From fscem1@camelot.acf-lab.alaska.edu Thu Apr 13 11:19:07 1995 Return-Path: Received: from camelot.acf-lab.alaska.edu by netcom19.netcom.com (8.6.12/Netcom) id LAA13284; Thu, 13 Apr 1995 11:18:22 -0700 Received: from arthur by camelot.acf-lab.alaska.edu (NX5.67d/NX3.0M) id AA02393; Thu, 13 Apr 95 10:13:59 -0800 From: "Catherine E. Murphy" Message-Id: <9504131813.AA02393@camelot.acf-lab.alaska.edu> Received: by arthur.acf-lab.alaska.edu (NX5.67d/NX3.0X) id AA00367; Thu, 13 Apr 95 10:14:03 -0800 Date: Thu, 13 Apr 95 10:14:03 -0800 Received: by NeXT.Mailer (1.100) Received: by NeXT Mailer (1.100) To: dewshine@netcom.com Subject: Brightlog #3 Status: RO Brightfire slowly begins to emerge from the curled-up ball of elf that lies near Talek, one hand drifting out to be certain the lad is still near. The clear-headedness that she feels registers only slowly, and once she's assertained that Talek is close by, she carefully sits up, blinking down the mountainside. ** We...we're out? ** All around, other elves are huddled, and wolves, as well. Rillwhisper is bundled in a fur between Sunruff and Lashpaw; Strongbow dozes lightly near his wolf, and Rainfire lies curled up, sleeping heavily, near his. Fhen and the wrapstuffed bundle that holds Keshah are in the center of the little camp of elves... and beside Brightfire, Talek is huddled, in someone's cloak. Fallberry ooohs, and peeks around Rillwhisper's golden she-wolf. /Hellohello shaggyhead highthing!/ You locksend ** Ged? ** to Talek. Brightfire chuckles silently, rubbing a hand over her eyes, and says, in her growly voice, "Shaggyhead, eh? Hello, Fallberry." Talek's mouth moves, slowly, softly; as has been the case since his emergence from the cocoon, he gives no other sign of motion. Fallberry flits over curiously, and informs Brightfire wisely, /Highthings all tuckertred! Fallberry guard highthings good!/ Brightfire slowly registers the sheer /number/ of elves lying around, and looks befuddled, amazed that so many have come here, and equally confused as to ... "How'd we get out, bug?" You locksend ** We'll make you better, my poor mate. Thank the High Ones you're out of those flowers. ** to Talek. Silversong stirs, then stretches widely, woken by the sounds of voices, where she lies curled up in her wolf's flank. Fallberry pipes happily to Brightfire, /Sunnygreen highthing and glowhands highthing and yankyhair highthing get all sleepytired highthings and then sunnygreen highthing had to go get sharpquiet highthing!/ Brightfire blinks rapidly. ** Yankyhair highthing? ** The rest of the names she knows, at least, more or less, having traveled with the Preserver for some time now. Aloud, she says, "Did a wolf come down to help, or did they just haul us up?" Silversong peeks up over her wolf, looking about. She yawns. ** Oh... good morning, Brightfire. ** Fallberry points wisely at the sleeping form of Rainfire. /Is yankyhair highthing!/ Talek's eyes slit open, with a tiny effort. Strongbow's eyes squeeze tighter shut for a moment, and then, slowly, open their thoughtful gaze upon the source of the high-pitched voice. Brightfire OOCly waves at Strogbow and poitns out to Fallberry that she _sent_ that question, so you didn't hear it. :) Fallberry ohs. Whoops. :) Silversong chuckles quietly, and motions to the sleeping Rainfire for Fallberry. ** We had company come by... ** Fallberry says wisely, /Growler helped!/ It points at the wolf near one of the two unfamiliar elves in the huddle. Brightfire looks over at Silversong and smiles. ** Hello. I'm sorry I wasn't more help to you down there. ** She gestures towards the valley, and then, more sensing than seeing Talek's eyes open, she looks back at him. ** Talek? ** NOW Strongbow gazes darkly at the little voice. :) Silversong smiles. ** It's quite all right. ** Talek blinks slowly, focusing on Brightfire. Brightfire smiles down at Talek. ** Hello there. ** Fallberry beams. /Fallberry keep good watch on highthings! On sunnygreen highthing!/ It flits to Rillwhisper and lands on her chest. Brightfire nods to Silversong, then gestures with a shoulder shrug at the extra elves. ** Who...? And _how_?! ** Talek murmurs liquidly, "Bright... fire... " Brightfire grins, unable to help herself, and says quietly, "You're a good bug, Fallberry. Thanks." Strongbow's eyes narrow in a wince. ** One moment awake and already hearing incessant bug chatter. **& Silversong quietly smiles. ** They followed after us. Rainfire sorta has a tiny little thing for Rillwhisper. ** The way she sends that, though, it's obvious she's understating things on purpose, and drastically. You locksend ** You know me? ** to Talek. Silversong grins at Fallberry. "Yes, you did good." Brightfire laughs, looking at Silversong. ** Is that so? Your chieftess has many admirers. ** She doesn't -quite- look at Strongbow. Silversong grins slightly. ** Too many to count. ** Talek looks dreamily up at Brightfire, as if in utter fascination. Strongbow'eyes un-squint and one eyebrow raises, a smile pulling at the edges of his mouth. Silversong glances over at Strongbow. ** Good morning. ** Fallberry flitflitflits happily. This tall and lanky young elf seems thin even for his kind; his pale sun-reddened face is hollow about the cheeks and eyes, and he moves with the languor of one who has very little energy, who perhaps has not eaten much for a very long time. His pair silvery hair is matted beyond belief, the errant strands tangled wildly and often getting in his eyes... those eyes, the dark translucent silver-grey of water shrouded in darkness, are large and slanted within the feline cast of his features, and reflect nothing of the thoughts behind them. He is bound up in wrapstuff to his neck; his hair is braided with several huge purple flowers. He seems placid, at the moment, nearly asleep. His gaze is very languid and soft. Carrying: Stone ring You locksend ** You need a /bath/, Ged. ** to Talek. Brightfire grins, first at sleepy Talek, then at the waking Strongbow. ** Heyla. ** Strongbow nods to Silversong. Strongbow looks up at Brightfire, the same smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. He nods after a pause, and then nods to Talek. ** Hello, lad. ** Talek's brow furrows very slightly, as his liquid gaze drifts over Strongbow without recognition. He promptly looks back up to Brightfire, mumbling, "Sparkle...water...soak?" Silversong watches her brother quietly. Rillwhisper's eyes flutter, and she utters a throaty moan. Strongbow's thin smile reaches his eyes and he leans back against Lashpaw again, just in time to look askance at the moaning Rillwhisper. Brightfire suddenly looks completely distracted, the larger part of her interested in Talek and the smaller concerned for Rillwhisper. She looks at the chieftess and talks to Talek, both slightly aimlessly. ** Aye, lad, a bath, but not at this absolute moment, I think... ** Rillwhisper, as sendings and voices start trickling into her attention, scowls fuzzily, still not opening her eyes. Timmorn's _Blood_, what a headache... Fallberry peeks at Rillwhisper brightly. /Sunnygreen highthing not stillquiet no more?/ Strongbow props himself up on one elbow, putting one knee up a bit, freeing the wolf-pillow. He watches Rillwhisper wake, waving a bit at Fallberry, as if telling it to quiet in respect. Sunruff nuzzles at Rillwhisper as best she can, while the chieftess slits open one green eye and moans, "Not stillquiet, bug. Oogh." Lashpaw lifts to his feet and turns about to sniff preemptorily at Rillwhisper, then wanders off to stretch his legs. Talek frowns vaguely, giving a miniscule turn of his head. Talek locksends ** ** You locksend ** They're gone for now. It's all right. ** to Talek. Rillwhisper grins a little as she is inspected by the nearest wolves, and inquires hoarsely, "Who's awake...?" Brightfire frowns down at Talek, a peculiarly tender expression, and brushes his hair back with her fingers. ** About half of us, I think. Chieftess, I'm not sure any of your tribe is left in Willowholt. ** Silversong folds her arms on Ashes' back, and chuckles. "I had been wondering that myself." Strongbow frowns and looks around. Seemingly deciding that _some_ elves are still at Willowholt, he relaxes a bit. Rillwhisper's eyes come fully open; she spots the archer nearby, smiles crookedly, and starts to sit up. "'Hawk and Trollkiller and my brother, Dawn and Zalen and two of the cubs, they're all there. Worry not. My own son, too." Strongbow nods in agreement, having already made that assessment. Rillwhisper adds, stretching stiffly, "Dawn's sire, and Songmaker... oof." She scowls, and rubs at one shoulder. "Why do I feel like I fell out of a tree....?" Brightfire smiles absently without looking up from Talek. ** That's good. I wouldn't have wanted to have taken all your warriors from home. ** Rillwhisper chuckles dryly, glancing at Rainfire and Chitter's sleeping forms. "Didn't expect these two to show up." Strongbow stretches his bow arm, rolling his shoulders. ** I feel fine. Must be the show you put on in the gorge. ** Brightfire manages to look up from Talek at that, in curiousity. ** What'd you do? ** Rillwhisper blushes a bit, a look that says, 'Oh', and she begins ruefully, "Ah, um, took some of Chitter's brew... " Strongbow's brow goes up, eyes smiling far more than his lips. ** Some brew... ** Silversong curiously looks over at Rill. "Chitter's brew? I had been wondering.. your eyes were very clear." Rillwhisper, whose eyes at the moment look half-fogged still with sleep, shoves a hand through her hair, then props her head in both her hands. ** Tasted like rosecherry, so he thought it would help... only took a sip of the stuff... ** Strongbow's nose wrinkles a little. ** So what was this concoction? ** Brightfire sends openly ** And what happened? ** Rillwhisper massages her temples, and sends a sense to Strongbow of a taste of Sweetleaf's rosecherry seemingly boiled through sticks and leaves down into a drink, with a taste foul enough to make you retch, but it cleared her head instantly and then some. To Brightfire, she sends sheepishly, by way of explanation, ** We, um, had to get Strongbow.... ** Brightfire's eyebrows rise slowly, and she laughs aloud. ** I see. ** Strongbow squints one eye in distaste/ Fallberry perches up on Rill's head, and tries to help rub her temples. Rillwhisper mutters to Fallberry, "I'm alright, bug, truly... " Rillwhisper finishes embarrassedly, ** Anyway, the stuff wore off quickly. I think I remember falling over, but I'm not sure when. ** Strongbow nods once and looks away with a slight wry twinkle in his eyes. Rillwhisper glances at the archer, gives a bit of a soft grin at him, and then looks to the healers, seeing Talek's eyes open. ** How's the lad? ** Brightfire looks back at Talek, easily distracted. ** Better. Missing the flowers... ** Talek's gaze flickers worriedly, at the mention. "Where... flowers...?" Brightfire sends gently. ** They're gone, Talek. Soon you won't need then anymore. ** Rillwhisper sits up fully, regarding the young elf with a critical gaze. ** He wants them? ** Brightfire looks a bit hopefully at Silversong, then nods to Rill. ** Aye. He's addicted to them somehow, I think. ** Silversong snorts. ** Mother would like those flowers. ** Strongbow looks at Talek, eyes darkening again. He starts a send, but aborts it to only nod to Silversong. Talek gives a tiny whimper, a needful look flashing across his eyes. Rillwhisper nods with a grim twist to her mouth to Silversong, and then asks simply, ** Where do we take him? ** Brightfire looks up sharply, anger lighting her eyes. ** His mother had better hope I never lay eyes on her. ** Rillwhisper sends carefully, ** Different mother... ** And then adds, ** We need to get him to shelter. Keshah, too. ** Silversong quietly nods. ** We had the same father. Not the same mother. ** Brightfire eventunally garners from this that it is Silversong's mother who would like the flowers, not Talek's, and snorts faintly. ** Still. ** Rillwhisper allows solemnly, ** Talek's mother was less than sane, when we saw her, long ago. ** Silversong sends openly ** Talek's mother... I don't know WHERE she is right now. But from what I gathered back in Lostholt, she hurt him, very much. ** Silversong nods to Rill. Strongbow listens silently to the conversation, eyes dark, somewhat impatient. Rillwhisper regards the two healers, and sends, ** Which brings me round to my last question again. Where do you want to take him to heal him? ** Brightfire looks down at Talek, shuddering at the rememberance of the memories he's shared with her. ** She did. ** The sending is flat. Silversong glances back to Rill. ** I think home would be the wisest, closest place... * Strongbow watches Rillwhisper, waiting for her word. Rillwhisper smiles a little, to Brightfire and Silversong. ** I'd thought of that... he _is_ your brother, Silversong. But Brightfire, do you have a place you'd rather take him? ** Brightfire looks up after a moment. ** No...I've left my tribe and am only a wanderer. I don't have a home to bring him to. ** Rillwhisper glances at the wrapstuffed form of Keshah. ** She needs healing, too... ** Brightfire hehs softly. ** Poor lass. ** Strongbow nods. Silversong nods in agreement. Silversong sends openly ** Where did she come from, anyways? ** Rillwhisper nods serenely, then. ** To Willowholt, then; I think the Holt can support having you all around for however long is needed. When Rainfire and Fhen are awake enough to ride, we'll set out... ** She trails off, and glances at Strongbow. Brightfire sends openly ** Sorrow's End, originally. She'd been at Lostholt, too, and was looking for Talek when I finally found her. ** Strongbow's lips twitch with the hint of a smile, and he looks over at Rainfire. ** The lad's had a long day. ** His tone is amused. Rillwhisper OOC adds Chitter in there, and IC, her eyebrows go up at she looks at the archer. ** He wasn't the only one giving into the flowers, ** she tells him dryly. Strongbow's cheeks color, though the arhcer doesn't move his expression or his gaze. After a long moment, he shrugs ever so slightly. Brightfire blinks faintly, looking up from Talek to study Strongbow. That quiet, stoic elf gave into the flowers? She grins. Silversong chuckles slightly. ** The mighty archer is not indestructable, no, Brightfire. I doubt, though, that this is a flaw. ** Rillwhisper's eyes suddenly sparkle, and she rises to begin gathering belongings, but not before smiling warmly, teasingly at him. She leans over, pushes his hair lightly away from his eyes, and comments, ** Pretty with flower petals in his hair, and when he blushes, too. ** She winks. Brightfire grins broadly. Strongbow's eyes widen a little and he runs his hands through his hair, catching up the last few petals left. He stares at them uncomprehendingly, then looks up at Silversong, then at Rillwhisper. Strongbow drops the petals with a scowl of disgust. You locksend ** Ged? We are going to leave here soon. How do you feel? ** to Rillwhisper. Talek's bemused gaze wanders slowly around, as he stares confusedly at the blur of mist and mostly unfamiliar faces around him. But gradually his eyes settle on Brightfire again. Strongbow sits for a long moment, then gets to his feet and gathers his things as well, smiling out of the corner of his eyes at Rillwhisper. Rillwhisper locksends ** ** Rillwhisper OOC considers moving us all over to Willowholt. What do you folks think? I'm not sure when Fhen and Chitter will be next connected. Silversong oocly thinks we can do timetravel, yes. Strongbow OOCly is up to anything, but will be !RP if we travelspam because he'll, well, be spammed. Brightfire OOCly thinks yes, to move is good. :) Rillwhisper okies, and drops a note to Fhen and Chitter and Rainfire. I'm going to assume that we'll all head to Willowholt, and that they came along as needed. You say "Don' forget Kesh." Rillwhisper grins. Right. Strongbow stands still for a moment. Lashpaw prowls in from the bushes, preceded by a whispering of leaves. Brightfire stands up carefully. (Is Talek wrapstuffed or not?) Rillwhisper counts elves, and counts wolves, considering... who to ride with whom? Talek is unwrapped, save in someone's winter cloak that had been bundled around him to keep off the cold. Rillwhisper picks up Fallberry, and the Preserver flits to her shoulder. Lashpaw seems strangely tired and whines softly at the archer, who walks to the wolf and rubs his ruff reassurringly. Rillwhisper murmurs, "Four wolves, and twice as many elves... this'll take a while." Silversong says "Ashes can carry someone else. I'm no stranger to walking. *smile*" Brightfire kneels again, carefully, to slowly help Talek to his feet, sending to Rill as she does. ** I can walk, as well. I...should...be fine. ** Strongbow nods softly. ** Lashpaw can carry someone else as well. I'll walk. ** Rainfire, now that the party is awake and moving, points out in a slightly taut manner that he will be happy to carry either Keshah or Talek, or whoever else needs a ride. Fhen shyly leans over to his father, and the two in murmursent exchanges opt to ride Willowpaw. Rillwhisper smiles at Rainfire, who smiles a little weakly back at her, and the chieftess announces, ** Well, those of us who have strong wolves, we'll take turns. Let's get gone, everyone! ** Brightfire helps Talek onto Rainfire's wolf's back, clearly intending to baalance him all the way back to Willowholt, if necessary. Time passes, and the party eventually works its way out of the mountains. Once out of the valley, it is evident that the newgreen has crept in, while you were all not looking. North Bank of the Pond(#170RJa) This wide sandy stretch of ground is the Hubward bank of a pond about three wolf-jumps wide; the tall marsh grasses that seem to ring the water on all sides part long enough at this bank to give a good view of the water. Just beside the pond's edge, among those same grasses, a large, smooth rock provides a place to sit and regard the water. At the rock's base is a tiny hole almost hidden among the brush. Off across the water can be seen the beginnings of a thick tangle of trees, the fringe of a wood ... the silhouette of a massive willow tree stands out in the line of new greenness. Shielding the bank from view from anywhere except within the Holt proper, a wide curving circle of foliage rings round the pond and weaves on into the trees around the Holt. The green spring grasses are very thick round most of the pond's edges, but a tiny path is *just* visible following the curve of the pond towards Away-from-Hub and Sun-Goes-Down. Hubward the same small path runs off to connect with the trail into the marshes. After days of travel, the party at last arrives at the Willowholt. Rillwhisper brightens at the familiar territory, as do Fhen and Chitter, though Rainfire remains quiet during the whole trip. Rillwhisper slips off her wolf's back, and Fhen and Chitter smile tiredly, to go relax, after she shooes them off. Brightfire, by the end of the trip, is clearly exhausted, both from the travel and the demands of unanswered Recognition; no doubt the constant, irritated mutterings from Keshah about the whole thing have not helped any. Strongbow walks softly next to his wolf, eyes dark and relaxed in familiar territory once more. Lashpaw just looks weary. Lashpaw stretches and sits, watching, panting good-naturedly. Rainfire hangs around long enough to offer to get Keshah and Talek into the nearest comfortable places to rest; Rillwhisper nods, directing that the two be carried to the Old Willow. Rillwhisper vanishes into the tall grasses and the thick tangle of trees, following the curve of the pond southwest... Sunruff vanishes into the tall grasses and the thick tangle of trees, following the curve of the pond southwest... You poke your way through the tall pond grasses, into the trees. West Bank of the Pond This narrow strip of a path runs wedged on one side by closely tangled young trees, and on the other by the thick grasses surrounding the nearby small pond. Just overhead, most of the tangle of branches comes from the huge gnarled willow tree that dominates most of the surroundings. As the Daystar sets the air turns chilly in the Newgreen evening. You step through the trees and into the clearing by the Old Willow. 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. Rillwhisper comes in through the itchgrass circle, carrying an unfamiliar and gaunt elf bundled in furs in her arms. She smiles tiredly at NightDancer, as Brightfire follows her in. Rillwhisper says "If you'll pardon me, NightDancer, I need to put this cub down..." Rillwhisper pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree. From the branch above, Woodhawk swings down off the branch to the clearing below. Woodhawk drops down from the branch above. Brightfire blinks faintly at Woodhawk, and inadvertantly looks over her shoulder for Strongbow. Tall for a Wolfrider, and slim of build, this elf moves with an unconscious, noiseless agility that speaks of skill as a hunter. His thick dark auburn hair hangs in waves down just past his shoulders, and dangles in his gold-flecked brown eyes; his voice, both spoken and sent, is quiet and husky, as unobtrusive as his movement. A close glance and a sniff of him might catch a subtle yet palpable tang to his scent, a something that speaks of fire... He is clad in a high-collared, sleeveless tunic of dark reddish-brown, streaked golden in random spots along the shoulders, and laced shut at an angle down one side of his chest. On his feet he wears soft, low boots of the same gold. A streaked headband, colors reversed from his tunic, keeps his unruly hair out of his face. He seems in a casually good mood. Woodhawk, looking immensely relieved to see his mate home again, drops immediately down out of the trees. He sends after Rill for a moment, nodding, then turns and smiles crookedly to the newcomer. "Rill says she's settling your young mate; anything I can do to help?" NightDancer decides all is in hand, and picks up his leathers again, finding the needle to start stitching after bestowing a smile on Brightfire. Silversong emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Brightfire blinks again, completely bewildered. This is entirely too much for her tired mind. ** You don't _smell_ like Strongbow...? ** Strongbow emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Lashpaw emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Silversong wearily wanders in after the others, and she smiles, at seeing Woodhawk, going over to embrace him in her arms. Woodhawk blinks, and ohs, and grins again, embarrassedly, at Brightfire, "Um, no, I don't," he agrees, as Strongbow himself appears from around the pond. NightDancer grins quietly into his leatherwork as the clearing fills up. Woodhawk smiles, and hugs Silversong lightly. "Is everyone alright? Rill's gone to put Talek where he can rest." A smile plays around the corners of Strongbow's mouth and he nods greetings to Woodhawk. Brightfire looks at Strongbow, then at Woodhawk, then at Strongbow, and abruptly sits down, nearly a collapse, and puts her face in her hands. Lashpaw pads over to the hollow log and lies down next to it, whuffing wearily. Woodhawk, giving another indication that no, this elf isn't Strongbow, blushes brightly, but he nevertheless looks amused. Silversong looks back at Brightfire, and smiles, also amused. A light breeze stirs the Old Willow's branches. Strongbow's eyes smirk, though the smile doesn't quite take over at his mouth. He nods to Brightfire, reshouldering his bow. Brightfire removes her hands from her face, looks at the two of them again, and sends, helplessly, ** Am I seeing things? ** Brightfire sends openly ** I didn't think not answering Recognition made you hallucinate. ** Woodhawk remarks ruefully to Brightfire, "Um, no; we really do look alike. Sort of a joke between our Holts. Rill's brother Sweetleaf has wondered whether Strongbow here is descended from my blood." Strongbow's eyes solemn somewhat and he nods gently to Brightfire. ** It's just what you see, lass. ** Silversong smiles. ** No, Recognition doesn't make one hallucinate... or at least, it did not make me hallucinate, when I Recognized Woodhawk here. ** From the branch above, Rillwhisper climbs out of the Old Willow's heart. From the branch above, Rillwhisper swings down off the branch to the clearing below. Rillwhisper drops down from the branch above. Brightfire sends openly ** Yes, but it's been so long... ** Rillwhisper whews softly, as she drops down into view again, announcing, "Talek's in our guest den, now... " She looks sympathetically to Brightfire, and adds, "Healer, I think _you_ need to rest too?" A light breeze stirs the Old Willow's branches. Brightfire rubs at her eyes rather frantically, then tiredly pushes herself to her feet, shaking her head. ** I'll be all right... ** Strongbow looks curtly off into the woods. ** Might do some good to be near him. ** Woodhawk's dark eyebrows go up, as Rillwhisper says gently to Brightfire, "You both are in bad shape, but we have to get him strong enough to do what Recognition asks. I'll find my brother; he's brewed teas to ease the ache of Recognition before, and that should help until Talek's strong enough." NightDancer raises his head curiously, watching and listening, his leatherworking forgotten for the moment. Woodhawk volunteers softly, "Rillwhisper, he's been replenishing the rosecherry. I can find him." Brightfire rubs at her eyes again, and then nods, looking hopelessly cub-like. Over on the clearing's edge, the shaped-rock fountain burbles merrily. Rillwhisper turns to her elder mate, and gazes at him fondly for a moment, stepping up to hug him tightly for a moment in greeting before nodding to him. ** Go, love. ** Woodhawk, with that, vanishes off into the trees. Silversong gently slips her arms away from Woodhawk, smiling. Rillwhisper turns back, and glances at Strongbow briefly, not missing his restlessness. Rillwhisper goes on, though, "Who's taken Keshah? We should put her somewhere safe, too." Silversong looks over to Brightfire. ** I think you need sleep, Brightfire... as do many of us. ** Brightfire is obviously out of it: she speaks rather than her usual sending, her already growly voice harsh with exhaustion. "Not near Talek, _please_. She's...back there...." She gestures roughly towards the pondarea. Strongbow shifts his bow across his chest and steps over to Lashpaw, crouching down next to him. He buries his hand in the wolf's ruff and nods softly to himself. Rillwhisper nods quietly. "I'll get her. Brightfire, cousin, you should go sleep. Silversong, will you take her to Talek?" Rillwhisper pauses briefly, glancing at Strongbow and his wolf. Lashpaw pants, though he's been resting for some time now. NightDancer says quietly, 'Can I help at all, chieftess?" Silversong sends openly ** If you wish to sleep away from Talek, Brightfire... you could stay in my tree, with myself. ** Brightfire straightens, eyes brightening with alarm. ** No. I want to be near him. I don't want _Kesh_ near him...she's so... ** She trails off and finally finishes, lamely, "Loud." Rillwhisper turns to Dawn's sire, and smiles tiredly at him. "Just tell me if the Holt has been peaceful while we've all been gone, and that will be help enough... let me go get the Sun maiden." Rillwhisper vanishes northward into the trees. Silversong nods, in apology. ** I misunderstood. ** Strongbow looks up at Brightfire, eyes thoughtful. He nods, agreeing wordlessly with the feeling behind her words. Rillwhisper emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Rillwhisper returns with a wrapstuffed form draped over her shoulder, and considers, glancing around the quiet Holt. Silversong smiles, reaching out an offered hand to Brightfire. ** Let's get you to Talek. ** NightDancer grins cheerfully at Rill. "I'm glad to tell you, Rillwhisper, that it _has_ been quiet. All you trouble-makers gone." He grins again, winking. Rillwhisper chuckles tiredly to her tribesmate, as she opts at last to put Keshah's prone form in the Starwillow. Rillwhisper slips into the nearby copse of saplings. Brightfire nods to Silversong, reaching out her hand and grasping the other healer's, her movements less than graceful. Strongbow's lips twitch. He returns his gaze to his wolf, giving him one strong scratch, and rises, gazing into the trees. Rillwhisper emerges from the nearby copse. Rillwhisper returns at last, surveying the remaining elves in the clearing. Silversong smiles, gently guiding Brightfall into the old willow. Silversong pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree. Rillwhisper pads over to Strongbow, and lightly touches his shoulder. You push aside the willow fronds and step into the tree. Gathering Hollow This hollow within the Old Willow is a cozy chamber, where visitors to the Holt, as well as the elves of the Holt themselves, can gather when weather forces the tribe indoors. There are an assortment of furs here, and a wooden stool or two upon which to sit. It is a cool Newgreen night, bright stars shining unhindered through the budding branches. Silversong approaches the handholds in the wall and climbs further up into the tree. You approach the handholds in the wall and climb further up into the tree. In the Old Willow(#220RL) In the heart of the trunk of the Old Willow, you are surrounded by smoothly shaped wood, with only the occasional ripple in the surface here and there hinting that this massive tree was shaped from more than one. Handholds spiral along the trunk both up and down, and the light here is soft and shadowed and faintly green. Round crawl-holes lead off here and there into various dens. Above are visible the upper branches of the tree, and off to one side, another hole leading out along an extending branch. Trollkiller's old den(#8737RL) Trollkiller's old den is, these days, most often used as a playroom, or as a guest den for visitors who are particularly close to Rillwhisper, Woodhawk, or Trollkiller. It is filled wall to wall with soft furs, and kept from becoming stuffy by regular use. Brightfire crawls in after you. Silversong smiles. Brightfire sends openly ** Thank you...thank you, healer. ** Silversong smiles. ** You're welcome, Brightfire... sleep, now. You need it. I'll be here, keeping watch. ** Brightfire nods heavily and crawls to Talek's side, wrapping her body around his protectively before slowly allowing herself to drop off to sleep. Silversong smiles quietly, sitting down against the wall of the den, and watching over the both of you. You locksend to Talek, Brightfire sendss as she drifts off to sleep: ** You'll be all right, Ged. ** Talek locksends ** ** Trollkiller blinkblinks. ** Hi. ** Brightfire smiles a little, still not quite awake, and then looks sheepish. ** I'm sorry about confusing you with Strongbow. I was just so /tired/. ** She smiles at Trollkiller. ** Hi. I'm Brightfire. ** Trollkiller is physically a throwback, an elf clearly half wolf in form. He is covered with grey fur from head to - yes, those are claws instead of feet. He needs and wears no clothing other than the occasional strap to hold carrying pouches. Dawn smiles at the visitor, and settles her daughter carefully against herself, stroking her back. ** Hello.. I think I saw you, just before Rillwhisper left? *** Trollkiller nodnods. ** I haven't caught up entirely... you came back with the rescue party? ** Brightfire looks sheepish again and nods. ** Worse. I'm the one who dragged them all off. ** Another nod is directed at Dawn. ** Aye. You're WindDream's sister. ** Woodhawk watches the heart of the tree get crowded, and suggests, "Let's climb down, not room up here.. " With that, he vanishes downward. Woodhawk descends into the Gathering Hollow. Trollkiller ohs, looking confused. Trollkiller descends into the Gathering Hollow. You step out through the doorway and through the willow fronds. Woodhawk emerges from the willow tree. Woodhawk smiles to Brightfire. "It's alright, healer, I get mistaken for him a lot." Trollkiller emerges from the willow tree. From the branch above, Rillwhisper blinks, glances down, and sends quickly to Woodhawk... Dawn emerges from the willow tree. Trollkiller nuzzles Dawn and Dusk. Brightfire smiles wryly. ** Still. My apologies. It must be annoying. ** Woodhawk blinks himself, glances up, and spys Rillwhisper and Rainfire up on the branch. He nods wordlessly to his chieftess-mate. Woodhawk says affably, then, "I'm used to it. How's the lad, Talek?" From the branch above, Rainfire glances down at the sudden burst of activity in the clearing. From the branch above, Rainfire nods quietly to RIll. From the branch above, Rainfire climbs towards the top of the Old Willow. Trollkiller looks up at Rainfire. From the branch above, Rillwhisper climbs towards the top of the Old Willow. Brightfire's entire countenance relaxes somewhat. ** He's getting better. Still exhausted and weak, but a little better. ** From the branch above, Rainfire climbs down from the tree's top branches. Brightfire watches the goings-on above with mild interest as she sends. Dawn cuddles up with Trollkiller, and looks curious. ** Talek? ** From the branch above, Rainfire climbs towards the top of the Old Willow. Woodhawk nods, settling down on the log and scritching Trollkiller idly if he's near. He tells Trollkiller and Dawn, "I saw them come in, had the lad Talek and another elf in wrapstuff. Talek's in the place where we let guests sleep, Trollkiller, so if you see someone in there, that's him." Brightfire sends an explanation towards Dawn: ** My Recognized. And apparently your healer Silversong's brother. ** Trollkiller looks dizzy. ** Silversong's brother? ** Woodhawk wrinkles his nose, smiles a little ruefully, and nods to his younger mate. "It would seem that Tash and Mireka had themselves a cub." Woodhawk says wonderingly, "He must be the one she thought was mine... " Brightfire nods, then finds herself a seat, rubbing at her eyes slightly. Trollkiller blicks. Brightfire blinks, too. ** Yours? ** Dawn oohs! Woodhawk then regards Brightfire, and gives a bit of a sad sigh. "It's a... long and tangled tale, healer." Woodhawk says "Shall I tell it?" Dawn sends openly ** But.. wasn't Tash the one.. I mean. Oh. ** Trollkiller nods at Dawn. ** That one. ** Brightfire tilts her head slightly, looking curiously around at the group. ** Only if you want to. I have no wish to pry. ** Woodhawk shakes his head in dismissal of that. "It's an old tale, now, and one that it's helpful to remember every so often. Woodhawk regards the visitor curiously, and adds, "You up to a long tale? I know the lad's probably wearing n you." Brightfire folds her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. ** That's one way to put it. I think I am, aye. ** Woodhawk nods levelly, then leans over, and, oddly, scoops up a twig. "There's one easy way to tell me apart from Strongbow," he notes. "I can do this." Woodhawk, with that, holds up the twig, which suddenly smolders and bursts into a tiny flame. Trollkiller sends, ** I really feel like tickling him every time he does that. ** Brightfire jumps. Brightfire leans forward and blinks rapidly. ** A -- you -- a -- firestarter?! ** Woodhawk grins crookedly at Trollkiller, and blushes a bit, but smiles to Brightfire. ** Aye. ** Trollkiller giggles, and ticlkes Woodhawk. Brightfire's nose twitches slightly as she studies Woodhawk. ** _That_ explains the scent. _High_ Ones! ** Dawn mrrs happily, watching the small flame with bright eyes. It's hard to say if Brightfire's eyes or mouth are rounder, but either way, she looks extremely impressed. And perhaps just slightly scared. Trollkiller looks at Dawn. Woodhawk oofs, but manages to extinguish the little spark before he drops the twig. He wraps an arm around Trollkiller, and entreats him, "Oof! Let me tell the story... !" Dawn blushes at Trollkiller, and thwaps him! :) Dawn sighs happily, and leans over to nuzzle Woodhawk. ** Love it, when you do that.. ** Trollkiller giggles, and leans into Woodhawk, and lets him tell his story. Brightfire eventually manages to collect her jaw, though her eyes stay enormously round. Woodhawk, sandwiched by elves, smiles lopsidedly. Then he goes a little graver, and begins, "Some of us here know what it's like to be wrapstuffed, Brightfire... Trollkiller here and Rill and I. We were." Brightfire sends, dryly. ** My deepest sympathies. ** Woodhawk's smile turns a little sad. "Slept for a very long time, too. The turns of the seasons... well, more than I like to think about counting. But it was long enough. We got out when the cocoon was ripped by a skyfire storm." Woodhawk says "And I got separated from Rill and Fuzzy... fell in a river. When I woke up... I ran into Tash." Brightfire nods slightly. ** Talek's father. ** It's more a confirmation for herself than anything else. Woodhawk goes on to relate, in simple, concise terms, how Tash - and a band of humans - had his tribesmate Stormwolf captive. Stormwolf, who had himself been wrapstuffed when he was sent to look for his missing tribesmates, long ago. Woodhawk, seeing only that Stormwolf was in trouble, attacked the stranger elf. They fought: Woodhawk's firestarting magic against the stranger's powerful, vicious sending. And Woodhawk's magic scarred his face. Dawn wrinkles her nose. ** He was not nice at all. ** Brightfire nods thoughtfully, quietly. Woodhawk says "I chased him off... but that wasn't the last we saw of him. He came back, a turn of the seasons later...." Woodhawk, with that, relates how Tash stole to the newly formed Willowholt, and stole away Duskshadow and Stormwolf. Sweetleaf, Rillwhisper's brother, let himself be captured as well so that Duskshadow's unborn cub could have proper attendance, for it was nearly her time.... while Woodhawk and Silversong and Trollkiller led elves to the human village where their friends were captured. Another battle ensued; in the melee, the captives were freed, but Tash absconded with Duskshadow's newborn cub. Trollkiller plays with bits of grass, distractedly. Brightfire, as a counterpart to Trollkiller, hangs on every word, listening with avid fascination. Dawn cuddles her sleeping cub, listening to the well-known story and glancing at Trollkiller now and again. Trollkiller looks over at Dawn. More time passed... while the Holt carried on a regular search for the missing cub. At last, though Duskshadow herself had vanished on her quest, Fhen was returned to the Holt... but Tash followed after him. Tash now had grown impatient, and was determined to have Woodhawk's magic under his control. He sent disturbing dreams to Woodhawk to make him sleepless and restless... and then, brazenly attacked Woodhawk, Rillwhisper, and Firestar in the Holt. Tash used magic to turn the wolves against their elves... killing Rustfur, Woodhawk's wolf, in the process. Rillwhisper was gravely wounded. Brightfire eeeps and must go. She's heading up to the U. *HUGS*! to all, see you later! :) And so I went. :) -Bright