Date: November 13, 1999
Place: Courtyard - Delphic Citadel - Haven
Cast: Celeste, Danallin, Dara, Nightmare, Riva, SoulWeaver, Starfang, Starsong, Uneri, Vanora, WindRyder
Scene: First a storm ravaged Haven -- this time the threat comes not from above, but below, as the earth heaves and shakes.

Nightmare emerges from the grand set of double doors leading into the citadel.

Dara steps out of the Citadel tower, two old, heavy volumes below her arms. She tries to put up as much of a calm face as possible, yet there's a slight vexation lightning up in her eyes.

Soon after the Atlantean the figure of a Sylvan appears, dressed in a brown kaftan. Although Nightmare seems calm, at least looking at her face, the person is quite eager to catch up with the other for some reason. "Dara." A single emotionless word is said by her, quite loudly, although by no means shouting.

From the south they come, First a pair of muscular men in the garb and armor of the Korallion Guards. Blue-edged white tunics peek out below burnished breastplates and limb protectors that resemble the strong, articulated shell of some sea creature. Next come two more, spread out a little, and a third pair, creating a 'V' that cuts through any crowd and surrounds the solitary woman within the calm spot their presence provides. Behind come a trio closing up the open gap in the mouth of the 'V'. Toward the citadel do they aim their path. Progress is almost somber, each face showing little interest in surroundings or emotions. Features show fine signs of strain, eyes are hollow and seem to echo of life's serving them a bitter drink. Under no less strain is the green-haired Decemvir this group escorts.

WindRyder emerges from the infirmary, faint scents of crushed herbs drifting out along with him.

Dara looks over her shoulder at Nightmare as she follows, replying smoothly, "Nightmare, are you not neglecting your duty to protect the library?" Considering the matter of the berating librarian dealt with, she now turns her full attention to the procession. A respectful inclination of her head is given to the Decemvir. "Orman Riva. Blessings be with you." The greeting is a formal one, not reflecting any deeper significance of the double- edged blessings Pasiphae may give out. "I see that you haven taken effort to come to Delphi, so I hope I can receive you adequately. How may I be of service?"

Starfang emerges from the infirmary, faint scents of crushed herbs drifting out along with her.

WindRyder accidentally moves one of his fingers and grunts due to the protruding branch sticking out of his palm. He turns to the healer and asks, "Am I gonna be required to carry this thing around all day? It's kinda uncomfortable." He then turns to Starfang and waits.

This surprising turn of events makes the brown-clad Nightmare stop and even possibly reconsider the reason for entering the courtyard. Certainly something she has not seen... then again, such events are frequent. Just a few days ago, she hadn't seen an Estrel flaming to her death. This, too, could possibly be educational, although in some other fashion. Even the comment that has come her way is ignored... for now.

Starfang comes on WindRyder's heels and nods to him, holding out a hand. "Come on, then, let's get it out." She doesn't seem much interested in a cloaked man standing there. She's working. Like always, she can only focus on one thing at a time.

Starsong emerges from the infirmary, faint scents of crushed herbs drifting out along with her.

Starsong pushes her way through the door of the Infirmary, drawing a deep breath of the outside air. With a small, involuntary wince, she stretches out her arms, moving with tired stiffness. The growing crowd in the courtyard receives a series of rapid blinks of her sleepy green eyes, and as she stands there watching, her expression grows more alert, changing swiftly from vague sleepiness to alert concern. She hovers at the top of the steps, watching.

WindRyder winces as Starfang takes his hand. Nevermind the pain, Starfang just touched him. He shudders slightly. Now he'll have to bathe again.

The small, almost ritually formal group comes. Other figures may be seen to either side of the slanting sides of that 'V'. Knowledgeable ones may recognize who these are from their headdresses, that of the Priesthood led by Okalani.

Following the students is Danallin, her green eyes are upon Starfang and WindRyder -- most noticeably upon the hand of the latter from which a branch protrudes. Something quite evidently went wrong here, but given the events of last night, that is hardly surprising. The Sylvan Caducean does notice the strange procession and she frowns, wondering what is happening, but true to her profession does wait for her student to heal the poor man. "Be careful, Starfang. First try to feel in what it's grown."

The point of the 'V' opens up and moves to the side, each pair in turn. This leads to the two led by Okalani and Riva facing those in the courtyard. To Dara, the Decemvir speaks, her melodic voice one that hovers between alto and soprano. "We have come to formally give word to you of the events of last night. And to ask support be given Estrel Orman Earvin. He will need help through some of this."

The ferine waits patently for something to happen, yet this certainly is nothing she considers important. She has her suspicions why this is taking place, yet, then again, questions will be only brought not answered. Feeling that her unattained library is of greater importance, Nightmare looks one final time at Dara then turns around and reenters the tower, slightly hurriedly.

Nightmare vanishes into the tower.

It is at this second that the Aether decides to well up slightly, and a surge can be felt by any mages present. As the Aether flows up and around the poor Earth-Elemental, he grunts in surprise as a small flower blooms upon the branch sticking out of his hand. "Oops," is all WindRyder manages to say.

Starfang hmphs and ignores the great procession, the words of diplomacy spoken, her whole attention on the man before her, who is obviously too inept to keep from growing things. One hand grabs the hand that oft serves as flowerpot, the other grabs that which it sprouted this time. Then, a sharp, hard yank follows, resulting in a branch flopping to the ground with more than a little blood on it. Before it touches the ground, however, she's already busy closing the gap it leaves behind. A few seconds is all it takes her. No more gap, no more bleeding. She cocks a brow at WindRyder, "So. Until next time?" She definitely did enjoy herself.

Dara shivers slightly at the 'hiccup' of the Aether, but then braces herself to step forward to Riva. Her own voice is high and soft, yet seems unnaturally serious and somber at this time. "I will report your word to those..." she hesitates for a moment, then takes the string up again, "...those left, who will need to be informed. As well as report your request for the care of Estrel Earvin. And I will see personally how I can be of his assistance and help."

An uneasy shudder runs through Starsong, although whether it is because of the sudden ripple of magic or because of the realization of how serious the mission of the Atlantean embassy must be, it is difficult to tell. Slowly and gingerly, she descends the stairs, keeping her eyes on the woman who is speaking to Dara. Her curious concentration is broken by the sharp tug at the branch on WindRyder's hand -- even though she was not looking, Starsong jumps, her eyes flinching shut in a sudden burst of sympathetic pain. A moment's focus, however, pushes her features back to their former expression, and with only a brief glance at the other healers, she continues on her way, circling around behind them to get a better look at the exchange between the Atlanteans.

WindRyder's face pales as the gnarly branch is forcibly yanked out from within him, and his faces scrunches up into a fearful figure. His eyes bulge from his head at the onslaught of his nerves. When the minor operation is over, he is left pallid and gasping for breath. He knows that Starfang enjoyed that. He manages to squeeze out a weak, "Thank you," before allowing himself to all but collapse onto a bench.

Danallin closes her eyes in despair, murmuring a prayer to Nokomis at the sight of that flower. Just why does She have to send those most inept with their magic to Delphi? Her attention is brought abruptly to her student at the painful manner in which that branch is cut out of WindRyder's hand and she frowns, speaking up rather loudly. "Starfang, why didn't you remove the pain from him?"

Riva's head dips. "It is my deep regret..." In the faint surge, one can sense from Riva a faint ripple of personal sorrow, friend, advisor, teacher, priestess... gone... gone, not as a thought but as an emotion, "to inform you that from the rite Estrel Okalani entered to try to find a way to end this... these horrid problems. From that rite, she did not return. She is... gone. You may direct questions to those who accompany me if they are permitted to give answers."

A tiny gasp escapes Starsong as she stops short, staring with widening eyes towards Riva, her mouth open in a little 'o' of stunned distress. Slowly, her hand lifts to cover it, and for a long moment, she simply stands there, unable to do anything else.

Starfang's attention is drawn to Riva with a sharp tug. Okalani? Gone? She frowns at her. She doesn't look anything short from completely serious. She looks at the people with them, having hardly any real idea of what they are, what their position is. They sure look official, though. Hey, she may ask stuff! "Is she dead?" rings out her voice in a slightly haughty, yet also awed tone. More haughty than awed, of course.

WindRyder's eyes widen considerably at this information. Gone? What does Riva mean, she didn't return from a rite? "Where did she go?" he asks reflexively. How does an Estrel just disappear?

Uneri steps through Delphi's tall gates and enters from the Rialto.

Dara inclines her head again, though this time it seems more like it is dropping, her hair falling over her face. "I was present," she comments, the vision and sorrow of last night returning back to her. "I do not think any further elaborations are required, unless anybody may know more of the fate of the Estrel. Your report is taken with thanks, and respect for the effort you made to bring it, Decemvir. I will make sure that it will be declared to Delphi as soon as time permits."

The headdress gathered round a bald head from which a short top fin rises to follow the spine down to its tip of one of the priestess glints as the angular motion changes its position. A strong yet lispy voice responds, "She entered the rite, she did not return. None have seen her since. Whether she lives or dies is in her Goddess' hands, and at her mercy. We feel no sense of her. What will be, will be. We watch."

Riva nods to Dara. "I saw you there." Out of courtesy, the words are spoken rather than thought.

Danallin's eyes widen in shock at these words. She is known to be very close to Okalani, since this woman is responsible for clearing her mind from the guilt of a crime she never committed. So far, this Sylvan caducean goes that she even tries to follow the strict rites of the Pasiphaean Healers, never harming anyone with either hands, arms or weapons. Forgotten is the incident with the students and she simply waits for further information.

Uneri walks into the courtyard and slows as she sees the knot of people before her.

Starsong stands frozen where she is, hand over her still-open mouth as she listens, unbelieving, to the Atlanteans' words. Slowly, she turns her head towards Dara, the shock in her eyes mingling with concern as she does.

Facing those of Delphi is a line of nine Korallion Sentries, split and flanking Riva and two of the priesthood, judging from the headgear they wear. Others are arranged before them, seeking to listen to something the Priestess is imparting to the others.

Now the other priestess speaks, green eyes buried deep within her silver face. Those with the talent of empathy can easily sense the despair in this person -- evidently, this one believes that Pasiphae has indeed left the realms. Literally forcing herself to form the words with her tongue instead of her mind, does she speak, "Your... ac... acolyte, Vanora, she remains with us until she will reach consciousness again." There is an odd, definite way in which she closes her mouth.

Starfang tilts her head, frowning deeper. So they don't know. She might be worried, or just slightly curious. Hard to tell to those who can't feel the unease nagging at her inner self. She gives each of the fishy people a deep, scrutinizing look, as if she could thus single out one who knew more.

WindRyder sits in silence, for once having nothing to say. Poor Okalani. And she left before he could pull another prank too. These are indeed grave tidings which the Decemvir bears, and all of Delphi will be entering a period of shock, disbelief, and grief. That much is evident even by the faces of the gathered Delphites. WindRyder shakes slightly as the he realizes just what this means.

Dara nods to the priestess empathically, yet the shock and disturbance of the memory still etched in her lines. "I understand. You need not say more." Looking back at Riva, she asks, "Is there any other way how I, or Delphi, could be of assistance, Riva?"

The priestess's labored words sink in, and Starsong's head bows as well, her eyes closing as she takes in yet another piece of grave news. A few strands of dark hair fall forward, slipping down to hide the edges of her shaken expression.

Riva's voice, serene in its melodic response, extends to those present. "It is a mutual loss, is it not, and for us to make a... mutual offer." Perhaps a hint of reluctance is in those words, or perhaps she just pauses on thinking of the loss. " Eyes rest on Dara with a hint of speculation, as if wondering if Dara has risen to a point she can commit Delphi to any course of help. "As for you personally... Pray for her, as we all are. Pray and watch. I am dispersing some of my Sentries to watch for her, to welcome her back if such a boon is granted us. "

Now Danallin speaks up, professional worry taking over her tone. "Excuse me, Priestess, but do you mean that one of our own is wounded?" She looks around, watching both Starsong and Starfang from the corner of her eye before she adds, once again addressing the three Atlanteans. "Has one of your Healers checked her out yet?"

Starfang has somewhere in between sidled over to Starsong and is actually giving her a little comfort by rubbing her back. A worried, slightly exasperated glance goes to Danallin at the suggestion of seeking out more wounded people. Don't we have enough of those already?

Starsong tenses a little at the unexpected touch, blinking in surprise as she wriggles, glancing uncertainly over her shoulder at Starfang. To Danallin, though, she gives a different kind of look, quick and curious, and with the beginnings of hope returning to her eyes. Perhaps there is something that can be done...

Dara nods gravely, "I feel the loss personally. I realize she was as much a spiritual leader to you as a teacher and guide to the Delphi. Yet, she meant... means so much more to me. She was the help when I needed it, and always a guide, advisor as much as ideal to me." A long sigh goes with those words, "I wish I could offer more help and commit Delphi to more than I can, but right now, the report to those in charge as well as my personal prayers are what I am limited to. If more help can be offered, I will make sure to personally deliver it to the Korallion."

As if a ripple passing over the two from the priesthood and the Decemvir, a nod starts with first one and spreads to the next. "Yes, of course," says one.

Riva adds, "Healers were present."

And the third concludes the combined answer with, "we do not neglect our duties, even in such times."

Starsong nods slowly to the Atlantean emissaries, and despite her efforts to hold it back, lets out a small sigh of resignation and disappointment at their words, letting her head remain bowed again at the end of the nod.

Starfang puts the hand rubbing Starsong's back about her shoulders and gives her about half a hug. Her eyes are on the gathering of fishy people, though. If there's any scrap more they're gonna tell, Starfang will be remembering every word.

Danallin listens to all this and she nods, an expression of worry upon her face. "When she is returned to Delphi, tell her to first go to the infirmary." Oh, she does trust the Pasiphaean Healers, really... but not when they somehow managed to lose one of the Estrella who just happens to be their own High Priestess. Stories are told by some, about human sacrifices to the Goddess, and while the Decemvir seems to be truly shaken, the priestesses are rather... secretive.

Uneri approaches the little group of Atlanteans but doesn't speak.

Still tense and unmoving within the circle of the other healer's arm, Starsong glances up at Danallin, a matching flash of worry in her eyes, but in response to the Adept's tone rather than any of the words the Atlanteans have spoken. Then her eyes travel back towards Dara, the concern in them deepening as she watches the reaction of the Atlantean woman.

The Aether swells and flows a tad bit stronger at this moment, and WindRyder feels ill. The muscles in his face tense visibly as he attempts to quell the raw elemental energy flowing within him. Control has become increasingly difficult as of late, and with a magic as wild as that of the Earth, sometimes it seems impossible. The strong flow does not ebb, and the young man begins to sweat lightly.

Celeste emerges from the grand set of double doors leading into the citadel.

Riva pauses to let her yellow-green gaze rest on each individual not of her grouping for the space of one long breath, moving her glance from one to the next as her lungs empty of air, and she pulls more in deeply. When questions seem to have come to an end, the Sentries at the ends of the line wheel on the balls of their feet and move toward the entryway. The second pair follows the first, and then the third set. Those of the priesthood turn to step outside the 'V' forming, yet still in its protection. The Decemvir steps into the gap left for her as the group prepares to leave.

All is quiet. Too quiet, like the moment before the storm. You notice in a sudden insight, that even the ravens and city-birds that inhabit Haven have stilled to silence. Beasts of burden shift uneasily and look about.

WindRyder grows pale, the feeling of dread building within him. His stomach is in knots, and the feeling can be easily felt by any telepath present. The Earth feels strange... He looks around him with a slightly feverish gaze.

A formal group of Atlanteans stand near the entrance, leaving the group of those from Delphi in the courtyard. Expressions are somber and saddened when expression can be seen. Even the Atlanteans seem strained, disturbed.

Dara holds the gaze on the Decemvir as long as possible, following her with her eyes even as the procession turns to the gate. Slowly, she starts to relax, allowing herself to glance around, at the other people standing around in the courtyard, up to the sky. That's when she notices something weird. "Do you feel it too?" she asks, to nobody in particular.

Starfang relaxes her hold on Starsong, peering about. She frowns, then looks to Danallin, more than slightly worried. The earth-elemental seems almost forgotten.

"Something isn't right. It's not supposed to feel like this..." is all WindRyder manages to say. He sits upright now, glancing around him apprehensively.

Uneri watches the formal procession make its exit. Nearby to Dara at this point, she mutters out loud, "The inside of the mother, contracts...."

Danallin speaks up, suddenly looking quite worried as she watches the courtyard and the group which retreats. Brows furrow and she nods to Dara. "Yes." Arms fold around her body. "Starfang, Starsong, both of you come to me."

WindRyder switches unconsciously into Sylvan dialect and begins to mutter prayers to Nokomis as he sits rigidly on a bench, his white-knuckled hands holding firmly to an armrest.

Even Celeste is uneasy in this calm, stepping out of the Citadel and glancing apprehensively skywards. "Nothing coming," she mutters to herself, as if trying to reassure herself... but by now, the fact that Celeste is uncomfortable with storms is no secret, nor is the fact that she was the reason Delphi stayed dry during the last downpour. Wings spread slightly, and she pauses on the steps, before sandaled feet carry her further into the courtyard.

A shiver runs through Starsong as the Atlantean embassy retreats, and as Starfang's arm withdraws from around her shoulders. Although Uneri's words are too soft for her to hear, Dara's are not, and she nods wordlessly to Dara, swallowing. At Danallin's interjection, her head lifts and turns, and she nods towards her teacher with a "Yes, Adept," that comes out a little faintly. A quick glance towards Dara, one towards the grove, and then she hurries towards Danallin, even the small sound of her bare feet against the stones sounding strangely loud in the eerie hush.

Riva's small party stops its egress. Stressed, acute senses feel what is happening subliminally, then more directly. Fins rise stiffly and there is a tension flowing through the small group of twelve. As one, they turn back and draw closer together. Clearly, they are seeking to know more before progressing. The middle of Rialto is not the place to be if a crowd becomes unruly.

Starfang stalks over to Danallin as well, yet slowly, carefully, sparing the muttering WindRyder a concerned frown. It's not one of those again, is it? Not like before? Her eyes are wide, some might notice the faint smell of fear beginning to emanate from her.

Dara finally realizes that she is still holding two books in her arms, volumes she's completely forgotten about. With all the uneasiness and tension in the courtyard, she decides better to store them away into a safe place. Or safer place at least. A near stone bench is the first that falls in her view. In a calm walk, she approaches it and lets herself sink into it, storing the tomes away in a safe niche in them.

Uneri stays where she is, looking upward again.

WindRyder looks around him uneasily. He looks considerably more calm, yet his visage is still obviously disturbed. He wipes his brow quickly, and spares a quick look toward the sky, anticipating another freak storm. His gaze slowly moves to each person standing in the courtyard, for he knows they feel it too. But what is it?

Announcement: The sound is faint. Subliminal. It seems almost ... rhythmic, with a high, rapid pattern too fast to be counted. It chitters annoyingly on the edge of your perception.

Irritated, Celeste crosses her arms and moves to the middle of the courtyard, still focused on the sky... extending her perception outwards, trying to get an inkling of the weather systems; to judge from her perplexed look, she finds nothing. "Things are so bizarre... makes one want to lock oneself in the Practice Room and be done with it." More muttering, and the pale Empyrean starts a slow walk, a bit away from the others.

With both her students nearby, Danallin ponders venturing inside the infirmary, but decides not to. If something is to happen, it is best if a few Healers are around to be there the instant someone gets hurt. Sensing the uneasiness of Starfang, she turns to her and smiles encouraging. Nothing is wrong... really. The same is done to Starsong before the... sound begins. Clinging her arms closer around her frail form, she tilts her head up to the sky and shivers some more. "Perhaps we should ask the Decemvir and her escort to go inside. In case something goes wrong." On the other hand, sometimes the open air is the safest place to be.

Telepathically to: Uneri and Riva: Dara's reaction to the disturbance is instinctive. Rather than relying upon drylander speech now, she falls back to her more natural use of mind-speech, letting the thought of wonder, startlement and curiosity be faintly heard by all other Atlanteans, *What was that/what's the source?* A flashback of the perception, *Did you hear as well?*

Telepathically to all the area: Uneri thinks: Cautiously, very cautiously, the more formal tones of Uneri respond, *When the earth contracts, it is time to be aware...*

By Danallin's side now, Starsong hesitates, eyes darting uneasily around the courtyard as another shiver, stronger this time, ripples up and down her back. "Perhaps...." she says in faint agreement.

Vanora steps through Delphi's tall gates and enters from the Rialto.

Starfang just darts frantic glances about, truly, deeply afraid. What will be coming? What will happen? How long before it hits? How long before it will leave? Lots of panicky questions in her head.

Telepathically, Riva thinks: *Yes, we hear.*

Riva speaks for her group of people near the entry. "It sounds like a combination of the cry of a whale and the rasp of sharkskin against the sands."

Dara looks back at Danallin, though she seems a little distracted, as if her thoughts were lingering somewhere else, "Are you sure, Adept, that the tower might not be a greater danger?" It's not criticism, more an expression of helplessness and cluelessness as to what is or could be coming.

Announcement: The subliminal sound -- the perception that is really more feel than hear -- rises into the audible. It is a clinking, clattering, rattling sound. Anything free. Anything loose and sitting on shelves. Anything set next to another item rattles against it. The leaves clatter in the trees, rustling against one another. And beneath your feet... the ground... vibrates.

Sensing the fears and unease of both her students, Danallin braces herself no longer and reaches out with both hands to the Star Sylvans. Perhaps together it will be better. Her green eyes meet Dara's and she nods slowly, "I think you are right. Best to stay close though..." Just then, that sound become more noticeable and then: the ground. Eyes grow wide in shock and one hand grabs Starsong and the other Starfang's arm. Something tells her this isn't WindRyder's work.

WindRyder's elongated ears quiver slightly, sensing the area around him. A look of slight puzzlement rests on his face. He rubs his hands together nervously as he looks at the ground about him. He stands quickly and sits in a comfortable position on the earth. He rests both of his hands upon the cold stone. "I don't know if I can handle this..."

With the physical and audible revelation of the here-to-fore subliminal feeling in the air, Uneri herself uneasily looks at the buildings around her. The citadel, right. Maybe it isn't such a good idea to be beside a rather large building when the earth moves....

There is a brief stir at the gates leading into the grounds of Delphi, a small group of Atlanteans leaving behind the Rialto and slowly making their way into the courtyard. Most of them are dressed in the white of Pasiphaeans. The group parts, a single woman shuffling forward. Vanora. Turning, she says something quietly to her companions, touching one or two of them as she does so... and then pauses as she feels the faint tremor beneath her. Turning yet again, to face the Citadel, she appears to brace herself, her features sagging with weariness and something darker. No fear, however, or uneasiness. Not anymore.

Dara's eyes dart for WindRyder -- he's an Earth-Elemental, he must be able to know what's going on. "WindRyder? Can you determine the cause? The strength, where this is coming from?" Now, hesitation and startlement has been replaced by slight panic ringing in the feeble voice.

For a moment, Starsong is frozen in fear, eyes wide and terrified as the very earth begins to become unstable. She lets out a tiny cry, her entire body tensing with the effort of keeping her balance. The sensation of Danallin's hand on her arm, however, breaks the spell -- Starsong's hand reaches up to take hold of her teacher's in a matching gesture, giving and receiving support in the same motion. "What is it?" she gasps, eyes darting from the Infirmary to the grove and around the courtyard, searching for explanation or reassurance.

Starfang peers around, feels the earth tremble, watches WindRyder... As Danallin's hand touches her, she ducks it and scoots over to WindRyder, moving to sit in front of him. Her hands stretch out to him as she's still sliding to a halt. There's a LOT of distraction that a healer can take away... Now what if he could stop the earth's trembling? If he wasn't bothered by anything but the magic he had to work with? As her hands touch his legs, she tries very hard to take away any and all pressure from his body. Any discomfort, any weariness. Hope it helps.

WindRyder sits stoically upon the earth, feeling the vibrations coming from the Mother. "It... it's... it's not coming from anywhere. It's coming from everywhere. The power beneath us is surging..." he stops then and just sits, looking around him in a slightly frightened fashion. He can feel everything that goes on beneath the surface, and the intensity is disturbing.

Riva's eyes and those of her eleven companions seek each other out. The quivering underfoot, so unnatural feeling to those used to the comforting support of the waters is most unsettling. Well-trained, they hold steadfast yet the unease round the group is almost palpable.

That group around the Decemvir looks even more uneasy, the mere idea of the ground moving beneath them is uneasy for those who live beneath the ocean.. and now it actually happens. The two priestesses who escorted Riva here see how their Elemental Sister arrives and they call out mentally to her, *Vanora, over here. <hurry>* That is much, much saver than alone near the Rialto.

Announcement: The sound of it rises, and with it the shaking. It is more than just a trembling, now. The earth itself twitches like the skin of a horse trying to rid itself of a fly. It shakes you. Objects are tossed from their normally safe places to fall to the ground -- many to break.

Vanora's head comes up at the mental urging of her sisters, but she seems unable to move any further. Until the earth itself decides to move her. With a low cry, she pitches to one side, landing heavily on the trembling ground. A moment later, she is on her feet, hurrying towards the other Atlanteans. Behind her, the Pasiphaeans who escorted her to Delphi huddle together, trying to keep their footing, clutching at one another.

There is no answer from Danallin; WindRyder's words are enough for this and instead she simply bends down in an attempt to follow Starfang but stops as the earth's movements begin to grow more vicious and now her other arm slips around Starsong's waist. Feeling how she is losing her balance, she curves her body so that she falls to the ground on her side, drawing her student with her to a relatively safe place... if there ever is one.

WindRyder looks at those gathered with sunken eyes. A look of impending doom comes from within his gaze. "I suggest that you all come closer to me, and get away from anything over head. I feel what is coming, and it isn't good. Grandmother is angry. Very angry..." He looks then at Starfang and smiles slightly at her for her help. "Please, continue. I'm going to need some strength."

Dara holds herself with both hands tight to the ledge of the stone bench, even as the ground below her moves. A yelp escapes her, and her gills flare up to a bright green, obvious signs of the panic the Atlantean is experiencing. At least she's sitting right now somewhere, otherwise, she'd have surely fallen to the ground.

The ground is moving. Celeste does not like this fact. So she does what should be natural for an Empyrean to do... she removes herself from it. A sweep of wings, without magical aid, as she sometimes does, and she takes off, doing a nervous circle around the outskirts of the courtyard.

Uneri is not so lucky. The earth shifts underneath her feet and she finds herself falling to the ground, her hands outstretched to break her fall. Once on the ground, she stays there, rubbing one of her arms.

Starsong staggers, bracing her feet against the unsteady ground as she struggles to keep her balance, clinging to Danallin with all her might. Her breath comes in quick, tense gasps, and she looks at the Caducean Adept with eyes that fill more and more with fear at each moment. A more violent tremor rocks the stones beneath her feet, and that, combined with Danallin's downward motion, brings Starsong down to the hard stone with a sharp cry of surprise. Her arm flies out, trying to shelter Danallin at the same time as the Adept tries to shelter her.

Starfang nods frantically. She's not about to let the sole earth-elemental in sight without aid in face of a very big earthquake. Oh no. She tries very hard to help him gain the fullest possible awareness, muting his senses on purpose, so that no-one's words or movements would distract him too much. Leave him all the room to feel... and, hopefully, act.

WindRyder's stare goes blank. His eyes open wide, yet seeing almost nothing, his senses are drawn within, and down. Sweat beads upon his forehead as he sits cross-legged upon the unsteady stones of the courtyard. He hands rest on the ground before him as his mind races to the source of the growing tremor. Many stones in the courtyard seem to have unearthed themselves, yet the ones around the Elemental seem relatively intact.

Announcement: The shaking increases, tossing many to the ground. It as if the earth has turned to the waters of the ocean, rising and falling like waves. The rumbling sound of it rises over the clatter, an earthen roar.

Sentries spread out, locking arms and reaching round those with Vanora. Many legs are more stable than two.

Riva clenches her hands into fists, eyes lifting to the sky above as if the ground is too unsettling a sight to watch. Yet how can the ground tremble so without the buildings responding in kind? The walls, the trees, all are sickeningly trembling. Only one thing does she say in so low a tone as to be a mere whisper, lost in the crashes and grating. "Rhys."

WindRyder pants and gasps as the Aether flows within him and through him. The power races underfoot, and he struggles frantically to combat it. The earth shakes and tremors rip the stones apart. Yet, somehow, the area immediately around the Sylvan remains relatively calm, vibrating only slightly. He and Starfang feel the least shaking. "Get closer!" he shouts, one simple command.

Dara forgets her safe place, forgets the books that haven by now fallen out of the niche, ripped open and are flying through the courtyard, only to slam against the wall of the Citadel. She ducks down, pushes herself up, then runs towards WindRyder, seeing a safe haven there. Unfortunately, she gets hit by a loose stone in the back and stumbles, to fall hard on the trembling ground.

Starfang's hands hold tightly onto WindRyder, and her jaws are clenched shut as firmly as her eyes. Oh, please let everything stop shaking so... Of course, not for a single second does she relent her actions with regard to WindRyder. She's well aware that he's doing... something to keep the ground just a bit quieter near her.

Announcement: The shaking continues, going on... and on. In the distance, you can hear the roar as a building slowly crumbles to the earth.

The large stone bench behind the two sitting Sylvans creaks and its base snaps. It begins to topple over onto the forest-dwellers when WindRyder raises one hand to it, and it shatters in the opposite direction. "Help her!" he yells over the almost deafening roar of the earth as he motions to Dara, then turns his attention back to the now humming ground.

Dara lies helpless on the ground, scaled skin ripped up and bleeding, her flimsy dress mostly torn apart. She attempts to get up from the ground with both arms, but fails, only to crash again down.

Soothing, healing magic flows through Starsong's body as Danallin uses her magic to take the pain and bruises away from her student. Green eyes are wide in shock but she does, yes, she does see how the earth around WindRyder remains stable... she also hears his voice and she somehow staggers herself to her knees, pulling the acolyte with her to do the same. "Run to them..." she orders her student with all the demanding attention of a teacher. Then she rises and, still staggering, begins to rush towards Dara, bent, somehow managing to keep her balance before she falls next to the fallen Mystai. Hands reach out to her.

Fissures begin to open up underfoot as the stone of the courtyard parts, leaving gaping holes in the earth. Noxious gasses escape from below through the crack and tinge the air with a sulfurous stench. The cracks spread quickly in all directions, and the only somewhat intact area is around WindRyder. He looks quickly to Dara and arcs an arm in her direction, as the stone beneath her quells to only a slight shaking. "Come now!" he yells.

One arm still around Danallin, Starsong pushes her other hand against the ground in a nearly futile effort to lift herself up, looking with frantic eyes towards the grove. "The grove -- the infirmary -- we have to--" Her gasped-out words are cut off by the next tremor, sending her tumbling back to the ground with a thump as she lands hard on her shoulder. Her eyes wince closed as she is assaulted by the noise and the chaos, the pain from within and without her. "I'm trying!" she shouts back to WindRyder, and then, as she is hauled to her feet, again, "I'm trying to!" with a gasp to Danallin. Stumbling over the shaking ground, she manages to keep her balance for a few steps.

The magical power may be strange to wield now, but Celeste is certainly quite in control of her magic... one hopes. Watching Dara's fallen form, Celeste acts almost without thinking; and a swirling assault of wind, almost as violent as the movement of the earth but under strict control, bears the Atlantean upwards. The wind-elemental Adept smiles faintly, wings carrying her a little closer, attempting somehow to be soothing. "Just don't look down," she offers in a loud voice. Helpful. Yeah.

Vanora falls to her knees as another convulsion of the earth erupts just below her, and a fissure suddenly splits open beside her with the deafening crack of splintering stone. Chips of rock whiz past, one of them slicing across her face just under one eye, and she lets out a scream, trying to scramble away from the widening hole. WindRyder is impossibly distant now.

Uneri stays flat on the ground now. The noise of the earthquake is loud and one cannot hear her cough in the middle of the noxious fumes.

WindRyder rides the violent waves of the Earth with familiarity as the sweat pours forth from his pores. There aren't too many holes, just many cracks. But they're growing. He stands now, a feat which is all but impossible for the others, and his form is seen standing still. He pulls Starfang to her feet with him and begins to move closer to the center of the courtyard, toward the gathered Atlanteans.

Dara ughs in a reply to WindRyder, making it slowly towards him by creeping across the shattering courtyard. Just when a crack begins to open below her, she is swept up by the gust of wind. Another yelp escapes her as she begins to fly, ruddering frantically with both arms in the air. "Yaaay!" Not hearing Celeste's voice, her gaze just wanders all over the chaos below her, eyes widening at the sight.

Starfang just holds on to WindRyder, trembling as much as the relatively stable spot she occupies together with him. Oh, she's so very, VERY afraid, now.

Announcement: Massive vibrations rattle through the earth, tossing it about violently, as well as anything standing upon it. The screams rise.

A mental shriek sounds deafeningly loud, unrestrained, as one of those fissures, those holes, swallows two of the sentries. One moment there, the next gone. Flat on their bellies the rest fall, some reaching as if to try to pull up those fallen, those out of reach. Verbalized yells add to the mental ones. The Decemvir is thrown by the undulating earth and lands heavily.

Only to miss Dara as the wounded Atlantean is pulled upwards by the wind. Danallin falls upon the ground and rolls away, for once in her life wishing she was blessed with the shaping magic to keep the ground one just like the rest of herself. Hands touch her body, keeping the pain at bay which exists as she continues rolling over the uneasy ground. Finally she comes to a halt and overlooks the scene around. Cracks are appearing everywhere around her and the Sylvan raises her upper body, eyes going to where she might be needed... or at least some place safe. Naturally, they first go to the student she left behind.

WindRyder stands amidst the chaos in the center of the courtyard, his gaze one of frozen stone. The tremors are harder to control now, and a crack opens in the ground directly before him. His body is racked by the massive amounts of power running through him. He is bordering on the edge of consumption now, but it no longer matters. People's lives are at stake here. He arcs his right arm toward Vanora and her party as the ground beneath them slows to a slight rocking motion, enough to steady themselves, or stand up, if they're stupid. "Crawl to me!" he screams over the skull shattering noise.

Starsong's foot comes down on stone that shakes, rises, and dips violently, sending her crumpling to the ground with a cry of fear and pain, her voice mingling with the voices of the hundreds, thousands of others around the city. Her hands reach out, scrambling vainly for some kind of handhold on the smooth, undulating waves of stone.

Unfortunately, the flight is short-lived for Dara; Celeste deposits her, if gently, in the little pocket of stability near WindRyder. Maybe not entirely stable, and not as safe as being in the air, but better than anywhere else. Now, eyes move back... how many more need rescuing, and how many more can fit in that area? Another bit of gliding; unfortunately, flying and using magic during an earthquake isn't entirely the Adept's forte.

Announcement: Praetorians flood the sky, Hounds the ground. Forces from every government creep out through the tremors, trying to assist where they may -- but what assistance can be given while the ground still heaves?

Dara is getting herself slowly under control as she's gliding through the air. Being able to estimate where Celeste is swooping her, she 'swims' through the air, then stretches out her bare feet to set them down gently towards WindRyder, before she just collapses near the Sylvans on the seemingly-stable ground.

WindRyder screams in pain as the area outside of his protective circle erupts upward, sending massive chunks of stone flying in all directions. The dust is almost too thick to breath through now, and the fumes escaping from the earth are enough to knock a person out if they breathe them directly. It is all the Sylvan can do to hold his own. The ground rocks violently, and even his small sanctuary heaves, knocking him to the ground, where he scrambles for more control. Blood wells from a gash on his arm. Could it be that the tremors subside? They are, at least, fractionally less in intensity. But they continue to rock the city and the lands beyond...

Then, the Empyrean turns her focus to Danallin, a gust of air helping that one to her feet... and pushing gently in WindRyder's direction, though she avoids more aerial acrobatics, only to pick up when she stumbles. More manipulations... a brisk, fresh breeze down towards all that dust, dispersing it some, and a helping wind to a few others. Still, it seems to be about as much as Celeste can manage... and since even the little sanctuary is starting to come apart, there seems little more that she can do. As the tremors lessen, though, an exclamation of "Thank Jove!" is clearly heard.

Starfang dives after the one she's busy with, the gash closes, any and all bruises just go. She seems to be good at working under intense pressure. Very good. Also, her motivation shows in her firm clasping of Windryder's ankle. "Damn you! Concentrate!" Ah, team-spirit, too!

WindRyder sighs in relief as the pain leaves his body, and he brings himself up to a kneel. He once again extends his arm toward Vanora and her party and slows the heaving motions enough for them to scramble closer toward him. He winces as a very large tree tumbles within the hedge maze, landing in the courtyard.

Just as she has almost managed to struggle to a position where she can lift her head and look around the chaos of the courtyard, the assault of flying stones comes at Starsong. Instantly dropping to the ground again, she manages to miss being hit in the head, but chunks of rock fly perilously close to her, and although her cries are nearly inaudible now over the sound of others' voices, the sight of one or two impacts of stone on skin is unmistakable. The moment's relative peace after the storm allows her to lie, panting, while she works one hand up to clear the dust from her face.

There is so much that goes on in a massive upheaval that it is difficult to keep track of any one individual. Uneri holds her own through the disaster, though through the dust, it may be difficult to discern just what is happening to the woman.

Riva is stunned by her fall, a purplish bruise covering one side of her forehead, the crown, formally worn to convey the message earlier dented. Not so a few of the Sentries. One clings to the legs of another as they try to reach and extract the two from the hole in the earth... before it closes. The lessening, faint as it is, spurs them on to harder effort.

Ignoring herself, the Decemvir reaches out to her people, thinking to them. *Not alone, not alone, this too we shall survive, hold fast, hold fast.* Thoughts to the side are linked to her guards.

WindRyder braces himself for the next tremor, and he slams his hands home into the ground. They fly straight through the stone underfoot as each and every one of them cracks. The stones will need to give to the vibrations if they are to keep from blowing apart. He raises his hands from below and extends them toward the Decemvir's guards, and the fissure hold open and somewhat still.

Maybe this walking thing isn't a good idea. Attention turns for the most part to decreasing dust and deflecting rocks when possible... it could be only a trick of the light, but Celeste is starting to look rather pale, the exertion of doing so many things at once getting even to her.

With Celeste's 'divine' help, Danallin manages to not only scramble to her feet but also walk, rush or nearly jump to the relatively safe place near WindRyder. Then there is that sudden assault of flying rocks and the Caducean screams just as she throws herself, once more, to the ground, barely avoiding the fate of the two Atlantean Sentries earlier. The dust, once cleared by her earlier savior, subsides and she sees how Starsong lies there and the distinct feeling of pain is quite easy to discern. It is to her that she stumbles, crawls until she reaches her student. Hands are placed upon where those stones hit and her. Healing magic does its work, done in seconds she still holds on to her and then at that small distance separating them from WindRyder, where the courtyard has been thoroughly broken open. Perhaps the Atlanteans serve for more protection?

Announcement: It is definitely subsiding... however that does not mean that the earthquake's fury is any less dangerous. Just more random. More fitful. The earth twitches and heaves as if reluctant to lie back docilely upon its foundations.

Starfang is engrossed in clenching WindRyder with all her might as she struggles to maintain her alleviating work. The earth calming? People yelling, dying? Well, we'll get back to all that stuff later, when we're done being mortally afraid, all right?

Another chunk of stone whistles towards Vanora, thudding into her left shoulder before she can move. Instantly, her arm collapses, sending her rolling across the ground. After recent events in the Pasiphaean temple, her body is too weak to take much more of this, and she begins the slow spiral towards unconsciousness even as the earth heaves again.

The quake proves to be too much for WindRyder's limited ability to handle. He returns his limited concentration back to the area immediately around him. Holding it together with the last of his stamina. He is beyond exhaustion now, and he can hardly keep himself upright. The earth continues to heave sporadically, and the elementalist falls forward.

Amazingly, through all the heaving and the twitching, the Citadel remains an island of stability. Although it rises and falls with the earth's shaking, the brilliant white walls show no sign of fracture... none of cracking or even flaking a bit of the pristine surface. It may be tossed, but it is a steady ship upon the heaving sea of earth. The waves slow now to hardly a crawl, the earth reluctantly twitching and groaning as it finally subsides.

Dara just lies near the one holding his powers against the one of an angry earth. Bruises and wounds cover her, but she seems to be breathing steadily. She tries hard to push away all pain, cries and yells around her, eyes only intent upon the four Delphic towers, wandering in a concerned way between them.

SoulWeaver steps into the courtyard through the gate of the hedge maze.

Safe in her teacher's arms now, and free of pain, Starsong struggles up, bracing her hands on the uneven stones as she draws in a deep breath of dust-filled air that catches in her throat and turns to a cough. But her eyes have lost their look of incoherent terror -- she is focused now, intent, and alert. Still keeping close to Danallin, she looks slowly around the courtyard, taking in the scene with a new concentration.

WindRyder lies in a heap on the ground, unable to move, covered in dirt and grime, his clothes stained with his own blood and caked with dust. He is unconscious and lying on the ground, his power gone. The earth has taken its toll, and it exacted a price higher than the acolyte could pay.

Vanora lies alone, several paces away from her fellow Atlanteans, covered in dust and blood. Her chest rises and falls, slowly, but that is the only movement evident.

Riva's men are finally brought to safety as the gap begins to close with the lessening effect of the tremors. One is in not as good a shape from the other. Looking around, the source of a mental cry, abruptly ended and a wail of sorrow can be heard by those beside one who is no more. Shattered by debris, Riva moves to hold the head in her lap as the life seeps away. *Not alone, not alone,* she gently tries to comfort. "Do what you can to help the others." The words come, and are obeyed.

Telepathically to Riva: Dara's mental voice pushes through the moans of concern and pain, remaining even somewhat coherent as she makes you an offer, *If you feel that moving through the city now to reach the ocean is too dangerous for you and your escort, I can accompany you to the Atlantean basin in the tower.*

Rush-hobbling from the direction of the hedge maze comes a kaftan-covered figure with blood streaming from a wound on the leg. He should be lying and possibly whimpering upon the ground, but he is driven by a higher purpose. As he comes through, his jade eyes scan the courtyard frantically, and it doesn't take a lot of brain power to figure out who it is SoulWeaver's looking for.

Starfang frowns and sits up, looking at WindRyder. She places her hands on his chest, her eyes lose focus, her mind gains focus, the slighter tremors of the earth are ignored. She's so much used to being busy healing him, she won't stop until he stands, all right. Slowly, very slowly, it dawns on her that the man is simply exhausted. Completely, utterly exhausted.

Well, most everybody else seems okay; so, in a fit of goodwill, the wind scoops up Vanora's unconscious form, and with a delicacy that seems almost impossible, drapes her on the steps to the Citadel... out of harm's way for the most part, one would hope. Celeste then drops down, feet resting delicately on the outer sill of one of the Citadel's middle windows, needing a moment, perhaps, to rest.

As the movements of the earth subside, Danallin rises from her place, taking Starsong's hand in her hers, pulling her up with her. The sight of those in trouble is noticed and she is worried... and hurt. The pain of so many is not easy to overlook but there is a simple reasoning inside her that the one who has the highest level of pain should be aided right now. "Do you..." she gasps and coughs, late dust entering her lungs, "split with me? We have..." another coughing fit "patients." Her eyes fall upon the unconscious form of Vanora before being drawn to the Atlanteans -- some Sentries seem to be truly bad.

Announcement: The earth heaves one last time and then settles. But one cannot help but wonder if it won't rise up again in protest...

The unconscious body of WindRyder is tossed a bit, as he rolls quickly with the undulations of the earth. He lands in a heap a few feet from where he was, yet his body makes no reaction. He hardly has the strength to draw breath into his lungs, and even living seems like too much work.

Telepathically to Dara: Riva thinks, *My thanks. If you can tend to the worst, must need to see to my people. Beware, after such the sea can rise.*

Starsong moves with Danallin, her hand jerking and clutching with the last tremor of the stones beneath her feet as she grabs onto her teacher for balance. Regaining her footing, she breathes a small sigh through the dusty coughs that still shake her, and closes her eyes for a moment, seeking concentration. The waves of pain push her back, forcing another gasp from her, and she says hoarsely, "What do I do first?"

Starfang swears crudely as her charge once again evades her by flopping aside. She scoots after WindRyder, then once more lays her hands on him, removes the tiny bruises upon him, then recalls how he's tired and in need of simple rest. So she stands and looks about. Her eyes then lock onto SoulWeaver and she rushes towards him. Hey, it's legit! He's hurt too!

Even with the cessation of the earthquake, Uneri stays where she is. She appears a bit dazed as she pushes herself up from the ground into a sitting position. Although covered with dust, it is difficult to determine if she is injured, or how badly. Her elegantly-arranged hair is down, loose strands of kelp-colored hair hanging limply about her face.

Rushing toward the now-located Starfang as best he can with his injured leg, SoulWeaver adds a bit to the general auditory chaos that fills the courtyard and Haven beyond. "Starfang!" Comes his shout. The chances of her hearing are low, but still he shouts it, pushing forward.

Dara's gaze settles on Riva, then, as she feels that the earth is quiet once more, places both scraped elbows on the ground and pushes herself with tremendous effort up. Clutching her ripped, blood-stained dress around her, she struggles on weak legs towards the entrance of the Seminary. She can't heal, after all, and what she needs most badly is just a few hours of relaxation in the water. Everything else can come later. Not bothering to look anymore for the books she brought to the courtyard -- they were probably swallowed by the cracks anyway -- she opens the door and disappears behind it.

Although the tremors have past, it is after they have stopped that the rending scream of protesting stone rises out of the hedge maze, followed by a gout of earth and a gust of foul-smelling air.

WindRyder is picked up off the ground by two Caduceans and carried away to the infirmary.

A jump... and, slowing herself slightly with spread wings, Celeste drops to the courtyard. Another breath; she is recovering more quickly than some, it seems. "Whatever is going on lately, I don't like it."

Starfang more or less bumps into SoulWeaver, then holds his face in her hands. "Ah, you fool... you shouldn't walk like that.." The bleeding on his leg stops almost instantaneously, and Starfang smiles. Then she frowns. She looks about. "I... think I've got work to do."

FIN  

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