispers "I brought this on, and... I don't blame you if you ask me to leave the Sanctuary and the family forever."

Expression growing stern, Dawn shakes her head to Aditi. "Don't be ridiculous. I've told you before, we take care of our own."

Striving for calm, Dawn walks back to one of the campfire circles and crouches down, casting her eyes about the dimness. Other figures wait in the shadows, attempting to appear indifferent, though unsuccessful. It is obvious that everyone is waiting for any sound from the western tunnel.

Aditi clears her throat. "Well, we do look like we are waiting for them. Let's do something before I lose my mind," she says, wringing her hands. "Anyone bring some dice?" And she glances around the room.

GreyWolf slowly walks around the faux-sanctuary, looking nervous and mildly unstable. Not a good thing for him to be, necessarily. The dirt seems to cling to him with an avid determination.

Red-Tail frowns at GreyWolf as he paces the room. Her tail droops just a little.

Mario's brilliant blue eyes slip over to Aditi for a moment, and he half-smiles, "I care not to busy my hands in idle gambling. If you are bored, dancer, dance." The smile would better suit a serpent, than this thin man.

"I brought some dice," calls one voice from the shadows, and a lean, sharp-featured mongrel with a mop of dark hair appears. He too, seems nervous, but he's striving to hide it. "Anyone for a game?"

Aditi glances at Mario, and the look she returns to him is really quite unpleasant. She gives him a saccharine smile before turning to the man with the dice. She nods and smiles. "Sure, I'll play." And she ambles over to him.

Red-Tail reaches down and picks up a piece of broken tunnel. She hefts it in one hand. It worked against a Delphi before.

Dawn sits staring at the fire, which is little more than embers now. "You do realize," she speaks up suddenly, "That even if our plan succeeds, our home is still in danger. They'll know about the tunnels. They may not find the true Sanctuary, but they'll know that we once made these tunnels our home. And they may keep watch, making sure no one uses them again."

Red-Tail turns back to Dawn. "Can make new tunnels. Can do?" Her voice is small, and that pure confidence she exuded before is starting to fall away some.

Aditi holds the dice in her hands and nods. "But they only know of that grate. The other entrances are well hidden." And she throws the dice down carelessly, not a roll but just dropping them.

Dawn exhales a sigh as she looks over at Red-Tail. She doesn't say anything, but the look in her eyes is grim, and there is nothing in her face to bolster Red-Tail's fading hope.

Aditi glances around, looking from person to person slowly. She abandons the idea of throwing dice and pats the man's shoulder. She says nothing and walks toward the western entrance, folding her arms in front of her and gazing off down the tunnel.

Unable to sit still any longer, Dawn stands and resumes her aimless pacing. As a fine sprinkling of dirt sifts down from above, she glances up, then over at GreyWolf. "I suppose we'll have no idea they're in here, until we hear Midge?"

GreyWolf just shakes his head, not looking at Dawn. "Yes."

Dawn gazes westward down the tunnel. "The moment I see light, I'll summon the winds..." She hesitates, and although it was a statement, she also seems to be awaiting confirmation from GreyWolf.

Aditi glances between GreyWolf and Dawn. "I want to be the last one out of here. I'll set the place blazing if anyone gets past the collapse." She looks between the two, looking very grave and tense.

GreyWolf looks back at Dawn, "I suspect we may hear their yapping and ordering long before that." He points to his ears and then to Red-Tail.

The breeze itself seems impatient, and not about to await 'summoning.' Small dust-eddies swirl along the tunnel floor, focused mostly around Dawn, although they stray away from her from time to time.

Dawn nods to both GreyWolf and Red-Tail, then turns to give Aditi a long, solemn look. She doesn't speak, but at last she tips her head in acknowledgment, and acquiescence.

Red-Tail notices GreyWolf's finger and nods. "If quiet can here. City people make much noise. No think do but do."

Red-Tail bites her lower lip then directs a question to Dawn. "When get out where go?"

Aditi nods once and paces back and forth. There is the constant jingling and she glances at Red-Tail. "I can't take them off. They have to be cut off." She wraps her hand around the gold bangles.

"Jenean is already sheltering some of us," Dawn replies to the young fox-graisha. "Including Kiera. She may take others in. There are places in Bordertown where we can lay low for a while, although anywhere in the city will be dangerous." She tilts her head at both GreyWolf and Red-Tail. "Will your people take you in?"

GreyWolf nods, "Both of us."

Red-Tail nods her agreement. "People no even know here." She shakes her head a little. "Spirit-Walker no be happy when hear."

[Brawl!] Samein says, "Someone shouts down the tunnel, from the surface side, "We come to negotiate a diplomatic solution.""

GreyWolf's ears perk up and the Sylvan walks across the room toward the tunnel entrance.

Dawn glances over toward GreyWolf at his sudden movement. "What is it?" she calls anxiously. "Did you hear something? Are they on their way?"

Red-Tail follows GreyWolf and stands just behind and to the side of the Sylvan.

GreyWolf shakes his head and growls, "No... something about a diplomatic solution."

Aditi turns slowly, her gaze following GreyWolf. She frowns and holds still, no jingling coming from her.

Dawn's grey eyes cloud with doubt. "Diplomatic? Oh, I can imagine what that means. We give ourselves up peacefully, and save them the trouble of a fight." She frowns. "I'm not certain I like their idea of diplomacy."

GreyWolf snorts, "Shall I shout back?"

Dawn shakes her head. "No. Let them come."

GreyWolf shrugs.

Red-Tail nods again. "Harder find, more real look."

"Although we may as well give up any pretense of acting surprised," Dawn muses. "They've announced their arrival. They know that we know they're here."

Aditi walks lightly, holding her bangles to silence them. She constantly looks between GreyWolf, Dawn and Red-Tail, her body tense and eyes oddly bright.

Red-Tail looks around the room. Her eyebrows rise and the graisha's face takes on a questioning look. "Should hide?"

The air in the room seems heavier, somehow. Instead of stale and musty, there is a low charge in the air--the same kind of charge that precedes a storm. Dawn stands rigid, watching the western tunnel. "No, there is no need, Red-Tail."

Red-Tail shrugs and returns to listening.

Aditi draws in a deep breath and stares down the tunnel as well, along with every one else. A couple of mongrels, male, start to drift forward. "It's time to ready ourselves, eh, Lady?" one of them says to Dawn.

A crowd starts to gather closer to the western entrance to the tunnel. They all seem to have something in hand. Some only a cudgel. Others a small blade. They watch and listen in silence.

Dawn's expression is distracted as she becomes more attuned to the air around her than the people. Still, she gazes off toward the west.

GreyWolf paces by the entranceway....

Red-Tail stretches and loosens herself up with slow, deliberate movements. Her ears twitch occasionally.

Aditi maintains her position. She also watches the entrance, unmoving. Her skin is flush though. A thin layer of perspiration covers her body. She looks feverish but doesn't look ill at all.

The atmosphere in the tunnel continues to grow heavier, and Dawn continues to stand rigid, gazing off into the darkness to the west. One hand beats a restless rhythm against her thigh, and the tiny eddies, mirroring that restlessness, become a little more pronounced.

Meanwhile, back in the Tunnels....

Veda looks around slowly as if inspecting for wood as she begins to cautiously advance forward into the tunnel, being careful to keep to the side and out of the line of fire while still illuminating the room.

Khamseen points his finger at Veda. "That one will provide the lighting. The four of us will proceed, two by two."

Samein inclines his head slightly. He speaks to the Hounds clustered here, "Spread out behind us, one or two per curve. You will form a system of messengers, to alert of trouble." He steps next to Veda.

Rainmaker peers down the tunnel warily before looking toward Khamseen, waiting for her cue. "Did I ever tell anyone how much I hate closed spaces?" she mutters, to nobody in particular, apparently trying to make a joke.

Khamseen casts a wary glance at Rainmaker as he steps up behind Veda and Samein, waiting for her to form the second pair.

Veda nods to Samein as she murmurs, "First sign of trouble... back off. I'll try to deter them by heating up." She extends her arms further as her cautious eyes scan the tunnel ahead, illuminating the way.

Cepheus and Kita descend into the tunnel.

Cepheus waits for Kita to come down the ladder, "Are you all right?"

Kita smiles unsteadily. "I'll manage," she says, again rubbing her forearms.

Cepheus nods, sword still in hand. "Shall we?" He nods toward the faint torch light in front of them, where Khamseen, Samein, Veda, and Rainmaker have already disappeared.

Kita nods quickly.

Cepheus walks hesitantly towards the east.

Dark Tunnel - Beneath Haven:
      The blackest darkness fills these tunnels, blacker then any night Haven has ever known. Even those with the most enhanced senses would probably having a lot of trouble seeing where they are going or what is ahead. The blackness is so complete, one might even lose their sense of direction.
      This is not to say these tunnels are without their noises. Small squeaks emit from where one might think the walls are, and drops of water occasionally fall from the ceiling, making odd dripping noises. Footsteps echo eerily as they find old puddles of putrid water, or perhaps even something much worse.

Cepheus sighs some, "This is a fine mess." He looks around and starts toward the faint torch light.

Another Dark Tunnel - Beneath Haven:
      A pitch-black tunnel, wet and slimy. Squeaks come from here or there, which could only be from rats.

Samein and Khamseen are shaping the wall before them, trying to open it up a bit, Rainmaker stands a ways off, watching nervously, and Veda casts lighting from two fireballs in her hands.

Khamseen continues to work the wall and then following it the muddy part, opening his eyes to nod at Samein, conveying his meaning without the effort of words.

Samein watches the progress, stepping back slightly. He continues with his silent efforts, the mud beginning to open. As the mud progresses, stone flows into the hole, forming a thin layer of support to keep the small tunnel open.

Khamseen's eyes close, open, intermittently, as he doubles his efforts, conveying his energy, along with Samein, to shape the thick wall into an opening, and support it with harder stone than the dirt that makes it.

Samein continues to aid in the tunnel, mostly facilitating the flow of stone support into the newly formed opening. The tunnel measures perhaps a meter, circular. Not really big for someone to get through.

Cepheus quietly and efficiently walks up behind the pair. Sword still in hand, he is not a example of happiness. He walks toward Rainmaker, navigating around the other guards and people hanging around to come up behind her.

Veda brings one hand forward to light the new tunnel, as the other hand rises high above her head to continue illuminating the room, the eerie red glow of the fireballs casting long shadows in their path.

Rainmaker's attention remains fixed on the pair of Varati working, keeping her from noticing Cepheus' entrance. She clasps her hands in front of her to try to keep them still as she waits for the next development.

Khamseen finally relaxes, drawing a long breath as he opens his eyes and peers down cautiously into the newly-dug opening. "I suppose we have to go a bit further."

Cepheus lightly touches the Sylvan on the shoulder.

Veda slowly walks forward as she brings her hand closer to the new tunnel.

Samein sighs softly. He murmurs, "If we are to wander further into darkness, I would suggest we widen the tunnel." He steps forward to the hole, shouting, "We have come to negotiate a peaceful solution. Will this be possible?"

Back in Sanctuary....

Faintly from the tunnel, a voice shouts, "We have come to negotiate a peaceful solution. Will this be possible?"

Dawn almost jumps at that sudden voice, then exhales an unsteady breath and glances around. "Do any of you want to trust them?" she asks.

Red-Tail tenses and her knuckles grow white around the rock she grips in both hands. She looks to Dawn and bares her sharp teeth as way of answer.

Aditi shakes her head and tenses. "They will kill us given the chance."

GreyWolf spins around toward the entrance; for a slight instant there is a ripple around his whole form, but it vanishes as soon as it came. Looking back to Dawn at her words, he says, "I never thought I would see the day when you asked me that, Dawn, you know what they will do to us."

Nodding, Dawn returns her attention to the darkness to the west, lips tightly sealed and set in a grim line.

Drawing in a deep breath, which may be the only sound in the too-still room, Dawn gazes around the chamber, briefly acknowledging each outcast in turn--each man or woman who has risked his or her life, simply by being here. She says nothing, but there is no need. Her expression is composed, and in her eyes is silent thanks, as well as acceptance. Whatever comes, there is no one else she'd rather face it with.

Aditi moves next to Dawn and looks her in the eyes. She gives her a slight smile and turns to face the western entrance, standing right next to her side. The young dancer's body begins to grow warmer. The air stirring in the room is heated by her body.

Heavy and oppressive, the atmosphere in the tunnel is as tense as those waiting within it. Even the brief swirls of dust have settled. Nothing stirs.

The small graisha's ears start to perk up a little. Her mouth curls into a frown and her face hardens. She leans forward some and peers deep into the dark.

And in the Tunnels....

Khamseen pulls back a step, nodding again and looking at the hole, more in contemplation than examination.

Rainmaker turns quickly at the touch on her shoulder, startled, only relaxing a fraction upon seeing the Empyrean. She doesn't say anything, though.

Barring a response, Samein steps back, nodding towards Veda to light the passage.

Khamseen seems a bit disappointed at the lack of response, and shrugs faintly. Again, he silently nods to Samein and places his hands back on the rock, near the opening.

Veda shakes her head as she moves closer to the new opening, "Allow me to try and illuminate the way more before deciding to widen it."

Khamseen looks up at Veda, and pulls back, once again, nodding. "Please." He motions to the opening.

Veda brings her hands together as she murmurs a few words, before one of the fireballs shoots forward sporadically, lighting the way only momentarily, but hopefully enough for someone alert to get a good glimpse.

Cepheus leans in closer and whispers in the Caducean's ear.

What can be seen, to whomever peers in, is a T-type intersection, across the hole. There seems to be an East-West passage now.

Samein, peering through the enlightened tunnel into a similar nothingness, curses softly. He is clearly tired, but not much before the fires have faded, he is placing his hands on the rim of the tunnel, expanding it downwards to increase the possibility of one walking through it. Grumpy Samein.

Less grumpy--just a bit grim, in his own dark, brooding way, Khamseen does the same, helping Samein expand the tunnel down and soon after, making it large enough to be walked through to the new passage.

Rainmaker shakes her head in response to Cepheus, attention mostly on the shaping of the tunnel entrance.

Veda takes a deep breath as she murmurs a few words; a new fireball, smaller than the first, appearing in her hand as she waits.

Samein is the first through the tunnel, stumbling slightly. The darkness is ignored.

Khamseen follows after the arch-mage.

Veda steps quickly behind Samein to help illuminate the new path.

Rainmaker is next, and Cepheus follows the Healer in.

(Yet Another Dark Tunnel - Beneath Haven)

Khamseen looks towards Samein and juts his chin eastward. Definitely that direction..

Cepheus extends a hand toward the east.

Veda says softly, "Wait!"

Samein gives a slight shrug, and turns to the east, stepping in that direction. He pauses slightly upon Veda's words.

Rainmaker just waits, having nothing to contribute as yet. Although that crack she made earlier about not liking enclosed spaces might not have been a complete joke, from the look on her face.

"Yes?" Khamseen swivels about to Veda.

Veda thrusts both her hands towards the east to illuminate it more as she looks around the tunnel carefully once again.

Veda nods slowly, seeming satisfied, before beginning that direction.

(Still Another Dark Tunnel - Beneath Haven)

Khamseen is the epitome of calm, in sharp contrast to his fellow mage, Samein. Grim as he is, the man's features do not twitch at all, as he moves behind Samein, murmuring to the man. "We are close."

(My God, it's another Dark Tunnel - Beneath Haven)

Cepheus certainly perks up toward the East. "Sir."

Veda looks towards Cepheus as she walks towards the east, casting shadows towards that direction.

This time Khamseen is the one who calls out, voice deep and carrying. "We come in peace!" before he nods to the others to proceed.

Samein strides towards the east then, scowling.

Cepheus, Khamseen, and Rainmaker follow.

Western Tunnel - Beneath Haven:
      Dank and gloomy, the tunnel runs in two directions--east and west. You suspect it may follow the route of one of the streets above, for occasionally, you can hear the muted rumble of a cart passing, or the clopping of horse-hooves on cobblestones. Little other sound filters down, though at times, odd echoes might reach you from the eastern end of the tunnel, where the darkness doesn't see quite as complete.
      The walls are damp, and slimy water sucks at your feet, probably the runoff from rainwater, or worse. The faint, high-pitched squeals that you overhear every now and then lead you to believe you are not alone, either--for dank, gloomy tunnels invariably attract rats.

About ten feet away from the exit (hallelujah) of the tunnel is a small stack of boxes in different stages of decomposition.

Cepheus quirks a brow, but says nothing at first.

Samein stiffens immediately, his purposeful stride stopping. He steps quickly to the side of the tunnel, his eyes fixed upon the stack of boxes, and his hand touching the wall of the tunnel now.

Khamseen raises his hand now, although a meaningless gesture, since all can sense the presence, if not see the boxes. He repeats softly. "We come to talk."

Veda looks to the others, then the boxes, then back to Samein with a questioning expression.

The boxes don't respond.

Khamseen casts a quick glance at Samein, awaiting the man's suggestion.

Veda holds her hands up higher, illuminating the walls in shadows as she begins moving towards the center of the tunnel, her eyes transfixed upon the boxes.

Rainmaker halts as the others do, glancing about for a reason why they would have done so. Slightly puzzled, she follows Samein's look toward the boxes, but just waits to see what's significant about them.

Veda flickers her gaze to Samein, "Give the word and I shall set them aflame, m'lord." she says softly, her voice seeming to echo through the room.

Samein is beyond patience. Rather than talk, he practically pulses with magic, his eyes gleaming slightly. Suddenly the earth rises like a living thing, pushing up from the wall and floor itself under the boxes. The force represented is enough to stun, at least, and sends splintered wood and flying dirt in a cloud of pain. One can almost hear a slight growl.

The boxes go flying and so does the slight figure hidden behind them. Tumbling through the air, she lands with an audible thump. and begins scrambling to get her balance and get away from here.

Eyes and focus now set on the boxes--or cloud of dust, whichever it is. Khamseen advances firmly now, seeming at the ready. He does this simultaneously to the boxes being burst up by Samein's earth moving magic.

Rainmaker flinches back from Samein's little display, eyes widening a bit as she notices the figure who had been behind the boxes.

Cepheus snorts some at the whole incident, stepping back just a little.

Samein's growl is more apparent, this time. He sees the mongrel now, and this old Caducean is very, very angry. Samein raises his free hand, and the earth begins to ripple and move under the mongrel in a most disturbing way, as if the ground itself is angry. Movement becomes rather difficult, and it looks as if the ground is reaching, trying itself to catch the rogue. Samein barks, "Aid, Khamseen. Carefully."

"Wait!" Khamseen barks, instead of helping Samein just yet. "Wait!" And he tries head towards the spot where the figure--and more earth shattering magic--stands.

Midge wobbles and rolls from side to side, trying her best to avoid the "reaching" earth. It seems like she's not about to regain that lost footing anytime soon.

Veda moves towards the far end of the tunnel to prevent any escape as she continues to illuminate the tunnel by the eerie, glowing fireballs in her hands.

Samein barks at Khamseen, "Detain her!" Earth rises up in vengeful force, sending a choking tendril of grit and grime into Midge's face, smothering her now. Samein does indeed seem to be attempting to bury her alive, although his progress is somewhat slow with the looser material.

Midge chokes. She claws at her neck and mouth and tries to roll away.

Veda says in a normal tone of voice, "Please m'lord... save your strength for when we reach the main horde."

[Brawl!] Dawn says, "A sudden blast of wind roars through the tunnels."

Khamseen's progress towards Midge take a few seconds, given the moving grounds, but he gets there, a pace away. "Samein, stop!" he barks without looking away from the mongrel herself. Just then, the wind picks up and Khamseen can be heard yelling in the winds. "Stop this! All! We talk! ....Talk!" - Perhaps this is the only time anyone of those present has seen him without his composure.

Rainmaker gives a soft gasp and starts to move forward a little as though there were something she could do--but immediately halts, lifting her arms to shield her face from the sudden wind.

Veda snaps her hands in front of her as she tries desperately to keep the flames burning, stepping to the side of the entrance to the tunnel to shield herself from the wind.

Samein shouts over the roar of wind, "Careful, Khamseen! She is the rogue healer!" The light becomes erratic and hardly visible, and now Samein is striding towards Midge, the earth ceasing its movements over the half-buried and somewhat restrained mongrel.

Midge shakes her head to clear it of grit and begins tugging at her shoulders, futilely trying to free herself. Legs kick, arms strain, creating a swirl of earth that's no longer living but still confining.

And with the wind, Samein is no longer much of a diplomat. His attention leaves the mongrel for a moment, and he screams towards the Hounds closest, "Send in aid! Troops! Agni-Haidar! Wind Magis!"

Khamseen clings to the nearest wall and his attention is directed towards the east. "Samein! Stop! Raise a wall!!!" He points best he can towards the next section of the tunnel, his intentions clear. If they can build walls, we can too!

Samein stumbles to the side, reaching for a nearby wall to steady himself. He seems tired, but at once full of the vigor of rage. He is being attacked. By rogues. The call begins to work its way down the line of Hounds.

And back in Sanctuary....

GreyWolf wheels around to face a horrendous boom in the next room. He grumbles and takes another step towards the passage.

Red-Tail jumps a little. She stares at the other outcasts, wide-eyed.

Dawn doesn't move, but the air in the tunnel suddenly grows restless.

Several outcasts in the room rise and there's a low rumble of murmurings. One man curses and grips his club tighter, drawing it up.

GreyWolf actually takes another few steps toward the passageway for some reason; now he is close.

Aditi still stands beside Dawn and gazes to the west relentlessly. "Come on, Midge." She whispers, and her hands ball into fists as her body temperature rises.

"Light it up," Dawn orders in a low, strained voice, hearing the sounds of shouting and scuffling from the west. "Light it up, Aditi. Now."

GreyWolf ducks away from the entrance before the fire comes.

Red-Tail throws herself out of Aditi's way. She doesn't know what that means, but is sure she should move.

"Be careful--remember Midge is down there. No fireball. We just have to see..." Even as she speaks, Dawn moves closer toward the entrance, and the winds begin to shriek down the tunnel.

[Brawl!] Dawn says, "A sudden blast of wind roars through the tunnels."

Aditi doesn't hesitate and her entire body starts to shimmer with heat that builds quickly. She draws her clenched fists back and it appears she is about to throw. She holds and moves closely with Dawn.

GreyWolf waves some to Red-Tail as Dawn approaches.

Red-Tail ducks low and quickly makes her way to GreyWolf's side. She looks up at his face.

GreyWolf bends down to the Graisha, shouting in to her ear over the wind.

"We have to get Midge," Dawn cries, over the roar of the wind. "Something's wrong, she should have come back by now!"

Red-Tail looks up at GreyWolf. Her face takes on a steel hardness. She nods once.

Aditi nods. "I'm going to get her." She says and starts to go down the tunnel.

GreyWolf nods to Red-Tail and starts down there himself.

(Western Tunnel - Beneath Haven)

Behind Veda, due to Khamseen's own powers, the walls of the tunnel start to shape down, the dirt, still blown by the wind comes west, but a wall is rising rapidly! He continues to shout. "Stop!"

The blowing wind helps the struggling mongrel to free herself and she pulls herself up into a kneeling position. A wall? A wall?!

Veda opens her eyes wide with an almost uncertain panicking look, obviously the first time this girl has been in this situation. The fireballs in her hands disappearing as the young Varati woman begins sending heat waves off of herself almost uncontrollably.

Even as Rainmaker tries to shield her face from the wind and flying dirt and stay on her feet, she glances about, trying to see where Cepheus is. After a minute she lowers to her knees, staying near the wall, but still trying to find the Empyrean.

Midge struggles to get up, dealing with scratches from flying sand and dirt. As well as the wind.

Khamseen is leaning against the closest wall, clinging to it hard, one arm raises to shield his face--hence cannot see Midge's actions before him--and to manage the little concentration he can to work on that wall that is rising to the far end, something like a foot and a half off the ground now, it is.

Samein is pressed against the far wall, not using any strength to resist the wind, now. He begins to work, Shaping again, purely from sense and memory, trying to reach out and aid Khamseen. The progress of the wall picks up.

Veda begins breathing heavily as she collapses to her knees, her hands going over her face to protect them from flying debris as waves of heat begin to emanate from the Varati woman, the room still pitch black.

Aditi generates an enormous about of heat; consistently the temperature of the room rises as she rushes in. She glances around, amber eyes squinting against the dust flying around the room.

Aditi leaps over the foot-and-a-half wall, landing in the room filled with blackness.

Two forms make one smooth leap up and over the wall, and dart in low over it, seemingly unaffected by Dawn's wind. They both move with a surprising speed that could only be achieved with a little help from a more animal-like nature. The blurs shoot through the darkness, and if anyone could see, they are heading toward the struggling mongrel.

As the wind continues, Rainmaker keeps one arm up to shield her eyes, using her free hand to try to keep hold of the wall next to her. Not much she can do but wait it out, at the moment.

Appearing at the eastern end of the tunnel--just behind the slowly-rising wall--stands Dawn, and it is from her that the winds are streaking outward, wailing like banshees as they rip down the tunnel toward the invaders. Dust, dirt, small pebbles, and other refuse flies toward them, intending to break their concentration as much as the wind itself. Strangely enough, though, there is a calmer current centered around Midge and those rushing toward her--GreyWolf and Red-Tail. Funneling around them, the gale does not affect them as badly as the others.

Cepheus himself, being just behind Rainmaker, grabs onto a rock outcropping with one hand and Rainmaker with the other, trying to give the Sylvan some support against the winds. The Empyrean's wings, although tucked tightly behind the Hound, aren't helping much. A growl emits from him as he tries to hold them both upright against the winds.

Continuing to shape best he can, but a tad slower as he breaks his concentration to yell out loudly, tearing his lungs out--or so it sounds like--Khamseen manages the following: "Stop... this... madness!"

Samein's eyes are fixed forward in the blackness, watching as the light, and the wind, begins to close. The rising wall gives him some respite from the distracting elements of wind and debris, and Samein's influence is marked--the sides of the passage begin to flow closed as well with more of that startling speed. It is becoming dubious that Dawn could fit through very easily, and the effects of the wind are becoming more shielded. Meanwhile, two Hounds can be seen emerging from the tunnel, the torch that one of them bears shedding a bit of light on the situation. More cannot be far behind. A sword gleams in the torchlight.

Veda begins to slowly stand as a new emotion washes her inner being... one of anger and frustration as two larger fireballs begin burning brightly in her palms, casting an eerie, red-tinted glow around the room as her eyes alight with anger and danger, the waves of heat seeming to slide from around her body to concentrate on her hands as she gains her focus.

The forms materialize from blurs into two forms--a tall, dark Sylvan and a shorter reddish Sylvan. Both immediately stop at the mongrel and start to help her to her feet, only to notice the almost-closed wall.

The heat surrounding Aditi grows even hotter. Waves of heat shimmer around her, and she lifts her hands up, flames starting to grow in her palms. She moves quickly to stand in front of Red-Tail, Grey-Wolf and Midge. She shields them with her body, eyes darting around the room. The young Varati woman is tense, keyed up.

Rainmaker automatically turns toward Cepheus, taking hold of his arm while still trying to clutch at the wall with her other hand; a small trickle of blood trails down the healer's cheek without her noticing, a parting gift from one of the small pebbles in the wind.

Cepheus latches hold of Rainmaker as best as possible as she turns. He stares around the room, trying to figure out the state of things.

Shrieking like an angered beast, the wind whistles through the closing gap--but by now, much of it is blocked off. Five feet of space remains between the growing wall and the top of the tunnel. Four feet. A cry is heard, but the exact words are unintelligible. Three feet. The wind is little more than a breeze, and now harmless. With astonishing swiftness, the wall reaches the top of the tunnel, sealing it off from whatever lay to the east, and the winds are stifled completely.

Pushing off the wall, now, Khamseen does in fact, land on top of the Midge-Sylvan pile (Aditi excluded, as she is getting there at about the same time). He amazingly enough, seems to have done that on purpose, both shielding the trio form anyone else... or perhaps pouncing them? Hard to tell in this mess.

Midge oofs and is nicely smooshed under Sylvans and Khamseen. But her head, neck, and voice are free and she uses them freely. Eyeing the approaching guards she yells to Khamseen (or at least you think it's to him). "You cry 'Peace' and then trap us like rats?! Prove your hollow words! Lower the wall!"

Samein's attention shifts gradually away from the wall as it comes to cohesion, still leaning heavily upon the other wall, which supports him. In the flickering torchlight brought by the Hound, Samein squints towards Aditi and the pile, gathering himself together. The first pair of Hounds is now hastening towards the pile around Midge, and another Hound, crossbow at ready, is hustling around the bend. Samein plasters hands against the earth and stone, seething.

Red-Tail bites and claws at Khamseen as she attempts to wriggle herself free. An arm and leg appear from underneath the pile.

The Sylvan on top looks no less angry the Red-Tail below. He growls up at Khamseen, echoing the words spoken by Midge, "Make up your mind, Delphi." He glares, eyes burning mostly yellow. This one might be pretty dangerous.

Rainmaker takes a deep breath, carefully uncurling cramped fingers and releasing the grip she has against the wall. She shakes her head once, as though to clear it, and glances up at Cepheus to see if he's all right.

Veda begins walking in front of the now-erect wall, her teeth gnashing together as her upper lip pulls back in a snarl, her eyes trained on the commotion, the fireballs in her hands flickering and dimming as waves of heat once more begin to emanate from her form, boosting the temperature in the room dramatically.

Noise can be heard from down the open tunnel; there are footsteps nearby.

Aditi realizes too late just where Khamseen was. She spins around and, out of instinct, reaches to pull Khamseen off of Midge and the others. Before her hands even touch him, the smell of singed fabric starts to fill the room. "Midge!" She shouts in alarm. Her concentration is broken some and the small flames in her palms flicker out. When she notes the Hounds swiftly approaching, she attempts to build the heat up again, frantic to draw the flames back.

From beyond the wall, muffled shouts can be heard, although the exact words are impossible to make out. After a few moments, faint, steady scraping noises can be heard, as well as a couple of booming crashes. But Dawn and those destructive winds remain blocked off.

Cepheus is just fine, but certainly not a happy fellow. He nods at Rainmaker's gaze and slowly hauls himself to his feet, trying to do the same for her. When he finally gets there he frowns at the scene, but doesn't say anything yet, confused by the whole scene now.

Midge looks between the approaching guards, more newly arriving guards, Cepheus, Veda....oh everyone. And then she hears the scraping. Oh please... please break the wall...please...

Khamseen cries in pain as he is singed, but not before part of his reply to Midge and GreyWolf bellows out his Varati lungs. "If everyone would just stop!....argh!" - Luckily, those robes he wears are rather thick and the burning is fairly acceptable in terms of harm done to the skin.

Ishmael has arrived.

The Hounds approach, swift, the first pair reaching Aditi now. The one with the torch reaches out with the palm of a free hand, attempting to give her a good, solid shove before her flames pick up. And the other circles, trying to pick out a target amongst the pile. More are coming. Samein squints faintly, the earth stirring sluggishly near to Aditi's feet, reaching in a rather slow attempt at capture.

Red-Tail continues her struggles to get free and a loud growl can be heard. Eventually her head clears the pile and with a sharp intake of breath her mouth clamps down on Khamseen's shoulder.

GreyWolf is a lot more trapped by Khamseen than Red-Tail, so there is no real chance to do some damage immediately. He closes his yellow-green eyes for a moment, drawing just about every bit of magic he can through his body. In one abrupt upward motion, he tries his hardest to slam against what parts of Khamseen he can.

Veda growls softly as she narrows her eyes on Red-Tail, sending a fireball hurling towards her in warning to the side of the Sylvan's head as close as she can get without harming anyone, wave upon wave of heat echoing off of her as the smell of cloth beginning to burn wafts off of the Delphi fire-mage, the room temperature rising to an uncomfortable level.

Aditi stumbles to the side when pushed and notices very quickly the ground moving up around her sandals. She slips out of her sandals swiftly and flashes Samein a look of fear and anger. She builds her heat again quickly, the anger the spark she needed to draw out every ounce of heat that she can bring. Flames form and grow quickly. At the sight of a fireball hitting Red-Tail, she draws her hand back and it appears she's aiming for Veda. "Leave her alone!!!"

Ishmael comes into the area at the fore of a dozen Agni-Haidar, hold his thick blade. He pauses for a moment at the entrance, taking in the scene. The Agni-Haidar are all holding swords in one hand, and lit torches in the other, which appear to be made from flaming cloth wrapped around the scabbards of their blades.

He makes a few gestures in the odd sign language of the Agni-Haidar, and then growls, "Take Aditi alive. Kill the rest of the outlaws." With that said, he strides towards Aditi across the cavern, sword held low. Like well-oiled machines, the Agni-Haidar pour away from him to do their grim work.

Cepheus glares at the situation, casting a glance at Khamseen, memories flashing past the Hound's mind. He looks around at all the chaos and takes a deep breath. What emits from the Empyrean is a shout at the top of his lungs, "Stop this lunacy NOW. This has gone too far." He is heaving with anger.

Khamseen rolls off, grabbing his shoulder in pain and clearing away, in his roll, from the pack, with a bit of help from GreyWolf's ... strength. Mustering enough breath for another barking order, this one issued with that tone of authority that usually makes anyone around at least stop for a second and absorb the words, no matter what they are doing at the time. "Everyone HOLD! NOW! We -do- come in peace!" (Persistent, isn't he?)

[Brawl!] Dawn says, "In the interests of everyone getting some sleep tonight, can we just assume that Aditi, GW, RT, and Midge are captured? Aditi can be taken into custody by the Varati, if necessary. The others by Delphi?"

[Brawl!] Khamseen says, "Okie. So everyone in the Bastion. As the madness stops."

[Brawl!] Dawn says, "Btw, before we all retire, *thanks*, all of you, for taking part and being (relatively) patient. :) I think this went fairly smoothly, all things considered. Wonderful effort, everyone."

[Brawl!] Dawn waves and turns her log off. :)

FIN  

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