In a message dated 6/24/02 3:35:29, Thomas Yan writes: Raellew at aol.com writes: >> Allistar and Illista, or Hrivaan and Nylissit, if you prefer, were in the >> area looking for candlebuds - a rare, exotic flower, and the perfect > >Why do you think they are rare? "there are whole valleys that shimmer >in the night, and are so well lighted one can find the small paths >left by [antelope & tsalmoth(s?)]", p24. Hmm. They may be prolific in that area, but it is the *only* area in which they grow (pp 23, 24). The only area in which they grew at the time of our story, in any case. >> gift for a Consort who has everything. Having found one (or more), >> they returned to the City. For whatever reason, they didn't want >> anyone else to know they had it. Perhaps afraid the candlebud will >> be stolen, more likely the gift is simply meant to be a secret. >-snip- > >I don't remember the circumstances of Hrivaan & Nylissit popping up >again later in the book; maybe it'll be clearer then... I'm not quite clear on whether we're allowed to talk about things that haven't happened in our reading yet. If not, someone say the word and I won't do it again. Meanwhile: Hrivaan = Allistar in disguise Nylissit = Illista in disguise p. 164 (The Duke of Threewalls, a Phoenix, comes up in court gossip as a "hopeful lover" of the Consort.) [begin quote] "Stay, then. Threewalls?" "Why, yes, that name has come up. I believe he is called Allistar." "You interest me greatly; for I believe I know him. Has he a sister, who is Illista, Marchioness of the Twicetied Hills?" "The very one. It is said, in fact, that this sister schemes on her brother's behalf, in hopes of raising the fortune of their branch of the family." "Does she? Does she go so far as to help him bring to the Consort rare flowers of which she is fond, such as the candlebud?" "Cavalier, you have been toying with me, for you already know the court gossip. Therefore, I will tell you no more." [end quote] Rae