17 March, 2001

Eventually Desdinova, Eric, Flora, Lisle, and Evariste (and his wolf) make it down to the Pattern room.

Desdinova turns and stalks towards the beginning of the Pattern.

Desdinova says "Come here, lass."

Flora stays well back, though, with Eric.

Lisle turns from Flora, boots clipping on the floor to walk to Desdinova, to stand beside him regarding the blue lines.

Desdinova says "This is the beginning."

Desdinova indicates the spot.

Lisle says, "I see."

Desdinova says "Once you step there, there is no turning back."

Desdinova says "Keep moving."

Eric says "Never falter, Lise. Never pause."

Desdinova says "Never stop."

Lisle says, "I will. My father has instructed me just so."

Desdinova says "The beast will fight you - it always does."

Flora adds, "And after, back up to my rooms, here. Or home to the Folly.

Don't range off."

Desdinova says "But he knows better than to make it too hard."

Desdinova smiles wryly at Flora.

Flora's wry smile echoes ever so faintly back.

Desdinova says "As a practiced ruler, I can give you a piece of free advice."

Lisle turns to face it. "Your advice, then I will try it."

Desdinova says "Orders that won't be followed are usually a waste of breath."

Desdinova says "Regardless."

Desdinova says "you have a strong heart and a strong will, and the right blood."

Desdinova says "Success is never guaranteed."

Desdinova says "But I have faith in you."

Desdinova touches Lisle's forehead with a single finger. "Unicorn bless you, and carry you safely through this trial."

Lisle spares another glance to Desdinova as he touches her, then moves forward.

Desdinova steps backwards.

Lisle sets her right foot upon the pattern, boot print outlined in blue-white sparks.

Desdinova lays a hand on Evariste's shoulder.

Evariste turns briefly to Desdinova, then back to Lisle's walk.

Lisle's left foot moves forward then, a few tendrils of hair floating upward, her arms move out, as if balancing, then down to her sides. Crackling spark-sounds come with each step.

Ten more steps, each one with a hiss, each time feminine boots framed in white blue light. Willowy thin, tall woman's form outlined, she turns with the curve of the pattern.

Desdinova glares balefully at the Pattern.

Lisle's steps slow, body leaning forward pressing into some resistance. Hands go to her midriff face changing as if nauseated. Her jaw tightens with determination.

Flora watches Lisle, though. Her eyes hold a little sheen, it is true, but for the most part she looks as if following the steps in a truly beautiful dance -- or fight to death -- either way, a work of art.

Evariste does not allow his expression to waver as he bears witness to the event.

Sparks flash in Lise's blonde hair, each step slow, foot rising, falling. And then a few that are faster, beyond the first veil. She gives a shudder, as if disturbed.

A faint smell of cinnamon rises from Desdinova, and a few curls of pale grey smoke waft out of his cuffs.

Half a dozen more steps, along a curve. When Lise's body turns more toward the others there's a flash of light that reflects blue off the pendant around her neck. At this distance her expression would be hard to read, but if one knows her -- elated.

Evariste glances at Desdinova again.

Evariste mutters to Desdinova, "... are... the... the..."

Evariste's nostrils flare.

Sparks shower at each step, becoming higher and higher, as if she walks through a water of current. Her hands are palms down, now, to each side. She is nearly finished with the curves, approaching an area of straight lines.

Lisle's arms clutch opposite upper arms, teeth chattering as if freezing from cold, or fear, the second veil's opposition can be seen in the slowed pace. Sparks nearly reach the curve of her hips, their contoured path moving around her sword like electromagnetic field lines.

Once more Lise looks a little ill, as though she might be sick. One step. Another, each one accompanied by a shower of light and the crackle of sound. She comes out of the viscous slowness, next five steps more rapid, but still not as easy s the beginning. It's only after the first right turn that the greenness of nausea leaves her face.

Desdinova mutters to Evariste.

Evariste nods to Desdinova, attention focusing back on Lisle.

Flora remains where she is at Eric's side, giving no sign she pays heed to the whispering.

Another right angled turn. Another, the flash of blue light off her pendant nearly periodic, coat opened as arms open for balance once more. It's when she approaches another curve that she slows, moving as if up to her thighs in syrup. Her jaw tightens once more, the steely stubborn jaw of Eric, his own eyes bright as diamonds, determined.

Ten slow paces and Lise is lost in a swirling fillagree of light, body blocking light and dark, progress painfully slow. Minutes go by before she appears beyond it, sparks above her waist.

Desdinova stands solidly, unmoving.

The currents subside a little, Lise walks along the grand curve, vulnerable and slender against the blue contours of the patterns geometry and power. Three more curves then, carefully assayed, s straight line, a series of short arcs. Ten turns. Her arms outstretched, sleeves like wings, move as though ballet. She sways, dizzy for a moment. A short arc. Motion slows painfully as her right foot steps to the final veil.

Each slow step, always forward, but now reduced to inches, brings a shower of sparks to shoulder, chin, and above. It is hard to even see Lise's figure, so enshrouded in light, as if embraced by a star. A slow turn. To the interested observer she may seems still, but she isn't.

One step. Two steps. Ribcage heaves in and out, showing fatigue. Sparks subside. Lise stands in the center, completed and smiling brilliantly with fists raised to the ceiling. Soaked in sweat, hair wild with the leavings of static electricity, could she be anything but blood of Oberon?

Flora lets her breath out.

A smile wins over Flora's features, glad and relieved and filling the space around her with brightest spring.

Eric looks suitably stern faced, but prideful.

Desdinova smiles tightly.

Evariste's expression does not change.

Lisle looks toward the others. To Eric, first, to Flora, then Desdinova and Evariste.

Evariste inclines his head just slightly.

Flora salutes Lisle with a blown kiss.

Desdinova nods.

Desdinova says "Go where you want. It's a rare opportunity."

In a flash of decision Lisle disappears from the pattern room and feels the cold wind blowing from the near-top of Kolvir. She draws her coat more closely around her, eyes bright fire with triumph.