IceAndWave/FiveMountainsAndTheWind2

Five Mountains and the Wind, Part 2

In which lies are uncovered, injustice undone, and (im)mortal gratitude earned...

The 6th Day of Descending Water, Realm Year 763

Sian, well, falls. A lot. He lets out a surprised yell as he does so. With a bone-wrenching jerk, he connects with a cross-shaft beam, and he comes to a sudden stop. He lets out another cry, one of extreme pain, and all the breath whooshes out of him. He lies there, limp, aching and exhausted.

Sian feels his wounded wrist carefully, after a moment of clearing his head, then looks up the shaft.

An echoing voice calls out from far above... "SI-aaaaaaannn!"

Sian winces again, but calls back. "I'm okay..." If a little sore, but hell, better than being dead.

"What happened? I'm coming down!"

"No, no... stay there. I'll be up in a minute."

"I found some rope!" Aia's voice is much closer, "I'll be there soon."

"Sure, sure... come on down." He sighs, as she is apparently not listening.

Aia drops down into the passage where Sian sits, "Oh my! You look terrible!" She rushes forwards and brushes his hair away, her fingers coming back slightly bloodied.

"Ah. Sorry." He tests out his wrist, wincing at the resulting pain.

"What happened?"

"I fell. See? Told you it was a good idea for you to go first." He tries to smile, but that hurts too.

"Silly Sian," she kisses him tenderly, then perks up, "I found a way out just before you fell. Doesn't look like its easy, but it's out of here."

"We still have to talk to Idasho, remember."

"Do you want to talk to him in a place where you can't run away?"

"He's a mountain god, Aia. Inside or outside, he can mash us if we annoy him."

"True. I still don't like it in here, though. It's too... closed-in."

"Ah, yes. Cats don't like enclosed spaces... you like stretching out in front of the fire." He smiles, and caresses her face briefly.

Aia smiles and rubs against Sian's hand, "Yes, we do. Or in a nice warm bath." She stands up, pulling Sian to his feet (with some effort), "Should we get out of here or not, then?"

"We'll get outside, at least. Then we'll try to talk to Idasho again..." He pokes the wall. "If nothing, back to town for the night, then back to Komoro to explain the situation."

Aia wraps the rope around Sian's waist and moves out to the edge. "Be more careful this time, OK?"

"Mhmm. This time I'll actually look at where I'm grabbing, instead of at your butt."

She giggles and wiggles it playfully at Sian, before disappearing up the shaft. "OK - I'm ready!" she calls down.

Sian takes careful hold, and starts to slowly climb up.

The climb up the shaft is slower than before, but far safer. Aia moves up a level at a time before tying the rope off to give Sian some security as he climbs. Eventually, they reach the level Aia mentioned, and from the end of a short tunnel cold sunlight shines in, mountains visible through the small gap in the wall.

Sian sighs as he reaches solid ground again. "Thanks. And wow, that light looks good."

Aia walks slowly over to the window, which appears to be just over two feet square and uneven, "It looks like they cut too close to the surface here."

"Well, their mistake has helped us greatly. You first."

She sticks her head out through the window, and then squeezes and pulls and wriggles her body through. "Brrr... it's cold out here."

Sian works his way through as well, after digging the hole a little larger. "Refreshing, though." He pulls their packs through after him.

The hole in the mountainside that Aia and Sian climbed through appears to be some distance up from the now-blocked entrance. The peak, still clear of the clouds that surround its brothers, rises sheer above them, a needle piercing the startlingly azure sky.

Sian brushes some dust out of his hair. "Right... up we go, I guess."

The late afternoon sun beats down, a black shadow slowly creeping around the mountain as the climb gets steeper and the air gets chillier. The lack of cloud keeps the cold dry, preventing it from penetrating the clothes of the climbers. Sian is somewhat grateful for that, as he takes hold of a rock and begins the ascent.

The climb continues, the breath of the climbers almost freezing as soon as it leaves their mouths, and from above on the peak comes a soft, musical lilting sound. Sian tries to focus on his handholds as much as possible.

A ledge just above provides a welcome respite from the climb, Aia sitting down and trying to catch what little air she can this high up. "Can you... *gasp* hear that?"

"Whoo..." He takes a long breath. "Yeah."

The musical sounds come to slowly resemble words, unintelligible but definitely someone speaking with a voice that sounds like a flute.

"Hrm. Can you make sense of that?"

Aia's ears perk up and she listens intently, barely moving, "No... but it sounds like someone... singing?"

"Sena, you think?"

"Could be. I didn't meet a lot of wind spirits at Osikuthe's, and my mother dealt more with gods of Man than Nature."

Sian nods. "Guess we'll find out soon. Ready to keep going?"

"Yes. Idasho's taller than Koromo, isn't he?"

"From what I remember." He starts up the mountain once more. The climb is slow and difficult, Aia keeping ahead with her natural knack at climbing and helping out the less limber Sian with ropes where necessary, until they reach a plateau near the peak.

Sian gives Aia a smile, grateful for all her help, as they arrive. The singing comes from inside a hemispherical cage, formed from a yellow crystal and kept within a series of glowing marks of occult power.

Sian approaches them carefully, not yet breaking the circle. "Sena?"

The singing stops and a voice, quietly musical speaks, "Who's there? Is that you Koromo? Why do you keep me here?"

"I'm not Koromo. My name is Sian Nerivus; I'm an emissary of the Syndics, from Whitewall."

"Why would the Syndics send someone? We haven't requested any help, and although my wounds are grave my husband is looking after me as best he can."

Sian blinks a little. "Five Peaks, the town, sent for me. Koromo won't allow the miners into him, because you went missing. You're on Idasho's peak right now."

"Idasho? That cannot be! I know my husband," there's movement inside the cage, and a womans face appears. Ethereally beautiful, with long hair that flows behind her like a cloud, her eyes are ruined, open sockets. "He saved me after the attack, and brought me here to heal."

Sian looks at her with a worried frown. "Well, you are on Idasho at the moment. What attack do you refer to?"

"I was returning to my husband when some strange creatures attacked me. I fought but... there were too many and I fell." She cries out, "When I awoke I was blind! Koromo found me and brought here to recover." She frowns, "Why would Koromo take me to Idasho when they do not care for each other?"

"I don't think Koromo had anything to do with it. He thinks you no longer love him, and have given him up in favor of his brother."

"Oh no!" Sena staggers back, her face in her hands, "My poor, poor Koromo. He thinks me lost to him!"

"Looks like Idasho has a few things to answer for."

"Please, take me to my husband. I must see..." a gasp, "I must speak with him. Please."

Sian nods, and steps towards the barrier slowly. The marks on the ground glow and throb, Essence spilling out onto the stone. Experimentally, he puts a hand into one of the Essence streams.

The Essence catches his hand, snaring it and pulling him down towards the mark, which glows malevolently. Sian pulls it out quickly. "Well, that's not good."

Aia taps Sian on the shoulder, "Umm... where's Idasho?"

"Hopefully paying attention to something else. Sena, if I free you, can you take us out of here?"

Sena replies, "Us? How many are there?"

"Just two. Me and my companion, and she's light."

"I can, but hurry... Koro... Idasho will return soon, he always visits me at sunset." The reddening sky shows how close that is.

Sian looks momentarily alarmed. "That's very soon indeed." He pulls out a javelin and starts scribbling hurriedly across one of the runes, choosing speed over subtlety. It crumbles beneath Sian's expert assault, Essence sparking and then dissipating harmlessly into the mountain, the remainder of the symbols flare briefly and then die.

Sian looks up at the air-spirit. "Can you move now?"

Sena feels around, somewhat sadly for someone who was an air spirit, "Once I find the door..."

Sian looks at the cage carefully for just such a door. "Here, let me."

She smiles warmly at where she thinks Sian is, "Thank you," and steps out of the cage. She breathes in deeply, and colour seems to flow back into her, her hair streams out until it forms a small cloud behind her - but her eyes remain blind, the sockets empty.

"I can see why Komoro loves you so, lady. You are beautiful." He takes her hand, helping guide her away from the erratically-pulsing runes.

She smiles again, "Why thank you, young one..." There is an annoyed cough from Aia.

Sian looks back at the catgirl with a serious expression, slightly admonishing, before he turns back to Sena. "We had best be going. Sunset is nearly here."

"You are right, and I hunger to be with my husband again." Sena stretches out her arms and the wind picks up drastically around her, "Take my hands. You must be my eyes."

Sian gestures to Aia as he squeezes the hand he holds. "Of course."

The wind blows at almost storm strength, and yet moves around the three atop the mountain, leaving them in little more than a light breeze. The storm gathers and builds, and then lifts Aia, Sena and Sian into the air, carrying them up and off the mountain.

Sian directs the spirit with quiet words, occasionally glancing at Aia. The sun touches the horizon, the sky now a dark purple overhead, and from the peak of Idasho a scream of pure rage is heard, a thousand earthquakes filled with hate. "SENAAAAAAAAAA!"

Sian looks back worriedly for any incoming boulders.

Idasho disappears into the blackness behind, but the sounds of raging anger remain. "Where is Koromo?" Sena asks, "Guide me."

Sian resumes his direction, calm words keeping her on track.

The mountain appears ahead, its snow-capped peak bright in the moonless night, and Sena Riel's storm loses height as it approaches, eventually depositing the three gently on the peak that Sian visited earlier that same day.

"Koromo!" He calls out as they land.

"Koromo! My sweet Koromo!" Sena joins in, and then a voice rumbles, "Sena, is that you? You've come back to me!"

Sian stands back, releasing the spirit's hand and taking Aia's instead.

Koromo steps out of his side and looks down at Sena, "Who did this to you? Who hurt you so? Was it Idasho, that traitor?!" Sena replies, "Later, my love. We can talk later. We should thank the representative from Whitewall first."

Sian waves his free hand. "No thanks needed. I'm just doing my job."

"It is not possible for me to thank you enough for what you have done," Koromo stands before Sian, "You have brought back to me the one thing in Creation I truly love. There are no words..."

"Really. It's fine."

"I..." he turns back to look at Sena, obviously ecstatic to see her, "I will do what I can for her. And, should you ever need my help, if I can provide it I will."

Sian nods a little. "Just look after her. That's enough for me."

"Yes. Thank you." And with that he returns to his wife.

Sian puts an arm around Aia. "Come on. We're done here."

Aia sniffles slightly, a tear on her cheek. "They're so happy. And it's so sad..."

"You mean her eyes?" He gently brushes the tear away.

"Yes. She's so pretty, but her eyes..."

"Like I said, there's an air court not far from here. I want to stop there and see if there's anything they can do."

"OK," she sniffles again, "Do we head down now?"

"Yeah. Warm fire and a good meal, hopefully."

Walking down the side of a mountain at night is not normally the safest thing to do, but when spontaneously created quartz crystals light up at the edge of a smooth path it is much easier, and so Aia and Sian travel down the side of Koromo quickly and easily, arriving in the town of Five Peaks in less just over an hour. Sian is very tired, however, still fatigued from the fall. "Thanks for all your help today. And I'm supposed to be the one looking after you." He smiles.

Aia grins back, "Well, next time I'll fall down the mineshaft.

"Ack, please don't. I don't want to see you hurt."

"Only teasing," she smiles, and then points, "Here comes Jovis..."

Sian waves slightly at the man. "Hey."

"Lord Nerivus, we feared the worst after the sounds from Koromo..." he looks apprehensive, "Is there news?"

"There is. He has agreed to allow the miners back."

"Praise the Dragons! How can we ever thank you, Lord Sian?"

"No need; it's my job. Though a warm meal wouldn't go amiss."

"Of course! Of course! The best Five Peaks can offer!" He rushes back into the town, to get everything ready.

Sian follows him a little slower. "Or, you know, something faster..."

The food that awaits the pair upon their return to the guest house almost covers the table. Several cushions are arrayed around it, and Aia immediately rushes forwards and begins to eat the roast leg of some kind of bird. "Mmmm..."

Jovis takes a cushion and asks, "What happened, Lord Sian? How did you get Koromo to agree to let our miners back?"

Sian finishes his mouthful of veal, before responding (unlike Aia, who is making loud "mmm!" noises around her food). "Idasho had kidnapped his brother's wife, Sena. We returned her to Koromo."

"Idasho did that? Why would he do such a thing?"

Sian shakes his head. "I don't know. Jealousy? Bitterness?" He shrugs. "I did notice something odd, though. Idasho is one of the mined-out mountains, correct?"

"Yes. He was the first one, and his mines ran dry almost a century ago now."

"Well, we saw spirits inside him mining gems. Quite a lot of them."

"How very strange. Why did Idasho not tell us of these gems, I wonder?"

"No idea." He takes another bite of his food.

"Well, that is neither here nor there at present. The miners will want to see you tomorrow before they return to their work inside Koromo."

"Me? What for?"

"You gave them their livelihoods back. You have saved Five Peaks from starvation or worse. News has already spread, and only the fact that I told the guards that you wanted a good night's sleep first is keeping this room from being packed with people."

Sian groans. "Why do people always feel the need to throw me parties? It's just my job..."

Aia pipes up, her voice barely intelligible as she chews on what looks like half a chicken, "You should... *munch*... take it, Sian. It'll be nice. *munch*"

Sian pats her on the back, helping her swallow a particularly large bite. "Yeah, I'll go. It just feels odd having all this attention paid to me, though."

Aia belches suddenly in an extremely unladylike fashion, and giggles & blushes, "Pardon me..." before returning to her food.

Jovis enquires, "Will you be there then, Lord Sian?"

"I will, yeah."

"Thank you, my lord." Jovis stands, bows, and makes his exit. Aia, meanwhile, appears to have stuffed herself solid again, leaning back on the cushions and rubbing her fully belly.

"Feeling better?" He finishes what's left of his own food.

"Oooo..." she sighs, "Much better. Warm and full." She stretches out fully, every joint and muscle adding to the effect.

Sian smiles. "Wanna go warm up by the fire?"

She sits up and smiles back, "Wanna warm up with me?"

"Of course, oh most illustrious mistress of mine." He takes her hand and gestures elaborately with the other.

Aia gets to her feet and walks up the stairs, back to the room set aside for Sian. There is a roaring fire within, despite the weather on this night being somewhat at odds with the howling blizzard of last night, and sits down gracelessly in front of it.

Sian settles down behind her, putting arms (carefully) around her waist. "Thanks again. I'd probably be dead now if not for you... crushed by that boulder, or trapped down the bottom of that shaft."

She snuggles back against Sian, "It's OK. I'll collect on these debts later." She giggles as your cold hands run over her belly.

Sian grins. "I'll hold you to that." He kisses gently across her neck.

"Mmm..." she shivers, "Keep doing that and it may get even warmer in here."

Sian reaches up and scratches an ear, very slowly. "Mmm... how about that?"

"That works, too..." she moves one of Sian's hands up, to her breasts.

Sian squeezes gently. "Sorry if I worried you earlier... you know, complimenting Sena like that. I just wanted to reassure her that she was still lovely, even with the eyes."

Aia smiles, and turns her head to kiss Sian, "I know, silly. But I couldn't not say something." She smiles, "And don't stop squeezing."

Sian laughs into the kiss. "Your wish is my command, mistress." He slowly and carefully begins to strip her out of her clothing.

She turns to face Sian, her hands covering her breasts and smiles, "So... which part of me do you like best?"

"Oh, that's a fair question. I don't think any man in history has answered this one correctly."

"At least I didn't ask which part you like -least-," she giggles.

"True." He sits back and considers her, managing not to leer �too� much.

Aia drops her hands and twists from side to side.

Sian laughs. "Honestly, I can't decide. You're far too beautiful for me to just pick one bit."

"Good answer." She leaps forwards and lands on top of Sian, pressing her breasts into his chest and kissing him.

Sian is quite happy to be on the receiving end of this. "The only way I'm going to be able to decide is through long... careful... inspection..." He kisses her softly inbetween each word.

"Where would my lord Sian care to inspect first?" She giggles at your kisses.

"Hmm..." His hands start a-roaming. "Not sure. I'll make it up as I go along."

"I'm sure that Ooooh!... you will."

"Yes indeed." He pulls her down to him again, and soon the 'inspection' is in full swing.

Aia moans, "Perhaps I should... inspect something, too? Like this?" She tugs lightly.

Sian shivers. "What, my main inspection tool? That's a little unfair..." He scratches the base of her tail.

"It would be a very, very thorough inspection." She kisses to show how thorough. Aia continues with her 'inspection' for considerably longer than is really necessary.

Sian eventually manages to return the favor, continually amazed at how flexible she is. "Ooooh, Sian..." Aia breathes.

Sian very carefully picks her up and turns her around, sitting up and settling her into his lap. "Shh. Just give me a kiss, beautiful girl."

"I'll give you more than a kiss..." She leans forwards, her body moving.

Sian engages her with both kiss and promised action, making love gently to her before the fire.

Aia arches and moans, her body gleaming from the heat both without and within.

Sian gazes at her with lidded eyes, softly kissing her at each moan and stretch. He holds her close as the pleasure starts to build.

She leans forwards and bites at Sian's neck, moving up and down over him.

Sian smiles faintly at that, reaching up a hand to scratch her ears, providing pleasure from both top and bottom.

Aia gasps, moaning, moving more urgently.

Sian cannot last any longer, and no doubt she is the same, and he holds her tight against him as the pleasure overtakes them both.

Groaning, shuddering, Aia cries out as her mind is washed with ectasy.

Sian caresses her face gently when it's over, looking at her with a tender expression. "Beautiful girl."

Aia smiles softly, "My lovely Sian..." pressing up against him and nuzzling.

Sian nuzzles back a little, noticing dazedly the sheen of sweat along her back. He rubs the base of her spine gently. "'s funny..."

"Mmm... what's funny?"

"I've never... never felt so comfortable with a girl before." He kisses her neck to demonstrate this.

"Been with many have you?"

"A few. The North can be lonely... I hope you don't mind."

Aia giggles, "Of course not. How could I, given my post at Osikuthe's court?"

Sian smiles. "Fair enough. You understand that I might have to again, as part of business? Sex can be a powerful bargaining tool..." He looks at her seriously.

Aia sighs, "I understand. I don't have to like it, but I understand."

"Don't worry... you'll be the one I come back to." He smiles faintly. "And there is no way in Creation or Malfeas that I'll make you do anything like that. You're your own person, now."

"Thank you," she snuggles back.

Sian wraps his arms about her again. "'course, now I don't wanna move. This is far too comfortable."

"You are quite right," Aia purrs, "Far too comfortable..." her head drops down onto Sian's chest.

Sian scoots back a little, leaning against the bed and dragging a blanket down to drape over her. "You can sleep there, if you like. I certainly don't mind."

"As long as you're here..." she murmurs.

Sian scratches her ears, watching her slowly begin to fall asleep. "You really like staying with me, don't you?"

"Mmm... yes."

Sian finds himself to be flattered. "I very much enjoy your company too. G'night, Aia." He tilts her head up gently to give her a goodnight kiss, then settles her back again.

A dreamless sleep comes quickly for the pair, and morning arrives too quickly, the light of the sun filling the room, Aia still curled up in Sian's arms.

The 7th Day of Descending Air, Realm Year 763

"Mmm..." Sian wakes up slowly, Aia the first thing he sees. The sight brings a smile to his face.

"Morning sleepy."

"Morning. Sleep well?"

"Very. Thanks," she kisses him and then grins, "The maid knocked earlier, she wanted to know when you're coming down."

"From this high? Never. You are a drug that I am happily addicted to." He kisses her to stifle any response.

She kisses back happily, running her hands over Sian's back and pulling him in. "Seriously," she says after breaking the kiss, "your adoring crowd is waiting."

"I know, I know. You coming down too?"

"Yes, just as soon as I can get dressed. And breakfast. I'm starving."

Sian smiles. "I'll get something sent up. Take your time." He gives her another kiss, then very reluctantly separates and deposits her on the bed, before hunting around for some clothes.

Aia pulls on her clothes, finding some underwear hanging from the doorknob and giggling before slipping into it.

Sian grins at that, putting on a fairly basic tunic-and-pants getup. "Any breakfast preferences?"

"Lots!"

Sian laughs. "I'll keep that in mind. See you in a bit." He wanders downstairs.

Jovis waits downstairs for Sian, "Good morning, my lord. I hope you slept well."

"Oh, very well. Very well indeed." He gestures to a maid and orders a great deal of food for Aia, before turning back to the headman.

"We have already sent a small party up to Koromo. He was more pleasant than before. Five Peaks can return to normal. Thank you."

"As I said, just doing my job."

"Well, regardless, the miners want to see you before you leave."

Sian nods. "That's why I'm down here."

Movement is visible through the windows of the guest-house and, gathering in the street outside, a large crowd can be seen. Sian looks at them for a moment. "Well, no time like the present." He nods to Jovis, then heads outside.

The crowd of miners roars when Sian emerges, their hands high in the air. Sian can't help but smile. "The Syndics of Whitewall wish you continued prosperity for years to come!"

"Sian! Sian! Sian!" the crowd chants, waving tools and hats in the air.

Sian receives the praise well, despite his slight embarassment.

The crowd continues to chant for a while longer before Jovis stands up and waves his hands for them to quiet down, "Lord Sian has done us a great service, and we are eternally thankful to him. As a token of this gratitude we present him with this," and he beckons for a small boy to come out of the crowd, carrying a little wooden box.

Sian blinks, surprised, but he takes the box from the boy with a grateful smile.

The box, when opened, contains a large crystal, a multi-coloured gemstone, still raw and uncut yet clear and sparkling in the sunlight. Jovis says, "We found this many years ago when we first started mining here. It has been a treasure of our town. Now we give it to you."

"I..." Sian is amazed. "I can't possibly accept this. It is far too valuable, and my service was small..."

"Please, accept it. It is nothing compared to what you have done for us."

"I am honoured. Truly." He closes the box again. "If you should ever need anything from me, please, do not hesitate to ask."

"We thank you, Lord Sian. Truly. You have done this small town a tremendous service."

Sian nods. "You are more, more than welcome."

Jovis says, "We sent a runner down the mountain last night. There is a yeddim-drawn wagon waiting for you and your companion outside the front gate, to take you back to Whitewall."

"Thank you. I honestly have no way to repay this kindness, but thank you."

"You are welcome here any time, Lord Sian."

"Thank you, Jovis. Thank you and your town." He tucks the box under his arm and offers a hand to shake.

Jovis takes the hand hesitantly, and then shakes it, smiling broadly.

Sian shakes it firmly.

Jovis leans forwards, "I'll walk you and your lady-friend to the wagon..." He looks around, "Where is she?"

"Inside, doing her best to empty your kitchen, I suspect."

Jovis grins, "Is she always this hungry?"

"Seems so... costs me a fortune, but I do like having her around."

"I can tell. You're a lucky man, my lord."

"That I am." He looks inside the building, thoughtful. "Well, I'll go and get her, and we'll be on our way."

"Very well, my lord. It was an honour to have you visit our small town."

Sian nods, wandering back inside and locating Aia.