Log Date: 3/12/96
Log Intro: Upon her return to her tribe, Rillwhisper has discovered
that there have been deaths during her long absence: deaths caused by
a strange magical sickness. It killed the Glider Gerren, Jasmael's
lifemate; it killed Brightfire the healer, mate of Talek; and it killed
Sweetleaf, Rillwhisper's own brother. The Willowholt is reeling from
the deaths, as is the Trader tribe, still parked outside Willowholt
and suffering sicknesses of its own.

Sweetleaf's death has resulted in a dramatic surge in the green growing
things in the Holt. The Old Willow is fifteen feet taller, and despite
the cold season, blooms as though it were the Newgreen. New mushrooms
and berries of all kinds fill every trail through the tiny willow
grove. The mushrooms, in particular, have drawn the attention of
Acorn -- one of the Willowholt's surviving treeshapers -- and Firesong,
another visiting treeshaper, this one of the Gathered Tribe, discovered
by Rillwhisper to be the descendants of the Scattered Tribe,
Rill's own original folk.

Concerned about the Willowholt's peace of heart, its chieftess immediately
calls for a Howl, and goes to see the Traders outside the Holt itself,
to speak with their chief....

----------
Rillwhisper sends out, inquiringly, ** Traders? **

From within the Trader camp, Reedsnap stirs from his doze by the firepit and 
  rises hurriedly to his feet, rubbing his eyes. He peers out of the camp.

Rillwhisper raises a hand, indicating her presence.

From within the Trader camp, Reedsnap's sleep-rosy face brightens in a 
  welcoming smile. He calls out, "Come in, and be welcome!", beckoning 
  Rillwhisper into the camp.

Trader Camp <TC>(#4783AJLae)
You are surrounded by a rough circle of tents, positioned in a way to keep out 
  the worst of the chill breezes during the whitecold, and to enjoy the most 
  shade during the summer. A fire crackles merrily in the center of the camp 
  most of the season 'round, and it is here that the Trader elves will convene 
  to relax and reminisce about their travels.
        A short distance away is a smaller tent clearing, where elves who wish 
  to travel with the Traders for a short time are allowed to pitch their tents.
        Type 'tentlist' for a list of everyone's home.
Contents:
Reedsnap
Headstrong(#6395Jep)
Smokecurl
Campfire(#7488V)
Obvious exits:
Smaller Tent Clearing <STC>  
You step into the Trader camp.

Rillwhisper doesn't quite smile in return, though her gaze is kind enough. She 
  inclines her head, and steps into the camp, quietly. ** I thought I 
  recognized these tents, and the others said you folk were here. **

Reedsnap nods, tugging his tunic into a semblance of neatness. "Your people 
  have been very kind to us. Especially--" His tone goes solemn-- "Especially 
  after all the trouble we seem to have brought you."

Something in Rillwhisper's expression suggests relief that this is 
  acknowledged. ** That is part of what I came to see you about... **

Reedsnap straightens his shoulders, his face gently weary. "So much has 
  happened," he says quietly. "Speak, chieftess, and I'm at your service."

Rillwhisper chuckles, just a bit. ** Actually, ** she answers, ** I came to 
  ask if any of you and yours wished to come into the Holt. We Howl, this 
  night. **

Reedsnap blinks, a bit befuddled at first. It's obvious that the mild young 
  chieftain had expected something less pleasant than an invitation into the 
  holt. "Do we-- wish to come?" His smile returns, beaming. "We'd love to! 
  Those of us awake and nearby-- so kind! What can we bring? Anything we have, 
  we'd gladly share..."

Rillwhisper's expression is still grave. ** First, thought... how many of you 
  are ill? **

Reedsnap half turns, almost without conscious volition, to glance toward a 
  weatherbeaten tent with a carved reed flute hanging from the doorflap. 
  "Several," he admits, smile fading again. "Two of them have hidden themselves 
  away, and I hardly see them. And my own cub. My only cub." His voice is 
  tight and fearful.

Sunsinger steps out of Sunsinger and SunDancer's Tent.
Sunsinger steps into the Trader camp.

True comes dashing into the camp, stopping as she sees a guest.

Sunsinger steps out of his tent, glancing around.

True peers at the new face, looking up curious.
True looks at you closely for a moment.

Rillwhisper sends, softly, ** How about you, Trader chief? ** The question is 
  delicately phrased.
Rillwhisper smiles, just a little. ** I... want to welcome those of you who 
  are not ill. But my tribe is fearful. If there are any of you who do not 
  have the sickness... come in. Perhaps we will find a cure for it among my 
  brother's mushrooms. I must go to call the tribe, now, but send, if you wish 
  to bring any of you and yours in. **
Rillwhisper turns, and slips out.

[Rillwhisper returns to the Holt...]

Clearing by the Old Willow(#123RHJ)
Here in the heart of the Willowholt, the air is thick with the scents of the 
  Newgreen -- regardless of season. Green growing things crowd the clearing, 
  from the myriad bright 'mushrooms' hiding among tall shoots of grass, to 
  dreamberry bushes sandwiched between the trees, to the mighty, massive 'Old 
  Willow' that dominates everything in sight. A fallen 'log' under the Old 
  Willow's branches provides a place to sit; a gurgling 'fountain' provides a 
  constant song of water. Amidst the almost overwhelming weight of Newgreen 
  scents, the air, to elfin senses, is alive with magic.
Immediately to the northeast, overlooked by the mighty willow, lies a small 
  pond; to the southeast, south, and west, paths to the Holt's more secluded 
  parts; to the east, the distant marshes.
The shadows lengthen as the Daystar slowly approaches the horizon. The Holt 
  slowly comes to life. The bright tangles of the Waterfall begin to come out 
  as the dimming red light of sunset fills the hot summer skies.
Contents:
Zalen
Firesong
Dawnmist
Willowholt Camp(#6874AJe)
Sorrow(#4584PAJLUXce)
Talek
Obvious exits:
Branch<Climb>  Old Willow<SW>  Hillside<S>  Path<W>  Starwillow Copse<SE>  
  Marsh<E>  Pond<N>  

Zalen glances to Dawnmist. "I'm Zalen. Sorry we've been ... quiet."

Firesong nods, "I thought she might like to know that I..." She pause for a 
  moment and looks at Talek, "I think I discovered how to cure the plague."

Dawnmist nods in greeting, "I'm Dawnmist."

Rillwhisper steps into the clearing, and sends clearly, ** Firesong, if you've 
  found a cure amidst those shrooms, I do want to hear about it, aye. The 
  Traders will, too. They have sick ones. As I'm sure you know. **

Zalen says "Well come to Willowholt. You've come in ... a beautiful but tragic 
  warmgreen."

Dawnmist nods silently.

Seedling arrives from the side of the Old Willow.

From the branch above, Trollkiller looks down amoungst everything below.

Firesong picks one of the red and black (?) ones, "I think that these ones, if 
  eaten, might do it. My thoughts are still a little muddled."

Dawnmist pulls her knees to her chest, her gaze moving from face to
  face.[1]

Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** Tribe... let's Howl. I'm calling our 
  guests as well... and those of the Traders who are not ill. Firesong has 
  news on that, too.... **

Nightwisp emerges from the nearby copse.
Nightwisp lopes, more than walks, into the clearing.

Rillwhisper turns to Firesong. "Cousin, if you can send to your tribe, and 
  invite them, please do..."

Seedling looks up, grinning hugely at the send, piping up with "I heard that!"

Dawnmist tries not to look nervous in the presence of so many elves.

Rillwhisper smiles to young Seedling, and to her own grand-cub. With that, she 
  turns, then, at a sending...

Zalen smiles to himself, resting with his back to some bark.

You locksend ** Come in, cousin... Follow the path of my sending. ** to 
  Sunsinger.

Sorrow smiles at her cubling, waving her over even as she cuddles Seedling on 
  her lap.

Reedsnap, MistyTouch, and Sunsinger appear from the nearby pathway.

Reedsnap pads gingerly into the clearing, lugging a heavy woven basket and a 
  small, heavy flask, trailed by a few of his folk.

Seedling smiles, wide-eyed and watching everybody enter.

Nightwisp beams at Rillwhisper, and then scoots on over to flop down beside 
  Sorrow. Seedling is given one, brief glance, before Nightwisp settles.

True appears from the nearby pathway.

Acorn and Crystal arrive from the side of the Old Willow.

True pads in, holding Reedsnaps hand.

Firesong concentrates for a moment, "None of my tribe is close enough to hear 
  my sending."

Sunsinger smiles and waves to Seedling.

Rillwhisper steps up onto the log, where she can best be seen, and see. ** 
  Welcome, tribe, and cousins, ** she hails elves, as several enter. ** To the 
  Traders, welcome. **

Acorn spots her cubling, so moves over to sit near her - next to Sorrow.

Crystal smiles, as he walks in, one arm slipped around Acorn's waist.

Rillwhisper nods, gravely, to Firesong, and again to Woodhawk as she sees her 
  elder mate arrive.

Dawnmist clutches her knees close, her eyes wide.

Seedling beams, almost leaps up to give Sunsinger a big hug, then carefully 
  rolls out of Sorrow's lap, dashes over to give Sunsinger a big hug, and 
  beams!

Sorrow smiles at Acorn, raising her arm to give her own cubling a hug.

Reedsnap bows his head pleasantly. "We've brought food to share, and a bit of 
  dreamberry wine I traded from the trolls. Gifts to you and yours."

From the branch above, Trollkiller looks over to his left as Dusk peers out 
  from inside the tree.

Pwyll appears, winding his way down through willow branches, to drop to the 
  ground, and stand, on an outer edge of the elves that gather, arms tucked 
  across his chest, eyes flickering back and forth to watch everyone.

From the branch above, Dusk sends, ** Howl? **

Acorn smiles over her shoulder at her mate, settling down with him comfortably.

From the branch above, Trollkiller looks back at Dusk, and nods.

Sunsinger smiles and hugs Seedling back. "Heyla, cub."

Zalen pulls up his legs and leans on his knees, watching the tribe quietly.

Dawnmist slips carefully to the ground, resting her back against the log she 
  was sitting on.

Nightwisp nestles in against Sorrow's side.

MistyTouch enters behind Reedsnap and True, beside her lifemate Sunsinger and 
  smiles at everyone. "Heyla..."

Seedling tilts her head and smiles merrily, "Hey-la, Sunsi...Sinsi... 
  Sunsinger!"

Rillwhisper inclines her head gratefully to Reedsnap. ** On behalf of my 
  tribe, I thank you. ** As more and more elves gather, she sends out, ** 
  Cousins! Tonight we Howl.... ** Her tone is solemn, but it carries clearly, 
  and well.

From the branch above, Trollkiller nods down to the ground, and leads Dusk 
  down to join the rest.
Trollkiller drops down from the branch above.

True's eyes open very wide at the sight of so many new elves. She moves to 
  stand behind Mistytouch, peering out from behind her.

Crystal grinns ovver at Seedling, nuzzles Acorn's cheek lightly, smilinng at 
  all present...

Firesong smiles and waves at the traders, "Hello."

MistyTouch smiles and reaches back to place a gentle hand on True's head.

Seedling looks over her shoulder, spots her parents, whirls and dashes over to 
  jump on mommy and daddy and hug them too!

Dawnmist pulls her knees back up to her chest, observing those gathered out of 
  her wide eyes.

Rillwhisper looks aorund the circle of elves, and raises a hand, the gesture 
  asking for attention and silence. She is dwarfed by the massive shape of the 
  Old Willow behind her, as its fronds stir lightly, as if in response to her 
  movement.

Sunsinger watches Seedling dash away, then turns his attention to Rillwhisper.

By the Old Willow, Talek pales, and scoots as close to the great tree's trunk 
  as he can. Strangely, this does not seem to comfort him, all that much.

MistyTouch looks up to Rillwhisper, smiling agedly.

Dawnmist turns her wide-eyed gaze to Rillwhisper.

Crystal chuckles softly, hugs Seedling warmly, grinning.

Pwyll shifts, in the silence, over to stand by Zalen, giving him a sidelong 
  glance, and the hint of a smile, before his attention rests again on his 
  chieftess.

Acorn holds out her arms, catches her flying cub before she do too much, and 
  angles the little one into the air to play 'Bird'.

Dusk oooohs, at the tree's motion.

As the gathering of elves begins to hush, the chieftess looks at you all, and 
  sends, ** I was gone for many eights of days.. in trials of my own. It seems 
  that these are troubled moons. But I was fortunate in that my tribesmates 
  found me safely. Less fortunate, it seems, were Gerren... Brightfire... and 
  my brother. **

By the Old Willow, Talek nibbles one corner of his lip, anxiously.

Reedsnap lowers his burden of basket and flask and stands quiet, solemn, a bit 
  troubled, listening.

Seedling crawls closer to mommy and daddy, curling up between them and Sorrow, 
  and watches Rillwhisper with wide eyes.

Crystal looks down at the forestfloor, nods solemnly.

MistyTouch bows her head respectfully a moment.

Firesong fingers the mushroom in her hands as she listens.

Rillwhisper sends on, ** I wish to begin this Howl in honor of those we have 
  lost. Trader chief Reedsnap, I was told that the Glider Gerren was brought 
  here by you... if you could speak first on that, and tell us all how that 
  came about? **

True watches everyone curiously, spotting Talek she smiles shyly, sneaking in 
  a wave.

Trollkiller locksends ** Oh, Talek - I'm so ... ** to Talek.

Zalen looks up from his silent gaze over the grounds, focusing on his chief, 
  her words, then lets his concentration drift, eventually, elsewhere.

Sunsinger stands quietly, listening.

Acorn rests a hand on Seedling's back, watching quietly, clear-eyed.

Dawnmist relaxes slightly, her eyes still wide.

Talek glances about, startledly, first at True, and then at Trollkiller. His 
  silver eyes have a liquid sheen to them, and in a desperate kind of way, he 
  fixes his attention on the golden-haired chieftess in the center of the 
  clearing.

Reedsnap takes a step forward, swallowing reflexively, nodding his tousled 
  head. "My little son and I, we found Gerren in the forests as the tribe 
  travelled. He was weak, sick. My folk and I took him in and did our best to 
  care for him..." He holds out both hands helplessly. "Nothing helped. He 
  sank steadily. He wanted to find his mate. Jasmael. We started out for your 
  territory as fast as we could go, the whole pack of us." His mouth quirks 
  softly. "And we made it... But barely. Barely in time for Gerren."

MistyTouch lowers herself gracefully to her knees and offers her lap to True 
  quietly.

True scoots into MistyTouch's lap, watching everyone around her.

Trollkiller walks quietly around to Talek's side.

MistyTouch gently loops her arms about True's waist and raises her eyes again 
  to Rillwhisper and then to Reedsnap.

Rillwhisper inclines her head to Reedsnap. Her gaze drifting slowly around 
  from face to face, she sends, ** My tribe... never met Gerren. Jasmael 
  shared only some things with us. ** Quietly, she looks to her tribesmates. 
  ** I ask now that we remember those things, here. **

Zalen asks quietly, "What things."

Trollkiller takes Talek's hand, or offers to.

Cloudshape appears from the nearby pathway.

Rillwhisper smiles gravely to Zalen. "Any things that any of us know of 
  Gerren."

Reedsnap lifts a hand to Cloudshape, giving him a welcoming nod.

Dawnmist releases her knees, her gaze holding a glimmer of curiosity.

Cloudshape carefully parts a significant barrier of grass, unobtrusively 
  making his way into the camp as he spots Reedsnap and a few other familiar 
  faces.

Crystal frowns thoughtfully.

Acorn looks up at Cloudshape, alerted by Seedling's wrigglings to look at him.

Fhen drops down from the branch above.

Zalen ohs and nods, letting his gaze rest again on little things, the 
  shimmering of ferns, the motion of water as it comes from the spring.

Woodhawk speaks up: "Jasmael and Silversong have both said that he was a 
  gentle spirit... a dreamer."

Crystal smiles, hushes Seedling, looks ovver at the new stranger.

Talek blinks as Trollkiller comes up beside him, and looks up at the furry 
  elf, plaintively.

Cloudshape looks around a little bemusedly, never having seen this many elves 
  in one place and at a loss for where to make room for himself.

Woodhawk goes on, quietly, "From what I know... he was frightened of the world 
  outside the Mountain. But he must have learned to face it, if he was seeking 
  my daughter."

True looks up over at Cloudshape from her seat on Mistytouch's lap.

Reedsnap says, his mild voice husky, "I hardly knew him. Just... did my best 
  to ease him, care for him. But I do know that Jasmael was his life. He kept 
  himself alive long enough to see her. His thoughts were always of her, the 
  whole journey."

Cloudshape glances over at True, catching her eyes and following her send to 
  make his way through the mass of elves.

Seedling halfway moves to share her space with Cloudshape - she's curled up 
  between mommy and daddy and Sorrow. (mommy and daddy = Acorn and Crystal)

Trollkiller slides carefully down beside Talek, and puts his arms around him.

MistyTouch is quiet and turns to smile softly at Cloudshape a moment before 
  turning back. Death of loved ones is nothing new to her, but something to 
  which she's always respectful.

Rillwhisper, spying the new figure joining the Traders, inclines her head to 
  Cloudshape, and then offers to the group at large, "I was told that Gerren 
  lost himself in trying to protect the Mountain with his magic. This says to 
  me that he was brave, and good of heart... for these things alone, it is 
  well worth it to Howl for him."

Cloudshape still appears somewhat overwhelmed, but smiles warmly to all these 
  new friends waiting to happen, quietly sitting in the space which Seedling 
  cleared for him.

Seedling giggles at mommy, who moves to leave Cloudshape enough room to sit, 
  and then squirms over and peers at Cloudshape curiously.

Rillwhisper turns to Zalen, then, and asks him earnestly, "Tribesmate... you 
  came from the Mountain. How best can we honor Gerren tonight?"

Trollkiller locksends ** <support><love> ** to Talek.

Crystal chuckles warmly, fuzzles Seedling, who seems intent on making as many 
  new friends aas she possibly can.

Zalen looks up in shock, eyes wide as the words sink quickly into his mind. 
  "Um!"

Sorrow gently strokes her cub Nightmist's hair.

Seedling giggles at daddy, grinning impishly at him, then turns her attetion 
  back to Cloudshape.

Talek pauses a moment, then curls up tightly in Trollkiller's arms,

Crystal beeps seedling's nose, then blinks, looking over at Zalen.

Cloudshape smiles over to Acorn after a moment.

Dawndancer appears from the nearby pathway.

Trollkiller looks over at Woodhawk, and sends something quickly.

Rillwhisper, as she awaits Zalen's word to the gathering, watches for further 
  Traders joining the circle.

Sunsinger glances over and, seeing Dawndancer, smiles to her.

Cloudshape looks up as Dawndancer comes in from the path, his face lighting up 
  in delighted surprise.

Zalen sits up and says, "I ... deaths were rare in the Mountain. I was never 
  told of one, and before Winnowill opened it for freedom, I don't think 
  anyone was in danger."

Reedsnap lifts one hand partway, uncomfortable at speaking up where it might 
  not be his place, but determined to do so. "Chieftess... I don't know if 
  anyone has told you. But Gerren-- or, rather, what remains, turned to 
  stone-- it's still in my camp. Our tribal tent. And his belongings. Waiting 
  until we-- your folk and mine-- can find a place to... take it."

MistyTouch's eyes go unfocused for a moment though she listens still.

Zalen says "He ... if he agreed to join another people, another ... tribe, 
  then it would be best to remember him as that tribe."

Trollkiller send-mutters something about "except for from Winnowill," but it 
  barely escapes and is easily missed.

Dawnmist's eyes go soft at all the talk of death.

Trollkiller locksends ** About time, love... <half-smile> Talek needs me. 
  Rill will need us both, later. ** to Woodhawk.

Cloudshape doesn't seem to be catching any of the tense undertones in the 
  conversation, being far too engrossed in trying to keep up with all of the 
  newfound acquaintances.

Rillwhisper nods, a single time, to Zalen. Her brow furrows, as she accepts 
  his words, and then those of Reedsnap. "I had been told, yes... I do not 
  think any of us know whether Gerren no longer called himself a Glider?"

Fhen sits quietly.

Dawndancer manages a nervous smile to both Sunsinger and Cloudshaper. She 
  brightens a little at the pleasure on Cloudshaper's face... But she doesn't 
  seem comfortable here. Her hands wring together in her lap and she bites her 
  lip.

Zalen, usually behind in understanding subtleties in sends, looks over to 
  Trollkiller, expression hanging between confused and upset.

MistyTouch turns to look at Dawndancer a moment and smiles sagely, offering 
  her a friendly hand.

Woodhawk casts a glance at Trollkiller at his murmur, and shakes his head 
  softly, as if to say 'Not here, lifemate'....

Acorn retuns Cloudshape's smile, then relaxes against Crystal's shoulder.

Trollkiller nods at Woodhawk, apologetic in his expression.

True fidgets only once on Mistytouch's lap, tugging at the tip of her bent ear 
  she cranes her neck, to see who else is here.

Reedsnap shakes his head to Rillwhisper's question, spreading his hands.

Cloudshape finally gives up on trying to follow everything, and bemusedly 
  retreats to the background of the festivities, glancing over at Dawndancer 
  for a moment and offering her a smile.

Dawndancer approaches MistyTouch hesitantly, taking the woman's hand gently in 
  her own. "Have we met?" she whispers, confused.

True pipes up, answering that question with a cubbish certainty, *He was an 
  elf.*

MistyTouch shakes her head and gives Dawndancer's hand a gentle squeeze. She 
  whispers, "I'm MistyTouch..."

Dawndancer looks back at Cloudshape and returns that smile with a small one of 
  her own, her head tilting a little to one side before she turns away again, 
  her attention entirely on MistyTouch.

Rillwhisper considers. Then announces, solemnly, ** Since we do not know what 
  Gerren wished, let us Howl this night for what we know of him. We cannot 
  give his body to the wolves... perhaps his tribe will wish it. We will find 
  out, but not now. Tonight, we simply Howl for his passing. **
Rillwhisper turns, and, as she catches sight of Talek huddled against 
  Trollkiller -- and of Talek's cub, Tinyhowl -- she sends on....
Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** We Howl tonight, as well, for the 
  passing of Brightfire, the healer. Mate of Talek, mother of Tinyhowl... **

Tinyhowl slips in, lower lip caught in her teeth, and moves to curl against 
  Talek's side, wrapping an arm around him sadly.

Beside Trollkiller, Talek swallows hard.

Nightwisp frowns a little.

Seedling spots Tinyhowl looking sad, so slips away from the adult-types and 
  scrambles over to cuddle up to her comfortingly.

Trollkiller holds Talek tightly - and Tinyhowl, too.

Fhen bows his head and sighs softly.

Rillwhisper sends openly ** Of Brightfire, we know rather more. And of Talek. 
  **

MistyTouch gives True a gentle hug and tugs Dawndancer down beside her gently.

Crystal nods solemnly.

Acorn glances over at Talek and Tinyhowl, blinking a bit to see that that's 
  where Seedling wound up this time.

Rillwhisper smiles, just a bit in sad reverie. ** Brightfire first came to 
  this Holt to seek to rescue her young Recognzied. Along with me, Silversong, 
  Fhen, Chitter, and Rainfire from this Holt, and Strongbow of Lostholt, we 
  rescued them from the distant hidden valley whose flowers trap elves in 
  sleep. Since then, Brightfire and Talek have stayed with us. **

Dawnmist follow Rillwhisper's gaze over to the elf she mentioned.

Tinyhowl tugs on Seedling a little, trying to bring her friend in for comfort 
  without losing her father's touch.

Seedling turns, looks at daddy, and smiles hugely, happily. She gives Tinyhowl 
  another big hug, then smiles up at Talek hesitantly.

Talek's eyes glimmer wetly, as he drinks in every word Rillwhisper sends.

Dawndancer sits down beside MistyTouch and tilts her head slightly, both 
  looking at the woman she doesn't think she knows, and watching Rillwhisper 
  as she sends...

Rillwhisper sends on....

Sunsinger stands silently, listening.

Zalen lowers his eyes again, letting his mind uncoil, letting the sends take 
  hold.

Rillwhisper sends openly ** Brightfire brought us Silversong's own brother... 
  and they have both given us a cub to renew the tribe. Brightfire was a 
  healer... a huntress... and a bold she-wolf. We Howl for her, this night. **

Seedling tries to hug both Tinyhowl and Talek.

Sorrow leans over to give Nightwisp a gentle hug, keeping her arm about her 
  shoulders.

Hugged by not only Trollkiller but both his own cub and Seedling, Talek 
  sniffles, overwhelmed.

Dawndancer watches all those being hugged and swallows, wrapping her arms 
  about her own torso and looking down at the ground.

No-fur, tucked in among the cluster of elves near Sorrow and his cub, lets his 
  mother speak, expression schooled into something somber.

Rillwhisper lifts her green gaze at last to the great tree which overshadows 
  every elf present, and sends on....
Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** Lastly, we Howl this night... for my 
  brother. Sweetleaf. **
Rillwhisper sends openly ** Lastly, we Howl this night... for my brother. 
  Sweetleaf. **

Crystal sighs sadly, nods to Rill.

MistyTouch glances to Dawndancer and reaches to gently rub her back, trying to 
  comfort her.

Acorn closes her eyes, tilting her head down and against her lifemate's chest.

Woodhawk breathes out a sigh.

Dawnmist looks down at the ground, her own eyes wet.

Trollkiller looks over to Rill, knowing...

Reedsnap clasps his hands, ducking his chin. At the sound of Sweetleaf's name 
  his gentle eyes have begun to shine with a film of moisture.

Fhen gets up and walks over to Talek.

Crystal mmms, gently caresses his lifemate's cheek, lookinng off into the 
  distance.

Dawndancer looks up at MistyTouch as the elf's hands touch her back, her 
  expression almost startled.

MistyTouch smiles reassuringly to Dawndancer.

As the list of those to be mourned grows longer, Sunsinger's eyes grow deeper, 
  sympathy, strong and sincere, and sorrow for the lost welling up from deep 
  within them.

Cloudshape doesn't know any of the names at all, and tries to relate... but 
  has many of his own losses and holes in his heart, and sympathizes with his 
  cousins as best as he can, closing his eyes and paying respect.

Rillwhisper continues to stare up at the tree, as she sends to you all, ** 
  Sweetleaf's is a tale which goes farther back in time than any of us can 
  count. Back to the days when I... and my mates... ran with the tribe of 
  Redbear. **

Surrounded by Trollkiller and cubs, Talek blinks tearily up at Fhen, as well.

Firesong listens intently as Rillwhisper starts to speak of Sweatleaf, so that 
  she can relay it to her own tribe.

True sneaks out of Mistytouch's lap, padding over to stand beside Reedsnap, 
  sneaking her hand up to hold his.

Trollkiller looks over from Talek without letting go, and sends, ** He was 
  born before 'most all of us... **

MistyTouch smiles after True proudly and continues to rub DawnDancer's back 
  gently.

Reedsnap folds his hand warmly around True's, blinking down at her with a 
  small and grateful smile.

Dawndancer listens carefully to the story, once more her head tilting to one 
  side as she concentrates, her dark hair fanning over one shoulder. She knows 
  very few here... but still she feels the burden of the sadness...

Rillwhisper does not turn, but her sending touches every mind in the clearing, 
  in turn. ** Another gentle spirit... called Ravvit, when he would not share 
  wof the meat our hunters brought to the tribe. A father to me as much as 
  anyone, as our sire died before I was born. And when my mates and I came out 
  of the wrapstuff, he was turned into an elder, far older than I could have 
  dreamed.... but he was still my brother. **

Fhen sits down and snuggles up to Talek.

Dawnmist looks up, her face wet with tears.

Rillwhisper sends openly ** Mate of Sunflicker.... father of Morningstar... 
  Noonwalker... Laughter... Maple... Firefly... and Birch, the Scatterer. 
  Treeshaper. Maker of dreams. We Howl this night for my brother. **
Rillwhisper turns, at last, then, and raises her face to the sky. She Howls, 
  clear and carrying.

Dawndancer closes her eyes both listening to the tale. Though she knows none 
  of those mentioned, still a silver tear slips down one cheek. She quickly 
  bows her head.

True's eyes go wide at the sound of Rillwhisper's howling.

Woodhawk joins in, his voice blending with long practice to that of his 
  chieftess-mate's.

Sunsinger lifts his face and his voice, his howl blending with Rillwhispers.

Dawnmist lifts her tear-streaked face and howls, her young voice joining the 
  chorus.

Acorn tilts her head back, letting a full-throated howl out to dance with the 
  other voices.

Zalen sits ... watches ... silent.

MistyTouch tips her head back slowly and howls along with the rest. Her own 
  howl frighteningly real after many turns of practice and many holws joined 
  in on.

Fhen joins his tribesmates in the Howl. His voice blends with the others.

Reedsnap pulls his reed pipes from his belt and lifts them to his mouth. He 
  adds a slowly rising note, clear and soft and true, speaking his own soul as 
  a howl does for any Wolfrider.

Tinyhowl lifts her head, child's howl wavering and lonely with loss, a howl 
  for herself, and for her father.

Firesong tilts her head back and her howls join the others.

Seedling looks uncertainly at Tinyhowl and Talek, then sits up and adds her 
  own piping young voice; not loud, but definitely there.

Trollkiller joins in, howl deep and rough, rumbling below the rest...

Crystal gazes up at the stars, then closes his eyes, as his voice, too, joins 
  in the howl.

One by one, elfin voices... and lupine ones, too, from the Wollowholt wolves 
  which surround the clearing... lift skyward.

True bites her lip, watching all those around her...

Dawndancer opens her eyes then and looks at the others... listens to their 
  song and ... can't bring herself to... Another tear joins the first and she 
  swallows.

Cloudshape doesn't understand the significance of the howl by nature... but it 
  strikes a chord deep within him... and soon enough, he too, more out of deep 
  respect for his friends, raises his chin and, softly at first, joins the 
  chorus.

Zalen looks one by one to the elves not of wolf blood, those who don't feel 
  the call, silent as he and nods.

Talek, surrounded by no less than four sets of arms, weeps. But, waveringly, 
  sends... not a howl of his own, but a memory of his mate, howling for him.

Sorrow adds her voice, soft though it is to the howl, mingling with those of 
  her mate and cub.

From outside the holt and answering howl can be heard, coming from lupine 
  voices. ...it comes from the direction in which the Trader camp lies.

The chorus hangs, eerie, insubstantial, in the air. When at last it dies, 
  Rillwhisper lowers her hand, and sends, ** Who wishes to speak, send, or 
  sing for the Howl? **

MistyTouch lets her howl fade and opens her eyes again to look up at 
  Rillwhisper.

Seedling cocks her head at her chieftess curiously. "Why?"

Tinyhowl, veryvery quietly, says, "Me, please."

Dawnmist's howl fades as she returns her gaze to those gathered.

Seedling turns her wide-eyed attention on Tinyhowl, wondering what happens now.

Sunsinger falls silent, his gaze going slowly around the circle of those 
  gathered here.

Cloudshape falls slowly silent, his eyes closed and a glistening of moisture 
  at the corners of both eyes.

Crystal sighs deeply, softly, hugginng Acornn, restinng his chin on her 
  shoulder.

Dawndancer closes her eyes. Even if she found herself unable to join in the 
  howl itself, her inner-most thoughts are of her missing parents... unsure 
  whether she should mourn them or be angry for their missing presence.

Acorn smiles softly at her mate, rubbing her cheek lightly against his with an 
  affectionate nuzzle.

Zalen turns to look to Tinyhowl, smiling a little.

Rillwhisper turns to TinyHowl, and nods gently to her. "As you will, cub."

Seedling looks at daddy, face lighting up with brilliant happiness.

Talek straightens a little, and something in his stricken expression lightens, 
  just a bit, at his daughter's request.

Tinyhowl chews on her lower lip for a few moments, climbing to her feet. "This 
  was s'posed to be for Sunsinger," she says quietly, "a song for teaching me 
  how to make songs. I, uhm, uhm ... " Then she takes a breath, and begins to 
  sing, quaveringly.

"Power's in the air, always, everywhere
"Running through the trees, scented on the breeze
"If you stop! you'll feel it
"Stop! You'll hear it..."

Tinyhowl fidgets a bit, tugging at her tunic, but continues her song, voice 
  growing a little stronger.

Crystal smiles softly.

Sunsinger smiles at Tinyhowl, listening to her song.

"Sweetleaf's magic glows, stretching trees high
"Healing hurts away, making the holt strong!"

Tinyhowl nods a little, to herself, biting her lip again before the next lines.

"Woodhawk's magic burns, bursting into fire
"Keeping us safe and keeping us warm!" and then she sings the chorus again, 
  silvery eyes glittering.

Dawndancer sways slightly as she listens to the music... unable to keep 
  herself from the urge to dance even now...

Reedsnap turns his reed pipes over and over in his hands, casting a proud 
  glance at Sunsinger before turning his attention gravely back to the 
  youngster.

"Zalen and his cubs, they all touch the sky
"Watching from above to keep the holt from harm
"Acorn makes the trees strong, and Silversong -- 
"does everything! Everything answers to her touch!" Tinyhowl's song almost 
  breaks as she goes into the chorus again, swallowing.

Seedling watches Tinyhowl with wide eyes, amazed.

MistyTouch closes her eyes and tips her chin up, smiling towards the trees as 
  she listens to TinyHowl.

"The rest of us, we howl and hunt
"We run with our wolf-friends and we
"Stop! and feel it
"Stop! and sense it
"Stop! and sing it
"Magic's everywhere!" Tinyhowl takes two steps back, and bites her lower lip 
  again, nervously. "That's, uhm, all." Silvery eyes fill with tears. "It's, 
  it's not right anymore 'cuz Momma and Sweetleaf are gone, but ... " 
  Uncertainly, she runs back to bury her face against Talek, tears running 
  down her face.

Seedling crawls back to sit with mommy and daddy, watching Tinyhowl with a 
  rapt expression all the while.

Dawnmist closes her eyes, smiling, letting the song's words into her mind.

Talek blinks several times, then takes his daughter into his arms, and hugs 
  her tightly.

Crystal smiles bbrightly over at Tinyhowl, yet somehow sadly, too.

True sniffles, watching after Tinyhowl.

Acorn scoops up her cubling, holding her close.

Reedsnap scrubs his eyes with the back of one hand, letting out a softly 
  shivering breath.

Cloudshape is silent in his usual awe of musical talent... unable to offer 
  anything to this occasion except his presence.

Sunsinger smiles softly, watching Tinyhowl. "Yes... they are gone... but 
  they're still here. They live on, in you, in all your tribe. Stop, and you

Dawndancer opens her eyes and the beginnings of a soft smile touches her lips.

Sunsinger says "..and you'll feel them... listen, deep inside yourself,and 
  you'll hear them..."

Trollkiller blinks, surprised, at Tinyhowl. He didn't know about that.

Firesong closes her eyes briefly as the song ends.

Trollkiller pets Tinyhowl's hair, brushing it back with gentle fingertips.

A single tear rolls gently down MistyTouch's cheeks from her closed eyes.

Rillwhisper, as the cub is offered council, smiles. She sends to Tinyhowl and 
  to her father, earnest appreciation and thanks.

Tinyhowl snuffles, and looks up at Sunsinger, trying for a smile at the echo 
  of her song, and then slides into tears again, clinging to Talek and 
  Trollkiller.

"That was lovely." Dawndancer says aloud. And it takes a moment for her to 
  recognize the sound of her own voice. She almost seems startled.

Rillwhisper then turns round to look at the circle. She smmiles to Dandancer, 
  catching her expression, and then sends, ** Who will speak or send or sing 
  for the Howl? **

True pads back, away from where she stood near Reedsnap and moves to sit 
  beside a tree, almost hidden by some low branches.

Firesong stands slowly, "I would, if I may."

Seedling blinks over at Firesong, curiousity rampant in her gaze.

Rillwhisper turns to Firesong, and inclines her head, settling on the log by 
  Woodhawk.

Dawnmist opens her eyes at the sound of Firesong's voice, looking toward the 
  elf.

Reedsnap turns and heads slowly after True, pausing on the way to whisper into 
  Sunsinger's ear.

Sunsinger smiles, whispering back to Reedsnap.

MistyTouch bows her head slowly now and opens her eyes again, listening to 
  those around her.

Reedsnap shakes his head wonderingly and grips Sunsinger's shoulder, then goes 
  to settle crosslegged at True's side, slipping an arm around the small 
  shoulders.

Firesong looks around at the assembled elves, ** For those who do not know me, 
  I am Firesong. I am a treeshaper and I was drawn here by the surge of magic 
  that was released with...Sweetleaf's death. I regret that I did not get to 
  meet him, for he sowed the seeds that blossomed into my tribe. **

True looks up, giving Reedsnap a tiny smile as she leans against him.

Rillwhisper listens attentively to Firesong. One of her hands moves to take 
  Woodhawk's in hers.

Dawnmist looks over at those seated on the log, smiling softly.

Seedling yawns, rubbing her eyes.

Firesong continues, ** Countless turn ago Sweetleaf's chieftess daughter Birch 
  scattered her tribe. But a short 2 eights of turns ago, some of the children 
  of that tribe found each other and decided to reform it. We have settled 
  where the old holt was, and have grown larger with each passing turn. **

Reedsnap returns True's smile reassuringly and holds her comfortably close, 
  listening to Firesong.

Seedling taps her mother's leg, somewhat insistently.

Acorn glances at Seedling, tilts her head down to listen to her, then nods, 
  speaks softly to Crystal, and stands.
Acorn sends quietly, ** Seedling's tired. **

Firesong smiles sadly, ** Sweetleaf's death was a great loss. But he also left 
  something behind that will greatly benifit us all. ** She opens her hand and 
  displays a red and black mushroom, ** A cure for the illness that is the 
  root cause behind our howl tonight. **

Sorrow settles in quietly, her cubling Nightwisp nestled between herself and 
  No-fur.

Seedling yawns again as mommy stands and takes her hand.

True's eyes drift closed as she listens to the sending.

Sunsinger's eyebrows rise at Firesong's words, a smile spreads across his face.

Dawnmist shifts her gaze back to Firesong as the elf's hand opens.

Reedsnap's eyes open wide and he scrambles to his feet, his jaw dropping.

Acorn looks over at the mushroom Firesong holds, eyes widening a bit, then 
  smiles slowly, unsurprised.

Fhen looks up.

True goes tumbling, her eyes snapping wide open as she tries to catch herself.

Dawndancer watches closely at both the object Firesong holds in her hands and 
  the others' reactions to it.

Rillwhisper looks more intently at Firesong, then at Acorn, reading her own 
  tribe's treeeshaper's face at this.

Cloudshape listens to the send respectfully, and blinks at everyone's sudden 
  excitement, confused as to the cause behind this.

Reedsnap turns apologetically, reaching for True and lifting her to her feet 
  with shaking hands. He turns, then, and darts forward a few more steps, gone 
  stricken pale.

Trollkiller takes a minute to absorb that, then, eyes tearing just a little, 
  chuckles deeply.

Acorn nods to Rill, agreeing with what Firesong said. ** Sweetleaf's legacy, 
  ** she sends, gesturing at the mushroom in Firesong's hands.

True stands up, brushing her leathers off, she pads after Reedsnap.

Dawnmist shifts to her knees, her attention held by the reactions of all.

That seems to sit well with the chieftess, as she rises, and addresses 
  Firesong, ** Then we have cause for joy, as well as sorrow. **

Tinyhowl looks up, confused.

Fhen sighs.

Reedsnap says, trembling visibly, "Is there e-enough? I mean-- we--" He 
  clenches his fists, trying to control his voice and body's reaction. "My cub 
  is so sick..."

Firesong nods, ** No others here need perish. **

MistyTouch blinks and rises to her feet, stepping forward and reaching for 
  Reedsnap, knowing what this news brings to him.

Seedling turns from heading up the tree, "I saw lots and lots!" She gestures 
  wildly, both arms going in circles to indicate large numbers, "They just 
  popped up, with the strawberries and flowers!"

Zalen says quietly, "I have to relearn how to glide around here. Everything's 
  changed."

Seedling starts to get excited again, but is turned away from her chatter by a 
  firm maternal hand.

Reedsnap opens and closes his mouth a few times before he manages a weak, 
  shaky, "Oh...! High Ones...!" He whirls and grabs MistyTouch in one arm, 
  Sunsinger in the other, gripping them tight, broad shoulders heaving.

Trollkiller grins at Reedsnap. ** Sweatleaf never grew just one of anything. 
  There's plenty... **

Dawndancer looks at Zalen as he speaks those words, her dark eyes settling on 
  him with something akin to curiosity.

True looks up at Reedsnap, smiling happily.

MistyTouch hugs Reedsnap close and tears roll happily from her eyes. "Oh, 
  Reedsnap.."

Rillwhisper, seeing the flurry of reactions this causes amidst the Traders, 
  sends gently, ** Cousin, if it will help -- and I will be very surprised if 
  it doesn't, for I know my brother's shapings -- you and yours will be 
  welcome to as much as you need. **

Firesong sits down again, clearly having said all she needed to say.

Dawnmist looks at Reedsnap with concern in her eyes.

Sunsinger smiles, hugging Reedsnap.

Cloudshape takes several steps back, clearly not understanding the source of 
  everyone's sudden upset, but glad that it seems to be good news.

True's eyes light up, looking thoughtfully at the mushrooms and says aloud, "I 
  can go find em!

Acorn scoops up Seedling, quietly slipping into the tree.

Reedsnap looks a bit wildly over at Trollkiller, his face wet with unashamed 
  tears, a grin spreading across his face. Then he turns and beams at 
  Rillwhisper, choking out, "Th--thank you... thank you..."

Acorn pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree.

True starts to dash out, heading into the trees as she tries to look for those 
  very shrooms.

Dawnmist sees the joy on Reedsnap's face and smiles.

Sunsinger looks over at Rillwhisper, and smiles. "Thank you."

Rillwhisper steps up on the log once more, and sends to you all.....

Dawndancer seems confused and not a little bit uncomfortable at all this 
  commotion... She catches sight of Cloudshape out of the corner of her eye as 
  he moves back.

Dawnmist looks up at Rillwhisper.

MistyTouch chuckles through her tears and plants a big kiss on Reedsnap's 
  cheek.

Cloudshape carefully makes his way back towards the path, trying not to 
  disturb anyone else as his senses begin to overload a bit from all the 
  excitement.

Rillwhisper sends openly ** Cousins... I think that now is a good time for me 
  to call the Howl closed. Those of you who need to test the cure... do so. 
  For the rest of you... be welcome in the Holt, this night. **

Trollkiller sends openly ** If I were you two, I'd worry more about getting a 
  few of those mushrooms to your cub, more than anything else... **

Cloudshape sets off up the path to the marshes.

Rillwhisper, with that, steps quietly off the log, and watches with perhaps a 
  relieved smile, as the elves scatter in a much improved mood. A good Howl, 
  the chieftess thinks... and perhaps it will be a good night, as well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes

[1] This was cut off in my log; I've filled out the line with something
    that sounded reasonable. :)