Log Date: 11/1/98 Log Cast: Talek, Dawn, Trollkiller, Dusk, Midnight, Acorn, Seedling (played by a guest typist as a tryout for the part), Fallberry (played by Rillwhisper), Woodhawk (played by Trollkiller), No-fur, Rillwhisper, Crystal Log Intro: It has been several turns of the seasons since Rillwhisper, chieftess of the Willowholt, left her tribe on a quest to locate a new pack of wolves... and a quest of a more personal nature as well. While she's been gone, her tribe has seen the capture of Simmel, Dusk, and Talek by the Underworld... as well as the Recognition of Dusk to the Glider Tsoran, and the birth of Dusk's cubling Midnight. But little does the tribe know that their chieftess has undergone an adventure of her own in the last turn of the seasons. Not only has her quest been fulfilled far beyond her expectations, but she's bringing another kind of life back to the Holt as well... Note: This log is primarily from Trollkiller's point of view, but sendings have been spliced in from logs taken by Talek and Rillwhisper to round out the log as much as possible. Preparation for posting done by Rillwhisper. ---------- Sentry Branch(#179RJL) This wide, side branch of the Old Willow overlooks the main clearing of the Holt, as well as the pond just towards Sun-Goes-Up. Less massive than some of its immediate neighbors, this nook in the giant willow tree is well-shaded and shrouded by the ever-blowing willow fronds. But an elf here can see out into the more open portions of the Holt, and even across the pond.... The Daystar shines brightly down on the hazy green willows, waking the forest from its long Whitecold sleep. The sun is high in the warm spring skies. Obvious exits: Top Branches Clearing No-fur Into the Tree Path In the clearing, Talek wanders out into the clearing, stretching slightly with a yawn. In the clearing, Dawn works on a tiny piece of clothing, and smiles cheerfully to Talek. "Heyla." Trollkiller lolls about on the branch. Mmmmmmmmmm warm. In the clearing, Dawn puts another stitch in the tiny tunic, and smiles happily to Dusk. (And the cub?) In the clearing, Talek glances at Dawn at the greeting and returns the cheerful smile with a grin. ** Oh! Hello, Dawn. ** He moves towards, rubbing the sleep from one eye and blinking curiously at her with the other. ** What are you working on? ** In the clearing, Dusk wanders around from one of the trees in the area, blinking in the daylight that filters in. In her arms is a bundle-o-Midnight, wrapped in furs. Asleep, thankfully. In the clearing, Dawn holds up a tiny purple tunic. ** Clothing, for Midnight. It's still chilly. ** Trollkiller opens one eye. ** Midnight? ** Trollkiller looks down and sees Dusk and Midnight. ** Mmm. H'lo... ** Dawn locksends ** Some sentry you are! ** In the clearing, Dusk glances up at Trollkiller on the branch and smiles. ** Hiya, father. Yes, Midnight. ** Then it dawns upon her that Dawn (heh) is making something for her cub. She wanders over closer to ma. In the clearing, Dawn smiles happily to her daughter. ** Is he still asleep? I'll try it on when he's awake. ** In the clearing, Talek nods and tilts his head to one side, half-crouching beside Dawn as he looks at it curiously, then up at Trollkiller's sending. ** Hello, Trollkiller! Dusk! ** He straightens up, rising to his feet again. You locksend to Dawn, Trollkiller snorts. ** I'm not sentry, I'm sleepy. ** Dawn locksends ** Mmm. It is getting rather bright. ** You locksend ** s'warm. warm good. ** to Dawn. Dawn locksends ** Very good. And it's newgreen, too. ** In the clearing, ** Uh-huh. Still asleep. Quiet for once. ** Dusk grins at Dawn, taking a look at the tunic-in-the-works. She nods a greeting to Talek and sends, ** Thanks for watching him before. Was he good? ** Trollkiller rolls over so's to be stomach-up to the sunlight. In the clearing, Dawn frees a hand to tug Dusk in close enough for a snug and nuzzle. In the clearing, Talek nods, backstepping to take a seat on the fallen log, and offers a wry smile. ** Oh, yes. Had a bit of an ..... accident a little while after you left, but he was perfect otherwise. ** In the clearing, Dusk sits next to Dawn to share the snug and nuzzle, keeping Midnight safe. Then she stands up again and grins at Talek. ** You cleaned him, I hope? ** In the clearing, Talek chuckles, bowing his head slightly to look up at Dusk through half-closed eyes. ** Of course. ** In the clearing, Dusk nods approvingly, and goes over to Talek, holding out the sleeping Midnight-bundle to him. ** Well, since he seemed to like you, I'll let you hold him for a while. ** She grins, perhaps a little too widely. In the clearing, Dawn giggles, and goes back to stitching. In the clearing, Even though it's during the day, an odd sound begins to waft through the springtime air, a sound many of the ears of the Holt would normally acquaint with the night: howls. Trollkiller sends openly ** What? ** In the clearing, Dawn perks up, tilting her head. Trollkiller sits up, blinking. ** Wolves? ** In the clearing, Acorn arrives from the side of the Old Willow. In the clearing, Talek's grin wavers a moment - ** Heh.. ** - but doesn't fade. He takes Midnight from Dusk gently, tucking the cubling secure in his arms and settles back slightly. ** Hmf. Thanks. ** He grins, then stops at the sound, ears pricking some. In the clearing, Seedling arrives from the side of the Old Willow. In the clearing, Dawn looks up at the branch. ** It... sounds like it. ** In the clearing, Indeed, that sounds like wolves: distant ones, but several, their wolves rising and falling with the wind in a full- throated harmony. In the clearing, Dusk suddenly stops at the howls, blinkblinking. ** Wolves? ** she repeats Trollkiller's question. In the clearing, Acorn stretches hugely, almost falling over, notes Midnight's presence from the corner of her eye, and unstretches with a snap to walk over to Talek and smile softly at the cubling. Trollkiller tosses his head back and houls in return, loud and long. In the clearing, Dusk pauses, then chimes in along with Trollkiller. "Awwwwoooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooo!!" In the clearing, Dawn tucks her leatherwork away slowly, listening wistfully to the long-missed howls. In the clearing, Acorn tilts her head, listening to the howls, but not joining in as of yet. In the clearing, Midnight's eyelashes bat faintly with the howling, and he begins to stir in Talek's arms. In the clearing, Talek's liquid-smoke eyes grow faintly rounder at the sound, casting a brief glance around him before flicking a lopsided smile at Acorn and holding the sleeping cub up slightly so she can see. His attention is distracted once again though, as Dusk and Trollkiller lift their voices in reply to the far-off wolfsong. Trollkiller howls again, trying to get a bearing from the sound, wondering whether they're coming here. In the clearing, From a far, far distance, the multi-voiced howl shifts its tenor and timbre as Dusk and Trollkiller's own impetuous calls make themselves heard. And the answering howl comes in its own unmistakable pattern -- unmistakable especially to the ears of Trollkiller, a signal that hasn't been heard in Willowholt environs in at least an eight of turns of the seasons... since the chieftess left the Holt. "AyooOoOOoOoooooaaaaaaa-rah!" In the clearing, Dawn's eyes go a little wider. ** Is that... ? ** Trollkiller leaps up into the air, off the branch, and into the clearing below. ** Yes! ** You swing down off the branch to the clearing below. 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 Daystar shines brightly down on the hazy green willows, waking the forest from its long Whitecold sleep. The sun is high in the warm spring skies. Acorn's ears prick up at the different howl pattern, looking sharply up from stroking the backs of her fingers gently along Midnight's cheek. ** ?! ** Dusk begins to answer again, then suddenly stops, eyes widening. ** ..Rillwhisper..? Back? Finally? ** Lagging behind her mother, Seedling steps into the clearing, following the sound of the howls. Blue-green eyes survey the gathering before greeting all with a sunny smile. Trollkiller howls back, and sends, too, ** AYOOOOOOAOAOOAOAOAOAHSEN! ** Dawn ooohs! She leaps to her feet. ** It's her! Rillwhisper is back! ** Talek catches his breath, lifting his chin and looking straight ahead in the direction of where the familiar howl-signature seems to come. His eyes grow larger still and he starts to rise to his feet again. Trollkiller hops around, and realises he doesn't know quite where to go, so he hops back up on the branch to see whether he can see where the sound comes from. You climb up onto the sentry branch. Sentry Branch(#179RJL) This wide, side branch of the Old Willow overlooks the main clearing of the Holt, as well as the pond just towards Sun-Goes-Up. Less massive than some of its immediate neighbors, this nook in the giant willow tree is well-shaded and shrouded by the ever-blowing willow fronds. But an elf here can see out into the more open portions of the Holt, and even across the pond.... You climb higher, to the top of the Old Willow. Top Branches(#211RL) The top branches of the massive Old Willow surround a small hollow where a few elves might rest comfortably. There is warmth and green-dappled light here, during the mid-day time, and passing breezes keep this place airy and cool. You look down the trunk of the tree... In the Old Willow(#220RL) The heart of the trunk of the massive Old Willow is a smoothly shaped, cozy chamber, with the occasional ripple in the surface here and there to hint that this massive tree was shaped from more than one. An assortment of furs are scattered about, along with a carved wooden stool or two, on which to sit. Higher up towards the top of the living chamber, handholds lead up to the top of the tree, where round crawl-holes can be seen leading into various dens. The light here is soft and shadowed, and faintly green. You climb down to the Old Willow's lower sentry branch. Sentry Branch(#179RJL) This wide, side branch of the Old Willow overlooks the main clearing of the Holt, as well as the pond just towards Sun-Goes-Up. Less massive than some of its immediate neighbors, this nook in the giant willow tree is well-shaded and shrouded by the ever-blowing willow fronds. But an elf here can see out into the more open portions of the Holt, and even across the pond.... In the clearing, Dusk rather forgets herself, and begins to move off somewhere quickly, trying to follow the sounds coming their way. ** !! ** Trollkiller sends openly ** She's coming from the east! I think. I saw something move. ** In the clearing, Dawn looks between Dusk and the top of the tree, indecisively. In the clearing, Acorn smiles briefly at Trollkiller, eyes reflecting merry amusement. She follows after Dusk, more as if she had the same idea than as if she's following the younger elf. Trollkiller howls again, Ayhoohahoooooahhhhh-sen! In the clearing, Slowly, inexorably, the tangle of howls grows steadily closer, coming in from the Sun-Goes-Up side of the itchgrass circle. The closer the howls come to the ears of those in the Holt, the more distinctly they can be made out... one voice... two... three... four... eight. And as Trollkiller scrambles up into the Old Willow, that signature howl comes back again, riding atop the harmony beneath. In the clearing, Dusk howls as well, keeping up the calling with her father, trying to pinpoint the source. "Ayooooaaoooooaaaaaoooooooooo!!" Trollkiller bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce. In the clearing, Midnight has the sense of mind to clamp tiny hands over his ears, looking uncomfortable with all the howling going on. In the clearing, Dawn resists the temptation to run towards the howls, going instead to Talek's side as she obeys her instincts to keep the cub safe, first. You locksend ** Twyr? Are you really there? ** to Rillwhisper. Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** I see you're all awake. ** In the clearing, Acorn moves closer to the itchgrass circle, craning eyes and ears to see the approaching howlers. In the clearing, Talek's slender arms hug the cubling closer, tearing his gaze away from the excitement to focus on the little one. "Sshhh, sshhh," the silver-haired elf murmurs, casting Dawn a sidelong glance and a hopeful smile as she approaches. ** It's okay. It's okay. ** Trollkiller bounds! about two heights into the air and down back onto the ground. ** !! ** [Trollkiller swings down off the branch to the clearing below.] Seedling follows the gaze of each of the elves in turn, scanning for a glimpse of the chieftess, just as everyone else.. You sense in a locksend, Rillwhisper sends, then, to her younger lifemate, a flare of undeniable warmth and affection and need, tinged with that same tired wryness: ** It's me, Tantin, I'm coming home. ** Dawn sends to the whole tribe ** RillwhisperRillwhisperRillwhisper! ** Dusk hesitates, torn between going back to Midnight or going towards the howls. But Dawn and Talek have Midnight well-protected..she bites her lip and nearly draws blood at Rillwhisper's sending. ** !! She's back!! And with wolves! ** Even she begins to hop about in place. Dawn throws her arms around Talek, hugging him below Midnight-level! Little Midnight begins to look as if he's going to cry, but manages to hold it in, not sensing any danger. Besides, he's with two protective elves, and mother's not far off. Acorn reflexively does a brief, quick scan of the area, half-worried that there might be a trick involved. At the lack of apparent threat, however, she takes another couple of steps toward the marsh, eyes and ears craned. Figures, then, begin to make themselves visible as they lope into the Holt.... a big brindled gray wolf, two more melting out of the shadows of the omnipresent greenery in his wake. And a tiny winged shape, the Preserver Fallberry, squealing at the top of its tiny lungs, /Hellohellohello highthings! Looklooklook, sunnygreen highthing and Fallberry come back to hometrees!/ From the branch above, Woodhawk looks out blearily from inside the tree, and sends something, probably at Trollkiller. Talek unhooks an arm partially to stroke Midnight's cheek, brushing the hair out of his eyes as he tries to reassure him, all the while looking around with wide, bright eyes. He eeps! as Dawn hugs him and grins down at her; he tries to hug back, but stops midway. Might be better /not/ to drop Midnight. Trollkiller looks up towards the branch, smiles broadly, and sends something back. Woodhawk uhs, and looks a good bit more awake all at once. Dawn gives Midnight a comforting nuzzle, then claps her hands happily as she sees the approaching pack. ** Wolves! She found wolves! ** Sure enough, Dusk practically bounds over towards the wolves showing up, unable to hide the childlike enthusiasm returning to her sending. ** Wolves! Wolves! Wolveswolveswolveswolveswolves! ** A cheerful yip follows, and she goes over to attempt to play with one. More wolves begin to step silently into view. Three... four... five... six. A full pack, their voices dying down as with ears pricked and noses raised, the lupine hunters tread warily into this unfamiliar territory. All the while, Fallberry zips around happily from elf to elf, chattering in its piping tones, waving its miniscule hands about. /HelloHelloHello! Fallberry home! Fallberry happy! Hellohellohello highthings!/ Seedling's eyes dart to the preserver's cheery voice. Her smile widens. "Fallberry! And wolves!" From the branch above, No-fur drops some acorns. :) Trollkiller pads gently forward, in the wolf way, to greet the new pack. Acorn's eyes widen, nodding in agreement. Her send expresses wonder and curiousity, ** Where from..? How? Ah! ** She ducks from Fallberry's greeting, following a few paces behind Trollkiller. Most of the pack is hanging back from drawing too near to these elves. The she-wolf that Dusk approaches yelps throatily, evidently startled by the boisterous approach. Half the visible newcomers linger on the edge of the clearing. And as they do, a seventh wolf pads into view, an elfin figure upon his back. Prowlfar appears from the nearby pathway. Midnight blinkblinks up at Talek and Dawn, cooing softly at the two of them. No danger here, he sees - just a happy time. From the branch above, No-fur looks down from his perch on the branch. "What's with the wolves?" You locksend ** you are _so_ alert... ** to No-fur. "They're here!" Seedling nearly shouts, directing her words to the chief's son atop the branch. Trollkiller blinks and stands as he sees Rillwhisper ride into view, astride the great chief-wolf, and blinks a few time, his eyes full of water. Dusk's grin is wider than wide, but she finds enough self-control to settle herself down as the she-wolf she nears reacts startled-like. She settles down into a crouch, trying to reign in her energy and just wait, eyes darting towards the Chieftess on wolfback. Dawn sticks very close to Talek and Midnight as the strange wolves approach, looking alarmed and happy at once. On Prowlfar's back, Rillwhisper rides the seventh wolf, a young grey- brown male, with skill not much hampered by over two eights of turns of the seasons' worth of lack of practice. Travel-worn, ragged- looking about the edges, Rillwhisper casts a green glance about the clearing, and sends out in full and quietly fervent tones, ** Hello, tribesmates. ** From the branch above, No-fur coooos, grinning down from the branch. Acorn stops, stands still, position and attitude expressing welcome. ** My eyes see with joy! ** Trollkiller leaps over, bounding easily two elf-lengths at once, and wraps himself around Rillwhisper's waist, protocol and status be damned. ** <> ** Rillwhisper climbs off Prowlfar's back. Rillwhisper has arrived. Talek grins down at Midnight as the cubling calms down, his eyes sparkling, then looks up sharply as the seventh wolf, the only one to bear a rider, appears. He is silent for long moments, blinkblinking, then ohs! and starts to move forward. ** Chieftess! ** You locksend ** twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr twyr ** to Rillwhisper. From the branch above, No-fur swings down off the branch to the clearing below. No-fur drops down from the branch above. Dawn tugs at Talek's sleeve, to aquire Midnight. Happy as she is to see her chief again, the cub comes first! Seedling's eyes widen at the sight of the returned chieftess. ** Ayoooah! ** she sends, a mix of joy and surprise in her wide eyes. Rillwhisper, hefted clear off the wolf's back by Trollkiller's enthusiastic bounding, oofs breathlessly -- and the wolf she's been tugged free of whirls about to Trollkiller, startled and snapping once. ** Prowlfar -- oof -- down, it's okay, it's okay... ** Talek blinks and looks down at Dawn, confused until he connects the tug on his arm to the cubling .in. his arms. ** Oh! ** Dutifully, he kneels down slightly, offering the precious bundle to her. No-fur chuckles and trots over to his mother, trying not to be -quite- as enthusiastic as his father. Dusk stands up again slowly, as these wolves don't seem to be quite so eager to play. Oh well. ** Chieftess! ** she sends again, veryveryvery happy to see her again. Acorn watches the wolves wide-eyed, picking out each of the lurking, furry bodies. Without stepping towards Prowlfar, she grins merrily at Rill, eyes twinkling greenly with delight. ** Chieftess... and friends! ** Dawn curls her arms around Midnight, nodding her leave at Talek to go join the rest. She smiles happily. Midnight's wide eyes look around as much as they can at things, his little mind trying to make heads or tails out of all of it. No such luck, however. Fallberry zips about overhead, piping its enthusiasm, and it OoOOOOOos especially at the sight of little Midnight. /OoOOOOooo hellohello highbaby! Another highbaby for sooncome highbaby to play with! HellohelloHello!/ And six wolves, their lupine body language signalling wariness and unease in this strange place, even as Prowlfar skitters back a few steps. It's obvious that this particular wolf is torn between protecting the chieftess and obeying her order. Dawn blinkblinkblinks at the preserver. "Sooncome highbaby?!" Woodhawk walks out onto the branch, then lowly plops down from above into the clearning, and walks more decoriously than Trollkiller to Rillwhisper. Slowly following the movement toward the wolves, Seedling approaches the shaggy forms, keeping little distance between herself and shaggy forms. Acorn looks over her shoulder at Fallberry, almost repeating Dawn's query, then looks quickly at Rill. ** Highbaby? ** Dusk doesn't catch the chattering of Fallberry. Instead, she tentatively offers a hand towards one of the wolves closest to her, keeping another eye on Trollkiller and Rillwhisper. Talek smiles at Dawn once the cubling is transfered, then stands up and moves to join the others. He too blinks at the preserver at 'sooncome highbaby' and flicks an alarmed glance at the newly- returned chieftess. ** Sooncome... Chieftess-? ** Midnight just..stops, staring up at the odd little bug. Rillwhisper wraps her arms around her younger mate, letting this be her excuse for slipping off Prowlfar's back, while sending out to everyone, ** My eyes see with joy, all.... ** She buries her face in Trollkiller's furry shoulder, embracing him fiercely. No-fur patiently waits his turn, grinning ear to ear. Trollkiller blinks, and leans back just a tad, unburying his head from Rillwhisper's stomach. ** ? ** He reaches up with a hand to touch, looks up at Rillwhisper's eyes, and ** <>? ** You locksend ** You are...? ** to Rillwhisper. Acorn smiles warmly at the Rill hug-pile, then makes a tentative approach to another of the wolves, murmuring a soft greeting and welcome. Dawn stares at the preserver, then at Rillwhisper, then back at the preserver. "Oooohhh!" Rillwhisper looks up again, first into Trollkiller's green gaze upon her, her own just as full as her sending had been; then her attention lifts to find Woodhawk with that same full gaze, and finally, she sends to all, ** I... ah... have something of a story to tell you all... ** And she casts an arch look at the Preserver, who flitflitflits unrepentantly, chattering, /Manymany highbabies! Manymany growlers!/ The she-wolf nearest Dusk warily approaches her again, ears up and curious; the big brindled gray male is the one near Acorn, and he gazes at her steadily, a low whuff sounding in his throat. Seedling looks up from her tentative scratching of a wolf's ears to the chieftess once more. "A story?" Rillwhisper locksends ** Aye... I've a cub coming, beloved.... ** Woodhawk, finally arrving over, places one hand on Trollkiller's shoulder and another on Rillwhisper's. Something is sent, something kept between lifemates only. Dawn walks closer to the others, though still well out of threatening distance to the still-alien wolves. She cradles the tiny black- haired cub in her arms, and settles for sending to Rillwhisper, smiling all over. Dusk sits in place, splitting her attention between the she-wolf now checking her out and Rillwhisper, back again. ** A story? ** she repeats Seedling. Trollkiller shivvers, and leans against Rillwhisper's stomach again. Dawn locksends ** I'm so, so happy to see you again, Rillwhisper-chief! Really, another cub?? ** to Rillwhisper. Talek stays on the edges of the gathering around Rillwhisper, his grin as broad as No-fur's, then eventually pulls away to allow those reuniting room. But he still grins, though it has turned into something of a lopsided smile now, and tilts his head slightly to look on with curiousity, being the third to query, ** ...A story? ** Woodhawk locksends, to Trollkiller, Rillwhisper: ** A... wow. ** Acorn sizes up the big, brindled gray male, eyes and nose working almost overtime. Her sending is rather distracted, but still full of curiousity. ** ? ** Woodhawk says, "And probably a long one, from all you've brought back..." Midnight snuggles in Dawn's arms and yawns, still eyeing Fallberry. Trollkiller just holds Rillwhisper. No-fur nudges in close and finally puts his arms around his mother, now that everyone else has pounced her. He nuzzles her warmly... ** Hi there. ** Freeing one arm from her embrace around Trollkiller, Rillwhisper wraps it round Woodhawk, drawing the firestarter near to her, his dark head to her own bright one. She hugs them both with as much strength as her slim arms can put forth, and then raises her head to smile crookedly in the direction of Dawn, as if in acknowledgement. ** A story, ** she confirms for the chorus of curious sendings. While the Preserver flitflitflits delightedly over the infant, Rillwhisper appends, ** Do I get to sit down while I'm telling this -- oof... ** She trails off, as her tall young son squeezes in between her lifemates. You locksend to Rillwhisper, Trollkiller is shaking - well, shivvering more, really - and continually sending to you, just for the feeling of sending to you. Evidently, the big gray male seems to make some sort of positive decision about Acorn; he lopes closer to her, condescending to allow her to make physical contact, while the she-wolf by Dusk now sniffs at her curiously, seeming baffled by her fur. Rillwhisper senses in a locksend, No-fur nuzzles. ** Missed you. ** Trollkiller sends openly ** Um. Uh. I ... yes. Are you hungry? ** Dusk scoots a little closer to the she-wolf that's sniffing at her, sniffing back just as curiously, a smile on her lips. Yes, Dusk is a fur-covered elf. Must be odd for a wolf. "Hiya.." she begins, talking to the wolf. The grey-brown wolf Prowlfar huddles near Rillwhisper, growling disgruntledly at this crowd of unfamiliar beings all squeezing the breath out of his elf-friend, and he peremptorily butts his muzzle in between elfin bodies. Prowlfar, it would seem, is a jealous creature. Acorn buries her fingers in the big male's ruff, gently scritching that itchy spot behind a wolf's ear. Rillwhisper gives Trollkiller another ardent look, and answers him gruffly, ** Aye... the pack's been hunting for me, but it's been a while since we last killed... ** Dawn sends openly ** Oh, yes! Meat and drink and soft furs. This will be a long tale! ** Trollkiller giggles, and sniffsnuffs at Prowlfar, before Rillwhisper says she's hungry. He grabs some of his jerky from one of his pouches. ** It's not much, but it's a start, there's more that's not done being made yet... ** It's venison, and fairly fresh; he's been making more lately, for Dusk, having been busy with Midnight. Dawn tears herself away from the gathering to fetch such. Midnight goes off with Dawn too, probably to rest now. Dawn climbs up onto the overhanging sentry branch. Acorn blinks at the rest of the tribe, rather absorbed in wolfgreeting. ** Hmh? Oh! Food and furs and drink... and a story. ** Dusk licks her lips at the sight of the jerky. Good stuff, that. As neither her lifemates nor her son seem particularly inclined to let her go, Rillwhisper, squeezed between three elves and a wolf, looks up over Trollkiller's broad furry shoulder and announces dryly, ** If you lot want to let me sit down... ** Trollkiller nuzzles back against Rillwhisper, as she sends, and goes, "...oh..." and resists carrying her over to someplace soft and comfortable. Seedling does not move from the wolf's side, but stops showering attention on the furry beast. Her eyes are turned once more to the chieftess and others. Woodhawk smirks at Trollkiller. Talek starts to move off to fetch 'meat and drink and soft furs', then stops when Dawn beats him to it. He fehs! good-naturedly and grins, looking back. ** Aaiiee.. Come on, everyone, let her sit down! She's been gone a long while. ** No-fur giggles. Woodhawk sends, ** Give her a chance to rest up first. And besides, your furs are soft. The rest of you isn't, at least not when it's fun. ** From the branch above, Dawn climbs back down into the willow tree's heart. The wolf acquainting itself with Seedling is another young she-wolf, and now that half the pack has made overtures to the elves, another one lopes slowly out into the open clearing, sniffing at everything. The two remaining wolves linger silently on the clearing's fringe; perhaps they're the shyest of the lot, the bottom of the pack. Dusk looks to surely be calmed down in light of her excitement not so long ago, letting the she-wolf continue to check her out. She must be an oddity to them. Trollkiller helps Rillwhisper over to the log, as he finally notices... ** Your leg's been hurt. ** Rillwhisper, indeed, is limping a bit. She settles down on the log that's served the Willowholt for seasons uncounted as a sitting- place, and looks up again at her lifemates, giving Trollkiller that slightly plaintive, slightly gruff look that's been lurking underneath her otherwise cheerful expression. ** Part of the story, beloved, ** she tells him, and then looks around longly at the clearing and everyone within it, while munching willingly on a fragment of proferred jerky. High Ones... how does she start this? Her green gaze lingers on the infant, and she suddenly asks, ** The cubling... whose? ** ** Mine, ** Dusk beams proudly, answering Rillwhisper's question. Then she looks at some of that jerky again. Acorn quietly exchanges scents with the wolf she's greeting, then turns to face the others, fingers working through his ruff. Trollkiller nods over at Dusk, smiling at her. The chieftess grins crookedly at Dusk, one eyebrow quirking. ** Recognition, then? Who's the sire? ** She watches Fallberry trying to tickle the baby's chin, and then turns a curious glance back to the young mother. Trollkiller looks up at Rill. You locksend ** And what about yours? ** to Rillwhisper. Still intently watching Rillwhisper, Seedling strokes the she-wolf's shoulders, smoothing the brownish fur. Talek glances over towards Dusk, his smile wavering a little, but unfading. He lifts a hand to brush the hair out of his eyes, combing it back with his fingers. Dusk's smile fades rather quickly at the question. ** Recognition, aye.. ** She glances back at the she-wolf next to her, hoping to settle next to her if she's open to it. ** Tsoran..a Chosen. ** Midnight, still in Dawn's clutches, giggles merrily at Fallberry's antics. Rillwhisper's other brow rises to echo the motion of the first. ** Indeed... well, perhaps this should be a story swap, then. You can tell me what I've missed when I'm done, unless you'd rather go first...? ** Woodhawk sighs. He thinks, "...and a problem," but doesn't quite say it. Dusk shakes her head at her Chieftess. ** No, you can go ahead first. ** The two wolves by Seedling and Dusk take their time getting acquainted, but seem not at all unwilling to allow elfin hands to scritch them. In the meantime, the big brindled gray wolf regally retires from Acorn's side to prowl the perimeter of the clearing, obviously intent upon exploring every inch of it; two more of the pack follow him, while the sixth wolf lingers shyly by one of the trees. Prowlfar strides right over to settle himself by the chieftess. Rillwhisper considers Dusk searchingly, and then nods, swinging her gaze round the clearing again, looking at everyone in turn, her lifemates and offspring last. You locksend ** Are you sure you wouldn't want some sleep, first? It's the middle of the day, you obviously aren't rested, and you need a healer to look at that leg... ** to Rillwhisper. Talek's gaze lingers on Dusk, expression unreadable except for a tired touch to his smile that wears a bit at his prior cheer. He looks at the furry maiden for a moment, then looks away, gaze settling on Rillwhisper again. Talek locksends to Dusk, Talek's sending is as tired as his smile, reminiscent of the time right after they returned home. ** When you tell your story.. well. Do.. Are you going to talk about what happened before it? ** Dusk appears relieved that the she-wolf seems willing to let her remain close, and she responds by skitching her lightly, indeed settling in next to the wolf. Quietly, she prepares to listen. Rillwhisper locksends ** The leg's kept for half a turn of the seasons; it'll keep a little longer till Blythe or Silversong comes and finds me. If I don't say something now, I think the lot of you are going to pop with curiosity. ** You locksend ** I'm not. I can wait. You're here. That's what I need. ** to Rillwhisper. Talek senses in a locksend, Dusk seems a bit reluctant to even refer to anything involving Tsoran, but Rillwhisper will need to know. And know other things, too. ** Aye, I think I will. ** Acorn lets the wolf leave undisturbed, willing to communicate more later. Offering a supportive look to Dusk, she focuses her attention on Rill. Rillwhisper doesn't start her tale, not immediately; she reaches an arm instead to hug Trollkiller, and she keeps that arm around him, her other hand on Woodhawk, as she finally returns her attention to her tribesmates. ** Well, then. As you all can see... I've brought back wolves. And aye... I'm carrying a cub. ** Seedling's ears perk. Her hand pauses, just over the crest of the wolf's shoulders. "A cub?" she echoes. Talek locksends to Dusk, Talek's reply is distant and rightly so; Rillwhisper has begun her tale and he wants to listen, but he still feels the need to answer, though there is very little to it. ** Oh.. aye, alright. ** Dusk offers a smile to Acorn, though slightly forced. She then turns her attention to Rillwhisper, listening. Another cub soon? /Sunnygreen highthing make highbaby with manygrowlers highthing,/ puts in Fallberry sagely, as it plays an impromptu game of peek-a-boo with Midnight, tugging its little hat down over its eyes and up again. No-fur quirks an eyebrow. Acorn blinks, . o O (Manygrowlers..?) ** For how long, now? ** Midnight doesn't know what Fallberry's talking about, but he likes the games being played. He laughs, and tries to simply grab the preserver flitting around him while Dawn listens to the news. Rillwhisper glances at the purple Preserver, her expression turning to something of a skewed grin which doesn't make it quite up to her eyes. She blows out a breath, then, and tells her gathered listeners, ** It happened like this, tribe. About a half-turn of the seasons ago... I got chased by a hand of human hunters into the valley where Preservers had wrapped up Talek. I hadn't meant to go in there, but I got herded there as sure as wolves corner tree-horns... ** Talek perks up noticeably, a very small frown appearing on his face as his eyebrows draw together. Trollkiller leans his head against Rill's good leg, sitting on the ground beside her. ** I knew I should have sent Sweetleaf to clean the place out... but well, that didn't happen. ** Rillwhisper's tone turns brusque, though her hand on Trollkiller is deftly and surely stroking him, even as her hand on Woodhawk clasps him surely, keeping that contact unbroken. ** The place is much the same as I remembered. Full of those flowers that make an elf sleep. And the Preservers are still there, and still bent on putting 'highthings' into wrapstuff. ** /Naughtybad wethings!/ is Fallberry's opinion. It flitterdances for Midnight's amusement, adding to it, /Highbaby no grab Fallberry!/ Dusk's lips pull into a frown as she listens, still skitching the she- wolf at her side. She knows how Trollkiller must be feeling right now too, with Rillwhisper stroking him. Midnight waves his hands at Fallberry, trying in vain to catch the preserver, giggling all the while. Rillwhisper goes on gravely, ** One of the Tall Ones knocked me down the hillside on the valley's edge. That's how this happened. ** She shifts her right leg once, indicating it. ** The rest of them probably would have caught up with me and that'd have been the end of it... but another elf showed up. ** Her expression alters subtly, that slight plaintiveness again visible for a moment in her gaze. ** He was a Wolfrider... a wanderer. This pack ** -- and she nods her unkempt red-golden head in the direction of the visible wolves -- ** was his. ** Trollkiller sends openly ** Was. ** Rillwhisper glances down to Trollkiller, and inclines her head, once. ** Aye, ** she repeats softly, ** 'was'. ** Dusk echoes Trollkiller's send, questioningly, immediately thinking the worst. She doesn't say anything more. Trollkiller ohs. And several things fall into place. But he keeps still, to let Rillwhisper tell her story. ** We Recognized, this hunter and I. And he and his pack chased the Tall Ones off, ** the chieftess continues. ** But... there was the valley to deal with, too. The Preservers wanted to keep us there. ** Dusk finds herself thinking that hunter's kinda cute. She smiles, despite the bad parts of the story. Trollkiller nuzzles against Rillwhisper's leg, and appears between emotions, somehow. And the chieftess continues her tale, sitting straight and tall under the myriad pairs of eyes fixed attentively upon her. ** And so did Keshah. ** For a moment, Rillwhisper pauses, sucking in a breath, then continuing in blunt words almost too straightforward to be words at all, making her sound almost like the Lostholt archer Strongbow in her sending, ** Keshah had gotten into the valley, too. The bugs seemed to... like her. She wanted Lonehowl. And as we were trying to get out... she grew angry that he wouldn't stay with her, angry with me. She drew her knife on me... a challenge, I guess, though she isn't one who'd know the Way. ** And once more, Rillwhisper pauses. Acorn blinks, startled into staring at Rill. One of the Sun Folk, drawing a knife? How odd! Trollkiller chuffs, surprised. Dusk chews at her lower lip, unknowingly snuggling a bit closer to the she-wolf at her side, making a sound not unlike Trollkiller's. She can only guess what happened next. Talek's sending comes forth oddly, the tiny frown that appeared on his face moments ago now greater and reaching out to all corners of his face. ** Keshah...? ** His sending is quiet, barely above a send- whisper, yet very much audible. It makes up in emotion for what it lacks in volume. The she-wolf beside Seedling settles onto her belly, paws before her chest. Seedling continues to listen quietly, sitting crosslegged. Now it is Dusk's turn to turn her gaze towards Talek, something of a question in her eyes. Dusk locksends ** You..know her? ** to Talek. Rillwhisper's leaf-hued gaze turns to Talek, lingering upon him searchingly as she sends in stark and unadorned cadences to her tribesmates, ** Lonehowl got between me and Keshah's knife. ** Talek locksends to Dusk, Talek is slow to respond and sounds very shaken. ** Aye... ** He almost seems to be meaning to send more, but doesn't. Dusk looks sadly towards Rillwhisper, and offers a quiet, ** I'm..sorry.. ** Talek senses in a locksend, Dusk manages to convey a gentle sense of support. ** If you want to talk sometime.. ** Trollkiller shudders. Talek blinks slowly, not meeting Dusk's questioning gaze nor Rilllwhisper's searching one; the frown deepens at Rillwhisper's next sending and the silver-haired elf slowly lowers himself into a seated position on the ground, looking very much disturbed. Acorn looks inadvertently up towards her den, then looks around for the wolf she was greeting earlier. Seeing him not terribly close, she pulls in her legs and curls up a bit, grieving quietly for Rill. Talek locksends to Dusk, Talek's sending ripples in acknowledgment, but it's a distant touch at best. This new development in the chieftess's tale warrants thought, it seems. Perhaps this, then, explains that grimness lurking somewhere in the chieftess's countenance. She hasn't shifted her stance, though her stoic eyes do soften a little, turning slightly distant even though her attention is still on the elves gathered around her. ** I... got out, then. Before his soul left him... he convinced the pack to come home with me... and it's taken me half a turn of the seasons to get here. ** Talek senses in a locksend, Dusk returns a mental hug, to show that yes, she's there. Gently, Dusk asks The Question. ** Where is he now..? ** She drapes an arm over the she-wolf whose name she doesn't know, rubbing. Dawn emerges from the willow tree. Rillwhisper considers Dusk, and it might perhaps seem to the listening elves that the chieftess looks somehow as old as if she'd spent each and every turn of the seasons between the time she was born and now without ever having slept in wrapstuff. But she smiles a little, one corner of her mouth turning up, as she addresses the furred maiden, ** He was a Wolfrider, Dusk; our spirits roam free. He hasn't gone to the Palace. More than that... I'm not yet sure. ** Not sure, perhaps, or not willing to divulge more, in this open story; whichever possibility might be the truer here, the chieftess does not specify. Dawn hugs Midnight a little closer. Dusk glances around at the others. She was asking more what happened to Lonehowl's body, but. She nods to Rillwhisper, saying no more. Midnight obliges Dawn with a moment of cooing. Dawn sends openly ** I'm sorry we never got to meet him. ** You locksend to Rillwhisper, Trollkiller thinks you sense a bit of pain from Trollkiller at that last bit. About not getting to meet him. Acorn relaxes her curl, looks around for Seedling, and shifts to sit near her. ** What about .. Keshah? ** The wolf beside Seedling sniffs the newcomer as Seedling continues to stroke the fur of her back. Talek's gaze shifts to Acorn, then back to Rillwhisper, sitting up slightly straighter again. The silver-haired lad bites his knuckle, the disturbed expression fading some, but not entirely gone; he studies Rillwhisper's expression as if trying to discern the answer to Acorn's question before it's voiced. Rillwhisper's gaze flickers sidelong down to Trollkiller, and her hand tightens its grip on his shoulder for a moment. Woodhawk merely gazes quietly at the chieftess, while Rill looks back around to Acorn. Her features subtly tautening, the chieftess sends with an edge of a growl darkening her mental voice, ** She... lives, as far as I know. She fled me, when she saw what she had done. I didn't go after her. ** And Rill's eyes go more distant, looking momentarily even more akin to those of the wolves who linger about the clearing, inspecting elves and clearing alike with thorough care. Dawn sends softly. ** Such a sad tale. But there will be a new life, and this is good. ** She coos at Midnight. "Someone for you to play with." Midnight blinks up at Dawn, trying to stick his hand in her mouth, giggling. Dusk frowns at the news that an elf-killer is still out there, and that she killed Lonehowl. Quietly, she just shakes her head at the terrible news. Trollkiller huhs. And didn't think about that. He reaches up to rub Rillwhisper's belly. Nothing much to see that way yet, but... Dawn mock-nibbles at Midnights tiny hand before sending again. ** Did the wolves all follow you after that, my chief? ** Rillwhisper locksends to Trollkiller and Woodhawk, ** ** Midnight hees. ** ! ** Trollkiller nuzzles Rillwhisper supportively. He's just glad you're back. He'll be glad about the wolves and about the cub later, and is already a bit sad about Lonehowl, who he never got to meet. But mostly, he's just concentrating on Rillwhisper. ** Aye, ** is the chieftess's reply, as she nods her red-gold head towards the dainty Dawn. ** I've bonded with this one. ** Rill frees a hand for touching the gray-brown mal wolf who is still lingering near her, as Prowlfar peremptorily nuzzles his head into her lap. ** This is Prowlfar. The rest... ** And she lifts her head, scanning the clearing to see what wolves are in sight. Spying the big brindled gray, she adds, ** That one's Greyshadow... he was bonded to the hunter, and he is the chief wolf. The hunter convinced him... and the rest followed. ** Dawn considers a moment. Then finally moves over to Dusk to return her cub. ** I think he might want feeding soon. And there's something I want to do. ** Acorn looks toward the wolf named as pack-leader and blinks, noticing that he's the one she was greeting earlier. Looking back at Rill, she wonders aloud, ** Will he stay here long, do you think? Or will he leave to grieve for his lost bond? ** Talek just sits where he is, biting his knuckle with a pensive expression as he lets all of this sink in, then shakes his head to clear it, glancing up again after a moment has passed. ** We Howled, ** observes Rillwhisper succintly, her attention shifting to Acorn, ** as we left the valley. ** Dusk nods to Dawn, taking Midnight back to hold her again. ** Thanks. ** She's careful with Midnight, as the she-wolf beside her sniffs at Midnight. Fallberry awwwws as the baby changes hands, and flitflits round to Dusk, trying to keep little Midnight under observation. The Preserver is still making faces at the elfling. Dawn then threads her way among the assembled elves to finally give her chieftess a proper hug. Rillwhisper's expression warms, and she puts forth her arms to embrace the smaller she-elf, gently nudging the insistent Prowlfar aside enough to allow Dawn to draw near. Seedling looks to the wolf at her side with renewed interest. Her thoughts are made clear by her actions and affections to the wolf: Is she the one? Dusk cradles Midnight gently after Flameruff, the wolf at her side, settles after taking a sniff. To Fallberry, she suggests, "Leave us be for now, please. Midnight needs to rest." Acorn watches Rill thoughtfully, then smiles abruptly. ** Another cub is a good addition to the tribe, no matter the circumstances. ** She glances sidelong at Seedling, discretely removes herself toward the chieftess, and offers a snuggle. Rillwhisper grins rather more noticeably, skewed though the grin is, and she takes turns hugging every elf within arm's reach. ** Another turn of the seasons, and half again, and my cubling will be here, ** she murmur-sends. ** Renewal in more ways than one. ** Dawn nuzzles Rillwhisper fondly before yielding room again. ** I've missed you. We all have. ** Fallberry noticeably sags, but obediently flits off, zipping right back around to Rillwhisper's tousled hair. /Fallberry happy!/ it pipes. /Hometrees and tribehighthings!/ Acorn rubs cheeks briefly, then slips back out of the way, nodding agreement with Dawn. ** It's good -- very good -- that you're back. ** Trollkiller nodnodnods, still mostly buried in Rillwhisper's leathers, wrapped around her leg. Dusk smiles faintly at Fallberry, then attends to Midnight for a bit of time before the cub dozes, apparently not as hungry as Dawn thought. ** My eyes see with joy, ** Rillwhisper sends to all, the words soft, but the emotions beneath them full and rich and layered with relief of many different flavors. ** My hands touch with joy. ** And she wraps her arms around Trollkiller's neck, nuzzling his headfur. Dusk stands back up, leaving Flameruff to curl up somewhat. With Midnight in her arms, she wanders closer to Rillwhisper, Trollkiller, etc, apparently thinking on something. Dawn gives Dusk a questioning glance, ready to pick up cubsitting duty whenever wanted. Dusk shakes her head at her mother, doing well enough with a now- sleeping Midnight not to need any more help for now. She cocks her head faintly to one side, considering Rillwhisper, and the wolves. Trollkiller sends something up to Rillwhisper and Woodhawk, about whether he and Woodhawk shouldn't haul Rillwhisper off to bed and healing and such as that. Never mind that she has a Preserver in her hair; Rillwhisper nuzzles Trollkiller vigorously, and then for good measure nuzzles Woodhawk. It's something of an acrobatic feat to try to embrace two elves at once, especially when one of them is as big and muscular as Trollkiller, but somehow the chieftess manages it. Fallberry, all the while, sings raucously, /Bree-DEE-dee-DEET!/ Dusk speaks up, finally, after thinking about how she's going to do this. ** My Chieftess? You've come back with all these wolves, after we haven't had any for a long, long time. ** She looks back at Flameruff, the she-wolf she was lying with. ** I thought maybe another name would fit you better, now...Wolfbringer. ** Trollkiller blinks? Rillwhisper's head lifts up from Woodhawk's chest; the firestarter blinks too, dark brows lifting over his golden brown eyes. Talek looks up, blinking once before his eye round out slightly. Rillwhisper? With a different name? Trollkiller huhs. ** It _is_ the kind of thing... that... deserves a new naming... Been a while since that's happened, though, other than for someone to change a cub-name... ** Acorn watches Dusk, expression growing thoughtful. Glancing over her shoulder at a curious nose poke, she huffs a soft greeting to the gray male, scritching his ruff for as long as he allows it. Seedling drapes an arm over the wolf's shoulders, grinning even as she whufs and shrugs the elf away. Blue-green eyes sparkle and she rights herself, sitting rather than leaning on the brown wolf. Trollkiller tosses a pine-cone at No-fur, as somebody who Hasn't Gotten Around To It Yet. Dusk smiles gently, and looks around for opinions. ** Aye..after all, she's brought wolves back to us..thanks to the one who gave his life to save hers. ** Acorn lightly crosses her legs, looking thoughtfully at Rill. ** It does rather fit, chieftess... ** Rillwhisper, apparently, is quite floored by the concept, gazing baffle-eyed around at each of her tribesmates, her eyes turning rather more full at Dusk's mention of the sacrifice of the hunter whose image has been shown in her sendings. ** I... hadn't thought of that, ** she sends after a moment, weakly. Seedling nods in agreement with her mother, casting a smile in Rillwhisper's direction, in the hopes of alleviating the weight of the chieftess' thoughts. Trollkiller sends openly ** It's... an awful lot for one day, to add a naming to it... but I think it's a good naming... ** ** I think he was brave for saving your life, and that it'd be..right if we called you Wolfbringer now. ** Dusk offers, aware that the subject's a touchy one, so she tries to treat it with caution. Anyway, she's said her piece, and smiling, she approaches to nuzzle Rillwhisper one time. ** I-- ** Once again, Rillwhisper glances around, green eyes gone a trifle round in her pointed face, and then she gives everyone a slightly tremulous grin. ** --think I'd better... think about it. ** But there's no displeasure in her sending, merely startlement; Trollkiller's surmise seems an accurate one, that this may well be a bit much for chiefly shoulders at the moment. Crystal arrives from the side of the Old Willow. Acorn looks up with something of a start, smiles tremendously at Crystal, and flying-leaps at him, bowling him over with an enthusiastic greeting. Woe to any who get in her way. :) Crystal waves, a little sleepily. Then, he blinks hard at the sight of Rillwhisper ** Chief?!!! Trollkiller laughs aloud! Crystal then tumbles over backward, cursing, as he hugs acorn close. Rillwhisper hugs Dusk, at any rate, nuzzling her with the same ready will as she'd nuzzled Dusk's sire, though with less length. Then she looks up, smiling crookedly at the drowsy Crystal's arrival. Two of the wolves yelp, skittering out of the way, and Fallberry chittergiggles from its perch atop the chieftess's head. Acorn blinks at him, repentant for knocking him over, and nuzzles him apologetically. Seedling turns her bright smile to her father. At his surprise and joy, it grows to a full grin. Dusk meeps, and scoots back over to Flameruff, taking care to protect Midnight just in case, after sharing the nuzzle and hug with Rillwhisper. ** Take your time to decide, Chieftess. ** Then she wonders how Crystal managed to sleep through all this! Talek lifts a hand a hand to hide his grin as he watches Crystal's arrival, eyes sparkling amusedly. Crystal mmms, kisses his lifemate, grinning. ** Ooof... Good to see you too.. ** From her seat on the log, in the midst of Woodhawk and Trollkiller and the gray-brown-furred wolf Prowlfar, Rillwhisper sends dryly, ** Hello, Crystal. ** Acorn smiles merrily, gets off Crystal and helps him out of the crook she knocked him into. Crystal winks over at Seedling, as he listens to Acorn's send, smile growing brighter. Crystal lightly tickles Acorn's side, then holds out an arm to Seedling. Seedling gives the wolf at her side one last pat on the head before joining her parents, still grinning. Crystal fuzzles Seedling hair, smiling fondly at her. Seedling points to the wolves in the clearing, peering up to her father. "Do you see the wolves?" she beams. Crystal nodnods! to Seedling, then he blinks ** You recognised, chief? ** He groans expressively ** MORE cubs, still? ;) ** Wolves, indeed -- several of them, four right in the clearing, the shadows of three more lurking in the greenery on the clearing's edge. And Rillwhisper gives Crystal another, smaller crooked grin. ** Aye, ** she sends simply, trusting that Acorn has relayed the tale to her lifemate. Dusk settles back down by Flameruff, all smiles as she watches everything. Midnight stays asleep. Crystal nuzzles Seedling's ear ** Mmm.. Maybe a wolf for you, mmm? :) ** Seedling sends, ** I hope so! ** as she hugs her father around the neck with one arm. She catches a glance of the brown-coated wolf she was sitting next to, and sends, ** That one. I like that one. ** Acorn chuckles softly, smiles at Seedling. ** If she likes you in return, it might work. ** Crystal looks over at the wolves, a little wistfully. Dusk stands back up and ruffles Flameruff behind the ears. ** Midnight and I need to go rest, I think. ** she declares. Trollkiller starts, having started to fall asleep. And if _he's_ that sleepy, Rill must be just this side of passing out. ** Um. Woodhawk, love, isn't it time we carried someone to the den? ** Crystal grins a bit, there. ** Mm... Don't keep us all awake, mmm? ;) ** Turning back to her parents, Seedling continues to grin. ** I think she does. She didn't mind me scratching her shoulders.. ** Crystal grins back at Seedling ** Good! ** Woodhawk's eyes twinkle; the firestarter nods his tousled dark head affably at Crystal's arrival as soon as the other hunter is suitably distracted from Acorn's boisterous greeting. ** A good idea, lifemate, ** he sends lowly and wryly to Trollkiller's suggestion, leaning over to nuzzle at the chieftess's nearer ear. Acorn snuggles to Crystal's side, smiling contentedly, nodding to Dusk. ** If Midnight isn't all tired out by now, I'd be surprised. ** Trollkiller hefts Rillwhisper up in his arms. ** You need feeding, too. You've lost weight, even with a cub on the way. ** Dusk smiles to Acorn, nodding back. ** He's already sleeping, and I think I should, too. ** Glancing towards Trollkiller, she wonders, ** Do you have any more jerky? ** Crystal ohs ** I have some, if anyone's hungry? ** Rillwhisper is not difficult to lift. As Trollkiller hoists her up, she lets out a breathless laugh, murmur-sending, ** I can't argue with that, beloved... ** Woodhawk, in the meantime, grins a broad approving grin, reluctant to break contact with his chief-mate, but willing to let Trollkiller carry her off as long as they don't get too far away from _him_. Crystal grins a little, at the scene, glances at acorn. Trollkiller sends openly ** I can put you _both_ on my shoulders, but I can't do that and climb a tree, too. ** Acorn chuckles at Trollkiller, missing Crystal's glance. Trollkiller blinks and realises he missed something, and tosses a pouch full of jerky to Dusk. ** Not from the new batch, that won't be ready until tomorrow. But it's still tasty. ** Woodhawk rises from his half-crouch behind the log, even as Trollkiller swings the slight form of Rillwhisper up into his furry brawny arms. And as Trollkiller manages to toss his pouch over to his daughter, Rill wraps her arms around her younger mate's neck, resting in his embrace. Prowlfar, watching all of this, whines -- apparently the wolf hasn't quite grasped why this strange befurred elf gets to pick up his elf. Dusk wanders over towards Trollkiller, Rillwhisper, and Woodhawk, intending to go up with them since she's currently using the den next to thiers. She chufs, balancing Midnight in her arms while she catches the bag in her teeth. ** Thanks. ** Crystal can keep his, it seems. Crystal blinks at Acorn, snickers ** Hurt me? Nah... ** He chuckles, nips her ear. Crystal smiles at Seedling ** Excited? **, nodding over at the wolves. Seedling nods to her father. ** Yes! Of course! ** Acorn ducks her head, giggling softly, and smiles at her mate. Eyes drifting from Rill & family to Seedling, she smiles again, eyes lighting up. Trollkiller hauls Rillwhisper and Woodhawk into the tree, and up to the den. Crystal grins ** Thought you'd be :) ** He smiles happily, hugging lifemate and cub, looking ever so content. ** Dusk -- I'll think about what you asked me, ** Rillwhisper promises, a touch breathless still, even as she is hauled away. And she sends once more, a lingering burst of affection to the gathered elves, before she vanishes into the tree. [And in the clearing, once the chieftess and her mates have vanished...] Talek continues to watch from the sidelines as it were, his knees drawn up to his chest and his chin resting on them. He looks thoughtful for a moment, then decides to rise to his feet and join the exodus. ** Hm.. I think I'm going to go see if I can find Jylien, ** he sends after a moment. Acorn tickles Crystal's stomach lightly, sending ** Sleep well! ** after the ones vanishing into the tree. Dusk pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree. Dusk has left. Crystal snickers, at that ** don't think they will ;) ** Seedling smiles widely, hugging her mother and father. Acorn grins at Crystal, ** I'm sure they will. Eventually! ** Her arm slips around Seedling, completing the hug. Talek lingers a long moment, smiling as he watches the family, then vanishes in a different direction than the others. [End log.]