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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:33:31 GMT 1
Waterfall could feel goosebumps rising on her skin at the touch. She found it really hard to relax, instead feeling her muscles to tense up even more than they already were. Keensight's words were a welcomed distraction for her. "So much for the stories," she remarked.
Evening-Fall nodded. ~**Troubled indeed. I think they were rather shocked too with the turn of events earlier, after their storyteller's recollection.**~ It was then that Keensight took up his speech and Evening-Fall's attention went to him. Then he turned back to Hale with a sort of a shrug of shoulders at the First Chief's words. ~**Anyhow, I'm not telling you to like the wolf-elves. But it's better not to blame them. This face suits you better than your ealier angry scowl.**~ Evening-Fall sent the last sentence in a playful tone and accompanied it with a poke to Hale's forehead.
"Indeed", Tracker agreed, "But a good story, could perhaps lighten up the mood a bit, don't you think? Maybe we can ask for one later on, nonetheless." While speaking to Waterfall, Tracker's eyes looked for Whitewater, his chief. He had sent to him, to ask for directions, but hadn't had an answer yet. He didn't want to rush the older man, that would be disrespectful, but he was eager to know Whitewater's opinion on the matter so he could act according to his chief's wishes.
"You're really tense, Waterfall", Tracker remarked, "Am I using too much force?" He certainly wouldn't want to hurt the healer.
Finally, an answer came from Whitewater:
~**Tracker, make sure none of ours cause trouble ? I don't like the look on Mayflower's face, to start. Our Branch is to welcome the wolfkin.**~ The sending was curt and it was clear he was trying to hide a turmoil of emotions by keeping his thoughts brief. ~**I'll be in further discussion with the First Chief for the rest of the day. Send to me if something happens.**~
~**I'll go talk to Mayflower, my chief**~, Tracker assured Whitewater, ~**Our Branch will welcome the wolfkin. I'll take care of that.**~
"Umm...no. It's fine." The force of Tracker's fingers wasn't the problem. From standing behind Tracker probably couldn't observe Waterfall closing her eyes. Relax. Just try to relax. It's just the shoulders. Waterfall wanted to take deep breaths in an effort to relax her muscles but that would be too obvious for Tracker to notice. So instead she just chanted a small mantra in her mind. The elfess hadn't lived long for nothing. With sheer willpower she managed to make a change, although only gradually. It took some time but finally Waterfall could continue with the earlier topic.
"It would be ideal to have the rest of the strangers introduce themselves but as things are, I doubt they'd be willing to do it know. But you're right, maybe later." By now she could look around as elves started to separate for their own ways.
"Ah good, you're relaxing a bit now", Tracker smiled pleasantly, continuing to knead Waterfall's shoulders. Around them, elves were starting to get up ad leave. Tracker let his hand drop from Waterfall's shoulders.
"I better go and talk to my Branch", he explained as he stood up. "Don't want anyone to cause troubles and it seems some might. Thanks for the talk. Maybe we can ask for a story later?"
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:37:48 GMT 1
****
Redfur, face still dark with repressed rage, stood as the other chiefs took their leave - no doubt while sending orders to their seconds - and addressed the gathered crowd:
"Stories and dreamberries should be offered a bit early today," he commented, fighting to force his lips into a cheerful smile. "Someone, offer our guests some as well ? Featherfoot, Wishpond, I thought I saw you with some jars earlier; what were you going to do with them?"
Wishpond, still stunned from the threat of a challenge, started a bit when he heard his name but promptly stood to face Redfur, bowing his head softly in respect.
"Indeed, we intended to bring them to our guests. As they had shared their story with us, it felt like the least we could do as hosts would be to offer them some refreshments." He darted a quick, apprehensive look in Blaze's direction, as if expecting him to start pelting him with rocks over the attempt to associate with the wolf riders. Since nothing came flying towards him, though, the harpist turned to face the gathered Children of the Oaks.
"Anyone who wishes is free to join us - we could certainly use some help with carrying," he said, his tenor voice ringing clear and euphonious. "And I'm sure we could all benefit from getting to know each other better."
"Good lad!" Redfur crowed, cheer returning to its usual level of intensity. "I would join you, but I fear I must partake in yet another council." He reluctantly turned around and followed the other chiefs, the last to leave the gathering.
Claw huffed, less than impressed. "When will he remember he's _Seventh_ Chief, not First?" she grumbled to anyone that would listen. "Keensight losing tomorrow will bring two good things, I find. We'll have? a better First Chief and a humbled Seventh." She ended this with a snort, amused by her own cleverness.
Claw spoke up, just before Tracker left her and Waterfall for a talk with Mayflower. The Second of the Branch of Light shook his head at his friend's words. "Keensight is still First Chief, Claw. You better mind your words." And with that, he left her and headed for Mayflower.
The meeting of chiefs and the talk amongst the tribemates afterward left Hush unusually introspective. She had risen as if to go somewhere, but remained hovering near the half-moon of furs where the gathered chiefs had sat, gaze turned inward in thought. The Branch of Stars had its share of wolf-blooded elves, and while the concept of them -actually- sharing blood with their bonds was strange at best she just couldn't think of them any differently. After all, they spoke, they could send, they lived and loved and had their hardships just as the Children of the Oaks did. How could anyone deny that they were elves? The bad feelings and implied split of the tribe hovering unspoken in the air had her on edge...
And Claw's comments didn't help in the least. Her lips pressed into a thin, displeased line and she shook her head at the ill-tempered elfess, beaded braids rattling. **Though not First Chief, Redfur is still -a- chief. You should at least respect that to some small degree.**
**Chiefs get the respect they earn,** Claw sent back, no regret for her words evident in her thoughts and ignoring Tracker completely. **Your Branch leader is a cowardly snake, who uses Keensight as a puppet. The only reason he is chief at all, is because no one else wants him in their Branch. He's too soft, too dimwitted and you're a fool for joining up behind him!**
As she sent, Claw got to her feet, a mocking smirk on her lips. **It's a mystery why you're a Branch at all.**
Waterfall felt relieved when Tracker's hands left her skin. Then Claw went off with her outburst. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the words.
**Young one** The elfess sent as she stood up. **You have been heard. I advice that you now leave your impatience to a later time.** Waterfall gazed up to the taller elfess. She didn't bare interest in Claw's opinions. Obviously they would be paid heed to the following day. So without a thought of waiting for a reply Waterfall took off, making her way out of the gathering place.
Bloodcut was around close enough to hear the open sendings. Puckernuts! Keep your blood down elfess! Now what? At that moment Bloodcut was very aware of her wolf-blood. She tried to find her good resoning but with the heavy air, she felt distracted.
I need a calmer place than this... Bloodcut stole a glance int he direction of Claw. Now wasn't a time to get noticed by _her_. With an eye on Claw she snuck out of the gathering area.
**The shame is that you believe that, Claw. I am no fool.** Hush stopped herself there, feeling her old bad habits trying to sneak in around the edges. Waterfall had a good point, and she didn't want to undermine it. Throwing needless barbs and bristling for a fight might make her feel a bit better for -now- but it wouldn't change anything, and worst of all it would reflect badly upon Redfur.
Still, her hands were clenched so tight the knuckles were white, and if she remained she'd be sorely tempted to forget for an evening and go back to being the over-tempered child she had tried hard to leave behind. Her words have no weight. Let them float past and be gone. Body taut as a drawn bow, she turned to leave the gathering area.
Seeing that she was getting little to no support in her opinions, Claw snorted and stalked off, throwing a last, **We'll see that tomorrow,** in Hush's direction.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:38:03 GMT 1
****
Eveninglight stood up as well and walked trough the entrance of the tent, where she was greeted enthusiastically by her bond. "Calm down you!", she smiled, as she patted the wolf.
Longsong watched Eveninglight's bond-friend greet her with enthusiasm, but couldn't find it in himself to smile at the affectionate display. His thoughts were still with Sweetbreeze, grief suddenly fresh after nearly two moons of pushed back, gnawing sorrow.
Greyspear thew a glance in the direction of the gathering of Children of the Oaks, half-hidden by the forest of tents between their hand of tents and the bonfire place. He scowled, Tenderheart's face threatening to find its way to the front of his mind. He shoved it away, focusing on the Now and leaned his head back to summon the wolf pack.
The wolves not yet present came running from the other side of the camp, right through the gathering of tents belonging to the Children of the Oaks.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:41:18 GMT 1
****
Silvermist had been unusually quiet since the gathering. Her eyes had a far away look in them and she'd only nodded and hmm-ed when asked questions.
Now, moments after Redfur's announcement, she'd headed off towards the dreamberry jars, and had a basket half-full before anyone had a chance to join her.
"Grab a basket, lazy-bones!" she called over her shoulder as he heard someone approaching. "These dreamberries won't walk themselves!"
DancingFlame had left her lifemate to help bring dreamberries to the wolf-blooded. Although Sabre didn't agree with her seeking contact with them, he didn't keep her from doing so either. The dancer knew he would make trouble later on, but she could handle his foul moods. Sabre wasn't a bad man, she thought with a gentle smile, just a little rough around the edges at times.
Half lost in thoughts about her lifemate, DancingFlame took a basket and started filling it with berries.
Morning-Glow picked up a basket as well and started to fill it up with fruits. The wounded elves would be in need of the good properties of fruits. Would they be in need of more that blood broth? he wondered, and then took a look around the elves he could see within eyesight. He managed to spot Mayflower with Tracker. Maybe later.
He turned his attention back to the fruit and dried meat. He believed the young elfess Eveninglight had said something about the wolf-bloods eating dried meat.
Windrunner, intent on the summoning Greyspear had howled, nearly crashed into the gathering of dreamberry jars, but managed to dodge around it at the last moment, closely followed by Bluefang and Copperears.
Wishpond, who had just started filling his own basket with dreamberries and was wondering if he should include some ornamental flowers among their midst, gasped and jumped back when the wolves hurtled past. Pressing a hand to his hammering heart, he stared wide-eyed in the direction they disappeared to. The strangers' tents. It looked like they were all gathering. Could it be that they were planning to leave?
The harp-player bit his lip, visibly feeling conflicted over this possibility. There was still much he wished to learn about them! Although the idea of crossbred elves filled him with apprehension and, truthfully, a modicum of revulsion, it also deeply intrigued him. But wait, he told himself. They still had several wounded among their ranks, and every single one of them seemed exhausted. Surely leaving now was not an option? A delicate frown creasing his brows, Wishpond resumed gathering dreamberries into his basket, glancing towards the Wolf-riders' direction every now and then.
Silvermist nearly fell over backwards at the sudden appearance of the wolves, following a cry from the direction of the strangers' small group of tents, on the other side of the camp. She laughed, nervously, as she watched them rush past.
"Looks like someone's in a hurry. What do you think has happened? Something bad?"
The harpist turned his amber eyes towards Silvermist. "I certainly hope not. Today has been interesting enough, in many ways," he sighed, popping a dreamberry into his mouth instead of into his basket.
DancingFlame shrieked in fear and dropped her basket full of dreamberries, when the wolves brushed passed. "Those beasts!", she exclaimed, clutching her hands looking around to see if there were other wolves around.
Rainblossom felt a pang in her gut at DancingFlame's shout, as if she'd been punched in the stomach. But it was only partly the angry comment that hurt her - she knew that howl.
Ironpaw had gotten restless next to her. He'd seen the pack run, heard the summoning and now found it hard to resist rushing off - only his bedrock like loyality to Rainblossom held him in place at her side.
"Everything alright?", Sabre asked. He had come running as soon as he heard DancingFlame scream. She nodded. "Good", her lifemate muttered, "I would have gone and skinned those filthy animals if they would have hurt you." He wrapped a protective arm around DancingFlame, who leaned in to him for comfort.
"Skin them, would you?" Firecry growled at Sabre, walking up to stand by his unusually mute sister. For a moment he wished it was a wolf-pup in his arms, instead of a basket - it would have felt good to have a bond-friend to show off, to prove they weren't harmful or dangerous. Well, at least not without provocation.
"It's a Death Howl!" Rainblossom sudden gasped, grabbing a hold of Firecry's arm. "They have that! It's - How? - A Death Howl!" For a moment she seemed lost in amazed shock, eyes fixed on the far off tent, outside of which the strangers and their wolves slowly were gathering.
"It's almost like your 'Fire of the Fallen'," she added for the benifit of the Children of the Oaks present.
"Oh... I see," Wishpond said, sobering down. So the wolf-bloods also have a ritual like that. Well, why wouldn't they? he thought to himself, grasping a small bundle of pretty, dove blue blossoms from a vase of floral decorations. Inspecting them with a faraway look on his face, the harpist quietly began dotting the flowers in between the clusters of berries in his basket. Remembering your dead as a tribe and finding comfort in your shared grief comes natural to all elves, I'm sure.
"If a beast hurts my family, I will kill it.", Sabre answered Firecry coldly. "Are you still willing to bring fruit to them?", he answered DancingFlame.
His lifemate was silent in thought for a moment, studying Rainblossom and thinking about her explanation of the eerie howling.
"Yes...", she answered after a deep thought, "I will. They have a ritual to honor their dead, like we have. Only in a different way, but the purpose, the meaning is the same, beloved. It is only proper that they are provided with dreamberries, like we have with the Fire of the Fallen. It helps to share the thought and dreams." She looked at Sabre, hoping for his understanding. Sabre just shrugged.
"Do as you wish", he, said, "I will be close by, just in case. I don't trust the strangers and their animals even less."
DancingFlame produced a small smile and pressed her lips against Sabre's cheek for a moment, before she started to pick a the berries that had fallen from her basket. She wouldn't want them to go to waste.
~**Well said,**~ Wishpond lock-sent to Dancingflame, passing her a kind smile as he knelt to help her recover the escaped berries.
~**Thank you**~, Dancingflame responded to Wishpond, ~**I am starting to think, that even though our blood is different, we might have more in common than we think. If only I could make Sabre see that too**~ The dancer sounded a bit exasperated at her stubborn lifemate. She would stand by him no matter what, but she did not alway share his opinion.
"To you, they are beasts," Firecry muttered darkly, half distracted by his sister's excitment and his own wonder at the howl, "but to us they're kin. Threaten to skin Ironpaw," he gestured at Rainblossom's bond-friend, "and you might as well threaten to skin my sister. The wolves have done nothing to you - last time I asked, running wasn't against any rules or harmful."
"Enough, brother," Rainblossom whispered, avoiding looking at Sabre. "Enough. We should go join in the Howl."
~**We never properly said goodbye to our kin - not like we should have. Now we can have other voices joining us. A pack!**~
"Well, guess what I would do, if one of your beastblooded would harm my lifemate then!", Sabre snarled at Firecry.
At this threat Dancingflame jumped up and turned at Sabre, fury blazing in her eyes. "You would do nothing to them!", she spoke, anger seeping through her words. "Quit threatening them. They have done no wrong, to any us! I was not harmed and even if I was, I am perfectly capable of taking care of my self!"
Sabre clenched his fists. He was made a fool of by his own lifemate!
"You know what our Chief has ordered, my love", Dancingflame said in a more soothing voice. "Please, don't make any trouble."
Sabre's frown deepened as he started to lock-sent to Dancingflame, keeping the others out of their discussion. After a few moments Sabre turned around and stalked off.
Silvermist gave a nervous laugh, trying to defuse the tension. "No harm done, no worries! We'll just...go give them the berries and leave them to mourn those they've lost. It's the right things to do - right? Morning-Glow, what do you think?"
Wishpond, coming up beside Silvermist, smiled encouragingly. "I agree. I think it's especially important to show kindness and respect when meeting with mourning, and a dreamberry delivery seems to be the perfect gesture. How are all our baskets progressing?" he asked lightly, hoping to dispel the hostile energy by turning everyone's attention to something more mundane.
"I think I have found back all my berries", Dancingflame announced with a small smile. She was still a bit shaky after her fight with Sabre, but she was willing to go and bring the berries. She would solve things with Sabre later.
"Great! Then let's go!" Silvermist shouted with forced cheer, whirling on her heels to lead the way to the strangers.
Firecry shifted his weight from one foot to the other, unsure of what to do. She has a good point, he thought in reference to Rainblossom and gave her a look out of the corner of his eye; waiting to see if she would say something more or simply join up behind Silvermist.
"Let's go! Let's go!", DancingFlame echoed Silvermist, following her with quick, graceful steps, almost dancing with anticipation. She really was looking forward to do something useful for the strangers, even if Sabre did't like it.
Morning-Glow was glad to see the situation calm down. For a moment he had almost anticipated more than words to be thrown. In his silent observation he almost didn't hear Silvermist addressing him. Before the realization really came to him, the Wishpond had given a good answer already. Morning-Glow could only see one fault in it: Wishpond wasn't one of the strangers.
"Rainblossom, Firecry, would it be appropriate to approach them now, that they are getting ready for this.. howl?" He took a glance down at his own basket, noticing that it wasn't full yet, but filled enough to be taken as it was. Then me spoke to the two wolf-blood again. "I imagine you can understand this tradition of theirs better than we, as fellow blood relatives." Morning-Glow's face showed all the good intention he had, how there was no hate or disgust from his part when it came to the blood issue.
Wishpond's eyes followed Sabre as he strode away, a quiet sigh of relief escaping him. Although it wasn't hard to understand the elf's perspective, they really didn't need that level of tension looming over them right now. Seeing that Silvermist and DancingFlame had moved on, the harpist took one last inventory of his dreamberry basket, sampling a single dreamberry before trotting after the others, slowing his pace when he was a few steps behind them so that he could better observe the wolf-bloods' reaction to their offering.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:46:11 GMT 1
****
Mayflower sat near the edge of the crowd, wringing her hands and biting her lip. This will all end horribly! Why, oh why did the hunters bring those...those _animals_ here?
It took Tracker some looking around, but there he had found Mayflower. He walked up to her and crouched down, beside her.
"So... what do you think of all this?", he asked, though he already had a good hunch about what the cook was thinking. He offered her his waterskin. This might be a long talk.
Mayflower sat cross-legged on the ground, her chin resting on her palm. At Tracker's approach she lifted her gaze to meet his, but only briefly, before she turned it away again, a pout painting her features. "A ruined appetite," she curtly answered after a moment.
"Well, if that's all", Tracker teased with a smile. "That will surely be cured around dinner time." He took a sip from his water. "Want some?", he offered.
"Are the strangers upsetting you?", Tracker asked directly, "Or the Chiefs Challenge?" His tone was light and neutral. He would give Mayflower all the space she needed to vent the issues she was having, before he would offer his idea on the matter.
Mayflower glanced at the water but declined with a wave of her hand. She didn't feel like putting anything in her mouth. Her thoughts were again turned to the story of the mixed blood which made her back feel like a herd of spiders were racing on it. Disgusting! So disgusting! Mayflower didn't really listen to Tracker. She rubbed her arms in a protective hug and gazed towards the elves gathering goods for the strangers which happened to be in the same direction than the area occupied by the strangers. How can they just pick up all that food without so much as a second thought?
It was no sooner that the wolves came. Luckily Mayflower sat further away, no in the way of the wolves, but no less was she upset by the event. DancingFlame's scream only made it worse. Mayflower was up on her feet in a swift and jumping to every direction, like trying to run in any way possible, but no direction being safe enough for it. I hate this! I hate this! I hate this "I hate this! I HATE THIS!" Her shrieking thoughts poured out of her lips.
Tracker was on his feet the moment Mayflower jumped. He put his hands on her shoulders, slowly tugging her into an embrace. "Shhh calm down!", he said in a soft voice. "Calm down, Mayflower."
Tracker's chest's increasing closeness brought Mayflower back to senses, at least to some part. In a swift motion she roughly pushed Tracker away, taking two extra steps back herself. She stared at Tracker with a deep glare.
~**I don't want it.**~ There was heaviness in her sending, strong determination. Even now, I won't accept help. I don't need it.
Unblinking, Tracker met Mayflower's glare. He didn't cross the two steps distance between them though. Tracker respected her wish to keep away from him, even though he wanted to take Mayflower in his arms until she felt more at ease.
~**Let me help you**~, he offered, ~**I know you are strong, but I can also see you have a hard time coping with the truth about these new elves. You are not alone**~, he sent, ~**Let me help you get through this**~
Unblinking, Tracker met Mayflowers glare, but respecting her wish for the distance between them, even though he sincerely would like to take her in his arms and hold her until she felt at ease again. ~**I want to help you**~, Tracker offered, ~**I know you are strong, but I can also see you have a hard time coping with the truth about the new elves. Let me help you. You are not alone**~
Mayflower's eyes narrowed. What does he take me for, a leafling?! A hiss escaped between her teeth. She could feel her tensed up body move with each deep breath she took. For a moment she thought of just ditching Tracker but the next moment she knew that the male would follow her. ~**What, you want me to weep my eyes out so you can tell that everything's okay?**~ Finally she broke the stare she had had on the other elf, moving her gaze away. Her arms folded over her chest and she snorted. ~**What's up with this anyway, what does it matter what I feel about the freaks?**~
Tracker weighed his words with care. Mayflower was extremely tense. He did not want her to run out on him. He hoped that maybe, if he could keep her talking they could solve this. ~**It matters to me**~, Tracker answered earnestly, ~**And to our chief. Whitewater wants peace and understanding between us and the newcomers. I think*...**~, Tracker started, ~**...that it is too much to ask you to be friends with the newcomers. At this moment anyway. I understand that. And you don't have to. I would already be happy if you could relax a bit and feel more at ease. You don't have to go to them. It's okay if you keep your distance. Just try and find peace with them being here for now. They are elves after all. And in need of a shelter and rest. You saw how battered they all looked, didn't you?**~ Tracker looked at Mayflower almost pleadingly.
Friends? Friends?! Since when did this elf turn mad? Mayflower shot a glare at Tracker. ~**So what? This is not my first nor last time seeing battered up elves. How many times do you think we've looked the same? They seem to get treatment so why should I care?**~ The cook sent vehemently. If the elves were too weak and died now, then that was how it was supposed to be.
~**This is our territory, our place. I won't budge. They should keep away.**~ Mayflower dismissed with a flap of her hand any arguments Tracker might've been making. ~**You can be in peace. As long as they keep away, I won't attack them.**~
The elfess gave Tracker a sidelong glance while turning her back on him and stomping away, towards her cooking area. I am not disloyal.
Tracker sighed, disappointment showing clearly on his face. He had failed in helping Mayflower to see any good in the arrival of the new elves. At least she had promised not to attack them, as long as they stayed out of her way. It was something, but it wasn't good enough. For now, Tracker decided, he would leave the cook alone. He would talk to her later. Maybe, she would listen to reason then.
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:47:19 GMT 1
****
Hale smiled and caught Evening-Fall's finger in her small hand. ~**I do not think the wolf-elves are to blame any longer. I admit you have a good point, really**~ She looked away at the First Chief, but turned back again to look Evening-Fall in the eye. ~**I do not like this situation though. It makes me worries and scared...**~
Evening-Fall felt for the younger elfess in front of him. He gently repositioned his occupied hand and squeezed Hale's hand. ~**We're not a young tribe. Certainly events like this have happened before. Yet, here we still are, gathered for our New Turn Feast.**~ While sending he wore a soft smile but now it began to fade slightly. ~**I do not like this situation either.**~
~**Stories sometimes help to ease a situation, make us think about how our ancestors dealt with problems**~, Hale started, sharing her thoughts with Evening-Fall, ~**Could there be a story or a song to help us withs this?**~, she pondered. ~**Or maybe we can just lighten up the mood a bit, with music and dance. If we could only lessen the tension, that would already make a difference, I think.**~
Hale held up her hands in despair. ~**I don't want to sit don't and look at our tribe falling apart. I want to do something!**~
Evening-Fall shrugged his shoulders. ~**I imagine that storytelling wouldn't be of much help now. No one is in the mind to listen...**~ He took a moment to think about Hale's words. With a defeated sigh he continued. ~**Maybe now is the time to give everyone a moment to think.**~
As for something for Hale to do... Evening-Fall a bit at a loss this time. ~**You could join the others to offer dreamberries to the new ones?**~ The tone in his sending revealed that he rather doubted she'd do that. After all Hale wasn't fond of the wolf-bloods and interacting with them would get on the bad side of certain Children of the Oaks elves.
~**Don't worry!**~ A wide grin splashed on the dancer's face. ~**Our tribe is stronger than this!**~
~**We are**~, Hale sent, hoping this would prove to be true. She looked up, startled, when DancingFlame's scream rang when she was roughly pushed aside by the wolves answering Greyspear's summoning. "What was that?", Hale wondered, standing up. She saw Sabre running to where she had heard DaningFlame's scream. All was silent now, so what ever had happened, must be over now.
The sudden rush of the wolves had surprised Evening-Fall as well. As reflex he also slid up on his toes. DancingFlame's scream made a bell of alert rang in his mind. Yet he didn't take another step, instead looking towards the origin of the sound and taking a look at the situation. Things seemed to calm down quick enough. The dancer could also sense his brother in the same direction. Surely Morning-Glow would inform him if something serious was up. Evening-Fall's mind returned to Hale.
"Something's happening. Something that we might not be able to understand." Although he didn't dislike the strangers nor their mixed blood, but Evening-Fall couldn't help but feel a certain predatory threat from the presence of the wolves. He might never be able to understand the relationship between the strangers and their wolves. With a tiny inward sigh and a shrug of shoulders he turned to Hale. "It seems to be all good now."
"It seems so", Hale agreed, "Maybe DancingFlame was just startled because the wolves came running by so close", she suggested. A small shudder ran down her spine. Even though she had more understanding now for the wolfblooded-elves, their wolves still frightened her. "I do not think I would feel comfortable that close to those animals either", she admitted to Evening-Fall, "Not yet anyway. I'm so used to thinking of wolves as dangerous."
Evening-Fall couldn't help the smile appearing on his lips. "We can't help our instinct. We might never be comfortable with it like they are." The dancer felt curious about the sudden rush of the wolves. What had made them dash like that? There had been an howl before the dash right? A call? The elf fell silent as his thoughts circled in his mind, and his gaze lost focus. But it wasn't for long when he was paying attention to Hale again. "You up for anything?"
"Not really. no", Hale replied with a shake of her head and a smile. "Have you got any plans?" She bend over and picked up her harp's case to put her instrument safely inside.
Evening-Fall made a sign with his hand, bringing it from down to up with a twist of the wrist at the end of the movement. "Any that I had are gone by now."
He knotted his fingers together and brought his straight arms up in a stretch. "I'll just take this chance to do some exercise. I saw some handy stones earlier at the east side." For Evening-Fall moving was always the best way to relax and spend some time.
**Will you join me?** The two of them had been practicing many times before. By now it was already natural to have Hale now and then joining him.
"Sure", Hale replied, knowing the exercise would help to take her mind of the current situation and help her relax. She stretched her arms above her head in a lazy movement, before getting up. She bent over to pick up her harp, that was now safely tucked away in it's case. With a careful movement Hale hung the harp-case across her shoulders and then offered her hand to Evening-Fall.
"Shall we go?"
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 21:48:08 GMT 1
****
Arrow edged closer to Hush, glaring at Claw's back. "Someone needs to shake some sense into that one," he muttered under his breath. "She's been trouble since the moment she could talk."
But before he could say anything more, wolves came rushing past ? not quite through the middle of the gathering, but still close enough to be a shock. "What?! What in the world has gotten into them?" he shouted, looking around as if expecting someone nearby to answer his question.
Hush waved a hand at Claw's back dismissively, her face downright sour until the other female was out of earshot. She hadn't felt so sorely tempted to mischief in a long while.
**Aye, and so was I, but I'm -trying- to be better.** Her sending was a bit strained, and she flexed her fingers and wiggled her toes in an attempt to loosen up again. Staying drawn tight as a bow couldn't possibly be healthy. When the wolves rushed past the meeting place she startled, letting out a bark of nervous laughter and hugging herself. Even though she was generally alright with the idea of wolf-blooded elves dealing with wolves in the fur was still a little touchy! **Maybe someone called them? I hope that doesn't mean they're preparing to leave...**
"Well, I hope they do!", Wasp sneered, jumping into the discussion, with a disdainful glare at the wolves. "They are lucky those flea-ridden animals didn't hurt my mother when they charged like that. My father would have had their hides, if they had."
She shook her head. "Claw is right, you know. Keensight has grown weak. Blaze will be a much better First Chief. At least he won't put up with those strangers!"
Arrow narrowed his eyes into thin, angry slits and fixed Wasp with a cold glare. "Before you speak, _child_, think. What harm have the wolf-bloods ever done you? They come here, injured and seeking shelter, and you wish to throw them out? The last one that came could hardly stand on his own! Why were your kin so quick to turn against them, just because a High One long ago chose their blood for them. It's nothing they can help!"
To be fair, he was only about twice as old as she, but at this moment he felt much, much her elder. Why couldn't she be reasonable? Hadn't she talked to the newcomers, seen that they were friendly? Had one of them done something to hurt her? "And I wouldn't trust Blaze as First Chief. He's reckless like a leafling, never plans a head enough. But I guess that'd suit you just fine, wouldn't it?"
Maybe he was taking out his foul mood on his surroundings, but at least it was a release for all the tension drumming in the air.
"Well, _Elder_", Wasp mocked Arrow, "You can hardly call those beastbloods elves, so why should we take care of them?", she shot at him, readying for a fight. Arrow might be taking his foul mood out on her, but she took it right back at him. "And like Keensight is such a great leader! He is turning us all soft, soft like he and his fur-mate are! Maybe a weakling like you doesn't mind following him, but I do! Blaze would make us strong, like we used to be!" Wasp new the complaints about Keensight all too well. Claw was not the only one who didn't agree with his way of leading the Children of the Oaks.
Hush's mind filled with such a roil of anger that it finally forced her to speak for fear that the sending might scorch her -own- mind let alone others. Her low voice rasped slightly from habitual disuse, lending it a harsher tone than intended.
"Oh yes, High One forbid we try to change the slightest bit, that would be -frightening- and -new-! And High Ones forbid we look past the surface of things to see a common thread between tribes! That would require -effort-! And we can't have that!" She stamped her foot for emphasis, eyes blazing with emotion. The fact that wolfblooded were a part of the Branch of Stars, that she considered them hardly different from herself, made this difference of opinions strike close to the heart andd burn bitterly. **That is what's behind all these misgivings, laziness and -fear-.**
"Fear?" Wasp snorted. "Fear of the beastbloods or Keensights ideas?" She shook her head. "I think not. The only fear I have for Keensights idea's, is that they will make our tribe weak and that cannot be good. And those beastbloods... I am just amazed that you think you can see a common thread between them and us. How can they have filled your mind with such nonsense? They might look like as, but they are not like us. In fact, I don't think they are related to us in any way at all!" Wasp got angrier as she spoke.
"You might befriend those beasts if you please, tanner", she sneered, jabbing a finger at Hush, "But don't try and convince others of you flea ridden ideas, because you are just wrong and you know it! The wolfbloods are filth! The sooner they are gone, the better!"
"If strength is all you care about, shouldn't the beastbloods suit you perfectly?" Arrow quipped, eyes narrow. "Wounded and without food they managed to get all the way here without losing a single of their kin - could you have accomplished such a feat? And what has you so angry with them? Have you even spoken to one of them? Or are all these supposed 'differences' just in your head?"
Hush heard Arrow's words dimly, and agreed with him, but they simply fed into her anger at Wasp. Her nostrils flared, her breath puffing like a bison ready to charge. Keensight may not have been perfect, but she agreed with many of his more cautious ways...what was strength when it meant you kept losing tribesmates? And for it to be implied that she couldn't come to conclusions for herself...well.
She drew herself up to her full height, and her sending rang clear and wide: **How -dare- you presume to tell me my own mind, Wasp! I have come to my -own- conclusions about the other elves, no one else told me what to think, and I'll share my thoughts if I like! It's those so closed to anything but their own little worlds that I find strange and savage!**
By her stance and look it seemed like Hush might just leap upon Wasp, but with much apparent effort she turned stiffly and started to stalk away.
Wasp's anger flared at Arrow's words. "They are no more then beasts, trying to survive", she bit at him with a furious glare. "They probably learned the skill of survival from the fleas they carry. Those are just as able to withstand hardships. But it takes more than that to be an elf! And it will take us down, as elves, to associate with those beastbloods."
Wasp opened her mouth say more, but Hush's sending hit her like a wave crashing down and she staggered under the sheer force of the anger it held. Her eyes never let go of Hush's glare nevertheless, ready as Wasp was to counter the attack she was sure would come. But no, Hush turned on her heels and walked away.
Wasp spit on the ground. **Running away?**, she asked, sending openly, **Are you running away from your own foolish ideas about the wolfbloods, tanner? Ashamed like you very well should be. Coward. You're a coward like that loser-chief you hold so dear.**
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Post by Sofia on Jun 17, 2020 22:00:16 GMT 1
****
Even though she was genuinely happy to see more surviving tribemates, in the end Bloodmane had not been able to bear watching the family reunions. Every smile, touch and word exchanged had made her heart ache for her own family, lost forever. And finding a certain wayward, silver-haired cub who had been missing since the last night's celebration was a perfect excuse to get away from it all for a few moments.
It was almost at the heels of the wolfpack that she returned, steering stumbling Riv by the back of his neck. The Go-Back's face and hair were dripping water, and his eyes were partially squeezed shut against the harsh light.
"You made it just in time for the Howl for the Dead," Greyspear commented as he spotted Bloodmane, dragging Riv towards the tent. "He doesn't look too ready for one though;? too many dreamberries?"
Longsong only gave a vague nod in Bloodmane's direction, too busy fighting back memories just a little while longer.
Bloodmane froze at Greyspear's words. 'Howl for the Dead?' But as she thought about it, yes, it was something that was long overdue. They were safe now. They could howl for their lost tribemates without bringing the trolls down on their tails. She could howl...for her family.
Riv just groaned in reply to the question about dreamberries. They had tasted great last night, but now his head felt like there was a whole army of trolls with hammers inside it. And the fact that the redhead had scolded him like a little fawn and dunked his head into the river to wake him up didn't make him feel any better. When Bloodmane's grip on his neck loosened - he didn't really care why - he just ducked into one of the tents nearby with a murmured "Going back to sleep."
As he exited the tent for the wounded, Branchwalker caught sight of Riv's back disappearing into another tent. He's not joining the Howl? At first he was chocked at this realization, but then reason caught up with him. Why should he? He hasn't lost anyone.
He adjusted his grip on Gale and took his place in the forming circle of tribemates. He's no wolf-kin either. It shouldn't be strange. It's far stranger that Eclipse still is nowhere to be seen...
Silvereyes made her way to the others in the Howl. She gave a quick nod and half smile to her father and in her mind she allowed the past to flow over her like rain on a warm New Leaf day. She stood before the flames and closed her eyes standing there till she could feel her lover and family near to her flesh and into the now of things. Soon she had opened her eyes and music or not, she started dancing. AS she danced her eyes filled with tears till the images of her loved ones faded from her imagined site and her mind.
She knew that the strong willed and Now parts of her would from time to time allow them to revisit her memories fond or otherwise, but to be burdened no longer with the pain of the past was freeing to her spirit and heart most of all. She had said her private farewells and wept for her loved ones and now she had to focus on the living. She was thirsty and sat a bit drinking from the waterskin from the tent as she watched the others around her gather and Howl. She howled with them. She did not like not hearing a drum or flute at Howl but maybe this time it was suiting she thought.
It is a good thing I think to not unload too much on these treewees before they have the patience to learn our ways. Yeah, this new place could be our new Holt if we could agree to talk things out, but if not....No bother. Wolfriders will survive and we will make a new Holt here or some place, for sure, she told her self in her thoughts. She looked to her father as much time had passed since she started her goodbyes and she wondered if he was able to say a fond farewell to his lifemate and son. She did not see him or her uncle right off and took a long drink of the water wishing it were wine.
Greyspear had watched his daughter dance and think, not saying a word. All the wolves had gathered now and the circle had begun to form - it would soon be time to share memories with the others.
And I will be the first, he thought to himself, somewhat shocked. I shouldn't be my place, it _isn't_ my place. But there is no chief, no chief's blood...
"Who are missing?" he finally asked, waiting for everyone to find a place in the circle. Catching his mistake a moment too late, he corrected himself: "Who aren't here that should be here?"
Eveninglight had taken her place in the circle of elves and wolves, together with her wolf-friend. She looked around at Greyspear's question and noticed that Eclipse was nowhere to be seen. Thinking of it, she had not seen him since the night before, right after the dance. Why hadn't she noticed earlier? Biting her lip, Eveninglight did not immediately call out to inform Greyspear. Back in the tent she had spoken before her turn, like she was the adult she was not, and even though no one had told her off she didn't dare open her mouth before her turn again.
Eveningsky had helped Haze to find a spot in the circle and the elfess took a seat next to him. She smelled the air and took a look around the gathered elves to spot her sister.
One-Edge still held on to Longsong's hand as they sat in the circle. The warmth of it comforted her as the cold memory of Sweetbreeze's death lingered in her mind. In this Howl she wanted to celebrate Sweetbreeze's life, although short, but she found it hard to do, the death pressing so much more.
Sunsleaf settled Squirrel in the forming circle and then stepped back settling a little behind the but where she could watch many of the injured, and Branchwalker. This wasn't her place, she hadn't met those that were to be mourned. For all that she might wish that there were more she could do to heal the pain of loss there was no herb that she knew that could take away that hurt.
Gale heard all the rumblings of a howl for the dead. He surely wanted to join in nearly being one of them, but also seeing the destruction rained down upon them by the savagery of the trolls, he needed to release his spirit's sorrow.
But when he saw Sunsleaf placing Squirrel in the circle, that was all it took for him to cry his howl with those he loved alive or not. A part of his spirit wanted to cry out for all.
~**Branchwalker, I beg of you my friend, please set me next to my mate so that I may howl with her. My heart wants to join hers in reaching out to our brothers and sisters who have fallen and letting them know we will remember them always in our hearts. Please my friend, take me there...and join us!**~
~**Of course,**~ Branchwalker answered, overwhelmed by the emotions in Gale's sending. Carefully he led Gale to Squirrel's side, placing him on the ground in the inner circle of the gathering. Good thing we all can howl just as well on our rumps as on our feet, he thought with sad amusement.
Gale settled, Branchwalker took a step back, almost standing guard behind the reunited family and turned to look at Greyspear, awaiting the beginning of the Howl.
Silvereyes looked around at the others as they gathered and sat in a circle. She saw a bit of what seemed to her to be unsureness. She looked up to him as he stood near her. ~**Have courage father. You have faced tougher changes than this one.**~ she tried to encourage him in a lock send. She looked around again then answered, "No...I do not see Eclipse and have not for some time." She looked around outside the gathering circle and listened to what the others were saying to find out if anyone else had seen him.
~**Thank you daughter,**~ Greyspear sent back with some relief, ~**Your support is welcome and warm.**~ Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the middle of the circle that had formed and turned to slowly face all of his kin, one by one.
"We cannot wait for Eclipse. This Howl has waited long enough as it is. If he missed hearing the summoning he has only himself to blame. We being now."
Having completed the walk around the circle, Greyspear took his place in the middle again, closed his eyes and opened his mind.
Around him, as if one cue, the wolves began to howl a song of mourning.
**I remember Clearmind, chief of eight bloods, father of Brighteyes, lifemate of Lighttouch.** The words were followed by images of Clearmind at his brightest; solving disputes, leading the pack in hunt, playing with his son.
**Clearmind was a good chief who deserved his name. He fought bravely to defend us, to the end, and while the nights were peaceful he kept them so with just decisions and clever plans.** More images followed of nights long gone.
**For Clearmind!** he ended his speech and leaned his head back, howling at the top of his lungs - the howl the pack and tribe alike had used to call for Clearmind.
He deserved a better farewell, Greyspear scolded himself as he stepped out of the ring's middle, to stand next to Silvereyes. Brighteyes would have done a better job telling his father's story and he is - was - just a child. But my mind is elsewhere...
Branchwalker join in the call for Clearmind, tears already falling down his cheeks.
Longsong howled too, but his eyes remained stubbornly dry. Need to stay calm, just a little bit longer. Just for a little bit.
Silvereyes looked around the circle as her own tears fell. Her sight blurred by those warm tears. She held her father's hand as he returned and left her free hand out if any other wished to hold it. Her howl went out with the others to Clearmind.
"My lovemate Crystal was also first my teacher. ...Mmm, I miss his touch.... His...voice and how he would sneak a look at me as he was sewing clothing for the tribe with a smile and I would blush and we would share a short but good chuckle. I share you with a loving heart and joy of life lived my beloved!
My soul sings with yours my love! My heart sings with yours! She returned to the circle howling for him with all her voice she could muster behind her emotions and tears. She held her hands over her chest woven together as she howled. Her spirits lifted from feeling him in her mind and as she was speaking images of her and Crystal flowed to the minds of those around and she ended her sharing mind images as she returned to the circle to let another share. Her mother now in her mind and heart to share when it is her turn again.
As Silvereyes stepped into the circle's middle Branchwalker nearly choked on his howling, but made a valiant effort to keep up the mourning song. I need to send or I'll scream.
With this thought spurring him on, he took a few shaky steps forward, claiming his first turn in the Howl. **I remember-** He faltered. Who should I choose? Who...
**I remember Sparkstone.** He called forth a clear image of his lovemate to share; long dark brown hair, purple eyes and cheerful smile, **Son of Watcher and Whisper, Rock-Shaper and my lovemate.**
After that there were no words, only scenes of happier nights, until Branchwalker stifled a scream, followed by a long howl, calling Sparkstone to the hunt. He bowed out of the circle's middle as shakily as he'd entered it and reclaimed his position behind Gale and Squirrel's little family.
Rainblossom was the first to reach the strangers' gathering. For a moment she stood, frozen, caught up in memory. This, _this_ is as things should be. High Ones, I beg of you, make them accept us in the circle!
Careful not to interrupt the song of howls going on around her, she gently tapped the nearest elf on the shoulder and asked, as soon as she'd gotten the stranger's attention: "M-may we join you? Please?"
Firecry stayed behind his sister, waiting anxiously for a reply.
Silvereyes had left her hand out thinking the elf nearest in the circle beside her would take it. You could imagine her surprise to see these two wanting to join in. She wiped at her eyes and nodded pausing her wolfsong for the souls past.
"Yes, please! We welcome you both. When you see an opening..." She was a bit choaked up and swallowed roughly then continued. "Take a step into the center to share with us one closest to your heart, soul and fondest memories. Once all have shared we get another turn to share another we loved and howl for them too."
She offered her hand again this time to them after whispering how to share properly. Her voice then returned to the call to hunt, howl and run free with the souls or spirits of the dead one last time.
Squirrel leaned against Gale, the cubs held close on her lap. She was sorting through lost friends trying to decide who she might present to the circle. With each presentation she lifted her voice in the distinctive howl that would have called the lost one.
Sureshot had settled next to Sunsleaf. He knew she wouldn't cause a scene or disturb the ceremony, and he couldn't match a name with all the faces around the circle.
Sunsleaf ignored that Sureshot had set down next to her, she was focused on those who were actually mourning. When Branchwalker moved forward to share she had to force herself to keep her seat, and when he moved back toward his it was all she could do not to rush to his side. Her hands were shaking as she crossed her arms and tucked her fists under to still them.
At first he hesitated looking to Greyspear, but then Gale managed to stand without help and took his turn in the circle.
**I remember Tenderheart, healer of the tribe, lifemate to Greyspear, mother to Silvereyes and Treebreeze.** Tenderheart's vision came forth of her healing the tribe, and happy with her loving family, full of life.
**Tenderheart was everyone's shining sun. She shone upon us all! She did so much to care for all of us! And the endless times she healed our family, especially our cubs, with her care and patience we appreciated greatly!
May she find the peace and happiness she cherished be reflected upon her now from us! For Tenderheart!**
Gale felt relieved of his resounding howl for his friend, and sat back down next to Squirrel with a look of encouragement when she takes her turn.
Hearing his words Silvereyes turned pale as hearing someone say her mother was gone....It hit hard and forced her to see it was real. She turned red as tears rolled heavy now, more than before and she tried to stifle her pain and woes filling her self with some form of personal peace knowing this was a time to celebrate their lives, not the loss. She howled again joining the others though pausing now and then as more stories were shared she would choke up on the flood of shared emotions of sadness and love.
In this moment of shared sadness and happiness Eveningsky joined in on every howl that rang among them, elven and wolfish alike. Soft tears fell from her eyes. The maiden made no move to brush them away, instead letting the cool water wash her face. She held on tight to her sister's hand, squeezing it harder with every new image that she received.
Morning-Glow followed his tribemates closer to the gathered survivors. Before he could see them he could hear the howls. There was something eerie about it, that made the hair on his back stand. On the other hand, he could distinguish emotions in it, very strong ones. He was certain that whatever this howling thing was, it was very important. According to their own wolf-blood tribemates it was a celebration for those who had passed.
Then he could see them, in a circle with the wolves. He noticed Rainblossom and Firecry joining the circle. For him, it seemed like all those elves were somewhere else, not on the same land and ground that he was standing on. They were bound by a bond, unlike he could ever imagine.
DancingFlame followed Rainblossom and Firecry. At first she had been all smiles, full of anticipation, but her steps had became quieter, her face more solemn as the neared the circle. This truly was a ritual to mourn the departed, different from theirs yes, but no different in meaning or in the intensity of the feelings. These elves, even with their mixed blood, were just like them. This ritual proved it clearly. DancingFlame shook her head. How could Sabre think differently. She would have to talk to him, share what she witnessed here. He should know, he should see. Their daughters too, although Wasp would not change her mind that easily. She would have to try though, DancingFlame decided. She had to.
In respectful silence DancingFlame waited behind Rainblossom and Firecry. Following them when they were indicated a place by one of the girls. "We brought some thing for all of you", she said to the girl who had spoken to Rainblossom and Firecry. Silvereyes, she thought her name was, but wasn't sure.
"Here", DancingFlame said, reaching out her basket of dreamberries. "We like to share these with you and your people."
Eveninglight had howled along with her tribe, her usual smiling face wet with tears for the ones they had to miss. Her turn would come, she knew. But for now she was still working up the courage to step into circle. She would howl for her mother. It had been an easy choice to make who to howl for.
For a moment Eveninglight's attention was distracted from the howl. Some of the Children of the Oaks had come to join them. It surprised her. How nice of them to do so, she thought. She greeted the newcomers with a smile and a small nod of her head from across the circle where she was standing. It made her happy to see that there was understanding and support from them.
Silvereyes seemed surprised at first. "Humm?! OH! My....hehehe, Great thanks to you and your kin kind new friend!"
She grinned with joy for a moment. She took a few lady like swallows, then she stopped slowly remembering her beloved Crystal. "The last time I...and he.... It was a good time then as I recall," she said before taking a good gulp then handing off to the next nearest elf to share a sip or gulp then pass to another and so on.
Silvereyes felt the heavy in her heart lifting and her eyes widened with a kind of joy mixed with sadness still. Her chest felt warm and she was blushing as the tears fell once more as she started feeling the spirits of the fallen about the circle once more. She looked to her family and friends and raised her voice to mix with theirs as she howled for the dead.
Had Greyspear been paying attention, he would have offered a supporting shoulder for Silvereyes to cry on. As things were now, he was still dumbstruck after Gale's howl for Tenderheart. To see her smiling, loving face, laughing and breathing through they eyes of the tribe, to feel her healing touch one last time, if only through memory...
The tears finally came. He threw his head back and gave a howl full of anguish and fear, letting all the gathered emotions loose on the sky above.
Rainblossom paid the words spoken around her little mind. This was what she'd longed for, what she'd been missing; howls and a pack, to share good and bad with. She leaned her head back and joined her voice in the mourning song, her hand clasping her brother's in a firm grip.
Gale had taken shelter by Sunsleaf's side, still howling but less steadily. He still had his mother and father to speak of - to share - but who to pick first, who?
Sensing her soul brother's distress, Dawnsong took centre place in the circle and sent:
**I remember Knife, lifemate of Ebonyglare, father of Branchwalker. As quick in hunting as in planning, he was like a strong wind, a kind storm that washed away troubles with a few words.** She let out a howl, calling Knife to a hunt that would never be, and then returned to her place.
Longsong howled too, though with less strength than he had intended. He glanced to his side, where One-Edge stood, and sent: ~**Now? You or me?**~
"You are welcome", DancingFlame said to Silvereyes. "You have lost so much. It is just a small thing we can do, to help you..."
Silvereyes smiled then nodded and suddenly fell silent for a bit of time then started to howl again after her emotions allowed her to.
DancingFlame sent Silvereyes a small smile, but her eyes were filled with tears for the losses these elves had suffered. How could she have thought them any different from themselves at first? Their emotions were just the same, even though their rituals were different. It didn't matter. These were true children of the High Ones, just like them.
Silvereyes did not notice her new friend smile as her eyes were tear filled and over flowing, oddly enough though she seemed to feel the emotions her new friend Dancingflame felt as she tightened her emotional grip on the hand in her hand. Not hurting or too firm but just enough to show she understood someone was feeling how she felt. It was not magic, just a natural sense of shared sentiment Silvereyes could relate with. She kept on howling as the mood urge moved her unless another was speaking.
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