Log Date: 2/13/96 Log Intro: With Strongbow and Moonshade at last reunited and reconciled, the archer and the tanner, along with Skywise, and the party of Willowholt elves, spend some days recovering their strength near the Wandering River. On the way, Woodhawk briefly encounters Mender, on a quest of his own, and relays to him word of the danger of Doreel's grove, but at last, the elves ride into Lostholt territory. Once there, they allow the still weakened Rillwhisper and Strongbow to rest, and camp is made.... ---------- You locksend ** Eh? Who're you? ** to Thornstaff. Thornstaff locksends ** A traveler.. I am called Thornstaff ** Rillwhisper lifts her head, sleepily, from her cocoon of furs. Eh? A sending? Around the camp, Thornstaff stands, leaning on his staff, peering into the camp Strongbow frowns, looking over at the chieftess from where he sits, sitting stubborn guard by his sleeping mate. He fidgets at his leathers, hands idle for too long without his bow. ** ? ** Around the camp, Thornstaff chuckles, ** oh.. I didn't disturb anything did I? ** You sense in a locksend, Strongbow relays. ** Wolfrider poking around the camp. Stranger. ** His tone is unrushed, unworried; he's used to (if rather tired of) strangers near his Holt. Rillwhisper sits up, carefully, stretching. She keeps the fur wrapped about her shoulders, despite the warmth of the summer season, and peers outside the camp; then, rising, she makes a still-carefuly way out into view. You make your way out of the Willowholt Camp. Lost Holt Clearing The land of the Abode surrounds you. Here is where the elves of Lost Holt Gather for tribe councils, howls and receiving visitors from other tribes. This large clearing is fringed by slender saplings that have sprung up after the fire so many turns ago. The ground is packed in tightly and covered with twigs and some fallen branches. In the center there lies a stone ring. It lies unlit now and filled with rocks and leaves as the silky summertime heat brings warmth to the holt. There are many roots to sit on as well as one particularly large branch that may serve to seat more than a few elves. Off to the north you see the massive Father Tree, home to many of the elves of Lost Holt. All is quiet in the heat of the summers day, as elves and wolves both keep to the cool shadows to sleep. Contents: Thornstaff Willowholt Camp(#6874AJae) Denning Tree Obvious exits: Path Hill Approach to the Father Tree Thornstaff smiles and nods in a friendly way to you Rillwhisper asks, her voice holding the same slight weariness as her sending, "Can I help you, stranger?" In the Willowholt Camp, Fallberry pokes its head out from under a sleepfur, and blinkblinks. /Highthing?/ Thornstaff says "I was just wandering by.. and thought I might visit with you and your camp for a few hands..." In the Willowholt Camp, Strongbow looks underwhelmed at the appearance of the Preserver. He shakes his head, once, in the direction that Rillwhisper went, getting to his feet. He leans down to pat Moonshade before following the Willowholt chieftess. Strongbow makes his way out of the Willowholt Camp. Strongbow has arrived. Thornstaff A dark-skinned elf dressed in brown leathers. Long brown breeches adorn his legs and he is wearing dark brown moccasins. He is wearing a dusty brown vest with wooden buttons. His dark brown eyes shine out at you from under a mop of ruffled brown hair. He is wearing two wooden bracers, . He seems to always have a grin on his face... and his mind seems to wander back through unspecified memories. If you ask... he might tell a story... He carries a large shaped wooden staff. Carrying: Shaped Staff Travelworn backpack(#6014CVe) Pouch(#6188CLV) wooden bracers Strongbow prowls out of the camp, eyes dark and glittering. He nods once to the stranger, raising one brow, and flicks his gaze to Rillwhisper. You sense in a locksend, Strongbow remarks, sourly, ** Visit visitors? ** Rillwhisper smiles crookedly. "Well. we're not in my territory, but rather, in his, and his tribe's." She glances over her shoulder as Strongbow joins her, and gives him a gentle look before adding to the visitor, "But if Lostholt doesn't mind you being here, it's not for me to say no. Visit as you like..." Thornstaff says "I have been to this holt before.. but not since... uhm.. well.. the last time i was here" You locksend to Strongbow, Rillwhisper touches your mind lightly, mostly strengthlessly, but with clear amusement. Strongbow looks off into the trees for an instant, then looks back at the 'visitor.' ** Welcome, then, until someone says otherwise. ** Some slight expression crosses his face, and he flicks a glance, perhaps bemused, at the shorter elf in the chief's knot. ** You're known here, then? ** The question is regardless directed at Thornstaff. Thornstaff says "I'm not sure how well I am remembered.. but I have shared a story or two here" Rillwhisper chuckles, faintly, and settles herself down on the ground, fur still wrapped about her shoulders. Gaze benign, she tells Thornstaff, "I and mine are known here; you visit with visitors." The odd look on the archer's lean face intensifies for a moment. Thornstaff sends openly ** I visit anywhere I can learn.. and live.. new stories ** You locksend ** We should send for your folk, archer... let them know we've come... ** to Strongbow. Rillwhisper nods peaceably. "I intend to be sitting still for some time, friend, and a story would not be unwelcome." You sense in a locksend, Strongbow sends assent, having already thought that, and put it off. Strongbow looks a bit distant for a moment, gaze focusing into the trees. Thornstaff smiles to Rillwhisper, then looks to Strongbow, then looks the direction Strongbow is looking Strongbow's gaze recenters on the visitor. ** Welcome to the lost holt. ** There is something formal about it, this time, that lights the archer's eyes. Rillwhisper, expression still quite gentle, smiles quietly. Thornstaff settles down to sit somewhat near Rillwhisper, setting his staff carefully beside him Thornstaff looks at you closely for a moment. Rillwhisper(#6POXace) This elfin female has an earthy if also somehow ethereal look; she is wisp-slender, but with a lithe huntress's build, and hands that seem built for grasping a dagger or a bow. Her long, bright red-golden hair falls in unbound waves about her shoulderblades. Huge in a pale pointed face, her deep leaf-green eyes are flecked with shimmers of grey and gold, and her capable hands sometimes show a delicate touch matched perhaps for the holes of a flute, as well. She is clad in what might once have been leathers of brown and gold and green: a short, sleeveless tunic, breeches, boots. But her tunic and breeches are ragged, held together with patchwork scraps of leather from some other source; her boots are worn thin from much walking, and seem inadequate covering for her feet. There is an empty knife sheath strapped to her thigh, and a pouch at her side, on her leather belt. She seems a little thin and pale of appearance, and moves as though she's slightly weak. Thornstaff locksends ** you seem ill friend... ** You locksend to Thornstaff, Rillwhisper replies readily, ** I have been, but I'm on the mend. ** Strongbow remains standing, stance a bit wide, arms crossed. He nods once to Rillwhisper. You sense in a locksend, Strongbow observes, plainly, ** I've sent. ** Spidersilk walks over from the Father Tree. Spidersilk has arrived. Thornstaff locksends ** that is good ** Rillwhisper smiles tiredly to Strongbow, then, as the first of the Lostholters broaches the line of trees, she gives a languorous giggle. Spidersilk comes out of the Father Tree, hopping as she pulls one boot on, trying to lace up her vest at the same time. ** Nnnnfffgh. Eyes see with ... joy ... ** In the Willowholt Camp, Dawn yawns and wakes up. In the Willowholt Camp, Littlefang yawns and wakes up Cutter walks over from the Father Tree. Cutter has arrived. In the Willowholt Camp, Fallberry eeeeees, and giggles happily, at the sight of the gathering elves outside the camp. Inquistiively, it flits out to watch. Fallberry makes its way out of the Willowholt Camp. Fallberry has arrived. Strongbow nods once, eyes lighting more, uncrossing his arms to crack the slightest bit of a smile as his sleepy tribe rouses itself. In the Willowholt Camp, Trollkiller ywns, disturbed by all the ruckus. ** Um? ** In the Willowholt Camp, Dawn rubs her eyes, looking around as well. Thornstaff looks to the new elves, "Heyla " Rillwhisper with a bit of thought rises carefully, and gives Cutter, too, a tired smile. "Found your tanner and your stargazer," she reports wryly. Spidersilk manages, in a fit of grace, to unbalance entirely, and lands on the ground with a faint thump. From there, she pulls her boot all the way on, still blinking through silvery hair at the crowd in the clearning. Thornstaff takes his backpack off and sets it in fron of him, looking around inside it Cutter stretches, as he appears around the tree, and stifles a yawn. ** You know how to make an arrival, don't you? ** Strongbow nods his head at Thornstaff. ** No one keeping watch? ** Strongbow looks at Cutter. ** Come to visit and welcome a visitor... ** Fallberry flitflitflits happily around the elves, proclaiming brightly, /Got sunnygreen highthing and sharpquiet highthing out of nastybad manyleg crawlythingtrees!/ The archer's tone is, perhaps, slightly teasing. Rillwhisper glances over her shoulder, and smiles crookedly at the two sleepy ones rousing in the camp. Thornstaff grins at the Preserver Cutter smiles at Rillwhisper. "So it seems. Welcome back, chieftess.. all of you." You locksend, to Dawn, Trollkiller: ** Lostholt's found us. ** In the Willowholt Camp, Trollkiller blinkblinkblinks and sits up, looking around at everybody. Trollkiller locksends, to Dawn, Rillwhisper: ** <&Woodhawk> Uh... yeah, I can tell... ** Spidersilk rakes a handful of hair out of her face, and finishes lacing her tunic. ** Scouter and Dewshine, I thought.. ** Dawn makes her way out of the Willowholt Camp. Dawn has arrived. Dawn yaawns, and smiles cheerfully to the gathered elves. Rillwhisper watches the reunion, gaze pleased, but weary. "Skywise and Moonshade sleep... we could get them up, quickly, I think..." Strongbow's gaze flicks to Rillwhisper, his stance going a bit stubborn. Trollkiller makes his way out of the Willowholt Camp. Trollkiller has arrived. Thornstaff digs an apple out of his pack and munches on it silently Trollkiller finishes brushing through his coat and leaves the camp. Cutter adds, "But with Scouter and Dewshine in the middle of hottime, who knows?" His attention shifts to Thornstaff, and he nods. "Cousin. We missed your coming in, apparently." With a sheepish grin, he explains, "Daylight." Dawn brushes a last errant leaf from Trollkiller, beaming at everybody proudly. Strongbow shakes his head, stern look at his chief tinged with something else that makes his eyes glimmer just a bit. Thornstaff grins playfully, "not the first time.. I've learned not to make too much noise as i travel... Spidersilk grins sleepily. "Dawn," she greets. "No more cubs?" Rillwhisper, as Trollkiller and Dawn join her, grins lopsidedly at her two tribesmates, then tells Cutter, "We're all whole, mostly, though we've a long tale to tell you when you and your tribe are ready, son of Bearclaw. There's news you'll want to hear." Dawn giggles at Spidersilk, and thinks deeply before replying. "Nope, only one hand of cubs, still." Spidersilk considers. "That's enough,' she grins, and then props herself on her hands, leaning back. Trollkiller giggles. ** As if that wasn't a lot... ** Dawn scratches her head sleepily, looking around. ** Dusk ought to be around. ** Trollkiller nods. ** She was still asleep - I didn't think I should awaken her... ** Thornstaff saves the seeds, eating the entire apple Thornstaff begins to polish his shaped staff Dawn sends openly ** Mhm. Long journey for little cub, let her rest a while longer. ** Strongbow nods at Dawn. ** Long journey for many. ** Spidersilk looks at you closely for a moment. Cutter nods to Thornstaff, and then grins again at Rillwhisper. ** I could wake the rest of the tribe, ** he teases. Rillwhisper says dryly, "Not so little a cub, anymore..." She then glances to the Lostholters, and asks, "May we camp here a bit, Cutter, till we give you the news we need, and my mates get a little more meat into me?" Her green gaze is quietly amused. Cutter scratches his chin, eye travelling over first Strongbow, and the rest of the Willowholt, and then glancing at Spidersilk. ** What do you think, Silk? Run them out? Or welcome them awhile? ** Dawn givs Cutter a wide-eyed look. Spidersilk props one eye open. ** Depends, ** she grins. ** Did they bring the firestarter with them? ** Strongbow glowers at Cutter, doing his stubborn best to stifle the smile tugging at his lips. From the Willowholt Camp, Woodhawk pokes his head out of a tent, and sends, deadpan, ** No. ** Trollkiller sends openly ** Of course we did - what, like I'm going to leave _him_ alone someplace? ** Spidersilk laughs. ** Ah, well, let them stay, then, I say! ** She winks at the emerging Woodhawk. Dawn giggles, and slips back into the camp. Dawn ventures into the Willowholt Camp. Dawn has left. Woodhawk has arrived. In the Willowholt Camp, Dawn grins to Woodhawk. Strongbow looks over his shoulder at Woodhawk, sending approval. ** Good answer. ** Cutter smiles widely, and makes a broad gesture toward Silk. ** Word's been given. I can let you stay. ** More sincerely, he adds, ** Of course you can stay. ** In the Willowholt Camp, Dawn curls up and falls asleep (net disclaimer) In the Willowholt Camp, Littlefang curls up and falls asleep. Spidersilk laughs again, eyes merry. Woodhawk steps out of the circle of tents, comes up behind Rillwhisper, and surreptitiously provides her an arm to lean on. Chuckling, he inclines his head to Strongbow, and the rest of the Lostholters. ** Our thanks, ** he answers. Thornstaff sends openly ** Cutter Kinseeker? ** "And mine," Rillwhisper adds, to Woodhawk's sending, with a bit of a chuckle. "Besides, there were rumors of a Howl...." Thornstaff sends openly ** can i ask to stay for a while too? ** Rillwhisper turns to Woodhawk, and leans on his offered arm, gratefully. The two exchange glances, and sendings... Spidersilk blinks, suddenly coming aware. ** You said you needed meat, chieftess? I've some dried in my den, if you want? ** Strongbow shakes his head. ** What's wanted is a hunt and howl. ** Spidersilk grins. "That sounds all right, too." Cutter blinks at Rillwhisper. "Howl? High Ones, I almost forgot. There'll be a Howl then." His attention then goes back to Thornstaff. "Stay?" Strongbow states that with certainty, and looks at Cutter with a nod of approval. A moment later, he looks back at the camp, his mate curled in furs therein. Rillwhisper before Woodhawk can speak up touches his shoulder lightly, and shakes her head to Spidersilk, mouth quirking ruefully. "I'm told," she observes, "that I should eat as much broth as I can get down, and then work to fresh meat. Fresher the better. Part of the long story I need to tell you all." Strongbow grimaces, looking back at Rillwhisper, less than excited at the prospect. He adds, though, ** Stories we all need to...tell. ** Cutter says "Stories -we- all want to hear." Woodhawk puts in, "Rill needs rest, too --" Strongbow adds, ** And Moonshade. ** Rillwhisper chuckles, tiredly, and briefly nuzzles Woodhawk's shoulder. Something she sends make him smirk, but not unkindly, as Rillwhisper turns, then. The chieftess's gaze rests on Strongbow. You locksend ** And you, brother. ** to Strongbow. Strongbow scowls first at Cutter, then at Rillwhisper. ** Well, it'll be quite a Howl, then. ** Thornstaff stands and stretches Cutter nods. "There are dens, if you want them. Darker than out under the Daystar, at least." Rillwhisper gives Strongbow a long and full look, with the barest hint of a smile. Strongbow looks longly at Rillwhisper, still glowering, and looks away when the glower shows signs of slipping. He sends wordless assent to his chief's comment. Rillwhisper then inclines her head to Cutter, saying earnestly, "Again, my folk are in your debt, Cutter...." She half-smiles. "I'm not too proud to say I am quite shaky, and could use a cool shadowed den to rest in." Strongbow looks back at Rillwhisper, eyes lighting for a moment. Cutter glances sidelong at Silk, and nods a little. Strongbow locksends ** Am I too proud? ** Cutter waves a hand. "Be proud later. Rest now." Strongbow scowls over at Cutter, raising a brow. Woodhawk mouths "thank you!" at the Lostholt chief, but not quietly enough for Rillwhisper to miss it. She chuckles tiredly, and asks, "Where?" Spidersilk laughs, nodding at Cutter. Spidersilk yawns softly. ** Visitor's den, in the foot of the tree. My den is big enough to share, too, if you want. ** You locksend to Strongbow, Rillwhisper's mind lingers near yours as she considers a reply, once more remembering something that has tugged at her dreams ever since the departure from the spider wood. ** You could be, ** she finally tells you, ** were you not tempered. ** Then, as if bemused as to why she knows that, she trails off, distracted by Spidersilk. Rillwhisper smiles tiredly to Spidersilk, pointing out dryly, "Big enough for me, Woodhawk, _and_ Trollkiller? I'll take the den for visitors, if no one else sleeps there." Spidersilk laughs. "I was thinking some of the others, actually. Dawn and Dusk, if they didn't want to stay in the camp." You sense in a locksend, Strongbow lets his mind touch the edge of yours for a moment. There is a moment's query, as the archer thinks: tempered by what...? He only sends, however, ** I need to bed Moonshade in our den...or. ** It's not an apology -- only a statement, with it the memory of the last time he was here. Strongbow's gaze flickers between Rillwhisper and Cutter and, after a time, he simply turns to watch his mate sleep in the camp, sending. Trollkiller looks back and forth between Dawn and Dusk, and Rillwhisper and Woodhawk. Woodhawk, looking just the slightest bit impatient, tugs very gently at Rillwhisper's upper arm, and Rillwhisper, still smiling a little, allows the firestarter to lead her off. Woodhawk flashes brief grateful sendings to both Spidersilk and Cutter as he goes, and then one to Trollkiller. [Woodhawk and Rillwhisper head off to the visitors' den, as Woodhawk and Rill exchange sendings...] You locksend ** You're going to lay down, Rill, before you fall asleep on your feet again. No arguments now, beloved. ** to Trollkiller. You locksend ** I am... I am... I'm fine, truly.... ** to Trollkiller. You locksend to Strongbow, Rillwhisper sends back to you, drowsy wordless assurance. Take your mate to your den, she urges gently. Be with her, and remind yourself of her presence. Rillwhisper isn't going anywhere.... though Rillwhisper's thoughts are blurred with unsteady exhaustion. [Trollkiller catches up with his lifemates, in the visitors' den. This part of the log shifts to Trollkiller's point of view....] Rillwhisper is curled up by Woodhawk, who's stroking her hair gently. Trollkiller strokes Woodhawk's hair, in turn. Woodhawk smiles to his younger mate, and Rill grins wearily at the pair of them. "Safe," she murmurs, thankfully. Trollkiller nods. ** Safe. ** Trollkiller runs his hand along Rillwhisper's leg. Rillwhisper murrs, quietly, and murmurs, "I... mrmm. Strongbow. Something about Strongbow." Trollkiller puts his finger on Rillwhisper's lips. ** Strongbow is fine. He's with us, back at Lost Holt. ** Rillwhisper giggles a little, and lays her head in Trollkiller's lap. "I know, silly," she mumbles. "Head's clearer... I... remember something, though." Woodhawk bends curiously over Rillwhisper, a dark eyebrow quirked. ** ? ** Trollkiller dances a finger lightly along Rillwhisper's ear. ** Hm? ** Rillwhisper lets her eyelids drift shut, perfectly willing to just lie there and be stroked. ** Do... you both remember? Wasn't he there with you, sending? When I was... off in my head? ** Woodhawk blinks a bit, then nods quietly, gently. ** He was sending. Trying to help us help you stay with us, beloved. ** Trollkiller nods. ** When we finally burst into the clearing, he was holding you as you lay there unconscious... ** Rillwhisper lifts a hand, delicately touching both the faces above hers, in turn. ** You were both there. Well, _here_. ** She touches her own head, then. ** But he was, too. And... ** Her head tilts a little, thoughtfully. Trollkiller touches his forehead to Rillwhisper's, brushing his nose against her cheek. ** ...and? ** Rillwhisper murmurs musingly, ** It was... what do you both remember? ** Woodhawk thinks about this, then offers, ** He wanted us to... wait, before we moved you. Wouldn't send to us. Felt strange. ** Rillwhisper shifts her gaze to Trollkiller, ruffling his headfur, softly. ** What about you, beloved? What do you remember? You both remember things better than I do... ** Trollkiller thinks. ** Um... he sent to _me_, I thought... I remember an image of a pond, with Woodhawk and myself there... its sense of you... and Strongbow was there too, I think. ** Rillwhisper thinks about this, shifting to cuddle against Trollkiller's chest, with the rest of her draped across Woodhawk's lap. After a time, she murmursends, ** He... sent to me. That he was there to bring me back to myself... but I remember sending, I _knew_ myself... and.... ** She trails off, then, eyes widening, and starts to sit bolt upright. Woodhawk blinks. "Whoa, love..." Rillwhisper then, without explanation, starts to giggle. Trollkiller grabs Rillwhisper, making sure she's steady. Rillwhisper breathes, wonderingly, "No _wonder_ he never wanted me to give it to him.... never _needed_ to... Timmorn's Blood, I'm such a featherhead sometimes..." Trollkiller uh?s? Trollkiller looks over at Woodhawk. You locksend ** Does this mean what I think it means? ** to Woodhawk. Woodhawk stares at his chieftess-mate, partly pleased to see her laughter, partly utterly perplexed. One dark eyebrow still quirked, he umms, and turns Rillwhisper's chin and face towards him. "Rill... what are you talking about?" he asks, with gentle patience. Rillwhisper, still twitching a little with suppressed giggles, then flashes a green glance between the two of you. And her look softens. "He.... knows me," she murmurs. "Not Recognition. Different. He just... knows." [End log.]