Sanctuary (Plot)

[Kender Bard]

Talon helped lead the weary travelers ahead through the unbroken wilderness, his tired eyes straining to pick out any potential dangers and possible pathways.

The lands outside of Talen'sul had been relatively untouched by demons and they ran into no trouble on the road. This enabled the group to stop in little villages along the way for food and rest. The last leg of the journey was more strenuous as their rings led them off the road and into the wilds. Fortunately much of the midlands was either woods or grasslands. They were in a woods part, now, the trees getting increasingly larger and wilder.

At some point though they hit something of a barrier. Talon reached out into the air to touch it and felt it give easily, like if he had stuck his hand through a heavy drape curtain. "I think we're here," he announced, sounding puzzled. He stepped forward.

And a hidden city was revealed to his eyes. He gasped.

The trees here were not just large, they were larger than life, stretching up so high as to disappear completely. They were thicker around than some keeps. And they were molded, grown for he couldn't see signs of manmade construction, to give the appearance of homes being bored into the trunks. Stairsteps, windows, balconies... Lights flickered within them, invitingly. Lights were in the air, too, like floating lanterns. Pinpoints of soft illumination.

There were also small wooden homes on the ground in a large clearing, which circled around a crystal clear pond that gushed water like a fountain.

And the sky was filled with angels. It was if all the angels of the heavens had come down to this hallowed place, a place that just radiated safety and comfort.

"Everyone come in here!" he shouted excitedly.

[Northen Light36]

Acqua and Aria had both been struggling along on the journey. Neither had complained, but the trip had been hard on the injuried members of the party, particularly the last stages. It had gotten slightly easier once Mat had joined the party with the rest of the Sanderson children, which had the added benefit of increasing the healing water available.

Acqua, however, had the additional issue of having slept poorly on the journey and not having much interrest in food, merely picking at her meals as pain and exhustion sapped her strength. As a result, she was constantly pale and tired looking. She'd admitted only to dreaming of Flux, but refused to say more then that, even to Mat.

Currently, Amaro was carrying Aria while Mat supported Acqua and Zevran hovered nearby to help. At Talon's shout they hurried to lead the group into the sanctuary, particularly eager to let the injured pair rest.

"Wow..." Acqua breathed, her eyes wide as she looked around. A little more colour came into her face, as though the sense of comfort and safety had eased a little of her pain and exhustion, much to Amaro's relief.

"This is amazing," whispered Bas and Pas together, looking awed.

"Pretty," was Lilly's tired comment.

Aria, Robin and Letha were silent, all apparently overwhelmed by their new surroundings.

[Kender Bard]

While the gathered stared on in awe, one of the angels broke off his flight to land before them. It was Thread and he greeted them with a smile.

"You look tired," he remarked. "Come. Rooms await you with food, drink, and comfort." He stepped closer to Acqua. "You're injured. May I carry you?"

[Northen Light36]

Acqua hesitated for just a second. It wasn't really mistrust, really, just her own natural unease of strangers enhanced by her current exhustion and pain. But logic was stronger. There was no reason to be wary of Thread and she was well aware that her own insomia and nightmares had kept Mat from getting as much sleep as he really needed. And she certainly couldn't walk. The throbbing, sickening pain in her leg was a strong reminder of that. She gave Thread a small smile and a nod. "It's fine with me. Mat needs a rest."

Mat tightened his hold on her for a moment in a hug, then carefully surrendered his wife to Thread.

[Kender Bard]

Thread's movements were smooth as he bent and swept her up into a princess carry as if she weighed no more than a doll. "This way," he told them and headed towards the nearest of the giant tree houses. This one had wood of a darker color, deep brown, and there was Etaf's symbol over the ground level doorway. Once inside, it was clear that the homes were created with Rondian style homes in mind, but with the great width meant that each level had many rooms. The first had general gathering and resting rooms and a dining hall. Thread passed this and walked up the stairs to the next level which held some sleeping rooms. He placed Acqua down on one of the beds that literally looked to be made of cloud and was just as soft.

"Where's the food?" Loki asked. He was fascinated, but he was also hungry.

Thread smiled. "The pantries in the lower level are stocked with a special bread made by the Forces. It's faintly sweet and very nourishing. But if you desire anything more flavorful, there are many fruit bearing trees, berry bushes, and wild gardens sowed and grown by Worg. There are also drinks available in the pantry if you don't wish to drink of the fountain outside. Worg and Soahc have also provided wild game to hunt for amusement and food if you wish. If you desire anything, do not hesitate to ask. Most of the angels that are here consider it a novelty to be amongst the mortal for so long of a time, and so we volunteered our time to assist and provide companionship."

"This is ridiculously luxurious!" Talon blurted.

Thread smiled again, thinly. "Well, the Forces agreed that being called upon for such a dangerous task shouldn't come without perks, and this place will not last long beyond its intended purpose. You should enjoy it while you can."

[Northen Light36]

Aria considered the angel for a moment when Amaro put her down on one of the other beds. "What's your name, sir?" she asked curiously, a note of polite respect in her tone as well.

"Can you fix Muma's leg?" Lillian asked, hopefully. With a little pout, the tiny girl added, "It's really sore and kissing it better didn't work." She climbed up onto the bed next to her mother and sat there.

[Kender Bard]

Thread looked to Aria. "My name is Thread." Then he turned his attention to Lillian. "Hmm, the Efilian angels are all well versed in the arts of healing. I will ask one to visit to ensure swift recovery and ease of pain."

[Northen Light36]

"Thank you," Acqua and Lillian both replied.

"We're greatful," Amaro added. "For that and for having somewhere comfortable and safe to rest." He glanced over those with him, thinking. Bread and berries was all well and good, but he suspected they'd all perfer a little meat sooner or later. The mind-cats of the party certainly would, though they could hunt for themselves. In any case, he'd do a little hunting.

He considered Talon for a minute. Normally he'd have invited Talon to come with him, but after what had happened in Talen'sul he would be surprised if Talon wanted to. "I think I'll take advantage of Worg and Soahc's generosity and do a little hunting once we've all settled in." There, Talon could join or not as he please.

~I hope there are plenty of nice, fat mice,~ was Summer's comment as he sat by Crentha's ankles.

~You'll get fed,~ Pixie and Smudge both sighed at their brother - though they both glanced at Thread curiously for an answer. Mice were fun to hunt.

[Kender Bard]

Thread grinned. "There's plenty of small woodland creatures as well, more than just mice. Now if you'll excuse me..." He went to one of the wide, tall windows and touched it, opening it easily where he stepped out onto a platform and launched himself into the air.

Talon stretched. "Spice, see to it your siblings are settled in. I'm going for a walk."

"Food!" Loki chirped and dashed off.

Crentha smiled and stroked Summer's head gently. Why don't I go for a walk too? You can hunt while I do. I'd like to get some berries.

[Northen Light36]

"Want company, Talon?" Amaro added. "At least until I have an idea of where the best spot for hunting is."

~Sounds perfect, but you can keep the berries,~ Summer replied with a purr.

Mat smiled, plucking Lillan off the bed and setting her down on the ground again. "Kit, Aria, you two get some rest," he told them. "Bas, Pas, Aries, take your siblings and go get something to eat with Loki or go and explore. Kit, if you don't mind, I think I'll have a look around myself."

"Of course," Acqua replied, covering a yawn. "Aria and I can keep each other company."

"I want to stay with Muma," Lillian replied stubbonly. "I'll be quiet."

"I don't mind," Acqua told Mat, shifting so their youngest could snuggle into her side.

"Fine," Mat replied, kissing both Acqua and Lillian on the top of their heads. "I'll check in on you both in a bit." With a nod to the others, he headed off to explore the tree house.

[Kender Bard]

Talon glanced at Amaro and shrugged. He wasn't going to say no but he didn't make it look like an invitation. Wordlessly, he walked away.

Crentha smiled, gathered Summer up into her arms, and walked off. Spice watched her go, chewed his lip a moment, then quickly followed after. "I want to explore," he giggled.

[Northen Light36]

Amaro read the gesture and decided Talon would prefer the time to himself. Well, that was fine. They both had a lot on their minds and he had always found hunting alone gave him plenty of quiet and time to think. He ruffled Acqua's hair, smirked at her glare and set aside his sword before heading downstairs and outside, making sure not to head in the same direction Talon was walking. Bow and daggers were more then enough for a hunt and, in the unlikely event he needed to defend himself, they'd work for that too.

Acqua glanced at Pixie and thought, Keep an eye on Talon? I won't listen in and don't stay if he sees you and wants you to leave, but...

~You'll feel better if I check on him. Understood.~ Pixie left the room and trotted after Talon at a decret distance.

Bas and Pas followed Spice. "Can we come?" Bas asked.

[Kender Bard]

"I don't see why not," Spice replied with a smile.

"Sure," Crentha agreed. She stepped outside and looked up immediately. "Aren't they all so beautiful?" She beamed though vaguely wondered if her mother was amongst them...

Talon walked aimlessly, having not brought anything with him. He did not intend to hunt; he wanted to pray. After getting deeper into the woods (careful not to cross any threshold he could senses, though he did not find one) he picked out a mossy tree stump and sat with a sigh. "Alethia," he murmured, looking up skyward. "For the first time, I'm glad you're not here."

[Northen Light36]

Pixie maintained her distance, but until Acqua told her otherwise, she'd watch over Talon. She curled up under a bush and continued to watch over her bonded's littermate. Out of respect for his privacy (though that was more Acqua's concern then hers), she blocked what she was hearing from Acqua's section of their shared mind. Not completely, they were too tightly bonded now to ever block each other out completely - demon interferance didn't count - but Acqua wouldn't be activily overhearing and it would blend in with the normal idle thoughts of her mind. Particularly since she was exhusted and half asleep.

---

"They are," Bas replied, glancing up with a smile. "This whole place is beautiful. It's a shame Thread said it won't last. I'd almost like to live here forever."

"I notice you said almost," Pas commented, grinning at his twin.

"I'd get bored eventually," Bas replied, then smirked. "And I wouldn't get to watch you and Aries making idiots of yourselves over Lumi."

---

Acqua fussed over her youngest, brushing and re-braiding the little girl's long red hair. "You need a haircut, Lilly-love," she remarked idly. "Mat's been letting your hair get far too long while I've been gone."

"Nooo," Lilly giggled, squirming on the bed and shaking her head. "I like - Sorry muma," she cut her protest off when she bumped Acqua's bad leg.

"It's all right sweetheart," Acqua managed, though she'd drawn in a sharp breath when Lillian's little boot had smacked into her injury. "Take your shoes off if you're going to bounce around though." Forces, that hurt.

[Kender Bard]

One of the angels curiously following Talon as well broke free of her flight to land near him, startling him. She was tall with long, wavy brown hair and plain linen brown robes. "Don't be alarmed," she told him in a soothing voice. "My name is Clairette."

"Talon," he introduced himself, sitting straighter.

"You and your companions look a little worse for the wear," Clairette noted. "It must have been difficult to reach this place."

Talon sighed. "You could say that" Slowly, he retold the tale of what had happened in Talen'sul and his role in things. "I can barely bring myself to be near my family." Clairette slid a wing around him with a thoughtful little hmm.

---

Aries, who had been moodily quiet, piped up at that. "I hope she's okay."

"Maelstrom wasn't the one a demon lord decided to visit," Spice muttered.

---

There was the sound of flapping wings and a white dressed angel with pale cream feathers stepped into the room. "Someone asked for a healer?" she called out cheerfully.