Day 33: Reunion (Yahoo!Group pre-forum)

****

Branchwalker froze at the sound of the howl. It was Dawngazer's voice without a doubt. And with her...
"Praise the stars!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, already on is feet to try and catch a glimpse of the approaching kin. "Greyspear and Squirrel!" he continued, slipping over into a howl of pure joy and excitement.

Sunsleaf rose slower than others. These were not ones she knew and so she was happy for her friends, but she also realized she would be as much stranger to those newly found as they would be to her.

Longsong wasn't far behind, getting to his feet in the blink of an eye. He joined the howl with all the air in his lungs. In the distance he could hear the wolf pack join in.

One-Edge had only time to glance in Longsong's direction when she heard the first howls. Her eyes went round and she turned to the direction the sound had come from. Her heart beat faster with each howl that she heard as she recognized the familiar voices. ~**More survivors!**~ There was glee in her sending to Longsong as she scrumbled to stand up in her hurry to meet the ones coming into her eye sight.

Silvereyes looked to Branchwalker as he sent to her, nodding to him, not sure if she should reply.
Silvereyes saw Branchwalker respond to the sending, as she herself heard Dawngazer, then....FATHER! she thought in excitement, High Ones, thank you for bringing him to us! **Father are you well? Do you need mending? I have hoped you would find us!**
SilverEyes grabbed her weapons tucking them away, as she ran to meet the new arrivals, howling back to the others, adding her joy to the other howls. She paused just before Greyspear, checking to see if he was well enough to hug his neck. "My eyes see with great joy, father."

Greyspear's arms tightened around Dawngazer's waist as Stronglegs came to a stop, right in front of a crowd of strangers mixed with familiar faces. And one face was more wonderful to see than all the rest.
"Daughter!" he cried, unable to hold back and nearly threw himself off of Stronglegs' back. With happy yelps he rushed over and grabbed Silvereyes around the middle and whirled around with her, as if she once more was a tiny child greeting him after a long hunt. "Oh, daughter I knew you were too clever to be dead!" he shouted, ending the spin by setting her down gently, a huge grin on his face and tears in his eyes.

SilverEyes giggled and wept as her father came to her lifting her up and spun with her in a shared hug. "Well, I am your daughter!" She did not like being treated as a cub, but she allowed him his joy as she herself was overjoyed. Father, I held hope close that you would make it.
Silvereyes looked around at all the elves gathered and felt her own spirits lifted greatly. She wanted to ask of his journey but did not wish him nor her own self to be reminded of the hardships of the last few months. She was just happy to have at least one of her family alive. She hugged his neck again then looked to him. "Shouldn't we help the others? Anything I can do?"

Greyspear set Silvereyes down, tears flowing freely down his cheeks as he came eye to eye with her again. "Yes, you most certainly are my daughter! My brave, beautiful daughter."
Finally he managed to tear his gaze away from Silvereyes long enough to take note of his other kin. "My hand touches with joy, Eveningsky, Cloudbird," he replied to their greetings, touching each of their shoulders in turn. "Friends, daughter," he continued, eyes darting back to Silvereyes briefly, "all I can ask for now is rest and some food. Should we perhaps seek shelter?"
As he spoke, he lock-sent to his tribemates: ~**Why are these strangers so divided? Some seem almost angry, while others are playing music. Is everything as it should be?**~

As he set her on her feet SilverEyes fell silent. She smiled. Nodding to him blush on her pale cheeks. She touched the scar upon the bridge of her nose as he called her beautiful and blushed brighter. A father sees with blind eyes to his daughter sometimes, she thought.
Her joy shared with her father was a bit overshadowed by other tribal issues now. She knew the time would come to swap stories and kinsship with loved ones soon enough. She listened as her father shared his send. She reluctantly let go of Greyspear and stepped back a bit. She did not answer but was reminded of the tent for the wounded. She could not recall if they had food there.

Branchwalker grabbed ahold of Sunsleaf's right arm without really thinking, nearly jumping up and down like an overexcited pup as three wolves with four elves came to a halt by them. His gaze didn't even register the stranger among them – he only had eyes for Squirrel and Greyspear.
~**Quick, we must fetch Redstreak and Quicksand!**~ he lock-sent to Sunsleaf, with an amount of carefree joy he hadn't displayed since before the fall of his home. ~**They'll be so happy to see their mother again!**~

Sunsleaf grinned brightly at Branchwalker's excitement and nodded, ~** Of course we must. **~

"Me eyes see with joy", Eveninglight greeted the newcomers with a smile. Silently she had followed the others when they went out to meet their newly arrived kin. It was good to see those familiar faces again. Ah, if only her family could have been with them! She longed to see them again. Eveninglight didn't dwell on that thought though, refusing to have her mind and heart clouded by sad feelings. Her mother and father would want that, she was sure! They would want her to be strong and she would be!

Just like Eveninglight, One-Edge had taken her time to meet up with the found tribemates. The long time of sitting had made her leg stiffen up, which made it again harder to walk on. The earlier sudden departure of Dawngazer had made her hope for more survivors, and now here they were, where her eyes could see them.
**There is outmost joy in what my eyes see now. Welcome back to us, brothers and sister.** Then her eyes landed on the one that she had never seen before. Is he one of the Children of the Oaks?

Just now Eveninglight noticed the unfamiliar face between familiar ones and curious she looked at him. "You brought our kin back to us", she said in a friendly tone, "Thank you."
Eveninglight shifted slightly. Her injury was making it clear that the walk had been too much. Every breath she took, was painful. "Were you on your way to the great gathering?", she asked, blushing a little. Eveninglight didn't want to come across as a blabbermouth, but talking distracted her a little from the pain.

Sureshot's eyes went a little wide when he was addressed. Here he thought he was doing an excellent job of disappearing into the scenery! "Erm.." he looked a little embarassed, "I didn't really do anything except get lost myself, no reason to thank me." Trickster stuck his head under Sureshot's arm to peer around him at all the elves, the large grey wolf huffing at all the fussing going on.

"Sit down before you fall down, you two!" Longsong barked playfully at One-Edge and Eveninglight. He felt almost drunk with joy – he was sure his grin would split his face in half before long. "

"Yes, where did you-?" Dawngazer began to ask the seemingly wolf-bonded stranger, his presence having slipped her mind almost fully in the rush of finding lost kin.
A scent came flying on the wind a mere moment after, interrupting her new thought path and making Stronglegs shift his weight eagerly from one paw to the other.
"Seems I'll be off again!" Dawngazer cheered without waiting for an answer to her question. She grabbed a nearby water-skin someone had abandoned, then jump back up on Stronglegs.
"Anyone who wishes to can follow!" she shouted over her shoulder as her bond began running back the way they'd come. It hadn't meant to sound like an order. It still did.

****

Evening-Fall was more than ready to lead the first dance. He was all into the rhythm when the howls came. With his experience he did not stumble at all. As the music cut short he took few more dancing steps while the musicians got over the surprise and easily accustomed to the new beat. The sounds of elves howling, later together with the wolves, made him curious. Still, he was the example on the dancing grounds and he would continue like nothing strange was happening. That was his contribution to calm his tribe mates at this event of unknown happenings. He and his tribe were not accustomed to the sound of howls as anything else than the cry of approaching predators. Certainly there would be some reacting with that thought in mind.
Evening-Fall swirled around in his dance, at the same time observing the looks on his tribemates. The situation was getting more distressing by every moment. It was only a matter of time when the chiefs would come to check on the sudden wolf howls. There were some elves who had joined him in dancing, but he could see their movements slowing down.
"My, my!" Evening-Fall suddenly belted out, in a surprise. "This shouldn't be the time to dance!" While he speaking, he didn't pay any attention to the strangers. By doing that he tried to shift the attention of his tribemates away from the strangers and to himself, and to whatever was his attention.
"Aren't we supposed to share some stories now? How silly of me." He gave himself a soft slap on the head, to emphasize his exclamation. "Hale? Hale? Where are you now?" Evening-Fall looked around, trying to spot the female harpist of his Branch.

A light melody played by by quick and nimble fingers answered Evening-Fall's call for Hale. "I'm right here", said her voice from a dark spot. Even though Hale spoke softly, her words could still be heard very well.

Evening-Fall's face lit up as he heard the familiar voice. "Ah, there!" He approached the maiden. She had her instrument with her. "I believe you have something you could share with us. It wasn't many turns ago you wrote that song on our successful hunt. It would be a great story to share today. Do you not think so?" The last question was pointed to the elves around Evening-Fall, and this he showed by motioning his hands around him and giving a glance. Then he returned to Hale. "You'll do that, won't you?" There was a tone of teasing in his voice and on his face.

Hale smiled as she moved forward to Evening-Fall. "I was a great hunt", she responded, accompanied by some tunes on the small harp she was carrying. "Wishpond helped me improve the music. I think it's good enough now to share with everyone." Gracefully Hale sat down. She placed the harp on her lap and whisked back a long lock of hair. Her fingers ran over the over the harp's strings and a tune started to form. At first it was light as a sunny day, but as Hale's voice started to recall the events of the hunt the tune changed to accompany the song's tale in which the hunt turned more en more exiting.

Evening-Fall had been around multiple times to hear Hale practice this story. He could remember the storyline by heart. Not to mention that he had heard all the braggings of the event. That particular time he hadn't been part of the hunters though. So, when the music started he moved to it, and as the story progressed, he put the words into action, expressing in his movements the story of the hunt.

The harp was almost as much part of Hale as her fingers were, so she needn't watch her finger's dance across the strings. She knew the song by heart and as she let words and music flow, she watched how Evening-Fall danced and added his movements to the song. She had seen it before, he had shown her when he came to hear her practice. Still, she loved to watch him dance. Her eyes beamed with joy, both for the music and for the dance.

Arrow smiled cheerfully at Hale begun to play and tugged at Stromcall' sleeve. "Think you can help her out a little? It's not dance music, but..."

****

Gale was weary from trying to chase the others he knew were ahead of him, and his wound in his back from the troll blade made it more difficult to stay awake.
He now had to ride Brownberry's back to hopefully catch up hoping someone was nearby. -**SQUIRREL! SQUIRREL! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!? I'M COMING...**- Brownberry ran as fast as she could with Gale on her back, but knew his grip was not solid and had to be careful not to throw him off. Fortunately, she caught scent of something familiar and headed that way knowing they were close to some...elves.

The wind, which ironically had been against Gale for nearly two moons, suddenly turned, throwing the scent of his lifemate and his kin away from him and carrying his with it.

Brownberry all of sudden felt the gust of wind and the scent vanished. She stood and became confused.
Gale noticing this said "It's okay girl, just keep moving toward them, the best you can..." He got out the words as he nearly lost his grip on her.
Brownberry continued desperately trying to find any sight or scent of elf or wolf that would approach...

Stronglegs ran somewhat slower this time, having exerted himself during his first dash. But the scents, familiar though somewhat lost in memory, were fresh on the wind and getting closer, so he kept his pace.

Dawngazer leaned her head back and howled. She too had caught the scent and she could put a face and a name to it.
Gale! He's alive! And... she inhaled deeply through her nose, smiling, Brownberry! Ah, the pack will be stronger tonight! She leaned her head back and let out a howl of greeting, addressing the elf and wolf ahead as packmates, too delirious with joy to form a proper sending yet.

Brownberry nearly jumped with joy and almost forgot her elf-friend was barely holding onto her. She caught herself, and let out a howl of happiness as she ran toward Dawngazer and Stronglegs; and got to them with Gale holding on valiantly as he could.

Gale's eyes filled with tears hearing Dawngazer's howl, and finding his legs for a moment, jumped off Brownberry and stood, sending to Dawngazer, ~**My eyes can't see, but they cry tears of joy that I'm with my family again! Please tell me Squirrel and the cubs are alright!**~

**Gale! I've found Gale!** Dawngazer mind-shouted, pushing her mind to hopefully reach those still in the camp. She'd begun to make out something near the horizon; a shape too small to be a longrunner, rushing towards them.
**High Ones, it's good to touch your mind!** she went on, directing her sending to Gale this time. **The cubs are fine and so is Squirrel, though they miss you terribly! You, are you all right?**

Gale managed to stay straight up and send, **Not really. A troll got me in the back and shoulder with his blade as I tried to escape, and its sore and feels like a wound, I think. But I must see Squirrel and the cubs! Can you take me to them? Thank the High Ones for your arrival Dawngazer! Maybe if Brownberry has caught her breath she can get me to everyone...**

Stronglegs finally skidded to a halt, a mere wolf-length from Brownberry and Gale. Dawngazer dismounted immediately, reaching out to steady her refound tribe mate. Not another injury!
"T-tenderheart is dead, but we've met others - other elves!" she stuttered, joy slightly dampened by the thought of dead kin. "There's more than one herbal healer among them - and one's even part of our tribe now...well, almost - eh. I'll just help you back shall I?"

"Yes, thank you Dawngazer. It will be good to see Squirrel and the cubs soon. Right now, I have just enough strength to get to where the injured are and heal in some way... Come girl. You deserve a rest too.", he said to Brownberry, walking with them after her courageous and exhausting run to get her friend home.
And with that he walked back with Dawngazer to the rest of the elves he called family...with a smile on his face that he was home...somewhere...

****

Bloodcut was pleased. Stormcall had taken the initiative and now more elves joined him. Getting some motion to the body would help to ease the tensions of the mind. Also, it was important to find those elves in the Children of the Oaks that were not repulsed by the strangers' wolf-origin. If those elves kept on interacting with the strangers, then the others would see for themselves that the situation was not as bad as some thought. In any case, not everyone would be won over.
Bloodcut streched out her arms. What would be her next step then? She couldn't join the dancing Children of the Oaks yet, that would be too forward. She didn't want to join the strangers either. They were obviously in the middle of debating. No wonder. They were in no good shape altogether and now they could possibly face a new threat.
So, in all this, where can I fit now... She should find another tribemate to sit with. The elfess checked her surrounding for a familiar face until she spotted Clover. She hadn't yet joined the dancing. With one smooth movement Bloodcut got up from where she stood and crossed the clearing to Clover's side.
~**Quite the mess we have here, don't you think?**~ She sent to the gatherer.

~**You could say that again,**~ Clover sent back to Bloodcut, wringing his hands. ~**The chiefs have _never_ done anything like that, and some of our kin look so angry...**~ He trailed off, then started as if he'd just remembered something.
~**I almost forgot! Oh, you poor thing, you aren't worried anyone will call you up for a challenge? I promise chief Redfur will stand up for you, as will all the rest of us! You are of our Branch, no matter what.**~ He sent this with much conviction, as if he believed the bonds of tribe to be as strong as those of Recognition.

Bloodcut laughed heartily to Clover. "I'm not worried at all!" In truth she was slightly but she was confident that she could always find a way around it or just a way to avoid it. So her worry was more to the thought if she would need to make those plans or not.
Her laughter was stopped by the sudden noises. The sound of the howls made the hair on her back stand but she didn't give any hint of the uncomfortable feeling she was experiencing. Instead she looked at her friend. "It seems we'll have more company now."

"My, my, isn't that interesting!" Clover commented, eyes wide with excitement and maybe a little fear. "Do you think they'd like to dance?" There might have been humor in his voice, but it was slightly drowned out by the howling and the unsteady music still being played.

Bloodcut puffed some air. "I doubt they'd be up for much amusement. If you think the condition in what we found all these others, I bet the new ones are even worse." Her tribemates had been telling here much about this New Turn Feast, and Bloodcut had been looking forward to it. What would be better than merriment and company for every night? But the appearence of these wolf-bloods had ruined most of the mood. How disappointing. Not to mention annoying. She had no wish to be around all these wolf-bloods.

"True," Clover replied. "So what should we do then? Get them food, perhaps?" He paused and frowned slightly. "You aren't happy about this, are you?"
I can never tell what she's thinking...

"I'm rather bored." Bloodcut turned to answer Clover's question, with an expression to match it. Then she turned to look at the happy reunion again. With an excessive sigh she let herself fall on the ground, her arms leisurely around her head. There was a time when she wouldn't have been gazing up at the sun, but the moon. But that was past and gone, not her life anymore. "Water and some simple food with meat would do them good, surely. It's another thing to find someone to take those to them." Bloodcut spoke absent-mindedly, lifting her hand to shadow the rays of the sun. She had her finger spread out, following the play of shadows and light on her back of the hand.

"Yes..." Clover murmured in response. "I'm guessing you're not going to volunteer. Should we go listen to Hale then? It sounds like Evening-Fall has gotten her to start playing.."

Bloodcut's eyes shot open and she could hear the harps melody. How could I possibly miss that?! She bolted up to a sitting position, a glee spreading on her face. Although beneath she was reprimanding herself for letting her thoughts flow so far that she hadn't even registered what had started to happen by her. With her long harnessed agility she stood up in one fluid movement.
"Come on! What are you waiting for?!" Bloodcut already took steps towards Hale while urging Clover to come.

Clover gave a yelp at Bloodcut's abrupt change of priorities and nearly stumbled to keep up with her. I really should be used to this by now...

****

Branchwalker shifted his weight from leaning on one hand to the other. He'd caught Dawngazer's sending just as she passed out of range and told the others it was Gale she was bringing back – but that had been a while ago. The sun had begun its slow trip down towards the far hills and it would soon be nightfall and still no sending.
"I am being such a worrywart!" he said out loud to no one in particular.

Sunsleaf murmurred some nonsense reply from where she had her head against his shoulder. She was distracted, still fuming, and blast it, her hand still hurt.

Sureshot had been led back to the tent when the group from the clearing and come this way. He'd been told there was someone he should meet. He didn't think it would be her.. or that she'd still be angry. High Ones the girl could still throw a punch, and she might have broken his nose but it wasn't like he would ask her too look at it. After all, she'd probably just punch him right in the face again. Then again, she'd only taken one shot before she'd retreated behind the other fellow. Sureshot regarded Branchwalker from the corner of his eye, what was this stranger to Sunsleaf? He told himself it was only curiosity.

Squirrel sat with her cubs, one on either side and held them close. Her gaze wandered around the tent and every time it hit Sureshot or Sunsleaf it would jump from one to the other and back again. She had to admit she'd been both surprised and confused, and then she couldn't help but laugh. An actual laugh, it had startled her.
She wasn't sure she would ever forget entering the tent and being introduced to the red haired female or the way Sunsleaf's expression had gone from sweet to... angry in a flash when Sureshot had entered behind her. Squirrel had actually looked over her shoulder to find out what could make anyone so angry only to find that Sunsleaf had leapt past her and taken a mighty swing at her travel companion. The look on Sureshot's face as the identity of his attacker seemed to register on him just before her fist had made contact.. Squirrel stifled another snicker.
Not sure if it had been clear to anyone why the pair were at odds it had become clear that they were from the same holt, and apparently at some point Sureshot had done something that Sunsleaf was still angry about. But not one to ask questions Squirrel had moved aside with her cubs to give everyone some space. Sunsleaf had immediately retreated behind Branchwalker and had tried to remain there ever since. She had no idea what, if anything was between Sureshot and Sunsleaf, or Sunsleaf and Branchwalker. Again her gaze landed on Sureshot. He appeared, for his part, to be ignoring or avoiding, or both, Sunsleaf and any mention of her.
After a moments consideration she sent a query to Sunsleaf, ~** Are you all right? **~

Sunsleaf was startled by the send, and peered over Branchwalker's shoulder at the one they had named Squirrel. ~** Irritated that the treewee head is here. **~

Curiosity got the better of Squirrel at that point. ~** What does she think you did that has poor girl so upset with you? **~ It was the most diplomatic way she could think to phrase her question to Sureshot, and then to Sunsleaf she sent, ~** Are you and Branchwalker... **~ She let it trail off because even she wasn't precisely sure what she was trying to ask.

Sureshot huffed silently to himself until the question from Squirrel brought his head up, ~** I was... stupid. **~ He thought about it a moment longer, ~** She was just a cub, at least that's how I saw things. But that's all I'm going to say. **~

Sunsleaf blushed brightly, ~** Friends.. we're friends. He needed one and I... **~ She wasn't about to tell anyone else that she thought Branchwalker was the cutest male she'd ever seen. That was just asking to be laughed at, besides, Dawngazer already knew.

Curiouser and curiouser.. Squirrel wondered what exactly had happened. Well.. if they were both going to be here they'd have to work it out at some point.

Eveningsky had almost let out a word or two at the unexpected event but Sunsleaf had retreated before she had managed to utter even one. It was her habit to get inbetween fights and disputes after all. Since then she had kept an eye on the two of them, one at a time. Just as a precaution so that nothing else would happen. They had enough trouble as it was, no need for internatl disputes. Sure, Sureshot was not one of them, but between CotO elves and them, he belonged to them. For the time being. Eveningsky found a piece of cloth and poured water on it, making it wet. With that she approached Sureshot.
"Here. It's not that cold but it should still help." She offered the wet piece of cloth, indicating his hit face with it. Whatever this little episode had been about, it didn't involve the Tall Tree elves. This was something outside of that and as such, Eveningsky chose not to get into it.

Sureshot smiled faintly and took the offered cloth holding to his nose and cheek. He'd give Sunsleaf one thing, her aim had certainly improved since the last time he saw her. Her hair was different too, not the short cap of curls she had worn back then, but longer and he thought it suited her. Had she not reacted so to his arrival he might have tried to work his charms on her, after all, she was familiar.

One-Edge had been as surprised as anyone else at Sunsleaf's sudden behavior. ~**What's up with that do you think?**~ She lock-sent to Longsong while moving further inside the tent for an open spot. There she sat down. The walk had refreshed her numb leg so she found it suprisingly easy to sit down again. She took the chance to gently strech her leg.
"I'm sure they're fine." She commented to Branchwalker. "Stronglegs must be tired after all the running today. They'll be here any moment now, I'm sure." Looking at Branchwalker with Sunsleaf behind him she added. "Maybe you should turn around and see what you can do there." There was a grin on her features with a hint of a twinkle in her eye. She had noticed how much the two elves had been glued together lately. After all, she had spent some time in the tent with the two fuzzing around.

Longsong, to his own surprise, had felt a strange pang of sympathy for Sureshot as Sunsleaf had attacked him. Silly, you're being silly, he tried to convince himself. One-Edge was never like that, not even when... A swift recall of One-Edge, teeth bared, guarding her young cub, guarding their child from him... Not the time, not the place.
~**With them?**~ he lock-sent back to One-Edge as he joined her. ~**Old furmates, perhaps? Rivals?**~

Branchwalker shifted uncomfortably - though not away from Sunsleaf. He kept close enough to shield her best as he could, without appearing openly aggressive towards Sureshot. Pins and needles pricked at his legs and mind. He's looking at me, I'm sure he's looking at me. What do I do? What should I do?
"I-I'm sure you're right," he chose to reply to One-Edge's comment. "If Stronglegs is tired, just imagine how tired Brownberry must-"
One-Edge's second comment hit him like a branch-horn kick in the chest. His cheeks seemingly couldn't decide if they wanted to go beat read or deathly pale. Unbidden an image of Sparkstone flashed before his mind's eye, swiftly joined by burning guilt. ~**One-Edge, please, not...not yet, please.**~


Eveninglight had looked from Sunsleaf to Sureshot and vice versa. She sure had not expected Sunsleaf to react this way to seeing an old tribesmate again. Yet, she decided it was clearly something between them, so she wouldn't bother them with questions or remarks. She just shook her head and retreated to a quiet corner. The times seemed to be troublesome enough, even without quarreling elves around.

"More dried meat, anyone?" Branchwalker asked after a long moment spent just looking at his hands. "Eveninglight?"
Right after he lock-sent to Sunsleaf, without looking at her: ~**Is he dangerous? I don't mean to pry, but if he hurt you, no matter how long ago, he can't stay here. I won't let him.**~ There was more bravado in his mind voice than actual desire for a fight, though both were overshadow by worry.

Sunsleaf looked toward Sureshot warily, ~** Not.. dangerous. I was young, and he was... unkind. I have not seen him since but I can still hear his words, his laughter. I am not that foolish girl any more, but she is a part of who I have become. I... **~ She flexed her hand a little, ~** I had not realized that I might react so to him. It is not necessary to chase him out, though I do appreciate the concern. **~

One-Edge regretted her words when she saw Branchwalker's expression. ~**Sorry. I didn't realize the danger of my words. I only meant that you should try to calm her down. We have new tribemates here that she should take a look at but she can't do that from behind you.**~
Aloud she said: "Do you have any of that soup left? I'd prefer eating that over dried meat." Then she turned her mind towards Longsong. ~**If nothing further happens, we might never find out.**~

Silvereyes gently pulled from her father'ss one armed hug at her shoulders on approach to the tent for the wounded. She let him enter first. She hesitantly followed him. She heard what sounded like a snapping twig or a punch just before following the others and her father inside.
Sort of glad she missed what had just happened she turned her head, not sure why she did it, but looked back behind her. Something made her want to look back. She did not yet notice one missing from the others nor did she know where the tribe mate had gone or that she was chasing down another survivor.
So, seeing nothing there, she halfheartedly shrugged it off and entered the tent. As she entered she looked around noting the looks to Sureshot, Branchwalker and Sunsleaf, who at the moment Silvereyes quirked her brow to as it looked as if Sunsleaf was hiding and Branchwalker was guarding.
It made her want to ask about it but the bruise to Sureshot's cheek under the wet cloth he was holding to it seemed to say a lot. She widened her eyes then relaxed on the ground since she did not need a seat or to lay down. She was thirsty but lost her water flask in the exodus from the old Holt.
"I concur about the soup! Has anyone a flask of water or water skin? Or even Dreamberries? I'm parched." She did not mean to interrupt after Branchwalker offered the dried meat but her throat drove her to it. She coughed with her fingers to her lips then regained her composure. It seemed the emotions she had felt seeing her kin folk and tribe mates again had left her dehydrated somewhat.

"Oh yes, please", Eveninglight replied to Branchwalker, happy for the food and the attention getting focussed on something else then Sureshot and Sunsleaf. "And I think there was a waterskin here.", she told Silvereyes. She looked around, trying to find the thing so Silvereyes could quench her thirst. She could use a drink herself.

Silvereyes smiled to EveningLight. "Thank you." The fair-haired maiden looked around too, but from where she was sitting. "I...don't see...one here?" she said before swallowing roughly.

Sunsleaf offered a water skin from behind Branchwalker, at the same time Sureshot tossed his own onto the tent floor in the middle of the gathered elves.

"Thank you", Eveninglight chuckled, "Both".
She took the waterskin offered by Sunsleaf and passed it on to Silvereyes, who seemed to be very thirsty. Then she stood up and walked to the middle of the tent to pick up the one Sureshot had tossed. She took a few sips. "Any one else?", Eveninglight asked looking around.

"Yes, Thank you all three. Mmmm, aahh! Thank you." She added after drinking enough to wet her dry throat. She was very thirsty, more than she realized. She looked around the room, glad. Then she waited to see if she should pass the water skin in her hands to another or hand it back to the elf that offered it to her.

Eveningsky abandoned her intention of slipping down to the ground. "I'm sure the soup was finished some time ago. I can go and look for more." Or ask someone of the Children of the Oaks to make it, if that's still possible... So, instead she approached the tent door again. At the door she gave a glance around the tent, welcoming anyone to join her for this soup quest.

Silvereyes looked around hoping someone would speak up. They did not right away, so, she did. "Me! eh..." she started as she picked herself up to stand and follow Eveningsky. "I mean, I can help you if you like?" she looked back to her father, then smiled before stepping outside the tent looking around, then resting her gaze upon Eveningsky. "I'm ready."

Eveningsky gave Silvereyes a thankful smile which quickly changed as she caught familiar scents on the wind after opening the tent door.
**Dawngazer and... Gale!** She sent as she dashed out of the tent. She could already see them with her bare eyes, approaching the tent. The elfess continued her dash until she reached them. Her hands sought for Gale's "My eyes see with such joy!"

Gale feeling a little stronger smiled slightly as they reached the outside of the tent and saw a figure running towards them. "Eveningsky, my eyes and heart see and feel with great joy! It's so good to be here...home I guess. I want to see Squirrel and the cubs, but Dawngazer says this is the healing tent. I have a bad wound on my right shoulder from a troll blade, and it may be best for me to rest and get this attended to. But it is so good to see you again my friend! I've missed you all!"

The instant Gale mentioned his wound brought worry to Eveningsky's mind and face. "You must be exhausted. And you too Dawngazer." She added with a look directed to the elfess. "I'll help Gale for the rest of the way."
With a smile that didn't entirely hide her worry, she watched Gale again. "Let me lend you my shoulder. Oh, and Squirrel and the cubs are also in the tent. You'll see them in a mere moment unless they'll run out to meet up with you first." This time there was a full joyous smile splashed no her features. It was a blessing to have families united after the terrible tradegies.

Silvereyes was frozen with a kind of dumbstruck joy. She at first did not realized her eyes saw true. "Gale?! ....what! It is Gale!" She turned to look back inside the tent to see if other s knew or saw him yet, then she looked back to him, Eveningsky and Dawngazer, then moved out of the way to let them enter. "Shade and Sweet water friends!" Then she followed behind them into the tent, in case she needed to catch one of the two tired elves if they stumbled. Once they were sitting and resting, she moved to the place she was sitting to start with and waited to see what to do next.

Sunsleaf had lifted her head from Branchwalker's shoulder and a hand to point out the location of food, but then everything went sideways. Hurriedly she excused herself to fetch the food from outside the tent. The three reacquired survivors were most likely hungry as well as exhausted. Everyone was going to be crowding around them so this gave them all a few moments before she would have to elbow her way into the fray.

Squirrel hugged the cubs closer and then lost her grasp on them as they slithered away and ran to their father. Her throat closed up and for a moment she couldn't breathe, there was a tightness in her chest and her vision blurred. Slowly she got to her feet....

Gale thanked Dawngazer for her help and looked in wonder seeing many of those he called family survive the troll attack. Then two figures came running which could only mean one thing... "Well I guess you two would be running to your father!", he said with great happiness that they were safe too. He knelt down and held them close.
"Oh cublings! I am so happy, I missed you both so much!!! My eyes fill with tears of joy to now see you clearly, my smile sings a song of welcome and that we're together again..." Then he looked to Squirrel with her beauty he had missed far too long. She was in the distance starting to approach. "..And my heart now knows a precious love that I have yearned for for so long!!! Squirrel? SQUIRREL!!!"
He let go of the cubs, and finding a new strength, started running towards her as best he could...

Squirrel allowed herself to be caught up in the arms of her lifemate, happy that he lived yet unsure that she had the right to be considering what others had lost.

Dawngazer nearly fell off Stronglegs, but managed to give him a weak smile in acknowledgement of his thanks. She watched his reunion with Squirrel and the cubs with a goofy grin on her face, before entering the tent.

"Dawngazer!" Branchwalker greeted her with a look of relief. "Sit." Better leave Gale to his family - we'll all have a chance to shower him with questions later, he thought to himself.

Dawngazer gave a weak nod and obeyed.

Silvereyes did not speak, but she smiled as the cubs breezed past. She was surprised and swiftly adjusted to slide out of the way. She stood folding her arms as tears well up in her shimmery eyes. She waited a moment as Squirrel appeared at the opening and Gale noticed her. Silvereyes was moved by such strong emotions she had to leave the scene.
She looked around and without realizing where Dawngazer was at the moment. Silvereyes found the supplies she needed and took from the area behind the tent taking the arm full of food and some waterskins. She started inside and set the items on a hide where there was space.

Eveninglight watched the little family reunion with a gentle smile, reveling in their joy.
Oh how she wished she could see her family again like that! Worrying about her father and little brother came almost natural to her now, as it was on her mind constantly. The trolls had taken them captive, she had seen it happen. Eveninglight wondered if they were still alive. A part of her thought they would be, that she would have felt it if they weren't. Still, she smiled happily for those that were reunited with their loved ones.

SilverEyes took the food inside, set it all out on a fur or skin free with space then started to pass some of it out to the wounded and others still in the tent before taking some to offer to Gale and those around him. After feeding the other elves seeing most of everyone had some she sat down and ate of some of that was left over. She sat with her kin and tribe as her mind drifted over thoughts of those lost and it made her shiver.
She looked over to Eveningsky, to her father then back at the ground. Silvereyes felt a bit guilty having kin, but was more than thankfull any one survived. She shut the dark thoughts from her mind and watched the cubs play with joy with their parents. She wondered what would come of them in the next full turns. She was not ready to see trolls again and was doubtfull she would have to nerve at the moments to ever see one again without attempting to kill it.

Eveninglight helped Silvereyes divide the food between everyone. She spoke little, her mind elsewhere, but smiled a lot. Then she retreated to her own corner with a little food and some water, nibbling the food in silence, left to her own thoughts.

Greyspears ate in silence. After the initial joy of being reunited with Silvereyes, and finding his brother Haze and son Treebreeze alive but asleep, seeing the empty spots at tribe mates' sides where children and parents should be sitting had left him numb. There was just too much loss.
"A howl," he spoke softly, once everyone had quieted down. "We should howl for the dead. Now. I haven't had the peace to do it yet and I'm guessing neither have you."

Dawngazer, who'd been about to ask Branchwalker why Sunsleaf was glaring at the new comer - who looked suspiciously bruised - started and gave a curt nod. "A howl sounds right. Is everyone ready?"

"Hummm?!" SilverEyes looked up from her food she was eating, slowly but happy to be eating. She widened her eyes. Then noticed herself reacting to her father's words. Her lovemate's and mother's faces drifted into her thoughts as others lost filled her mind suddenly once again. SilverEyes looked around then spoke softly putting a hand on her Sires shoulder as she was sitting near to him saying, "I think I am possibly ready for a Howl, father."
She shifted her eyes to the others in the Tent and her mood sank and she sighed softly then went back to eating.

Greyspear gave a curt nod, forcing back the words of sympathy threatening to escape his mouth. He had to keep reminding himself that he hadn't been the only one to lose a mate;? his poor daughter, so young, having had so few years with Crystal...
Words would do no good here. Only a howl for the dead would get them back to the Now.

Eveningsky moved uncomfortably. Dawngazer wasn't aware what had happened not along after Longsong's storytelling. The Children of the Oaks were definitely uncomfortable with their shared blood with wolves. The situation was unstable as it was. Howling for the dead would probably only make the matters worse. But we need this... Looking at the faces of her dear tribemates, Eveningsky could see how much they needed to howl for the parted. Eveningsky too wanted to howl for her parents.
"But is it all right to howl?" Eveningsky asked in a whisper, but certainly most of the elves in the tent could hear her. The words burned on her tongue but she felt that they had to be said. "Most of you just saw what happened after they found out about our blood-relation with the wolves. And then there was that whole hassle with Softpaws giving birth in the storage tent. Would the Children of the Oaks understand our howl? Would howling now, in this distress, keep us safe?"

"Trouble?" Dawngazer murmured to Branchwalker and Sunsleaf. "I leave you alone for a few moments and you've already made enemies of half the Children of the Oaks?" It was meant as a joke, but it fell kind of flat.

Branchwalker merely shushed Dawngazer and waited for someone to answer Eveningsky.

One-Edge had been brightened up by the thoughts of howling. Maybe that would ease the pain of losing something so precious as her cub. She had been all eager to join in with Dawngazer and others untill Eveningsky's speech fell on the group in the tent. One-Edge wanted to howl for Sweetbreeze, more than anything else. Then she noticed how her hand had lifted from the ground, to find Longsong. Before that movement could reach any further she brought her hand to her lap and clasped it with her other hand, to keep it there.

Longsong thought he'd seen moment from One-Edge, but when he looked over at her she sat perfectly still, hands clasped in her lap. He frowned to himself, but the topic at hand was far too important for his thoughts to stray anymore than a heartbeat.

Eveninglight too had been very much in favor of a howl. She had sat up, all eager, as soon as Greyspear suggested it. Eveningsky's words rang true though and she slumped back. "The Children of the Oaks will not understand our howling", she said in a sad voice. "But can't we go away from the camp? If we keep a good distance between us and here, won't it be alright? I would very much like to honor the dead with a howl."

"From what you've told me," Greyspear began in a thoughtful tone of voice, "the damage seems to already be done. They're uncomfortable around us, maybe even hateful, but we can't bend to that. If this ends badly, it ends badly, but the dead should not go without being honored for that. Doing it a bit away from the camp sounds like a good idea though ? shows we're not trying to taunt them."
He narrowed his eyes into slits and glared at the tent's wall, as if he'd be able to stare through it and right at the strangers' chiefs.
"Any objections?"

SilverEyes listened to them but only answered after the last question. "I agree with all of you. I am a bit apprehensive about leaving this....somewhat safe place. We are sort of welcome here and they have fed us, let us have shelter for the wounded. I am willing to go a bit away in spite of my apprehensions. I also agree it is best to let them know as Wolfriders we have customs and we will in spite of our losses and hardships stay strong. They need to know.....What we lost."
She searched for where her words and renewed feelings were taking her mouth. "No, father is right. But if we have the Howl here we can share our loved ones faces and the happy joyfilled moments with the newcomers to show them how much Elf we still are?"
She realized she was speaking from her heart, but also way out of turn as an impetuous lass. She looked to her food setting it aside and hung her head. Suddenly she could see Crystal clear in her mind and it stung. She had forced her mind to not face his death. Her mother too. Too much too soon. I'm not ready to face them yet. I must hold out for the Howl. She told herself.
She sucked back her tears and though she was flush she did not allow herself the pain of knowing their faces. *Not yet* she thought to her self. "S...sorry for speaking out of turn. I got carried away."

"Hardly out of turn," Dawngazer said. "With no chief we're all upside-down, lass. You're no cub, so why should you stay quiet when you clearly have good things to say?" She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "We have many things we need to settle, but the Howl is the most important, in my opinion. We're a tribe and as a tribe we share everything, joy or sorrow. I agree with Silvereyes, we should show the numbskulls out there wolf-blood doesn't make you less elf!"

~**Good speech, cub,**~ Greyspear lock-sent to Silvereyes, pride positively glowing from him. She has grown so much. How did I not see this before?
"I agree with you both," he spoke out loud. "If we cower here, we look ashamed. Let us go out there and be proud of ourselves, our bond-friends and our tribe." With this he got to his feet.

Haze, moving stiffly, got up from his seat in the far corner. "Lead the way, brother."

Greyspear did so, throwing a glance at Silvereyes and Treebreeze before exiting. He failed to note his brother's awkward gait.

Branchwalker felt a chill run down his spine. Please, oh please, let there be no more fighting.
To distract himself he gave Sunsleaf a smile ? or an attempt at one at least ? and asked: "Does your tribe have the same tradition? Howling for lost kin, I mean."

Sunsleaf lay a hand on his shoulder, having felt his apprehension, "We do. It seems our tribes are not as different as we are from those who now offer us shelter and aid."

Branchwalker's smile grew steadier. Two tribe with our traditions ? we can't be so wrong if we do the same without knowing it? Whatever the Children of the Oaks think of us, at least we have that.
Before exiting the tent, he turned to Gale, Squirrel and their cubs. "Do you need any help? You must be exhausted, Gale and your son has barely recovered from his ordeals yet. I'll give you a shoulder to lean on, if you wish it" Though he looks like he'd rather stay wrapped up around Squirrel for the rest of the day, he thought with some amusement.

Sunsleaf rose, winking at Squirrel she smiled and addressed Gale, "Both of you just arrived, maybe you should take him," her hand indicating Branchwalker, "up on the offer and I'll get Squirrel so both of you can rest."

Gale didn't want to let go. He'd missed his mate and cubs so much for that long time, but he was glad to be back with his family and friends and understood the importance of healing so that they could get back together again to be a family.
"I'll be healed up soon, and we will visit each other when we can. Cubs, stay with your mother and take care of her. We'll be back together soon.", he said to everyone. Then he locksent to Squirrel, ~**And I'll be seeing the most beautiful elfess I ever laid eyes on soon enough. I love you sweet one.**~ With that he gave her a gentle kiss.
He then heard Branchwalker's offer and said, "Thank you my dear friend, I could use the help back as I didn't realize I went this far." Then hearing Sunsleaf, he told her, "I'm going, but you make sure Squirrel gets back safely." He smiled to her knowing she would. He couldn't wait for all of the family to be healthy and together again.

Branchwalker carefully slung one of Gale's arm over his shoulders and gently helped him walk towards the tent's door-flap. "??I'm sure your lifemate soon will be strong enough to aid you in your walking - she doesn't look half as chewed up by her travels as you,"? he reassured Gale, throwing Squirrel a look that was half cheerful, half sad. Most of all he would have liked to leave Gale in the tent, to rest and heal, but to leave a tribe mate, even an injured one, out of a Howl for the Dead was unthinkable.
"??I'll try to be soft support."

Eveningsky smiled. They were right. They shouldn't try to hide their roots. She had been greatly impressed by SilverEyes. The maiden had spoken true words. Eveningsky shook her head softly. Just when did I become such a worrywart? On the second thought, maybe she had always had it in her but it had only been brought out by the situation.
"Is there anyone who would need a shoulder to lean on?" The elfess asked from the elves around her while standing up. After all, they still had elves with wounds, Eveningsky being one of them. She still couldn't stretch her wounded side, but she would be able to offer a shoulder to a tribemate.

"I wouldn't mind some help from a pretty young lass," Haze said with a grin, his knees somewhat shaky. "Seems I've still got some way to go before I'm back to my old rough-and-tumble self," he added with a grin.

Dawngazer gave Squirrel's family a look of fond amusement, almost giddy with the happy energy of reunion. It wasn't her mate who'd returned, but they were all part of her tribe and everyone of them;? even the strangers. Well, all except one, yet anyway.
"You look like you could use a hand, stranger," she said to Sureshot and offered one. "Did she break it?"

Sureshot looked up at the hand and grinned impishly, "No, but I don't think she was really trying." He reached up to catch the offered hand, "You have to watch that one. Protective as a mother bear and she remembers who put the thorns in her paws." He would well remember to be less of a puckernut for as long as he shared travel arrangements with the healer.

Dawngazer gave a bark of laughter, then lock-sent: ~**We have other healers here. None magical, but skilled, so don't feel you have to worry about her sewing your lips shut if you ask her for help. Let her cool her heels and join us in our Howl.**~ She still had no idea what the stranger had done to anger Sunsleaf so, but since he hadn't been driven away it couldn't have been _that_ bad.

One-Edge could feel tears hazing her eyes. Finally she would be able to howl for Sweetbreeze with her tribemates. This time she allowed her hand to seek for Longsong's. She pushed those confusing thoughts aside. Her Recognized was the only one who knew her exact feelings, and she needed that support now. She took a deep breath to clear her eyes.

Longsong started as he felt One-Edge's hand in his. She's never... But thoughts of Sweetbreeze soon distracted him from any and all other things. Without a word he squeezed One-Edge's hand and stepped outside.

SilverEyes flinched at the next words and her father's lock-sending. She looked up and over to Dawngazer with a warm smile and a nod. She folded her arms and stood listening to the others shifting her weight to one foot. She blushed brightly at her father's sending. ~**Thanks father**~
She just realized she shocked him and herself from speaking out as she did. It was good for her to not be told to hush. It gave her strength to know she had earned a voice in the tribe now. But her mind reflected onm all that lead up to it and her smile faded a bit.
While Dawngazer offered a hand to ShureShot Silvereyes observed the others. BranchWalker and Sunsleaf chatting, EveningSky offering a shoulder to any and Haze taking her up on her offer. SilverEyes saw One-Edge looking sad and that jerked at her heart ~**You alright OneEdge?**~ she lock-sent.
She also noted Treebreeze walking strange. ~**Need a bit of help?**~ She sent to Treebreeze. It looked like Dawngazer was helping Sureshot and also her bright eyes caught site of her father and two others leaving the tent. She left her bow and quiver behind. She put the waterskin over her shoulder and moved closer to Treebreeze.

Greyspear let a faint lock-sending of ~**You are most welcome, cub.**~ float back to his daughter, before losing himself in the Now.