Log Date: November 1994 Log Explanation: This is the third roleplayed Howl at the Willowholt, held to honor the death of Firestar, as well as the return of Duskshadow to the tribe. Willowholt tribesmembers present included Rillwhisper, Trollkiller, Woodhawk, No-fur, Zalen, Pwyll, Joy, Chitter, Duskshadow, Songmaker, Crystal, and Rainfire; Sweetleaf and Splinterfire were spoofed by permission. Visiting the Howl briefly was Startoucher, chief of the Cavedwellers. ---------- Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** It is time to Howl, tribe... gather in the clearing! ** Rainfire sits on the log, his fingers being enthusiastically nipped by a pair of playful wolfcubs. Crystal sends to the whole tribe ** Ayoooah! ** No-fur arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Silversong drops down from the branch above. Silversong smiles quietly. No-fur tumbles into the clearing. :) Crystal arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Trollkiller drops down from the branch above. Trollkiller bounces down and nibbles on Rainfire, too. :-) Rillwhisper smiles, as the tribe gathers.... No-fur nuzzles his mother, then his father, and looks around for his other father. Pwyll emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Woodhawk drops down from the branch above. Crystal smiles! But as he looks around, his smile fades somewhat ** Anyone seen Acorn? ** Trollkiller nibbles Woodhawk, too. Rainfire mrrs and licks Trollkiller affectionately. No-fur ahs, there he is. He nuzzles Woodhawk. Zalen emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Pwyll races into the clearing, with a broad grin on his face, and looking backward from time to time. He skids to a stop at sight of all the elves in the clearing, though. Rillwhisper leaps up onto the log, noting the faces of her gathering tribe. "I haven't seen several of us.... but I hope that we can have a Howl, anyway!" Woodhawk smiles to his son, and scritches his shoulder. Crystal hrmms ** Guess she's still out hunting, then. ** Clearing by the Old Willow(#123RHJ) This clearing, last among the trees before the land changes slowly to marshes, is dominated by an impossibly massive willow tree. Much of the ancient tree 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, elf-scent and wolf-scent, earth and the occasional whiff of fire. The fallen log by the tree, the quietly gurgling 'fountain' off to one side, the willow's gnarled roots, and even the soft earth underfoot encourage one to sit and sing or speak or send... or just to watch and listen. The entire area is tinged with a gentle, subtle sense of magic and age, centered upon the giant tree. To the south, the land slopes gently uphill. A path runs from Sun-Goes-Up to Sun-Goes-Down, with the nearby marshes lying off in the former direction and the more secluded parts of the Holt in the latter. Just off to the northeast, past the fountain, is a small pond. Contents: Zalen Woodhawk(#45POUXep) Pwyll Trollkiller Crystal Silversong No-fur Rainfire Kraheera Snowdust Littlewisp Nightruff Squirrel Hollow log Obvious exits: Hillside Branch Path Old Willow Starwillow Copse Marsh Pond Zalen says "Dawn is fast asleep from long nights of trying to make beads. She may be with us; I don't know." Crystal plops down on the log. Rillwhisper looks around again... and, not seeing Chitter or Duskshadow, she smiles regretfully. "Anyone know if Chitter and Duskshadow are untangled from their den...?" She nods to Zalen... Zalen sits on a rock and smiles, watching Pwyll's energetic nature. Rainfire grins, sitting next to Trollkiller. No-fur giggles, winking at his mother. *I think they're awake. At least, I heard noises there a bit ago...* Zalen says "I haven't seen /either/ of them for almost a moon." No-fur giggles merilly. Pwyll turns around in a half-circle, and lopes over to the rock Zalen sits on, clambering to sit either in his lap or beside him. Wherever there's room. Trollkiller nods. *That sounds about right. Duskshadow _has_ been one for a while.* Trollkiller looks at Pwyll. Crystal chuckles. Chitter arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Zalen brushes out Pwyll's hair with his fingers. No-fur sends openly ** Chitter! ** Trollkiller sends, *Ah, he can still walk!* Rillwhisper smiles softly. "I would expect," she says, "that if I did not see my Recognized for yturns of the seasons, I would want to stay with... ah, Chitter!" No-fur jumps Chitter and nuzzles him viciously. :) Rainfire giggles. Woodhawk grins, leaning against the Old Willow. His eyes glitter a little, and the temperature around him rises a little, offsetting the cold Whitecold air. Chitter wanders in curiously, then nearly falls over as No-fur assaults... wait... no... it's affectionate. Right. Yeah. Adrenaline can stand down now. (: Woodhawk> Trollkiller whispers "So far 'way?" Trollkiller giggles. Crystal grins slightly, watching Chitter 'n No-Fur. Rillwhisper's eyes shine, solemnly, if happy... Woodhawk flicks a grin to Trollkiller, and paces over near him, still warming the air with a whiff of his magic. Rillwhisper stands, where she can be seen, on the log... ** My tribe, we have many reasons to Howl... so shall we do so? ** Pwyll grins and squirms, heedless of his father's combing. Trollkiller yips! No-fur doesn't answer, instead, just throws back his head and lets out an energetic howl into the night air. Woodhawk nods, a half-solemn smile curving his face, to his chieftess-mate. Rainfire looks up at Rill from his place and then up at the bright hanging moons. You sense in a locksend, Trollkiller sends proudly, ** _He's_ grown up well, hasn't he. ** Chitter just smiles distantly, finding a place on the log and sitting on it. You locksend ** ** to Trollkiller. Trollkiller skitches Rainfire and Woodhawk's backs. Rillwhisper lifts her face to the sky and Howls, herself, while sending a warm sense of communion, to those tribe without wolf-blood. Zalen rests his hands on Pwyll's shoulders and smiles at the sounds, eyes brimming large with warmpth. Crystal smiles, and joins in the howl, throwing his head back, his howl part of the tribe-howl. Trollkiller howls in, loud and rough. Rainfire tips his head back and howls, low and resonant in the night air. As the howls of the Willowholt fill the clear winter night, another figure arrives from the trees.... Sweetleaf, smiling benignly, and murmuring, "Oh my, I thought I heard noises gathering... " Chitter glances curiously up at Sweetleaf. Sweetleaf's figure is pleasantly rumpled, his clothing strewn with bit sof leaf and bark. He smiles warmly, and says, "I hope you haven't had trouble gathering the dreamberries.... " Trollkiller howls at Sweetleaf, surprised that he's here, but glad about it. Rillwhisper smiles to her brother, and Woodhawk grins, making a place for the treeshaper. Pwyll giggles and whispers to Zalen. Sweetleaf settles his ethereal frame down with a slowness that speaks of both his usual languor, as well as his great age. Behind him, a few of the wolves gather, their howls lifting into the night. Silversong smiles quietly. Chitter rubs absently at his shoulder, the Howl bringing to mind memories of young friends absent. Silversong settles down into her usual spot beside the willow, observing. Rillwhisper sends openly ** Sweetleaf, I'm glad we roused you...! We need your dreamberries, brother, for the memories.... ** Zalen whispers back to his child. Chitter frowns faintly at the memory those words bring. Crystal looks out to the marsh, hoping his lifemate will arrive soon. The Holt's ancient treeshaper inclines his head, and produces a pouch, with appropriate ceremony. "Many memories to discuss tonight," he says gently. Pwyll blinks, and swivels around to squint at Sweetleaf. Rillwhisper, as her brother passes the pouch to Trollkiller, sends to all, ** Many memories, both sad and pleasant... let us Howl, first, for the sad memories. For the passing of our cousin Firestar. ** Trollkiller nummies! and, taking out a small handful, pops two into his mouth and hands a third and fourth to Woodhawk and Rainfire. Silversong looks down, murmuring something to herself. No-fur ponders begging father for a handful. :) Startoucher appears from the nearby pathway. Startoucher wanders in. DriftStalker lopes in and goes to Startoucher's side. Woodhawk's brown eyes are grave, but it's the look of a sadness that does not weigh too heavily... the comfort of the knowledge that death is the Way. ** For Firestar, ** he agrees, the whiff of his magic about him growing a little stronger. Startoucher smiles at everyone. ** Greetings, all... ** Trollkiller hands the bag on to Rainfire, next in the circle, after offering more to Woodhawk. Crystal nods.... Rainfire takes the berry from Trollkiller and chews thoughtfully, passing the bag onward up to Silversong. Rillwhisper, where she stands on her log, looks up at the arrival of the Cavedweller chieftain. ** Startoucher, hello... ** Chitter glances curiously at the newcomer. Startoucher smiles at Rillwhisper. ** Hello, my friend... Duskshadow told me of your howl... might I join you? ** No-fur tilts his head, also. Pwyll blinks and scoots closer to Zalen's side. Rillwhisper gestures around the circle. ** Cavedweller chief, we Howl this night, and I think you'll know the reasons why. Sit, join us, please. ** She smiles solemnly, and adds to her tribefolk, ** Startoucher, chief of the Cavedwellers, will remember Firestar for whom we howl. ** Zalen keeps his arm around Pwyll's shoulder. Chitter ohs. Woodhawk nods to the newly arrived Startoucher. Crystal blinks, starting to get up, at the new arrival. Then, he smiles, and relaxes again ** Heyla, Startoucher ** Startoucher's face falls a bit at the mention of Firestar, and he sits in the circle. Sweetleaf, sitting casually in his place in the circle, inclines his head placidly to the new arrival, and suggests, "Someone pass him the dreamberries." Trollkiller throws one to Startoucher, who is further down the circle. Startoucher catches the berry in his mouth, and chews. Rillwhisper nods... and sends ** Firestar... the younger of our fire-makers... soul-sister to me, and to Woodhawk. Warrior, huntress, mother. We Howl for her this night. ** Rainfire closes his eyes, mind unfolding to blend and merge with the memories of the circle aided by the warmth and tingle of the dreamberry. Woodhawk nods, a single slow grave nod, as he lifts a hand slightly... and the small firepit in the center of the clearing flares into life at the mention of Firestar's name. Startoucher swallows the berry and closes his eyes, relaxing against something. Zalen looks high into the clear, crisp night sky. Sweetleaf languidly chews on one of his own berries, letting his sister's sendings set the mood and tone of the shared memories. The chieftess sends the image of Firestar, a dainty but wiry maiden, red-haired, blue-eyed... with a feel of fire about her even stronger than that of Woodhawk's magic. Pwyll looks around, frowning tinily. Trollkiller's eyes close, and he rocks back and forth a little, dreamberries in the snow before him. Chitter leans back on his log, remembering Firestar in his own way. Crystal mmmms softly, thoughtfully, looking into the fire. Rillwhisper sends openly ** Some of you have seen little of her, in the time that you have been with us in the tribe... but she was one of the first to claim the name of Willowholt, and we remember her well, we who have been in the Holt since the beginning. ** Startoucher nods a bit and shudders in memory... memory being such a dangerous thing to an aging Cavedweller... Rillwhisper turns to Woodhawk, and sends to him, ** My mate, you who shared Firestar's magic, share with us what you remember. ** Trollkiller nods, sadly, now looking down again. He takes another berry and puts it into his mouth. Silversong looks up at Startoucher, and nods slightly, before returning to observing the circle. Woodhawk nods to his chieftess, one hand still extended towards the fire. There's a look of slight effort about his mouth, as the flames before him flicker in a strange pattern... shaping, it seems, the sent image of the subject of the Howl. Startoucher murmurs, "Firestar..." a bit to himself, his eyes glazing a bit. Rainfire sits quietly, awash in the flow and tide of the memories of those present. Woodhawk says softly, "She had even stronger magic than mine, and it sometimes was almost too much for her to bear. I think that's what called her soul to Zarhan Fastfire's, when they finally made Autumn... what called her to go to the cold north places, to try to forge her fire into a force she could control." Startoucher nods, remembering... Silversong nods quietly, recalling. Zalen watches the others, looking apart and unnoticed save his son against him. Chitter listens quietly. As Woodhawk speaks, there's a brief shadow in the trees as a figure lingers there, but not coming forth. Splinterfire, and the yellow Preserver Sunbright, can be seen briefly... but Splinterfire's expression is distant, and he seems to wish to go unremarked. Trollkiller locksends to Splinterfire ** ? ** Woodhawk goes on softly, "But she died bravely... and I think that she at last DID make her fire a true part of her soul." Startoucher blinks suddenly. Splinterfire locksends ** ** to Trollkiller. Trollkiller locksends ** <&woodhawk> Trollkiller suppresses a giggle, and you can sense this. An image of a charred bear is attached before it can be stepped upon. ** Startoucher locksends ** ~~~~~Complete fear and despair~~~~~ ** Chitter ohs faintly. Trollkiller nods at Zalen. Startoucher locksends ** High Ones! Have I been gone so long? Have I been that far gone? ** Crystal nods slightly, silently. Pwyll looks up at Zalen, and blinks eyes gone wide with touches of the somber emotions of the rest. Startoucher locksends ** I did not know she was dead! ** Woodhawk smirks briefly for no apparent reason at Trollkiller, before sending, his smirk fading, ** She died saving me from that bear... and I will Howl her death. ** Trollkiller's eyes tear, water dripping from their edges. Rillwhisper glances briefly at Startoucher, her green eyes reflecting sympathy and sorrow. Zalen frowns noticably, lowing his face from the skies again. ** Bear. ** He doesn't mean to send it. You locksend ** Been in the Now, cave-chief? ** to Startoucher. You sense something awry with Startoucher... as if his mind let something slip. Startoucher locksends ** Not in some time, 'Ree... High Ones, I have missed... I have been elsewhen. ** Silversong looks up at the sky, gazing at the very thing that provided the nickname she gave Firestar. ** Starlight... ** Startoucher stands up. Rillwhisper smiles sadly to Woodhawk, and turns round the circle... ** What more memories can be shared of our cousin? ** Startoucher sends openly ** My apologies... I think I best leave... ** Rillwhisper glances to Startoucher, and nods gravely... Trollkiller blinks at Startoucher, confused. Zalen says "She was kind and quiet. I rarely heard her speak But when she did it came from her soul." Startoucher locksends ** I must go... I am leaving myself behind again, and I do not want to ruin your howl... Bloody tr.... where in Softrock's name am I... ** Startoucher sets off up the path to the marshes. DriftStalker takes off after Startoucher. Chitter offers *She was nice to me.* He wishes he had something more adequate to offer. Crystal nods, agreeing with Zalen. Silversong smiles gently towards Zalen. ** She was stubborn, too... nothing would stop her when she set her mind to something... ** No-fur watches Startoucher go, sitting back down quietly and listening to those around him, closing his eyes. Startoucher locksends ** ??!?? ** Crystal sighs softly ** Wish I had known her better... ** Rillwhisper smiles to Zalen and Chitter and Crystal and Silversong, and contributes almost wryly, ** And Timmorn's Blood, but she didn't like Strongbow at all. ** Zalen says "Strongbow was kind of okay." You locksend to Startoucher, Rillwhisper keeps a mental 'eye' on you as long as she can. You sense in a locksend, Startoucher is by a pond, staring at the water. He does not see it, however, for he is presently talking and laughing with Firestar. Rillwhisper laughs huskily, while her brother and Woodhawk grin at her. "You should hear the things she used to burn my ears with about that archer... I think the Go-Backs must have taught her all kinds of new insults." You locksend to Startoucher, Rillwhisper does not intrude, caught up in her own memories... Crystal chuckles softly. No-fur almost rolls his eyes at his mother. Chitter quirks a smile. Zalen grins broadly. Rillwhisper takes a dreamberry, chews it down... Sweetleaf says fondly, "But they taught her to dance the fire, as well. Tempered her, like the trolls do with their blades." Trollkiller sends, ** She was one of the oldest of this holt, and, in my memory, one of the most important in creating the tribe-bond that we share now. Her difference helped tie me to this now, something I could barely do save for her and my lifemates. For that, I owe her more than I can yet repay. ** Silversong chuckles. ** Ah, but she was a fiery one even before then... ** Trollkiller blinks, surprised at himself. Rillwhisper, as Trollkiller sends that, turns to him, and seems pleasantly, solemnly surprised at that. She ponders, but only for a moment... and answers that with her clarion howl. Trollkiller howls, being better at that, and liking it better, he thinks. Woodhawk joins his voice with Rillwhisper's... lower pitched. The fire dances up briefly before him, as if in sympathy, making snow steam slightly on the branches. Crystal howls, soflty, at first, feeling that he who hasn't known her all that much shouldn't claim to be a full part in this. Then, he lets go, fully joining the howl. Sweetleaf howls, surprisingly sweetly, though there seems to be more song than howl to the old elf's voice. Joy arrives from the side of the Old Willow. In the shadows of the surrounding trees, Splinterfire smiles briefly... sadly. There's a brief piping of /Harperhighthing go?/ before Splinterfire's figure disappears from view. Trollkiller locksends to Splinterfire ** Wait, I know _that_ kind of "go"... ** Zalen doesn't howl, but smiles quietly, then eyes brightly smile as his daughter enters. Trollkiller looks up, blinking. Rainfire joins his distinct howl to the others, mourning a loss felt by the ones dear to him. Pwyll looks over from Zalen's side, and smiles brightly for an instant, at Joy, and then frowns again, listening to the howls. Trollkiller howls again, mostly caught up in the tribe... Rillwhisper lets the voices howl across the clearing... her ear twitches in the direction of the Preserver's voice, then she turns her attention to the arriving maiden. Rillwhisper greets Joy, ** Join the Howl, cousin. ** Silversong silently looks up to the stars, listening to the raised voices. Joy moves quietly to her father, slipping into his arms briefly before settling by him. No-fur howls with the group. You locksend ** I'll not go yet... but I'll need to go, soon. I have to go away, for a while.... I'll stay till after the Howl... ** to Trollkiller. Trollkiller locksends ** Um. Okay. Talk to me after. ** Joy smiles quietly to Rill. Rillwhisper sends to all, ** The Go-Backs would say that Firestar's spirit went back to the Palace... and I've heard it said that the spirits of the Wolfriders go to where their strongest ties are... but with Firestar, I think that the magic of the Palace _did_ call her... that would be the Way, for her. We will remember her well. Joy smiles quietly to Rill, but remains silent like her father. Woodhawk nods, approvingly. Crystal nods solemnly. Silversong silently nods. Trollkiller looks contemplative. Rillwhisper then faces you all, and continues, ** But with death, the Way gives us renewal as well... and even with the passing of cherished cousins can return others, to restore old bonds. ** She suddenly smiles. ** I would say that we should Howl for Duskshadow... but if she's still sleepy from tangling in the furs with Chitter I'll not want to wake her up. ** Sweetleaf smiles. "Duskshadow... another dancing maiden... " Silversong glances over to Chitter, and she smiles. Trollkiller could wake her up, but doubts Chitter would appreciate it... Crystal frowns, looking towards the marh again ** I should go look for Acorn... ** Rainfire grins. Chitter blushes faintly as attention is drawn towards him, looking like he'd like to curl up in his own carrypack. (: No-fur chuckles merilly. Zalen pats Joy's hair and smiles to her. Rillwhisper nods to Crystal... and offers to you all, ** Perhaps instead, we can tell stories of the early days, to help tell our younger ones about what happened then... ** Crystal gets to his feet, and nods to Rill ** Will be back soon, Chieftess ** Sweetleaf smiles, turning his benign gaze to Joy and her small brother at the mention of younger ones. Rillwhisper nods to Crystal as Woodhawk says, "All kinds of tales tangled up in the older days.. " Chitter listens curiously. Joy wraps an arm about her brother, pulling him closer to her. Crystal sets off up the path to the marshes. Rillwhisper smiles. "What tale shall it be, my tribe?" Zalen says "I know one that hasn't been told yet. I don't know how early it would have been." Pwyll lets himself be pulled, his brow creased lightly, as he seems to be deep in thought. Rillwhisper nods to Zalen...? Trollkiller nods approvingly at Zalen, smiling. Woodhawk> Silversong locksends ** I know one as well... though I'm not sure it would be appropriate, here... ** Woodhawk turns his attention to Zalen readily, while keeping the fire crackling. The clearing is now warm, despite the season... Woodhawk> You locksend ** ...? ** to Silversong. Chitter looks at Zalen curiously. Silversong seems thoughtful for a moment, before glancing to Zalen, listening. Trollkiller sends, *Tell! Tell!* Zalen says "I know many of you know how I came here, but it hasn't been told. If this is the kind of story you mean." Trollkiller lops a sloppy snowball at Woodhawk, so it goes on his back. Sweetleaf samples his dreamberry pouch once more, and tells Zalen encouragingly, "I think that'd be a fine story, lad." Kraheera wakes, purrs softly, and strrrrrrretches! Rillwhisper inclines her head to Zalen, warmly. You say "Speak, cousin!" Woodhawk eeps, brushes the snowball off his back, and baps Trollkiller in the headfur. Woodhawk sends, *Stop that, he's trying to tell his story.* Zalen smiles and grins toward his cubs. Trollkiller giggles. Duskshadow emerges from the willow tree. Trollkiller lops a slushy snowball onto Rainfire'sback instead. Duskshadow waves at everyone, and takes a seat beside Chitter. Zalen pauses, knowing there's going to be a lot of noise... Chitter glances up at Duskshadow and does something he does very rarely. He smiles. Trollkiller settles down for Zalen's story. Trollkiller tries to, anyway. Rillwhisper, relaxing in the lightening atmosphere, smiles to Duskshadow...! But she doesn't speak, waiting for Zalen to begin. Duskshadow grins back at Chitter; ** Sorry to interrupt, everyone ** Sweetleaf straightens, brightening at the sight of Duskshadow, for the tribe will be able to Howl for her return after all. Rillwhisper shakes her head affably to Duskshadow, and tells her, "We are telling tales of our early days... to share with one another. Zalen will tell us his tale." Duskshadow grins at Sweetleaf ** It's been a long time ** Rainfire aies and turns, nipping trollkiller's shoulder for that, wiping slush off his back as best he can reach. Joy looks up to her father expectantly. Zalen says "Everyone knows I'm a glider. I didn't live in the Blue Mountain until I was grown a little, my father afraid that Winnowill would take me away or ban me and him and my mother from the Mountain. When it came to happen, though, Winnowill seemed pleased." Songmaker drops down from the branch above. Woodhawk> Silversong locksends ** I remembered a story my father... the father I grew up with... told me, a season ago, and thought it might be good here, but I'm not sure if it would be good to tell. it's sort've childish. ** Songmaker recoils, fainly startled by the quantities of people in the clearing. Rillwhisper listens to Zalen interestedly... but her eyes light up at Songmaker's arrival as she notices her. Woodhawk> You locksend ** I can't see why it'd be bad... the cubs might like it. ** to Silversong. Zalen says "But we lived in a cave on another mountain. It's where I learned how to fly and hunt. You can't help but fall a lot on the side of a mountain anyway." Rainfire glances up at the arrival of another elf, still wiping melted snow off his skin. Chitter smiles tenderly at Duskshadow, the moon to her sun. Trollkiller giggles at the falling-down, and licks Chitter's back. Woodhawk> You sense in a locksend, Silversong nods softly, and contemplates it. Chitter wonders why Trollkiller is licking his clothing? (: Sweetleaf suddenly smiles as well, at Songmaker, child of his blood, even if separated by countless years of time. Silversong smiles quietly at Songmaker. ** Hello. ** Pwyll smiles at his poppa. Rillwhisper grins to Zalen, only half-able to imagine it. Songmaker sends, tentatively, ** Hello. ** Duskshadow glances at Chitter, grins, and snuggles against him. Trollkiller sends, ** Send-picture! Send-picture! ** You locksend ** We Howl tonight, cousin... join us? ** to Songmaker. Room is made for Songmaker, as several of the elves notice her presence. Songmaker moves into the freed-up place. Songmaker looks painfully nervous. Zalen shakes his head. "My sending's not that good, and there are too many here to do it right. Though what Songmaker just did was very close." Joy glances around at everyone, noticing all the looks. She smiles a bit confusedly, looking back to her father finally. Chitter puts his arm around Duskshadow, wriggling his toes. Rillwhisper takes another dreamberry from Sweetleaf's pouch. Her eyes have brightened a bit with the berries' effects, but her gaze is clear and bright, and her sendings sharp, perhaps even enhanced with the berries. Trollkiller giggles at the new version of the fall story. :-) Zalen says "But my mother at Blue Mountain didn't understand me, nor I her. She didn't try, she didn't ... anyway, when my father left me there, alone, I left." Sweetleaf smiles encouragingly to Songmaker, and listens to Zalen. Songmaker listens to Zalen, settling somewhat. Joy runs her fingers through Pwyll's hair absently while listening. Rainfire watches quietly. Rillwhisper and Woodhawk both listen to Zalen, each of them seeming pleased to hear the young Glider contributing his tale... adding to the Howl. Zalen says "And I wandered. I was so young, and became so hungry. I ate things I wasn't sure were edible, but they helped." Pwyll leans back against Joy, fascinated by the tale. Joy chuckles at that. Sweetleaf laughs softly, at a memory of doing things much like that, in a long-distant youth. Duskshadow nuzzles Chitter gently, her eyes half-closed in contentment. Chitter realizes he's neglecting Duskshadow and makes up for that by gently rubbing her side, resting his head on her shoulder. Rillwhisper nods, remembering, at this part of Zalen's tale, recalling a thin and hungry youth. Zalen says "I happened on some Wolfriders who didn't really know what I was. They fed me a little until I told them my story. Then I ran from their shouts and anger. I just didn't tell anyone else and when, stars know how long later, I saw other elves, I was very sure not to tell them." Dreamberries are passed, to those hands that want them... the wolves gather around the elves, providing furred flanks on which to lean, warm sides against which to cuddle. The fire crackles and snaps. Zalen says "I learned that some didn't know gliders. Some didn't hate them. I talked to them and as I gained my health, told them. I think they were surprised but not angry." Pwyll grins. ** I know what's a Glider. ** Songmaker cuddles against a nearby wolf's side, a few tears trickling down her face. Rillwhisper nods softly, a smile in her eyes and curving her lips again. Zalen smiles and looks over at Pwyll. "Of course you do, because your father's one. These people's fathers weren't gliders at all." Duskshadow chuckles softly, watching Pwyll. Sweetleaf touches Songmaker briefly, gently. Joy picks at a few dreamberries now and again. Rillwhisper says lightly, "Several of our fathers were not Wolfriders, either... but they were _all_ elves." She smiles to Pwyll. Rainfire smiles and plucks another berry from the bunch in front of Trollkiller, chewing it slowly. Songmaker looks up at Sweetleaf's touch. Pwyll nodnods seriously at Rillwhisper. Joy smiles to Pwyll. Zalen says "I was hunting with some." His eyes light up. "I think Startoucher was one of them. We were hunting and a bear" -- sent image, something large and brown, lightly foaming at the mouth -- just a faint flicker, then gone -- "came at us with madness. It pulled me out of the air and made me sick." Silversong smiles, nodding slowly in agreement. Joy lifts her eyes to Trollkiller briefly. Duskshadow looks up at the mention of Startoucher, and smiles. Woodhawk nods wisely to Zalen. Rillwhisper glances t Duskshadow, at the mention of Startoucher, and sends.... Pwyll frowns. You locksend ** He was here... when we were howling for Firestar... but I don't think he knew she died. He left, I think, to mourn. ** to Duskshadow. Chitter looks curious, sensing the sending missing him by a gnat's wing. Zalen says "I ... was cold and hot for a long time. They gave me to the trolls to help me, then left. She let me go when it didn't help. I guess that's how I got here. I still don't remember the path I followed." Trollkiller looks back at Joy, raising an eyebrow. Sweetleaf smiles quietly to Songmaker, jsut enough to let her know of a comforting presence. Songmaker looks uncertainly at Sweetleaf, and then turns back to the wolf, burying her face in its fur, but not, to all appearances, crying any more. Duskshadow smiles up at Chitter, sending him a thread of reassurance Rillwhisper nods to Zalen. "Only the size of Joy you were, at the time... " Zalen looks over at Joy, then seems surprised. Woodhawk tells Zalen wryly, "And I promised you a bow, didn't I?" Sweetleaf smiles to Woodhawk. "We'll have to shape him one... " Joy smiles gently, then looks back to her father. Kraheera gets up and walks slowly over to Songmaker, then sits at her feet, purring softly. Rillwhisper smiles to Zalen, watching to see if he has more to say. Chitter smiles at Duskshadow, then closes his eyes. Songmaker smiles slightly. Joy sends openly ** Momma was just telling me that you were about my age when you two..well... ** Joy smiles and shrugs. Zalen blinks and says quietly, "Yeah." He hugs Joy closely for no particular reason and continues to talk. Rainfire scritches Trollkiller's back lightly, listening. Woodhawk lightly tosses a small twig onto the fire; the little piece of wood flares up brightly. Pwyll looks confused. Trollkiller mmmms. Zalen says "I remember the bow. I was ... gliding ... in the air. I don't remember anything else." Rillwhisper considers, tilting her head... "There were two visitors here, at the time... Ekuar, the one who shaped this fountain, here." She points at the fountain, not froen over even during the whitecold. "And his little cub. The cub tried to heal you, Zalen." Sweetleaf informs Joy and Pwyll in mock solemnity, "Ekuar is even older than I am." Zalen says "O! Yes. And with her and Silversong I finally was healed. And very ashamed of everything I did when I was ill." Duskshadow giggles at Sweetleaf. Pwyll stares at Sweetleaf. Trollkiller sends, *Ekuar is older than _anybody_.* Silversong smiles quietly. Rillwhisper smiles to Zalen, as Woodhawk says dismissively, "Anybody can get out of their head when they're sick." The firestarter grins and adds, "Besides, now we have a Holt full of cubs." Sweetleaf makes a teasing face at Pwyll, and smiles indulgently at the little one. Duskshadow smirks at Woodhawk and Zalen Chitter leans quietly against Duskshadow, caressing her side. Zalen blushes a light rosy color. "O. Yes." Rillwhisper nods, looking proudly at Zalen. "You and your mate have given us almost a whole Holt by yourselves." Duskshadow mmmm's softly, her eyes closed to slits, and listens... Trollkiller giggles. *Don't bush - be proud!* Silversong softly chuckles. ** Aye. ** Rainfire grins. Pwyll grins slowly at Sweetleaf, and wrinkles his nose back at him. Joy smiles to Rillwhisper ** Momma wants grandcubs already. ** Silversong snickers softly. ** Already? ** Rainfire giggles. Zalen says "I was not as young as you, Joy." Sweetleaf yips playfully at Pwyll. Rillwhisper smiles to Joy in response, and glances back to Zalen, waiting for any more story...? Joy ohs quietly and shrugs. Woodhawk smiles, and murmurs, "Well, we haven't had a new cub in a few seasons... " Zalen combs out Joy's black tangle of curls. "But I probably would've been." Rillwhisper turns to Duskshadow and Chitter, and says, "Speaking of Recognitions... there is history here, too. Duskshadow, I _am_ glad you woke up - because I wanted the tribe to Howl for you, too!" Woodhawk shifts his brown-eyed gaze to Duskshadow, over the warmly burning campfire. Chitter startles faintly at the attention directed in his direction. Duskshadow blushes scarlet, and ducks her head, staring at her feet... Rillwhisper tells you all, "Duskshadow was one of the very first in the Holt... and has come back to us again." She smiles to the other elfmaid, and encourages, "Would you like to tell us all your tale?" Joy averts her gaze to Duskshadow, curious. Sweetleaf placidly passes Duskshadow the dreamberry pouch, for reamberries are needed, for tales. Duskshadow looks up, and smiles nervously to Sweetleaf, but accepts a few berries, eating them slowly as she builds her confidence... Zalen settles back down with his children, holding them gently. Nightruff pads over and settles down by Joy's leg. Woodhawk smiles, suddenly remembering something: "Dancing maiden," he murmurs, grinning to Duskshadow. Pwyll snuggles between Joy and Zalen, stifling a yawn. Chitter glances at Woodhawk curiously at the mention of a dance. Trollkiller grins, eyes half closed. *Dance!* Woodhawk says, musingly, "A long time ago.... " He grins to Duskshadow. "But you talk first." Joy raises her brows at the mention of dance, then she sorta sighs as it is postponed. Silversong grins. Duskshadow pats the ground in front of her, which catches the attention of Kraheera, who bounds over and snuggles in her bond-friend's lap. Songmaker looks vaguely upset as the purring creature at her feet bounds away. Chitter smiles at Duskshadow, listening for her tale. The wolf sitting beside Songmaker nudges at her pointedly. Who says you have to skitch THAT small thing? Songmaker smiles and skitches the wolf. Joy kisses the top of Pwyll's head gently, still listening. Snowdust gets into the skitching thing, padding over and snufflebapping her own bondfriend. Silversong heys! softly, and she scritches the silly wolf's ears, grinning. Duskshadow clears her throat, and looks around at her tribesmates ** Well, I guess the best place to start is the beginning...My sire was a Glider, and my dam a Plainsrunner....they happened to meet and Recognized, then my sire left... ** Woodhawk mmms, and glances between Zalen and Duskshadow... Rillwhisper smiles quietly, at the expression of a common trait between two in the tribe. Duskshadow sends openly ** I grew up with my dam, Quickwhip, until she was killed during a hunt. I escaped with some pretty nasty clawmarks, and wandered for some time... ** Chitter makes a faint 'oh' noise, listening intently. Sweetleaf murmurs, "Plainsrunners... I remember the Plainsrunners." Duskshadow sends openly ** ...until I was found by Startoucher and his tribe. I lived with them for several turns, but grew restless, and one day during a hunt with Dawnbringer, my wolf... ** Trollkiller remembers plainsrunners too! *I remember... I remember one with long, black hair...* Joy ponders ** Stillbreeze lives with the Plainsrunners now too. ** Chitter remembers Stillbreeze... Duskshadow sends openly ** I met an elf named Moonfire. He lived at a place called Willowholt, and after a time I met his Chieftess, Rillwhisper. I soon was welcomed into the tribe, and lived here happily among the Willowholters... ** Rillwhisper smiles... Duskshadow sends openly ** Moonfire and I were lovemates for a few years, and during that time I met another elf, a very shy one...named Chitter...he and I Recognized... ** Duskshadow smiles up at Chitter. Woodhawk listens, peacefully. The fire casts a cozy warmth around the circle of elves and creatures. Chitter smiles shyly, waving hesitantly. Zalen stretches quietly. Silversong smiles. Duskshadow sends openly ** Tho I resented the occurrence at the time, because I was content with my life, and feared the Recognition would disrupt everything...but everything continued fairly smoothly, until... ** Songmaker's eyes narrow. Chitter's smile is shadowed at that. Woodhawk nods once, in adknowledgement. Duskshadow chews her lip nervously, and gives Chitter a big hug before continuing. Rillwhisper listens, her gaze growing more somber at this turn of the tale, as she recalls what's coming. "Speak on, cousin. Pwyll and Joy and Zalen were not with us, and No-fur not born yet either." Chitter smiles gratefully. Trollkiller mms and rolls up beside Woodhawk, pushing him against Rillwhisper, and pulling Rainfire along for the ride. Sweetleaf's usually placid expression goes more solemn - he, too, remembers this part of the tale. Rillwhisper oofs a little, but lets Woodhawk curl against her. Duskshadow sends openly ** A month or so before I was due...while out searching for game, without Dawny for once, I was taken, by an elf named Tash. I had wandered rather far from the Holt, out of range, and had no way of calling for help... ** Silversong looks down, and away. Woodhawk reaches a hand over, and clasps Silversong... whatever part of her he can reach. Duskshadow stares at her feet and the fire, unable to make eye-contact with anyone, her sending without emotion...just trying to get through these difficult memories... Chitter holds Duskshadow close. Duskshadow sends openly ** He...kept me in a cage, and after a time I was joined by two other elves: Stormwolf, and Sweetleaf. I don't remember much about that time, except being hungry...and then the time came... ** The gathered elves listen... those who have been in the Holt since its founding recalling the days of which Duskshadow speaks. Silversong looks up slightly, and puts her hand on 'Hawk's for a moment. Trollkiller shivers, remembering the evil one, and snugs reflexively around Woodhawk, holding him. Sweetleaf leans forward, regarding Duskshadow with an infinitely understanding gaze. "My hands brought your cub into the world, maiden." Snowdust snuffles lightly at her Elffriend's hair, and Silvie looks up at the wolf, smiling a little. Duskshadow sends openly ** If Sweetleaf had not have been there......I don't know how to thank you, cousin. ** Songmaker clenches her teeth. Sweetleaf, closest to Songmaker, touches her lightly. Kraheera watches Songmaker with concern Songmaker ignores Sweetleaf's touch, uncertain emotions raging behind her eyes. Sweetleaf nods sadly to Songmaker, and withdraws a little, but tells Duskshadow earnestly, ** It was my joy to do so. ** Chitter offers Duskshadow what comfort he can... Duskshadow sends openly ** When my cub (and Chitter's, of course), whom I called Fhen, was but a few days old, a group of my tribesmates came to rescue us. I was saved, but Tash escaped with Fhen... ** Duskshadow looks up briefly, and smiles warmly to Sweetleaf. Rillwhisper touches whoever is in reach of her, clasping hands comfortingly... communicating with touch the sense of sharing she wants to keep going here, even with such a mournful tale. Songmaker turns her face carefully into the wolf's fur, at a joint, and pushes it in until even her pointed ears seem occluded by the fur. Silversong absently rubs behind Snowdust's ear, thinking. The wolf next to Songmaker nuzzles her, unperturbed by the grave discussion. Duskshadow sends openly ** I returned to the Holt, and spent much of my time searching for Fhen with Dawny, who was beginning to show his age...we were unsuccessful every time, tho... ** Songmaker murmurs with soft breath into the wolf's fur, "Oneberry." Sweetleaf's expression turns quietly regretful, as Rillwhisper affirms, "We all searched, when we could." Woodhawk catches Songmaker's murmur... and suddenly smiles quietly. Rillwhisper realizes what he notices when he sends to her, but neither the chieftess nor the firestarter speaks, lest they disturb the tale... Duskshadow sends openly ** I grew distant from those I loved, feeling guilt for losing my cub... ** Sweetleaf glances down at the wolf and the elf communing, and his regretful expression shifts into an approving one. The wolf licks lightly at Songmaker's hair. Trollkiller keeps a tight grip on Woodhawk's arm, not noticing that he's doing so. Silversong slowly stands, and slips off behind the willow. Snowdust looks after her for a moment, before following. Duskshadow sends openly ** After I had given up all hope, and was more comfortable out in the wilderness than at the Holt... ** Woodhawk nuzzles his lean cheek against Trollkiller's thick silver-grey headfur. Silversong slips down the path around the Old Willow. Snowdust slips down the path around the Old Willow. Chitter strokes Duskshadow's side once, listening still. Duskshadow pulls her knees up to her chin, hugging her legs (and depositing an unhappy kitten to the ground), and stares into the fire for a minute before continuing... Joy slips an arm around Zalen's neck, hugging him a bit tighter. Zalen holds Joy and Pwyll close to him, and each other. Woodhawk curls an arm around each of his mates, but notes Silversong's departure. Woodhawk> You locksend to Silversong, Woodhawk touches your mind, lightly, sensing you need to be alone, but offering to come to you later if you wish it. Pwyll curls up against Zalen's chest. and latches one hand onto Joy's dress leather, absently. Woodhawk> You sense in a locksend, Silversong hears that offer, and gratefully accepts... for later... her thoughts a morass of feelings, though most of guilt... dealing with both Firestar AND her father. Duskshadow sends openly ** Anyway, while Dawny and I were out...officially hunting...but actually just staying away...a search was formed, including Woodhawk, Trollkiller, and Moonfire (who by this time I think was going by the name of Wildoak)...and they found Fhen... ** Duskshadow sends openly ** I'm not sure of the details on that search'n'rescue... ** Woodhawk smiles a little, solemnly. "Used a fair bit of my magic," he murmurs. Duskshadow looks to Woodhawk for guidance, and smiles a bit... Woodhawk continues, at that, "We'd gotten some hints, at last, in the tracking... and we found the place in the fringes of the jungle where the snake was hiding. Fhen didn't know us, of course.... but Tash did." Sweetleaf says softly, "Poor little cubling." Joy frowns, pondering all this. Duskshadow listens intently, the last of the blush finally leaving her face... Woodhawk lifts a hand, curling it slightly, making flame flicker about his fingers. "I played distraction, while Trollkiller and Wildoak rescued the cub. I think that's what reminded Tash all over again that I could make the fire." Rillwhisper listens... Duskshadow scoonches into Chitter's lap suddenly, wrapping his arms around her, and goes back to watching the flames... Woodhawk finishes straightforwardly, "Got away as fast as we could... brought the cub home. Turned out we couldn't make sure we weren't followed... " He gives a bit of a rueful smile. "But that's a story for a different Howl." Trollkiller nods. *Another time.* Chitter looks somewhat bewildered at Duskshadow's rearrangement of him, but is certainly unwilling to protest. (: Rillwhisper speaks up softly, "But we did bring Fhen home. That, too, was just before Zalen joined us.... " Duskshadow looks up, sensing she should probably be the one to continue... Rillwhisper gives Duskshadow a quiet nod. Duskshadow takes a deep breath, chews on her lip, giving every indication of feeling quite guilty for her actions from turns ago... Chitter hugs Duskshadow gently. Duskshadow sends openly ** I...I guess I just didn't know how to accept Fhen...when I had last seen him, he was but a cubling, completely helpless...I had mourned for his loss...and now faced an almost-grown elf...barely a colt, mine by birth, but I had no experience... ** Rillwhisper and Woodhawk listen, cuddled against Trollkiller; Sweetleaf reaches into one of his pockets idly, bringing forth a small something that looks like a flower bud, of some sort. His hands glow palely, as he encourages the bud to open up, out of season. Duskshadow sends openly ** ...at being a dam to him...Every time I looked at him, or touched minds with him...I remembered the cage...he had Tash's influence on him...like a stain...and instead of working through it with him... ** Trollkiller pulls Rainfire back into the pile... Rainfire purrs and snuggles into the pile of elves. Rillwhisper listens quietly, thoughtfully. Duskshadow blushes hotly with shame, but continues, softly ** I...left. Without a word of warning...leaving his care to another yet again...Dawnbringer and I roamed...first to the plains...I wanted to find some ...guidance, or at least memory...of my dam.... Zalen rolls his large eyes. Rillwhisper snugs Woodhawk, and leans out of his embrace then, towards Duskshadow. Joy bites her lip, pondering more. Duskshadow sends openly ** I met a few elves, but could not stay with any, even for a night...I found no peace alone, either...but with only Dawny, I didn't have to explain myself... ** Duskshadow glances up for a moment toward Rill, then pulls Chitter's arms around her even closer. Rillwhisper's gaze holds no recrimination, and all the sympathy and compassion she has to offer. Chitter hugs Duskshadow close. Snowdust arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Rillwhisper says only, gently, "You were, and are tribe... we cared for your cub." Snowdust pads softly in, and flops down nearby. Chitter says *I missed you... I'm glad you're back.* Duskshadow sends openly ** ...I spent more time walking alongside Dawny, because his age was catching up fast, until I lost him, too... ** Pwyll curls up tighter again Zalen, and his eyes flutter closed. ** ** Joy stands, gently moving Pwyll against her father. She walks a bit off, near the edge of the clearing. Sweetleaf smiles gently at the cub, from where he can see him on the other side of Songmaker. Zalen moves, one would guess, with Joy and Pwyll. Duskshadow sends openly ** ...he just didn't wake up one morning...Then I wandered alone...and when I found myself nearing the marshes again... ** Joy turns back to the crowd as she kneels down by herself. She stares at Dusk, still listening intently. "You remembered us... " Rillwhisper again, softly. Duskshadow sends openly ** I knew that it was time to face up to everything. I couldn't run from myself... ** Chitter squeezes Duskshadow gently. Trollkiller sighs, nuzzling Rainfire and Woodhawk, reaching over to rub his hand along Rillwhisper's leg... Woodhawk smiles quietly, approvingly, to Duskshadow. Duskshadow smiles and nods to Rill, and finally glances around the campfire again, at her Tribe...her home...her family... Rillwhisper sends openly ** Welcome home. ** Rainfire mrrrs, leaning against Trolkiller's shoulder. Rillwhisper rises, and after smiling to Trollkiller, hugs Duskshadow firmly. Woodhawk smiles... and suggests, "Perhaps now is the time to dance, hey?" Zalen smiles, clear eyes on Duskshadow. ** I am glad to meet you at last. ** The send is shakey, but true. Duskshadow sends openly ** A few days away from the holt, my curiosity was awakened by a bobcat, who seemed to be hunting more than what it would be able to consume by itself...I followed her... ** Rillwhisper smiles.. pulling back, and glancing at the small tufted-eared cat in the clearing. Kraheera purrs at the attention, and climbs back into Dusky's lap... Woodhawk grins... Sweetleaf reaches out a hand, and produces a rose that has spring up from the bud he'd brought forth. This he passes to Duskshadow, telling her, ** Welcome home. ** Joy smiles to Duskshadow quietly, shaking her head ** What an ordeal. ** Duskshadow smiles at Woodhawk and Zalen, then finishes ** she had a litter of kittens...the extra food was to replace what they nursed from her...but there were too many...so one day, when she was hunting...I took one. ** Duskshadow smiles at the rose, and looks at Sweetleaf, enjoying the sweet scent. She holds it close, and nods to Joy... ** ...that is how I got this little one...she was near weaning anyway, so I just rushed it a bit...she has grown strong...as her siblings also.* Duskshadow leans back against Chitter, grinning self-consciously, her tale done... Trollkiller whooos. *That's quite a story.* Zalen grins. "I'd say. But it ends well." Songmaker takes her face slowly out of the wolf's fur. "It's over?" she asks. Chitter smiles quietly. *Yes. It does.* Trollkiller snorts at Songmaker. *Yes, it's over.* He lobs another slushy snowball at her. Songmaker is splattered. She looks confusedly down at the snowball stain. Rainfire giggles. Joy hops up back to her feet and twirls about, "Dancing now?" Rillwhisper smiles... and says, "I think that 'Hawk's idea for dancing is good... even in the Whitecold air." She reaches to her side, and pulls forth her flute... beginning to blow through it, to warm it up... Joy says "We have to keep warm somehow!" Joy giggles slightly and moves to her father for a quick hug. Duskshadow kisses Chitter gently on the cheek Trollkiller sends, *Dancing!* Chitter smiles tenderly at Duskshadow, returning the kiss. Woodhawk grins, and leans to the fire, to make it flare up again... Zalen laughs and hugs Joy warmly. Pwyll blinks awake. [End log.]