Log by Northwind
Date: 3/11/03
Title: Welcome to Lostholt
Summary:
A quiet evening gathering at the base of the Father Tree. Northwind finally gets to
present herself to the Lostholt chief and request formal permission to visit with the
tribe.

Base of the Lost Holt Father Tree

A dense grove of grotesquely shaped trees dominated by one immense Grandfather 
of a tree whose age is no less great than its size.

It is obvious that the old tree has survived a terrible tragedy but new growth 
and thick strong branches cover the worst of the scars left by the terrible 
blaze. Weeds and night blooming wildflowers grow in a riot of natural disorder 
around the trees roots, taking advantage of the NewGreen warmth. Like old 
friends, the gnarled trees embrace one another, their many branches entwining to 
form a dense canopy high above the ground. The father tree is quiet as elves and 
wolves sleep in their dens on this spring afternoon. 

Participants:
Cutter, Shadows, Skywise, Moonshade, Strongbow, Gem, Northwind

Strongbow rests against the roots of the Father Tree, a pouch of feathers beside 
him as well as newly-made arrows. The feathers from the recently-shot turkey are 
currently being attached and trimmed for fletching. 

Moonshade sits amongst one of the great roots sewing iridescent fish scales 
onto a small piece of leather. She keeps part of her gaze upon her mate, the 
rest on the bone needle in her hands. 

Cutter comes padding silently around the father tree with his bow slung across 
his shoulder and nothing in his hands. He pauses at the edge of the clearing and 
dips his head in a slight nod of greeting toward Strongbow and Moonshade as a 
brief flicker of send passes toward them as well with the same intent as the 
nod. That done, he moves over to a nearby tree and pulls himself up into the 
lower branches where he makes himself comfortable against the trunk.

Skywise slips out of the father tree himself, a hazy look of sleeping 
wakefulness on his face. He offers a brief smile towards Strongbow and Moonshade 
near the roots of the tree, before hefting himself up into a set of branches 
nearby Cutter. Silent, it looks as though the stargazer just woke, and has 
little to offer in greeting.

From between the trees, Northwind comes into view. What little light that finds 
its way through the leaves overhead pattern her pale form. She has left Sunrest 
a little ways behind, wishing to see who's about the holt before letting the 
wolf join her. In her hand is the cooling body of a small, whitecold thin 
ravvit.

Brown eyes raise as other elves emerge from the tree, landing on each in turn 
before a greeting is sent. Returning to the feathers, his nostrils flare at the 
new scent of blood. Strongbow lifts his eyes once more to see who did the 
hunting and one question is asked, ** Was it male or female? **

Moonshade bites the end of one of the sinews used to hold the scales to the 
leather and with one last glance to Strongbow, she holds the piece up to 
inspect. As the hunter comes in, she puts her sewing to the side - at least 
until more appropriate scales can be gathered. "It doesn't look like much to 
share... Maybe you should give it to your wolffriend."

Shadows comes from the direction of the river. He shivers a little, teeth 
chattering as he heads toward the father tree. It appears someone decided to get 
clean before putting on the new leathers made for him by Moonshade.

Cutter doesn't get into the middle of the discussion over the ravvit but, he 
does look over at Skywise with a questioning expression, noting the stargazer's 
quietness. His attention stays on Skywise until Shadows comes into the clearing 
with his teeth chattering. He chuckles just a bit and sends a bit of advice, 
**You should bathe when the daystar is shining in the newgreen.**

Skywise doesn't look back at Cutter, as he shifts himself into a comfortable 
position between the tree and the branch he'd chosen to sit on. His silvery grey 
eyes are watching Northwind as she brings in a ravvit, even if it is thin, and 
then shifts towards Strongbow as he sends his question.

Shadows glances at Cutter and makes a face. ** I do not think Moonshade would 
appreciate the leathers being paced on a dirty body. I've seen trolls who 
smelled better. **

Moonshade brows arch as she sets her gaze on Shadows. Smiling at his comment, 
she bows her head slightly. "It's been done before, I'm certain, Shadows." With 
a smile, she offers her thanks.

Feathers are smoothed before they are trimmed so that they are all as they 
should be. The archer-chief watches Northwind...one of the new guests to the 
Holt, awaiting his answer. One ruddy eyebrow rises as if asking her silently if 
she is going to answer.

Of the four elfin faces that sit silently around the great tree, two are 
unfamiliar. Northwind recognizes the one with white-gold hair who is mate to the 
dark one, and, of course the silver-maned one that had first startled her into 
sending. Shadows arrives and she relaxes slightly at his presence. She sends a 
tentative ** Ayoooh ** in greeting to all, then looks at the female holding a 
leather sewn with bright scales. "My thanks," she says cautiously, "For the 
consideration. But this is meant to be shared with the tribe. Sunrest has had 
his fill." She turns to the unfamiliar male elf, about to answer that the kill 
is male. Before she can send, she notices that the whip-cord lean elf wears the 
chief's lock! ** Wolf-chief, ** she says formally. ** I am Northwind. I wish to 
run with the pack for a time, to learn more about the Way. In return, I offer 
whatever skills I have for the good of pack and tribe. ** She holds out the 
ravvit, two handed, to illustrate.

Skywise shakes his head at a silently asked question, turning his gaze from 
Northwind who arrived with a ravvit, towards Cutter in the nearby branches with 
him. Sighing softly, leaning back fully against the tree as he dangles a leg 
from the branch and again returns his gaze to the activity below.

Cutter has made himself comfortable in the lower branches of a tree and is 
looking over at Skywise who is perched on a nearby branch. Strongbow, is sitting 
at the base of the father tree doing a bit of fletching and Moonshade sits 
nearby with a piece of leather she was just working on near at hand. Northwind 
is offering a ravvit to the LostHolt chieftain and Shadows is somewhere nearby 
looking freshly dunked and wearing a set of new leathers. Cutter nods at a 
private send from Skywise and turns back to the scene below.

** How? ** is simply asked, Strongbow's keen eyes resting on the newcomer elf. 
** There is barely food to feed the tribe...how is it that your wolf has had its 
fill? ** Unless he ate before she arrived...and ate somewhere other than around 
the Holt. ** If you want to share your kill, so be it. Let the cubs and wolves 
eat first. ** No answer is given about any extended stay yet.

Shadows wrings his long hair out, shaking a bit to try and warm himself up. He 
pulls it back for now, not rebraiding it quite yet. A slight smile appears on 
his face as he tries to climb up where Cutter and SKywise are. However it fades 
with Strongbow's words. But Shadows won't speak against the chief.

Gem peeks her head out of the Father Tree. She isn't exactly sure what to do. 
She still doesn't know if she is supposed to be IN the tree in the first place, 
despite the fact Flashfire invited her in to his den. She had intended to slip 
out when no one was looking, but with so many gathered for what looks like a 
long while, she is beginning to think that will be an impossibility. Finally, 
however, necessity wins out. Nothing like nature to make you face a fear. She 
climbs slowly out of the tree, looks around at the crowd with a nervous grin, 
then darts to the woods to relieve herself, in the hopes they are all so 
distracted by the current conversation that they won't even notice her.

Moonshade moves from her place and goes to Northwind. "I am Moonshade, and our 
Chief, Strongbow, is right." She says this gently, relieving the ravvit out of 
Northwind's hands. "I will see if Blackbrow is interested... as he was not in 
the mice earlier. They will run him from the pack soon if he does not 
strengthen." A welcoming smile is offered the huntress and her violet eyes peer 
at her mate with simple meaning before she ducks out of the clearing.

Cutter simply sits back and watches what's going on in the clearing below. He 
doesn't interfere but, he does smile a bit as Moonshade gives Strongbow a 
meaningful look. For now, though, he keeps his nose out of the chief's 
conversation.

The chief's sending is strong, and his question demands an answer. ** We found 
some small rodents for him ** is the brief reply to the first question. The 
young, red haired one passes quickly, but Northwind keeps her attention on the 
chief. ** We come from the north and he is a hardy one, used to the hardships of 
whitecold there ** she adds. She relinquishes the kill to Moonshade with a nod. 
The female elf's smile drains some of the defensive nervousness out of the pale 
one. She doesn't press for an answer to her petition but waits in stillness.

Shadows tries to find a spot next to Cutter where the wind won't get him. He 
smiles at the ex-chief and then looks to Northwind with some concern.

Skywise darts his gaze between all the occupants of the clearing below, before 
noticing that Shadows is lurking his way up towards the branches where he and 
Cutter sit. At Moonshade's words, Skywise looks at his soul brother 
reassuringly. He crosses his arms across his chest, and squirms a bit more on 
the branch, it's hard for him to get comfortable on it, it seems. "The hunt is 
slowly getting better, with the coming of newgreen." The stargazer comments, 
though it's far from being plentiful.

Shadows locksends ** Do not be too afraid, answer his questions. Then I'll sit 
by you if you wish. **

Strongbow glances from Moonshade to this newcomer, Northwind. Before he can say 
anything else, the stargazer's words catch him, ** It is getting better...but it 
still isn't enough to gorge. If we are careful and allow the game to breed, then 
maybe there is one more turn of this. ** Hopefully not more, for the tribe may 
not last through another turn of barely eating. Back to Northwind he offers, ** 
I'm Strongbow...but you were probably told that. ** Keen eyes lift to both 
Skywise and Cutter as if expecting them to have said...many things about him.

Cutter glances over at Shadows and offers the younger elf a smile then turns 
back to shake his head at Skywise, his expression going serious for a moment as 
the two exchange locksends. His cerulean gaze then shifts back to Strongbow just 
in time to catch the look that's sent in the direction of himself and his soul's 
brother. He arches a brow at Strongbow and his expression becomes quite 
unreadable as he meets the chief's gaze.

Gem returns just as quietly, but still hanging slightly back from the circle. 
She moves to sit on a thick root near the tree, listening to the conversation 
and trying to pick up on the mood of those gathered. She is relieved that 
everyone's eyes are focused on Northwind and she isn't the one having to answer 
questions. She relaxes a little against the stump and idly plays with one of her 
braids.

Moonshade returns to the clearing, but quietly. She pauses and lays a hand 
against a tree, one arm wrapping around her waist.

That some tension is between the elves is obvious, but the details are a mystery 
to Northwind. ** Only your name, wolf-chief. I have not spent much time with the 
members of your tribe. I felt it only proper to do so -after- I had presented 
myself to you and the tribal elders ** she says. She notes the hints of 
encouragement and support from the other elves and a small part of her is 
warmed. Nor is she unaware of the return of the quiet redhead or the first 
female. She wants to ask if the wolf ate well, but wary of the chief's mood, 
keeps silent.

Shadows looks at Cutter as his face becomes more serious. He reaches a hand out 
to touch Cutter's shoulder, concern in his eyes. He then glances at Strongbow, 
narrowing his gaze only slightly. The grey elf appears a bit confused.

Skywise furrows his brow at a send before looking away from Cutter to delve into 
his own thoughts. It seems the stargazer has spent much of the last hand of 
months fairly quiet, which is uncommon for him to say the least. He hardly 
notices the gaze of Strongbow in his direction, as his gaze sets on Gem when she 
returns.

Strongbow gives a soft snort and offers, ** Enjoy your visit at LostHolt and 
thank you for the ravvit. ** No doubt he can sense the tension as well, but now 
isn't the time to address it. Northwind is watched for a moment before the 
archer-chief turns back to his arrows.

Cutter notes that snort and frowns at his chief. He stays that way for several 
heartbeats before acknowledging Shadows's hand on his shoulder by turning to 
look in the younger elf's direction. Clearly he is rather unhappy about 
something just now though it's not aimed at the younger elf.

Gem frowns slightly. She remembers the word that Skywise taught her last 
night...'tension'...it fairly hangs in the air about here. She looks around 
those gathered and wonders what could possibly have everyone so worked up. She 
considers Northwind...surely not her, for she hasn't been about long enough to 
cause trouble, at least none she can think of. Then she studies the archer and 
the other elfin woman, not knowing either, it is hard to draw conclusions, but 
as she follows the archer's gaze up into the tree, she notices Cutter for the 
first time. An image Flashfire sent her pops back into her mind and then she 
nods to herself....most likely, yes...And so goes her thought pattern as she 
carefully and intentionally remains quiet.

Moonshade sighs and reclaims her space at the roots. "Northwind, come and sit 
down. I will introduce you to the others." Later that night, most likely.

Strongbow might have missed Northwind ducking her head in thanks and 
acknowledgement as he turned away. Much of her reserve melts away as she looks 
closely at the others gathered there, free now to give them her attention. A 
quick call bring Sunrest gamboling into the clearing from the direction she 
came. She looks at Moonshade fully now. "Did Blackbrow welcome the ravvit?" she 
asks. She accepts the offer, though her impassive face shows only a hint of the 
gratefullness she feels. She approaches the tree, settling against one of the 
ancient, gnarled roots. Nothing obvious had changed, but she feels different. 
The reason is simple; she is now part of a tribe, even if only a guest.

You locksend ** Thank you. Your encouragement helped! ** to Shadows.

You locksend ** Greetings. We meet again. ** to Cutter.

You locksend ** Greetings, silver-hair. We meet again. ** to Skywise.

Cutter locksends ** Shade. Welcome to LostHolt. **

Skywise seems distracted, lost in thought for a few moments before his gaze 
flickers towards Northwind. He offers a light smile towards her, and then 
stretches a bit in his position on the branch. The stargazer still remains 
unnaturally silent, which is very little to do with any tense feeling that might 
be in the area and more to do with the things running through his mind.

Skywise locksends ** Good evening. How are you this night? **

You locksend ** Right at this moment, I feel like I have wings. ** to Skywise.

You locksend ** My thanks. ** to Cutter.

Moonshade rolls her sewing needle between her fingers before sliding it into its 
place in her belt. She does not immediately answer. "No," she answer finally. 
"Blackbrow turned away from it. He's made his choice." A solemn choice at that. 
"I gave it to Rainbiter, whom I hope may be the next to whelp... when it's 
time."

Moonshade picks up her sewing. "I will be back," she promises Northwind, as she 
will show their guest around the Holt. For now, she tucks her experiments 
safely in her den.

Northwind nods, looking thoughtful.

A long look and silent send is given to his lifemate as she departs, one arrow 
finished and set into his quiver. Glancing up into the tree, Strongbow arches an 
eyebrow as he sends, ** Now, stargazer? **

Cutter glances over at Skywise and then to Strongbow as the chief sends to the 
stargazer. He then looks over at Northwind and offers her a slight smile before 
he turns his attention back to what's going on between the chief and his soul 
brother.

Skywise arches a brow and wasn't expecting the archer-chief's time to be 
available so soon. ** If you have the time, there is no rush. ** He responds, 
and sits up from his spot aloft in the tree itself waiting for the decision to 
be made before he leaves his lofty spot in the tree with a sideways glance to 
Cutter, he nods in answer to another silent question.

Skywise locksends ** It is good you feel that way, cousin. It is a great feeling 
to fly. <<wistful>> **

Gem tilts her head slightly. She knows somehow that send are being exchanged, 
but she can't hear them. This puzzles her greatly. Her curiosity is something 
she has always had a hard time controlling, so finally, even though she wished 
to avoid attention with the chief present, she sends a tentative open send. 
**How talk, but not talk?**

Moonshade's quiet words penetrate Northwind's newfound wonder and sobers her. 
More than Strongbow's sending, it makes the newcomer realize just how 
desperately the tribe is struggling to survive. ::Perhaps I should have chosen 
another tribe to learn the Way from,:: she thinks as Moonshade rises and 
disappears into the great tree. ::I don't want to burden them...No,:: she 
reverses her thoughts firmly. ::I have come all this way, have won the chief's 
acceptance as a guest. When better to learn the way than through hard living? I 
will help all that I can, as I have promised.:: She looks up at Sunrest, who is 
standing at the foot of the great tree, trying to get Shadow's attention. She 
doesn't miss Cutter's tiny smile of acknowledgement, or the obscure words 
exchanged between Strongbow and the silver-haired stargazer. Her eyes go up to 
the elves perched among the branches as the quiet little female breaks her 
silence.

Turning at the send, the archer-chief doesn't seem too surprised to see this 
other elf. No doubt he either saw her or scented her earlier, ** Welcome... ** 
is offered before he nods to Skywise, ** Now is fine. **

Cutter simply watches what's going on in silence though his expression is 
curious as to what the stargazer and the chief are up to.

Hopping down from the branch he was perched on, Skywise nods lightly and lifts 
his gaze to his soulbrother for a moment while Strongbow decides where he would 
like to take this meeting. ** I'll be back. ** He sends, though mostly to Cutter 
it is an open send to any in the Clearing that would be here when he returned. 
He turns back towards Strongbow, nodding. ** Now it is, then. **

Standing, taking his bow and quiver as well as the supplies he brought down, 
Strongbow moves to follow Skywise. His expression is fairly neutral...even a 
little curious as to what the stargazer would wish to speak to him about.

Cutter watches Skywise curiously, definitely wondering what the stargazer is up 
to but, he's not invited to whatever it is the two are up to so, he'll have to 
just stay here and wonder what's going on with the rest apparently.

Gem holds her breath as the archer looks at her, then exhales when her presence 
doesn't seem to disturb him. Though her question goes unanswered by all present, 
she still continues to figure it out in her mind. When Skywise hops down from 
the tree, she refocuses her attention to the present and watches the pair leave 
the base of the tree. She looks curiously up at Cutter, but doesn't ask the 
question on everybody's mind...'What is going on?'

Skywise doesn't head into the tree to use a den to speak with Strongbow about, 
instead, leads him towards the hill where he usually stargazes. He skirts across 
the clearing without another send to the other's gathered, even his soulbrother.

Skywise walks away from the tree, back into the clearing that marks the entrance 
to the Lost Holt.

Strongbow walks away from the tree, back into the clearing that marks the 
entrance to the Lost Holt.

Northwind watches the pair leave. It is something that seems to exclude the 
other three elves sitting high in the tree as well. She decides not to 
interfere. Someday, perhaps, she'll understand. For now, she decides to visit 
Moonshade and see to that promised tour and introduction to the tribe. She calls 
Sunrest to her and with a loving caress, tells him to stay out of trouble. ** No 
chasing preservers, wolf brother ** she sends and then she climbs up the tree. 
** Until later ** she sends to the white-gold haired one, Shadows and the quiet 
female. ** Later ** And then, she disappeared into the great tree.

Cutter turns back to the others and shakes his head as a puzzled frown creases 
his brow. He looks up at Northwind's send and lifts a hand to wave at her as she 
heads into the tree.

Gem frowns at Cutter's look. **Is okay?** She feels like she can relax totally 
now as only Cutter and Shadows are left...now that Northwind has disappeared up 
into the tree as well. **What all happened just then? Not understand, really.** 
Her question is for Cutter and she is hopeful he will answer this time. Gem is 
sitting at the base of the tree, her back against a root, while she studies 
Shadows and Cutter up in the tree.

Cutter looks up at Gem and shakes his head, **I don't know.** he replies, 
frowning once more, though not at her. It's unusual for Skywise to keep secrets 
from him and for some reason this one seems to bother him somewhat.


-end
What follows after is as much a mystery to you as to Northwind. ;o) Shade.