|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:35:01 GMT 1
Branchwalker finally pushed his sleeping furs aside. From the light coming in through the slit in the door-flap, he judged the sun to be high in the sky. He groaned.
To his left Dawngazer gave a grunt and raised a hand to rub the sleep out of her eyes. "Why is the daystar burning my eyes?" she murmured, pulling a fur over her head.
Branchwalker gave a chuckle. "Because it's day, fuzzy head. Mid-day I think. And seeing as these new elves seem awfully keen on being up when it's light I think we're expected to join them."
Dawngazer gave another grunt. "Even I don't feel inclined to rising out of the bed furs quite yet. Call me if anything important happens."
"Lazy bones," Branchwalker teased. "Feels good to finally get to call you that for a change."
A third grunt was his only reply.
Getting dressed and out of the tent Branchwalker noticed a distinct lack of activity outside. Seemed he and Dawngazer weren't the only two tired ones. Some Children of the Oaks were over by the ashes of the bonfire, stacking up new wood. Another three or four were puttering about where the food had been laid out the night before, resupplying.
He glanced over at the nearest tent, where the wounded had been brought the night before. Which got him thinking about Sunsleaf and the conversation they'd last had...
He frowned, pinched the bridge of his nose. Stone and stars, he'd acted like such a cub! A selfish, whiny cub. To face her now, after having had time to think through his actions and words would be embarrassing, if not shameful. Maybe...
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:35:41 GMT 1
********
One-Edge slowly opened her eyes. First all seemed to be fuzzy but soon her vision started to clear up. She felt like she had woken up from a very long sleep. Carefully she sat up and noticed that it made no place hurt. For a moment she wondered if it someplace should have. She could find no bigger marks on herself. She wasn't sure what was going on. And she couldn't sense him. ~**Longsong?**~
She gazed around and found herself in a tent with some wounded tribemates. Her eyes stopped as she spotted two faces she hadn't expected to see again. "Ha--Haze! Redstreak!" The next second she mentally hit herself for her stupid exclamations. She probably just woke the whole tent up.
Longsong, started by One-Edge's sending, opened the door-flap and stepped back into the tent.
~**Beloved? Sorry I did not wake you, but you looked so peacefull-**~ But she was already shouting for Haze and Redstreak. Longsong couldn't help but smile. ~**It is good to have them back,**~ he continued, still lock-sending only to One-Edge.
"How are you this fine day?" he softly asked the prone forms of Redstreak and Haze, not sure if they were awake or not. "Is there anything you need?"
Haze mumbled to himself as he begin to stir. As he opened his eyes, the forms of One-Edge and Longsong came into view, and he smiled.
Sitting up on the furs, Haze first checked on Redstreak, who was still snoring and had the wooden wolf gripped tightly. Haze had become very attached to the cub, and this caused him some confusion.
"Longsong, One-Edge....it's great to see you both again!" Haze said, catiously trying to stand. "Why are you both up when it is so bright?" The daylight was hurting his eyes, and Haze shielded them with his hand.
One-Edge's first reaction was to go to the door and shut it securely against the light. But the next second she knew that Longsong would think the same, and as he was right next to it, he would surely do it. She smiled with all her heart to Haze. "My eyes see you with joy." Her smile faded though when she turned to Longsong. ~**How long have I been sleeping? I don't think I recognize this tent.**~
~**You were quite exhausted beloved. I'm not surprise you don't remember me leading you here. Does your leg pain you?**~ Longsong replied, then turned to Haze.
"High Ones' spirits, it is good to see you too Haze! We thought you lost after the trolls-" A brief flash of pain crossed his face, but he fought it back and managed to continue almost with the same cheerful tone. "I cannot believe the luck of you finding us. And how did you escape? Did you see any of the others?" For a moment Longsong almost wished the answer would be no - at least that would mean Haze hadn't found their lifeless bodies.
"And it would seem our new found kin are fond of the sunlight. Strange I know, but perhaps it's wise to abide by their rules whilst among them, don't you agree?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:36:26 GMT 1
********
Sunsleaf had been up and about sooner than most. Partially because she had been unable to get to sleep. It hadn't been Dawngazer, or Branchwalker.. she'd gotten well used to sharing sleeping arrangements with the two of them. But she had crawled out of the furs and into her leathers with less than half the sleep either of them had gotten.
First she had gone to wash, which had resulted in a watershed of tears that had swept over her. Then she had gone through her herbs and repacked them making careful note as to what she had and what she would still need to find or could hopefully get from the Children of the Oaks. She had also prepared small squares of leather all ready to be added to cups of water for tea. She organized them carefully and put them in a small pocket on her pouch. She also prepared the cups of tea for the next dose of herbs. She knew the effects of the boneknit would be apparent soon, and she hoped others responded as quickly.
As she made her way to the tent where the wounded slept she paused and shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs of tired that seemed to make everything just melt into the background. She hadn't noticed Branchwalker as he emerged from the tent, hadn't seen him look toward her destination.
Waterfall had been spacing back and forth for a long time near the tent she knew all the wounded were in. Knowing that there were wounded elfkin close to her made her restless. The last evening she had kept herself away but that had only been possible with Morning-Glow's continuous reports on how the other healer was doing. Now she hadn't gotten any information for too long time for her mind to feel easy enough to stay away.
Waterfall stopped the moment she spotted Sunsleaf. Briskly she moved to meet with her, her expression wearing a grim look. When Waterfall reached the elfess she stopped and folded her arms. "How are your friends?" She slighted her head at the direction of the tent. Her tone of voice had been as serious and grim as her expression but just maybe Sunsleaf could spot the underlying feeling of worry.
Sunsleaf was too tired to argue, to tired to get angry at the expression or tone, "They are likely waiting for these teas that I am attempting to deliver." She made to move around Waterfall and continue toward the tent just wanting to get the herbal brews delivered to their destinations. "I am going to attend to everyone and then make sure they all eat something."
Waterfall's hand caught Sunsleaf's arm. Just a hold enough to make her stop, then releasing it. "I am willing to help, if you can receive it. I'm sure you haven't slept that much and tiredness is one of healer's worst enemies." She spoke with her usual tone, which was the one of seriousness and grimness. "There would be no problem to have food delivered here in no time." She looked straight into Sunsleaf's eyes with her firm ones. Though she wasn't sending, she was honest in her words.
Sunsleaf's gaze dropped and she sighed, "I.." she wasn't sure what to say or how to say it and she bit back tears, this was not at all like her. Taking a deep breath and squeezing her eyes shut a moment she opened them to look at the teas, "I am sorry I was so angry. They.. are my responsibility and this place is new to me. I should not have been so harsh, but sometimes it is the way.. the she-wolf protecting her pack." She wasn't sure the other would understand as her gaze went toward the tent, "I can not afford to sleep too deeply, or for too long. I may be needed. And a tea to help is out of the question for that very reason."
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:37:11 GMT 1
********
Branchwalker nearly jumped as he spotted Sunsleaf outside the woundeds' tent. And she was being approached by that herbalist...
"Are you going to stand there all day or will the rest of us be allowed out in the sunshine too?"
Flinching slightly Branchwalker half-glared over his shoulder at Dawngazer. "Don't scare me like that!"
Dawngazer rolled her eyes. "You need to calm down and get the itch- leaves out from under your skin. Go talk with Sunsleaf, she's proven good at picking thorns out of your fur before."
"W-well, I, uh, you see-" Branchwalker began, wringing his hands. He glanced over at Sunsleaf, still by the other tent and now engaged in conversation with the Children of the Oaks' herbalist. *Oh, no.*
Dawngazer stifled a yawn and gave her soul brother a hooded look, before her face split into a big grin and she gave him a shove in the direction of Sunsleaf and Waterfall.
~**Looks like she could use some saving - or at least a distraction. You go do that, I'll go find something to drink and figure out where the wolves went. Good luck!**~ And with those thoughts she headed off in the direction of the food.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:37:48 GMT 1
********
Waterfall knew the postition Sunsleaf was in very well. In her years she had been in ones alike many times. Though she wasn't sure about the 'she-wolf' part. Evidently it had some connection to feeling protective or something similar. "There is a root in my bag that would be of great help to you. Snooze-off as it's called. Do you recognize it? It's very rare to find." The mentioning of her bag did make Waterfall wonder where the item was. The last she had seen of it was when she left it to Sunsleaf the previous evening. Maybe it was in the tent with the wounded. And while waiting for Sunsleaf's reply she locksent to the cook of their group to get out of the furs and prepare wastesoup for several wounded.
Shaking her head Sunsleaf indicated she had not heard of the root in question, "There is not any such as that with which I am familiar. But then there is much in this place which is not familiar to me." Her gaze landed on Branchwalker for a moment and then hurriedly moved away lest he catch her looking. She flushed slightly trying to put her thoughts back to the discussion at hand.
Waterfall nodded. She had heard some things from Morning-Glow which were quite odd. Like the fact they didn't live by daylight. "When rightly done snooze-off makes one very tired and causes one to fall asleep, but only for a short time, and waking like one would've slept for half a day. But it can't be used for many days straight for its effects get reduced greatly. After checking up on them now I suggest you to have some. I can watch over them during the naptime." Before the elfess could make a comment she added. "It won't even be a too deep sleep, so you can be woken up. And the sleeptime _is_ only a very short time." Waterfall knew that this suggestion wouldn't be liked by the healer, but maybe she would see the benefit from it higher than the disadvantage of a short time not being there.
Sunsleaf looked anywhere but toward Branchwalker as she listened to the other and then looked at her. The gaze wary, uncertain, then she shrugged, "I will think upon it and speak with some of the others. But for now the teas must go before they grow cold. They are less pleasant to drink then."
Waterfall nodded and made a slight notion with her hand towards the tent, indicating that she should go. She had already offered her help and the healer could use it if needed or wanted. It would go against her character to say more of it. Her point had already been given. "I requested Mayflower to make soup for them. It should be done in no time."
Branchwalker had thankfully been able to right himself after only a few clumsy steps caused by Dawngazer's rough push. Still he saw no choice but to approach Sunsleaf and her current companion. Although their voices weren't raised (yet) last night was a fresh memory and he worried that more harsh words would be spoken.
"Is everything all right?" he asked, unsure of his welcome - especially as Sunsleaf appeared to be avoiding looking in his direction. "With the wounded I mean," he hurried to add, hoping his thoughtlessness hadn't accidentaly made an awkward situation worse.
Sunsleaf looked back and a flush touched the tops of her cheekbones as she looked at Branchwalker, "Um.. Would you like to check on them with me? Or.. well.." She looked down and scuffed her boot against the ground. Puckernuts.. she felt so awkward around him after their talk the evening before, it didn't help that she was tired.
"Ah, uhm, yes, why not," Branchwalker stammered back, equally awkward.
Waterfall watched this interaction between the two. Just perfect! They had a tired healer who was acting like a embarrased cub and another little cub to give her a hand. There was no doubt this new elf would take up Sunsleaf's offer. Waterfall threw her hands out and rolled her eyes. *For the love of...* Without a word to the two she turned around and started moving away. *I'll just go check on that bloody soup!*
Branchwalker frowned a little as Waterfall left so abruptly. With her out of ear-shot, he turned to Sunsleaf, most of his embarrassment forgotten after the reminder of Waterfall's presence. "Are you two on friendly terms now? Or was she making trouble?"
Sunsleaf shrugged, "At least there wasn't any yelling or fighting. I suppose that's a good thing." She headed once more for the wounded tent to get the teas delivered, finally. Still.. she seemed to have a goosebump feeling that let her know Branchwalker was there.
Branchwalker tried to let his sigh of relief out as softly as possible. "That is good then. Shall we?" He held up the flap of the tent's entrance, stepping back to give Sunsleaf room to go in before him.
Meanwhile, Cloudbird stood off to the side, watching things between Branchwalker and Sunsleaf, sighing. She folded her arms, not wanting to say anything at the moment.
Treebreeze was on his way to check up his uncle when he spotted Cloudbird not too far away. He changed his course and approached the elfess instead. "Good day, Cloudbird. I see you've dared to defy the sun today too." He grinned at his own words. His expression changed though as he registered her posture. "Something wrong?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:38:24 GMT 1
********
Bloodcut felt herself coming about. She could feel arms around her and a warm skin against her back. While letting a smile curl her lips she opened her eyes. She had no problem remembering where she was or with whom. The elfess repositioned herself on her back and stretched her arms with a great yawn. The male beside her was woken up by her movements. "Morning Spotmark." Bloodcut greeted the tiredly blinking elf.
Spotmark focused his eyes on her with a grin. "More than that Bloodcut. I bet it's already past midday."
Bloodcut was amused. After all, she had just spent a pleasant night and felt quite at ease. All was nice and cozy... except she was thirsty. "You don't happen to have water in here?"
"Sure do." Spotmark sat up to reach for his waterpouch. When he lifted it up he felt how light it was. "Oh, I must've forgotten to fill it up yesterday."
Bloodcut rolled her eyes while still smiling, almost laughing. She slapped him on the shoulder closer to her. "For that, I can't blame you."
Spotmark shrugged. "I'll just go find some."
Bloodcut took her pants in her hands. "It can't be that hard." She continued to talk while putting her clothes on. "You coming?"
Spotmark streched and let himself fall back on the furs, stomach first. "You go ahead. I'll follow later on."
Bloodcut slapped him again with laughter. "You sleepyhead!" She kissed him on the shoulder blade before standing up and exiting the tent.
Outside the tent Bloodcut streched out again. She blinked under the sun. She wasn't used to being awake under the strong sun but found enjoyment in it. She looked around and saw elves starting to crawl out of their tents. With the thought on her thirst she made the last evenings food corner her destination.
Dawngazer, spotting an elf she at least somewhat recognized, hurried to approach her. This meeting-another-tribe-business was confusing enough without having to talk to elves whose faces she hardly could recall.
"Good midday to you Bloodcut!" she greeted the other, a friendly grin on her face. At least this one's name was easy to remember - the scent of dried blood coming from her hair was a good clue.
"You don't happen to know if the food and drinks over there are free for the taking? I wouldn't want to offend anyone, but my belly is growling like a starved wolf."
Bloodcut turned in curiousity to see who called to her. Her eyes recognized the sight. *I talked to her yesterday. Her name... Dawngazer, that's it.* Her name-memory was as sharp as ever. "Good Midday to you too, Dawngazer." She returned the smile she got from the elfess. "It's all up for taking." Bloodcut noticed some figures by the food corner already. She shaded her eyes to get a clearer view of them. "Oh, I see Mayflower is up and about already." She turned her gaze back to Dawngazer with a grin. "She can make you anything you want. At least that's what I've heard."
"Interesting - though fresh meat and water is actually all I hunger for at the moment," Dawngazer replied. "What can we expect this day, other than good food?" she then asked, stretching her arms over her head in a relaxed, lazy gesture. "More dancing?"
Bloodcut raised an eyebrow at Dawngazer's choice of food but then shrugged to herself. There was a time when she had similar diet. "Yes, there will be dancing." Bloodcut was one to suck up information like a sponge does water and thus was already much knowledgeable about the Children of the Oak. "When everyone's awake, chief Keensight will call for a big meeting. There all new acquaintances will be introduced to the others. Then it'll be pretty much like the day before. The dancing after sun-down will be more organized though. Some traditional dances."
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:38:52 GMT 1
********
Eveningsky had been up and about for some time already. She had left the tent she had slept in without waking others to get some time on her own. She was angry at herself for being in the condition she was in while she perfectly knew that there was no need to blame herself for it. She couldn't help getting in so bad condition as she had. But now that her help was certainly needed in many ways, she could hardly give it. Her strong sense and pride in being the guard of the holt made it all the worse. It gave Eveningsky no rest. It was getting overwhelming. Eveningsky knew that she needed a brake, any kind. Maybe the company of others would give her no time to let her thoughts wander on these unpleasant feelings. She decided to return to the tent she had slept in to see if others had awaken yet. By the tent entrance she carefully moved the clothpiece to look inside.
Silvermist came to a halt by the nearest tent they'd lent to the newcomers. Slightly panicked she approached the first one she set eyes on.
"Could you please come with me?" she asked, putting a hand on Eveningsky's shoulder to catch her attention. "Your animals - they're acting strangerly..."
Eveningsky was surprised to feel a hand on her shoulder but maintained herself not to give a start. She let the entrance fabric close and turned to Silvermist. Wasn't this one of the elves they'd met during the hunt? *That's not the point. Somethings up with the wolves.* Eveningsky was just going to ask what was up, but then she realized that this elfess had no idea of wolves. Not in the way she and her tribemates had. "Ah yes, let's go." Even though her own wolfbond had died in the attack, she could still immediately say where the wolfpack was and started in that direction. "How are they acting strange?" She asked Silvermist. Maybe the maiden had just interpreted the wolves' uneasiness to a new place as a strange behavior.
Silvermist gave Eveningsky a grateful smile. "They're - I'll just show you." She fell into step with Eveningsky, a little surprised that the other elf seemed to know the way already.
A few moments later they'd ended up on the edge of the Children of the Oaks' make-shift Holt. One of the outer-edge tents was completely surrounded by wolves, bonded and unbonded alike. Stronglegs, the pack leader, had placed himself some elf-lengths in front of the tent's entrance, hackles raised and fangs bared at the few elves who'd been brave - or foolish - enough to approach them.
With a vary eye on the wolves on guard or circling the tent Silvermist gestured for Eveningsky to follow her over to the other Children of the Oaks. The three elves were Dusk, Arrow and Wind, who all greeted Eveningsky by name as they spotted her.
"They've been here since before we woke up," Dusk said, not taking his eyes off the prowling wolves. "That's one of the storage tents. Do you know why they'd do something like this? I thought you had an...understanding with them or some such thing. Will they attack us?"
Wind and Arrow shifted and although they didn't look ready to fight, they were armed. Dusk's jaw was clenched and his grip on his dagger was firm.
Silvermist gave her fellow hunters a worried glance. "I-I'm sure this is all just a mistunderstanding! Isn't it Eveningsky?"
Eveningsky greeted the three males back while gazing the wolves. *Don't say...* Her suspicion was answered as she didn't find Softpaws anywhere in sight. "What a prankster!" She exclaimed in a half-whisper. She took another look over the wolves and confirmed that the only one missing was Softpaws. With a shake of her head she turned to the other elves in her company. "As long as you don't threathen or challenge any of them, they won't attack."
With an apologetic shrug she continued. "I'm sorry to tell you this but it seems our pregnant she-wolf has taken the tent for her use now that it's her due time. There is a possibility no one can enter the tent for the week to come." This was definitely something they didn't need. "What do you have stored in there?" Eveningsky hoped nothing too important, but had her guessed on food, which would be bad. ~**It's Softpaws' time.**~ The elfess sent to her tribemates, accompanied with an image of the scene.
These news caused the others present to shift from foot to foot - all of them gave the wolves even more suspicious and confused looks.
Dusk's frown deepend. "You mean to say that your pet - I'm sorry, bond was it? - is giving birth in our food storage tent? And that she won't leave? There are things in there we need for the feast. Isn't it possible to lure her out of there, to go somewhere else?"
With this severe situation, Eveningsky could feel a bit better hearing Dusk correct his 'pet' to 'bond'. He was still trying to be civil in his way towards her tribemates and the wolves. She nodded to his first inquiries. To lure her out? Eveningsky let out a heavy sigh. With shake of her head she answered. "No." She felt like she should give them some hope to the situation by telling of the possibility that Softpaws just might let her bond near her and that way get admittance to the tent. But the condition of One-Edge made her keep quiet. As far as she knew, the elfess was still sleeping.
Dusk, Arrow, Wind and Silvermist observed the wolves and lock-sent among themselves for a long moment. Then Wind left and Dusk turned to Eveningsky. "Excuse our rudeness," he muttered, a half-smile on his face. "We thought it'd be a good idea to fetch one of our leaders to discuss this with yours. Could you please send for her – or him? I must confess I never really noticed whom of you were in charge." He said the last part of his little speech as if he'd failed to notice the color of the sky for some time and now was trying to tell her so without embarrassing himself too much.
Eveningsky winced unvoluntarily at the mention of their chief. "Uhh...yeah..." She didn't really know what to say. Their chief was missing and there had been no time yet to decide on a temporary chief. After the first attack Bloodmane had been leading them. Not like a chief, but moving forward. Lately Dawngazer seem to have taken that position, but nothing had been decided. *Surely even Dawngazer don't want to make decisions as our chief unless she actually is one.* Eveningsky lifted her hand to rub her neck. *Who am I really supposed to send?* With a sigh the elfess looked at the other elves. "We actually don't have a chief at the moment... Or rather we don't know where he is... And he's only a cubling..." She found herself just blurting things out with no idea what she should be saying at that moment. The mention of Brighteyes brought unwanted images and memories up. "Nevermind." *In any case I shouldn't be the one alone.* She fixed her gaze at the direction of their tents. ~**Dawngazer, they want to have our chief here... And lately you've been kind of a leader... Could you come?**~
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:39:13 GMT 1
********
"Introductions, huh?" Dawngazer commented, stifling a yawn. "We sure could use some of those. So many new faces I hardly remember my own anymore!" She frowned a little at the word 'organized'. Dancing was, to her, a thing you did spontaniously. The closest likeness she could make was to a Howl and that wasn't as much organized as just traditional and really not a dance at all - just movements enhancing a story.
"When you say traditional-" Eveningsky's sending snook up on her, interrupting her trail of thought and making her face split into a big grin. "Well I'll be...Where's your bond-friend?" she asked Bloodcut; seemingly unaware that she'd changed the subject rather suddenly. "If he is where I think he is you'd better come with me - things just got interesting over in that direction." She made sure to empathize this with a vague hand gesture in the direction Eveningsky had sent from.
Bloodcut had looked to Dawngazer, waiting for her to put her actual question in words when there was a sudden change in her, and the topic changed. The new topic made Bloodcut raise her eyebrow and brought an expression of boredom to her face. *I couldn't seriously care less but she seems to be thrilled.* She had a bit of a dilemma at hand and not that much time to think of her next actions. She didn't know this elfess enough to say how she'd take it if she didn't accompany her. And these elves were as close with their wolves as her earlier tribemates had been. But if she just went with her first plan to get something to drink, she'd easily find someone else to chat with. What a dilemma indeed. Or she could just do them both. With a pleasant smile she answered Dawngazer. "Something interesting, you say? Then I should come and take a look." Surely this elfess would be happy enough if she came to check it out with her and do some exclamations of joy before leaving to get something to drink. She was still thirsty and there was no way she'd let some wolves, especially Shinefur, be the reason for not doing something about it.
All thoughts of water forgotten Dawngazer whirled around and began walking with long steps towards the source of the sending. She took little to no notice of Bloodcut's reaction to her sudden suggestion. It was too distracting and good to know life still persisted and that the pack would grow again; although these probably weren't Stronglegs' cubs – it was far too early for that to be possible, he hadn't been mated to Softpaws for long enough. But cubs were cubs… "How's your bond settling in? I hope they aren't giving him such a hard time. I highly doubt they'll push him away though – they're so much fewer now than they're used to be and they could use some new blood in their ranks."
Bloodcut moved her face away from Dawngazer, enough to hide how she rolled her eyes. Then she straightened her gaze again in front of her. With a shake of her head and a shrug she answered the elfess. "I don't know. I haven't seen it for a while." *And thank High Ones for that.* Bloodcut suddenly heard her words more clearly as she thought again what she had just said. *Maybe if it gets along with those other animals, it'll go with them when these elves go their own ways...* A bright smile came to her face, the reason surely far from what her companion might think.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:40:19 GMT 1
********
Sunsleaf ducked into the tent with her collection of teas and looked around. Her gaze flitted from Redstreak to Haze, to One-Edge and then to Longsong. She passed teas to Haze and with the second pointed to Redstreak then smiled softly. Handing one to One-Edge she turned to look for Eveningsky and Eveninglight. There were teas and she had to check the one's ribs to see how they were coming along.
"Branchwalker, be careful with letting the sun in." One-Edge commented the moment she recognized the one opening the flap. She greeted Sunsleaf when she entered and thanked for the tea.
"Sorry," Branchwalker murmured and hurried in after Sunsleaf, closing the tent-flap behind him. He then sat down next to it, suddenly feeling very out of place. Yes, he'd offered to help, but what was he supposed to do?
~**No. Not at the moment at least.**~ One-Edge replied to Longsong's inquiry after her leg. The elfess took a sip of her tea when the sudden sending from Eveningsky came. "Softpaws." She wasn't too sure about the situation and gazed at the other elves in the tent, staying on Longsong. "I don't think Eveningsky sounded too happy with the situation. Is there a problem you think?"
~**Good,**~ Longsong sent back, a small, relieved smile on his face. He froze in place briefly as he too caught Eveningsky's sending.
"Oh, High Ones, cubs already! And no, she didn't sound as happy as she should have - something must be wrong." Glancing over at One-Edge Longsong hesitated for a moment, then stood.
"I'll go see what troubles her. Maybe you should come with me lifemate? If Softpaws has gotten into some trouble with pups on the way you are most likely the only one she'll let near her."
Haze smiled at the tea, and took a long drink.
As he was drinking, Redstreak began to stir on the furs next to him. The cub sat up and wrapped both arms around Haze, hugging him tightly. "Haze! I thought it was a dream but it's not! It's real!"
Haze tried not to spill the tea on the cub, and smiled at Longsong. He was still getting used to Redstreak's attachment to him, but it warmed his heart. Having never Recognized, Haze had given up on the idea of his own family, but with Redstreak around and being dependant on him, Haze began to wonder again.
"I left in search of elves who may have ran into the woods to escape." Haze said, looking up at Longsong. "I followed tracks as much as I could, but never found any bodies of our tribemates."
Haze looked back down at Redstreak, who was eagerly and noisily drinking the tea left for him by Sunsleaf.
"Then I found Redstreak, alone. I don't know if we found the tribe or the tribe found us, I can't remember." Haze shook off the memories of the days of travel with no food and little water. "We were out in the open with no food, and almost no water. I remember seeing what I thought were elves from a distance, but after that..."
Haze paused to set down his empty mug and attempt to stand. "After that, the next thing I remember is being among the tribe, at it was dark and cool. But I'm not sure how many days ago that was."
"You sent to us," Branchwalker commented, a soft smile on his lips. "Stars, there are few times I've been so happy and worried at the same time. We are lucky to have met a healer such as Sunsleaf, after..." He trailed off. Mentioning Tenderheart - or any other of their lost tribe mates - was painful. It wasn't made better by the fact that he was talking to her lifemate's brother. And speaking of the brother-
"You did not see Greyspear anywhere? Any trace of him?" Branchwalker blurted out, before closing his mouth so fast his teeth clicked together loudly. *Stupid, stupid, stupid! And now I can't just stop - that would be even worse!* "H-he was with us. We were a few who gathered together and escaped, after the trolls had mostly withdrawn. Brighteyes was with us too, and so was Squirrel, but the trolls attacked again and we were split up. Some have found their way back or just found us like you, but..."
The reminder of Brighteyes' name made Branchwalker flinch even as he spoke, just as Redstreak had until a few nights ago. Thinking of adults being lost on their own were horrible, but cubs were eight times worse. And the chief's cub...
A part of One-Edge wanted to stay to listen to this conversation. But as expected, she still couldn't listen without an image of Sweetbreeze appearing. And Longsong was right about the wolves. If there was a problem, she was probably the only one who could do something about it.
"Yes, I'll come." She put down the unfinished tea. Carefully she stood up, grunting at the slight pain she could still feel from her leg by doing so. "Lead the way, lifemate."
Sunsleaf held a cup of tea out to Longsong, "Could you give this to Eveningsky?" Her gaze dropped to Branchwalker as he spoke and she flushed again. Wanting to say something she was uncertain but then he was going to be down on himself after this, she could almost sense it in the way he reacted to his own words. She reached out her free hand and ruffled his hair, ~**Do not be too hard on yourself. Speaking of them will become easier with time. And while it may hurt, or carry the fear of hurting, I do not think it is time yet to let them go. When this gathering of the others is over we should speak to Dawngazer about the howl for all of your lost.**~
Longsong held up the door-flap for One-Edge, careful not to let the bright sun shine on anyone injured. He accepted the tea from Sunsleaf with a smile and a curious look at her and Branchwalker. He made no comment though, just left together with One-Edge.
Branchwalker did not flinch as Sunsleaf ruffled his hair and that shocked him more than any such surprised would have. When had he gotten so used to her presence? She had become a welcome friend, yes. Not in the same way as Dawngazer was, nor as Sparkstone had been – would be again if there was any mercy in the world – but something…
All he could send back at first was gratitude, then: ~**I agree, a howl is needed.**~
Haze reached out and placed a comforting hand on Branchwalker's arm. "No, I didn't see any trace of Greyspear." He knew there would be a lot of questions asked by many in the days to come as the full extent of the losses were realized.
"Who else is still missing that survived the initial attack?" Haze was concerned for his own nephew, Treebreeze, as well. And Squirrel....Redstreak had accepted that his parents were most likely gone, and seemed to be more concerned with the Now. But, at some point the cub would want to know for sure.
Haze looked over and saw Redstreak was crawling around the tent playing with his wooden wolf, and didn't seem to notice the conversation.
Haze's hand on his arm brought Branchwalker back from is confusion over Sunsleaf. Oh stars…
"I-I'm not sure. These have been two mad moons, my friend. We lost so many and the trolls even took some of us. Sparkstone, Metalshaper, even little Shadow – and that's only half of them." As if by their own will his hands curled into fists.
"And we haven't even howled for our losses yet. Bloodmane – ah yes, Sunset changed her name, did you know?" Branchwalker gave a humorless little laugh that sounded more like a gasp than anything else. "Arrowflash, Dawnthreader, Blade and Firesoul are gone. And," he glanced over at the door-flap. One-Edge and Longsong weren't outside anymore, "Longsong and One-Edge are lifemates now. Didn't I tell you they'd agree on that sooner or later?" Another not-laugh. "It only cost them Sweetbreeze." He couldn't keep talking about the lost ones, he couldn't, he really…
"Brighteyes, Greyspear and Squirrel are all there was of the missing ones, other than you," he finally breathed, feeling tears rise in his eyes. "The only other we know nothing of either way is Gale. None of us has seen him since the trolls first-" He paused, took a deep breath. Hopefully that at least would feed some small hope in Redstreak, if the cub was listening at all – High Ones knew he didn't have much left to share.
"There's only two hands of us left…"
Sunsleaf reached out to Branchwalker again and she laid a hand on his shoulder not certain what else she could do. She refused to respond to that urge within to hug him close and comfort him. He was not the only one who needed a healing touch, she only wished it was as easy to tend to his wounds as those of the others, but that was simply not the case.
"So many gone or missing.." Haze stroked his short beard. "The cub will be glad for any hope I'm sure. Seeing Quicksand helped him a lot I think." Haze stretched sore limbs and chuckled at a thought. ~**It only took a troll attack for Longsong and One-Edge eh?**~ Haze smiled at Brachwalker, making sure he lock-sent so that the joking remianed private.
Drawing strength from Sunsleaf's hand on his shoulder Branchwalker managed another shakey smile. ~**Trolls, a burnt Holt and...**~ High Ones their poor cub! He'd barely been born. A hand and one turns of the seasons old and dead before he'd even had his first bond-friend, his first hunt, his first-
Branchwalker closed his thoughts to Haze before too much of his emotions could bleed through. It wouldn't do to lose himself to grief; that was better saved until the howl for the dead.
With a glance at Redstreak, who was still engrossed in the wooden wolf, Haze decided to ask a hard question. "What shape is our leadership in?" He was aware that as an elder he had certain responsibilites to the tribe, but there were so many unanswered questions that he didn't know where to begin looking for answers.
Haze didn't want to leave Redstreak by himself, but there was a lot to be sorted out.
Quietly Sunsleaf responded, "It has been Dawngazer keeping them, us, together, keeping the group moving and holding them all from falling. I do not know if a chief has been chosen but she has shown leadership and strength since I stumbled upon them."
"Believe it or not," Branchwalker filled in as Sunsleaf made the comment about Dawngazer. *Of all elves under the stars...*
"And no, we haven't really chosen a leader. So far, I think we're all still waiting for Greyspear to show up again. With Clearmind lost he was supposed to be in charge, as I'm sure you already know, until Brighteyes got old enough. But now they're both lost, out there somewhere."
~**Greyspear wa-, is an Elder in our tribe and Chief's Second,**~ he lock-sent to Sunsleaf, gingerly placing a hand over the one she still had resting on his shoulder.
Sunsleaf smiled softly at his explaination, his change of wording. She knew he needed hope and she squeezed his shoulder lightly, ~** I am still hoping for you that more of your kin find us. **~
Brightstar heard talking nearby and turned towards it. He recognized who it was and didn't feel like intruding on their talks. He then winced and gasped in pain when he nudged his arm wrong.
Cursing herself quietly she stepped past the others and moved over to Brightstar. Beside him she knelt and moved to lift him into a half sitting position, supported by her knees, "You should drink this, it will help with the pain and the healing." Her words softly spoken as she tended to the injured elf, she should not have gotten so distracted by the other conversation.
BrightStar took the drink happily and turned to see her. **What has gone on since I was asleep? Where is my brother?** he sent to her. He was slightly worried for him, but knew that he could take care of himself at times. Tyke ran in and jumped into his lap. BrightStar yelped causing the young fox to look at him concerned. "Don't do that while I'm injured." he said gently. Tyke felt better and reared up to give him a lick on the nose.
Branchwalker decided to leave BrightStar to Sunsleaf - she was the healer after all. But he did choose to reply to his sending, if only to calm him.
**I saw your brother a mere moment ago. He's outside the tent somewhere, probably worried about you.** Not that Branchwalker knew exactly where ClearIce was, but there could only be so much trouble one could get up to at a friendly festival, right?
"Dawngazer you say?" Haze asked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. It was something to think on for sure. "I would like to speak with her when she has a moment. Do you know where she is at the moment?"
"I'll send for her, she couldn't have gone far. Went to get water I think," Branchwalker replied, before reaching out with a lock-sending.
~**Dawngazer? Haze is awake and wishes to speak with you.**~
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:42:36 GMT 1
********
*It? What kind of elf referred to their bond as it?* Dawngazer thought to herself, lifting an eyebrow and frowning slightly. Bloodcut was smiling now, as if everything was right in the world, which did nothing to ease Dawngazer's confusion.
She was about to comment, when Eveningsky's sending reached her, closely followed by Branchwalker. *Leader, me? Oh High Ones, what have I gotten myself into? And why would Haze want to talk with me?* She heaved a sigh. *Nothing to do about it now I suppose.*
~**I'll be right there. Try to keep them from biting any heads off, will you?**~ she sent to Evenigsky, somewhat amused. She was going there anyways, wouldn't hurt to give a helping hand now would it?
~**Brother dear, I'll get back and talk to Haze as soon as I can. First I apparently will go sort out the business with our stubborn she-wolf. Before you know it I'll be holding councils and having long talks with the tribe Elders!**~ she half laughed, half cursed to Branchwalker.
"Sorry about that I got distracted," she then muttered to Bloodcut. "Lock-sendings, you know how it is. And I do believe I now am in a hurry to get to the storage tent. Did I even tell you why I was going there?"
Bloodcut made a slight gesture with her hand. She hadn't minded her companions distractedness. Then she shrugged. "You just hinted it having something to do with wolves. Nothing more." With a quick thought she added. "I doubt a fight as you were in no hurry just a blink ago and too happy for that matter." The elfess raised her eyebrow in curiousity she didn't in truth have.
"You guess correct, my friend!" Dawngazer replied, voice high with cheer that didn't reach her eyes completely. "Our pack leader's mate is to have pups and didn't choose the wisest of spots to have her litter in. Apparently she's taken possession of one of your storage tents and I highly doubt she'll give it back without a fight."
She kept walking, but started after a bit, as if something had bitten her. "Oh! Of course I don't think she or any of the other wolves actually will attack anyone - not unless someone really angers them, but I'm sure your tribe mates are more cleaver than to poke a growling wolf, right?"
Dawngazer closed her mouth with a snapping sound of teeth hitting teeth. *Why did I say that? She's got her own bond-friend, of course she should know this! But then again, she did call her bond it...*
"Oh well, no rest for me I'm afraid. Eveningsky has gotten it into her head that I'm some sort of chief now, so I better try to act like one, at least until this mess is sorted out."
*And not just Eveningsky. Cursed stars, you speak at one council and suddenly you're the next Chief Second or something! I should have known better than to meddle - one of the Elders should be doing this, not me.* Mentally growling to herself Dawngazer fought to keep her smile in place and strode off in the direction of Eveningsky's sending.
*A wolf giving birth in wrong place.* Sounded like a possible tense situation between her new tribemates and these strangers. Maybe even a conflict. Most likely something Bloodcut wasn't too keen on getting involved with. *Forget me going there.*
Bloodcut was slightly surprised to have someone explain to her about wolves. She had spent most of her live in a wolfrider holt after all. But then again, she didn't really care, so she made no comment on it.
"You know, I doubt Shinefur would be there," Bloodcut said. It was annoying enough to be saying that but even more so to be most probably right, and know it. "I should find it and see that it won't join the other wolves and cause trouble. Surely enough your bonds don't like Shinefur that much after only a day. Having it there might cause other problems. But you should probably hurry there."
By now Bloodcut had already stopped walking, ready to split way from the other elfess.
Dawngazer automatically made halt when Bloodcut did. "Hum, you could be right. Wolves' hackles are always raised when there are young ones on the way, so this might not be the best moment to try and win rank. On the other hand..." She trailed off for a moment, frowning.
"To be frank, I doubt they can afford to push...Shinefur away for long. We lost just as many wolves to the trolls as we did elves. If you can manage to keep them appart for one more night, I'm sure there'll be no greater trouble."
With that she gave Bloodcut a curt nod and turned to leave. "Good luck finding your bond-friend!"
Bloodcut made a slight wave with her hand and smiled to the elfess. *That was that then. I guess I'll go get that drink now.* She started to walk to the direction of the food area. There they would surely have water, and maybe something else too, to drink.
*Ah, what about that wolf...* Now what should she do about Shinefur? She kind of promised to keep it out of the way. But that meant she'd have to have something to do with it. Surely enough the wolf would follow her if she told it to do that but could she handle having it around her for a whole circle of the sun?
"Oh well." *I'll figure that out when it comes to my way.*
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:44:22 GMT 1
********
**Never enough water for tea when I've a tent full of injured to tend.** Sunsleaf tried to make light of it, as if teasing them for being in need of those teas. **There was supposed to be food on the way as well. The gathering will be eating at some point so I'm sure there are already those preparing for the vast number who are waiting.**
Haze relaxed back into a more comfortable position and looked over at Redstreak. The cub had curled up with the wooden wolf again. It wouldn't be long Haze though, until Greywater came back looking to measure the cub properly for clothes.
"Thank you Branchwalker. I don't mean to disturb her, I just wanted to offer my assistance, and help get things back to normal. Or as normal as they can be."
Haze yawned, his body still a bit sore and worn out. "If she wishes, I can meet her somewhere." He was sure that he could summon the strength and energy for a walk, and still have enough left to make sense.
~**Calm yourself sister,**~ Branchwalker lock-sent back to Dawngazer, smiling to himself, ~**I'm sure he's not going to ask you to hold council - not yet at least. But you have been running at the head of the pack for some time now, you just haven't noticed it. He asks if you want him to meet you somewhere.**~
"I have asked now," he hurried to add, adressing Haze. "Has anyone told you of the current plan?" he added. *It's not much of one, but at least it's something.*
He paused for a moment and glanced to Sunsleaf, before adding: "Are you sure you're well enough to walk? I-I know just lying around in one's sleepingfurs never is good for long, but-" *But you were so weak when we found you and we can't lose anyone, not so soon.*
Wringing his hands a little Branchwalker let his gaze sweep around the tent, taking in the injured and the various things here and there.
"Do you need help with anything?" he asked Sunsleaf. "I am somewhat hungry - maybe I should go see what happened to that food?"
Sunsleaf looked up at Branchwalker and nibbled her lower lip, she really would prefer if he stayed, but someone had to go and see what was keeping the food.
"All right. But no side trips.. there and back, please. Else who shall I send to find you and the food?" Her gaze then turned to Haze, "And before you go walking anywhere.. I'll get White-ears to agree to let you ride. At least then if it's too much all you have to do is lay there and hold on."
Waterfall was muttering curses under her breath.
Morning-Glow just rolled his eyes. The maiden had been cursing Mayflower for slow cooking ever since they took off from the food area. The two of them carried a big pot between them. Morning-Glow also had a big bag hanging from his waist, filled with bowls.
They reached the entrance to the tent of the wounded. "Sorry to intrude." Morning-Glow announced before they stepped inside. With a gleaming smile he looked around. "Good day. How are we doing today?"
Waterfall had stopped with her cursing by now and only glared around the elves in the tent.
Morning-Glow stopped his gaze for a moment on Sunsleaf:
"Where do you want to have this soup? It is 'Blood broth' as I believe you call it." He didn't let his gaze stay on Sunsleaf as he wished to hear how the wounded were doing, by the wounded themselves.
"Yes, I promise I'll-" was as far as Branchwalker got in his reply to Sunsleaf, before Morning-Glow and Waterfall entered the tent. Branchwalker's eyebrows shot to his hairline. "What- who." He blinked a few times, then relaxed. "Ah yes, the soup. Thank you."
Sunsleaf's gaze shifted from Branchwalker to the pot, skimming quickly past Waterfall and settlingly only briefly on Morning-Glow. "Just there by the entrance, please." There were sturdy sticks that could be used to steady the base of the pot where she pointed. She kept carefully to her spot because it seemed to her that the tent was going to be very tight with the wounded laying in their furs, she, Branchwalker and now the two with their large pot.
Branchwalker too froze in place, as the tent became more crowded. He noted the way Sunsleaf's gaze barely focused on Waterfall at all, as if she was tuft of grass or something of equal unimportance.
~**Will you be all right? With her in here, I mean?**~ he lock-sent to Sunsleaf, edging a bit closer to her.
Sunsleaf's gaze drifted to Branchwalker and she smiled faintly, ~** I will, thank you for the concern. **~ The locksend tinged with warmth before she looked around at the others of their little band gathered in the tent.
Quicksand sat beside her brother's bedside as he slept, her knees curled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs. She looked up and noticed that a lot more elves had come in now. It was getting crowded, and she felt like she could barely breath. But she wasn't going to leave Redstreak's side. Each time a new elf came in, she looked up in hopes that perhaps someone had found their parents.
She looked down at her brother, worry etched in her young features. What if their parents were gone? She'd have to take care of him. True, he wasn't much younger than her, but she still felt that the responsibility fell on her shoulders. She held herself tighter, trying to fight back the tears that threatened. She couldn't let Redstreak see her cry, she couldn't let anyone see her cry. She had to be strong for him now. When everyone was sleeping, and she could sneak off alone, that's when she could cry.
"I'll take care of you, brother." Quicksand whispered softly, her voice wavering and weak. She hoped she could keep the promise.
Sunsleaf watched Quicksand for a long moment. There was something in the set of small shoulders that spoke to her, she knew that determination and the sorts of things that made it so heavy. For a moment she felt a kinship with the girl even though she was born to the same Tribe. Then her gaze moved to the blood broth, "Thank you for bringing it." The meal would do much for those still recovering.
Morning-Glow didn't let his smile dissappear though he noticed that he would get no answer from the wounded elves. He felt sorry in his mind, but he could understand. It would be too much to ask for these strangers to trust them already.
Waterfall nodded slightly to Sunsleaf. "I am sorry that it took so long to bring."
Morning-Glow took a quick gaze on Waterfall. It was not often that the maiden would apologize, especially when the fault wasn't really hers. Truthfully no one was at fault.
Still, Waterfall had felt the need to apologize. She knew the importance of quickness. It was clear to her that her presence was not looked well upon. "May the sun shine on you again," she wished to the elves in the tent and took her leave.
Morning-Glow repeated the get-well-wish and followed Waterfall out of the tent.
Outside the tent Morning-Glow saw Waterfall continuing her way. He didn't know where she was going. First he thought of following her, but then he changed his mind. The herbalist probably needed something else. He took a look around. After a moment he moved away.
Quicksand watched as the two strange elves left the tent. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't really know what to think of these strangers. They were helpful, but how long would that last? Would they accept her and her tribemates?
She looked to her brother once more. What was going to happen to them now?
Her gaze drifted back over to Sunsleaf and the blood-broth that had been brought to her. Her own stomach growled with hunger pains.
"Sunsleaf?" She said softly, "What's going to happen to us now?" She asked quietly.
Sunsleaf smiled softly at the young elf and moved toward the broth and the bowls, "Now Branchwalker is going to help me make sure you all eat and stop worrying. Leave the worrying to us and Dawngazer." Sunsleaf's green gaze went to Branchwalker hoping there wouldn't be much to worry about in the immediate future.
Branchwalker was already filling up bowls with soup and smiled when he heard Quicksand's stomach rumbled. "Did you swallow a thunder cloud, cub?" he gently teased her, holding a bowl out to her.
His smile fell a little at her question to Sunsleaf, but he fought to keep it in place. He filled bowls with soup in silence for a little while, brow wrinkled in thought.
"Quicksand," not cub, not little one, "I agree with Sunsleaf. It is good that you're worried - it shows you understand how serious this is - but too much worrying will exhaust you." His smile returned somewhat and his frown faded away. "Tired hunters never bring down prey and we need all the hunters we have now. You'll soon be old enough to ride with the Hunting Party. If you practice enough you might be the youngest Tall Tree elf to ever have ridden with the pack during a hunt - definitely the first to bring down a longrunner."
Quicksand snatched the bowl up quickly from Branchwalker's hands. She didn't want to seem greedy, but she hadn't eaten anything for a while. She drank down the contents of the bowl, and just about choked on it when Branchwalker talked about her joining the hunting party. It was something she always dreamed of, always desired. Her eyes wide, she looked at him with hope.
"You-you think I'll be able to hunt soon?" She asked, her question filled with yearning. She looked again to her brother. She'd need to look out for him, to protect him, to provide for him. Being a hunter, learning a weapon, these would all help her to accomplish it.
"I want to learn the bow." She said softly, looking back over to Branchwalker and Sunsleaf.
"With some practice, yes," Branchwalker assured Quicksand, pouring her another bowl of soup. "A bow is a good choice. Keeping one's distance can be a good way to learn they ways of one's prey and it'll give you a chance to perfect your riding as well, without worrying about getting trampled."
Sunsleaf smiled at Branchwalker's redirection of the cubs thoughts, but her gaze rested on him. Knowing how he worried and the pain he had been in, was probably still in but hid better.. it made her heart ache.
Once more she wished that there were a way to lessen his pain, she pulled her gaze away from him lest she be caught staring.
Branchwalker sneaked a glance at Sunsleaf, who was watching Quicksand. "Are you skilled with the bow, Sunsleaf?" he asked her. *I could swear she just looked my way. Nonsense, now I'm starting to see things. Maybe I need more rest than I think.*
He turned his attention back to Quicksand. "Maybe we should hold a competition? To find who is the best archer and thus worthy of teaching our cubs?"
*Squirrel should be the one to teach them,* he thought to himself, still smiling. *She was always a good archer, a good huntress. She should be here, taking pride in her daughter's eagerness to help the tribe and to share her knowledge.*
Out loud he said: "What do you say Quicksand? Would you be our judge?"
Sunsleaf shook her head, "I don't.. Not the bow. I can hunt well enough to feed myself when I need to. But I'd be no good at more than that. Maybe I should be taking lessons with Quicksand?" She snuck a glance at Branchwalker, "Unless you wanted to teach me..." She looked away half expecting him to blush or something and knowing they were in a tent full of observers.
Branchwalker did blush, but only faintly. "Would you like me to?" he asked Sunsleaf, the words rushing out of his mouth swiftly as the water in a spring river, before again turning his full attention to Quicksand.
Quicksand smiled a little bit. "Me? Judge? Um... I guess I can." She said, scratching her head. She'd never had to make a decision like that before.
"Who should we put in the contest?" She asked. She never really paid attention to who was good with what weapons amongst the hunters, the thought of hunting never crossing her mind until now. She needed to learn, though, so she could take care of Redstreak.
"Hmmm," Branchwalker said, frowning in an exaggerated fashion. "Well, I could participate. Bloodmane, Dawngazer and One-Edge should join us, maybe ChildWolf and Silvereyes too, if they're feeling lucky. Should we send to them? I'm a bit curious as to what's happened with Softpaws and her birthing.
And now it was Sunsleaf's turn to blush, but her head was down as she filled bowls with the broth. Half listening to Branchwalker talk she took a moment to consider his question and then replied to him privately.
~** I think I would like it if you would. **~
Branchwalker's eyes widened for a brief moment, followed by a smile he seemed quite unaware of spreading over his face. ~**Then maybe later tonight, if there is time...**~
"We could." Quicksand said in response to Branchwalker. "But I bet a lot of them still need to rest." She said, then yawned herself. She was exhausted, to say the least. It had been a harrowing time, and she was ready to push it all behind her, become a hunter, and protect her brother. But, she did need sleep.
"Wise words," Branchwalker agreed. "Maybe we should wait for tonight then?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:45:24 GMT 1
********
Greyspear crouched, leaning against his spear, holding it with both hands. His eyes were cast down, his mind reeling. Dried blood still caked his leathers.
Troll blood. His blood. Tenderheart's blood.
He tried to think, tried to see where the rest of the tribe had fled. Who was alive, who was gone? The Chief? The cubs? He remembered seeing Silvereyes, his daughter, flee. She would make it, she would survive. Treebreeze, his son, he didn't know what happened to him. Nor his brother, Haze. His bond, dead. And Tenderheart, his lifemate, his Recognized, his world...
He had been frozen in that moment, the moment he felt his world ripped apart, his heart shredded, his mind shattered. Tenderheart was there, trying to heal, trying to help, and he was her defender. Every troll that came at them, every one met the tip of his spears or the blade of his dagger. Every troll, except for one. So quick, so brutal was he, that Tenderheart didn't even have the chance to heal herself. That troll, he suffered. Greyspear made sure he suffered.
And after, he held Tenderheart to him, howling his anguish, his pain. He felt her soul flee, he felt her last breath, and her last sending.
~**Always my love, always my heart**~
And then... nothing but cold silence. For the first times in eights upon eights upon eights, he was alone. Truly alone.
But he had found Squirrel. She lived, the only one he'd found so far. Together they fought off the remaining trolls, gathered the dead, and howled for them. And now, now they were trying to track the rest of the tribe who had fled. Greyspear was relieved to see small footprints among the tracks. At least, the cubs had made it, he hoped. And perhaps, there were others, elves of other tribes. There was Riv, not a member of Tall Tree, but an elf. Were there more? Did his remaining tribe find another band of elves? He prayed to the High Ones that it was so.
Squirrel had known others survived. But after the second attack she was no longer sure who had survived. Who had been found, who had been lost? A great deal of death had occurred and she was numb from it all she had seen Gale fall but refused to mourn him until there was a body, or some proof. She was certain she would know, that her soul would feel the rending of his death. She had to stay positive, had to shake it off and see the brighter side, one of them had to find the light to keep the pair of them from being lost in Greyspear's mourning.
Greyspear looked again at the footprints he had crouched down to inspect. Old, almost faded, only an experienced tracker could still make them out.
**We're still on the right path, Squirrel. I don't know how far behind them we are, but they have to stop and rest sometime. We'll find them, Squirrel,** he said, then added: **And there is still prints from small feet.** He wanted her to have the hope that her children were still alive.
Nodding she smiled faintly, small feet meant cubs, but whose? Which cubs had survived? There weren't enough small feet, of that she was certain. Perhaps 3 sets where there should have been twice that many. How many cublings had they lost? Cublings who were so precious to the life of the entire tribe.
She squared her shoulders, ** We will rest when we have to, or when we find them. When we rest we should probably take to the tree tops for safety. **
**That's a good idea.** Greyspear said with a nod as he stood there, contemplating their next move. **Let me know when you need rest. I should be good until nightfall,** he sent, then began walking, following the tracks, as they had been doing for a while now.
He was ever vary, his eyes darting at every movement, his ears twitching at every sound. He couldn't be sure if the trolls were going to come back, but he wanted to be alert in case of another attack. And there were other predators. Bears, longtooths, and wolves outside of their Holt's wolfpack who would have no troubles challenging them if they strayed into the pack's territory.
Squirrel kept moving. The farther they got from the Holt territory the more she hoped they were catching up with the others. As the time seemed to alternately drag and fly they, like the others, neared the open plains. But that was where the tracks were leading, so they couldn't stop.
She wondered, as she had before, if they'd inadvertently lost the trail of their tribe mates and stumbled upon some other group. She was reassured that Courage seemed content that they were the 'right' elves.
They had stopped to rest and as she lay curled in the crook of a branch she heard a noise. At first she wasn't sure and then she was. Elfin, for a moment her heart had almost stopped in her chest fearing that the trolls had found them. Creeping silently down the tree she settled onto the lowest branch and watched.
Sureshot grumbled aloud to his wolf-friend, his pack in front of him and open as he rode. "You know.. it would be helpful if you didn't eat my share of the food as well as your own, overgrown cub." Not for the first time that day his stomach alerted him that they needed to hunt. "You couldn't have gone and gotten yourself a nice fat snack, you just had to take the strips I was drying. Next meal I store up a tree."
He wasn't sure where they were any more, but he was certain he knew where they weren't, at least this night the moon was high and when they found a likely place to hunt he wouldn't be trying to tell one shadow from another.
Trickster had stopped and was sniffing at the ground silver flecked muzzle intent on whatever scent he had caught.
Sureshot suddenly felt as if he were being watched and frowned as he reached back for his bow. ** I don't want to shoot anyone on accident. **
Squirrel bit her lip and looked back up the tree trying to see Greyspear from her current perch.
Greyspear was frozen in the treebranches above Squirrel. He'd caught the scent, unfamiliar though it was, it was elf. Had they been tracking someone like Riv this whole time? Then the sending came.
~**Another elf not of Tall Tree?**~ He lock-sent to Squirrel softly. **I wouldn't want you shooting anyone on accident either.** Greyspear responded to Sureshot, slowly climbing down the tree. When he got to the base, he held his hands up in a peaceful gesture. Noticing the wolf, he felt a bit more comfortable. A wolfblood, good.
**I am Greyspear, of Tall Tree Holt.** He said, a bit of pride in his voice. **We are looking for survivors of our Holt from a troll attack. Their tracks lead this way. Have you seen any?**
Sureshot settled his bow across his lap and studied the pair, they looked as worn and ragged as he felt and the word 'survivors' made him wonder but Troll made him frown. Nothing good ever came of mixing with trolls.
** I have only just come this way myself, so I am sorry to say I have not seen any of your friends. I have not heard of your Holt before. We must all be far from our usual grounds. **
He slid from the back of his darkly colored bond and lay a hand on the wolf's head, ** This is Trickster and I am Sureshot. Wanderers from High Stream Holt. **
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:46:04 GMT 1
********
The midday sun shone brightly down on the tents and elves as the last of the sleepers untangled themselves from their furs and staggered out to join the rest of the bustling camp.
The bonfire once more shadowed those closest to it, though it was not yet lit. Near it the chiefs had settled down on furs laid out in a crescent shape on the ground, their backs to the bonfire.
**Come everyone!** the gentle, yet loud mind voice of Keensight called, once everything was in its place. **It is time we learn of each other. Births, deaths and the story of our visitors - come and share!**
Sunsleaf looked around the tent at those within it and her eyes settled on Branchwalker and young Quicksand. She knew they would all be expected to attend and yet at that moment she wanted to stay in the tent and pretend the large gathering wasn't taking place.
"Do you think," Her gaze settled on Redstreak still near Haze. "They're up to it?" Branchwalker would know them better than she would, he would know if Haze would want to attend though he should probably get more rest just to be certain.
"I don't know," Branchwalker replied, worrying his lower lip with his teeth. **Haze? Redstreak? Are you rested enough to walk? This could be important.**
To Quicksand he said: "You seem awake enough to join us. I'm sure this is a very important meeting and we'll need all our hunters there. Or what do you think Sunsleaf?"
He paused. "Did you see where Silvereyes rushed off to?" ~**Silvereyes? Did you hear the sending?**~ he lock-sent, then as an afterthought spread the lock-sending to include all elves he knew and added, ~**Did everyone hear that? I think we should go see what this is about - introduction seems important to these elves and we more or less stumbled into their home last night. A proper greeting wouldn't go amiss.**~
Sunsleaf smiled softly at Quicksand and then to Branchwalker, "She should come. She's well enough. Though.. I think I will call WhiteEars for Haze. Even if he chooses to walk I wouldn't want to have to try and carry him back, though it would probably hurt his pride more than anything. Traveling by wolf is so much less embarrassing given all he has endured."
She moved to the tent-flap, "No.. I think she slipped out. Again. I am not sure she is comfortable around anyone at the moment. She spends more time alone than I do."
Branchwalker gave a curt nod. "I'll go ahead and make sure everything is fine with Silvereyes - she worries me, not answering sendings like this."
"I'll, I'll go." Quicksand said softly. How could she not? Someone from her family had to be there, and Redstreak was still far too injured. She got up from her spot besides Redstreak and brushed hair from his face. She kissed him softly on the forehead then.
~**Stay strong, little brother. Call me if you need me.**~ She sent to him, then headed towards the tent flap with the others.
"Will you guide me then, young huntress?" Branchwalker asked as playfully as he dared. "I'm sure you're brother will rest well here and it's good to have your ears. Pay close attention to the greetings, so you can tell him all about it later."
And with that he exited the tent.
SilverEyes had been up still not able to sleep well since the mishap with the trolls. Silvereyes had been just outside the camp thinking on things trying to make since of it all but started weeping and sobbing till suddenly she heard a sending and she calmed herself and remembered the now of things and after a long moment of refreshing her face she fixed her lose bangs behind her ear then headed for the others gathering in the center of the Holt.
Her grief weighed heavy on her mind and heart but she tried to keep faith that possible one or two of her bloodline might have lived. She told herself she would be strong and howl long for those she loved and all lost from her tribe once the fire is lit.
Halfway to the place the calling sending had come from Branchwalker spotted Silvereyes among the empty tents and sighed in relief.
"Silvereyes!" he greeted her, waving both his arms to be easier for her to spot. "Where have you been? Didn't you hear me send for you?"
Silvereyes jumped and bared her teeth with her features suddenly melting into a half smile as she tried to hide her red tented eyes from being upset. "Eh, yeah..I mean no. I did not mean to...Merry meet and I hear you now. What have I missed? I was lost in thought."
Silvereyes had let loose her bangs to once again try to hide her sadness. She was very much on edge but she was one to not willingly let other things get in the way of tribal duties.
"Only a sending from these strangers' chief...I think," Branchwalker explained. "That's why we're all up and moving. Will you join us?"
Bloodcut was one of the early ones to arrive to the gathering spot. She had been lurking around, just wasting time. She found a cozy-looking mosspatch, or something similar to it, and sat down on it. Out here in the desert it would be impossible to find a real moss patch.
She took a look around. Not many had arrived yet. She would have to wait a while before she could find someone to accompany. Maybe she'd find someone to make comments and jests with on the stories. Or maybe she'll tell a story. There were quite a few she had memorized after all.
Sitting alone with nothing to do was unbearable to Bloodcut so she didn't waste any time before she drew out three strips of colored leather from her belt pouch. With her nimble fingers she started to twine the strips in an intricate pattern.
Silvereyes nodded and looked around her to make sure to not leave anything behind and followed Branchwalker.
She was very focused on the now of things but was attempting to correct it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:48:34 GMT 1
********
"...you don't have a chief?" Wind said, his voice hesitating. His and his companions' eyes were wide now, looking at Eveningsky as were she a tuft of grass that just had started singing.
"Then how do you-?" Arrow never got to complete his question as chief Redfur appeared from behind a nearby tent, bleary-eyed and flinching every time the sunlight hit his eyes directly. He still managed a big grin as he spotted the group of elves by the storage tent.
"Now, who can tell me what's so important that I have to be dragged out of bed while the sun isn't yet at its highest point. It is the New Turn Festival after all." Redfur's grin widened a little as he caught a look of surprise on Wind's face.
"Don't worry yourselves - Keensight will be along shortly. I just amused myself with hiding his leathers behind my tent." He winked at Dusk, who only rolled his eyes. "It'll take him a while to find them, so why don't you tell me all about what's happened in the meantime?"
"I think...Eveningsky here would do a better at that - she knows more about the behavior of these wolves," Dusk replied, turning his attention to Eveningsky - as did Redfur and the other Children of the Oaks there.
Eveningsky sighed inwardly. She hoped that even one of her tribemates would soon pop up and help assure the other elves. This situation was clearly an alarming one for them. Things were already messed up in many ways and she didn't wish to bring discomfort to these elves who had kindly given them a place for the time being. In what way should she explain the situation to the chief? Which words would be the right ones?
"The packleader of our wolves is due to have her cubs. Because she-wolves are more vunerable then, they seek a place of safety that can be best protected and the whole pack will help to protect." Eveningsky took a pause, trying to read the chief's face to see if he understood what she meant, and then continued.
"Unfortunately Softpaws, the she-wolf, has chosen your food storage tent for this purpose. And it's quite certain that the protective pack won't let us enter the tent. That is what is happening.
"Really?" was Redfur's only comment, his grin still as wide as ever before. "Well that is quite a problem, isn't it? Do you have any tricks for getting her out of there? Or to at least allow us to move the food? We wouldn't want to bother the poor life-bearing wolf!"
The last sentence he said while looking over his shoulder at the hunters, who all fidgeted, all in their own obvious or subtle way.
"I think we may have a solution," Longsong called, as he came in ear shot of the conversation. "Lifemate?" he said, stepping somewhat aside, seemingly to call attention to One-Edge.
"Oh? And what would this solution be?" Redfur inquired and raised an eyebrow, whilst continuing to show off all of his teeth.
Nearby Claw sat, mending a spear and frowning. Her head was tilted to the side, angling both of her ears as much as possible towards the group by the storage tent.
*A child as chief? A lost child as chief! They're all wind-blown berry-bushes!* She huffed and pulled the string tighter around the base of the spear point. *No wonder they've ended up like they are, even with the their beasts and their hunting skills. Pity. They could so easily bring on a change here, if they only had the right leader.*
Claw's fingers slipped and a few got cut on the spear. She didn't curse though. In fact, she was smiling.
Eveningksy was relieved to see Longsong and One-Edge. Good thing someone had a plan. Eveningsky hadn't been sure of One-Edge's condition, if she was even awake. With her here it mades things much easier, though not easy. Just like the elves from Children of the Oaks, she expected en explanation of the plan. Not that she needed to hear it, but she knew the other elves would.
One-Edge and Longsong had been close enough to hear Eveningsky's earlier explanation and thus knew what had taken the happiness out of Eveningsky's sending. This situation was troublesome indeed. The elfess took a place beside her lifemate and placed her hand on his shoulder. She didn't need the support that moment, but the next she might.
"Softpaws is my bond." One-Edge didn't say more as she thought that explained enough.
After waiting a moment for more explanation Eveningsky noticed that no more was to come. She felt surprised for these new elves needed to know more. She gave her tribemate a curious look.
"One-Edge, these elves don't have bonds. They don't know much about them." When the words had been said she remembered that One-Edge had been sleeping this whole time. Eveningsky slapped her own forehead, but she didn't say more as she was sure Longsong was already explaining in private.
~**I haven't seen any larger animals around here since we came, other than fallen prey,**~ Longsong lock-sent to One-Edge. ~**They're all like the ones we've met so far, except for a few other wolf-bloods. And I doubt they've truly understood what "bonding" means.**~
"This is for you Eveningsky," he said out loud, holding up the cup with tea. "Sunsleaf's brew, should help you stay on your feet a little longer."
Redfur grinned. "I think I have some idea of what a bond means to you. Rainblossom - or was it Firecry? - once told me you could send to them, at least sometimes. Couldn't you speak to your bond that way, explain that we need the food she's giving birth amongst?"
Eveningsky took the tea with a thank you. She should remember to thank Sunsleaf for it at a later time.
One-Edge gave her lifemate a curious look. The idea of an elf that doesn't understand bonding seemed unreal to her in her current state. It took a moment before she could follow with the situation. "Yes, we can talk to them. I can tell her that, but I can't make her move if she doesn't want to." In after thought she added: "I will try to talk to her."
Eveningsky felt bad for One-Edge. It was a confusing situation for the elfess. But she was the only one that could try to make the wolf move, or at least let some elves to take food out of there.
Longsong put a hand on One-Edge's shoulder. ~**I wish you all the High Ones' luck lifemate,**~ he lock-sent, a smile tugging at his lips. ~**I fear you'll need it.**~
Glancing over his shoulder he spotted a new arrival and the smile finally managed to fight its way onto his face. ~**And now our "mighty chief" has arrived I see.**~
Dawngazer stopped dead in her tracks when Eveningsky and the others came into view. *What a storm of a day - Softpaws really should have chosen a wiser birth den. And what am _I_ supposed to do about this?* She shook her head and walked the last few hands of steps over to her tribemates and the strangers. "You sent for me," she said to Eveningsky, her words sounding almost like a question. "Is there a plan yet? I can try and distract Stronglegs, if he gives you any trouble."
Said wolf had taken up sentry at the storage tent's doorflap, keeping a watchful eye on all the elves.
Redfur gave Dawngazer a friendly wave, that made his fellow Children of the Oaks - even Dusk - flinch a little. "Good day to you - Dawngazer, wasn't it? It seems thing here are moving along fine. Or?" The question was mostly directed at One-Edge.
Eveningsky nodded to Dawngazer but didn't get the chance to say anything. There didn't seem to be a need to anyhow.
~**Thank you, that might be needed.**~ One-Edge locksent to Dawngazer. Stronglegs might cause trouble. She touched Longsong's shoulder lightly before moving closer to the storage tent. She kept her eyes on Stronglegs, carefully avoiding eyecontact. Still a distance away she slowly crouched down, partly not to alarm the wolves and partly because of her wounds.
::Softpaws?:: One-Edge wanted to know if the she-wolf would even listen to her.
Stronglegs kept a close eye on One-Edge, but didn't move from his spot by the tent entrance, his attention turning to the other spectators as soon as One-Edge had passed him.
Dawngazer moved closer to the tent, away from the small group of elves. She didn't lock eyes with Stronglegs, but her steps were firm, not causious as she approached him. *I know you all too well old wolf - you'd raise your hackles if I acted too much of a whimpering pup.*
Longsong whinched as he saw One-Edge crouching. *Her poor leg. If only Tenderheart. ..* He didn't finish that thought. Instead he focused his attention on the circling wolves and couldn't help but smile a little. *New life. Not elfin, no, but new wolves will be good help in hunting. And poor Softpaws will hopefully not have to carry two for more than another turn of the seasons.*
Redfur and the other Children of the Oaks stood back a bit, many of them fidgetting as if they weren't sure if they were allowed watch or not.
Claw got up from where she was sitting and walked away, smirking.
Eveningsky was focusing on the wolves and the two maidens approaching them that she failed to notice the anxiety of the Children of the Oaks elves.
One-Edge didn't get an answer. A good sign or not?
::Softpaws?:: Another moment passed but then an acknowledgment came. The she-wolf would not ignore her. One-Edge knew that staying like this would not get them anywhere. ::I'm going to come in now.:: she send in a stern tone.
The elfess carefully stood up again. She didn't feel scared of the wolves and let it show in her posture. The wolves wouldn't let a coward enter the tent so there was more reason to show courageousness. She didn't look at the other wolves around her as she approached the tent again.
"Huh," Redfur huffed in an impressed manner. "That seems to be going well. Everyone!" He turned to his tribe mates, arms spread wide in a friendly gesture demanding attention. "It would seem we are of little use here. Should we perhaps go to the story tellers? I'm sure the ceremony is about to start any moment now."
There was some general shuffling of feet, but eventually the Children of the Oaks elves began walking back towards where the bonfire had been the night before. A few stole a last glance or two at the tent One-Edge had disappeared into, but no one said anything further.
Longsong gave Claw a suspicious look when he caught her leaving with an all too pleased look on her face, but gave the other Children of the Oaks friendly nods in goodbye.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," he commented to Eveningsky, in as steady a tone of voice he could manage. "She'll make sure Softpaws at least lets some of the food out of the tent. If you want, you can go back and see what new crazy ideas our new friends have come up with. I'll stay here, wait for One-Edge."
Eveningsky nodded. She could trust Longsong to take care of things there. Dawngazer was still there as well. "Call me if there's anything."
She took a quick glance at the food tent before switching her mind to other thoughts. It was now that she suddenly felt the object in her hands and looked down to it. The tea. She had forgotten about it. *I should probably return it.* She took a sip as she took her leave to visit the tent with her wounded tribe mates. It would be nice to see how her friends were doing.
One-Edge couldn't help but smile at the sight in front of her. There was Softpaws and a bundle of new cubs, new life. The she-wolf didn't show any sign of minding One-Edge in her presence. She carefully licked the cubs clean, one after another. One-Edge sat down at an arm's length away from Softpaws.
::They're beutiful.:: She reached out her hand to place it on Softpaws back. She felt the silky fur and moved her fingers in a slow motion. ::We'll take good care of them, won't we?:: A warm color vibrated in her mind. Softpaws agreed, and was happy. ::Do you mind if Longsong disturbs your peace for a while?::
First the she-wolf didn't reply. She just kept on liking her cubs. One-Edge softly nudged the wolf and the positive answer appeared, swift like a wind. ::Thank you.::
~**Please come and take the food that is needed for the moment. Softpaws should be allowed to have her peace for the sunrising or so at least.**~ The maiden sent to Longsong. After that she sent what she saw, the proud mother with her cubs. She couldn't hide the small feeling of sadness that escaped her thoughts. *Life goes on...* Knowing that didn't make the thoughts of Sweetbreeze any better.
Longsong immediately hurried into the tent, moving just slow enough not to startle the wolves. Dawngazer was at Stronglegs' side now, so at least he wouldn't have to fear being attacked by the pack leader.
~**Cubs,**~ he couldn't help but lock-send to One-Edge, sharing the joy of new life and sorrow of lost young. Then he hurried to grab as much food as he could carry, beginning the slow process of emptying the tent.
Outside Dawngazer had begun scratching Stronglegs behind the ears, who let her with an air of stoic reluctance.
"You love this you big pup, don't try and deny it," Dawngazer muttered with a smirk, earning only a huff in reply – or as much of a reply as a wolf ever gave to spoken words. They sat there in comfortable silence as the rest of the pack too settled down in a much more relaxed fashion, though still with ears perked and eyes open. From inside the tent footsteps and fabric rustling could be heard.
Suddenly Stronglegs, whose head had begun drooping the longer the scratching continued, sat up straight, ears as wide as possible.
Dawngazer nearly lost her balance as her hand more or less slipped from Stronglegs' head and she eyed him warily as he got up and began pacing. Then she heard it too. Faint howling she barely recognized as Copperears, coming from somewhere beyond the tents in front of her. She nearly missed jumping on Stronglegs' back before he was off – his place of guarding immediately taken over by Windrunner.
**Copperears has found something!** Dawngazer sent to Longsong and One-Edge almost as an after thought. **I'm not sure what, but it sounds urgent. I'll send more as soon as I know.**
One-Edge's heart skipped a beat at Dawngazer's urgent sending and she moved to gaze in the direction of the source, although she couldn't see Dawngazer sprinting of on her wolf through the tent skin. **Please do.** She sent after her. Something in Dawngazer's sending had brought a sliver of hope into her mind and now her heart raced in anticipation.
~**Longsong...**~ One-Edge's silent sending included it all. Had it only been her imagination, the slight tone in Dawngazer's sending? Her hand had stopped on Softpaws' back and now she resumed the steady movement. ~**We should hurry.**~ Something was going to happen soon and they should get the food out before that.
Carefully she picked herself up. Softpaws was calm and would let them move around, for the time being at least. One-Edge took some food pouches in to her hands and started to carry them out too, together with her lifemate.
As they brought some of the last food outside, Keensight's sending rang clear in their minds. One-Edge looked at Longsong with a question in her eyes. Then she gazed at the food and the tent. Some was still left but not much. And Softpaws was growing agitated, not being allowed her privacy yet.
~**We should go. There are not many of us who will be able to move there. There is also this mess.**~ She only needed couple of paces to reach Longsong's side and slip her arm around his. Carrying all the food had taken its toll on her sore leg.
The two of them made their way to the gathering.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:49:10 GMT 1
********
Leaving the tent he had stayed in for the night, still pulling his pants on everything else already dressed, Fox gave one look behind him at the well-toned back of a sleeping elfess he had a pleasant encounter with. Met in the cover of darkness and with much help of certain purple berries they had soon made their way to an unoccupied tent and jumped on the furs.
With a grin on his face Fox tumbled outside instantly covering his eyes from the relentless sun. Well, at least he had got some water to drink in the tent before sneaking out he though as he lowered his hand slowly getting used to the light. Looking around as if only now realizing where he was Fox inhaled and stretching his joined hands towards the sky let out a loud yawn. He started walking away from the tent and soon saw someone coming to his direction. "Shade and sweet water to you my friend," he said with a wide grin resting his hands on his hips.
Evening-Fall had been up and about for some time now. He had just a moment earlier finished his morning training and was walking around the area when he met Fox. A wide grin spread on the elf's face, hearing the other elf's greeting. "I see you had a pleasant night, loverboy. I saw Mayflower earlier so if you want something, now's a good time to get it."
Fox gave a coy smile glancing a bit down to his left when he heard the other elf's words and looked behind his shoulder at the direction of the tent he had just sneaked out from. She was surely still sleeping.."I feel like I wrestled two bighorns last night! My memory fails me a bit, but I feel it was pleasant.."He said the first sentence coming out rather loudly, but the latter softly disappearing into mumbling and a one-sided smile. Scratching his ear and one hand rested on his stomach he looked at Evening-Fall again brows lifted and eyes curious. "You had your share then? I could eat a boar!" he ended with a laugh.
Fox's comments on the night made Evening-Fall burst out laughing. He lifted his hand to cover his mouth and took measures to calm himself again. He let the topic stay where it was as the food was brought up. "I ate some cold meat after I woke up. No one awake to warm it up for me so early in the morning." He told with a snicker. Then he shrugged. "I must've been the only one without company." With a swift movement of his hand he pushed the comment aside. "Let's get some crub to fill us."
Fox listened to Evening-Fall keenly and was smiling up until he made the sharp remark of being left alone. Not really being able to comment on it even if he wanted to he went along with him. "Yeah, my stomach is already growling!" he said with a smile again starting to walk with him. He could have told him that he never turned anyone away, but it wasn't in his nature to give invitations, he went where the moment took him.
As they walked he suddenly asked a question: "What do you think about the newcomers?" and looked at the tall elf with round eyes still keeping the pace. He was quite fascinated by the fact that they had animal friends. It was very new and exciting, and he was always curious by nature.
"They pretty much kept to themselves last night. No wonder! From what I've heard they have a bunch of wounded in their group and that doesn't even seem to be the biggest of their problems." Evening-Fall's every word was accompanied by the movements of his hands. A trait born from his love of dancing. "So as to your question, I'm looking forward for today's introductions to get a better opinion on them. I only met a couple of them and I don't want to base anything on only those few."
Fox listened to his answer, but kept looking around him at the same time. His ears had a way of picking up only the juicy fun parts and ignoring the subjects that were a bit more serious. He hadn't seen much of the other elves, he had taken note of them but also had been preoccupied at the moment..He agreed with the older elf though, he was very excited to learn more about the strange elves.
"Hmmh.."he hummed slightly at Evening-Fall's last sentence and then perked up a bit. "I can't wait to hear what stories they have!" he said with great enthusiasm in his voice and eyes sparkling. For him one of the most expected part of the New Turn Feast was the storytelling. Thinking more on what would happen that day in his mind he saw a grand feast of all the goods the tribes had brought...Instantly his stomach grumbled very loudly.
Evening-Fall hadn't even thought on the possibility of hearing stories from the newcomers. After all it wasn't that usual to have strangers at there feasts, at least not as big group as the one they had now. He pondered on the facts that he knew of the survivors. What he had heard from the few who had been dancing, from the elfess Morning-Glow had introduced to her, Eveninglight was her name, and then Morning-Glow had told him little this and that too. Considering all this, there might be a high chance that they'd hear no stories from them. But all these thoughts he kept to himself. He wasn't sure on it so no need to kill the other elf's excitment.
"Ah, here we are." Evening-Fall hadn't really noticed that they had already come to the cooking corner. He waved his hand to gain attention, which was really not needed because of his height and colorful attire. "Mayflower! Anything nice warming up yet?"
The elfess in question turned to the source and spotted Evening-Fall. "Good day, dancer!" she greeted him and then noticed the elf in his company. "If it is not Fox! I am not suprised to see you crawling here at this time." She sent him a wink with a knowing look. "I have some stew from yesterday warming up, almost done. Some sweet roots... Want me to just make plate for you?"
Before they could answer she quickly added to Evening-Fall. "I know, only vegetables and roots for you at this time. I have learned." She smiled triumphantly while Evening-Fall snickered his answer. "Go ahead." Then Mayflower looked at Fox again. "Hungry as a coyote I bet?"
"And Mayflower's cooking is delicious as always," Spin cut in, lowering a half-empty bowl from her lips. "Had a good night? And have you heard about the stir up yet?" If she knew Fox right - no one changed all that much in only eight sun turns, right? - he'd either know all about what she meant already or want to know about it.
Evening-Fall had just finished his bowl of food when Keensight's sending reached the group. His face lit up and he was quick to dispose of his bowl. He did prefer the first day of dancing but he had a soft spot for story-telling too.
"Now, what are waiting here anymore?! Let's go!" He took Fox and Spin by their clothes and lifted them up to stand. For his grand height, this was a possible feat. "You can finish those while listening. And weren't you just waiting for this, Fox?" Evening-Fall winked to the mentioned elf.
"And off we go! You too, Mayflower." He added and grabbed the cook by her waist, away from her cooking.
Mayflower let out a chuckle. With a smooth movement she was away from the Evening-Fall's grasp. "I'll follow after. You just run along."
Evening-Fall made a small motion with his fingers and took off, not caring if anyone followed him in the end. They would come eventually.
|
|
