Log by Northwind Log Mar2003 Spring Cleaning aka Waterfight.txt Title: Spring Cleaning aka Waterfight Summary: A handful of Lostholters and their guests decide that it's warm enough after the whitecold to get clean and some wet fun is had by all. Participants: DarkTruth, Gem, Northwind, Shadows, Shenshen, Skywise East Bank of the Silver Run River The water is still a little chilly from whitecold, but Northwind is used to it. Sunrest sprawls comfortably by the river bank, lapping at the clear, flowing water now and then as Northwind splashes water on her face preparatory to getting immersed. DarkTruth is on her way down towards the river herself, familiarity allowing her to not pay as much attention as she should to her steps. ** The water is very nice these days..** she sends to the lad behind her - of course, what's nice to her might not be to others. Shadows yawns and stretches as he nears the bank. He looks at Northwind and grins, ** Cold enough for you? ** He reaches up to remove his new hat, making a face, ** But the water is all wet! Why would I want to get in? ** A few moments pass, and as fast as Skywise was ripping through the clearing of the holt, he doesn't appear to have stopped now. Tossing his vest one way, and breeches getting tugged off as he makes his way to the water, he doesn't seem to care who else is watching or here until he runs into it full force and emerges from it. Best way to get in cold water, you know. "Ayooah!" He greets with a grin on his face, and likely to have splashed just about anyone within range. Northwind is kneeling beside the river. She has just splashed her face with the crystal clear, slightly cold water when Shadows' send causes her to look up and see him and DarkTruth -- just before she gets splashed by Skywise jumping into the water. ** Shade ** she sends to all. ** It's a good thing I intended to get clean anyway, ** she adds, mostly to Skywise. The pale elf maid is now almost completely soaked. She begins undoing the ties of her leathers, eyeing her wolf, Sunrest, who is lolling beside her. Perhaps she's not the only one in need of a bath... Shadows gahs! As suddenly a streaking Skywise skinny-dips. The shadow elf attempts to protect his hat. Getting nearly drenched he makes a face, ** You could have let me remove my leathers. ** With a resigned sigh, the elf begins to remove his clothing and hang it up safely out of the way of Skywise's new playfulness. Smirking, he uses his magic to raise the branch a bit so his clothing would be safe. The elf then heads to the waters edge trying to SLOWLY get a feel for the river. DarkTruth laughs, as she watches Skywise enter in at an angle, splashing Shadows, ** It isn't that cold. See? It's already being used. ** She waves to Northwind, then goes about removing her leathers before walking into the water as well, immediately sinking down in so that her head submerges. Shenshen comes walking along the path carrying the basket that she has been spotted with quite regularly of late. There are a few sprigs of various blossoms that can be seen over the edges. She perks up a bit at the sounds of merriment and her attention shifts from the finding of herbs to finding out what's going on. She makes her way toward the river and pauses to watch the scene as water goes flying from Skywise's landing. She can't help but giggle even as she sets her basket well out of the water's reach. All Skywise's clothing is skewed about the bank of the river, from his brief stint to get into it as soon as possible. Except the headpiece, which remains on him, as though he'd forgotten it even was there. He's drenched, and he just shoots an impish grin at any that look at him. "Could have let you taken your leathers off, but what fun is that?" He says to Shadows with a chuckle, and watches as DarkTruth makes her way into it as well. "And Shenshen!" My, can't get much better than this, three females. Northwind is in the river by now. Sunrest expresses disinclination to enter the water, raising his head to watch the new arrivals. Northwind is leaving Sunrest be for the moment, combing her fingers through her wet hair, which offers handy cover for the pale one standing waist deep in the water. She eyes Shadows' new hat. ** The bushtail makes an attractive head cover ** she sends blandly. ** And the water's fine ** Shenshen appears then. ** Shade ** she sends, instead of ayooah, to the sun-maiden. Shadows makes a face at both Skywise and Northwind and jumps into the water. He comes up with a gasp, shivering, ** I do not have enough fat to be warm in this! ** He swims over to the other elves, dunking his head after a moment and raising his head again. Shadows reaches behind to start unbraiding his long hair. ** But it does feel good. And it is nice to hear joyful voices. ** DarkTruth blows bubbles, before coming up for air, ** You just aren't used to it. ** She grins though, as it is a common response. Shenshen grins as she watches the others in the water. Deciding to join in the fun, she tugs the gold pieces from her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders, then removes the rest of her clothing which she drapes across her basket. Amidst this, she sends a reply to those greetings given, **Shade to you.** Once the disrobing is past, she makes her way to the water and leaps in, not creating near as much of a splash as Skywise did but, now, everyone is in the water. Skywise is in the water, not really near anyone since he did a running streak into it, that is, until he starts heading for the shore again. Deft fingers reach up to remove his headpiece since he realizes he'd forgot it in his rush to get into the water and place it beside the riverbed. Now, this doesn't mean people should go stomp on it, it's quite visible. The running water trails Northwind's long tresses as she goes totally underwater briefly to rinse off. Feeling utterly refreshed, she emerges. Rummaging among her leathers, she finds the piece of wood she had whittled into a comb days ago and proceeds to work the knots out of her hair. Loving the feel of the wind has its down sides. She watches the others at play, letting the lighthearted atmosphere soothe her. Shadows swims over towards Skywise and with a bit of a smirk begins to splash the poor stargazer that is attempting to put his headpiece safely away. The shadow elf actually laughs out loud, eyes lit of with the happiness he feels right now. ** Now it is my turn to splash YOU! ** DarkTruth just starts to swim around, hair still braided and enjoying it all. Shenshen giggles as she gets some of the water that was aimed at Skywise and she turns to splash back. Poor Skywise, he's caught in the middle. She turns her head to keep most of the water from hitting her directly in the face but, she keeps it so that she can at least see what she's aiming at. Relieving himself of the headpiece is easy enough, but Skywise didn't expect to get in the middle of the splashing. But, the best way to get out of the way of splashing is to go underwater, isn't it? He dives under and swims over to Shadows to attempt and dunk him since he was the first one who'd come after him. Revenge can be sweet, if it's effective. Only after the attempt does he surface again. Gem watches the antics taking place below. She hasn't been hiding her presence, merely enjoying watching the others play. She lays stretched out, face down, on a large tree branch, her two thick red braids hanging down on either side of it like thick ropes. She leans her head on one arm and grins at the small group below. She is still fascinated at the elves interactions, finding it amazing how at ease they all are with each other. DarkTruth glances over, then grins, and dives down, under the water, and stays there, as she considers the various moving forms. With that grin still in place, she moves towards the others, and starts to tickle feet that come into view, read to dart back away. Sunrest catches a scent that is familiar. "Whurf!" he says, rising to his feet. He looks up at Gem and his tail waves a welcome. Northwind, watching the mock battle between Skywise and Shadows through half-lidded eyes, sets her comb among her leathers and pushes away from the bank. Glancing over her shoulder, she spots the tell tale braids. Redlance? No... Gem. ** Come join us, little one ** she invites. Wrapping her hair in a coil around her neck to keep it out of the way, she enters the fray as well, laughing out loud. Shadows is completely dunked by Skywise! He then feels his feet being tickled. Kicking his feet, he swims under the water to Shenshen and seeks to drag the other elf completely under the water. He then attempts to surface for air! Shenshen doesn't notice much going on on the bank with the splashing match going on and then her feet are yanked out from under her. With a bit of a squeal, she goes under the surface, flailing her arms in a vain attempt to keep her balance. Skywise doesn't hold Shadows under, no, he just dunks him and lets him go then surfaces to wipe the water from his eyes. Luckily, DarkTruth missed his feet, or at least so far she has. He lifts his gaze to where Gem is, and nods in agreement with Northwind. ** Yes, come. I'll protect you from these vicious beasts. ** He sends, and then chuckles as Shenshen gets dragged underwater, while he tries to stay out of reach - barely. Gem moves to a sitting position and considers, though she bathed earlier, she is thinking this would be a good time to learn to play more...after all, she did promise Shadows. So, she pulls herself up onto her feet, balancing easily in the tree as she undresses, then dives gracefully down into the masses, causing little splash as she disappears beneath the surface. Northwind spots a tempting target - Shadows' tail. DarkTruth, having missed Skywise a time or two, comes up for air, and squirts water at the erring skywatcher. Shadows laughs and comes up for air, shaking his head. He takes a deep breath and just shakes his head, ** I have not had so much fun in a long time. ** Shenshen's feet get caught for tickling and she comes up giggling and gasping for air. Her hair, darkened by the water, hangs over her face and she works at pushing it back out of her face as she laughs. Finally, she gets in on the invitations, though unknowingly a little late, **Yes! Do join us!** Skywise closes his eyes as the water gets squirted at him by DarkTruth, but not quickly enough, he mutters. "Aw, puckernuts." As he rubs at his eye to get the water out of it, but it isn't long before that smirk crosses his face again, and he's watching Gem's movement in the water. Pretty graceful, though he doesn't say it aloud. He doesn't splash anymore, just watches. Gem emerges slightly off to the side of all the splashing and tickling, wiping the water from her eyes. She notices a new elf in the mix, with hair the color of her own, and grins widely. She had always thought her hair was a fluke of nature, sticking out the way it does. She watches the interactions of the others, planning the best course of attack. She sinks down into the water and begins to slink her way towards Shadows...as he is thoroughly distracted by Skywise. When just behind him, she pounces, dunking him thoroughly with a bright grin. Still thoroughly unvocal, she doesn't make a noise as she plays. DarkTruth laughs at Skywise's expression, then starts to swim her way to shore, braided hair a tail out behind her as she cuts towards land. Shadows laughs at Skywise and manages to point before he is suddenly ducked from behind ** ACK! ** Under the water he goes, splashing a bit and trying to tickle his attacker. Shenshen giggles at Skywise then catches sight of DarkTruth heading for the bank. She giggles and makes a dive under the water attempting to catch the Trader unawares and return the earlier favor. Just as she was about to grab Shadow's tail, Gem tackles him and the grey elf - and attached tail - is jerked out of her reach. Nonplussed, she looks up at Skywise - and then gets her feet swept out from under her and it's her turn to go under with a gurgle. ** Sunrest! ** DarkTruth, about to make it to safety, feels the tricky fingers against a sole. With a twist that would do her past proud, the Trader spins in the water, to chase Shenshen, if she runs. Gem trills softly, backpedaling away in case Shadows chooses to retaliate. Shadows comes up for air and shakes his head. He pants heavily, out of breath. He swims over toward a nearby rock. Laying his head down on its exposed surface and sighing. There is a delighted grin on his face from their fun. He then closes his eyes for the moment, partially floating in the water. Underwater, Northwind slings a white arm around her wolf friend in a mock wrestle. A strip of fuzzy grey tail floats by - Ah-hah! Northwind lets go of Sunrest in favor of Shadow's tail. Time for some elf-ly fun. Shenshen squeals again and does indeed try to run from DarkTruth's impending retaliation. Though she's not half the swimmer that DarkTruth is. She still gives it a try. Gem pauses, when she realizes that Shadows isn't going to "attack" her back. She swims over to his side, a look of concern on her face. **I hurt you? No mean, too. Was trying play.** It's obvious that she thinks she did something to him with the way he is resting his head on the rock. DarkTruth doesn't hurry too much, letting the Sunmaiden get away, before breaking up to laugh. Shadows grins and relaxes on his rock looking at Gem, ** I am FI---ACK!!!" He goes down under the water as Northwind grabs his tail. He swims, attempting to get to the surface! Chuckling inwardly, Northwind puts her feet down, carefully finding her balance on the slick pebbles on the riverbed. She's nearly swept off again, trying to support Shadows' body - still thin, despite the bushtail - as he goes by. You locksend ** It's good to see you happy. ** to Shadows. Shenshen grins as she pulls away from DarkTruth then turns to splash at the water elf, goading her a little before turning to swim further out into the river. DarkTruth snickers, then dives in, mooning the Sunmaiden, before heading back to the shore, and this time succeeding, going to dry off near her clothes. Gem covers her mouth with her hand as Shadows disappears from sight again, then moves to lean back against the same rock where Shadows had been laying his head. She is content to watch Northwind and Shadows fight it out, still needing to understand what is play and what is not more before she attempts it again. Shadows locksends ** I feel happiness again ** Shadows pulls himself back to the air. He tries to get back to his rock. ** I am drowned! You have won! ** Northwind lets the grey elf go, standing in the middle of the river. ** ... ** Sunrest pads to shore and dries off in typical vulpine fashion -- shaking himself dry from snout to tail, spraying water all over. You locksend ** That is well ** to Shadows. Shenshen giggles at DarkTruth as she makes her way back to the bank and dries off. She then turns to survey who's left in the water and grins before diving under, going for Gem's feet this time. DarkTruth, once she's dry enough, puts on her leathers, and heads back into the forest, still grinnin'. Gem watches Shenshen's approach, wondering what the female elf will do, when she feels her at her feet, she squirms, kicking her legs around in attempt at not getting caught...but it is fairly obvious she isn't trying too hard to get away. She trills again, watching Shenshen beneath the water and waiting to see what she will do. Shadows coughs a few times and tries to get to shore. He looks positively worn out, ** I had fun. Thank you, all of you. ** Well, the elf maid standing in the middle of the river thinks, glancing at her wolf brother, that's one less thing to worry about. She heads to the bank herself - her leathers are as much in need of cleaning as the rest of her had been. Skywise sneaks out of the water, gathering up his things. He'd been keeping out of the way for some time, but does smirk back at the others remaining as he follows DarkTruth off to wherever she wandered off to. Shenshen makes another grab for one of Gem's feet and tries to tickle her good just once before she has to surface for air. Gem trills furiously, and attempts to splash Shenshen softly with water when she surfaces. Not enough of a splash to really make it to her, but causing the water to sway in her direction. **You Shenshen. Skywise show me you in head.** She mentions this as they haven't "formally" been introduced. Northwind reaches the shore, only then noticing that DarkTruth and Skywise are missing. Lovemates, she thinks to herself and suppresses the unease that comes with the thought. She reaches for her leathers and begins cleaning them, sitting in the shallows. Her hair begins to dry in the breeze, falling around her shoulders. Partially dry himself, Sunrest finds a rock where the daystar-warmth lingers and gets comfortable. Shadows shivers a little as he pulls himself out of the water completely. He sits on the shore draining the water from his hair. Shenshen giggles at the splashing and returns it with a similar half-hearted attempt. She nods her head at Gem's send, "Yes, I am Shenshen," she replies then asks a question of the quiet maid, "Who are you?" Gem smiles brightly. **I am Gem. Am guest here. Was found while Cutter and Nightfall on hunt. Very excited be round elves.** Shadows yawns happily and lays on the soft grasses upon the shore, ** I enjoy being in a holt now. I did not feel so happy before. ** It seems the burst of exuberance is fading. ** It's good to see everyone having some lighthearted play ** Northwind nods, working grass stains out of her skirt. ** What have you in the basket, Shenshen? ** she asks the Sunmaid. You locksend ** Now that things have quietened, how fare you today, little one? ** to Gem. Gem locksends ** Am well. Enjoying newgreen time...is favorite time. Why call me little one? What mean? ** You locksend ** <> No reason. You just seem so...young and innocent. <> ** to Gem. Gem locksends ** **I see. Was not sure. Not know age, but know I been round long time. Many turns. And not sure what innocent means. Can tell?** ** Northwind tilts her head at a locksend. Her eyes trail from Gem to Shadows, to Shenshen to the basket. Shenshen smiles and looks over toward the basket, "Hmm..? Oh, just some herbs," she replies to Northwind's question. She turns back to Gem then and smiles, "Well, welcome then, Gem." she says to the apparently younger elf. You locksend ** Innocent? <> <> I'll not call you that, if you like? ** to Gem. Gem nods at Shenshen, then uses the rock to pull herself up out of the water. **Much thanks. Skywise say you might help me learn talk better? Think possibility so? Me know how mimic, but not what words always mean. Need help with that** Gem locksends ** No mind. Just wanted understand words/meaning. Call me what you like, I no care long as not bad. ** Shadows enjoys the soft feel of the grass and smiles, ** I don't mind us all napping here if you want to join. The grass is soft. ** Shenshen nods to Gem and smiles, "I'd be delighted to help you," she replies to the fire-haired elf. She looks around, noticing that she's almost the only one left in the water and with a sigh, she decides to get out, joining Shadows on the grass to dry off. Gem looks from the others to where she left her leathers in the tree, considering for a moment. She starts to trill softly, sending in the direction of the tree. A few moments pass and her clothes fall down from the tree into her arms. She follows up with a few more trills and a send of thanks to the creature above, then turns back to the others. As she clothes herself, she sends to Shenshen **Much thanks. Am hoping soon to learn. Much want fit in right. Know Way now thanks to Northwind, must learn words to fit just right.** Herbs? For... her burnt water meat? Northwind suppresses a smile. Satisfied with the condition of her leathers now, she too, climbs out of the water, the wet ends of her hair falling around her. She sets her clothing out to dry and picks up her comb. She sits down on the other side of Shadows and begins running the wooden, fine-toothed comb through her hair. Quiet, subdued now after her short bout of friskiness, she listens to Gem and Shenshen talk while Shadows apparently naps. Shenshen watches Gem trilling at something unseen in the trees but, doesn't ask.. not right now. Instead, she rests her chin atop her folded forearms and smiles, "It will come in time," she replies. Shadows grins as Shenshen comes near him. He moves slightly so that he is in contact with her while he naps. Perhaps feeling some safety from her presence. His play appears to have worn him out completely. A little meat doens't help much if you waste the energy playing. Gem nods in understanding, looking greatly forward to that day. **Must go now. Have to check on friend.** She doesn't add any details to which friend or who, another oddity. **Had much fun. Thank you.** With that, the red-haired elf disappears into the wood, her destination unknown. Shenshen watches Gem depart, then yawns and promptly falls asleep in the grass. Shadows yawns and leans his head on Shenshen, very happy to have company. Northwind is beginning to get used to Gem's abrupt departures. Silence falls on the riverbank where earlier there was so much laughter and activity. Tugging one last knot free from a lock of silver hair, Northwind looks down at the two sleepers and smiles gently. She picks up her leathers, careful to be soundless and not disturb their rest. She picks her way to Sunrest's chosen rock. Leaving her leathers spread out, she curls against her wolf-brother in quiet peace. Notes: This scene is set at the beginning of newgreen. It begins in the late afternoon and stretches into the evening.