Log Date: 1/9/96 Log Intro: It's been primarily quiet in the Willowholt since Woodhawk and Trollkiller, and Rainfire and Silversong and Dawn, have set off on their mission to find the missing Rillwhisper. But the quiet is livened, when the Trader group arrives outside Willowholt territory. Thinking to check them out, Talek ventures out into the marshes to their camp.... ---------- Talek emerges from the deep foliage threaded through this portion of the wood and the marsh, and pauses when he finds himself under scrutiny by a wolf. He kneels, carefully, and as he's learned in the years he's spent in Wolfrider company, shifts himself to await the wolf's inspection. ShadowDancer rises and pads towards you, scenting the air. Then she circles around, watching you, getting your scent. Talek waits shyly. He doesn't smell wolf, this one, at least not like one who has wolf in his blood. But there's learned wolf-things in his stance and his clothing, and he bares his throat a bit, as if to signal submission to this stranger wolf. ShadowDancer bobs her head once and takes a step back, then turns to look into the Trader Camp where her elf friend sits quietly, gazing into the fire. Brightfire approaches you from the edge of the marsh to the north. Brightfire has arrived. ShadowDancer wurfs once to get his attention. Talek follows the wolf's gaze, then calls in sending, ** Hello? ** towards the fire. As Brightfire pads up behind him, she can see him kneeling, near the wolf. Brightfire stays some feet back, as to not provide any sort of threat, and leans on her spear, watching wolf and lifemate through half-lidded eyes. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger glances up, looking in the direction of the wurf and the send. ** Heyla, cousins. ** Talek offers tentatively, ** We, ah, saw you camped... thought someone from within should come greet... ** From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger stands and smiles. ** Please, come on into the camp, if you like. ** Talek rises, then smiles shyly, and nods, padding in among the tents of the campsite. Trader Camp (#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: Sunsinger Quicksilver Goldenrod Headstrong(#6395Jep) Campfire(#7488V) Obvious exits: Smaller Tent Clearing You step into the Trader camp. Talek gestures behind him, ** Ah, I am Talek... that is my lifemate, Brightfire... ** From outside the camp, Brightfire has left. Brightfire steps into the Trader camp. Brightfire has arrived. Sunsinger smiles. "Welcome to the Trader camp. I'm Sunsinger." Brightfire nods, a drop of her chin, and smiles. ** Well met, cousin. ** From outside the camp, ShadowDancer wanders off, further into the forest. From outside the camp, ShadowDancer goes south towards the forest crossroads. From outside the camp, ShadowDancer has left. Talek offers wide-eyedly, ** We are sorry that you haven't been greeted much, yet... some of the tribe is, ah, gone... ** Sunsinger says "Gone? ...off hunting, then? That's alright." Brightfire chuckles soundlessly. ** -Most- of the tribe is gone, it seems. ** Talek lets out a breath and exchanges an uncertain glance with Brightfire before correcting anxiously, ** Well, 'hunting', yes. It's... tribe trouble. ** Not sure whether he should say too much, he clarifies, ** Our chieftess's son leads us who remain, till our chieftess returns. ** Brightfire gives Talek a reassuring smile, but lets him do most of the talking, content to nod agreement. ** Quiet time to visit, but if you stay a while, I'm sure they'll be back. ** Sunsinger nods slowly, glancing from one to the other of you, then decides not to push for information. ** I see. Well, if you need any help, please let us know. ** He gestures to places near the fire. ** Please, make yourselves comfortable. Have a seat. ** Talek nods thankfully, and settles his slender frame down by the crackling campfire. ** We will have to talk to the others, to see what we have to trade this time, ** he sends shyly. Sunsinger smiles and nods. ** We'll be glad of the opportunity to experience the bounty of your tribe. ** He sits down himself, leaning back against a big rock. Brightfire drops down by the fire, close to Talek, and puts her spear on the ground in front of you. ** You trade? ** she sends curiously. ** What do you have? ** Sunsinger looks at Brightfire. ** Me? Well, mostly I have hides I've gained from hunting. And the songs I can play on my harp. Others among us have things they've gotten or made. ** Brightfire's eyes brighten a bit, and she smiles. ** Songs. I love singing. Not that I've much to trade in return, I'm afraid. ** Sunsinger grins. ** Well, to be honest, I love to play and sing. I seldom worry about trading, unless someone has something they really want to give me. ** Talek puts in hopefully, ** Woodhawk... has some of his glass things. ** His fine nose wrinkles, as he adds sheepishly, ** I am still learning, really, how to make things. ** Brightfire smiles at Talek. ** Getting better, though. ** The smile turns to Sunsinger. ** Maybe you'll play for me sometime, while you're here? ** Sunsinger nods, running his fingers through his facefur. ** Among my tribe... Quickfin has some lovely combs he carves from seashells... SkyStorm was working on something that protects your dreams while you sleep.... ** He smiles at Brightfire. ** I'd be glad to play for you. ** Talek tilts his head. ** Seashells? ** Brightfire nods. ** Seashells. I miss those, from living at Briarholt. The cubs would collect them and show them off. ** Laughter is in the sending. Sunsinger nods to Talek. ** You find them on the edge of the VastDeep. I'm not sure what makes them, but you can find them all along it. Quickfin carves them. He's good. ** Sunsinger glances at Brightfire. ** You were from Briarholt? ** Brightfire nods. ** I haven't been there in ... three hands of years? More, maybe. ** Sunsinger sends openly ** Have you heard about the burning? ** Talek nods to Sunsinger's explanation. His silver gaze shifts between the two other elves, and his eyes then widen, questioningly. Brightfire straightens a little, one hand reaching out inadvertantly for her spear. ** Burning? ** The sending is -tense-. Sunsinger sighs a little, at being the bearer of bad news. ** Briarholt Island burned. Utterly. ....most of the elves survived, though. Escaped off the island. ** Talek's mouth forms a silent 'o'. Stunned by what this implies -- he can't really visualize what it must have been like -- he glances anxiously at his lifemate. Brightfire's sending remains tense, almost sick, and is nearly whispered. ** Again? ** Sunsinger sends openly ** Again? ** Talek timidly slips his arm around Brightfire's. Brightfire pulls her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Her sending is toneless. ** It burned...ten hands of years ago...? Not the island...the first Briarholt. I was caught...in the fire. ** She leans against Talek, clearly unhappy. Sunsinger nods, his eyes showing sympathy. ** I am sorry... ** Brightfire shakes her head a little. ** Thank you. You said...they got away. Dizzy? Dreamsent? Is she all right? ** There's fear in the sending, now. Sunsinger starts to shake his head, frowning a little. ** I'm afraid I don't.... Wait. Dizzy... Dreamsent... I think, I think Freeborn used to call herself that. ** Talek holds Brightfire's arm to him gently, listening, head quirked like that of a curious child. Brightfire's eyebrows go up a little. ** Freeborn? Is that her name, now? A healer, yes? ** Sunsinger nods. ** Yes, she's a healer. And she's a Trader, now. She should be around here, somewhere. ** Talek peers at Brightfire; if this is good news, he is pleased, and he smiles hopefully at her. Brightfire brightens visibly. ** Oh, I would like to see her again. We played, when she was a cub... ** Sunsinger smiles and nods. ** I'm sure she's like to see you again, too, in that case. If I see her, I'll mention to her that you're here. ** Brightfire smiles, broadly. ** Thank you. ** Sunsinger returns the smile. ** You're welcome. ** Brightfire nods, then frowns. ** When did the new holt burn? ** Sunsinger sends openly ** I'm not sure, exactly. It was several turns ago. ** Brightfire nods. ** Too bad, ** she sighs. Sunsinger nods. ** The tribe has moved on since then. And divided, into two parts. ** Brightfire moves one hand, still curled against Talek. ** The traders? ** Talek nestles against Brightfire; the firelight glitters on his silver hair, and he listens with interest to the discussion. He hasn't heard of very many tribes, in his time at Willowholt, and he absorbs the news avidly. Sunsinger sends openly ** No, we weren't part of them. They divided the tribe, I think because it was so large, and two smaller groups would have a better chance of surviving on the move than one big one. An elf named DancingEyes leads half, and keeps the name Briarholt. Sweethowl leads the other part, and her portion is now called the Warren. ** Brightfire smiles at the name. ** Sweethowl. I haven't seen her in a long time. I hope they're doing well. ** Sunsinger smiles and nods. ** They were doing well, last we were there. Working on building their new home. ** Talek offers tentatively, ** The splitting... tribes do this often? Rillwhisper says that it has happened with her tribe, in the Before time. ** Brightfire tilts her head, cuddling against Talek. ** Not ... often, I don't think. But sometimes. Dawn's father -- NightDancer -- was part of a group that split from a tribe, too. ** Sunsinger sends openly ** It happens... not often, but occasionally. If a tribe grows too large for one land to support, or if two strong, uncompromising leaders arise within the same tribe. ** Talek glances around the circle of tents. ** And this, this is a tribe that wanders and trades things...? ** Sunsinger nods. ** Aye. Dove was our first Chieftess. She and two others started the tribe. We wander from holt to holt, all over the world, visiting and trading. ** Talek nods earnestly. And smiles a bit. ** This makes another tribe I know about, then. ** Sunsinger smiles. ** How many tribes have you heard about? ** Brightfire starts counting on her fingers, silently, the number that she's visited, but believes the question is addressed to Talek, so remains quiet. Talek considers. ** There is the Underworld in the caverns of my birth; the Cat Elves. My... father's tribe, once. The Lostholt, Willowholt's friends. We have friends at Grove, as well. Sorrow's End, where they have the Festivals, and where Keshah came from... and Wolfhaven, where Jasmael has gone. ** Sunsinger sends openly ** Jasmael is gone? ** Brightfire nods. ** Some time ago, aye. ** Sunsinger nods slowly. ** Hmmm. I think that was the name. Reedsnap mentioned that one of the elves traveling with us was looking for her. ** Brightfire tilts her head. ** Who? ** Sunsinger sends openly ** I think his name is Gerren.. ** Talek blinks a few times, then gasps, and stares at Brightfire, brow furrowed. You locksend ** But... she went to Blue Mountain... to seek him... ** to Brightfire. Brightfire's jaw drops slightly. ** Gerren? Whitesky's mate? ** Brightfire locksends ** I ... hope she's all right...! ** Sunsinger shakes his head a little. ** I don't know... He's been travelling with us since Ravenholt, I think. He's hurt and sick... ** Brightfire straightens again, away from Talek a bit. ** I'm a healer, ** she offers. ** If you have none. ** Talek nods quickly to Brightfire, in support of her getting up. Sunsinger sends openly ** Only Freeborn. He's in the tribal tent... ** Brightfire scratches her nose. ** Dizzy was a better healer than I am, even when she was a cub, ** she admits. ** She hasn't been able to help him? ** Sunsinger sends openly ** Not that I know of. But I haven't talked to her in awhile, I don't know how much she's tried. ** Talek murmurs sadly, ** And Jasmael is at Wolfhaven... she's missed him... ** Sunsinger nods... Brightfire sends openly ** Well, we'll have to get him healed up so she'll see him again, won't we? ** Sunsinger smiles, then sighs. ** Yes... and he's not our only sick tribes memeber. ** Talek sends softly, ** Then it is good you've come...** Sunsinger nods. ** Aye. I hope you can help us. ** Brightfire nods seriously. ** So do I. ** Sunsinger nods. ** Thank you... ** Talek glances to Brightfire. You locksend ** Can I... help, somehow? ** to Brightfire. Sunsinger begins to stand. ** Shall we go look in on Gerren? ** Talek nods quietly, touching his lifemate's shoulder. Brightfire stands, picking up her spear. ** Let's, aye. ** Brightfire locksends ** Help...? ** Sunsinger leads the way to the tribal tent. (ooc 'tt' to get there.) Sunsinger steps into the large silken tribal tent. Sunsinger steps out of the Trader camp. Sunsinger has left. Brightfire steps into the large silken tribal tent. Brightfire steps out of the Trader camp. Brightfire has left. You step out of the Trader camp. Tribal Tent(#4006RFJ) This silken tent from the desert is large and lightweight, with plenty of room for all the Traders to sit, stand, and sprawl for a discussion of the latest journey. There's a comfortable pile of furs tucked back against one wall, for guests to take their ease. Contents: Brightfire Sunsinger Gerren Obvious exits: Out Gerren lies curled up under a pile of furs, enough for a frigid Whitecold day, despite it being warm spring, nearly summer, here. His face, what can be seen of it, is pale and haggard, his long brown hair lank. The Glider groans, and twitches, when the others peer into the tent. Sunsinger slips quietly into the tent. Brightfire comes in a step behind Sunsinger, and lifts her head slightly at the scent of illness in the air. Looking askance at Sunsinger, she steps past him, to crouch at Gerren's side. ** Gerren? ** You locksend to Brightfire, Talek nods, not really certain _how_ he could help, but nevertheless wishing that he could... wanting, perhaps for the first time, to be more of an equal partner with you, than a child you must protect. Gerren jerks, crying out raggedly, "Jasmae....?" Talek lingers at the tent opening, anxiously, trying to keep out of the way but nevertheless not wishing to leave his lifemate, unless she orders him to. Sunsinger comes a couple more steps inside, then crouches down out of the way, watching. Brightfire moves back rapidly, startled, then reaches out a hand to Gerren, shaking her head. ** I'm afraid not, tall one. A healer, to help you, if you wish it. You're very sick. ** Her expression indicates more than the tone of her sending; Gerren feels /very/ strange to her healer's senses. Gerren gives an unintelligible groan, then skitters back towards the back of the tent, frightened by the arrival of these strangers. "No! Bring her back! Please... for the love of Voll... I only wanted a mate and daughter... Please...!" Talek stares at Gerren worriedly, uncomfortably reminded of earlier days of _his_. But Brightfire healed him, with Sweetleaf's aid. She'll be able to handle this, he's sure. Brightfire shakes her head. ** We'll bring her back, Gerren. But you should be well to see her, shouldn't you? ** Sunsinger stays quiet, simply watching. You sense in a locksend, Brightfire tosses a quick glance over her shoulder, and smiles at you, the sending a wave of love. ** You help, ** she sends softly, ** with your belief in me, beloved. ** Gerren tugs the furs up over him, as if desperate to hide under their shelter. He reeks of sickness, of sweat, and... something else, scents that the aromas of herbs and recent bath-water can't quite manage to hide. His glassy blue gaze strays to Brightfire. "I... don't feel very well....." he mumbles. Talek smiles briefly, nodding to his tall shaggy-haired mate. Brightfire nods, and sends remarkably gently for the usually brusque healer. ** I can see that, aye. Here...let me take your hand...? ** She offers her own out to him. ** I may be able to help. ** Brightfire locksends, to Sunsinger, Talek: ** He's terribly fragile, isn't he? ** It is more to Sunsinger than her mate. ** Has he always been like this? ** Gerren's eyes widen, and in panic, he shakes his head. "Can't. Shouldn't... I-I-I'll turn you into rock!" Sunsinger locksends, to Brightfire, Talek: ** Since we found him, I think. He's hidden away in here, the whole time, except when we were actually on the road. ** Brightfire can't help throwing a startled glance over her shoulder at Talek, at Gerren's voiced fear, and then she looks back to the ill elf. ** No, you won't. I promise. ** Gerren confides plaintively, "I did. I saw it! Turned her into the rock. Can't get her out. Or my daughter." His voice comes out oddly childlike, high-pitched. Talek winces, at this talk of rock, and he shifts uneasily from foot to foot. Brightfire, gently, sends, ** Turned who into rock, Gerren? ** Her hand rests on the furs, and she considers it, wondering if she can heal without putting her hands on him. Gerren's head bobs a bit. His face is a sickly shade of white. "Everyone... everyone in the mountain... it shook... and as my Lord bade me... I went to shape... but lost it all within!" Brightfire locksends ** Never fear, Ged. ** Sunsinger watches Gerren quietly, wishing he had some way to help. You locksend ** I... don't like the memories he awakens in me. But... ** to Brightfire. Brightfire locksends ** We'll talk about the memories later? ** Brightfire slowly shakes her head. ** I don't think all is lost, Gerren. Let me try to heal you, and then you can go back to make sure it's not lost, all right? ** You locksend to Brightfire, Talek gives you silent assent, urging you to help the ailing one. Gerren mumbles, anguishedly, "Heal? M-my Lord?" Blearily, he looks up at Brightfire, as if not sure who she is. Brightfire shakes her head. ** I'm Brightfire. A wolfrider. ** The sendings are growing less gentle as she starts to lose patience. Gerren frowns, apparently dismayed, and then his wasted frame is racked by an abrupt shudder. He jerks in strange, stiff motions, eyes clamping tightly shut in pain. Talek backs up a bit, something tingling in the back of his head, a sensing reminding him of... something. His mother's pale hands, shaping....? Bothered, he frowns. Welcome or not, Brightfire puts her hands on the sick elf as he jerks, spluttering healing fire coming forth in a warm, welcome burn. ** Let me chase this sickness from you, tall one. Relax, ** both the sending and the healing fire encourage. Brightfire's hands, abruptly, pull back, the fire dying away in a startled flash, and then she turns to look at Talek. ** _Could_ he turn me to stone? ** One of Gerren's hands comes into view as he convulses. And his fingers can be seen -- but his skin there is deathly grey. And his fingers immobile, even as his arm flails out and then curls tightly around him. Whimpering, he huddles under the blankets again. Talek pales. ** I... do not know... he feels... like Mother's magic, but... ** Brightfire's eyes go back to Gerren as he moves, and she studies that grey hand, reaching out slowly to touch it, faint fire burning once more. Brightfire sends openly ** He's turning /himself/ to stone...! ** Sunsinger starts. ** He's what!? ** Talek shivers, unease growing, and muttersends, ** He feels... I don't like this, lifemate... ** Brightfire nods, quite certain of it as her healing powers extend further through Gerren's body, seeking out the sluggish rock-shaping magic in his veins. ** Look at his hand. Feel it. Timmorn's -blood-, I can't heal -this-! Nor do I, beloved. Nor do I... ** Talek sends openly ** We... need my sister, but... ** Brightfire nods, helplessly, still testing with her powers for a way -- /any/ way -- to slow or halt the changes. ** I don't know what to /do/. ** You sense Brightfire, perhaps for the first time you've known -her-, sounds at a loss, almost frightened, and she reaches nervously for your support. Sunsinger sighs, watching the healer and her patient. You locksend to Brightfire, Talek touches your mind, timidly, but firmly. Ged is there, for Iara. Talek whispersends, ** We... should find Jasmael, if... ** Brightfire nods at Talek's send. ** Perhaps we should go to Wolfhaven, Talek. _Curse_ it. I wish I had a wolf... ** Talek sends openly ** One of the remaining Preservers could fly...? Or Zalen... ** Brightfire sends openly ** Good thought, Talek. We'll ask Zalen. I think he's more trustworthy than the bugs... ** Brightfire's hand finally falls back, the fire washing out again. ** I can't help at /all/, ** she sends in frustration. Talek smiles, but weakly, sendmurmuring, ** It must be done quickly. The trip to Wolfhaven. ** He doesn't like the look of this tall Glider, but he dare not suggest the possibility that if Brightfire cannot help him, then... he doesn't finish the thought, either. Worriedly, the silverhaired young elf regards the trader and his healer mate. Talek reaches over to touch Brightfire's shoulder, hesitantly. ** We should tell No-fur, and the others... that he is here... ** Brightfire sighs, sitting back on her heels, and nods at Talek. ** Aye. You're more clear-thinking than I, lifemate. ** Talek turns to Sunsinger, and sends solemnly, ** Our Holt will want to repay you for caring for him, I think. But we must tell No-fur of this. He is our chieftess's son. ** Sunsinger sends openly ** No repayment is necessary. We gladly offered our help to a cousin in need. ** Talek smiles wanly, and nods, then turns to gently touch Brightfire again. You locksend ** Beloved... do you wish to come with me? ** to Brightfire. Brightfire nods, standing, hand on spear again. ** Please, ** she sends in reply to a silent query. ** Excuse me, Sunsinger...? ** Sunsinger nods. ** Thank you for trying to help. Clear paths to your feet. ** Brightfire nods in return. ** I'm sorry I can't do anything. ** With that, she turns and slips out, with Talek. Brightfire steps out into camp. Brightfire steps into the Trader camp. Brightfire has left. Gerren breathes a shuddering sigh, and seems to fall asleep. Sunsinger steps out into camp. Sunsinger steps into the Trader camp. Sunsinger has left. Trader Camp (#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: Sunsinger Brightfire Quicksilver Goldenrod Headstrong(#6395Jep) Campfire(#7488V) Obvious exits: Smaller Tent Clearing You step into the Trader camp. Sunsinger steps quietly into Sunsinger and SunDancer's Tent. Sunsinger steps out of the Trader camp. Sunsinger has left. Talek creeps out dolefully after the other two elves. And murmursends wordless thanks for the brief hospitality, as he turns with his lifemate towards the nearby hidden Holt. [End log.]