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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:49:58 GMT 1
***Happy Meeting*** Dawngazer breathed deeply through her nose once more, as did Stronglegs. *It's faint, but that's definitely a familiar scent!* Dawngazer cheered to herself, nearly ripping out tufts of Stronglegs' fur in her excitement. Unable to remain on her bond-friend's back for a heartbeat more she jumped off, stretched her arms wide, threw back her head and howled 'till it it felt like her lungs would burst. Stronglegs followed suit. Meeting Sureshot had changed the way things were going for Squirrel and Greyspear. The hunting was better, though Squirrel bit her tongue on the 'joys' of traveling with broody males. The travel resumed and many of the next days blurred together as they journeyed in what they could only hope was the right direction. Had they lost the trail? Were they too far behind? At some point the wolves turned slightly and nothing would put them back on the previous path. At dawn one morning the wind shifted, it was behind them, blowing into the unknown that waited ahead of them and though there was unease at this prospect, still they had to keep going. There was no going back any more. It was sometime near midday when wolf ears and then elven ears perked to the sound of howls. Courage nearly dislodged Squirrel from his back as he surged forward and she had to grab on tightly as she tried to slow him. Stronglegs panted as he ran, each breath heavy and loud, but he refused to slow down. There was several familiar scents on the air, old packmates, and something new as well. Egged on by the howls from the camp now far behind them he kept on running at break neck speed. Dawngazer's grin nearly split her face in two when she spotted elfin shapes in the distance, as well as wolf-like ones. With a howl of pure joy she urged Stronglegs to run faster, until she could make out the faces of the elves riding and running towards them. "Squirrel!" she shouted as soon as she was sure her nose and eyes weren't playing tricks on her. "Oh High Ones it's good to see you, we thought the trolls had caught up with you! And Gale too - Redstreak and Quicksand will be so happy to see you - we were so sure you'd been lost with the Holt!" Tears slid down Squirrel's cheeks, her cubs were safe! Thank the High Ones for such a thing, "Thank you for taking care of them." Greyspear, much like Squirrel, broke out in the first true smile he'd worn for two moons – though it was still too cold to even resemble his old one. "Praise be the High Ones, the stars and the moons," he mumbled as he came to a halt next to Squirrel and her bond. "We should hurry to them then." Stronglegs' panting had slowed to even breaths quickly after they'd made halt. He eyed the two other wolves with the air befitting a pack leader, careful to see if any of them should feel brave enough to challenge him then and there. Trickser had followed the others, staying behind Greyspear in the rush toward the meeting. Sureshot slid from his bond and walked forward slowly, staying back slightly while the joyful reunion took place. He was, afterall, the outsider, even if he had been somewhat accepted as a traveling companion. Dawngazer nodded in agreement with Greyspear, looking slightly unnerved at his stiff grin. Squirrel's tears were expected, but his expression... "Yes, we really should hurry back. There is so much to tell you, but it's better to show you. Just know that we have found others and that most of us are well – a few wounds here and there, but nothing deadly and there. Greyspear, I offer to convince Stronglegs to let you up behind me; he's more rested than the other two I should imagine, so he can carry both of us." "And you, stranger," she added, as if she'd forgotten all about the third elf's presence up until that moment, "our greetings should be later, if you don't mind. There are eight upon eights of elves to greet you when we arrive, I promise!" Squirrel nodded and as Dawngazer spoke to their third party member she looked back at him and gestured for him to follow. She wasn't sure that he would, but he had made the journey somewhat easier. For his part Sureshot continued to hang back and give the others their time. He could always decide what to do later. |
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:50:22 GMT 1
********
Silvermist yawned and stretched on the fur she'd just placed right at the front of the half-moon of elves that were gathering in front of the chiefs. She then smiled at the elf sitting next to her.
"Wishpond my friend, well played last night! I haven't danced so much in moons," she crowed. "How have you been? Looking forward to the stories?"
She paused a little, glancing around with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Have you talked with any of the strangers? I danced with some, but only around the fire." She winked at him, as if saying 'if you know what I mean'. "What do you think of their beasts? How do you think they train them?"
Wishpond, having seen Silvermist yawn, stifled a yawn of his own. He hadn't been awake for long and still felt like curling up in a pile of furs, especially after such a late night. Then again, fatigue only made sweet things taste all the sweeter, and luckily, the harpist had had the presence of mind to bring a bowl of berries with him. He set it down between himself and Silvermist, indicating with his hand to it.
"If you would like some, please help yourself," he said, returning her smile. "I have been well, thank you. How have you been faring?"
At her question of stories, a glimmer lit up in Wishpond's eyes. "Oh yes," he nodded, "most certainly. I look forward to the stories and introductions the most. Especially since we have quite a few strange faces among us today." He let his eyes roam over the assembling elves, curiosity tingeing his expression.
"Indeed, I talked with one of them yesterday. Her name was..." His eyebrows drew together in thought and he rested the knuckle of his index finger against his chin. "Blood... something. Bloodcat? I think that was it." He narrowed his eyes, thinking back; then a light pinkness tinted his cheeks. "My apologies - Bloodcut, not Bloodcat."
Wishpond picked up a berry and popped it into his mouth, savoring the puckery sweet juice as he chewed. "Hmm," he gazed contemplatively at the clouds as they drifted lazily across the sky, pondering the wolves. "Perhaps they train them from cubhood?" he ventured, "Although that does seem like a grave risk to expose oneself to. Perhaps the beasts were orphaned for some reason and they took them in." A shadow of apprehension crossed his features. "I wonder if it's safe to leave them around the children."
Silvermist grabbed a handful of berries before Wishpond could finish his offer.
"My thanks!" she chirped. "I've been as well as I could hope to be. If you haven't already heard it all I could tell you some interesting stories from this year's big hunt, when we ran into the newcomers."
She frowned at his musing about the wolves. "Good point. They don't seem much concerned with having their own children riding the beasts, but still..."
She seemed to catch sight of something out of the corner of her eye and turned her head away from Wishpond to stare at it. What 'it' was soon made itself known. "When speaking of bad weather..." she muttered, nudging Wishpond with an elbow.
Branchwalker approached the already huge crowd of elves with apprehension. The walk from the tent with the wounded elves had been so confusing he hardly remembered who was still by his side and who'd gone off to look for more of their kin. He knew he could have simply looked over his shoulder to see, but his couldn't make himself tear his eyes away from the scene in front of him.
*So many...* he thought to himself, his knees wobbling a little. Before his legs could give out he noticed one of the elves in the smaller half-circle – the place for the chief and his...*chief seconds?* - wave him towards a couple of free furs at the front of the larger group of elves. He took a seat and turned a shaky smile at the two elves on his left – one of the friendlier hunters called Silvermist if he didn't misremember and another elf he couldn't recall being introduced to.
Only a few steps behind Branchwalker, Sunsleaf was making sure their injured were progressing through the crowd so they could all stay together. It wouldn't be good if she lost any of them in this seemingly ordered chaos. She lost sight of Branchwalker for a moment and bit her lower lip not wanting to worry over much, her attention had been on the others in their group. Then someone stepped aside and she caught a glimpse of him seated and tried to herd the rest of their company in that direction.
~**What do you think will happen?**~ Branchwalker lock-sent to Sunsleaf as he helped some of his other tribe mates find a fur to sit on. ~**They all seem to be...waiting for something.**~
Settling the last of their group Sunsleaf took a seat herself and drew her knees in close, ~** I am uncertain. I have never seen such as this. There were always howls when the wandering returned.. stories exchanged.. but this feels different. **~
Her gaze wandered the faces of the virtual strangers seated around them, ~** Perhaps they are waiting for something. We do not know their ways, maybe there is a pattern to how this all goes. **~
~**Maybe...**~ Branchwalker agreed, glancing around at those few faces he knew. ~**But what?**~
His question was soon answered. From the center of the chiefs' furs, opposite of them, one of the chiefs - the one called Keensight - rose and opened up his arms, spreading them wide as if to embrace all elves before him.
"My people, strangers, be welcomed!" he called so even those furthest away from him could hear him clearly. "Today we celebrate the Day of Knowing!"
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:51:08 GMT 1
********
"They look nervous," Silvermist commented to whoever would listen. She leaned back to look at the row behind her and spotted a familiar face. "Oh good morrow Featherfoot, didn't see you there! Tell me, what do you think for our guests? Everyone's being awfully tight-lipped."
Featherfoot's lips twitched into a shy smile and she moved closer to Silvermist. "I think they're about as nervous as we are. New faces means new risks, unassessed and rightfully feared until they have been assessed." Her calm judgment meant she had no personal feelings towards the animal-bonded elves, specifically. She was simply curious.
"Truer words were never spoken," Silvermist said, before joining in the general cheering Keensight's announcement got from the gathered Children of the Oaks.
"Well we'll surely find out _something_ now," she commented, watching the strangers' like a hawk. "I myself think they could be a lot of fun to have around. I heard from Dusk that at least one of them knows what to do in the furs, so there's possibly more than a few lovemates to be had from the bunch. Who knows, maybe even a Recognition or two!" She gave Featherfoot and Wishpond an exaggeratedly knowing wink.
Featherfoot did not respond to Silvermist's comment, although her eyes tightened slightly around the edges at the mention of Recognition. She kept quiet, watching the new elves not too far away from where they sat. *They look like children, all of them.* It was a strange thing, to think of Recognizing at all - much less with a stranger. She was not averse to it, it was simply an alien idea. And she wondered, too, about Silvermist's comment about tumbling in the furs.
Silvermist realized her mistake too late. Flushing red with guilt and embarrassment she hurried to splutter: "I mean we can, that's to say the others...Oh puckernuts! Sorry, I didn't mean to..."
~**Wishpond, help me say I'm sorry!**~ she added in a lock-sending, trying to communicate her lack of speech-mastery when flustered.
Wishpond picked up the bowl of berries he had brought and held it out to Featherfoot. "Things like children and Recognition bring out deep emotions in us all. It can be difficult sometimes to remember in one's excitement that the way words leave one's mouth may not be the way they fall upon one's company's ears." He smiled gently at the tanner. "Personally, I very much hope that we'll see some Recognitions occur soon. I would love a little one or two to teach." He looked over at the assembling strangers, studying their faces. *Perhaps I'll even get to see the face of a child of my own,* he mused inwardly.
Featherfoot took a small handful of the pungent berries, popping them one at a time into her mouth. She returned Wishpond's smile, still quiet. It was difficult to be unhappy around Wishpond; he always knew exactly to what to say. She envied him his hope of Recognition; it was something she, herself, never dared to hope she'd find.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:51:59 GMT 1
**********
"Strangers!" Keensight called to the elves gathered in the first row of furs in front of him, "Who speaks for you?"
Sunsleaf looked at Branchwalker, ~** Who? Dawngazer? Haze? He shouldn't stand for long but he's strong enough to tell a story. **~
She looked over her shoulder into the rest of their little group curious as to who might tell the story of her new tribemates. That thought shocked her, up to now she had not thought about if she would stay once everyone was healed. But deep down she now knew that she would stay. They needed every elf in their ragtag little band and her 'talent' would be needed to identify the proper herbs where ever they decided to settle. Her knowledge would be needed to train a new healer to follow her when her time was through.
~**I-I don't know,**~ Branchwalker sent, frozen. He let his gaze trail over the tribemates seated near him. ~**Has anyone seen Dawngazer?**~
Some time passed before Longsong and One-Edge reached the clearing. There were some elves buzzing around and some staying put while having a conversation. She and Longsong had arrived before the actual story telling had started. One-Edge made a slow progress through the gathered elves but could spot no tribemates.
Maybe they would be the only ones to come? The sender had hinted at hearing stories from the newcomers. She didn't like the sound of that. Was there anyone in her tribemates that would feel calm enough to tell a story?
One-Edge still held on to Longsong for support. In her mind she cursed her leg's slow curing process. Even now instincts told her not to show her weakness so openly. Her grip on Longsong's arm tightened slightly with her own frustration.
Longsong steadied his lifemate and was about to say something, when he spotted the backs of a few familiar heads. And before he could say anything Branchwalker sent his question.
~**We saw here a while ago,**~ Longsong answered, helping One-Edge to take a seat among their tribemates. ~**But I didn't catch where she was rushing off to. Do you know lifemate?**~
Branchwalker's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he didn't comment. Instead he lock-sent to all his tribemates, addressing Longsong:
~**Longsong, you are our lore keeper. Now that we are...chiefless, could speak for us?**~
He glanced over at Sunsleaf, as if seeking her approval for the question.
Longsong nodded. ~**I no one has anything against it I am willing.**~ There was a trace of nervousness in his mind voice, but not much.
Silvereyes was, at first reluctant to join the others. She breathed a deep soft low sigh and now tucked her bangs and braids behind her ears and watched the gathering elves. But as she listened and she observed Branchwalker waiting to to hear if the story was going to be distracting enough for her to relax or not. She secretly hoped it was a good one. A new one with a good ending. She knelt on her haunches behind the gathered elves, not ready to join with them.
Silvereyes was desperate for things to be as they were before...The trolls.
Branchwalker gave Silvereyes a concerned glanced, but couldn't think of anything to say.
Sunsleaf smiled brightly at Branchwalker and looked behind her to Longsong and One-Edge. ~** Brilliant **~ she sent to Branchwalker happily.
Heat rising into his cheeks Branchwalker gave Sunsleaf a small grateful smile.
~**Dawngazer was with us until some time ago. She dashed of with Stonglegs. Something urgent she said with a certain tension. I'm still waiting of more information.**~ One-Edge lock-sent to those of her tribemates that she were around her. She left out her own suspicions, or better, hopes.
The she-elf gave a soft smile to her lifemate. One-Edge felt exhausted and only wanted to lean her head on his shoulder, but she understood Longsong's position. Even now he was the storyteller of the tribe. The tribe needed him at this moment, more than she. ~**You should give a fine story.**~
~**...Then I shall,**~ Longsong said, steeling himself.
Branchwalker's eyes widened at the news of Dawngazer. ~**Rushed off?!**~ he sent, including all his present tribemates in his thought-sharing. ~**Rushed off! Is there danger?**~
"Time has come for us to share our pasts," chief Keensight spoke as Longsong got up, seemingly oblivious of the way some of the survivors were looking at one another. "Please, it is customary for strangers to begin."
Longsong took a deep breath and then he began the Howl.
He'd chosen a story easily recognized by all his tribemates – the story of the Tall Tree Holt, from the High One Nenteela who took wolf-shape, through all nine of the chiefs and now down to lost little Brighteyes – a Howl sung at each birth celebration or at the welcoming of a new chief.
Keensight's eyes remained on Longsong during his tale, his face a mask of neutral calm. On his right and left some of the other chiefs begun to fidget as soon as the strangers' affinity to their wolf-bonds was explained.
Redfur didn't seem the least bit bothered though. He was in fact the first to cheer at the tale's end.
"What an interesting way to tell a story my friend!" he shouted. "I'm sure someone here would be like to learn, should you feel like teaching another your skills."
Branchwalker had noted a few confused glances sent their way once Kala First of Chiefs had been mentioned – and possibly a number of disgusted ones as well. He felt trapped, right there in the center of so many strangers, with only a few handfuls of his kin around him.
~**Am I just imagining this or do they look less than happy,**~ he sent to his tribemates, eyes darting from one disapproving pureblood to the next.
Sunsleaf gently touched Branchwalker's shoulder, ~** The tale is not so different from the one I grew up hearing, but for them it is new. We look as they do, but are not as they are, we are the unknown. Some may fear that, others.. **~ She could only shrug, ~** We are stronger than we were and if we are not welcome... perhaps we should leave. But even if we stay for a time, we know now to be careful. **~
~**Fear us?**~ Branchwalker sent back, sharing thoughts only with Sunsleaf. There was a small note of relief in his thoughts at the knowledge that her people shared a similar background to his. ~**Why in the world would they fear us? They've accepted the wolves fine enough.**~
He choked back a sigh of frustration. ~**Yes, we should be careful. I fear we're not rested enough to rush off on our own again and we can't go back...**~
Sunsleaf nodded, they could not go back. It must be forward to something new, but what? ~** Many thought the wolves were pets. Now they know the truth, and there are sure to be a variety of reactions to that. **~
The chiefs of the Children of the Oaks fell very silent once Redfur had finished his praising. Most of them sat stock still, but the way they kept glancing at each other revealed they were lock-sending among themselves to anyone observant enough.
It had been wonderful. Although this was not the first time she had seen Longsong tell a tale, but somehow this time had seemed different. He had been beautiful and graceful. One-Edge couldn't help but smile ever so slightly.
~**Did anyone know where Dawngazer went?**~ Branchwalker tried again, sending to all of tribe mates. He gave the eerily still chiefs a nervous glance. ~**And is everyone all right?**~
Sunsleaf looked around at their small group and nibbled her lower lip. ~** A chief should be chosen.. Dawngazer has been leading, but she does not see it that way. **~
*Chief Dawngazer?* Branchwalker thought, the idea fluttering around the worry and paranoia the odd looks from the strangers had caused. *She won't like that at all.*
~**Yes, we really should discuss leadership,**~ he agreed, sharing with all his tribemates – he'd started thinking of Sunsleaf as tribe moons ago and even Riv, who he had such mixed emotions towards, was kin now. ~**As soon as Dawngazer gets back we should gather in the tent with the wounded and talk. But now...**~ His sending trailed off into anxiousness.
Longsong was still standing in front of the crowd, unwilling to move without having been given the chiefs' permission.
*Never seen a Howl before? I wonder how they share memories...But I don't like that muttering,* he thought to himself, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
Silvereyes was still in her own mind with grief. But she was paying attention as the others postured and shared or sent. She was observing the area around the gathering as she could feel the attention in the air. She shifted from a kneeling to sitting on her heels resting her bow and quiver beside her.
After the whole trouble with the food tent Eveningsky had taken a short stroll around the camp. It felt good to be able to move around again. She had not regained all her strenght and mobility yet, but she was getting there. Then she heard the call for the gathering. She did not feel like going but knew that she should go. There was only a pawnfull of them left and not all of them in a shape to attend a big gathering.
The maiden took her way to the tent for the wounded. She flipped the now empty tea cup in her hands. It seemed that the gathering of these elves of the Children of the Oaks was no accident. This was a tradition. She and her tribemates just didn't know what. And they would just have to go with whatever came.
Finally she reached the tent for the wounded. There Eveningsky placed the cup where she saw others. For a moment she stayed there. Offering water to the ones who were awake and informing them of the event with the food tent. She used the best words she had to assure them that it wouldn't create any troubles.
Visiting the tent for wounded had taken her longer than she had expected. By the time Eveningsky arrived to the clearing, Longsong had just finished his tale. She was met by a silent audience but not a calm one. Warily she trotted closer until she spotted her tribe mates in the front. They didn't look that happy either. Something had happened.
~**I saw Dawngazer ride past me in haste. I do not know where she went. She seemed to be going away from the camp.**~ Eveningsky sent to the survivors around her and sat down. She took a closer look at the familiar faces before turning to Sunsleaf, Branchwalker and One-Edge who were closest to her. ~**What happend here?**~ This time she only sent to the three, just in case not to cause any unwanted alarm.
~**We're not sure,**~ Branchwalker replied, the whites of his eyes showing just little bit too much. ~**Longsong just preformed the Chiefs' Howl and then..._this_**~ His sending indicated the whispering, the glances and the chiefs locked in obvious yet silent discussion.
Then the news of Dawngazer seemed to catch up with him. ~**Did she say anything?**~ *Of all times to rush off tail before head!*
One-Edge averted her gaze from Eveningsky. She didn't want to voice out any suspicions she might have of Dawngazer's reasons for hasty departure. Instead she focused her gaze on her lifemate, who was still standing up there, being the center off all the uneasiness arising. She gently touched his mind with her thoughts, sharing what she had to give. ~**You were wonderful.**~ Her own words hit something in her mind. She softly closed her mind to Longsong before anything could escape.
Longsong visibly relaxed at One-Edge's mind-touch. But there was something else in her sending, a spark unrelated to praise and she closed him out of her mind so swiftly that he couldn't help but start.
*What...?* he thought, nearly forgetting about his audience.
Silvereyes shifted her gaze to see Eveningsky joining some of their Holt in the front row. Silvereyes sighed in silence knowing the mood was grim or at least grey at the moment and it was not in her own mind helping that she was not able to help in any way.
She was not one to not stick with the now of things but something in her was holding fast to the unfading hope her father was possibly alive but if he was hurt she hoped he would make his way to this place. She lowered her head and started to grip at the sand as a distraction from her thoughts. The near silent tension was almost unbearable for the she-wolf.
What good is meeting new elves if you can't just talk things out? She thought to herself feeling if she sent it others had their own troubles and she should stay out of these political matters.
~**Silvereyes?**~ Branchwalker lock-sent, searching for a distraction. ~**You don't look so good. Are you ill?**~ *Stupid question, but it's better than 'which death occupies your mind at the moment?'* He fumbled for a moment, tried to find a topic, _any_ topic of conversation now that he'd bothered her. ~**The meeting about leadership – what do you think about it?**~
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:52:57 GMT 1
****
"Eh, yes t-that's nice," Silvermist stuttered, worried eyes still on Featherfoot. ~**I'm so sorry,**~ she said again, this time in a lock-sending only to the one she had wounded, ~**I did not think, it was stupidly clumsy of me.**~
Featherfoot chuckled and leaned over to hug her friend tightly. ~**It's fine, dearheart. It's simply...bittersweet.**~
Silvermist froze mid-apology when one of the strangers – Longsong she thought his name was – stood and begun to tell a story, as was expected. Only, he didn't just tell it. Silvermist was familiar with both dance and storytelling, but never had she seen it combined like that before. The Tale Keeper's movements seemed to enhance the images he crafted with his words, wrapped reality around him to paint picture like a sending or a dream.
The beauty of it nearly distracted her from the surprising origin of the strangers' folk. "Huh," was all she could gasp out, "didn't see that one coming."
Wishpond had been watching the story-telling with great engrossment. He had almost slipped another berry into his mouth just as he registered the blending of blood in the strangers' history. The berry hovered inches from the harpist's lips, forgotten as something dark and primal stirred within the recesses of his mind - something chaotic, fanged, dangerous. The thought of this intermingling with the elfin spirit left an icy sensation in the pit of his stomach. Straightening his back, Wishpond returned the berry to its bowl.
"Dear me," he sighed dispiritedly, "I fear I may need some dreamberry wine."
"Did you *hear* that?" Hale hissed, appearing over the shoulder of Wishpond – apparently having been seated behind him since the beginning of the ceremony. Her eyes were wide in something akin to shock and something akin to disgust. "Did you *know*?!"
Wishpond started with a gasp, not having expected to feel someone's breath against his neck. He touched his hand to his chest and exhaled deeply.
"Please temper yourself, Hale," he chided, a disapproving frown on his face. Smoothing out the creases in his tunic, he let his gaze roam over the newcomers. "No, I was not aware of their heritage - but now that I know, it does seem rather obvious, all things considered."
Featherfoot's eyebrow quirked upwards, a little surprised but not much. "They have the look about them, not that any of us have tried to look. I'd heard tales of animal-blooded elves but..." She chewed on her bottom lip, contemplative. "I hadn't given them much thought."
And, of course, due to Wishpond's thinking in the direction of Recognition, she wondered how a child of that pairing would turn out - half pure-blood, half wolf. Part of her was repulsed by the idea, but most of her shivered as a wickedly delicious chill ran over her at the prospect. It would be interesting indeed.
Wishpond nodded ponderously, resting the knuckle of his forefinger against his chin. "Now that I think about it, this is all quite interesting!" he stated brightly. "I wonder how they are different from us? Other than their outward appearance, that is."
"Interesting? That's all you have to say - interesting?" Hale spat, apparently not the least chastised by Wishpond's words of calm. Still she had enough manners to switch to lock-sending, including any of her tribe mates who wished to listen:
~**They're animals! Who knows how much of them is elf any longer – how mad wouldn't you be after living your life running wild with beasts that can tear your throat out in a heartbeat?!**~
Wishpond looked away, biting his bottom lip. He didn't have an answer to that. To some degree, he shared Hale's point of view - could the elf part of someone survive if it had to compete for dominance with the blood of a beast?
His eyes turned to the visitors, taking in their expressions, the way they carried themselves. Although shorter of stature and perhaps, some more than others, more rugged in appearance than him, the emotions he could read off their faces were perfectly elfin. Catching a lock of his hair between his fingers and slowly twirling it, Wishpond made a soft noise of puzzlement that matched the uncertainty in his eyes.
Silvermist made to comment, but was caught off guard by the stillness of the chiefs. *This isn't right,* she thought to herself. *They should have asked the stranger to sit and called for the next story by now. What are they...?*
~**What do you think they're doing? Could it be trouble?**~ she lock-sent to Wishpond and Featherfoot, both excitement and worry in her mind's voice.
Featherfoot shot Hale a look. **(They are still elves, Hale, regardless of what ever else they may be. As well as our guests,)** was her acerbic, chastising reply; although slightly uncharacteristic of her, the comment was only truth. She turned her eyes to Silvermist, and then gazed at the chiefs. **(I'm not sure.)** She locked her send to Silvermist and Wishpond only. **(They may be having the same thoughts as Hale.)**
Wishpond was drawn from his silent cogitation by Silvermist and Featherfoot's sendings. He looked over at the chiefs, locked in private communication.
**(It doesn't seem like they are in agreement, at least,)** he replied, his eyebrows pulling together faintly. He didn't like the tension that emanated from their conversation.
Hale only harrumphed at this and stalked off towards another small group, whose facial expressions match hers perfectly.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:53:16 GMT 1
********
Behind the stuttering Silvermist, Arrow had just taken a seat next to Bloodcut and some other of his tribemates.
"What are you up to?" he asked cheerfully. "You missed quite a mess over by the food tents. Never knew your pets could be so much trouble."
"Trouble is just the word." Bloodcut retorted with a roll of her eyes. *I'm glad I didn't go there in the end.* She knotted her unfinished to prevent it coming loose. It was a thin piece of work with intricate patterns in three shades of green. "This." The elfess lifted up the work in her hands to Arrow's eye level. "Will be for someone to in-twine into his locks."
"Is it now?" Arrow murmured, smirking. "That reminds me I should find where my dear lovemate wandered off to." He cast a glance around the crowd, searching faces for the familiar features of Stormcall.
He was about to say something else when the strangers' tale began, interrupting him. He was left blinking once it was over, noting a few of his kin who hadn't taken the revelation too well.
"Guess the secrets out then," he commented to Bloodcut, shifting a little closer to her, as if demonstrating how not-at-all-disturbed by her he was, throwing a glare in the direction of a frowning faces or two.
Stormcall had sat up straighter and craned his neck to see the newcomers' story, impressed with the strenght of emotion in the dance and telling. The subject was one that any tribe would have, of their own origin, but it was a surprise to hear that these elves also had a blood-mingling story.
~**Think they are somehow related to Rainblossom's and Firecry's tribe?**~ he asked Arrow in a lock-send, recieving a brief shrug in answer as Arrow was captivated by the tale. Stormcall sat down more comfortably as the dance ended, noticing that the elves from other Branches seemed a bit less at ease. "Ah, we had some wanderers come to our Branch six turns past who told the same story. There's nothing wrong with them what I've seen this far" he spoke aloud, raising his voice enough to carry to Hale and the others. He gave them a brief apologetic smile. "It didn't come up earlier. We're all elves here, anyway. I don't think they're that different from us."
Bloodcut stared at the storyteller, even now that the story was over. She had the look of a predator that found its prey. She didn't pay much heed to what the other elves were saying around her although she heard them all. It would ruin many things for her if the other elves started to dislike her due to her wolf origin but there was no use to say anything at this point. It was better to just let them calm down first. "I will get you." She whispered under her breath, only audible to herself. Only then did she avert her eyes and take a look around. She noticed that Arrow had moved slightly closer. She touched the male's shoulder lightly, just a sign to show she had noticed his intention.
Something didn't seem entirely right. Why were they keeping the storyteller standing there? Certainly the gathering should continue in some way? "What should happen next?" She asked aloud from the people around her. She was not aware that some of the elves were already wondering about that.
"They should give thanks for sharing and call for the next storyteller. I guess the story threw most of the chiefs off balance. I wish they'd continue, it's really very impolite... talk it clear later, not in the middle of the sharing," Arrow replied. He frowned slightly. Stormcall patted his hand soothingly. Arrow was always the more quick-tempered of the two. "Give them a moment. But true, it is impolite to keep the strangers just standing there. There's nothing that is going to change if they talk about the issue after everyone else has had the chance to share their stories."
Without warning Palepelt and Blaze – chiefs of the Branch of Water and Feathers respectively – got up from their seats and left the gathering altogether, walking in icy silence back to their tents.
Keensight didn't spare them as much as a glance. "Thank you for your tale stranger. You've given us much to think about."
Then he too stood. A worried murmuring swept through the crowd of Children of Oaks like a breeze through the crowns of trees in summer. "The chiefs will now hold council to discuss what we've heard. In the meantime please continue to feel at home strangers." Keensight gave the first row of elves a kind smile. "As for the rest of you, I expect you to behave just as welcoming as you have until now. The rest of the stories will be saved for tonight's entertainment."
And then he too, along with the rest of the chiefs, left.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:53:56 GMT 1
********
Eveningsky hadn't had a chance to answer before the chiefs had made their move. For a moment she sat there, shocked. Receiving Branchwalker's sending brought her thoughts back.
~**I... I doubt so. Even their own packmates seemed to be taken by a surprise.**~ The incident she had attended only moments before this gathering won't help the situation, exactly the opposite, but that thought Eveningsky didn't share with others. Certainly some of them might remember it, but only those who were there would realize how tensed the situation was there because of the wolves. After a thought she replied to Branchwalker's earlier question, this time sharing it with everyone.
~**I just saw Dawngazer somwhere between the trees. I didn't manage to contact her so I don't know where she went. Having our own meeting would be a good idea.**~ Right now we're all floating around. We need to come together again. Dawngazer, where could you have gone off at a time like this?
Branchwalker just stared. Possibly he also edged closer to Sunsleaf, but mostly he stared; stared at the chiefs' retreating backs and at the uneasy Children of the Oaks.
~**That wasn't supposed to happen, was it?**~ he asked rhetorically, addressing all of his tribe.
Longsong didn't answer him. Instead he took the opportunity to sit back down, next to One-Edge. He gave his lifemate an unsure look and lock-sent: ~**Lam?**~ trying to share his confusion – both at the strangers' odd behavior and at her sudden distance to him.
Had this not distracted him so he might have felt Bloodcut observing him even closer than the rest of the crowd. As it was he only had eyes for One-Edge.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:54:05 GMT 1
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Silvermist gaped. ~**Did you just see that too, or have I been out in the sun too long?**~ she lock-sent to Wishpond and Featherfoot, feelings of shock and disbelief carrying over strongly. ~**Did the chiefs just _walk away_?!**~ The mere idea of it was so ridiculous that the reality of it left her dumbfound.
Wishpond could hardly believe his own eyes. **(... Highly unusual,)** was all he could think to reply. Had he ever seen such a display at a feast before? Much less hold a council! He shook his head in disbelief, the shock of this bizarre behavior leaving him numb. The thought of beast-blooded elves was an alien one to him, certainly, and a fairly disconcerting one, but this blatant disregard for their guests' peace of mind was a bit too much for the gentlemanly musician to swallow.
Getting to his feet, Wishpond brushed the dirt off his breeches and turned to Silvermist and Featherfoot. **(I feel our guests could use some refreshments. Would the two of you care to accompany me?)**
Featherfoot chewed her bottom lip in worry, but nodded and stood as well.
**(That would probably be a good idea. I don't see what the problem is. So they bond to animals, what of it?)** She couldn't hide her worry in her send at the chiefs actions and looked to Wishpond and Silvermist for direction.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:56:29 GMT 1
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Stormcall shook his head disapprovingly, but made no other comments about the chief's behaviour. Arrow was more vocal though. "Couldn't that have waited? Nothing about those newcomers is going to change from here to moonrise."
Bloodcut blinked a few times, looking after the retreating backs of the chiefs. I'm certain that's not part of the plan.
Sitting among the Children of the Oaks she could even feel the sudden murmuring. This was wrong. Outward Bloodcut didn't show any particular emotion of worry or something of the kind. She wore an expression like she'd be wondering what to eat for high-sun although her real thoughts were far from it. A skill mastered after many turns. This might turn into some trouble. I'm not part of those elves, but I also have wolf-blood. If they kick them out, I'd probably be kicked out too. Or would Stars be able to keep me with them? A very unwanted turn of events. She took a quick glance towards the strangers.
I'd rather not join their group. With something of a childish pout she turned to Arrow and Stormcall. "Everyone's so tense right now. Maybe we should start with some other entertainment than stories to ease up the mood?" By now there was a sparkle in her eye and a suggestive smile splashed on her features. My tribemates have to start it. If I did, everyone'd point out my wolf-bloodedness too, although I'm not part of those strangers.
Stormcall nodded. The situation was far too tense. Personally he couldn't see why exactly everyone took the story for face value, and took such offense about it. He shrugged his drum from his back, pulling it out from its protective back, and tapped a few experimental beats. The skin had gone slack, but not too much. He could still get a sound, although it would be better after a few moments nearer the fires. He continued the beat and stood up, nodding at Arrow to join him.
**Since we're not getting more stories for now, let us dance!** He picked his way towards the fires through the sitting elves, the large oval drum in hand. **We've seen how you strangers can dance, now let us show ours and we can see what comes of it.**
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:57:27 GMT 1
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Silvermist was about to reply to Wishpond and Featherfoot when Stormcall sent out his encouragement to dance. A grin of relief immediately tugged at her lips. **Yes!** she open-sent without really giving thought to her words. **While we can't relight the fire yet, I think a dance around the pile of wood would be just as good. Come all who dare challenge the strangers!**
There was still muttering around them, but several Children of the Oaks stood and began to make their way in the direction of the bonfire. Some music makers even joined Stormcall in setting a rhythm to dance to.
But a few – maybe one in five – disappeared in the other direction, to their tents.
Evening-Fall frowned slightly but was soon all happiness. He wasn't much of a serious thinker. As long as there was music he wouldn't care. As the players got together and joined their melodies, he shot up and with his long legs quickly joined the elves that had already started to gather for dancing. What would a dancing be without this tall and flary appearance?
Waterfall had followed the occurings in silence. Her eyebrows were down together. She didn't like it. Those mixtures. In her lifetime she had heard many stories. In the past she had even met a one or two not pure-blooded elves. No matter, she hadn't liked it any time before and not now either. She could only wonder what the High Ones had intended when they mixed with other creatures. But she would not question the High Ones. These new elves were descendants of the High Ones and as such, she would have to accept them. She let a silent hiss escape between her lips. Her stern gaze was on the strangers, reading the reactions she could see pass on their faces.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 14, 2020 22:59:46 GMT 1
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One-Edge gave Longsong a weak smile. ~**I'm sorry. I'm just tired. Everything seems to happen so fast...**~ It was no lie. She was tired. There had been all that hassle because of her bond. And things were moving fast forward. What One-Edge left unmentioned was what exactly that 'everything' included. Maybe it was because of the tiredness that she was starting to have those relentless confusing thoughts again.
Silvereyes was waiting for someone to speak or gesture or something. She slowly turned her gaze to Branchwalker, starting to answer him **I...I'll? No. I don't think so?**
She looked over herself and at her palms as her fingers curled in stress and anger not at the male elf or even the elves leaving but at utterly not knowing if her gut was right or not. She forced the idea from her mind yet again and decided her stomach or gut feeling was not where her head should be at right now, but her mind needed to be with her tribe. Just then she heard him send to her again.
She never noticed the two elves rise and vacate their seats, but his second sending made her flinch slightly. Her nerves were on edge. ~**I have ...no opinion. I tan skins and hunt. This time is for story keepers and Chiefs and Elders. I wish to stay out of...Eh?!!**~
Her lock-sending to Branchwalker was cut short as the Chieftains of the Children of the Oaks stood, sharing with them all to split up, Chieftains one way the tribe another. This was fine with her. She felt herself shakingly stand, but only she noticed it.
~**I am alright Branchwalker, but thank you for caring.**~ As she gathered her weapons setting them on her shoulder she moved closer to Eveningsky to listen as to what was to be discussed next.
Sunsleaf looked at Branchwalker, then to One-Edge and Longsong, over the others in their small group and back to Branchwalker. ~** I do not like the feel of their departure. Something is amiss and I wonder how welcome we will be after their 'council'. **~
She scooted a little closer to Branchwalker as she turned slightly to look at Eveningsky, ~** Longsong told the tale of your chiefs and well.. there appears to be a bit of … trouble? **~ How else to describe it? ~** Some seem unfazed, others confused, still others angry, maybe.. and I do not think this is the way their gathering is supposed to proceed from this point. **~
Branchwalker sat in silence as the Children of the Oaks sorted themselves out, nodding absentmindedly to what the others said around him. Then:
~**What do we do now? It's obvious they're split – should we join them for dancing like nothing's happened or...**~ Images of the wounded in the tent and of Dawngazer filled out the rest of his sentence.
~**They split, we split,**~ Longsong suggested, shifting even closer to One-Edge. His mind voice was less fearful than Branchwalker's, but it still held no command. ~**Some of us go dancing to show good will, the rest of us go to the tent to discuss what to do next. We could keep in contact by sending to each other.**~
Sunsleaf looked at Branchwalker and smiled softly, ~**Go back to the tent. I can stay if need be, and someone should walk Haze back. You can check on the others for me.**~ She was worried for him, worried he would be too uncomfortable with the dancers to want to stay so she would sacrifice and stay instead.
~**Maybe...**~ Branchwalker replied, looking unsure.
~**I think we have to be careful with splitting up.**~ Eveningsky sent to her tribemates. Maybe she didn't see the situation as the others did as she came later but she for her, spliting up was not a good option. ~**They feel uncomfortable with our origin and I can see that some are not eager to stay here. But there are those that want to take contact with us. If too many of us leave, would that not show that we do not care of their opinions at all? That we do not care for them? I fear that might create even more tension.**~
We have enough tension as it is. Eveningsky looked at the faces around her for any reaction, to see if anyone shared her thoughts.
One-Edge listened silently. She felt half dreaming, half awake. Yet, she did not wish to find the comforts of sleep. She had missed the previous day of celebration, the chance to understand these other elves a little better. This time she would be around to witness whatever there was to witness. Moreover, she was certain that her current thoughts would not allow her to fall into slumber even if she tried.
~**I'll stay here if you do,**~ Longsong lock-sent to One-Edge and cast a second glance at the Children of the Oaks surrounding them.
Silvereyes knew Branchwalker could tell in her sending her confusion, but that it was noting to do with the circle. She felt her heart lift a good bit as the drumming started and others joined end and then dancers too.
She was not ready to dance yet and she was not sure her going to the tent would help anyone since she would rather watch the dancing.
It was good she thought to see elves with joy in their eyes again. She wanted to howl but she waited for the others of her tribe to start with a Howl.
Silvereyes regained her composure and set her weapons aside the seating area and stood watching the Children of the Oaks frolic and play music. She even heard herself giggle a little bit and that surprised her.
She brought her fingers to her lips to hide her subtle laughter. **They are not half bad, really.** Her joy was in her open send.
Branchwalker caught Waterfall's narrow-eyed look, as he heard Silvereyes' open-sent message of joy. ~**Most of them aren't,**~ he agreed with her, locking his sending to all but his tribe mates. ~**But I fear we have some we must watch for.**~
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