Log Date: May 31, 1993 [ Open log. This is a log of a Howl of the Willowholt; typos and mavs have been corrected wherever possible. :) Commentary by Rillwhisper is in []'s. IC sends and whispers to Rillwhisper have been left in for entertaiment value. The cast of this log includes: Willowholt members: Rillwhisper, Woodhawk, Trollkiller, No-fur, Sweetleaf, Firestar, Autumn, Splinterfire, Chitter, Stormwolf. Visitors: Silversong, Wolfrunner, Strongbow, Kaer, Darkwind, Trollelf.] Clearing by the Old Willow(#3264RH) This clearing, last among the trees before the land changes slowly to marshes, is dominated by the hugest imaginable willow tree in existence. Much of it is hidden by its ever-blowing fronds, which veil it and the entire clearing in quiet, green-grey shadows. The air holds a rich mix of scents: water and wood, hints of elves, and wolves; earth and the occasional whiff of fire. The fallen log by the tree, the tree's gnarled roots, and even the soft, rich grass underfoot, encourage one to sit and sing or speak or send... or just to watch and listen. Underneath the clearing's entire atmosphere is a gentle, subtle sense of magic, and of age, centered upon the massive willow. Trees, mostly younger willows, ring the clearing in most directions; towards Away-from Hub, the land slopes gently uphill. A path runs from Sun-Goes-Up to Sun-Goes-Down, with the nearby marshes in the former direction and the more secluded parts of the Holt in the latter. Just off to the north and east, through breaks between the smallest of trees, is visible a small pond. Contents: Trollkiller Silversong Firestar Squirrel Foxfire Splinterfire Wolfrunner Yammer Snowpaw Pouncer Cloudclimber Sterling Chariste Stone Fountain Hollow log(#9534MQaes) Obvious exits: Pond(N) Hillside(S) Branch Marsh(E) Copse(SE) Old Willow(SW) Path(W) You slip off Cloudstreak's back. Rillwhisper ayooooooaaaaaaaaahs! Wolfrunner smiles, "aaayooooooaaahhhhh!!! cousin" Splinterfire waves to Rillwhisper. Firestar sends openly *Greetings, Rill.* Rillwhisper smiles warmly, as Cloudstreak whurfles. Crystal has connected. Wolfrunner stands up, and goes over to give Rillwhisper a hug. Trollkiller feeds Splinterfire a dreamberry. Woodhawk grins quietly, wandering into view. Crystal sends openly *Ayooah!* Rillwhisper giggles, hugged, and returns it, standing on her toes to Wolfrunner. Firestar curls up against Cloudclimber, watching Splintefire and Trollkiller for a moment. Autumn proceeds to tell Rillwhisper in sends *all* about the treewee that fell and broke its leg and about Wolfrunner and Silversong healing it and about how she couldn't make the fuzzy feeling work, and and and... No-fur has arrived. Woodhawk chuckles softly and goes over to Trollkiller. Autumn tells No-fur too, can't leave him out of the adventure. *grin* For someone who doesn't talk, Autumn sure does say a lot. *grin* Rillwhisper grins, greets Wolfrunner, and smiles cheerfully to Autumn as No-fur bounces in with Scamper. Silversong smiles at Rill. Trollkiller pulls Woodhawk down beside him. Foxfire scampers off. Splinterfire eats a dreamberry....his first, actually. Foxfire slips into the nearby copse of saplings. Foxfire has left. Autumn giggles and tickles Scamper!! Trollkiller sends *I got dreamberries, I got dreamberries.* Scamper comes down out of the trees on the hillside. Scamper has arrived. Scamper yarfles and wriggles around, as the cubs pounce on him. Wolfrunner laughs,and shakes his head, "I'm glad I came down, I'd forgotten about the Howl." Rillwhisper grins, as the tribe gathers. Trollkiller eats a dreamberry. Rillwhisper wonders where her brother is! Trollkiller sends *That fog-head? I'm amazed he's lived so long...* Wolfrunner whispers "brother?" You whisper "Sweetleaf!" to Wolfrunner. Silversong nibbles on a spearmint leaf after having a scintilating conversation with it. (Old joke. Sorry. :) Firestar smiles. "Going to get him drunk on dreamberries then take advantage of him, Trollkiller?" She winks. Rillwhisper giggles in Trollkiller's direction as Woodhawk, looking rather pleased with himself, plops down beside his furry lifemate. Trollkiller sends openly *Yep!* Autumn scritches Scamper enthusiastically! Silversong smiles over at Woodhawk. Firestar grins at Silversong. Splinterfire glances from Firestar to Trollkiller and blushes. *One dreamberry would hardly get me drunk....* Splinterfire blushes more, but nuzzles back, lightly. Autumn stops playing with Scamper and goes over to sit on Wolfrunner's lap, hugging him. Woodhawk leans back against the log; No-fur, giggling, bounces by Scamper. Wolfrunner hugs Autumn, laughing slightly. Rillwhisper smiles, from her vantage point on the log, and she looks around to those assembled. Silversong smiles softly around, leaning against the Willow. Yes, the big one. Wolfrunner says "So, little one, you excited about tonight?" Rillwhisper watches the dreamberries making early rounds, and with a warm laugh she says merrily, "Well, we are lacking a few folk, but they'll wander in, surely... what do you think, cousins? Shall we make the noise to draw them here?" Trollkiller nibbles Woodhawk's shoulder. Autumn nodnods! *I've never *really* seen a Howl!!* Woodhawk grins widely, slipping an arm around Trollkiller's shoulders. Trollkiller SENDSHOUTS *HEY, STORMWOLF!* No-fur cocks his head back and howls enthusiastically! "Ayoooaaaaaaaaaah!" Splinterfire winces slightly, at that. No-fur blinkblinks, and grins sheepishly to Splinterfire. Crystal leans against a log, smiles softly. Silversong ums... over at Trollkiller. Trollkiller sends *Should I go get Stormwolf?* Rillwhisper glances at Trollkiller, and nods evenly. Firestar listens to No-fur's voice crack halfway through? *grin* Rillwhisper smiles round to the others... "Stormwolf seems to be missing, too. Trollkiller will fetch him." Trollkiller slips down the path around the Old Willow. Trollkiller has left. Splinterfire says "Not you, No-fur. It's Fuzzy here. He's got a loud head." Wolfrunner grins, "howl's are alot of fun.." Silversong smiles softly. Trollkiller arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Trollkiller has arrived. Rillwhisper chuckles as No-fur ohs! and bounces again, still half-grinning, for his young treble *did* waver during his howl. Autumn smiles happily. *I could tell all about the treewee and how he fell and how we helped him and how the momma treewee is happy now and the papa treewee is confused and how they gave me berries!* Trollkiller hms. *He's not in his den... and he seems to be out of sending range, or isn't answering...* Trollkiller sits back down between Woodhawk and Splinterfire. Cloudstreak and Scamper take good vantage points nearby; Cloudstreak snuzzles down on the side of Woodhawk not occupied by Trollkiller. Trollkiller rubs Splinterfire's back. Splinterfire mmmms. Rillwhisper nodnods to Trollkiller. "I suppose he must be wandering, High Ones know he does that! Well, then... we'll see who else wanders in. Let's make the Howl, cousins!" Autumn ohs! suddenly, and turns to Woodhawk. *There's a momma wolf nearby with cubs! Momma thinks they're Cloudclimber's cubs!* Rillwhisper leaps lithely down off the log as Woodhawk turns and smiles to Autumn. "That's grand, little one," he says warmly. Splinterfire nuzzles back at Trollkiller, just a little bit. Wolfrunner says "Rill, want me to call the pack over?" Rillwhisper hehs, walking around the circle of elves and wolves and fixing everyone with a sparkling gaze. She scoops a couple of dreamberries out of the bowl near Trollkiller, and she grins to Wolfrunner. Cloudclimber whurgs quietly, nuzzling Firestar. Wolfrunner says "There's some of the younger wolves who're staying away.. cause they don't have elf-bonds." Silversong sits against the Willow, nibbling at another spearmint leaf. Rillwhisper nods with a smile to Wolfrunner. "They'll hear us readily enough, but call them, cousin!" Woodhawk smiles over to Silversong, gently. Splinterfire glances over to Silversong, and ponders the appeal of spearmint leaves. "Do you have any more?" Firestar grins. "Sparkling conversationalists, those spearmint leaves." Splinterfire blushes suddenly, face changing at a send. Trollkiller giggles. Firestar glances at Splinterfire and Trollkiller. :) Wolfrunner tilts his head backwards, and lets out a loud howl, almost imperceptible from the real thing. Silversong smiles a bit back at Woodhawk, and nods to Splinty. "Nothing like dreamberries, though, I think. But then again, I don't like dreamberries." Rillwhisper laughs wryly, popping down the two dreamberries, and she nods firmly, pleased, as Wolfrunner cocks back his head and howls. Several other wolves pick up the call, and withing minutes the entire woods are resounding with the pack's call. Autumn listens to Wolfrunner and tries one herself! Her young voice pitches it low, and too soft to carry, but still sounds nice. Wolfrunner's eye is also glowing a bit.. Cloudstreak lifts her muzzle to the sky, her middle-ranged voice joining the chorus. Firestar giggles. Trollkiller perks up, and leans back, howling loudly, clearly. Wolfrunner winks at Rillwhisper, "I cheated :)" Autumn foos. *It didn't sound right.* Rillwhisper's green eyes twinkle and she leaps atop the log again, her clear voice carrying as she adds it to the sound building among the trees. Trollkiller howls again, higher pitched. Splinterfire smiles to Firestar, but he's still an interesting shade of red. Wolfrunner howls again, keeping up with fuzzy. Firestar grins at Splinterfire and gives him a peck on the cheek. Woodhawk howls on a husky warm tenor, the sound a subtle one, blending and intertwining in among the voices of the wolves. Trollkiller howls for Stonebreaker. "Ayooooaah-tan!" Stonebreaker has arrived. Stonebreaker bounds up to Trollkiller, smashing rocks as she approaches. No-fur's wolf Scamper's young strong voice joins the melody a little uncertainly, rather like No-fur's itself; the elf-cub's voice lacks evenness but makes up for it with volume. Splinterfire sits up straighter, and joins the howling. The note is long and pure, but sounds, oddly mournful. Firestar and Cloudclimber tilt their heads back nearly simultaniously and let out a howl. Cloudclimber's huskier sounding voice twines and mixes with Firestar's higher voice. Both carry towards the stars. [Crystal OOC informs Rillwhisper that he has to log off, and is therefore presumed to fall silent and remain such through all of the Howl, participating, yet distant, IC. When it is over, he slips off without a word to anyone.] Wolfrunner nods, "he's bigger than misery" Trollkiller howls again, loud and long and clear. Rillwhisper stands tall on the log, then, letting the harmony build around her, the air echo with the voices of elf and wolf. The moons are just visible between the brnaches overhead, lighting the clearing in dapples of silver and gold. Crystal leans back, gazing at the stars, and sits there, unmoving, watching. Wolfrunner leans back, and lets out a somber, low-pitched, drawn-out howl. Rillwhisper then draws forth her dagger, holding it in one hand as she lifts the other skyward. Firestar smiles at Wolfrunner. No-fur watches his mother, his big eyes shining. Stonebreaker howls, rumbly and deep. Rillwhisper calls clearly, intertwining her spoken words with sends: "Howl, cousins! Set the trees ringing, let them know that Wolfriders are awake this night!" Splinterfire's voice rises again, lifting the wolf-song to the skies. Wolfrunner lets out a long proud howl, full of defiance and strength. Woodhawk seems to slip into a quiet reverie, still howling; his lean face is lifted skyward, his eyes closed. Stonebreaker pads her feet heavily and howls again. Trollkiller howls with Stonebreaker... Splinterfire pauses howling long enough to pop down a dreamberry. Silversong quietly watches from where she sits outside the circle, nibbling on a leaf or two. The voices of wolf and elf blend... and as the dreamberries make their rounds, sendings join the music as well, adding strength, depth.... Firestar doesn't partake of any dreamberrries. Wolfrunner does not take any dreamberries either. The music deepens, an affirmation of Wolfrider identity. Gradually - and with whose voice it is uncertain - it coalesces into chanted words..... From the frozen mountains to the pathless forest! Trollkiller sends ** Rillwhisper, standing on the log, is lit by the falling shafts of moonlight; the light sparkles on her dagger-blade, and the night breeze tosses her chieftain's lock.... The full-throated reply comes: We are the Wolfriders, and the pack runs free! Trollkiller rocks a little, eyes not so wide, chanting... From the Muchcold Water to the Sea of Grass! Woodhawk's sending reaches out, touching his tribesmates, as his voice blends with the calls of the wolves beside him. The chant goes on.... Blood of the High Ones, Timmorn's children! No-fur, caught up in the litany, bounces unconsciously. Wolfrunner rocks a little, chanting, his voice.. slightly sad. Led by chieftains' might and wisdom! Rillwhisper lifts her dagger to her other hand, and she calls out, her voice ringing, "Timmorn Yellow-Eyes!" Autumn sits still, listening, eyes wide. Someone answers, and the calls come clearly round the ring: Rahnee the She-Wolf.... Prey-Pacer.... Wolfrunner seems a bit sad at the mention of these names. Trollkiller'e eyes close as the chant rolls 'round... The sendings come clearer, now, heightened by the dreamberries even as hands continue to reach for them, bringing them to willing mouths. Two-Spear.... Firestar still avoids the dreamberries. Huntress Skyfire.... Splinterfire's eyes glaze slightly, as he seems caught up in the chant, but with an air of sending about him too. Faces are clear in the sendings, the faces of the chieftains who came before. Freefoot.... Wolfrunner seems caught up in the chanting, but seems alianated somehow... Autumn touches Wolfrunner's hand, lightly. And Rillwhisper, Woodhawk's, and Trollkiller's voices are the clearest as together they cry, "Redbear!" Rillwhisper's dagger cuts across her slender hand, making tiny droplets of blood fall, accentuating the names as they are sung. "Redbear!" she calls. "This night's Howl begins with him!" Wolfrunner squeezes Autumn's hand..thankfully. Woodhawk seems more deeply caught in his reverie... and at Rillwhisper's words, around the clearing, there come a string of small popping sounds.... tiny licks of flame light small candles which Woodhawk has placed to light the circle. Rillwhisper lowers her gaze to meet those of her tribesmates and friends. "Redbear," she repeats, her eyes alight. "Son of Huntress Skyfire, half-brother of Freefoot, hunter, tracker, and with a temper to match that of his dam!" No-fur grins, his expression open and awed. As Wolfrunner becomes more and more caught up in the chanting, lone and younger wolves from the pack start gathering around him, almost instinctually. You say "Our tribe is one of many origins, but that is the first one, the first link which, long ago, began to bring us all together. And, strangely, it began with a sundering." Dove Grey Cub emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Woodhawk knows this story, clearly, as the quiet wry smile on his face indicates. Dove Grey Cub slinks over towards Wolfrunner, in the shadow of a thin she-wolf. Rillwhisper smiles, as more wolves join the circle. You say "I was the youngest of cubs in those days, only eight and two turns of the seasons...." Cloudclimber whurfs softly, gaze on the she-wolf as she settles down by Wolfrunner, the cub squirming his way against her side. No-fur giggles... an amused thought ripples through his open sending as he tries to picture his mother as a cub!" Wolfrunner reaches out to touch the gathering wolves, welcoming each in turn. Firestar sits quietly, a bit apart from the crowd, listening to Rill silently. You say "But still I remember: how Freefoot and Redbear never agreed, always fought, always argued over the Way their mother had made for the tribe. Each of them saw it differently." You say "We were many elves in those days. As many as the Grove, as many as the Lost Holt: a Holt so big that you could scarcely find a place among the leaves to be alone." Woodhawk grins a little, obviously remembering. You say "But the forest we claimed as home could not hold us all. There were too few trees to be shaped for dens, too few caves in the hillsides in which to dwell with the wolf-friends. We needed the guidance of the chieftain, and he was always distant, removing himself from us." Woodhawk nods, following the tale, sending his agreement and showing it in his expression as well. Wolfrunner sighs a bit.. as if remembering. Dove Grey Cub whines softly, nudging his dam. The she-wolf snaps as the cub tries once too many times to suckle. Rillwhisper's level gaze goes around the circle as her voice rings out into the night. "Freefoot was true to his name, but we needed him to be true to the tribe! There were too many for the hunters to feed: enough that anyone who could not hunt for themselves to help with the feeding of us all was mocked. Magics which could not serve for hunting were mocked especially." Trollkiller nibbles on another dreamberry. Woodhawk's candles flicker, as if on cue. He chuckles softly. No-fur pops a couple of dreamberries into his mouth; in the moonlight, his eyes seem the same hue as the berries themselves. Rillwhisper regards Woodhawk with a soft glance for a moment. "Though some of us were able to be hunters, even with magics which unnerved the rest. Even that did not help in the end, though. There were simply too many of us! And Redbear knew this!" No-fur calls, "They fought! Tell us, Mother!" Rillwhisper smiles a little. Wolfrunner chuckles. Firestar hugs her knees, resting her chin on them. Her eyes are closed, as is her expression. Cloudclimber watches the She-wolf and cub intently. The cub whines softly and retreats from his mother, tail down. He begins to explore the clearing, quickly losing himself in the adventure. You say "Redbear challenged Freefoot. 'No chieftain are you,' he declared, 'who runs alone out across the Plains while we struggle to survive! While half our hunters mock the rest, and those of us who lack the skill to provide for the rest of the tribe!'" Rillwhisper's dagger twinkles into its sheath. She continues: You say "They met in challenge! Both were convinced that they knew the Way best, that they knew how to insure the renewal of our folk. Their wills locked -" Rillwhisper brings her hands together in a *clap*.... You say "And they struggled, mind to mind, hand to hand. At last, though, it was Freefoot who prevailed, for his will was the stronger." You say "Proud Redbear could not stay; his spirit was shaken. So he gathered his spear and his wolf, and chose to slip away by himself." Yammer wakes and looks about. You say "There were enough of us, however, who believed Redbear to be right... and so we chose to go with him. We were the scorned makers of magic, the less-skilled hunters... the ones who needed space to thrive, to run free." Rillwhisper smiles, her eyes shining defiantly. "We were nearly two eights of followers, and the youngest was me. We left to make a new Holt, a new life." Chitter arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Chitter has arrived. Dove Grey Cub wanders over and touches Cloudclimber's nose with his own. Cloudclimber whurfs softly, nuzzling the cub, then gently nudges him onwards. Chitter extends his hand, and his squirrel-friend jumps onto his shoulder. Chitter collects his squirrel, skritching her head absently, then glances about, noticing the rather high elf concentration. Cloudstreak's voice howls out again, continuing the plaintive harmony. The candles, like fireflies in the darkness, glow brighter as the night deepens. Splinterfire shifts subtly, and starts to make his way over to Firestar without causing too much distraction. Dove Grey Cub bounds over and sniffs at Trollkiller's feet, giving a high yip!! No-fur scarfs dreamberries! Wolfrunner gives Autumn a hug, and watchs Firestar from the corner of his eye. Woodhawk glances over his shoulder at Silversong again, his gaze intense, and then he smiles to Trollkiller. Autumn watches No-fur while quietly listening to Rill's story. She snuggles back against Wolfrunner, holding onto his hand. Trollkiller leans over and looks at the cub, skitching its head. Dove Grey Cub yips again and messily licks Trollkiller's face! Chitter falls silent (not very far to go) and sits down to listen. Splinterfire reaches Firestar, and gives her a hug. Firestar opens her eyes and hugs Splinterfire back, smiling gratefully. Rillwhisper smiles, her expression alight. "Aie, my cousins, that was a time. We did not know then how the world would grow. We knew only the Way and the land which we wandered. In those days, too, my brother Sweetleaf was not quite so skilled in his shaping... " Splinterfire nods slightly. Trollkiller giggles, and sends softly, *And whose cub are you?* You say "But even then, we knew he would be a wonder, close to the High Ones in his depth of sharing with green growing things. And as it happened, Recognition had its own plans for him." Dove Grey Cub yipyips enthusiastically, bounding away from Trollkiller then back, playfully. The she-wolf watches stiffly, but calmly, from Wolfrunner's side. Woodhawk grins lopsidedly, muttering something to Trollkiller. Wolfrunner calms the she-wolf, and the young cub. You whisper " Heh. I'm surprised Recognition pulled him out of a mushroom haze long enough." to Trollkiller. Firestar lays her head on Splinterfire's shoulder, closing her eyes again, remembering her own tribe, long gone. Trollkiller giggles at the whisper, clamps his mouth shut, and does his best to keep quiet. Something rustles in the underbrush of the nearby copse. Chitter taps Wolfrunner's shoulder lightly, trying to get his attention. You say "Redbear's daughter was Sunflicker: golden-haired, violet-eyed, her own nature holding the same fire as her father's, as her grand-dam's..." Dove Grey Cub stiffens, eyeing the underbrush. He stalks off, stiff legged to explore what made the noise. :) Wolfrunner turns to Chitter, and whispers. Splinterfire looks at Firestar briefly, and then about the clearing, before returning his attention to Rill's story. Trollkiller tickles the cub's belly. You say "... the entire opposite of gentle Sweetleaf. Recognition saw them both and brought them together." Chitter concentrates slightly. Sweetleaf emerges from the willow tree. Sweetleaf has arrived. Sweetleaf smiles vaguely around at you all. Rillwhisper grins. "And you never saw a stronger clash of wills than Sweetleaf's and Sunflicker's." Firestar smiles at Rill's statement. Woodhawk lets off a stifled *whoop* at the treeshaper's dramatic timing. :) Trollkiller leans back to Woodhawk and whispers something at him... Sweetleaf chuckles, startled. "You'd remember that, wouldn't you, little sister?" Trollkiller whispers " Is there _anything_ he doesn't do "vaguely?"" Sweetleaf smiles. "It wasn't me, honestly. Sunflicker was wilfull enough for the both of us!" Dove Grey Cub backs quickly away from the copse as he bumps into a *BIG* wolf. He skitters back, darting to hide behind Cloudclimber. Rillwhisper laughs warmly, and bows to her brother. Chitter looks puzzled, scratching his head. Stonebreaker looks down balefully at the cub. You say "Tell us then, brother! Tell us of those days, since we weren't there, 'Hawk or Fuzzy or me, or any of the rest of us." Sweetleaf gives Rill a hug, and settles down by her. Dove Grey Cub peeks out and yipyips at Stonebreaker! Splinterfire glances to the cub and chuckles at its antics. Firestar wasn't even a gleam in her father's eye yet. ;) Chitter clears his throat, then, after a few experimental tries, manages to murmur to Wolfrunner. Trollkiller whurfs back at the cub. You whisper "" to Trollkiller. Sweetleaf looks thoughtful...."There were many days then, little one, and for many of those times there wasn't a tribe to tell stories of...." Rillwhisper watches the dreamberries go round again, and smiles, settling down near her lifemates and son. Sweetleaf smiles suddenly. Strongbow emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Strongbow has arrived. Wolfrunner was in wrapstuff then. Dove Grey Cub bounds out to the center of the clearing, then backs away from Stonebreaker again, and bumps into Splinterfire. Sweetleaf says "I do have a bit of a mushroom, though, something I've been working on lately, in the memory of one who's life you missed..." No-fur bounces, skitching Scamper, and eyeing his uncle Sweetleaf intently! *Telltelltell!* Trollkiller blinks at Strongbow. Splinterfire wufs lightly. -easy, little one- Strongbow slips out of the underbrush, finding himself a spot on the edge of the clearing. Firestar glances up, frowning slightly as Strongbow enters but saying nothing. Cloudstreak whurfles, alerted as a new scent enters the clearing. Dove Grey Cub spins around and yips at Splinterfire, trying to look menacing and failing pitifully. Sweetleaf smiles indulgently at the cub. "You remind me of that one sometimes, youngster. She was my last daughter, last chieftess of the old tribe. I called her Birch." Rillwhisper's green eyes flicker for a moment, but she simply nods quietly in greeting to the archer, and smiles to her brother. "Pass it round then, sib...!" Sweetleaf dropped birch bolete. Wolfrunner nods to Strongbow, in greeting. Splinterfire looks at the cub with a grin, and starts to yip back, "Yi -- i - ip....." he trails off. Sweetleaf takes a mushroom from his pouch and gestures round at you all. "I call it a birch bolete. Won't you all eat a bit of it?" Dove Grey Cub's tail wags and he slobbers all over Splinterfire's face. Woodhawk arches a dark eyebrow at Strongbow's entrance, but also nods, amiably. He settles back as Sweetleaf weaves his tale, occasionally making the candles around the clearing flicker like stars. Strongbow turns to regard Trollkiller. *I was travelling.* Sweetleaf looks at Woodhawk, then back at Strongbow, mentally reviewing family lines. Firestar glances from Sweetleaf to Splinterfire and the cub and back again. Trollkiller raises an eyebrow and looks vaguely amused. Chitter ohs softly at Wolfrunner. Rillwhisper says cheerfully to Strongbow, "Well, then, you travelled in at a cheerful time - join the Howl, if you wish. Sweetleaf, if you please?" She smiles, and reaches for the proferred mushroom. Sweetleaf beckons towards the newcomer. "Well, if you're here, won't you join us in a memory?" Trollkiller looks a little doubtful. *What's +this+ one do?* Splinterfire's breath catches, and he pulls the cub closer to him. No-fur giggles to his sire! Strongbow nods, and, waiting for the mushroom to circle past him, takes a bit. Trollkiller glances over at Splinterfire. Firestar hugs Splinterfire, happily. Dove Grey Cub yips enthusiastically, if somewhat muffledly. Trollkiller sends openly *If I'm seeing pink and purple dots on everything for a week again...*. Sweetleaf grins at Trollkiller. "Brings up a memory, a spirit perhaps. Of my daughter Birch; I don't believe you would remember her...." Rillwhisper nibbles at the tidbit, and Woodhawk skitches Trollkiller's head affectionately. The mushroom makes its rounds. Chitter leans back against a convenient log, absently scritching Yammer. He reaches for the mushroom as it goes by, but Yammer takes one sniff and starts barking at him, so he changes his mind. Strongbow sniffs curiously at the mushroom. Firestar chuckles at Trollkiller, then glances at Sweetleaf. Sweetleaf laughs aloud. "No, that one's smaller, much smaller. Don't worry about it." Splinterfire looks up, holding the cub to him. *I hear him.* he sends simply. [Rillwhisper would like to note OOC here that she should have noticed what was happening with Splinterfire and said something. :) However, that she did not can probably be blamed upon Strongbow's impeccable timing. :)] Rillwhisper says huskily, "Birch was of the *between* time. When some of us slept in the wrapstuff." Trollkiller nods, smiling, and nibbles on the mushroom in turn. Firestar holds the mushroom as it comes her way for a moment, thoughtfully. She glances at Woodhawk... Woodhawk smiles back to Firestar, and nods assuringly. Wolfrunner sighs, and does not take a mushroom when it comes to him. Firestar nibbles, delicately, almost hesitantly. Strongbow slips the bit of mushroom he took into his mouth and chews ruminatively. His eyes roam over the clearing intently, though not harshly. You send * This is a thing Sweetleaf can make to brighten the memory. It does not dampen my control.* Splinterfire misses the mushrooms entirely, being occupied with a cub. Sweetleaf gazes mildly upon Wolfrunner. "Is something the matter?" Autumn watches the mushroom pass over her head and snuggles against Wolfrunner. Firestar smiles brightly at Splinterfire. *I told you that it would happen.* No-fur oooooos and says impatiently, "Tell the tale, Sweetleaf!" Wolfrunner says "I.. I have memories I'd rather not recall.." Sweetleaf shakes his head at No-fur. "I can't; I'm no talespinner. But if you'll eat the mushroom it'll tell you the tale on my behalf." Scamper yarfles, and interprets No-fur's bouncing as a signal to play. The young wolf pounces him; the boy giggles, and reaches round fur to take a portion, as his mother smiles to him. Rillwhisper interjects gently, "I will try to share what I see, in word or send, if that will help. Let's make the tale." Firestar partakes of the birch bolete. Firestar blinks a bit, eyes wide. The birch bolete seems to melt in your mouth, leaving an aftertaste that is both earthy and sweet. Autumn patpats Wolfrunner's hand lightly. You hear something soft in your mind, like the echo of the sending of a soulname: *Rhan.* Strongbow partakes of the birch bolete. Trollkiller partakes of the birch bolete. Sweetleaf smiles at Wolfrunner. "You needn't fear; this mushroom has its own memories, not yours." Splinterfire partakes of the birch bolete. Autumn partakes of the birch bolete. Strongbow frowns. Trollkiller blinks and sits bolt-upright. Wolfrunner nods, and hesitantly takes one. Splinterfire's eyes widen. Sweetleaf partakes of the birch bolete. *Rhan.* That echo again; you know it is a soulname, and now you see the elf that it belongs to. She seems to hover somewhere at the edges of the clearing, a spirit with fire-gold hair and the undefinable presence of a chieftess. *Rhan* moves out among those gathered in the clearing, a spirit-touch that brushes by you like wind. As she passes you, your mind grows dark and clear. Trollkiller relaxes a little, realizing what is happening. *Rhan.* You find you are in a cold place, snow on the ground and blood all around you. Someone is crying, softly and bitterly. You cry, too, because you are lonely and hungry and very, very cold. Rillwhisper sits back, her face lifted to the sky; silence falls across the clearing as memories, called forth by the shaped mushroom, are shared in sends. Firestar shivers slightly. The sending come faint but clear: **she'll live/she's called the wolf-blood to her** Another mindvoice cries out in anguish: **oh please you live too/Rhan needs you/the tribe needs you/I need you too** The answer comes fainter now: **she'll live/you'll live/you keep her safe/she'll be what the tribe needs when she's grown** Splinterfire topples back slightly, surprised, having *never* heard another's soulname before... **I love you/I'll miss you** **I love you/I'll miss you/take care....** Wolfrunner partakes of the birch bolete. Chitter shivers slightly, looking confused. Something's wrong... Then warm hands find you, and a wolf's warm fur surrounds you. You smell her milk and move towards it eagerly. Your mother, your chieftess, is dead. Your father howls for her and from far away other howls rise in answer. But the wolf's-milk is rich and hot and you suckle at it greedily, hungry for a life of your own. No-fur ohhhhhs, barely audibly. No-fur giggles, then, at the sending-picture of the wolf cubs. A council fire. You roll on the ground with your three latest furbrothers. You pull on their tails and they yap, they pull on your hair and you yap back. It's lots of fun! Firestar hugs Splinterfire. Autumn sits quietly, eyes shining. Everyone else is there; they're all talking and sending and talking and sending. "But a tribe needs a chief. It's been three turns of the seasons since Sunflicker died -- and three more dead between now and then as well. The hunting's bad and the winter's worse. We need a chief now, and one who can set things right -- not a cub still young enough to nurse! Father's voice answering softly: "If you'd only learn to eat something that wasn't meat once in awhile...." There is an uncomfortable silence,broken by a sourceless sending: *Sweetleaf's such a rabbit!* Then laughter, then another sending: *We Wolfriders need a chief.* There's a pressure building inside your head, like somebody's trying to take something from inside. You look up from your furbrothers' play -- it's Panther, glaring at you and stalking closer; why is she doing that? You send back angrily, and watch in amazement as Panther's stalk suddenly changes to a crawl. You keep sending to her -- **PANTHER!** She crawls right up to you, her eyes raging and afraid, and bares her throat before you. The furbrothers whine and, frightened, you whine aloud yourself. Rillwhisper gives her brother a wan, but warm, grin. She doesn't need this tale to remember how her brother has always been seen. "That's enough!" Father's voice, no longer soft. He scoops you up in his arms, turning to glare down at Panther. "Rabbit or not, you will not abuse my cub!" There's more talking and more sending and more talking, and you must have slept through some of it because next thing you and Father are up on Dandelion's back, riding away from the holt and into the dawn, with your furbrothers frolicking behind. Father shaping a den in the hollow of a wild oak; teaching Whitefoot and Pink to climb up into it..... Moonsilver and Leafshimmer coming to visit; they talk with Father and he smiles a lot, but sighs after them when they go..... Grandmother Sparrow bringing leather clothes.... Chitter touches one hand to his forehead, frowning, as Yammer runs around in panicky circles. It's in his *head*... it's all around him, so loud... Wolfrunner's eye fills with sadness, and tears flow from it. Strongbow sits quietly, his eyes distant, his mien approving. Woodhawk simply sits, a shimmer of his own magic about him as the light from the candles he's lit sparkle gently around the clearing. And the delicious mushrooms that grow every spring, and the first bright blackberries every fall, and the nuts and apples that keep you through the winter.... The first time you hunted the wild boar, and killed it with an arrow, and Father's strange expression.... And then the dreams, the dreams full of strange faces who call to you. And in your sixteenth summer, you answer the dreams and return to your tribe. So many faces! Sparrow and Leafshimmer and Moonsilver, and your elder sister Morningstar who spent a whole summer teaching you to hunt, and this must be your granddam Dawnflame, and that must be Stillpond's daughter Stealth, and that one, a young hunter so beautiful with his dark hair and eyes like an evening sky, and that one, and that one..... So many of them....hands and hands full of them, and half again as many wolves....but all pinch-faced and so thin, and none younger than yourself among them....and the forest floor worn to bare earth by all those feet! Firestar hugs Splinterfire and scritches Cloudclimber, her eyes slightly unfocused. There's another council fire. They send to you and you to them; there are testings and challenges, and then Morningstar binds up your hair and calls you Chieftess Birch. There is a feast -- three rabbits, two groundsquirrels, and an old dry haunch of deer they serve out like a delicacy. You gather fruit and nuts and mushrooms; you try to feed your tribe. Their hunger burns your own belly, but the elders laugh and call you Rabbit, and so few of them will eat! Rillwhisper reaches over to Chitter with a gentle send, trying to soothe, trying to let him know he can share in the story. The winter comes again, and still the hunting's poor. Even the youngest elves have sunken cheeks and the wolves' winter coats are harsh and dry. Then Grandmother Sparrow dies one frozen dawn. Rillwhisper flinches, then, and murmurs, "Mother... " After that it's all so simple. You ride out on Stormcloud at dusk, with four of the hunters beside you. The elves and the wolves grow nervous as you pass outside their territory, but still you press them on. You ride until the land is new and rich, when you find a meadow thick with rabbits and a river full of fish. And when you've hunted well and filled your bellies, you tell the elves -- Brightstone, Starfall, Blossom, Willowwand -- they are never to return. Chitter can't concentrate, it's too loud, there are too many *others*, not like the warmth of the forest, but like shouting voices... Starfall challenges you -- and how dare she, when you have fed her full for the first time since you've met? You brush her sendings aside and return to the holt, knowing at last what you must do. Sweetleaf takes his sister's hand, very gently. Back at the holt they revile you, they challenge you, they call you the Lone Wolf, but it matters not at all. You drive them forth, a few at a time, in groups as they choose but no more than a handful together. They leave angry but they hunt well; you watch them secretly from the trees as they eat the fresh meat of their kills. And when springtime comes again, the grass grows thick in the roots of the empty holt. Rillwhisper's eyes sparkle a little - tears. And when the first blackberries are ripening in the fall, one young hunter returns to the holt alone. He carries a fresh-killed stag, his hair is dark and sweet, and his eyes are bright and clear as twilight sky. He sends to you, calling you not Birch, not Lone Wolf, not even Chieftess, but *Rhan*. Trollkiller shakes. *Rhan.* The name fades like the echo of a sending. Your mind clears, and there's no one here in the clearing but the Willowholt Tribe and all its friends gathered. Wolfrunner pulls Autumn to him, and weeps. Rillwhisper cocks back her head and *howls*.... and the wolves lift their voices again to the sky, as the memories are shared. Sweetleaf gazes around at the gathering; then raises his voice to join Rillwhisper's howl.... Splinterfire shakes slightly, finding himself again next to Firestar, with a cub in his arms. He joins the howl, and the little cub does too. Autumn snuggles back against Wolfrunner, her untrained voice clumsily and quietly joining the howl. Strongbow lifts his voice in the sound of age old tradition, a howl floating free from his throat. Woodhawk, older and younger than Sweetleaf at the same time, seems lost for a moment - those were faces of his own tribesmates that he saw, in the mushroom tale. Trollkiller howls, softly and sadly, but intently... Firestar and Cloudclimber's voices follow after Splinterfire and the cub.... Wolfrunner rolls back his head, and howls. From atop Chitter, Yammer stands guard over Chitter, who appears to have passed out. Woodhawk shifts, then, pulling gently away from Trollkiller, as he moves up to sit on the log, more easily seen. It is his send that touches first Rillwhisper and then Trollkiller, making the chieftess look up. Stonebreaker wanders over beside Trollkiller and licks his ear. Sweetleaf moves over towards Chitter, checking for vital signs. *It's okay, cubling; only memories.* Trollkiller sends * ?* Woodhawk blinkblinks a little, still seeming rattled; but he grins faintly, and says, "We keep the tales alive in our blood. And those of us who ran with Redbear's pack can share them now with the new tribe we've made. Maybe someday we'll find the children of those who split up, hey?" Chitter's healthy enough, and in fact is still conscious. He's curled into a small ball, though. From atop Chitter, Yammer bounds towards Sweetleaf, barking warningly at the strange elf. You send ** to Trollkiller. Woodhawk watches the treeshaper and Chitter, waiting, to make sure all is well. Sweetleaf smiles, glancing at Woodhawk and then at Strongbow. "Why, that was a very long time ago that happened. Their children, and their children's children, seem to be everywhere nowadays." Splinterfire tries to animal send assurance and safety to the upset squirrel. Trollkiller sends * Yes.* Rillwhisper's glance unconsciously goes to Strongbow for a moment, then back to the chattering squirrel. Autumn watches Chitter and Yammer. She murmurs softly to Yammer, holding out a handful of berries, and lightly touches Chitter's shoulder. Strongbow returns Rillwhisper's brief glance, his eyes betraying the wealth of history that is found in the Howl. Woodhawk grins, his lean face softened by an amused, if also bemused, expression. "Time's passed. More time than any of us can count, I think. 'Cept you, maybe, treeshaper." Chitter starts and sits up hurriedly, eyes wet with tears. *Ah!* From atop Chitter, Yammer bristles at Splinterfire, but slowly calms down as Chitter focuses on her once more. Woodhawk sits up a little again, nodding approvingly as Chitter seems to snap back into *now*. Splinterfire's eyes widen, having never gotten /that/ reaction from any animal before. Sweetleaf return's Woodhawk's grin. "I counted it once on the way here; it took a long time and I don't think I'll count it again!" Rillwhisper smiles a little to Woodhawk, her hand reaching for the nearest source of fur: Cloudstreak. The she-wolf nuzzles her. Sweetleaf touches Chitter's shoulder. "You all right there, youngster?" Dove Grey Cub nuzzles at Splinterfire's hand, and he resumes scritching the cub. Chitter wipes furiously at his eyes, trying to clear them, as Yammer watches with concern. *I... I will be. I couldn't...* he begins, then tries again. *It was too loud...* Firestar watches Autumn for a moment before turning back to Woodhawk. Autumn goes back to sitting on Wolfrunner's lap, holding his hand once more. No-fur awws, and reaches over sympathetically to pat the shoulder of Chitter's not occupied by the squirrel. Sweetleaf settles back on his haunches, eyeing Chitter. *Gently, now. I can brew you a tea to quiet your mind, but I think if you just rest you'll be all right. It really is only memories.* Trollelf emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Trollelf has arrived. Woodhawk smiles, then, and says, "Time's gone on, though, like I said. We're in the *now*. And that's a whole tale again... " Trollkiller nods. *Or three...* Trollelf glances around as he wanders in. Silversong smiles quietly, listening from where she sits outside the circle. Chitter shrugs off offers of aid and various touches, looking a little like Yammer now. *I'll be all right. What happened? Why was everyone shouting?* Rillwhisper begins to smile, and she looks up briefly at the flitter of Preservers' wings, high overhead in the branches. There's a piping voice that floats down: /We-things take good care of high-things!/ Sweetleaf nods. **Now* is always a new story, always worth staying to listen...* Woodhawk grins. "Well then." He looks up for a moment at the Preservers, half-grins, and continues.... Trollelf settles down quietly back by a tree to watch and listen. Woodhawk says "Lack of territory always was a problem for us, you know. Even in Redbear's day, we didn't get far enough away from Freefoot's folk to have enough space to run and to hunt. Redbear wanted to move again." Rillwhisper glances over, noticing a newcomer. She smiles in greeting but does not interrupt the tale. Trollelf glances back at Rillwhisper and nods. Chitter pulls his carrypack around front of him, and Yammer perches upon it. He listens quietly at the edge of the circle. Woodhawk says "Our chieftain needed somebody to go on a long journey, to seek a new forest. Fuzzy 'n' Rill and I were three who could easily travel together...." Rillwhisper chuckles softly. Sweetleaf snorts. Trollkiller b[ounces, and grins, reaching over to skitch Woodhawk. "Yep!"] Woodhawk says "As it were." He smiles. "The tale of the leaving of Two-Spear was still fresh in our minds, in those days. Fresh enough that we had memory, still, of which way he went, when Redbear's mother forced him out of the tribe and made the Way." Woodhawk says "We thought, maybe, if we went looking that way, we could find more new territory. We'd come from Sun-Goes-Up already. So we went towards Sun-Goes-Down... Trollkiller, Rillwhisper, and me. And our wolves." Hiding in Firestar's hair, Flickerflame peeks out from Firestar's hair and grins up at the other preservers, bouncing excitedly. Firestar winces briefly and shushes the preserver. Rillwhisper skitches Cloudstreak, and No-fur ooooooos, bouncing. His little face is flushed, his dreamberry-purple eyes round. Splinterfire glances to the Preserver poking out of Firestar's hair. "Does it stay there all the time?" He can't help but ask in a whisper. Woodhawk says "We wandered for days, across a wide grassy plain... and came to another wood, at last. Timmorn's Blood, but we were pleased to see it." Trollkiller nods, sending an image of the seemingly unending plain. Firestar smiles at Splinterfire. "Not. It leaves every now and then, but the bug keeps coming back no matter where I hide." She whispers back, smiling. Woodhawk grins to Trollkiller, reaching over to skitch him briefly. "This one was, especially. Stonebreaker'd been running circles around us for an eight of days." Rillwhisper giggles... her glance passes around the clearing again. Trollkiller skitches the somewhat elderly Stonebreaker. Trollelf reclines back against the tree and listens, only half understanding. Sweetleaf skitches the enormous old wolf affectionately. Woodhawk says "And so, well, we did what you'd expect. Found us some trees and made the best of the new place, learning the scents and the sounds of the trees, and, um, well, entertaining ourselves...." Rillwhisper grins ruefully as No-fur giggles, "Bet it took all night, too!" Wolfrunner chuckles. Trollelf arches an eyebrow a bit. Sweetleaf giggles, then stifles himself. Firestar chuckles quietly. *Trollkiller's good at that.*." Woodhawk hehs. "Anyway. We joined. And then we slept. Even on a night in the Deathsleep season, it's warm when you have three elves and three wolves to sleep by. 'Specially Stonebreaker." Trollkiller nods. *Well, it's true.* Trollkiller giggles. Firestar smiles at Trollkiller. From up in the branches, Fallberry pipes up, /We-things found highthings all stillquiet!/ Splinterfire giggles. Rillwhisper yells, "Shush, bug! It's 'Hawk's tale!" Rillwhisper swipes a dreamberry or two from the nearest bowl, and settles back to listen again. Fallberry is now distinctive by its silence, and Woodhawk chuckles. Woodhawk says "We slept as easily as a cub against his mother's breast, aye. Next thing we knew, though, we were waking up, and covered with something white, and sticky." Trollkiller sticks out his tongue. Sweetleaf laughs. "Mind if I interject something here, 'Hawk?" Woodhawk shakes his head cheerfully to Sweetleaf. Rillwhisper's gaze goes a little distant, and she leans against Cloudstreak. Her gaze passes Strongbow again for a moment. Strongbow reclines in the shadows, brief strips of starlight floating over his form. Chitter listens in curiously, gradually going from paranoid to merely shy as the pain of his earlier experience fades. You send ** to Strongbow. Sweetleaf continues. "Naturally, all of us left behind were worried sick. Redbear himself led a search party, and all of us sent and sent and sent! But there was never any sign, and we all thought you were dead. Eventually Redbear declared there were to be no more separations -- and *that* led to the troubles in Birch's time. After she sent the tribe wandering, I always wondered if someday we'd find you...." He smiles at his old tribesmates warmly. Rillwhisper blinkblinks, and then smiles to Sweetleaf. "Aye, and you did, eventually." Sweetleaf nods serenely. "Eventually." Strongbow sends ** Sweetleaf looks rather smug about it, too :) Woodhawk nods agreeably. "We didn't know that then, of course. We only knew that we were waking up covered in something strange, with a skyfire storm raging over our heads." Firestar chuckles. Splinterfire listens quietly as the cub curls up in a drowsy bundle in his lap. Trollkiller sends, *Took you long enough. I thought I'd never get that ick out of my hair.* Sleekheart appears from the nearby pathway. Sleekheart has arrived. Woodhawk says "We supposed that a branch had fallen, and had ripped through the cocoon that held us. Whatever had caused the rip, it was enough for us to work our way free, and get the wolves out, too...." Kaer jumps down from the panther's back. Kaer has arrived. Splinterfire looks up with a smile, waving to an old friend. Cloudstreak whurfles, nudging Rillwhisper, who seems faintly distracted. Silversong waves quietly to Kaer. Firestar glances up and smiles brightly at Kaer. Kaer smiles quietly, waving to all. Sweetleaf beckons for the newcomer to sit down and listen to the stories. Rillwhisper smiles, then, to Kaer, and waves him to sit down. "Join the Howl, Cat chief!" Woodhawk smiles - the Howl grows. He continues. Kaer slips into the group and sits. Chitter listens intriguedly to the story. Sweetleaf wonders if Cat elves do howl.... The great brown panther yawns and settles down comfortably. Kaer smiles, listening politely. Woodhawk says "Skyfire was flashing, and the rain made it hard to see. We *thought* we recognized the clearing we were in, but we didn't pay too much attention, for we needed shelter, and quickly." You send ** to Strongbow. Rillwhisper nods earnestly, settling to gaze straight at her elder lifemate, her hand on her wolf's ruff. Strongbow sends ** Woodhawk says "We made our way to a place where the trees cleared, where a river ran past, swollen with the downpour. Skyfire flashed again - and this time *still* isn't all that clear to me. I do remember a crack overhead and a branch that fell and cracked against my skull." Woodhawk grins a little, sheepishly. Wolfrunner smiles. You send *I... I'm fine, archer. * to Strongbow. Woodhawk skitches Trollkiller again. "I'm told I fell into the river, and this one jumped in to pull me free.... " Rillwhisper grins a little, and seems shaky for a moment, perhaps at the memory. "Aye," she says softly, huskily. Trollkiller holds Woodhawk, his arm around his waist. Strongbow sends *You look well. Your tribe looks well.* Woodhawk says "But the currents were too swift for Fuzzy. Next thing I knew I was waking up on a riverbank I didn't know, and my head felt like a tree that had been split in half by some of that same skyfire." Chitter ohs softly at Woodhawk. Woodhawk still looks at ease, although his voice is more earnest as he continues, "What happened then is *mostly* another tale. But it was then that I first knew that somehow Stormwolf had come after us, though I didn't remember that till much later." You send *As do you... at least... better than the last time I saw you....* to Strongbow. Trollelf glances up at the chief. Wolfrunner looks around, and hugs Autumn again, smiling. [Woodhawk says] "And my memory, at least then, picked up again when Wildoak found me. He was Moonfire, then. But no different in nature, High Ones know!" Strongbow sends ** Kaer smiles faintly. Woodhawk hehs, and continues. Splinterfire is confused. "Was Wildoak from the before time too?" Silversong smiles softly. Woodhawk shakes his head, grinning. "No, lad... " Woodhawk says "He was a wanderer, come out of Wolfhaven. Told us he had a mother from Bearclaw's tribe, though...." Splinterfire says "Oh." Sweetleaf shakes his head. "He's my descendant through Morningstar's line, I think." Woodhawk blinkblinks to Sweetleaf? "Really? Hrmm. Need to work that through." He grins, and goes on.... Strongbow winces briefly, perhaps it is the wealth of memory. Rillwhisper glances over at Strongbow again, a little longer this time. Her expression is unfathomable. Firestar smiles and listens, scritching behind the ears of the cub on Splinterfire's lap. Woodhawk says "At any rate, it was Moonfire that found me and patched me up again; I was in a bad way, head still empty and all. It was maybe a hand of days before Rill and Trollkiller finally caught up with me." Kaer gets up quietly and tiptoes out. Kaer sets off up the path to the marshes. Kaer has left. You send ** to Strongbow. Darkwind emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Darkwind walks in gracefully, moving with suppressed speed. Darkwind has arrived. Strongbow nods briefly to Darkwind. Darkwind sits quietly at the far edge of the clearing. Strongbow sends *I am better. You?* Woodhawk says "And it was Moonfire who began to make it clear to us what had happened. Why the trees all felt wrong... why the very *land* looked wrong." Wolfrunner smiles, and nods to darkwind. dead tree-horn has arrived. Darkwind dropped dead tree-horn. Darkwind drags the dead tree-horn to the center, then walks back [to the fringe of the clearing]. You say "It was, simply, time. Time had shaped the land, and changed it beyond our knowing." Chitter wonders if he can have some of the meat? Splinterfire sends *Rill....Darkwind...* Rillwhisper glances to Darkwind and nods levelly to him; she seems to be striving to look at ease, at least for a moment. Darkwind nods to Chitter, it is for everyone. Rillwhisper says quietly, "Thank you, Plains chief. Join the Howl, if you wish." Wolfrunner goes over to the tree horn. Woodhawk nods in greeting to Darkwind, and continues.... You send * I'm well, archer.* to Strongbow. Darkwind sends *I will just watch, for now. It has been a long time since I have witnessed a howl.* Wolfrunner takes out his knife,and pries the mouth open, cutting out the tongue. Trollkiller kneels down and skins the dead tree-horn. Rillwhisper nods to Darkwind, and gestures him to a place where he can sit. Chitter eats some venison. Trollkiller eats some venison. Wolfrunner goes to Rillwhisper, and hands her the tongue, "Chief's portion." Woodhawk says "We talked for a long while. We didn't believe Moonfire at first, of course, because it meant that we'd lost our entire tribe, if what he said was true." Autumn tumbles out of Wolfrunner's lap. Rillwhisper looks up, and smiles a little wanly, but nods her thanks to Wolfrunner. Splinterfire sends * I thought you weren't even going to let him come back here...?* Darkwind sits down, where Rillwhisper indicates, quietly, without word. Strongbow sends ** Trollelf glances down at the dead deer. You send * I-I will tell you more later, cousin.* to Splinterfire. Wolfrunner whispers to Rill. Woodhawk smiles, watching for a moment, and he holds back from the kill as he continues the tale. Wolfrunner whispers "He's apologizing for something." Wolfrunner goes back to sit with Autumn, and nods to Darkwind. Sweetleaf smiles at Darkwind, but does not partake of the deer. Splinterfire frowns slightly. Darkwind sits crosslegged, spear beside him. Woodhawk says "We knew that if we were going to prove the truth of Moonfire's words, we'd have to go find the old Holt, where Redbear's folk had been. We went searching, the four of us." Silversong justs sits quietly where she's been for a while now. Rillwhisper smiles a little, lopsidedly, for no apparent reason. Wolfrunner cuts some deer, and hands some to Autumn. [Woodhawk says] "And we *did* find the Holt. Or at least, where we thought the Holt should be. The trees were different there, too. The itchgrass circle was gone, though we found occasional plants of the stuff. The stream that flowed past our Holt had become a wide, flowing river." Chitter listens in curiously. Trollkiller rubs Woodhawk's back. Woodhawk's gaze is a little distant, but his voice is still clear as he continues: "And we *knew* the place was right. The den-trees had died... too much time... but the place still tingled with old, old, magic, and we thought... that we could feel brief questing touches. Maybe from the spirits of our tribesfolk, we never knew. Woodhawk smiles around to Trollkiller. Trollelf watches as people eat the meat raw, swallows a bit, and quietly settles back against the tree again. Rillwhisper nibbles absently at the tongue of the deer, her expression pensive.... Chitter glances up at Trollelf, still chewing on his bit. *What's the matter?* Woodhawk says "And it was then that we *truly* knew. That we realized also that we couldn't stay there.... so we turned round and came back towards Sun-Goes-Down, though the path we followed was really without forethought. Eventually, we came here." Trollelf just shakes his head. Rillwhisper glances to Sweetleaf, and smiles. Woodhawk also grins to the treeshaper. "We found the grove of willow trees, and this huge, grand one" - he reaches up, gesturing to the sweeping branches overhead - "The biggest willow we'd ever seen in our lives. And the place was rich with magic." Rillwhisper giggles a little. "Was convinced the place felt familiar," she murmurs. Firestar grins. Sweetleaf chuckles slightly, laying one hand affectionately on the old willow's roots. Woodhawk nodnods. "The magic felt familiar, and even so often, we'd catch hints of a scent we thought we knew. The entire grove felt welcoming - we could find no reason we could not stay here." Woodhawk says "We journeyed round the territory, to make sure... and it was in that journeying that we came across another Holt, not *too* far away. A Holt led by a young elf who felt like a chief to us despite his years: Cutter." No-fur giggles and nodnodnods. Woodhawk glances over to Strongbow, grinning quirkily. "They, um, thought I was you, when we first visited. At least as long as it took for me to open my mouth and say something." Rillwhisper reddens a little... but smiles. Strongbow's lip twitches slightly. Splinterfire smiles a bit, glancing at the Archer. Darkwind sits back, quietly surveying everyone. Firestar pointedly ignores Strongbow. Strongbow seems vastly unperturbed by this. Trollkiller sends * You sing better. :-)* Woodhawk looks round to Firestar and Silversong, too. "We made other friends, there, as well. And we verified that we were far enough away that the wolves of the Forbidden Grove would not be hindered by four new wolves moving into the vicinity. Four, not three, for Moonfire wanted to stay with us." You send * * to Trollkiller. Silversong smiles softly at Woodhawk. Splinterfire nods to Firestar, then his glances strays past Darkwind momentarily. Woodhawk says "And in those days we told ourselves, 'We should make a new Holt!' But, if we were to have a new Holt, we needed a chief. I couldn't do it - Trollkiller and Moonfire would not. That left Rill." Firestar nods to Woodhawk. "Some stories more familiar than coincidence would warrent, too, it seemed." Rillwhisper remains slightly reddened, but she chuckles wanly. Chitter smiles quietly as he listens. Woodhawk flashes a grin to Firestar. "Aye, flame-sister! But it was Rill who had gotten us out of the wrapstuff, Rill who guided Trollkiller down the river, looking for me.... Rill who guided us to the Old Holt and back again." Woodhawk says "The first Howl under these branches was for when we put Rillwhisper's hair in the topknot - and it was then that we finally *did* catch up with Sweetleaf." Sweetleaf smiles rather indulgently at his sister. "And it's nice to have a chieftess in our family again." No-fur bounces up and down and yells cheerfully, "Ayooooooooaaah, Mother!" Rillwhisper's grin widens, although she's not quite looking at anybody in particular. Autumn watches No-fur and snuggles against Wolfrunner s'more. Strongbow sends *Yours is a story well told.* Sweetleaf adds -- "I'd heard them howling, of course -- after five thousand years, I thought I was dreaming their voices! So I set out to find them, and here they were in my own old willow." Trollkiller nods. *It was more than surprising...* Woodhawk says "Others joined us: Moonfire's lovemate Duskshadow. Firestar. Songmaker, and her sister ShatterHeart - two more who'd known Bearclaw's tribe. Chitter, who Recognized Duskshadow and made us the first cub of the Willowholt. And still others." Sweetleaf runs a hand through his silvery hair. *At least I hadn't grown facefur!* Rillwhisper laughs, finally. "I could never imagine you with facefur, brother! Leaves, maybe!" Silversong smiles quietly. Wolfrunner smiles sadly. You send ** to Strongbow. Sweetleaf pulls a trailing branch of the willow across his face moustache-style. Woodhawk grins widely, as No-fur falls over giggling hysterically against Scamper. Sweetleaf tickles the boy-cub with the flexible willow-branch. Trollkiller snorts. *Sooner or later, he's going to grow roots.* Chitter smiles quietly at his name. You sense in a send, Strongbow Autumn smiles and pats Wolfrunner's cheek. Woodhawk glances over to Rillwhisper and finishes, "It's Rill we Howl for. Rill, who has helped us bind in this new, *now*-time, with the elves who know it better than we." Sweetleaf smiles at Trollkiller. *I tried that, but I never could quite get it to work. Plants just made so much more sense...* Sweetleaf nods at Woodhawk. "For our Chieftess Rillwhisper!" Firestar says "For Rillwhisper!" No-fur giggleSHRIEKS, tickled, and then leaps to his feet and *howls* for his mother! He has had maybe a dreamberry too many, though, and he sways, and falls down again. But his young voice continues undauntedly. "Ayoooaaaaaaaaaah!" Silversong giggles quietly. Trollkiller giggles and pounces over at No-fur. *Ha!* Trollelf smirks a bit as he watches No-fur. Darkwind sits back, and listens. Autumn giggles softly, *No-fur topples like the snow from the branches in a strong wind!* Trollkiller blows into No-fur's stomach. Wolfrunner howls for his wolf-cousin. Sweetleaf takes a handful of dreamberries to moisten his throat, and joins his voice to the howl. Rillwhisper's eyes are bright as she looks up. "And we have more stories, even, more of the songs that come together to make the melody of the tribe. Are there more stories, cousins? Add them to the Howl!" Splinterfire joins the howl for Rillwhisper. Trollkiller stops playing, looks serious for once, and howls long and deeply. Darkwind looks uncomfortable, but sits quiet and still. Chitter winces at the noise, but continues to. Woodhawk smiles as he howls, and glances quickly around the clearing to make the candles burn brightly, radiantly, in differing colors. Rillwhisper smiles round to the listeners who do not live among the willows... though her gaze lingers on quiet Strongbow, off in the shadows. Wolfrunner wolf-sends *Ayyyoooaaaahhhhhhh* Trollelf glances around as he listens to the howl. The howls ring through the night, affirming the tribe's identity, its bonds, its ties to *then* and *now*. Wolfrunner thinks he's the only non-member howling ;) Strongbow rises quietly. Chitter ponders the candles puzzledly. No-fur falls over against his father, and lets off a yawn. Strongbow sends *I must go. I will be in the woods.* Strongbow slips quietly into the woods. Firestar leans against Splinterfire lightly. She watches the candles, making the ones nearest her flicker. Wolfrunner looks at Firestar, and smiles warmly. Silkypaws emerges from the willow tree. Silkypaws has arrived. Rillwhisper blinkblinks, glancing after the archer as he departs.... but, as the night continues and the howls and sendings go on, she does not seem discomfited. Firestar smiles back at Wolfrunner, the candles nearest him flairing for a moment before settling back. Silversong scritches Silkypaws as she pads by her. :) Silkypaws flops down at Sweetleaf's feet, proudly begins consuming a large mouse. Darkwind stands up and walks off to the edge of the forest, and stands there, quietly. Rillwhisper hops up onto the log again and pulls out her flute, beginning to play. Sweetleaf skitches his pretty little wolf. "A good night's hunting, little dear?" Trollelf glances over at Rill as he listens to her flute. Silversong looks up at Rill, listening. Wolfrunner gently puts Autum next to the she-wolf next to him, and explains to her to to watch Autumn. Splinterfire smiles at Firestar. Firestar lets out a howl and hops up. She holds out her hands to Splinterfire before spinning away, dancing past Wolfrunner. Splinterfire follows Firestar up, but looks a tad confused. Silversong quietly sends, ``May I join you?'', picturing her own somewhat unusual flute. Wolfrunner stands up, and makes his way to stand next to Darkwind. Wolfrunner laughs. Sweetleaf looks fondly at his sister and her flute, then takes the trailing willow-branch in his hands and begins to *shape*.... Darkwind stare at Wolfrunner, almost confusedly. Wolfrunner smiles. You send to Silversong, Rillwhisper smiles. Please do. Firestar laughs happily and takes Splinterfire's hands. *Listen, Splinterfire! Hear the music! Follow it!* No-fur curls up by his Fur-father, watching wide-eyed and happily. Woodhawk smiles, and plays with the candle-light, making it flicker red-gold-yellow, red-gold-yellow. Silversong smiles up at Rillwhisper, and nods, pulling her own flute-- a smallish, twopiped wood 'thing' -- out of her pouch, and begins to play along with Rill. Splinterfire cocks his head, and listens to the music, as instructed, but doesn't dance. He's concentrating to hard on the sounds. Firestar spins Splinterfire and laughs again. *The Gobacks dance! It's their Howl! Don't listen, love, -feel-* Trollkiller lightly brushes No-fur's face. Rillwhisper continues to play, her eyes sparkling as she watches the others. Trollelf quietly works at a carving as he half watches the dancing and listens to the music. Wolfrunner laughs at Firestar's sends, "dance SplinterFire" Chitter wonders what's up with this howling thing? Splinterfire smiles, and attempts to follow the dance, somewhat awkwardly. *I should play the harp...* Silversong giggles quietly in her sending, playing softly as her fingers seem to dance over the holes in her wooden 'flute'. Darkwind shrugs. Chitter smiles, enjoying the music immensely. Woodhawk grins to Trollkiller, and smiles warmly to No-fur as the youngling mutters, "'Mnot sleeply." The willow bends and grows in the treeshaper's hands, forming a broad, hollow cylinder with a thin skin of bark across the top.... Firestar smiles at Splinterfire, she spins away, in a close circle. Her movements quick, and smooth...like the wind through the willow fronds... Sweetleaf breaks the new drum gently from the parent tree, and adds a rhythm to Rillwhisper's song. Wolfrunner sighs fondly. Trollkiller sends * Of course not ...* Chitter closes his eyes and relaxes against his log, Yammer standing guard once more, though less violently. Trollelf blinks a bit as he watches the drum formed from the tree. You send ** to Trollkiller. Splinterfire dances with Firestar, slowly picking up the rhythm. Wolfrunner looks up to sweetleaf, and smiles. Sweetleaf smiles indulgently at Trollelf. *Willow-wood is fine stuff, very resonant....* Woodhawk's eyes sparkle golden; he sits back making little star-cousins around the candles here and there about the clearing. Trollelf shrugs a bit and nods to Sweetleaf. Trollkiller sends * He's growing up fast now...* Firestar's hair flows behind her, red catching the light of the fire and the candles, flickering. She throws her head back and howls, leaping up, then landing lightly and spinning again. Rillwhisper plays on, her piping flute's voice blending with the beat of the drum and the twinkle of the candlelight. Wolfrunner smiles, nodding approvingly. From atop Chitter, Yammer rummages in Chitter's carrypack, and has a quick snack to fortify herself. You send * Aye...! Shooting up like a moonweed!* to Trollkiller. Silkypaws darts in and out around the dancers, yipping and playing.... Silversong plays softly along with Rill, the two-piped flute seeming to give forth a sound like two separate flutes playing in harmony. Firestar laughs and keeps ahead of Silkypaws. She passes Splinterfire, trailing her hand along his arm. Trollelf watches all this curiously. Sweetleaf springs up trying to catch Firestar's bright trailing hair! Rillwhisper glances over to the quiet carver and smiles to him, sending openly over her playing, *Stranger, welcome to the Willowholt!* Chitter flicks his foot slightly, the only sign he's awake. Sweetleaf tugs Firestar's hair gently, and joins the dance. Sweetleaf ...still keeping time on the little drum. Trollelf nods to Rillwhisper. Splinterfire dances to catch up with Firestar, but stops, as his head spins a bit. He shakes it. Splinterfire says "Too many dreamberries....." Trollkiller sends * I wonder who he'll first sleep with...* Sweetleaf laughs. "Not enough mushrooms!" Trollelf smirks a bit at Splinterfire ... and at the elves' weakness for dreamberries in general. You send * You'd wonder that, wouldn't you, Fuzzy?* to Trollkiller. Wolfrunner bows slightly to Darkwind, and steps forward into the circle, easily picking up Firestar's rhythm. Firestar smiles at Sweetleaf, grasping his hand, then pulling away. She flashes a grin at Splinterfire, *Trollkiller will help you work it off, I'm sure!* Trollkiller sends * Yep!* Darkwind stands at the edge of the trees. Splinterfire grins at Sweetleaf. And then looks to Firestar. *I'll play you a song.* Trollkiller sends openly *Yep!* Sweetleaf mock-chases Firestar, helped by the pursuing Silkypaws. Trollkiller reaches over carefully, as not to awaken No-fur, and pops another dreamberry. Wolfrunner laughs and shakes his head.. Silversong continues to play happily, watching everyone. Rillwhisper glances over to Darkwind, and swings the send of welcome around to him, as well, making a point of it. Splinterfire sits by Trollkiller, and brings out an oddly shaped piece of wood, which, Willowholters at least, recognize as a harp. Splinterfire dropped Harp. Sweetleaf beckons to Darkwind, "Come and dance! Or are those long legs only for walking after all?" Firestar laughs brightly, keeping just out of Sweetleaf's reach. Her dance is broken with quick leaps and hops. She moves like the sparks that the fire throws off. Chitter gazes up at the dance a moment, and his face twitches. Then he returns to his repose. Sweetleaf dances after the Firestarter, languid and graceful as the willow's branches, but somehow never falling far behind her.... Wolfrunner seems to dance to a different music than what's playing.. yet always, the aspect of the wolf never leaves him. Splinterfire strums on the harp, adding a new, rich sound to the fluting in the clearing. Trollelf hmms, pulls out a strange looking carving and compares it to the dancing elves, then nahs and puts it away again. Darkwind shakes his head politely. Darkwind stays by the trees. Rillwhisper nods then, earnestly, to the Plains chief, across her flute, and plays on. Trollelf glances over in Darkwind's direction curiously, shrugs a bit, and resumes his carving. Firestar turns, facing Sweetleaf, but dancing away. Her arms are out, enticing him to catch her. Silkypaws leaps up between Sweetleaf and Firestar, almost knocking both of them over. Firestar laughs brightly! Trollelf grins a bit. Wolfrunner laughs, as he dances, every once in a while, getting close to Firestar, then pulling away. Silkypaws turns around to jump on her elf-friend, seeming to dance with him, her forepaws on his shoulders and her tongue trying frantically to lick his face. Trollkiller leans over and nuzzles Splinterfire. Sweetleaf dances with the wolf no less gracefully than after the Firestarter! Trollelf grins a bit and shakes his head at the wolf's antics. Stormwolf appears from the nearby pathway. Stormwolf has arrived. Splinterfire's harping quickens, as his eyes unfocus slightly, and the music deepens, resonating. Unconsciously, he /sends/ as he plays, sends a harmony to the harp and flutes that echos through the clearing. Stormwolf glances around, surprised. Woodhawk seems to lose himself in a pleasant trance as he makes small warm flickers of light in the air - higher than the candles, but never touching anyone, or any of the dangling branches. Firestar smiles and spins, turning to follow are Wolfrunner, moving from the hunted to the hunter. Sleekheart has left. Stormwolf sniffs. "Lots of smells. Lots of people." Darkwind walks out, quietly... Silversong follows with the harmony, playing her duopipe. Chitter blinks, feeling the sending, and smiles softly. You send *Thank you for the meat, Plains chief.* to Darkwind. Darkwind sends openly *Revel in this time, wolfrunners...this is what your tribe is about...enjoy.* Trollkiller sends openly *Hey, look who shows up!* Darkwind smiles as he leaves, nodding to Rillwhisper. Silkypaws drops from Sweetleaf's shoulders, trotting over to lick at Stormwolf's hands. Squirrel has left. Stormwolf definitely does _not_ pick up the cute little squirrel, and doesn't eat it, either. Darkwind vanishes into the trees, going around the nearby pond. Darkwind has left. No-fur sleepily and contently nuzzles against his Fur-father. Wolfrunner dances away, although once, turning into Firestar, and kissing her nose before she realizes she's been had. Woodhawk smiles to Stormwolf, making pale blue flickers near him in the air. Firestar laughs and stops, turns and heads the other way, eventually catching Wolfrunner long enough to tickle him! Stormwolf looks around and his eyes fall on Wolfrunner. He approaches him and sniffs. "Who are you?" Sweetleaf whispers to Woodhawk, "Try orange -- he likes orange!" Woodhawk grins wryly, and makes orange sparkles, then. Wolfrunner smiles, and he dances, "I'm Wolfrunner, son of Frostwind, grandson of Timmain." Stormwolf looks a bit startled at the sparkling air, but keeps looking at Wolfrunner. Stormwolf says "Do you live here too?" Wolfrunner shakes his head, as he dances to a peculiar song, "no.. one I love does" Splinterfire sends *(sent to woodhawk, who must be puppeted, couldn't reach him. :) ....time....the fire....with the music....would....look very nice.....* Stormwolf says "Oh", and, his curiosity satisfied, he starts looking around the clearing again. Chitter watches the elves making merry, and smiles softly. Splinterfire leans into the harp a bit, his awareness of all except the music sliding away. Stormwolf spies Chitter sitting off to the side, and approaches, sniffing. Firestar smiles at Wolfrunner and kisses him briefly. She flumps down after another two passes, next to Splinterfire and pants, laughing happily! Firestar nuzzles Splinterfire and leans across him to hug Trollkiller. You send * Heh... I'm trying, lad....* to Splinterfire. Silversong sends a soft smile over at Stormwolf, since her lips are busy playing her 'flute'. :) Trollkiller nuzzles Firestar. *Hi!* Sweetleaf sits down again beside the musicians, his hands raising a swift countertime on the drum... Stormwolf looks down at Chitter and says "You are a stranger too." Chitter glances over at Stormwolf. *Hi.* Trollkiller snorts. *not as strange as you are, Stormie...* Firestar giggles and nuzzles Trollkiller back. She runs her fingers lightly along Splinterfire's arm. Firestar has, obviously, picked up a habit or two from the GoBacks. :) Trollelf can't help but grin a bit, briefly. Chitter says *Can I help you?* Stormwolf says "You are a stranger. Why are you here?" Wolfrunner says "Me?" Sweetleaf says to Stormwolf, "We were howling -- Rillwhisper asked some friends from other tribes to join us." Stormwolf says "Oh. So the strange elves don't live here then?" Splinterfire plays on a bit, but then slows, finally bringing his hands to rest even as his send-music quiets, he seems unaware of having even done that. Chitter looks puzzled. *But I live here.* Sweetleaf shrugs. "Some of them stay around longer than others; I think a few have actually moved in." Splinterfire looks to Firestar and Trollkiller with a smile. *Tired.* Stormwolf says "Oh. OK. Why don't they live with their tribes?" Trollkiller sends openly *You remember, Stormwolf, like Lightheart.* Sweetleaf says "I guess they've decided to join on with us." Stormwolf says "Oh - they are from Freefoot's tribe?" Trollkiller sends openly *No, they're from other tribes. But they came here like Lightheart did.* Chitter looks puzzled. Splinterfire looks up to Stormwolf. "Chitter was alone before he came here to be with us. My old tribe mostly is split apart and wandering. All whom I care for are here." Sweetleaf adds, *And Starfeather, and Longstep.* Trollelf arches an eyebrow slightly as Stormwolf questions strangers. Stormwolf says "Who is Chitter?" Trollkiller points at Chitter. Firestar kisses Splinterfire's cheek and hugs Trollkiller again. She goes over and kisses Wolfrunner too then excuses herself. Autumn's fallen asleep against the she-wolf's side. Stormwolf says "Oh, him. Why were you alone?" Splinterfire waves, but misses...Firestar. :) Chitter says *Why not?* Wolfrunner nods, and smiles, "rill, I should head back north.." Stormwolf says "Well... it's lonely. And cold. And harder to hunt." Splinterfire strokes Trollkiller's neck and back. Rillwhisper looks up, and smiles to Wolfrunner. She lowers her flute and says, "Clear paths, then, friend." Trollelf just sits back against the tree and quietly observes. Silversong lowers her flute, and smiles at Wolfrunner. Splinterfire says "Good journey, Wolfrunner." Trollkiller mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmms. Chitter ohs, that sort of alone. *I was warm enough, and had company. And I can't hunt.* Splinterfire says "Are you sure you must go so soon?" Stormwolf says "So someone else hunted for you? Why can't you hunt? Are you broken?" Chitter frowns slightly at that. *No, I scavenged. And I can't hunt because I feel the death of things.* Wolfrunner smiles, and nods. Stormwolf says "Scavenged? You ate already dead things? What is "feel the death"? Is that like cold?" Wolfrunner disappears into the shadows. Wolfrunner has left. Stormwolf is now utterly ignoring everyone else in the clearing. Trollelf arches an eyebrow a bit. Sweetleaf frowns at Stormwolf. "One needn't hunt to eat, you know." From atop Chitter, Yammer bristles at Stormwolf's pushiness Stormwolf doesn't appear to hear Sweetleaf. Chitter pets Yammer gently. -Easy now,- he halfsends, and she [relaxes]. Trollelf smirks, "You heavy dreamberry eaters should know that quite well." Stormwolf looks at the squirrel. "You have food?" Rillwhisper slips up, to get her sleeping boycub and take him into the tree. Chitter says *And as for feeling death, it's a pain... a pain of a piece of you dying with it.* Stormwolf says "Oh. It hurts for you to hunt? So you are broken." Splinterfire sends *Chieftess. What of the plainsrunner, then?* Chitter frowns slightly. *That implies I need to be fixed.* Stormwolf says "Well, yes. So you can hunt." Rillwhisper returns, and settles down by Woodhawk, eyeing the others in the clearing. She sends openly: Rillwhisper sends openly *Peace, friends. Chitter, Stormwolf... doesn't know.* Chitter blinks at Rillwhisper. *Doesn't know what? Trollelf yawns and stretches. You say "About the new ones which have come to the tribe. He... wanders often." Chitter ohs, okay. Gazing at Stormwolf, he says, *But I don't want to hunt.* Stormwolf says "You _like_ eating old food?" Chitter says *Not old -meat-, no. I just don't kill it myself.* Stormwolf says "Doesn't your wolf like to hunt? Do you let the wolf do all the hunt, and then you eat the kill too?" Chitter doesn't have a wolf. Splinterfire says "Now that Chitter is with the tribe, he does not need to hunt. We can hunt for him, and he finds us herbs for healing, and for eating." Chitter has a squirrelfriend. From atop Chitter, Yammer waves a paw. Stormwolf says "A squirrelfriend? Squirrels are good." Trollelf gets to his feet and quietly wanders off. Trollelf has left. Splinterfire snuggles a bit closer to Trollkiller, watching Stormwolf and Chitter. Sweetleaf watches Stormwolf and Chitter, apparently amused. [Visit of Rillsong to the Willowholt, and news of the need for someone able to 'go out' to help an elf whose spirit had been seperated from his body (WindStalker) deleted. Blythe, connecting, ponders going to aid, but decides her skills are too meager; news comes later that WindStalker had been successfully helped. Woodhawk, Splinterfire, and Trollkiller, the latter two rather happily giddy from the dreamberries consumed during the Howl and the dancing, eventually chase each other into the Old Willow. Rillwhisper, having vanished into the trees after seeing No-fur to his den to sleep, settles with her wolf-friend on the hillside by the main clearing. Blythe, restless after hearing the news of the elf whose spirit was trapped outside his body, goes to seek her out. They converse, about the silent archer who showed up at the Howl, and Rillwhisper resolves to go and seek him out.... End log.]