X Duel

>e
[Whistling Wood, Path]
The narrow trail curves to the west towards a long row of earthen mounds.  Interlaced in a web of worm-eaten wood, the bare branches of the whistling wood hang low over the beaten path.  Curiously devoid of the sounds of animal life present in most woods, the silence beneath the trees weighs heavily on the air.  You also see a narrow path which leads to the derelict road.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: west.

Xelten smiles.

Xelten enfolds you in a warm embrace.

A few cold, grey clouds drift into the sky.

The sun vanishes behind a multicolored splendor of clouds as night slowly drapes its starry banner across the skies.

Klamike just arrived.
Klamike gets a polished black sabre from inside his smuggler's duffel.
Revolutionary Klamike just went west.

Deep shadows gather under Xelten's eyes and around his face, giving him a menacing appearance.

Hand of the Elements Zairius just arrived.
Zairius sheathes his bastard sword.
Zairius just left.

Katamba slowly rises above the horizon.

Xand just arrived.

Xand waves.

Xelten waves.

You notice as a black lynx pads into the area.
Xand wandered down a narrow path which leads to the derelict road.
The black lynx pads off.

Holy Mage Maraisel wandered up a narrow path which leads to the derelict road.

Maraisel says in Ilithic, "Ayrell, hey!  Look what I have.  These would be perfect for the Har..."

Maraisel glances at Xelten.

Maraisel says in Ilithic, "Xelten..."

Xelten glances at Maraisel.

Maraisel says in Ilithic, "Hi."

Maraisel puts her pants in her backpack.

Maraisel closes her backpack.

Maraisel clears her throat.

Maraisel asks in Ilithic, "How are you two?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Hello, Mari."

The red ruby on your forehead grows almost unbearably hot before returning to its cool state.

Maraisel smiles slightly.

You gaze at Maraisel.

Xelten raises an eyebrow.

Maraisel coughs.

The translucent image of a wolf glistens briefly in the cerulean depths of the orb hovering near Maraisel.

Maraisel says in Ilithic, "Well... I should... "

Maraisel says in Ilithic, "Look at the time..."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "See you later, Mari."

Maraisel glances at you.

You glance at Maraisel, a female Elf.

Holy Mage Maraisel wandered down a narrow path which leads to the derelict road.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "What was that about?"

You fidget nervously.

Xelten looks thoughtfully at you.

Xelten shrugs.

The shadows surrounding the circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead deepen, momentarily shrouding his face in darkness.

The last few clouds drift away, leaving a fine expanse of stars.
Your red ruby on your forehead dims, then brightens.  A dark gold pattern swirls briefly within the gem before fading.

[Whistling Wood, Path]
The narrow trail curves to the west towards a long row of earthen mounds.  Interlaced in a web of worm-eaten wood, the bare branches of the whistling wood hang low over the beaten path.  Curiously devoid of the sounds of animal life present in most woods, the silence beneath the trees weighs heavily on the air.  You also see a narrow path which leads to the derelict road.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: west.

You softly say in Ilithic, "Perhaps we should... "

Xelten peers quizzically at you.

You softly say in Ilithic, "We should relax..."

You have:
 2 silver, 15 bronze, and 35 copper Kronars.
 4 bronze, and 50 copper Lirums.
 2 gold, 1 silver, 30 bronze, and 114 copper Dokoras.

You softly ask in Ilithic, "Would you like some.. tea?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "I suppose, but what was Maraisel doing?"

Xelten takes his rightful place beside you.

You gaze off into the distance blankly.

You mumble something under your breath.

[Derelict Road, Whistling Wood]
The road winds around a large pile of stones shaped like a cairn.  Several trees have fallen against the side, partially obstructing the entrance.  Only a small piece of the door, near the top of the cairn, remains open.  You also see a narrow path which leads deeper into the Whistling Wood.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.
Xelten followed.
>n
[Derelict Road, Whistling Wood]
The trees of the whistling wood press close against the crumbling stones of the road.  The hole-riddled branches seem intent on grasping ahold of unwary travellers and dragging them into the nightmarish depths of the forest.  The road continues its southward journey to the Dark Hand.  You also see a twisting trail.
Obvious paths: north, south.
Xelten followed.

(Travel)

[Milene's Rose, Tavern]
Roomy and rectangular, the tavern for Milene's Rose is always busy, but strangely never so full that it becomes unbearably crowded.  A booth in the corner allows for privacy, and a bar offers service for the thirsty and the hungry.  There is little sign of disarray anywhere.  You also see the publican.
Obvious exits: east.
Xelten followed.

>go booth
[Milene's Rose, Private Booth]
Circular and featuring just the right compliment of shadows to light, comfortable seats, padded with blue velvet upholstery that features the signature black rose motif of Milene's, await those who enter here.  The soft perfume of flowers drifts through the air, and a crisp midnight blue cloth of thick linen covers the tabletop.
Obvious exits: out.
Xelten followed.

You settle yourself on the comfortable seats.

Xelten takes a seat near you.

Xelten searches around for a moment.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "So then, what was Mari up to?"

You fidget nervously.

Your skin takes on a pasty color.

Xelten gazes at you.

You gaze down at the floor.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "She must have... just not seen you there..."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Indeed, so what was she doing?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "What was that about a harem?"

The circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead dims, causing his eyes to become briefly opaque and unreadable.

You glance at Xelten.  His features are hard to make out.

You hesitantly ask in Ilithic, "Did she say Harem?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Ayrell, what is it?"

The soft fragrance of a bouquet of silver roses twines the air in a gentle embrace before drifting away again.

You hesitantly say in Ilithic, "I..."

You nervously say in Ilithic, "Perhaps I should explain to you more about what this Harem is...."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Please do."

You nervously say in Ilithic, "Taleek's Harem..."

Xelten's body grows taut and ready as he clenches his fist.

Xelten smiles.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "What about it?"

You hesitantly say in Ilithic, "I ..."

You hesitantly say in Ilithic, "I should state that it is more a group of friends rather than... anything else...."

You fidget nervously.

(Xelten watches your face intently.)

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I know you're not going to say you've joined it."

You quietly say in Ilithic, "No, not exactly..."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Then perhaps you should explain more directly."

You gaze down at the floor.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "I have... been involved in it for... quite some time..."

Your red ruby on your forehead glows hotly for a moment.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "It is funny, really.  I've been trying to meet with him to set things right, and now I hear this."

You quietly say in Ilithic, "It is... more a joke than anything else...."

You nervously say in Ilithic, "His friends... tend to all be females.... "

Xelten says in Ilithic, "My wife will be a part of no man's harem, joke or not.  Especially not a man who refuses to speak with me, and that as of right now I have no reason to trust."

You quietly say in Ilithic, "It merely is a title given to our group of friends..."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "And requires you to wear those pants Maraisel had?"

You quietly say in Ilithic, "It requires nothing..."

You quietly say in Ilithic, "It is just a group of Taleek's closest friends."

You sigh.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I imagine it requires that you and all the other women lean on Taleek whenever you are around him as well."

You gaze at Xelten.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "It requires nothing."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Voluntary then."

Xelten raises an eyebrow in your direction.

You softly say in Ilithic, "Yes.  I do so of my own free will because he is my friend."

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed.  I am nearly to the point of suggesting you should not be friends with that scoundrel."

Tiny shadows slowly crawl out from Xelten's circle of obsidian like burrowing worms.  As the shadows reach his eyes they turn completely black.  After a brief pause, the shadows vanish, returning the eyes to normal.

You softly say in Ilithic, "You do not control who I am friends with."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Something I never thought I would say at any point to you."

You softly ask in Ilithic, "And if I choose to remain friends with him?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You are correct, I do not, nor should I."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "A bit of consideration to my feelings, however, regarding such things, would be appreciated."

You softly ask in Ilithic, "In what way?"

Xelten sighs.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "For instance, not being a part of any harem."

Your red ruby on your forehead dims drastically for a moment.

You softly say in Ilithic, "As I said, they are my friends..."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "And clearly have no intention of being my friends."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "If they are not my friends, I do not trust them, and I especially do not trust the male leader."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "In fact, as of now I no longer have any intention of bothering attempting to rectify anything with Taleek.  I cannot believe you are just now telling me of this, even."

You softly say in Ilithic, "I felt there was nothing wrong to require me to tell you... as you knew we were all friends already."

You softly say in Ilithic, "A title does not change that."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "That title does."

The soft fragrance of a bouquet of silver roses twines the air in a gentle embrace before drifting away again.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I see how he is with all those other women."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I will not have that."

You softly ask in Ilithic, "Have you seen him do anything with me?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "No, but thankfully you did tell me about one instance, at least."

You ponder.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "And then of course I was forced to see my wife leaning all over another man."

You take in a great breath of air.

You say in Ilithic, "I was not leaning all over him."

You say in Ilithic, "I placed my elbow upon his shoulder."

Xelten's circle of obsidian pulses as shadows fill the sockets around his eyes for a brief moment, causing them to look sunken and old.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "From my standpoint, which was the one where my wife did not come over to greet me, it was all over him."

You say in Ilithic, "All over him would be if I was doing much more than resting an elbow on him."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I am sure you do not have negative intentions, but good intentions do not always survive a situation, as we both well know."

You ask in Ilithic, "What do you mean?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I mean that I will not have you behaving in such a manner with -that- man."

You say in Ilithic, "I will behave as I wish around anyone I want to."

You sigh.

Xelten folds his arms across his chest.

Xelten inhales a great swallow of air.

Xelten slowly empties his lungs.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Then I'd like for you to wish to behave in a manner to which your husband does not object."

You ask in Ilithic, "And what, pray tell, might that be?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "-Not- like that."

You gaze at Xelten in defiance!

You say in Ilithic, "I have done nothing wrong."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I, for the first time since I have known you, disagree."

You take a deep breath.

You angrily say in Ilithic, "I fail to see how my elbow touching him is so horrible."

Your red ruby on your forehead shifts positions a bit.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Then you do not care to look through my eyes."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Were the situation different, fine.  Were it not -that- man, fine."

You angrily say in Ilithic, "It was a friendly gesture."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Were so many things not as they are, fine.  But no."

You ask in Ilithic, "What so many other things?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "A friendly gesture while you neglected the man you love?  At that point in time, the neglect was already felt."

You say in Ilithic, "This is ridiculous."

You shake your head.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed."

You say in Ilithic, "I have in no way neglected you."

Xelten gazes at a platinum wedding band set with dozens of tiny sapphires.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "We've been married almost three years."

You say in Ilithic, "Yes.  Yes we have."

Xelten takes a charcoal grey cowl off his head.

Xelten puts his cowl in his thigh quiver.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I hope we are married a hundred times that."

You say in Ilithic, "Then let us focus on the issue at hand."

You say in Ilithic, "I am not going to change the way I behave around my friends."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You have a jealous husband who would like a bit of consideration."

You say in Ilithic, "I have given you many considerations."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Taleek's done a good job of gathering my ire.  Until I have a reason to have faith in that man, I do not want you touching him."

You say in Ilithic, "You, who have done so much worse than lean on a woman, and I never once forbade you to interact with any of them."

A shadow spreads across Xelten's face from his circle of obsidian, briefly conquering the light before all returns to normal.

Xelten exclaims in Ilithic, "Because I declined to interact of my own accord!"

You exclaim in Ilithic, "I have done nothing to require me to decline interaction!"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I have requested it."

You say in Ilithic, "And I am sorry, but I cannot grant it."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "The ability to make physical contact with that man is more important to you than your husband's request?"

You say in Ilithic, "This is about more than physical contact with him."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Is it really?"

You say in Ilithic, "This is about my ability to choose my friends."

You say in Ilithic, "And how I act around them."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I would deeply enjoy if you chose friends who I did not believe would gladly stab -me- in the back on a whim."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "The grave is dug deeper with each one of these events, I imagine."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Seems likely that you tell them I am unreasonable, causing their hatred to rise even more."

You ask in Ilithic, "Who then on all of Elanthia do you believe would not do that to you?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Who on all of Elanthia would you tell I am a good man?"

You ask in Ilithic, "You actually believe that I am trying to turn them all against you?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "They certainly seem to be against me one way or another."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Are you trying to disuade them from that?"

You say in Ilithic, "People are free to make their own decisions based on your actions without me having to sway them one way or another."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Nor do you care to explain for me."

Your red ruby on your forehead glows hotly.

You ask in Ilithic, "Explain for you what?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "I do not know.  Whatever it would take for me to not be hated by all of your friends.  Or do you not want that to happen?"

You ask in Ilithic, "Do I not want what to happen?"

The soft fragrance of a bouquet of silver roses twines the air in a gentle embrace before drifting away again.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "For your friends to like me."

You ask in Ilithic, "You think I -want- all of my friends to hate you?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You do not try to stop them from doing so."

You slap Xelten!  Ow!

Xelten stares blankly into the distance.

You exclaim in Ilithic, "I have done -everything- to try and make people like you!"

Xelten quietly asks in Ilithic, "Am I that horrible then?"

You ask in Ilithic, "What do you think?"

You say in Ilithic, "I do not understand what you expect me to do here."

Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "You married me.  I hoped that meant you do not think I am horrible at all."

You say in Ilithic, "I married you because you were not horrible then.  You are the only person who can prevent you from becoming
horrible now."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Suddenly seems to be rather lonely, a feeling I've not had in years."

Xelten gazes at you.

You ask in Ilithic, "What is that supposed to imply?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "It says directly that I would expect you to help me in all things."

You ask in Ilithic, "Am I supposed to just kneel down before you and do everything you ask of me?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Hardly."

You say in Ilithic, "I have done all I can to help you in everything."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Rather, I do not believe I ask you to do anything that you should not wish to do, though I suppose I have grown to be mistaken now."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I shall say it this way."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I do not want to have to worry about a man fondling my wife.  As such, unless Taleek becomes my friend, he should not have any such contact with you, since he obviously has -some- manner of interest in my opinion."

Your red ruby moves slightly in its place on your forehead.

You say in Ilithic, "Taleek is with Coryne.  He has no interest in me beyond friendship."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I do not believe that."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You may believe it, but I do not."

You angrily say in Ilithic, "If I stopped being friends with every man you ever thought had an interest in me I would be out of a job and have no friends."

You glare at Xelten.

Xelten stares deeply into your eyes.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Then perhaps you should do something to correct the situation."

You flail your arms about.

You ask in Ilithic, "What do you think I have been trying to do?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I corrected the issue of him kissing you, and now his hate of me is greater than before."

You say in Ilithic, "It was not kissing."

You sigh heavily.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You even agreed that you did not want him doing it."

You ask in Ilithic, "It was a friendly peck, the same that he gives all of his friends.  What would you have said if I told you that I was fine with it?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Are you then?"

You say in Ilithic, "He told you himself that he would have remembered had he actually kissed me."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Since you no longer consider it a kiss, does that mean he continues to do it?"

You say in Ilithic, "Once, since you spoke with him, but it was likely an accident since he did so with all of us standing there."

Xelten's body grows taut and ready as he clenches his fist.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Did you remind him not to?"

You say in Ilithic, "I already said, it was likely an accident..."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Likely.  So you did not confirm it."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Thus I insist it was far from accidental."

You say in Ilithic, "I politely stepped away afterward."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "It was a direct insult to me."

You say in Ilithic, "He meant nothing by it."

Tiny shadows slowly crawl out from Xelten's circle of obsidian like burrowing worms.  As the shadows reach his eyes they turn completely black.  After a brief pause, the shadows vanish, returning the eyes to normal.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed?  I say he meant that he cares not for the agreement we made, and that he believes he can have his way with -my- wife."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "NO man has his way with my wife but her husband."

You say in Ilithic, "He does not wish to have his way or any way with me.  Taleek and I are just friends."

You say in Ilithic, "He is with Coryne."

You say in Ilithic, "She is the only woman he kisses."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "If either of you respected me in the least, he would not be doing what -I- consider a kiss since I asked him not to."

You ask in Ilithic, "Do you think I go to him and let him do things behind your back?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I do not care how powerful he is, I will kill him for this unless he apologizes before I have the chance."

Your jaw drops.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "If necessary, I will slay every man who -looks- at you until the point is made that no man touches Ayrell Tyrsin."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Not without the permission of Xelten Tyrsin, at any rate."

You gaze silently at Xelten.

You say in Ilithic, "That is a ridiculous statement."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I agree, but it seems it needs to be made, since you apparently cannot judge who I would and would not object to."

You ask in Ilithic, "Soon you will be saying that no man is allowed to speak of my name.  When will it move to you just locking me up in the house and forbidding me to see anyone other than you?"

You glare at Xelten.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Would you rather I send you off to cuddle with the first man you see?"

Your red ruby on your forehead glows hotly.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Until this point, I have been -quite- reasonable."

You exclaim in Ilithic, "Do I look like I want to run off and cuddle with other men?  If I was that kind of woman, I would have done so already, but I have not because I am your wife and that means something to me!"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Then why can you not respect -one- request with -one- man?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Is his embrace really that wonderful?"

You gawk at Xelten.

The soft fragrance of a bouquet of silver roses twines the air in a gentle embrace before drifting away again.

You slap Xelten!  Ow!

(Xelten catches your hand before impact.)

You gaze at Xelten.

You angrily say in Ilithic, "How dare you accuse me of such."

(Ayrell struggles to pull her hand away, keeping her eyes intently on Xelten.)

Xelten sternly says to you in Ilithic, "Listen to me, Ayrell.  I have made no absurd requests.  All I have asked is that you respect my wishes on this one instance.  I ask very little of you."

(Xelten keeps hold of your hand.)

You say in Ilithic, "You are asking me to cut ties with a good friend of mine."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "No.  I do not mind if you are friends with him.  For the Void's sake, I do not care if you hug him.  I do not care if you lean on him.  I do not care if you kiss him on the cheek.  I do care, however, when you directly contradict my desires.  I do care when you choose his touch over mine.  I do care when someone who has made himself my -enemy- has his hands on my wife."

You exclaim in Ilithic, "He does not put his hands on me!  I have never "chosen" his touch over yours!"

Deep shadows gather under Xelten's eyes and around his face, giving him a menacing appearance.

kick Xel
You can't quite manage to kick while sitting.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "The other day you left me standing there as I watched you and he so full of joy together."

You gaze at Xelten.

You say in Ilithic, "Were we involved in the same situation?  I saw nothing even remotely resembling that."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Perhaps you were busy examining the musculature of his arms."

(Ayrell struggles against Xelten again as if trying to strike out at him again.)

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I did, after all, get little more than a glance and a hesitant hello."

(Xelten prevents you from striking.)

You exclaim in Ilithic, "Let me go!"

You glare at Xelten.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I will not ever let you go."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Unless you truly do wish to be free of me."

(Xelten opens his hand.)

(Ayrell pulls her hands back.)

You glare at Xelten.

You say in Ilithic, "I wish to be free of your accusations."

You ask in Ilithic, "Do you have any idea how humiliating they are?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "About as humiliating for a man's wife to not even wish to be seen with him in public?"

You say in Ilithic, "Earlier with the Consul... I could hardly bear to listen to that conversation.  And now..."

You peer quizzically at Xelten.

You ask in Ilithic, "When have I ever denied being seen with you in public?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "What do you want from me, Ayrell?"

You say in Ilithic, "A little respect would be nice."

You sigh.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I would like the same."

You say in Ilithic, "I have shown you more respect than any other woman would have."

Your red ruby on your forehead glows hotly for a moment.

You gaze silently at Xelten.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "I am that undeserving of respect then, am I?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I've truly tried."

You ask in Ilithic, "I am merely stating that I have shown you every ounce of respect that I am capable of giving.  Is that not enough for you?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "What would you like me to say?  That I do not care if you go and let Taleek kiss you, if you join his harem, if you are seen all over him whenever he wants it?"

You say in Ilithic, "He is not going to kiss me!  It is not a "Harem"... And -never- will I be seen "all over him" in the way that you are implying."

(Xelten drums his fingers on the table.)

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Are you seriously going to wear those pants for him?"

You say in Ilithic, "No."

You say in Ilithic, "It was a joke."

The circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead flickers softly, causing shadows to fill his eyes.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You could wear them for me, in private."

Xelten chuckles to himself.

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten ponders.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "It does not matter what I say, does it?"

You say in Ilithic, "I have always taken into consideration your wishes in everything that I have ever done."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed?  Because it does not seem that you care one bit about them in this case."

You say in Ilithic, "I will not let another man do any of the things that you seem to think they are all desperately wanting to do."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I do not like Taleek.  He's made sure of that."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I do not like Coryne.  She is a sinister witch."

You say in Ilithic, "No.  -You- have made sure of that."

Xelten stares deeply into your eyes.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Indeed?  And what, pray tell, have -I- done?"

Your red ruby moves slightly in its place on your forehead.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "He would hardly speak to me well before he began kissing you."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Confronting him only soldified it."

You say in Ilithic, "Well, aside from being snuggly with his woman in the past, you have never been the easiest of people to get along with."

Xelten narrows his eyes.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I was a different man those years ago."

You say in Ilithic, "And perhaps he thinks that you are a bit over controlling of me..."

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you agree?"

You say in Ilithic, "Only he could say for sure..."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you agree?"

You ask in Ilithic, "Would I be arguing with you right now if I did not believe that you were being unreasonable?"

You ask in Ilithic, "Have I ever said anything against you or your wishes in any of the years that we have been together before this point?"

(Xelten drums his fingers on the table.)

You say in Ilithic, "Any other woman in their right mind would have left you that night you and Coryne were fondling each other in my presence and whatever else you did when you met with her without me there afterward... "

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I did nothing."

You say in Ilithic, "And if not then, the things you did with my sister... more than once..."

A pained expression crosses Xelten's face.

Xelten rises to his feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

You glance at Xelten.  His features are hard to make out.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Very well, if you harbor so much hatred for my actions, show me your true feelings."

You ask in Ilithic, "What do you mean?"

Turbulent shadows roil within the circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead, briefly shrouding him in darkness.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "If you despise me for my mistakes, the mistakes that haunt me even now, the things I regret so deeply and that I desire to -never- happen again, then take your blade, Ayrell."

You ask in Ilithic, "You wish to fight me?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "It seems you wish to fight -me-."

You ask in Ilithic, "Have I drawn my blade?"

You say in Ilithic, "If you feel it will settle this, then draw yours and we shall settle it."

Xelten gazes at you.

You stand back up.

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I will say this.  If you strike me down, you may do whatever you want."

You arch your eyebrow.

You ask in Ilithic, "What do you mean?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "But until then, you will honor my request to not be so friendly with an enemy."

You ask in Ilithic, "I have to strike you down in order to remain friends with him as I am?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "That or correct his hatred of me."

You say in Ilithic, "Then in turn you must strike me down in order to stop me from doing so."

Your red ruby pulses against your forehead, giving off a faint glow.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "You would rather die than attempt to bring friendship between Taleek and myself?"

You say in Ilithic, "I would rather die than do anything that required me to give up a friendship that I have no desire to give up.  Regardless of who wins, I will attempt to right things.  But this needs to be settled."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "You -want- to fight me now?"

You say in Ilithic, "You were the one who named the terms."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Fine.  Come and slay me, my wife."

(Xelten steps his right leg back into an L stance.)

You say in Ilithic, "I will not draw my blade until you do."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I will not draw my blade on my unarmed wife."

You say in Ilithic, "Then this fight will be much more difficult for me."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Then you do not wish to win."

You say in Ilithic, "That is not the case.  I wish a fair fight if we are settling things in this fashion.  That requires both of us to either be unarmed or armed."

(Xelten places his hand on the hilt of his iltesh.)

The shadows of a circle of obsidian ebb slowly like the black night sea, darkening Xelten's face and obscuring his expression.

You reach out and touch a gleaming silver scimitar.

(Xelten and Ayrell draw simultaneously.)

Xelten draws forth a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf.

You get a gleaming silver scimitar from inside your leather-covered scabbard.

You point your gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.

Xelten flips his spidersilk cloak over his shoulders.

Xelten points a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.

Xelten steps up to you and says, "I challenge you to The Pain for sullying my honor!"

You accept Xelten's challenge, bowing respectfully.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "First move to the lady."

You ask in Ilithic, "You think I am not good enough to defend your initial attack?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Are you afraid to attack me?"

Xelten keeps a careful eye on you as you try to circle him.
[You're solidly balanced with no advantage.]

Xelten slowly circles around you.
[You're solidly balanced and opponent has slight advantage.]

You ask in Ilithic, "Why would I be afraid?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Indeed, so advance."

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.

You ask in Ilithic, "You wish to force me to act first?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you desire to win?"

You say in Ilithic, "I desire to win a fair fight that I am not given a handicap on."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I said lady is first.  If you've any respect, you will advance.  You need not worry that I will fight you with all of my ability.  I know quite well that I will need it."

Your red ruby on your forehead shifts positions a bit.

You say in Ilithic, "Then advance at the same time as I.  Neither of us need a head start."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Very well."

You begin to advance on Xelten.

Xelten begins to advance on you!

Xelten advances from nearby and is closing steadily.
* Moving with incredible power and control, Xelten charges a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You slap away the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're solidly balanced with no advantage.]

You move into a position to parry.
[You're solidly balanced with no advantage.]

* Driving in with naturally fluid movements, Xelten thrusts a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You fend off the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're solidly balanced with opponent in good position.]

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.
[You're solidly balanced with opponent in better position.]

< Moving as one fluid extension of power, you feint a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten dodges, stepping out of harm's way.
[You're slightly off balance with opponent in good position.]

* Driving in like an adept combatant, Xelten feints a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You slap away the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're slightly off balance with opponent in good position.]

[You're solidly balanced with opponent in strong position.]
* Moving with powerful grace, Xelten slices a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You beat off most of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a solid hit that just barely penetrates the skin to nick the stomach ('Tis but a scratch!).
[You're hurt, solidly balanced with opponent in excellent position.]

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.
[You're hurt, solidly balanced with opponent in excellent position.]

You take in a great breath of air.

< Moving with incredible power and control, you sweep a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten evades, stepping aside in the nick of time.
[You're hurt, nimbly balanced and opponent has slight advantage.]

Xelten stalks you, circling around looking for some weakness.
[You're hurt, nimbly balanced and in good position.]

Your body feels somewhat battered.
Your spirit feels full of life.
You have cuts and bruises about the abdomen.


< With the speed and temerity of a swooping falcon, you feint a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten evades, stepping aside in the nick of time.
[You're hurt, nimbly balanced and in better position.]

* Moving in with powerful grace, Xelten chops a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You repulse the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're nimbly balanced with opponent in very strong position.]

< Moving like a striking snake, you sweep a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten repulses most of the scimitar with a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf.  The scimitar lands a brushing hit to Xelten's left arm.
[You're winded, nimbly balanced and have slight advantage.]

* With the speed and temerity of a swooping falcon, Xelten lunges a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You repulse some of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a solid hit to your right arm.
[You're winded, hurt, nimbly balanced and have slight advantage.]

* Driving in with naturally fluid movements, Xelten thrusts a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You turn aside some of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a hard hit that barely breaks the skin of your right leg.
[You're battered, nimbly balanced with opponent in strong position.]

* Moving like a striking snake, Xelten jabs a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You knock aside most of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a solid hit that nicks your neck, lightly stunning you.
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

Xelten throws his weight into it and shoves you clean off your feet and onto your back.
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

Xelten grabs hold of you in a tight grip.  You grip back!
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten points a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.


Your body feels beat up.
Your spirit feels full of life.
You have minor swelling and bruising around the neck compounded by cuts and bruises about the neck, some tiny scratches to the right arm, minor swelling and bruising around the right leg compounded by cuts and bruises about the right leg, cuts and bruises about the abdomen.


Xelten prevents you from standing.  Perhaps you should break his grip on you somehow or shove him away!
Roundtime: 2 sec.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you submit, my wife?"

You say in Ilithic, "I have not lost."

You shove at Xelten but his grip remains solid.
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent in excellent position.]

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "And how do you expect to win from your back?"

You ask in Ilithic, "We never declared rules for this fight, did we?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "No."

You feel as if that will disrupt about half your current attunement.
Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Tingle spell.

You gesture at Xelten.
You send a soft jolt of electricity from your fingertips toward Xelten.

Xelten grimaces as he drops a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf from his fingers!

You shove at Xelten but his grip remains solid.
[You're battered, extremely imbalanced with opponent dominating.]

Xelten breaks away from your grip!
[You're battered, very badly balanced with opponent in excellent position.]

Xelten picks up a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf.

Your wounds are making standing more difficult.
You stand back up.

Xelten gazes at you.

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.
[You're hurt, somewhat off balance with opponent in good position.]

Deep shadows gather under Xelten's eyes and around his face, giving him a menacing appearance.

You point your gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.

Xelten points a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

You assess your combat situation...

You (off balance) are facing Xelten at melee range.
Xelten (solidly balanced) is facing you at melee range.

You move into a position to parry.
[You're hurt, off balance with opponent in better position.]

< Moving with powerful grace, you feint a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten dodges, stepping clear of danger.
[You're hurt, slightly off balance and opponent has slight advantage.]

* Moving like a striking snake, Xelten feints a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You deflect the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're hurt, slightly off balance and opponent has slight advantage.]

* Driving in with naturally fluid movements, Xelten steps backward and then jabs at you.  You knock aside the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.
[You're hurt, slightly off balance with opponent in better position.]

< Driving in with naturally fluid movements, you step backward and then slice at Xelten.  Xelten slaps away the scimitar with a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf.
[You're hurt, nimbly balanced with no advantage.]

* Moving in with powerful grace, Xelten chops a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You slap away nearly all the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a solid hit to your right eye, lightly stunning you.
[You're beat up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

* Driving in like an unbeatable force, Xelten lunges a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You barely fail to block with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands an extremely heavy hit that ruptures the artery under the left bicep.
[You're smashed up, very badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

Xelten shoves you to your knees.
[You're very badly hurt, badly balanced with opponent overwhelming you.]

You gasp!

Xelten points a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.


Your body feels in bad shape.
Your spirit feels full of life.
You have minor swelling and bruising around the neck compounded by cuts and bruises about the neck, some tiny scratches to the right arm, a severely swollen and deeply bruised left arm with odd protrusions under the skin compounded by a broken left arm with gaping holes, minor swelling and bruising around the right leg compounded by cuts and bruises about the right leg, cuts and bruises about the abdomen, some tiny scratches to the right eye.

Bleeding
            Area       Rate
-----------------------------------------
        left arm       moderate
   inside l. arm       moderate

>clutch my left arm
You wring your hands.

Your wounds are making standing more difficult.
You stand back up.

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.
[You're very badly hurt, somewhat off balance with opponent in good position.]

You wince.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you submit yet?"

You say in Ilithic, "No."

You feel fully balanced again.

You grimace.

Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Ice Patch spell.

Xelten narrows his eyes.

You feel fully prepared to cast your spell.

You gesture at Xelten.

A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Xelten!
Xelten slips on the ice, falling on his rump and gasping as the wind is knocked out of him.

Xelten rises to his feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

< Moving like a striking snake, you sweep a gleaming silver scimitar at Xelten.  Xelten counters the scimitar with a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf.
[You're tired, very badly hurt, off balance and in good position.]

* Moving with powerful grace, Xelten steps backward and then jabs at you.  You repulse nearly all the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a good strike to your right hand.
[You're winded, smashed up, off balance and in better position.]

* Driving in with naturally fluid movements, Xelten sweeps a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You deflect most of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands a good hit to your left arm, lightly stunning you.
[You're winded, terribly wounded, very badly balanced with opponent in very strong position.]

Xelten gazes at you.

* Driving in like an adept combatant, Xelten lunges a curved steel iltesh with an ironwood pommel carved into the shape of a leaf at you.  You turn aside little of the iltesh with a gleaming silver scimitar.  The iltesh lands an overwhelming strike (Oooh, Ayrell's grandkids are going to feel that one!) that pierces clean through from one side of the neck to the other (Looks like a party gag, except for being quite dead).
[You're near death, very badly balanced with opponent in very strong position.]

You see Xelten start to back off just as you lose consciousness.  The challenge has been satisfied!

Your terrible neck wounds are bleeding.  You had best do something about that.

Xelten sheathes his steel iltesh.

Xelten grabs you and drags you out with him.
[Milene's Rose, Tavern]
Roomy and rectangular, the tavern for Milene's Rose is always busy, but strangely never so full that it becomes unbearably crowded.  A booth in the corner allows for privacy, and a bar offers service for the thirsty and the hungry.  There is little sign of disarray anywhere.  You also see the publican.
Also in the room: Mage Xelten.
Obvious exits: east.

Xelten grabs you and drags you east with him.
[Milene's Rose, Front Desk]
Shadows drift in lazy patterns over the gleaming dark wood that compose the floor and walls, digging into the carvings of roses that gracefully climb in vines over the satiny planks.  A black desk serviced by a young man curves out of the east wall.  Stairs lead up, a pattern of black roses woven into the blue carpeting that covers them.  You also see a short flight of steps.
Also in the room: Mage Xelten.
Obvious exits: west, out.

Xelten grabs you and drags you out with him.
[Shard, Ruby Street]
A gentle tranquility wraps this section of Ruby Street despite the fall of night and all the treacherous things its darkness conceals.  An inn built of seasoned wood is the only shop still open here, its windows and doorway bright with the glow of firelight and inviting the attention of those whose work does not end with the loss of sunlight.  A side street leads off into the stableyard of the inn, where the whinnying of horses can be heard.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: north, south.

Xelten grabs you and drags you north with him.
[Shard, Ruby Street]
Oldstyle Elothean architecture takes up most of the street on either side, the fluid, clean lines and golden rectangles of the structures at once efficiently utilizing the space the city has alloted them and aesthetically pleasing.  Out of place to the rest of the street's design is an arched gate of diamondique and steel that rises to the north, its Elven motif cutting rudely into the otherwise purely Elothean scape.  You also see an opulent domed building of marble and glass.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: south.

Your body feels in extremely bad shape!
Your spirit feels full of life.
You have a severely swollen and deeply bruised neck with bones protruding out from the skin compounded by a shattered neck with gaping wounds, some tiny scratches to the right arm, a severely swollen and deeply bruised left arm with odd protrusions under the skin compounded by a broken left arm with gaping holes, minor swelling and bruising around the right leg compounded by cuts and bruises about the right leg, some tiny scratches to the right hand, cuts and bruises about the abdomen, some tiny scratches to the right eye.

Bleeding
            Area       Rate
-----------------------------------------
            neck       severe
        left arm       moderate
     inside neck       very bad
   inside l. arm       moderate
You're unconscious!

Xelten just entered an arched gate of diamondique and steel, dragging you with him.
[Shard, Ruby Street]
The evidence of new Elven construction is readily apparent in the buildings that crouch closest to the Great Tower of Shard on Ruby Street.  The domed Elothean architecture that can be seen dominating the skyline to the south is replaced by rising spires of flanged stone and crystal to the north.  An arched gate of diamondique and steel separates the street to the south.  You also see a crystal-roofed alabaster building.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: north.

Xelten grabs you and drags you north with him.
[Shard, South Entrance of The Great Tower]
A wall composed of the glittering, extremely hard substance known as diamondique wraps around the gardens that circle the Great Tower of Shard.  A granite archway melts out of the otherwise seamless crystalline structure, the slots in its gated front revealing tantalizing slices of what lies beyond the walls.  Ruby Street rolls in from the south to fork off east and west into two paths that skirt the wall and one central path of white quartz that leads into the courtyard of the Tower.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: east, southeast, south, southwest, west.

Xelten grabs you and drags you east with him.
[Shard, Yavash Circle]
The circular wall to the north that hedges in the path shifts from the brick of its eastern half to the glittering diamondique of its western half in a noticeable and surely magical melding of the two substances.  Spikes of crystal jut from the top of the opaque western segment, while pikes of steel poke up out of the other section.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: northeast, west.

Xelten grabs you and drags you northeast with him.
[Shard, Yavash Circle]
Birdsong and the fragrance of orchids floats over the wall that encircles the Great Tower.  A high fence to the west neatly wedges in the path around the Tower, leaving just enough room for two Elves to walk through side-by-side.  The path -- a series of small stones of a multitude of colors -- meanders in a slow arc that vanishes as it curls north and southwest.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: north, southwest.

Xelten grabs you and drags you north with him.
[Shard, East Entrance of The Great Tower]
Sunstone Street ends in a three-way split before an ash arch that serves as the entryway into a flourishing garden.  A tall wall of brick imbedded at the top with pike tips creates a fearsome barrier between the gleaming silver tower beyond the wall, and the city before it.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: north, east, south.

Xelten grabs you and drags you north with him.
[Shard, Yavash Circle]
Fine tendrils of vines curl over the top of the wall that hems in the trail.  The wall melts from plaster where it curves in from the northwest to the solid brick of the wall that sweeps in from the south.  The tops of the brick part of the wall have been embedded with black ironwrought pikes, their tips sharp and very pointy.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: south, northwest.

Xelten grabs you and drags you northwest with him.
[Shard, Yavash Circle]
A high plaster wall creates a barrier around which the path curls.  Adjacent to that, the impeccable sides of the lavish homes of the privileged of Shard hem the other side of the path in, leaving little room for navigation.  Crouched beside the path and taking up much of the precious space is a ramshackle building that seems completely out of place.  A barely legible sign hangs over the doorway.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: southeast, west.

Xelten just entered a ramshackle building, dragging you with him.
[Quentin's Healerium]
Loose boards of white-washed wood and a collection of dingy tapestries that reek of dust and mold compose this small, windowless hovel.  Oddly, there is little detectable tell-tale scent of blood, although the walls are splashed liberally with bright red splotches.  A single oil lamp hangs overhead, and the only other light source is the open door leading out.  You also see the healer Quentin.
Also in the room: Mage Xelten.
Obvious exits: out.

Quentin touches you.

You feel a warm tingling sensation for a moment, then he cackles and snickers.
[204 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  5 seconds.

Xelten kneels down before you.

Xelten moves into a position to dodge.

Xelten assesses his combat situation.

Xelten searches around for a moment.

Xelten gazes at you.

You are not sure, but it looks like the blackness you get when you are unconscious.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin says, "Gotta rest!" and plops himself down on the floor.

Xelten works carefully at tending your wounded neck.

Xelten works carefully at tending your wounded left arm.

Quentin continues to rest.

Quentin says, "Hold yer horses, I'm almost ready."

Your red ruby on your forehead dims, then brightens.  A dark gold pattern swirls briefly within the gem before fading.

You slowly wake from being unconscious, acutely aware that you should check yourself for bleeding!

*Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "Do not move yet, you are still injured."

Quentin uses his long knife (or is it a shortsword?) to cut the bandages away from your neck.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
You feel a brief tingling sensation and then notice that you're bleeding.
[84 Dokoras are taken from you.]

Roundtime:  2 seconds.
Xelten works carefully at tending your wounded neck.
Roundtime: 4 sec.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

You see Mage Xelten Tyrsin, Mountain Watcher of Ilithi, an Elf.

You cannot make out his features with the clothing he is wearing.
He has a tattoo of a dragon made of blue ice breathing white flames on his back.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing some midnight black gloves, a shoulder sack, an elegant spidersilk traveler's backpack, a misty grey spidersilk cloak clasped with a sapphire crafted to resemble a majestic swan, a shadowy black mage's robe shot through with silver and red threads, a belted viper-skin baldric fastened with a chiseled iron dragon buckle, a double-wrapped black leather sword belt inlaid with silver swans, a pair of crisp black leather knee boots with polished silver buckles, some bronze spiked knuckles, some steel-toed footwraps with silver buckles, a silver ring bearing the crest of the Warrior Mage Guild, an albredine crystal ring and a platinum wedding band set with dozens of tiny sapphires.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[150 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin uses his long knife (or is it a shortsword?) to cut the bandages away from your neck.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[162 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

Quentin uses his long knife (or is it a shortsword?) to cut the bandages away from your left arm.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
You feel a brief tingling sensation and then notice that you're bleeding.
[54 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

Xelten works carefully at tending your wounded left arm.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[132 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin uses his long knife (or is it a shortsword?) to cut the bandages away from your left arm.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
You feel a brief tingling sensation and then notice that you're bleeding.
[66 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

*You quietly say in Ilithic, "You should have just killed me..."

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[174 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "You know that I would not."

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[84 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*You quietly say in Ilithic, "There would have been more honor in it for me..."

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "And more pain in it for me."

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[120 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

*You gaze off into the distance blankly.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[108 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*(Ayrell closes her eyes.)

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right leg, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[72 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

*You quietly say in Ilithic, "Very well.  I am a woman of honor.  I will respect your terms.  I will keep my distance from Taleek..."

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right leg, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[54 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*Xelten gazes at you.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your abdomen, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[60 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

A shadow spreads across Xelten's face from his circle of obsidian, briefly conquering the light before all returns to normal.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[54 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*You quietly say in Ilithic, "Tell me the specifics of what I can and cannot do so that I may honor it."

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your left arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[54 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

*Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "We can discuss that later."

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin says, "Gotta rest!" and plops himself down on the floor.

*You quietly say in Ilithic, "It should be discussed now."

*Xelten quietly says in Ilithic, "At home, after you are healed."

Quentin continues to rest.

Quentin says, "Hold yer horses, I'm almost ready."

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right arm, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[54 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right hand, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[48 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right eye, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[48 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right leg, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[36 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your neck, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[30 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right eye, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[30 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right leg, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[18 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

Your red ruby pulses against your forehead, giving off a faint glow.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Convinced that your desire for knowledge is sincere, Xelten lectures you at great length on the best way to improve your first aid techniques.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your right hand, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[18 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.
Quentin glances oddly at you and then touches your abdomen, snickering all the while.  After a moment it feels better.
[18 Dokoras are taken from you.]
Roundtime:  2 seconds.

Xelten rises to his feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

As Quentin mumbles a few words, his wounds are miraculously healed.

Quentin whispers, "Just between you and me and the Queen, I think you don't really need healing.  Are you just my friend or something?"

You rise to a kneeling position.

You stand back up.

Xelten stretches out a hand imploringly to you.

You sheathe the gleaming silver scimitar in your leather-covered scabbard.

You gaze down at the floor.

You stand near Xelten.

You take your rightful place beside Xelten.

Mage Xelten's group just went out.
[Shard, Yavash Circle]
A high plaster wall creates a barrier around which the path curls.  Adjacent to that, the impeccable sides of the lavish homes of the privileged of Shard hem the other side of the path in, leaving little room for navigation.  Crouched beside the path and taking up much of the precious space is a ramshackle building that seems completely out of place.  A barely legible sign hangs over the doorway.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: southeast, west.

(TRAVEL)

Mage Xelten's group just went east.
[Shard, Pearl Street]
A peach tree spreads its twisted limbs over a green area at the end of the cul-de-sac.  White wooden benches painted with images of flowers and birds stand along the edge of the grass, providing a comfortable place for local residents to gather.  You also see a baked brick home, a white stucco cottage, an abandoned oak frame cottage, an abandoned pine-trimmed house, a stone block dwelling, a stone block dwelling, a stone block house, and an oak frame house with vibrant red roses and ivy twining across the arch of its door.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious paths: west.

A light breeze sways through the branches of the tree.

You unlock the door to an oak frame house.

You open the door to an oak frame house.

Xelten walks through the door of an oak frame house.

You walk through the door of the house.
[Ayrell's Home]
Walls of polished ebonwood and an ebony tile floor covered by an ebony and silver silk rug enclose this small room.  In one corner lies an elegant ivory velvet settee, and near the settee sits an elegant black lacquered desk with a blue-tinted crystal bud-vase and a crystal hourglass with etched silver caps on it.  A darkened oak mantel fireplace burns along the far wall.  The room holds a mild scent of lavender.  You also see a high arched stained glass window, a door, an arch-backed ebonwood chair that is facing the desk and a glacial white Ilithic cat.
Also here: Mage Xelten.
Obvious exits: none

Xelten pulls down the hood of his cloak.

You gaze down at the floor.

Xelten closes the door.

Xelten rattles the handle of the door.

Xelten closes the window.

(Xelten hangs his cloak.)

Xelten sits down on the settee.

Xelten gets a charcoal grey cowl from inside his thigh quiver.

Xelten puts a charcoal grey cowl on his head.

Xelten gestures at an elegant ivory velvet settee.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Come and sit with me."

You stand near Xelten.

A glacial white Ilithic cat sits down, sniffing at the tile floor.

You sit down on the settee.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I took no pleasure whatsoever in doing that."

The shadows surrounding the circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead deepen, momentarily shrouding his face in darkness.

You gaze down at the floor.

Xelten is looking at you very closely.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "You knew that I would not be able to win."

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Did you try?"

You quietly say in Ilithic, "Of course I tried."

(Xelten pulls down your hood and rests his hand on your neck, turning your head to look in his eyes.)

You pull down your cloak's hood, revealing your features.

You gaze at Xelten.

A glacial white Ilithic cat stands up.

A glacial white Ilithic cat scratches at the door.

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "And do you love me still?"

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "Whatever made you think that I ever stopped?"

(Xelten gestures for you to come closer.)

You scoot over near Xelten.

Xelten rubs your neck.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "I am awaiting the rest of the terms."

(Xelten puts a finger on your lips.)

Xelten gazes at you.

Your red ruby on your forehead shifts positions a bit.

(Xelten withdraws the finger and lowers that hand to rest on the far side of your stomach.)

Xelten leans forward.

Xelten kisses you, letting his lips linger.

Xelten gazes at you.

You gaze at Xelten.

(Xelten keeps his lips hovering just over yours.)

(Ayrell remains perfectly still, her eyes on Xelten.)

Xelten gives you a gentle kiss.

A glacial white Ilithic cat scratches at the door.

Your red ruby moves slightly in its place on your forehead.

A glacial white Ilithic cat sits down.

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten gazes at you.

Xelten rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "You still have not answered my question..."

A glacial white Ilithic cat sits down.

Xelten softly asks in Ilithic, "And what question would that be?"

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "The terms.  What are the specifics?"

Xelten ponders.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "The terms... hmm."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "The terms are as follows."

Xelten gazes at you.

You gaze at Xelten.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "You will behave however you see fit and be friends with whoever you feel is your friend.  You will, however, attempt to the extent of your abilities to have your friends be friends not only to you but to your husband as well."

Xelten lies down on the settee.

The circle of obsidian on Xelten's forehead flickers softly, causing shadows to fill his eyes.

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "Then what of Taleek?"

You quietly say in Ilithic, "He was the one specified in the initial terms."

A glacial white Ilithic cat cleans her paws energetically.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "I believe I have said all I need to say on it.  It applies to all of your friends."

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "And if I cannot fix the issue with Taleek?  Or until that point?"

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Behave as you feel you should, and inform me if any behavior -you- find improper does occur.  His case, however, requires the most attention in fixing things."

A glacial white Ilithic cat stretches out on the tile floor.

You gaze off into the distance blankly.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "Very well."

Your red ruby on your forehead dims drastically for a moment.

(Xelten looks at your face.)

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "Do you still intend to speak with him?"

Xelten asks in Ilithic, "Do you think it would help the situation if I did?"

You quietly say in Ilithic, "I do not know anymore."

Xelten says in Ilithic, "We will see then."

You quietly ask in Ilithic, "If you do... might I request to be there with you?"

Xelten nods.

You give a slight nod.

A glacial white Ilithic cat stands up.

A glacial white Ilithic cat rubs up against you.

You quietly say in Ilithic, "I am... very tired..."

Xelten gives a slight nod.

Xelten says in Ilithic, "Let us rest."

You snuggle up to Xelten and rest your head on his shoulder, cradling him in your arms.

Xelten rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

Xelten smiles.

A glacial white Ilithic cat scratches at the door.

A glacial white Ilithic cat sits down.

quit