“Meeting Akira” Log Date: 3/3/04 (but timewarped IC to roughly 6/3/04), 3/8/04, 3/22/04 Log Cast: Ynderra, Akira Log Intro: Any healer would be daunted playing second fiddle to Leetah of Lostholt. And Ynderra, daughter of Tyleet, is no exception. She’s struggled her best to help Leetah in one of the biggest healings they’ve ever had to undertake: that of the mad Firstborn Doreel. The experience nearly broke Derra, and so she’s gone on a walkabout from her tribe, heading southward in wistful hope of reconnecting with herself—and if the High Ones are kind, her long-absent lifemate Kai. She’s headed all the way down into Cat Elf territory, on the off chance that she might find Kai among his original tribe. It’s been a long and tiring journey, and thankfully for Ynderra, a Cat Elf hunter does eventually find her and guide her into their Holt.... ---------- Edge of the Savannah You are surrounded by a sea of prairie. Endless waves of tall grasses brush your knees and hips. Small black birds can be seen diving into the green sea, often returning with a mouse or small lizard. You can see great trees in the distance and movement, perhaps a watering hole is nearby. Cut grasses show what might be a trail moving to the south and to the north, but you can see it's seldom used. In the height of monsoon season, the jungle enjoys heavy downpours nearly every day, though the temperature remains fairly warm, contributing to a steamy humidity. The rains are a way of life, every stone and flower glazed with water which drips from the leaves and vines above. The leaf-filtered light sifting down from the dimming evening sky sharpens the shadows below the canopy, as night creeps in on stealthy paws. Contents: Khell(#8287Jep) Akira Obvious exits: South North Akira Akira's long black hair flows in a mane down to mid-back, all except for a single braid behind his left ear that has a small red iridescent feather tied to it with a thin strip of red-brown leather. Dark brown eyes peer out from under the mane of hair inquisitively. He is wiry and quick, with a substantial amount of sinewy strength residing deep within his arms and legs. His dark green hunting leathers, the breeches newer, embroidered with black threads and the jerkin, well-worn but still functional, hug his thin frame, stretching tautly over his well-defined muscles. The breeches end about mid-calf in a rough cut, his feet bare. A pair of catclaws is tied to his belt, and two necklaces hang around his neck, one of green wood in the shape of a leaf, the other of claws. Around his left wrist is an armlet woven of leather and dried grasses, little brightly colored shells scattered over its surface. His skin is the deep bronze that speaks of a life spent in the sun, and his movements are stealthy and panther-like. Carrying: Bone Punch-Dagger CatClaws Necklaces Green Leather Pouch Ynderra(#1290PQXace$0) This elfin maiden is of no particularly remarkably height; indeed, even by elfin standards, she is almost short and with a slim and lithely curved build to match. Her hair is curly and raven-black, mostly loose in a riotous mass that hangs to her shoulders, save for a tiny portion pulled back into a braid behind her head to keep it out of her eyes. High cheekbones give her features a delicately sculpted look and a lupine slant to her smoky, dark blue eyes; an ever so slight scattering of freckles across her otherwise pale cheeks suggests that, for all that she has the moon-pale look of a Wolfrider, she's been travelling underneath the Daystar as of late. When she speaks, it's in a high, clear soprano, and the maiden seems to favor speech over sending. She's lightly clad for travelling during the Newgreen season, sporting travel-worn breeches of a dark slate gray and laced in blue, a soft blue halter that might once have been a larger garment but which now leaves her arms and midriff bare and sports only the stitched head of a wolf for decoration, and old, journey-stained calf-height light grey boots. Around her neck she wears a pendant in the shape of a trio of leaves upon a leather cord, with which she frequently fidgets when she's nervous--and that seems to happen a lot. Well, she has to admit that one thing is different: it certainly _rains_ a lot this far Away-from-Hub. It's almost enough to make Ynderra of Lostholt turn right around and head back where she came from--except, well, she made a promise to herself. And so the maiden puts up with the rain. Though she's not above shaping herself a better nook in which to shelter when the weather drives her to it--and that's exactly what she's about at the moment, her dainty hands pressed against the trunk of a tree that's not terribly bigger than she is. Her hands glow determinedly, but whatever she's intending to accomplish, it doesn't appear to be happening very quickly. The rain sweeps over the savannah swiftly, filling the air with falling drops of water lit by occasional flashes of lightning. And yet, there are things to be hunted, prey to be found...a lean male Catelf is out hunting, but thus far it has been a bust. The mental grumblings of his panther bond haven't helped his focus any, so thus far he's come up empty-handed, making his way through the rain, using the trees for shelter when he can...but all in all, he doesn't seem terribly concerned by the life-giving rain. Rain. It's awfully good at playing havoc with the local scents, turning everything a montage of wet green growing things, wet earth, and at least as far as Ynderra is concerned, wet Wolfrider. She is, one might argue, lucky in one respect: wolfless, she is not currently having to endure the smell of a wet wolf. That lack of a bond-friend of her own may have something to do with the running monologue she's carrying with herself, though. "... stupid jungle tree! Why won't you shape right? How am I supposed to den down against the rain if I can't shape"--and with each word, she disgustedly smacks the tree trunk--"a"--*smack*--"stupid"--*smack*--"den?" Apparently, though, the target of her intentions isn't going to yield so easily. Whether by some by-product of her unsuccessful shaping, or perhaps out of simply having an ornery trunk, the tree happens to cough up a splinter exactly where Derra strikes. So her next exclamation is a loud, peevish, "OW!" And she whips back her hand, sucking on it in perturbation. And those sounds draw the attention of the hunter... He turns his attention towards you and starts to stalk closer, crouched low to the ground, his outline disguised by tree cover and by rain. As he comes into view, however, he smiles and relaxes, sending from a little ways off ** You know, you will never do anything besides upset them by hitting them... ** There's amusement, playfulness, and amiability in the send from the Catelf as he steps closer, his outline now starting to become visible through the rain. Ynderra jolts visibly, her head swiveling around in the direction of the sending, her hand still nestled against her mouth. Then she giggles sheepishly and sends back towards the approaching figure, ** Oh, I know, but Timmorn's _Blood_, I've been hiking for half the day, and then all _this_ started up... ** Vaguely, she waves her other hand around, presumably indicating the weather. ** And this was the first tree big enough for me to den in that I've come to, except I can't get the feel of the wood, and, _hairballs_! ** Her dark brows winging down over her azure eyes, the she-elf kicks the tree for good measure, before squinting thoughtfully at her hand in an attempt to find the splinter that bit her. The lean Catelf hunter that steps into the shelter of the tree flashes a white-toothed grin at you, shaking his head with amusement. ** You're wandering? You've got no tent... ** He is drenched, dark hair plastered to his head, his leathers tight against his skin. ** Where are you headed? ** Indeed, the maiden doesn't appear to have much gear with her: a meager knapsack, a bow propped over it, a quiver of arrows. And little else. She flashes her belongings a rueful little grin, then bobs her head at the questions though most of her attention's still on her hand, There's another, softer glow just about her skin--more golden than green, this time, and with a little 'hah!' of triumph Ynderra flicks the splinter away from her skin. "Stupid splinter," she mutters. And only then does she look up. ** No tent! ** she affirms. ** Mostly because, well, I don't have one. I'm looking for the Cat Elves. ** Blue eyes squint at the wet figure before her then, thoughtfully. ** I think I've found 'em. At least one of 'em. You sort of look like Mathryn, anyway, and you smell like a wet cat. ** Akira smirks, and he nods. ** I'm Akira, hunter and weaponsmaker for the Cat Elves. If you need a place to stay you're welcome to come back to the Holt with me, it seems I'm not finding much prey out here anyway. ** He flashes you a grin, dark eyes amused and warm. ** Who are you? ** She _has_ found the Cat Elves, then! Or, at least, to be precise, one of them. Visible relief washes over the Wolfrider's rain-bedraggled features, and a smile that's as sunny as it is exhausted comes with it. ** Ynderra, ** she immediately proffers. ** Um, of Lostholt. Not much good with the weapons-making or the hunting, I'm afraid, and sometimes less good with the treeshaping than I'd like! But I'm a decent healer. High Ones, but my eyes see with joy! I thought I'd never make it down here! ** Akira smiles warmly and he nods as he unstraps the claws from one of his hands, hanging it from his belt before offering the hand to you. ** It's nice to meet you, Ynderra - come, follow me...and watch your footing. I'll take your hand so you won't fall. ** Then he grins and adds ** It's a long journey from Lostholt to here...I'm glad you made it. Welcome. ** The maiden considers the proferred hand, her dark eyebrows rising, before she pertly notes, ** I _am_ a Wolfrider; we can walk a tree branch in a high wind without stirring a leaf. I won't fall. And it won't be a problem if I do. ** But then her eyes twinkle, her sun-dotted face brightens into a straightforwardly blithe smile, and she takes the proffered hand anyway. ** But you're sweet to offer, and thank you. ** Akira smirks slightly, and he shrugs his wiry shoulders. ** You say that, but I've met plenty of Wolfriders who've slipped in the rain around here...I was just trying to make sure you'd get there safely. ** He grins, white teeth glinting slightly in the flash of lightning that illuminates him, dark brown eyes warm and playful. ** You are very welcome, Ynderra - and thank you, I'm glad you think so. ** Her sending is not terribly strong--but it is warm and bright as sunshine, threaded through with green and gold, and with a wry amusement. ** I appreciate the thought, though like I said... it won't be a problem if I fall. But thanks for the advice. I _don't_ know this place; I've never been this far Away-From-Hub before! ** Akira's own sends are relatively strong and controlled - warm and friendly, his own seeming colored with green and brown, slightly mysterious amidst the openness. ** I've lived here for most of my life, I know the place quite well...shall we? Or shall we stand here in the rain for a little while longer? <> ** Ynderra smirks, but not unkindly, and inclines her damply tousled head. ** I'm following you. As long as you can take me to the Cat Elves, I'm good. ** Akira smiles to you, winking. ** well, you've found us. ** His own long black hair is drenched, and trails over his cheeks, shoulders and back. ** Lead on, then... ** Derra peers southward, stooping just long enough to scoop up her few belongings in her free hand... then giggling a bit, under her breath, as she realizes she does need both to sling the quiver and bag onto her shoulders where they belong, and to bear her bow as well. ** Er! Sorry... ** Her expression turns sheepish. ** Been moons since I bumped into another elf, so I didn't think. _Now_ lead on! ** Akira grins at you at the giggle, tilting his head curiously. ** Hmm? ** Then he nods and smiles...he'll take his hand back if it seems you're uncomfortable with it, but otherwise he seems quite comfortable leading you by the hand, threading through trees so that the brunt of the rain is kept off. If there's anything this she-elf is not, it's proud. At least she's not too proud to take that offered hand back, and let you lead her off into the rain; for just a moment or two her otherwise open expression goes shuttered and unreadable, before she focuses upon following you deeper into the jungle she's not yet managed to enter on her own. ** Just saying it's been moons since I've actually seen anybody, so I guess I've gotten a bit more scatterheaded than usual. But anyway. How far a hike is it in? ** Akira nods slightly, and he smiles. ** It's a little while...not terribly long, but you'll probably be a bit tired by the time we get there. ** His expression, when he faces you, is quite open...and his sends hide very little. He guides you through the trees, following a path with the canopy overhead. Derra chuckles, just a bit. ** I'm _already_ tired, cousin, but I'm plucky, and not quite as fragile as I look. I'll be okay. Just show me where I'm going. ** True to her word, her dainty feet don't seem terribly pressed to keep balance upon rain-slickened branches... but she also treads cautiously, perhaps because she is in fact weary, perhaps because she traverses trees she does not know. Her gaze tracks in all directions--though there's a certain guilelessness about it that might speak more of the wonder of seeing a new place rather than the sharp senses of a huntress. On the other hand... her ears do also frequently quirk at passing sounds, and more than a little attention goes to scents as well as sights. The trail is long and careful, finally leading you across a bridge over a gorge. Once past that, it's only another mile or so to the outskirts of the encampment...the wiry hunter pointing out things of note along the journey. And if you slip, he catches you easily and carefully, flashing you a grin. She does, just once, but hey; there are consequences of wearing boots practically worn through from walking a distance that must surely have taken her seasons to cross. The leather on their soles _is_ almost worn through, and Derra thinks to herself that she might as well be walking barefoot. ** Soon as I get back, ** she send-mutters ruefully, ** I'm paying much better attention to Moonshade... stupid boots. ** Akira is actually fairly strong, but in a lean, compact manner, and his balance is near-perfect. He catches you, helping to support you with a bright grin, his own surefootedness perhaps helped by the fact that he's barefoot. ** Are you all right? ** Nope, not proud. She accepts the support, bobbing her head ruefully. ** Aye. Tired, as I said... long walk. And I wanted to be snug in a den by now! _Trying_ to get back to sleeping by day, but I got thrown off a couple eights of days ago trying to outrun a herd of... ** She pauses, distracted by the need to get her footing back, before she goes on with her lower lip tucked under her teeth, ** I don't know what they were, but they looked like this. And it took me a while to get out of their way. ** Akira tilts his head and he nods, smiling as you get back to your feet. ** Leapers? I love hunting them... ** There's a brief flicker of images in his sending - lying in wait and then pouncing on one that's not smart enough to get out of the way. ** And don't worry, we're almost there... ** ** Oh, is _that_ the word for 'em? I was trying to remember if K--um. ** Uncertainty tracks across her face now, and though it's certainly truth she sends as she adds, ** Not worried, ** there's still a sort of unsent flavor of 'not about that, at any rate' threaded through there somewhere. Akira peers at you curiously. ** K-who? ** There's a tinge of concern in his send as he notices the flavor of worry in your send, but he doesn't say anything...merely leading you into the encampment. Akira moves southward towards the edge of the jungle. Akira has left. [The hunter leads the Wolfrider healer deeper into the jungles, and in time they reach the encampment of his tribe...] Jungle - Cat Elf Encampment(#457RJ$) Dim and dusky, the Cat Elf encampment seems to live in eternal twilight, as the jungle canopy far overhead defies the sun, denies it access. Breezes which ripple those lofty branches cannot penetrate deeply enough to touch the ground, but merely shift the pattern of leaves to let sunlight, or moonlight, filter through in rare, spotty dapples, like the ghostly rosettes on a black panther's hide. A widened clearing, the Encampment is bordered to the north and east by a relatively thin buffer of trees, beyond which lies the great river, making an almost ninety degree bend to the south. Lazy yet, it seems to pick up speed as it moves toward the waterfall. The ground in the camp is patterned with tiny footprints and large cat tracks. Thin paths lead to the tentflaps of those who have chosen to add their tent to the dotting of dwellings that mark the perimeter, though these by no means represent the majority of the more far-flung tribe. In the height of monsoon season, the jungle enjoys heavy downpours nearly every day, though the temperature remains fairly warm, contributing to a steamy humidity. The rains are a way of life, every stone and flower glazed with water which drips from the leaves and vines above. The leaf-filtered light sifting down from the dimming evening sky sharpens the shadows below the canopy, as night creeps in on stealthy paws. Contents: Akira Brightly burning fire Obvious Exits: Pathway Out Tribal Tent Great Tree Khell arrives from the other side of the encampment. Khell has arrived. Akira leads you in, the panther following along. He grins warmly to you and motions. ** Here we are... ** Akira looks around, glances over the different 'homes' hidden in the underbrush around the clearing. Distinct relief washes over Ynderra's weary features all over again as something that looks to her eyes like a Holt--even if it's a strange-looking one--finally comes into view. The darkness of the encampment isn't a problem, not to her sight; as for the closeness of the trees, that's awe-inducing enough that she can't help but glance in fascination this way and that at trees she passes. Once or twice she even touches one she goes by, in tentative unspoken greeting. But once she comes into the clearing with you and catches that last question, she bites her lip again. She heaves a sigh, and she sends in a tiny sort of mind-voice, ** Kai. ** A beat. Two. Three. Then she appends, ** My lifemate. ** [Akira’s willing to leave Ynderra to her own devices a bit while he checks in with his tribesmates, and Ynderra is _more_ that happy to wait for him if it means she gets to sit down.] Akira has arrived. Soooo. This is the jungle, huh? Temporarily left to her own devices by her guide, Ynderra blows out a breath and plops tiredly down into the first likely spot in the clearing she can find. Half her senses are still alert--she can't help but be *aware* of these trees, unlike any she's ever beheld before, looming tall and dark around her. But the rest of them... well, she's mostly grateful just to be sitting down. Making a small pert face to herself, the maiden tugs off one well-worn boot and eyes the hole worn through the sole, then wraps her fingers around her own toes. A miniature sun kindles around her hand, clear and green-golden and bright against the gloom of the clearing. Derra's scowl eases, but only a bit, as she mutters to herself. "Stupid blisters." The flap of the large guest tent opens to let Akira out, and he smiles warmly to you, stepping over to you. The rain here is mostly kept off of the two of you, due to the thick canopy, but the air is still humid. ** Ouch, that looks like it hurts. <> Anything I can do for you? There are furs ready for you in the guest tent, if you're tired. ** Derra's attention to her foot is only fleeting, but it seems to be enough. She wiggles her foot experimentally, makes a small 'hmm!' of satisfaction, and then looks up wih a weary, uncertain smile. ** Well, um. I don't know this Holt and I don't know the rules. What are visitors supposed to do? Should I go talk to your chief? ** Akira nods slightly, moving to sit gracefully next to you. ** You should probably let Kaer or Rahna know you're here. You can tell them that I brought you here. As far as what the rules are...don't cause any trouble, and you'll be fine. If you can, please assist in hunting or doing something else useful for the Holt while you're here... ** Kaer. The name makes Ynderra blink and straighten up a bit, her mouth making a small wordless 'o'. ** Right, Mathryn said! So did Rillwhisper. She knows Kaer. Or did. She calls him 'cat chief'--but I don't know Rahna? Um! ** With that, then, she cuts herself off and rubs the heel of her hand against first one eye, then the other. ** I _am_ tired, aye. But I can help out while I'm here, sure. Like I said--I can heal, if you need it done. Or shape trees or wood if you need it. That's mostly what I'm good at. ** Then her mouth quirks into a self-deprecating little half-smile. ** And yammering like a magpie, if you listen to Strongbow. But hey, I haven't had anybody else to talk to in moons, so I guess I'm doing well to keep to sending...! ** Akira flashes you a grin, and he nods. ** Yes, Kaer's our chieftain, and Rahna is his second. ** He winks then and smiles. ** I don't mind at all - I'm quite happy to talk to you, I enjoy it. We can always use healing, it's a tough life out here... ** The catelf seems quite amused, but in a warm and playful manner. ** So - I'll leave it to you.. What would you like to do? Sleep, talk, eat, explore, meeet? ** Right at the moment Ynderra doesn't seem immediately inclined to get up, possibly just because legs that have been hiking all day are rather happy for an opportunity to just take a small breather. She plucks her other boot off, inspecting both it and her other foot; as she does, she chews thoughtfully at her lower lip. ** If your chief's in sending range, and um, not asleep, or um, busy or anything like that, I'd better talk to him first, I guess. I know Cutter and Strongbow'd be cranky if somebody entered our Holt and they didn't get told! ** She looks up again, then, pausing, looking abruptly out of her element. Her sending voice, not strong to begin with, goes small. ** I guess I should at least say why I'm here and maybe ask who I ought to talk to first and... um. I don't know how long I'll stay... ** Akira nods slightly. He tilts his head, concentrating for a moment, then grins at you. ** I think he's asleep. You can tell him when he wakes up, I'm sure that as long as you stay in the main encampment until you let him know, he won't be too upset. ** His sending is comforting and warm, a slight tinge of amusement in it, but not at your expense. ** I suspect that as long as you are helpful, or at least don't cause trouble, you'll be welcome here for as long as you want to stay. ** Ynderra thinks about that a minute, just sitting there, letting her muscles try to relax after hours of walking while her eyes get a little liquid. Here she is in the jungle, after moons and moons of walking... and now what? Slowly, with that same lost look, she nods; then she adds awkwardly, ** See, I'm mostly just looking for some of my family. M... my lifemate. I thought he might have come down here, because he was looking for his mother, because _she_ was one of your tribe but w-we hadn't seen her in a very long time, and... um. I'm looking for my sister, too... B-but I wouldn't her to be here, really, I-I mean, she's a Wolfrider. Like me. Except, um, not so much of a magpie. ** The Catelf smiles gently to you, his expression saddening slightly as you speak of your lifemate. ** Ahh...who is your lifemate, and who is your sister? Maybe I have seen them... ** There's a stronger note of comfort in his voice, and he reaches over to rest a hand gently on your shoulder. Derra doesn't shake off the hand, to be sure, and if anything she just sort of droops a bit where she sits. Her gaze drops to the boot she still holds, and she twirls it about nervously through her fingers as she answers tinily, ** Kai's my lifemate... ** There's an undercurrent there, a tinge of what might be a tiny bit of fear, as if Ynderra isn't entirely convinced that's still true. ** He's, um. His mother was a Cat Elf, Jeela. His father was a Wolfrider. And my sister is Myriel. ** She pauses a second or two and then adds humbly, ** She's my twin. But she left the Holt when her cub died and I-I'm really worried about her and, um. ** Akira's hand squeezes your shoulder gently, and he nods a little. ** I see...I'm sorry, I haven't seen him in many, many turns... and I've never met Myriel. But I'll keep my ears open for any signs of them. ** At your undercurrent, Akira responds with a similar undercurrent, sympathy and empathy, for he knows well the pain of a lifemate leaving. Wait--Ynderra blinks up at you, weariness and loneliness lurking just behind her dainty features warring with a burst of surprise at what she thought she just heard you send. ** You know Kai though? Y-you've seen him? ** Akira shakes his head slightly. ** I met him long, long ago, when he was just a kit. It hasn't been in many turns...I knew Jeela though, long ago. ** He smiles faintly, squeezing your shoulder again in a gentle massage. ** Oh... ** Visibly deflating, Ynderra finally manages to get the concept through her brain: they haven't been here. At least not recently, that's for certain. _Now_ what? Half of her insists that she continue the search; the rest, though, counsels a break. Healer, heal yourself and all that. Of course, the only problem with that is that she can't help but think of Kai being a healer as well, for all that his gift wasn't as strong as hers. And she's among his mother's tribe, and arguing about not wanting to come down here in the first place is what made him leave Lostholt without her, and-- Now is not the time to break down. With a stoic look that's at odds with her delicate features, Derra scowls again at herself. But not at the guide who's brought her into the clearing's haven. ** I... thank you, Akira... I... guess I'd better think about what to do next if they're not here... would the tribe talk to me? A-any advice you have, I'd welcome... anywhere you could suggest I go to look... ** Akira seems saddened by your mood, his sends holding sympathy within them. Still, he is here, offering a comforting presence should you care to accept it, and he nods a little. ** You are very welcome, Ynderra - I wish I could help more. I'm sure the others will talk to you. I don't know where else to look though - possibly the Mountain, or Sorrow's End, though I was there recently and nobody said anything about any other Catelves there. ** An abrupt shudder courses across the maiden's frame, and she shakes her tousled dark head vehemently. ** I don't dare go anywhere near Blue Mountain, ** she sends, and now the fear in her mind-voice is stronger. ** Not alone! I... I-I've seen Leetah have to wrangle with Winnowill and I'm not as strong as Leetah is! ** [We had to pause the long here, since Ynderra’s typist had to deal with work! End log.]